Mi Business Matters

Proposal 1 – The Con-Con: What’s Really at Stake for Michigan?

Michigan voters face a consequential decision this November: Should we open up our state Constitution for a potential rewrite? That's the question behind Proposal 1 – and the stakes could be enormous, affecting everything from taxes and education to individual rights and how our state government operates. But what exactly is a constitutional convention or the Con-Con? How would it work? And why are organizations as different as the Michigan Chamber and Michigan Education Association united in opposing it? Jim is joined by three special guests to unpack the facts, the risks, and what voters need to know: - Eric Lupher, President of the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan - Doug Pratt, Director of Public Affairs for the Michigan Education Association - Wendy Block, Executive Vice President of Business Advocacy at the Michigan Chamber

Behind the Ballot: Who Makes Michigan Elections Work?

Jim goes behind the ballot to look at what it really takes to run elections in Michigan – the safeguards built into the process, the people who make it work and why communities need more poll workers to step up. Joining us are two leaders who know this work firsthand: - Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope and former president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks - Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer, who is also a small business manufacturer and former state representative - Dan Papineau, vice president of strategic initiatives for the Michigan Chamber/Chamber Foundation and lead for our nonpartisan Support MI Clerks initiative.

The Power of Partnership: Parks, Places & Stronger Communities

Increasingly, parks and public spaces are part of that equation. But creating places that truly make a difference takes more than a great idea. It takes vision, investment and, importantly, partnership. Amanda Toy of the Michigan Chamber leads the discussion about the power of those partnerships – and what happens when organizations work together to turn ambitious ideas into lasting community and economic impact. Joining her are Amy McMillan, CEO of Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy!

Leadership Lens: Leading with Purpose – Parks, People and Michigan's Future

Today’s conversation is part of our Leadership Lens series – where we focus on leaders from across Michigan industries and communities to learn about their journeys, leadership philosophies and the experiences that have shaped them. This time around, Jim is joined by Amy McMillan, CEO of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, for a conversation about leadership, culture and the evolving role parks and outdoor recreation play in building a stronger Michigan!

Built to Last: Four Generations of Hospitality and Leadership at Bavarian Inn

Michigan's Data Center Future: Bringing Facts and a Framework to the Conversation – part 1 of a special series

Jim kicks off a special series on one of the most talked-about – and often polarizing or misunderstood issues facing Michigan's future: data centers. As demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, so do questions about energy, water, land use, economic opportunity and community impacts. Over the next several episodes, we'll explore what's driving this growth, what's at stake for Michigan and what responsible development could look like moving forward. We begin the series with the authors of a new independent analysis conducted by Public Sector Consultants for the Michigan Chamber Foundation, Detroit Regional Chamber and Business Leaders for Michigan. Joining Jim are Maggie Pallone and Jeff Guilfoyle, who led the research effort!

Cross Borders: The Michigan-Ontario Relationship, the USMCA and What’s at Stake

Jim takes a closer look at the Michigan and Ontario border and one of the most integrated economic relationships in the world – not just trading goods but building products together across shared supply chains. That connection supports a significant share of Michigan’s economy and plays a key role in North American competitiveness. At the same time, evolving tariff and trade policy and upcoming USMCA agreement review are creating new questions for employers trying to plan, invest and grow. We’re joined by key voices from our state’s leading industries to share what that relationship really means on the ground – and what comes next: - Sandy Baruah, President & CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber - which also runs MichAuto, a voice for automotive manufacturing and next-generation mobility - Chuck Lippstreau, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association - Mike Alaimo, Senior Director of Legislative and External Affairs at the Michigan Chamber

Leading in a Shifting Banking Landscape

Jim is joined by Steve Davis, recently named Michigan region president for the combined Fifth Third and Comerica operations. He’s stepping into this role at a moment of real change – leading through a major integration while the banking industry itself continues to evolve. We talk about what it takes to lead in that kind of environment, what this transition means for Michigan businesses, and how the role of regional banks is shifting in today’s economy.

Leadership Lens: Navigating Healthcare’s Cost, Complexity and Change

Jim is joined by Tricia Keith, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. From her roots on a Michigan dairy farm to leading one of the state’s most influential health insurers, Tricia brings a grounded perspective on what it takes to operate through cost pressures, system complexity and constant change in healthcare. This conversation is part of our Leadership Lens series – focused on how organizations navigate complex, high-stakes challenges in transitional and turbulent times.

From Classroom to Career: Closing Michigan’s Skills Gap

What does it really take to prepare students for today’s workforce – and are we starting early enough? In this episode, we explore a new approach to workforce readiness: AP Career Kickstart, a set of courses developed by The College Board in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce based on significant research and feedback. Joining us are: - Jeff Metts, a mid-Michigan business leader and prominent manufacturer focused on talent development - Alyssa Chudnofskey, executive Director at The College Board, helping shepherd this new programming