2012 Government Affairs Division Underwriter

In the News

The Grand Rapids Chamber Hosts a Town Hall Meeting on the New International Trade Crossing 

Visit www.grandrapids.org/press-releases for more Chamber and government affair news.

Looking for Help?

Access this guide, and several additional pages with useful links, at www.grandrapids.org/government-resources Hardcopy booklets are also available at the Chamber office.

If you can't find exactly what you are looking for or have other questions, we'd like to help. Please call us at 616.771.0300.

The Chamber works at the local, state and federal levels to ensure the voice of West Michigan business is heard. Whenever the state legislature is in session, our government affairs team is in Lansing, working on behalf of our members, and the entire West Michigan Business community.  We also provide opportunities for members to get involved in policy issues, get to know their elected officials and have a say in creating a business-friendly climate in the state.

If you are interested in assisting the Government Affairs Division define issues in support of your business interests, we welcome your involvement.

View our committees here or take action by visiting Act for West Michigan.

To view a list of state budget reforms suggested by statewide business coalitions, click here.

The Results Are In

Every year the Chamber asks our members input on the policy priorities for the upcoming year.

This year our survey had nearly 750 participants, half of those representing small businesses, and the results clearly highlight the areas of greatest concern for businesses in West Michigan.

The business community showed strong concern over the national and state economies, called for the removal or simplification of stringent regulation, and showed continued worry on the rising costs of healthcare.

It is clear that the economic climate of Michigan is the top concern of the West Michigan business community.  Of twelve general issues, more than 84% of those surveyed reported the economic climate of Michigan as a very important concern of their business.  The national economic climate was the runner-up with 74.8% of respondents rating this issue very important.  Health care finished a close third with 72.4%.  Rounding out the top five issues were management of the state budget and education.

For a summary report of the survey please click here.  If you have any questions, please contact Joshua Lunger at 616.771.0336.

A conversation with Governor Snyder

Get Involved: Join a Government Affairs Committee

Education & Workforce Development Committee

Environmental Affairs Committee 

Health Care & Human Resources Committee

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Regional Issues Council

Tax & Regulatory Affairs Committee

Transportation Committee

Interested in our advocacy efforts? The Grand Rapids Chamber's 2011 - 2012 Legislative Priorities booklet can be accessed here.