Mi Business Matters

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 the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - who oversees this national effort and brings a front-row view of how the Bee is taking off across the country.- Thomas Paden, president of the Canton Chamber of Commerce - whose team helped bring schools and students into this year’s competition – and helped Michigan lead the nation in student essay submissions.- Ashley Tall, Michigan’s 2025 National Civics Bee state champion - who is now a freshman at Huron High School in Ann Arbor and just represented Michigan on the national stage in Washington, D.C.

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, Head of U.S. and Canada Policy and Partnerships at OpenAI - the company behind ChatGPT- Mike Pomerantz, Head of National Policy Engagement for Door Dash

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/owner of HRM Services- Becky Burtka, from our very own Michigan Chamber team, who’ll share some resources to help businesses stay compliant and confident.

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 for Michigan’s businesses, workforce and families — and how to find solutions in a divided Washington.

Jim leads the discussion on Michigan’s FY ’26 state budget: how we got here, key changes and what it means for employers – from taxes, roads, talent funding, and competitiveness. Joining him are several members of our Business Advocacy team:Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy and lead lobbyistBecky Burtka, VP of Member Engagement and overall budget leadRandy Gross, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs and Associate General Counsel and our tax policy lead