The Detroit News: Another Mackinac conference in punt formation on Michigan’s literacy crisis
As seen in The Detroit News May 25, 2025 In a state where three out of every five fourth graders are not reading at grade level, Michigan’s policymakers and powerbrokers are on track to take a year off from trying to tackle this crisis at their annual confab this week on Mackinac Island. Fixing Michigan’s […]
Crain’s Detroit Business: Michigan excels in R&D investment but struggles with startup commercialization, report finds
As seen in Crain’s Detroit Business May 22, 2025 A new report shows Michigan ranks ninth-best in the country among states investing in research and development, but lags in access to early and growth-stage funding, talent and its business ecosystem. Business Leaders for Michigan released its Innovation Economy Scorecard on Thursday, an analysis and assessment […]
New scorecard benchmarks Michigan’s innovation economy

New scorecard benchmarks Michigan’s innovation economy First-of-its kind analysis from Business Leaders For Michigan sets a baseline to guide action and track progress for long-term growth and prosperity DETROIT – Business Leaders For Michigan today released its Innovation Economy Scorecard. The first-of-its-kind analysis includes an assessment of the full range of stakeholders in a dynamic […]
Crain’s Detroit 40th anniversary: We asked top metro Detroit leaders their predictions for the next 40 years. Here’s what they said.
As seen in Crain’s Detroit Business February 10, 2025 We at Crain’s wanted to use the occasion of our 40th anniversary to look at some of what has changed in the past 40 years, but also to look forward to the next 40. To that end, we asked an array of prominent business leaders for […]
Crain’s Detroit Business: Michigan improves in Top 10 state ranking, but needs work on population, jobs, education
As seen in Crain’s Detroit Business Michigan improves in Top 10 state ranking, but needs work on population, jobs, education Grand Rapids tech leaders are pitching their city as an affordable, amenity-rich landing spot for thousands of displaced workers in Silicon Valley and beyond. November 21, 2024 10:16 AM Michigan ranks 27th nationally across key […]
Business groups urge 5 fixes to Earned Sick Time Act
Business Leaders For Michigan has joined with dozens of business organizations across the state to advocate for changes to the Earned Sick Leave Act, which is scheduled to take effect on February 21, 2025. We urge Lansing to enact these fixes before the end of the year to reduce the burden on employees and employers: […]
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 […]
Business Leaders For Michigan Statement on Michigan Supreme Court ruling on Mothering Justice v. Attorney General “adopt & amend” case
“This decision will dramatically impact Michigan employers and employees, especially small businesses. We urge the legislature to move swiftly to prevent negative consequences for workers, entrepreneurs, and Michigan’s business climate.”
Crain’s Detroit Business Editorial: Michigan’s education woes start with structure
As seen in Crain’s Detroit Business June 24, 2024 05:46 AM Michigan’s schools are in dire need of a rethink. As outlined in a recent Crain’s Forum, the state has fallen to 42nd in the nation in K-12 achievement. And we’re behind most other states in reworking our practices and curricula to fit the needs […]
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 […]