Michigan Business and Professional Association Backs State of the Union Economic 'To-do' List

Tells Obama: Look to Michigan for economic success examples

WARREN, Mich., Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) along with its sister association, The Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), said today it is encouraged that President Barack Obama's third State of the Union address focused on critical domestic issues, with the nation's economy at the forefront, and urged the administration to look to Michigan as a smart choice for broadening the nation's economic diversity and job creation.

"We share the president's vision, as outlined in the address, to build an economy that works for everyone," said MBPA President and CEO Jennifer Kluge. "There were a number of initiatives in the speech; including proposals to spur manufacturing, incentives to 'insource' jobs in the U.S., and clean energy development and job-training; that, if brought to reality, would do a great deal to boost our economy."

Kluge added that the MBPA is supportive of the other initiatives outlined in the State of the Union address, including business regulatory reform and much-needed investment in repairs to the nation's infrastructure.

Added MBPA Vice President of Government Affairs Bonnie Bochniak, "Representing more than 20,000 small businesses in Michigan, we yearn for optimism expressed in the president's address, and the promise to improve our business and employment climate." On the issue of health care reform, Bochniak noted, "Although MBPA did not support the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, we do support lower health care costs for all Americans. We urge the president and the Supreme Court to do their diligence when debating the constitutionality of our federal health care law. It is our hope that a verdict is made so that states may move forward with their health care exchange implementation."

Calling for the Obama administration to look to Michigan as a source for innovation and job talent, Kluge pointed to a number of state-based companies helping to grow an ever-more diverse economy. "In the alternative fuels/clean energy sector, we have successful companies like Roush CleanTech in Livonia, EarthTronics in Muskegon, and Relume Technologies in Oxford, and the very-successful Hemlock Semiconductor division of Dow Corning.

"Small business is leading the way here in Michigan with such companies like Avalon International Breads in Detroit, which started out in 1997 on a $6,000 'bread dough' investment and now sells its products all across Southeast Michigan. There are many positive stories here; more positive than negative."

Kluge added, "I would strongly encourage the President and his administration to help steer more entrepreneurial and technology-related businesses to Michigan, where we have the creativity, the talent, and the will to compete with any other state in the country."

Based in Warren, Mich., the MBPA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 160,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retail, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like.  Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive group insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA).

SOURCE Michigan Business & Professional Association