Chamber Blog

The Chamber’s Executive Committee acted on two key issues last week: road funding and auto no-fault. Below are brief summaries of the Chamber’s positions. This reflects the work of not only the Executive Committee and Board, but members engaged in our Chamber issue committees and Public Policy Council. If you have questions about these positions […]

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS: The Grand Rapids Chamber strongly supports H.R. 5 and S. 788, the Equality Act, introduced by Representatives David Cicilline and Brian Fitzpatrick, and Senators Jeff Merkley and Susan Collins. It is a critical piece of bipartisan legislation, updating federal law to prohibit discrimination in the workplace and […]

Being a member of the Grand Rapids Chamber means having a seat at the table on important policy issues that effect the West Michigan business community. Last week, the Grand Rapids Chamber’s Transportation Committee met to discuss the various details in Governor Whitmer’s Gas Tax proposal. In her first budget proposal, the Governor proposed a […]

Last year, the Grand Rapids Chamber and other business groups from across the state, were successful in convincing lawmakers to pull the paid sick leave employer mandate from the statewide election ballot by adopting the proposals. This preserved the ability of the legislature to amend the adopted laws by a simple majority vote and approval […]

TRIP, a national transportation research group based in Washington, DC, released their report on the state of Michigan’s roads, “Modernizing Michigan’s Transportation System: Progress and Challenges in Providing Safe, Efficient and Well-Maintained Roads, Highways and Bridges.” According to the report, while Michigan roads are recovering, the rate of recovery could be slowed if Michigan is […]

Governor Whitmer presented her first budget proposal to the legislature on March 5, addressing roads, talent, and business taxes. The Chamber looks forward to adding a West Michigan business voice to discussions with the Administration and the Legislature to find a solution that promotes a prosperous Michigan for all. Check out the highlights of Governor […]

The Grand Rapids Chamber was honored to host Governor Whitmer this afternoon for a dialogue with our members on the budget she presented to the Legislature yesterday. At the Chamber, our top priorities are fixing infrastructure, closing the talent gap and cultivating a vibrant business climate. We applaud Governor Whitmer for presenting a bold budget […]

On Monday evening, February 25, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss delivered an optimistic State of the City address. Following a preamble from new City Manager Mark Washington, Mayor Bliss highlighted the accomplishments of 2018 while also noting the challenges the city and community will work to address in 2019. Topics ranged from police-community relations to […]