During the 2013 State of the State Address on January 16, Governor Rick Snyder outlined the top items on his agenda for the coming year. The Chamber is eager to continue working with the Governor and the Legislature to reinvent Michigan, and we are pleased the work to date is having a positive effect.
Michigan is a comeback state. Of the 177,000 jobs Michigan has added since its low point in 2009, 38 percent of those are in the manufacturing sector. Michigan’s economy is at a ten-year high and our population is growing.
Many of the accomplishments noted by the Governor in his address will benefit Chamber members. The elimination of the industrial Personal Property Tax, Unemployment Insurance reform, and reductions in thousands of unnecessary regulations will help businesses increase their competitiveness.
Great things are happening in Michigan, and we know that we have more to do. We’re excited to see the Governor will be supporting business development, focusing on continued regulatory reform, and seeking to further development of Michigan’s talent-base.
The Chamber’s team has been working hard to be your ally, your advocate, and your change agent on important issues affecting your business. We owe our many successes in 2012 to our Chamber members, especially the hundreds of members who volunteer on Chamber issue committees. These committees shape our priorities and connect industry experience with policy expertise—strengthening the voice of West Michigan business at the legislative table.
There is still much work to be done in 2013, and we know we will be successful thanks to the continued support of our members and their contributions to our advocacy efforts. We invite you to add your voice to the Chamber’s advocacy efforts—whether serving on a committee, raising a question or issue, or connecting at one of our many events.
Please contact Joshua Lunger at lungerj@grandrapids.org or 616.771.0336 to find out more.
Click here for the Governor’s State of the State priorities.