Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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Small Business Briefing highlights certification for veterans and election updates
Thanks for tuning in to today’s show! Here’s what is on the agenda: New certification offering for veterans, election updates, and policy updates.
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Accessibility in hybrid and remote learning solutions: ensuring inclusivity
Over the past year, there has been a significant shift toward remote work, with many companies adopting different strategies. Some organizations have ended remote work entirely, while others have embraced it with flexible hours and virtual communication. As remote work becomes more prevalent, adapting employee learning to this environment is crucial.
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Leadership expert discusses impact of stress on small business owners
On the latest episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, host Michael Rogers engages in a conversation with Angela Morrill, an executive leadership coach, trainer, and workshop facilitator. Morrill contributed an article titled "Six Ways to Optimize Leadership Performance" for the September/October issue of SBAM’s member-only Focus magazine.
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Report highlights challenges in fostering a growth mindset amid AI advancements
TalentLMS, a prominent learning management system, has published a report on growth mindset in the workplace. The survey involved 300 business leaders and 1,000 employees in the U.S., highlighting that while executives acknowledge the importance of a growth mindset for success, they are concerned about generative AI's potential negative impact on soft skills.
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Certifications enhance credibility for small businesses in competitive markets
In the competitive business environment, securing a distinct position is vital for small businesses. Certifications such as Small Business Certification, Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification, and Service Disabled and Veteran Owned Business (SD/VOB) Certification are instrumental in enhancing a business's credibility and attracting potential partners.
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Certification launched for veteran-owned small businesses by SBAM
The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has introduced a new certification aimed at supporting veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran small businesses. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC), seeks to enhance the visibility, credibility, and growth potential of these businesses across Michigan.
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Employers urged to adopt natural disaster leave policies amid increasing catastrophes
Natural disasters are increasingly disrupting businesses and affecting employees. Employers are urged to establish a Natural Disaster Leave Policy to manage employee leave, ensure legal compliance, and support their workforce during such events.
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Slotkin and Rogers face off in intense U.S. Senate debate
U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin and former Representative Mike Rogers engaged in a heated debate on October 8 in Grand Rapids, as they vie for a U.S. Senate seat. The debate was broadcast statewide on WOOD-TV, covering topics such as healthcare, immigration, reproductive rights, and electric vehicles.
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Democrats adjust ad spending strategy ahead of elections
House Democrats are redirecting their television advertising funds away from certain districts, focusing instead on other competitive races. The latest data from AdImpact indicates that the reserved TV ad time for Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte) and Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Belleville) has been reduced from over $4 million to $1.5 million each.
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The role of peer communities in supporting HR professionals
HR professionals face a range of challenges in their roles, from evolving job expectations to staying informed about industry trends and regulations. In this context, peer communities have become vital for providing support and fostering growth.
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Donut shop recognized as best small business by SBDC Capital Region
Michael Rogers, host of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, recently interviewed Monica Gauthier, a member of the SBAM Board of Directors and co-owner of Groovy Donuts. The business, located in mid-Michigan, has been recognized as the SBDC Capital Region’s Best Small Business and Greater Lansing Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2023.
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Boomerang employee trend continues as companies rehire past talent
Boomerang employees, also known as rehires or alumni hires, are individuals who leave a company and later return. This trend gained momentum in 2022 during the Great Resignation when many workers reconsidered their decisions to switch jobs and returned to former employers. The initial wave of this trend was partly driven by companies rehiring staff laid off during the pandemic.
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Handling silence in meetings: Insights from Simon Sinek's podcast
We’ve all been in a meeting where a leader asks a question, and silence follows. This scenario is familiar in many workplaces, but the way it is handled can significantly affect team morale and psychological safety. Simon Sinek’s podcast series, "A Spark of Optimism!", recently offered insights into how silence can be beneficial.
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Strategies to enhance employee performance evaluations
Performance evaluations are often viewed negatively by employees and managers alike. However, they can be a valuable tool for feedback and employee development when executed thoughtfully. Here are some strategies to make these reviews more impactful:
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James and Buttigieg lead early gubernatorial polls; Michigan Senate race remains competitive
U.S. Representative John James and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have emerged as early favorites for their respective parties in the 2026 gubernatorial race, according to a recent poll by Mitchell Research and Communications. James leads the Republican contenders with 28 percent support, closely followed by Tudor Dixon at 27 percent. Other Republican figures such as Adam Rinke, Tom Leonard, and Senator Aric Nesbitt received minimal support.
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Michigan secures $33M federal grant for child care improvements
Michigan has been awarded a $33 million federal grant aimed at reducing child care costs and enhancing programming, according to a recent report by Public Policy Associates (PPA). This development comes alongside findings from a five-year study conducted in collaboration with the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MILEAP) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
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Small Business Briefing covers election, economy, and nuclear power
Thanks for tuning in to our weekly briefing. On today’s show, we will have updates on the presidential election, jobs report, economic insights, and new life for nuclear power.
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Employers navigate legal challenges of workplace political discussions as elections near
With the national and local elections approaching, workplace political discussions are becoming more prevalent. Employers are questioning their rights to manage these conversations when they become disruptive.
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Skill-based hiring trends prompt return of job testing
As the focus shifts away from degrees and formal education in job requirements, employers are increasingly turning to skill-based hiring. This change is largely due to "job requirement inflation," which has led employers to prioritize specific skills over traditional educational qualifications. By doing so, they aim to expand the pool of potential candidates and increase diversity among applicants.
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Ageism remains prevalent in U.S. workplaces despite HR interventions
Ageism in the workplace is a significant issue, according to a report by Resume Now. The 2024 State of Ageism in the Workplace report surveyed 1,003 U.S.-based workers aged 40 or older and revealed that 90% have encountered age-related discrimination.