Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
-
Gina Thorsen named Small Business Advocate by Michigan association
LANSING, MI – The Small Business Association of Michigan has honored Gina Thorsen, CEO of Stormy Kromer outdoor-wear brand, as its 2024 Advocate of the Year.
-
Lansing's Elderly Instruments named America's top small business for 2023
At the helm of Elderly Instruments, Lillian Werbin, CEO and Co-Owner, steers her team toward daily success. These daily triumphs—through the leadership of first her father, then her own—have made Elderly Instruments “a beacon of global fellowship, drawn together by the strings of musical tradition.” This clearly shines through because the business is now the proud recipient of America’s Top Small Business award for 2023 from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
-
Michigan restaurants face price hikes and closures if tip system ends
A recent survey conducted by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) revealed that if Michigan restaurants are required to pay waitstaff and other tipped workers $14 hourly, over 92 percent would need to raise prices, and more than 40 percent of operators would consider selling their business. The survey, conducted from May 1-6, included responses from 209 food service operator members.
-
Springfield launches Michigan's first commercial roofing apprenticeship program
Every business owner understands the challenge of hiring, especially in the trades where finding skilled labor is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. At Springfield Commercial Roofing, efforts to attract the right talent have been extensive and inventive. Despite creative billboard campaigns and increased job board postings, commercial roofing often remains overshadowed by higher education and more mainstream career paths.
-
Fifteen critical traits that define top-performing employees
In every organization, top performers stand out not just for their skills but for their attitude and approach to work. These individuals possess certain traits that set them apart and drive the success of their teams and companies. Here are 15 critical traits of top performers:
-
Capital challenges remain significant hurdle for American entrepreneurs
For enthusiastic entrepreneurs across America, the allure of running a small business remains strong. However, securing sufficient capital is one of the toughest early obstacles. Inadequate capitalization leads directly to high rates of company failures. Capital matters, but not all funding sources are created equal.
-
SBAM launches new certification for women-owned businesses
SBAM has introduced a new certification for Women’s Business Enterprises (WBE), designed to support businesses owned, managed, and controlled by women. Members of SBAM can avail a $100 discount on this certification.
-
Apprenticeship programs enhance employee attraction and retention, says Springfield CEO
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers speaks with Nick Jacqmain, CEO and President of Springfield Commercial Roofing and Transport, which has locations in Kingsley and Big Rapids. Jacqmain recently contributed an article to SBAM’s Focus magazine titled "The Value of Apprenticeships for Small Businesses."
-
Ten best practices for implementing workplace wellness programs
Whether considering implementing an employee wellness program or already having one in place, the following ten best practices provide foundational guidelines for establishing a robust and successful program. These guidelines aim to shape policies, programming, and wellness promotion in the workplace. However, not all practices may fit every company's culture; organizations are encouraged to identify which best practices align with their culture, goals, and wellness vision.
-
Grand Valley State University launches Laker Accelerated Talent Link program
As the president of Michigan’s third-largest university, I frequently engage with business owners across the state. Whether it’s an international company with thousands of employees or a family-owned business in a small town, I consistently hear, “We need talent and we need it now!”
-
Proposed SOAR fund reforms may revamp Detroit's Renaissance Center
SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley discussed newly proposed changes to Michigan’s SOAR fund on the Small Business Briefing. Democrats are considering linking next year’s budget to an economic development reform proposal that could transform Detroit’s Renaissance Center (RenCen) from General Motors’ headquarters to new housing and a regional hub for mass transit.
-
Senate labor committee reviews apprentice ratios and MIOSHA administration transfer
The Senate Labor Committee convened Tuesday to hear testimony on two bill packages. The first set addresses apprentice ratios for plumbers and electricians, while the second proposes transferring administrative authority of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
-
ASE releases findings from comprehensive compensation survey
The American Society of Employers (ASE), Michigan’s largest employer association, has released the findings of the 2024 ASE Compensation Survey. The survey, which covers 545 positions with responses from 411 Michigan companies, was presented at Compensation Insights events on June 4th in Troy and June 6th in Holland.
-
Exhibitors guide: Highlights from the 2024 Small Business Summit
Chase Creative, a Michigan-based small business, specializes in audio-visual equipment and staging design for live and virtual events.
-
Small Business Association highlights role of Political Action Committees ahead of election year
As the election year unfolds, reactions vary from excitement to apprehension. At the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), the election process is approached with gravity, particularly by the Small Biz Political Action Committee (PAC) Board. Through a rigorous process, small business leaders pose challenging questions, scrutinize responses, review voting records, and endorse candidates who support the small business agenda in Lansing.