Participants at the West Michigan Policy Forum, conducted recently at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, called for immediate reforms to position Michigan as a top 10 state for business competitiveness.
Many of the 300 business leaders, policymakers, and community advocates from across the state who gathered to discuss Michigan’s most pressing economic and policy challenges, noted that elected leaders in Lansing have voted in favor of several anti-business policy initiatives, like repealing Michigan’s right-to-work law, reinstating the prevailing wage law, and instituting one-size-fits-all, energy mandates.
“We are at a pivotal moment in Michigan’s economic future,” says John Kennedy, chair of the West Michigan Policy Forum. “The decisions we make today will determine whether we attract the businesses and talent we need to thrive. We must be bold in advocating for policies that create a pro-business environment and position Michigan to compete on a national scale.”
The forum emphasized the importance of policies that foster business growth and job creation in the state.
Marci Rossell, former chief economist at CNBC and co-host of “Squawk Box,” delivered the keynote address, “Driving Michigan’s Economic Growth,” providing insights on global economic trends and their implications for Michigan’s business environment.
Following the keynote, the Small Business Reaction Panel included voices from Michigan’s small business community, including Jose Gonzalez, co-founder and owner of Preferred Flooring; Jacey Shachter, president of Metric Structures; and Jeff Lobdell, president and founder of Restaurant Partners Management and chair of the National Restaurant Association.
The panel highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, with a focus on the need for reforms that make it easier to operate and grow in Michigan.
Michael Strain, from the American Enterprise Institute, delivered a presentation titled “The Way Forward,” outlining the steps Michigan must take to enhance economic freedom and job creation. His remarks underscored the need for policies that encourage innovation, investment, and workforce development.
Another highlight of the event was a fireside chat with Strain and former Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger, who emphasized the importance of continued efforts in driving meaningful economic reforms that benefit all Michiganders.
The conference concluded with a renewed call to action for policymakers and business leaders to work together to create a more competitive and business-friendly Michigan. Kennedy announced the Policy Forum has created a Michigan Legislative Scorecard to highlight the votes taken by state legislators, providing transparency and insight into how their decisions affect everyone’s well-being.
For more information about the West Michigan Policy Forum and its policy initiatives, visit wmpolicyforum.com.
