Chamber Blog

Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington issued a moratorium on staff-initiated parking and rate changes yesterday. Nearly 4000 individuals submitted their feedback to the recent public comment period on four recommendations. In a request for feedback from our members, the Chamber received overwhelming concern, particularly from restaurants and retailers who felt their customers and employees […]

Lame Duck is in full swing in Lansing and your Government Affairs team is working to ensure outcomes that promote a thriving business climate for all. Here are some key highlights: A Strong Business Environment Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Improvements The Michigan Legislature adopted the minimum wage and paid sick leave proposals and […]

Advocating for policy that drives positive outcomes for our students is a top priority for the Grand Rapids Chamber. The Chamber recognizes that growing, attracting and retaining a diverse talent pool depends on an effective K-12 educational system. Given our work, the Chamber is proud to play an active role in the newly formed Launch […]

On Thursday, December 6, the voter-approved law allowing recreational adult use of marijuana in Michigan will take effect. It cannot be bought or sold yet, but Michiganders can legally possess and smoke marijuana. What do employers need to know? First, Proposal 1 does not legally mean anything for employers in terms of policies and procedures. […]

After 8 years of Republicans controlling all branches of state government, the results of last week’s election will split control between Republicans and Democrats. Democrat Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer will be joined by Democrat Dana Nessel as Attorney General and Democrat Jocelyn Benson as Secretary of State. As for the Legislature, the Republicans held a majority […]

A Prosperous Region for All Starts with Our Kids – Vote YES November 6 On Election Day, Kent County residents will see the Ready by Five Early Childhood Proposal near the end of the ballot. This millage proposal will provide the resources and services our county’s children need to be healthy and prepared for kindergarten. […]

“Michigan raised its voice and became a leader.” Consul General of Mexico, Fernando González Saiffe, praised the Michigan business community for their advocacy for a new trade agreement that was recently announced with Mexico and Canada. Mr. González Saiffe and the Counsel General of Canada, Douglas George, joined the Chamber and a group of members […]

For the upcoming November general election, a trio of ballot proposals will be considered by Michigan voters. While the Chamber does have stances on these three proposals, our primary objective is to ensure that our members are educated on what exactly these proposals entail for our community. “The Chamber takes our positions on public policy […]