Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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Michigan's transportation budget surpasses $6.8B amid discussions on sustainable funding
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is set to receive over $6.8 billion in funding for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at maintaining the state's roads and bridges. However, the issue of replacing the gas tax remains unresolved.
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Small Business Briefing features election updates and Upper Peninsula news
Welcome to today's show, featuring:
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Small Business Association names new leadership for 2024–2025
The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has announced the election of small business owners to its 2024-2025 board of directors, effective July 1. Erick Stewart, owner of LAGNIAPPE Strategic Consulting in Battle Creek, will serve as SBAM Board Chair for the upcoming fiscal year. LAGNIAPPE focuses on growth, development, leadership, and culture enhancement for both for-profit and non-profit companies.
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ASE's annual survey reveals key trends shaping Michigan's compensation landscape
The 2024 ASE Compensation Survey provides a detailed look into salary trends across Michigan, reflecting the dynamic nature of the job market and economic conditions. With data from 411 employers covering 545 positions and over 95,000 incumbents, the survey offers valuable insights into wage growth, economic influences, and compensation practices.
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DOL's new overtime rule takes effect despite ongoing legal challenges
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) final rule changing the salary level test from $684/week to $844/week took effect as scheduled. This rule is being challenged in several Texas federal courts. It was hoped by some that one of those court decisions would result in the issuance of an injunction for the entire United States. However, in one case, the injunction issued on Friday only impacts State of Texas public employees. In the second case, the court declined to issue an injunction at all (State of Texas v. United States Department of Labor).
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Supreme Court rulings redefine roles between judiciary and administrative agencies
Two recent decisions by the Supreme Court will have implications for human resources. The first decision, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, No. 22-451 (2024), addressed the Chevron deference doctrine, which has influenced agency actions for 40 years. The second decision, SEC v. Jarskey, No. 22-859 (2024), examined the powers of internal administrative courts in cases involving monetary relief.
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Codeword launches Soft Fridays pilot program for flexible end-of-week schedules
In January, Codeword, a communication design agency, launched an innovative pilot program called Soft Fridays. This initiative allows the agency’s 100 employees, in collaboration with their managers, to decide if and how they work on Fridays.
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The rising importance of apprenticeships amid evolving job market demands
When seeking qualified talent, employers often place too strong an emphasis on a college degree while overlooking important skills acquired through alternative routes, known as “STARs” – skilled through alternative routes. One of those alternative routes is apprenticeships.
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Three tactics for fostering psychological safety in teams
Psychological safety is the foundation of a healthy and high-performing team. Harvard Professor Amy Edmondson’s seminal research highlights its critical role in today’s knowledge economy. When employees lack the freedom to speak up, organizations miss out on opportunities for growth and innovation.
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Acronyms define modern workforce demographics
Can you tell the difference between an ALICE and a HENRY? Are you familiar with the term DINK? Have you heard of the FIRE movement? The current discussion around the U.S. economy is full of acronyms and labels for different demographic groups. Some of these terms have been in use for years, while others are more recent, gaining popularity due to recent economic trends and the influence of social media platforms like TikTok.
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Strategies for ingraining employee appreciation programs
Many organizations have a recognition program of some kind, but the majority focus on recognizing tenure. This form of recognition is a dated way of recognizing employees and has less of an impact on organizational performance. Additionally, 81% of organizational leaders do not see recognition as a strategic priority. However, studies show that companies can save up to $16.1 million in turnover when recognition is prioritized. Employees who report high recognition are 2.9 times more likely to be engaged than those who report low recognition.
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Sticker Blitz founders discuss recognition and resources on SBAM Weekly Podcast
On this episode of the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers speaks with Matt Stephens and Josh Stephens, co-founders of Sticker Blitz, creators of high-quality custom stickers. The company was recently recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as one of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch.
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Questions employers should avoid during interviews
Employers are advised to avoid questions that may be seen as discriminatory or invasive of a candidate's privacy during the hiring process. It is recommended to steer clear of inquiries not directly related to the candidate’s ability to perform the job. Topics such as race, national origin, citizenship status, religious affiliation, disabilities, pregnancy intentions, sexual orientation or gender identity, past illnesses, age, genetic information, and military service should be avoided.
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Survey reveals widespread worker apprehension towards human resources
A recent survey by job site MyPerfectResume found that of 1,000 respondents, 86% of workers fear their human resources representative. Further, 85% reported that they hesitated to go to HR to discuss their work-related issues.
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Steps for addressing sexual harassment claims at work
When an employee claims they have been sexually harassed at work, the process of investigating such a claim can be daunting. A resource titled "Identifying and Preventing Workplace Harassment" provides guidance on conducting these investigations. Below is an overview of the recommended steps:
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Updated top house districts most likely to flip
Republican Melody Wagner has run for Marquette’s state House multiple times. Although not predicted to win the primary in her fifth attempt, her vote counts have increased significantly over the years. In 2020, Trump lost this seat by a narrow margin of 100 votes.
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Senate approves bill shifting school retiree healthcare funds amid fiscal negotiations
School employees would no longer have to pay 3 percent of their paychecks to cover their retiree health care benefits under legislation the Senate approved Thursday, as the Legislature began movement on a linchpin to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget discussion.
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Guidelines issued amid Michigan's excessive heat warnings aim at protecting outdoor workers
With the recent excessive heat warnings in Michigan, it is critical for employers to ensure the safety and well-being of employees working outdoors. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can pose serious health risks. To protect outside workers from the heat, employers must implement comprehensive strategies that address hydration, acclimatization, work schedules, protective clothing, and training.
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The role of training in building effective succession plans
Google defines succession planning as a business strategy companies use to pass leadership roles down to another employee or group of employees. Given that the youngest baby boomers are expected to begin retiring in 2031, companies should start preparing the next generation of leadership. A significant shift is anticipated, and companies need to be ready for seamless strategic continuity.
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Employers urged to prioritize workplace mental health
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, emphasizing the critical importance of mental health in overall wellbeing. For employers, recognizing and prioritizing mental health in the workplace is not just an ethical obligation but a strategic one. Healthy employees are essential to a thriving business, with mental wellbeing integral to productivity, creativity, and engagement.