DETROIT, April 21, 2010 – Today the Board of Directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber voted to endorse the broad outlines of Business Leaders for Michigan “Michigan Turnaround Plan”. The Michigan Turnaround Plan clearly states where Michigan was, where it stands today, and outlines an actionable plan for progress.
“The Detroit Regional Chamber believes the business community in Michigan is strongly united in calling for fundamental change in how our state is governed and our finances managed,” stated Sandy K. Baruah, president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “The business environment in Michigan needs to be addressed boldly today in order to secure our economic success tomorrow.”
“The Detroit Regional Chamber looks forward to working with Business Leaders for Michigan in support of the Michigan Turnaround Plan, stated Sandra Pierce, president and CEO, Charter One, Michigan and Chairman of the Board of directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber, as well as business and civic organizations, local governments and labor organizations to improve the business climate in Michigan to ensure a better quality of life for all of us.”
The Chamber does not support every element of the Michigan Turnaround Plan, but firmly believes that Business Leaders for Michigan has crisply and compellingly presented the case for fundamental change. In supporting the Business Leaders for Michigan Turnaround Plan, the Detroit Regional Chamber calls attention to the following:
- While there can be legitimate debate over the details and implementation of the Michigan Turnaround Plan, the Detroit Regional Chamber supports bold and holistic actions that result in an improved business climate in Michigan.
- The Michigan Turnaround Plan is a sequenced plan – with five steps. The Detroit Regional Chamber believes that structural reform must come before new tax schemes
- The Detroit Regional Chamber has a long-standing position opposing a new tax on services – unless such a tax is implemented in a manner that decreases taxation rates and is paired with fiscal savings. The Chamber continues to endorse this position.
About the Detroit Regional Chamber
With over 20,000 members and affiliates, that employ over three quarters of a million workers, the Detroit Regional Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in the country. The chamber’s mission is carried out through business attraction efforts, advocacy, strategic partnerships, valuable benefits and quality products and services to members. For more information please visit, detroitchamber.com.
