Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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Employee benefits remain crucial for attracting and retaining talent
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers interviews Shannon Enders, founder of Lakeshore Employee Benefits in Norton Shores and a new member of the SBAM board of directors. "Typically, health insurance is the cornerstone [of benefits] and most employers do want to offer that, and need to, because they do need to attract and retain employees," he says. "Rates are high, and we’re going through another period of high increases throughout the state. But what’s been interesting is the fear of not being able to attract or the fear of losing employees has been even...
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Employment law addresses workplace protections for victims of domestic violence
The Netflix show, Baby Reindeer, is a fictionalized story based on a real-life stalking incident. It tells the story of a struggling comedian, Donny Dunn, who meets a woman named Martha in a pub where he works as a bartender. Martha then begins harassing and stalking Donny, his friends, and his family, turning his life upside down. In real life, there are employment laws that address stalking and/or domestic violence situations involving employees, and it’s important that employers are aware of them.
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Challenges in maintaining small business culture amid growth
As a business grows, it becomes increasingly complex. Business functions that one or two people once managed now require additional staff. Automation replaces legacy systems and processes, both administrative and those that directly impact production and service delivery. Cross-functional communication and coordination, which used to be informal and direct, soon flow through layers of people and departments. The company’s management team, some of whom may have limited supervisory experience, can find it difficult to keep non-management employees on the same page. Goals and...
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Michigan businesses oppose expansion of unemployment insurance benefits amid rising costs
Michigan small business owners have expressed significant concerns over talent shortages, inflation, and potential expansions to the state's unemployment insurance system. According to the Small Business Association of Michigan’s (SBAM) spring membership survey, 90% of members reported experiencing higher cost increases compared to previous years.
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Ten primaries challenge incumbents amid low visibility campaign season
A common theme this campaign cycle is the lack of yard signs or mailers in normally competitive areas of the state. Whether it’s Downriver River, Macomb County, Oakland County, Ingham County, or Kent County – areas where one would expect to see some evidence that an election is around the corner – there’s noticeably little.
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Governor signs Michigan's FY2025 Budget with focus on housing initiatives
Around $330 million in General Fund revenue was left on Michigan’s balance sheet Wednesday as the Governor completed signing the next state budget. With multiple tax credits and a 10-year, $6 billion economic development plan still pending, top elected officials conceded that a fall supplemental spending bill is under consideration.
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SBAM Foundation announces Small Business Support Hub Grant Program
The SBAM Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Grant Program aims to support established first and second-stage businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers free programming, courses, events, and support to help businesses recover and achieve success.
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Updates from today's Small Business Briefing
Thank you for tuning in to today’s Small Business Briefing. We’re bringing you news and updates on:
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Empowering managers to foster authentic dialogue crucial for DEI strategy
In today’s dynamic work environment, where teamwork and honesty are paramount, the role of managers has never been more critical. Managers who cultivate authentic dialogue and demonstrate vulnerability are laying the foundation for a healthy and productive workplace culture, which is essential for advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
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Gen Z's reliance on AI reshapes workplace dynamics
A new TalentLMS report sheds light on the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workplace skills and interactions of Generation Z. This generation, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is quickly becoming a dominant force in the workforce. The report reveals that nearly half (47%) of Gen Z workers prefer AI guidance over traditional managerial advice. This preference underscores a significant shift in how this cohort values technology and its role in their professional development.
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How businesses can attract engage retain Generation Z workers
Gen Z is a generation like no other, and in order to maintain your business, you’ll need to think about how you can accommodate the up-and-coming workforce.
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West Michigan business leader takes helm of SBAM's volunteer board
Michael Rogers recently spoke with Erick Stewart, owner of LAGNIAPPE Strategic Consulting in Battle Creek, on the SBAM Weekly Podcast. Stewart is serving as the Small Business Association of Michigan’s (SBAM) Board Chair for 2024-2025.
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Guidelines for managing employee requests for unpaid leave after PTO exhaustion
If an employee runs out of paid time off (PTO), the employer's obligation to allow unpaid time off depends on various factors, including legal requirements and past practices.
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Little Blessings Learning Center advocates best child care standards
Dianne Hartwell, the owner and founder of Little Blessings Learning Center, has been a prominent figure in the Lansing area for over 30 years. The center has received the Governor’s Quality Care Award and maintains a 4-star rating in Michigan. Partnering with Great Start to Quality and the Association for Child Development Food Program, Little Blessings ensures quality learning experiences and proper nutrition for children.
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Debate arises over anti-gambling rules in employee handbooks amid rise in online gaming
With the ubiquity and convenience of online gambling, are employer “no gambling” rules becoming outdated? In an informal survey of nearly 50 employee handbooks reviewed by ASE over the past four years, a no-gambling policy was found in 25% of those handbooks. Typically, this rule was embedded within general conduct policies.
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Small Business Briefing discusses presidential election and recent business developments
Thanks for tuning in to today’s show! We’ll dive into the presidential election news, spotlight some good news for small businesses, and highlight some other top news from the week.
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Business leader discusses Capital City Film Festival's impact on community
On July 19, 2024, Michael Rogers spoke with Camron Gnass, founder of the Lansing-based creative studio Traction, on the SBAM Weekly Podcast. Gnass is also a founding member of the Capital City Film Festival. Discussing the festival's origins and growth, Gnass said, "Our intention was to prove that there is a desire for people to come together and have a shared experience." He added, "What we did is we began finding venues or buildings that were either shuttered or getting ready to come online, other pretty non-traditional gathering spaces, and created community gathering...
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Delta Fence & Construction honored among Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers spoke with Kevin Sodermark, Vice President of L&C Enterprises-USA d/b/a Delta Fence & Construction. The company was recently recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as one of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch for 2024.
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Workplace friendships linked to higher engagement according to recent studies
Lately, there has been a surge in conversations about the importance of having a best friend at work. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the hashtag “#workbestie” has become increasingly popular. Research from Gallup consistently shows that employees who have close friends at work are more engaged and productive.
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Weiss and Steckloff resign following School Aid budget dispute
House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC) Chair Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park) has resigned from her campaign leadership post, along with Finance Chair Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). This development comes only a week after the chamber passed an $18.5 billion School Aid budget without an accompanying bill codifying changes to the public school employees retirement system (MPSERS).