Small Business Association of Michigan
Recent News About Small Business Association of Michigan
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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.
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Podcast highlights strategies for attracting and retaining talent
On the SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers spoke with Jim Stowe, president of FreshHR. Stowe assists small and medium-sized companies in managing various employee-related challenges. "The battle for talent, acquiring and retaining talent, is something that’s still a challenge for most folks, although we’ve seen a little bit of daylight," he stated. "But it’s still finding ways to be a unique and an attractive employer to attract and retain the best people you can so they take the best care of your clients or help drive profitability."
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Supreme Court raises bar on denying religious accommodations
In Groff v. DeJoy, 600 U.S. 447 (2023), the U.S. Supreme Court heightened the criteria for denying religious accommodations from showing an “undue hardship” to incurring “substantial increased costs” compared to normal business expenses. Previously, employers could demonstrate that a minimal increase in costs constituted an undue hardship.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.