Mi Business Matters

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 Mic...

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 US...

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 t...

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...

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 pro...

Housing is a quality-of-life issue – and an economic one. Across Michigan, employers are struggling to attract and retain talent and families are struggling to find homes they can afford. In this episode, we’re digging into what’s driving the state’s housing shortage and why it matters – and also what it will take to fix it. Joining us are leaders from across the housing ecosystem to talk about th...

Michigan’s political and policy landscape is taking shape for 2026 – from legislative debates to early signals in what will be one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory. In this episode, Jim is joined by two of the state’s top Capitol insiders and our chief business advocate to break down what’s actually happening, what matters most – and what comes next: - Zach Gorchow, presi...

Jim leads the discussion on permitting in Michigan – why it matters, where the system works and where it doesn’t. And how a regulatory process that is efficient, transparent and predictable is crucial to job creation and our shared future – all while still protecting our state’s natural resources. Joining him to break that down: - State Representative Bill Schuette and Chair of the House Rules Com...

In parts 1 and 2 of our legal reform series, we explored why Michigan’s legal climate matters – and how lawsuit abuse is driving up costs for employers, property owners and families alike – as well as new alliance that formed. In this episode, we move to a couple of specific policy solutions. To do so, we’re joined by two state representatives who are sponsoring legislation to restore balance to M...

Jim is joined by Mike Cox, founder of the Mike Cox Law Firm, former State Attorney General and a 2026 candidate running to be Michigan’s next governor. This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from the seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by Tom Leonard, a partner at Plunkett Cooney law firm, former Speaker of the House and a 2026 candidate running to be Michigan’s next governor. This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from the seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined by Mike Duggan, leader of our state’s largest city – the second longest serving Mayor in Detroit history. He is also a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor! This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representi...

Jim is joined by State Senator Aric Nesbitt, who serves as Senate Republican Leader representing our state’s 20th Senate District, which includes portions of Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, and Kent counties. He is also a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor! This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to sh...

Joining Jim is John James, who represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District and is a 2026 candidate for Michigan’s highest office: governor! This episode is part of our special series – Michigan’s Future in Focus – where we talk with influential voices running to shape Michigan’s future — from those seeking to be our next governor to those representing communities across our state.

Jim is joined today by a state policy expert and author of a new Tax Foundation study, Jared Walczak, to help move past the rhetoric and focus on the facts of a proposed measure for the November 2026 ballot. Jared is a senior fellow at this nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that’s known for data-driven analysis and earned its reputation for independence and credibility. We’re going to be looking...

Jim leads the exploration on the recently launched Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform as we talk with the organization’s inaugural Director Zach Rudat about the state of our legal climate and what led to more than 30 organizations already jumping on board. This episode is part 2 of our special three-part series – “Restoring Balance: Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform.”

Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement at the Michigan Chamber, takes you inside an energizing initiative: the National Civics Bee. It’s a fast-growing, nationwide competition that helps middle schoolers strengthen their civic knowledge, think critically about real community issues and build their problem-solving skills. Joining her in the discussion are: - Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at...

Becky Burtka, VP of Member Engagement for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on something most leaders are dealing with – whether they say it out loud or not: how stressors or mental health are showing up at work, and what effective leadership looks like in that environment. Joining her in the discussion is Julia Isaacs, Director of Behavioral Health Strategy and Planning for Blue Cross Bl...

Amanda Toy, VP of Membership and Partnerships for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion about artificial intelligence or AI – not in the abstract or five years down the road. We’re focused on what AI actually means for your business today, and how small businesses across Michigan are already using it to save time, reduce costs and work smarter. Joining her in the discussion are: - Chan Park,...

Joining Wendy is Sherman “Tiger” Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association, to unpack what makes a fair and balanced legal system – and why Michigan has fallen behind. This episode is part 1 of a special 3-part series – “Restoring Balance: Michigan’s Case for Legal Reform.” We’ll be taking a closer look at how Michigan’s legal climate impacts job creation, innovation and the cost of...

Jim leads the discussion on the issues shaping Michigan’s economy and the workplaces that drive it. We take a look at one of the fastest-moving parts of doing business in Michigan: HR and employment law and what to watch along with the latest trends. Joining him in the discussion are: - John Below, an employment law attorney with Bodman - Jodi Schafer, a certified HR professional and the principal...

Jim leads the discussion on one of the fastest-emerging opportunities for Michigan’s energy and manufacturing future — carbon capture and storage. Michigan’s unique geology and strong industrial base could put our state at the center of a new wave of energy innovation. We’ll unpack what carbon capture is, what it could mean for jobs, investment and energy independence – all while balancing environ...

Jim is joined by Congresswoman Lisa McClain, who represents Michigan’s 9th Congressional District and is also the 4th highest ranking member of Republican leadership in the U.S. House as the chair of the House Republican Conference. As the federal government shutdown stretches into its fourth week and the One Big Beautiful Bill reshapes tax and economic policy, we’ll talk about what it all means f...

Jim leads the discussion Michigan’s new state-federal tax split – officially known as ‘decoupling’ – and what it means for employers and our Great Lakes State. Joining him in the discussion are: - Sean Cook, partner and tax attorney at Warner Norcross + Judd - who also spent nearly a decade as a CPA - Tyler Theile, VP, COO and Director of Public Policy at Anderson Economic Group - one of our state...