Commentary: How state lawmakers can keep moving Michigan forward

As seen in Crain’s Grand Rapids By Blake W. Krueger and Mike Jandernoa Business Leaders For Michigan’s 2024 Top 10 Benchmarking Report places Michigan at 27th nationally—a reminder that we have progress to make. Lawmakers have a critical opportunity to improve the lives of our residents and elevate our ranking by focusing on bipartisan solutions […]
2024 Business Leaders For Michigan Benchmarking Report shows progress, along with action needed to reach Top 10

Michigan ranks 27th among all states, with gains driven by labor force participation and business growth DETROIT – Business Leaders For Michigan’s 2024 Benchmarking Report released today ranks Michigan 27th in the nation across key indicators measuring the overall economic prosperity of the state and its people. Results reflect recent gains in workforce participation, modest […]
We Are Proud of Detroit: An Open Letter from Detroit’s Business Leaders
We Are Proud of Detroit An Open Letter from Detroit’s Business Leaders Detroit is the consummate American success story, a story of determination, transformation, and resilience. As leaders rooted in Detroit and focused on its success, we are proud to stand alongside all Detroiters and help write this new narrative. We believe deeply in this […]
Michigan CEO Survey: Stable near-term outlook for Michigan economy, but future growth will require overcoming obstacles

DETROIT – Three-quarters of Michigan’s top executives expect Michigan’s economy to stay about the same over the next six months and more than half expect their revenues to increase, according to Business Leaders for Michigan’s CEO Economic Outlook Survey released today. Long-term growth will require more work though. Executives cited Michigan’s slow population and economic […]
Opinion: Funds to drive more resources into Michigan classrooms are languishing. Our kids pay the ultimate price.

As seen in Crain’s Detroit Business, June 13, 2024 Opinion: Funds to drive more resources into Michigan classrooms are languishing. Our kids pay the ultimate price. By Jeff Donofrio Education is foundational to Michigan’s success. We need best-in-class K-12 and post-secondary education and training systems to prepare Michiganders for future jobs, increase incomes, close the […]
Opinion: A wake-up call to change K-12 education system

As appears in Crain’s Detroit Business Who is ultimately accountable for K-12 educational outcomes? New analysis a wake-up call to change the system. By Ron Hall and Mike Jandernoa April 16, 2024 Our K-12 public education system is not doing right by our kids. The crux of this crisis is unfolding in our own backyards. […]
Opinion: Time for Action
As published in Crain’s Detroit Business January 26, 2024 Time for Action By Jeff Donofrio Now more than ever, business and community leaders, legislators, and policymakers must come together to ensure Michigan can compete and win no matter the obstacles we face. It’s time for action. More action, less politics The results from our recent […]
Business Leaders For Michigan – State of the State statement
“Tonight, Governor Whitmer acknowledged the significant work ahead and the need to come together to change our state’s trajectory. Every day, employers make decisions about where to invest and create jobs. To win more of those investments in 2024, we’ll need to come together to build consensus and implement solutions that make Michigan a more […]
Resolve, unity, vision essential to reverse Michigan’s population crisis
DETROIT – Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, and Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, as leaders of Michigan’s business community and members of the Growing Michigan Together Council, have released a statement in […]
Gary Torgow elected Chairman of Business Leaders For Michigan

DETROIT – Business Leaders for Michigan today announced that Gary Torgow has been elected chairman of the Board of the state’s business roundtable. Torgow, chairman of Huntington Bank, succeeds Howard Ungerleider, president and chief financial officer of Dow, starting in January. Vice chairs of the Business Leaders Board include Hank Meijer, executive chairman of Meijer, […]