Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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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.
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Autonomy may entice remote workers back into offices
With the increase in remote work, employees are seeking more than just flexibility—they desire autonomy. The question arises: will offering more autonomy encourage workers to return to the office? The solution may depend on how companies balance control with freedom.
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Michigan announces phased increase in minimum wage rates through February 2030
The state of Michigan has announced a schedule for increasing the minimum wage rate, effective from January 1, 2025. The current minimum hourly wage will rise from $10.33 to $10.56 per hour. For minors under 18, who receive 85% of the standard rate, the wage will increase from $8.78 to $8.98 per hour. Tipped employees will see their hourly pay go up from $3.93 to $4.01 per hour.
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Michigan business groups request changes to Paid Sick Leave Act
Business organizations and chambers of commerce across Michigan are requesting lawmakers in Lansing to amend the 72-hour Paid Sick Leave Act before its implementation. The Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy at the Michigan Chamber, Wendy Block, highlighted five key changes that are important for the business community.
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Sticker Blitz co-founders discuss growth strategies
Matt and Josh Stephens, brothers and co-founders of Sticker Blitz in Warren, are making strides in the sticker printing industry. Their journey is described as “built on grit, willpower and determination.” The brothers’ educational backgrounds—one in illustration and the other in computer science—have given them an innovative edge.
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Data center tax break bills face mixed outcomes in House
In the latest development of data center tax breaks in the House, one of two bills passed while the other failed to secure enough votes. SB 237, a use tax exemption, was approved with a 56-41 vote. Several Democrats in competitive seats refrained from voting due to concerns about upsetting their environmental and labor supporters.
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Effective strategies for hiring reliable employees
Finding and retaining employees has become increasingly challenging for small business owners. Despite offering attractive workplaces, many struggle to attract the desired applicants, which impacts their businesses and morale. Phrases like "No one wants to work!" and "Why are only 'losers' applying for my job opening?" are common among frustrated employers.
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Grand Rapids Chamber discusses advocacy efforts in Small Business Briefing
Welcome to today's show. Special guest host Kelli Saunders will have a conversation with Josh Lunger of the Grand Rapids Chamber about their latest joint advocacy efforts. They will also share some updates on the political front and from automakers.
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Expert outlines six ways to optimize leadership performance
Running a business often comes at the expense of personal well-being, a common theme among many leaders. Angela Morrill, PCC, emphasizes that it doesn't have to be this way. "We can have our business, and our health too," she states.
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Content strategy trends focus on ROI, video creation as 2025 approaches
As 2025 approaches, content marketing is expected to see a new focus on return on investment (ROI), video content, and search engine optimization (SEO). Marketing professionals are increasingly overwhelmed by the number of platforms they manage. According to Hootsuite, the average social media user logs into approximately seven platforms each month.
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Incompass Michigan collaborates with SBAM on new Center for Social Enterprise Development
Incompass Michigan, a statewide network of human service providers, is working to foster inclusive communities by supporting individuals with disabilities and those facing other barriers. These organizations are increasingly turning to social enterprise development as a means to generate revenue while achieving their mission.
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Symplicity Communications discusses growth in government contracting
Michael Rogers recently spoke with Catherine Behrenbrinker, President and CEO of Symplicity Communications in Grand Rapids, on the SBAM Weekly Podcast. Her firm was recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as an APEX Accelerator Best Small Business for 2024. During the podcast, she discussed the challenges and successes of expanding their government contracting division over the past two years.
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Strategies for small businesses offering competitive employee benefits packages
As a small business, offering an attractive employee benefits package is crucial for hiring and retaining talented employees. Balancing health insurance offerings without overwhelming the budget can be challenging. It's essential to assess and adjust approaches as the business and healthcare market evolve. Various strategies and solutions are available to assist in this process.
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Michigan Senate passes bill reducing teacher retirement system payments
Public school districts in Michigan are set to spend nearly 6 percentage points less on employee retirement payments under new legislation that passed the Senate on a party-line vote of 20-16 on Thursday.
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Updated list reveals top house seats most likely to change hands
When we last reviewed the list of House seats most likely to flip, Democrats were buoyed by Kamala Harris being named the party’s new nominee. Since then, polls have stabilized. In 18 publicly released presidential polls in Michigan since Harris became the nominee, her support has ranged between 51% and 46%, while Republican Donald Trump’s support is between 49% and 46%, with few exceptions.
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Survey shows rise in U.S. companies planning employee reskilling amid cost-cutting strategies
Increasing headcount through the end of 2024 may not be feasible for some U.S. companies, as 33% of hiring managers say budget constraints or the inability to hire is responsible for stagnant or decreasing hiring plans. However, reskilling current employees may be the key to balancing the desire to strengthen workforces while keeping costs in line, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
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Small Business Briefing discusses unemployment, tax cuts, and Amazon's new plans
Thanks for tuning in today. Here’s what we have on the agenda: