State of Talent and Workforce in Michigan
Amanda Toy, VP of membership and partnerships for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on the state of Michigan’s talent and workforce. Is it still shrinking and tighter than ever? Getting better? Evolving in different ways? Joining her in the discussion are two leaders at the forefront of the latest trends and best practices on this important issue that affects virtually every employer across industries. They are:
- Scott Ryan, Vice President, General Counsel and Sustainability Officer, Gentex Corporation
- David Weeks, the Market Director for Southeast Michigan, Kelly Services
Carbon Capture in Michigan – An Overview and Outlook
Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, leads the discussion on something called carbon capture – or decarbonization – what it really is, how it works and why it’s a fast-growing part of our environmental and energy future. Joining her are are three folks at the forefront of this work:
- Rich Bowman, Director of policy for The Nature Conservancy in Michigan
- Ben Grove, the Senior Manager of Carbon Storage for the Clean Air Task Force
- Mike Alaimo, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce's Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs
Economics + Elections – A 2025 Outlook
Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on the 2024 election landscape and the intrinsic tie races, candidates and politics have in shaping and influencing our country and state’s economic sentiment and 2025 outlook. Joining her are two key policy and politics observers:
- Dave Eggert, the policy and politics reporter for Crain's Detroit Business - our state’s largest business publication
- Jenell Leonard, Owner of Marketing Resource Group (MRG) - a full-service strategic communications firm
Protecting U.S. and Michigan Innovation – the Business Alliance to Stop Innovation Confiscation (BASIC) Coalition
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, leads the discussion on an issue many of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about but that effects our daily lives in so many ways without us even realizing it - and that’s innovation, intellectual property, and patents.
Joining him in this discussion are:
- Brad Watts, Vice President for Patents and Innovation Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center
- Leah Robinson, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Chamber
Women in Manufacturing and STEM – Leading the Way
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, is joined by Sarah Messa, the River Rouge Plant Manager for U.S. Gypsum and Sara Kaltunas – the director of environmental operations for the Packaging Corporation of America as we celebrate National Manufacturing Month and National STEM Day!
An Update - Implications and Fixes for Paid Leave and Minimum Wage Ruling
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion on a monumental decision from the Michigan Supreme Court this summer on a paid sick leave and minimum wage case that has Michigan employers and so many workers alike reeling. We’re going to explore what happened, the numerous negative implications and uncertainty, and the efforts underway urging a bipartisan solution to soften the impact.
Joining him in this discussion are:
- Josh Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber
- Kelli Saunders, Vice President of Policy & Engagement at the Small Business Association of Michigan
- Wendy Block, Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy for the Michigan Chamber
Affordable Housing Series – The Supply Chain Lens
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, leads the discussion on affordable housing - one of the key barriers Michigan employers, communities and families alike are facing right now. Joining him in the discussion are:
- Jon Blazic, Manager of United States Gypsum Alabaster, Mich, plant.
- Dawn Crandall, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Michigan
- Mike Alaimo, Director of our Environmental and Energy Affairs for the Michigan Chamber
Fossil Fuel Suit is Folly
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion of an intended and irresponsible lawsuit from Attorney General Dana Nessel that has the potential to harm Michigan and the infrastructure that keeps our homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses running.
Joining him in that discussion are:
- Mark Griffin, President of the Michigan Petroleum Association and Michigan Association of Convenience Stores
- Mike Alaimo, Director Environmental and Energy Affairs at the Michigan Chamber
National Civics Bee in Michigan
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion of Michigan’s first statewide competition of the National Civics Bee and take a look at what’s next for the 2025 bee – and why it matters so much! Joining him in the discussion are:
- Stacy Bailey, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Okemos Public Schools
- Geoff Bontrager, Superintendent for Northwest Community Schools in Jackson
- Simon Reed from West Middle School in Plymouth, state finalist and ended up taking 2nd place in this year’s statewide competition
Water Usage and Efficiency
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, leads the discussion of water usage and management practices in the Great Lakes State. Joining him are:
- Emily Finnell, Great Lakes Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
- Ron Burke, President & CEO of the Alliance for Water Efficiency
- Mike Alaimo, Director of Environmental and Energy Affairs for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Civics in Action – A Snapshot of Michigan Elections and Being a Poll Worker
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO for the Michigan Chamber, leads the discussion into Michigan elections – an issue that’s front and center in a presidential election year like 2024, especially in a battleground state like ours – and a unique, in-demand way to get involved in our communities by being an election poll worker. We’re going to learn more about how to be part of helping run smooth, secure and accessible elections
Joining him in this discussion are a team member and two leading authorities in the state of Michigan:
- Melanie Ryska, City Clerk for the City of Sterling Heights, plus the current president of the Michigan Assn of Municipal Clerks
- Adam Wit, Township Clerk for Harrison Township and past president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks
- Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement for the Michigan Chamber
A Conversation about the American Spirit and Outlook
Jim Holcomb, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber, is joined by Greg McNeilly, CEO and President of the The Windquest Group and Author of "Red, White & Verse", to discuss the American spirit and outlook!
