Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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Nonprofit honored for workforce development for adults with developmental disabilities
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers speaks with Jenny Brown, CEO of Dutton Farm, a nonprofit organization based in Oakland County. Dutton Farm was recently recognized as one of Michigan’s 50 companies to watch for its unique hiring practices and inclusive business model. Brown discusses her organization’s mission to provide skill-building, community access, and workforce development for adults with developmental disabilities.
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Michigan employers urged to consider allowing time off for voting
With election day approaching on November 5, Michigan employers should be prepared to handle requests from employees seeking time off to vote. Although Michigan does not have a specific law mandating voting leave, employers can play a critical role in encouraging civic participation by creating policies that allow employees to exercise their right to vote.
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Fifth Circuit upholds DOL's revised salary-level rules for exempt status
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued final regulations setting a new salary level test for determining job exempt status. To classify a job as exempt from overtime and certain record-keeping compliance requirements, a job typically must meet three tests:
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Survey shows cautious approach towards wage increases amid economic uncertainty
ASE recently released its 2024-2025 Salary Budget Survey, offering a comprehensive view of salary trends, pay structure adjustments, and incentive-based compensation programs among employers. This data provides key insights into the challenges businesses face in an uncertain economic environment.
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ROC United threatens legal action over Michigan's tipped wage system
The Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United has announced its intention to return to the courts if Michigan legislators attempt to maintain the state's tipped wage system following a recent Supreme Court decision. Chris White, state director of ROC United, expressed this stance on the MIRS Monday podcast.
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Michigan poll shows tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
Vice President Kamala Harris maintains a slight lead in Michigan over former President Donald Trump in the first statewide poll following Tuesday night’s debate. However, the race remains within the margin of error, according to a poll conducted by Mitchell Research and Communications commissioned by MIRS.
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Federal Reserve opens small business credit survey for 2024
The Federal Reserve's 2024 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, with the Small Business Association of Michigan partnering in this effort. Owners and key financial decision-makers of for-profit businesses are encouraged to share their recent experiences regarding debt usage, financial conditions, and other relevant topics.
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Small Business Briefing covers interest rates, Corporate Transparency Act, and more
Thanks for tuning in today. Here’s what we have on the agenda:
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Bridging generational gaps: Effective workplace communication strategies
In a workplace where Traditionalists, Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z collaborate daily, effective communication becomes the key to unlocking collective potential. However, generational divides can create barriers that hinder this potential. Understanding each generation's communication preferences and embracing their unique strengths is essential.
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Building workplace influence through relationships communication example-setting problem-solving growth
You are more influential than you may realize or at least have the potential to be. Being influential in the workplace doesn’t always mean holding a high-ranking position or having years of experience. Influence is more about the ability to inspire, motivate, and drive positive change among your colleagues, no matter your role. Here are several strategies to help you build and sustain influence at work.
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Braveworks plans significant growth and expansion into Marquette
Michael Rogers recently interviewed Jen Julien on the SBAM Weekly Podcast. Julien, along with her husband Jon, owns Braveworks in Houghton, Michigan. Their company was selected as a member of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch this year. Braveworks is planning for 40 percent growth in 2024, with further expansion anticipated in 2025.
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Pressure mounts on Michigan lawmakers over upcoming changes in employment laws
Since the Michigan Supreme Court ruled the process of adopt and amend to be unconstitutional earlier this summer, employers have been faced with the prospect of complying with two problematic employment laws early next year. Michigan’s minimum wage law and the paid sick leave law will revert to the original ballot initiatives passed in 2018 on February 21, 2025.
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Survey categorizes employee attitudes towards workplace AI into five distinct groups
AI has become a staple in the workplace for many, although usage varies depending on comfort level and job type. Slack surveyed over 5,000 full-time desk workers across the U.S., Australia, India, Singapore, Ireland, and the U.K. in August. Based on the responses, they categorized employees into five AI personas and provided recommendations for employers to engage each group.
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House Democrats lead fundraising efforts ahead of competitive elections
No incumbent House Democrat running for re-election in a competitive district has less cash on hand than their Republican challenger, according to new campaign finance documents submitted to the Bureau of Elections on Thursday.
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Bartenders express opposition as Michigan plans phase-out of tipping system
Rachel May, a 35-year-old bartender at Applebee’s, opposes Michigan's plan to phase out its tipping system. She wants state officials to know she chose to be part of the tipped worker industry and stated, “we’re not some poor little servants that are underpaid.”
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Economic indicators, court rulings, and education issues highlight small business briefing
Thanks for tuning in today. Here’s what we have on the agenda:
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Survey reveals impact of political differences on Gen Z and millennial workers
A new survey released by Indeed and Harris Poll indicates that nearly 40% of Gen Z and millennial workers (ages 18-34) would leave a job due to political differences at work, with the same percentage willing to resign if their CEO expressed political views they disagreed with. Overall, 28% of workers would consider resigning over political differences, and 32% might leave if the CEO's views were in conflict with their own.
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Expert shares insights on developing effective social media strategies for small businesses
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers interviews Peter Van Dyke, CEO of VVK PR + Creative and a member of the Small Business Association of Michigan. His firm was recently named to the list of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024.
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Michigan considers adopting California's ABC test for independent contractors
The definition of an independent contractor (IC) varies widely depending on jurisdiction, with both federal and state definitions often overlapping. Different federal agencies and courts also have distinct definitions, adding to the complexity. The relationship between employers and ICs is currently under scrutiny from various sources, with a trend towards adopting California's approach.
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Reflecting on the importance of gratitude during Member Appreciation Month
“Appreciation is an application for more.” This quote resonates when considering the importance of expressing gratitude in relationships, whether personal or professional. Essentially, showing appreciation acts as a motivator or reinforcement, prompting the person being appreciated to continue their efforts or contributions. By valuing and acknowledging someone’s actions, one creates a positive feedback loop that can lead to more of the same positive actions.