From mLive
In light of the state’s fiscal and political turmoil, the leaders of Michigan’s largest companies are not going to remain quiet any more.
The top chief executive officers from around the state are ready to pump up the volume on their displeasure with the direction Michigan is headed. They have a five-point program to bring the state through its current crisis and set the stage for reform after the 2010 election.
And Lakeshore communities like Muskegon will play a key role in setting the stage for a new Michigan. The state’s future identity must be tied closely to the Great Lakes, the group’s chief executive says.
Expanding the Detroit Renaissance statewide, the CEO group has formed Business Leaders for Michigan, which includes company heads from Detroit to Grand Rapids, and St. Joseph to Midland.
Former Michigan Economic Development Corp. head Doug Rothwell is president of the new group. The business group is represented by the heads of the automakers and other major manufacturers, utilities and top universities.
“We are getting some push back in Lansing,” Rothwell said of the business group. “I think (the politicians) are nervous with the ground swell of frustration.”
The CEO group’s plan is similar to what is being called for by two independent think tanks — the right-of-center Center for Michigan and left-of-center Michigan’s Future.
Meijer Inc., Steelcase Inc., Haworth Inc., Amway Corp., Whirlpool Corp. and Herman Miller Inc. are some of the West Michigan companies represented through Business Leaders for Michigan.
“Business Leaders for Michigan cares deeply about this state,” Meijer CEO Mark Murray said. “Without robust job and business creation, we cannot ensure growth and prosperity for our residents.
The top chief executive officers from around the state are ready to pump up the volume on their displeasure with the direction Michigan is headed. They have a five-point program to bring the state through its current crisis and set the stage for reform after the 2010 election.
And Lakeshore communities like Muskegon will play a key role in setting the stage for a new Michigan. The state’s future identity must be tied closely to the Great Lakes, the group’s chief executive says.
Expanding the Detroit Renaissance statewide, the CEO group has formed Business Leaders for Michigan, which includes company heads from Detroit to Grand Rapids, and St. Joseph to Midland.
Former Michigan Economic Development Corp. head Doug Rothwell is president of the new group. The business group is represented by the heads of the automakers and other major manufacturers, utilities and top universities.
“We are getting some push back in Lansing,” Rothwell said of the business group. “I think (the politicians) are nervous with the ground swell of frustration.”
The CEO group’s plan is similar to what is being called for by two independent think tanks — the right-of-center Center for Michigan and left-of-center Michigan’s Future.
Meijer Inc., Steelcase Inc., Haworth Inc., Amway Corp., Whirlpool Corp. and Herman Miller Inc. are some of the West Michigan companies represented through Business Leaders for Michigan.
“Business Leaders for Michigan cares deeply about this state,” Meijer CEO Mark Murray said. “Without robust job and business creation, we cannot ensure growth and prosperity for our residents.
“I am particularly concerned about the generation that is early in their careers. They are making what might be lifelong decisions about where they will live and use their talents. Without a return to growth, I fear we will lose too many of them.”
Business Leaders for Michigan has a “turn-around” plan for the state. The goal is to return Michigan to a “Top 10” state in terms of job creation and economic growth. Currently, the state has been the leading the nation in the unemployment rate.
The plan calls for:
• Changing state financial management with a two-year budgeting process.
• Right-sizing state government and providing budget reforms of state employee wages and benefits.
• Getting Michigan competitive for business growth through fixing the Michigan business tax.
• Making investments to provide a pro-jobs environment in infrastructure, higher education and urban development.
• Boost the state’s economy through innovation and entrepreneurship.
This fall, the group will push for a balanced budget, government reforms and tax reform, Rothwell said. The group’s solution on taxes is to shift which business sectors are contributing but not reduce state revenues.
Business Leaders for Michigan will then become involved in the 2010 election, Rothwell said. The group wants its plans embraced by the candidates.
“We recognize the need to get politically engaged,” Rothwell said. “We need to get the public’s attention and provide some deep research. We don’t need to (financially) buy access because of who this group is.”
After the election, the group will provide the resources needed to enact reforms and to keep elected official accountable, Rothwell said. Moving Michigan’s image from Detroit automotive companies to the Great Lakes is a key component in the future, he said.
“Places like Muskegon should define more what Michigan is all about,” Rothwell said. “The Great Lakes need to represent this state even more than we have. It’s who we are.”
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