The Power of &

The Power of &: The Importance of Constituent Services Oct 16, 2024

Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI 9) sat down with Brad Williams, the Chamber’s Vice President of Political Affairs, to discuss the vital role of constituent services, stressing the importance of collaboration across party lines to tackle Michigan-specific issues effectively.

The Power of &: Michigan's Aerospace and Defense Caucus Oct 16, 2024

Sitting down with the Chamber’s Government Relations Manager Adam Majestic, Sen. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) discusses the significance of Michigan's Aerospace and Defense Caucus, emphasizing the state's underappreciated aerospace and defense industry, the importance of retaining talent, and the collaborative efforts that can enhance this sector.

The Power of &: Bridging the Future and His Legacy Oct 01, 2024

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI 8) joins the Chamber’s Vice President of Political Affairs, Brad Williams, in this episode to reflect upon his political legacy and the importance of bipartisan collaboration, particularly in addressing the Flint water crisis. He discusses his transition to leading the community foundation of Flint, emphasizing continuity in his commitment to serving the community.

The Power of &: Reinventing Economic Development Oct 01, 2024

In a conversation with the Chamber’s Brian Shoaf, Vice President of Public Policy and Business Advocacy, Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) discusses her vision for reinventing economic development in Michigan through collaborative approaches across departments and communities, driving regional impact and investment.

The Power of &: Sustainable Growth in Detroit Oct 01, 2024

The Chamber’s Government Relations Director, Rod Liggons, sat down with Detroit City Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero and discussed the importance of sustainable growth in Detroit, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and support for small businesses, particularly for women and people of color.

The Power of &: Calvin Prison Initiative Sep 18, 2024

Sen. Mark Huizenga (R-Walker) and Brad Williams, the Chamber’s Vice President of Political Affairs, sat down to talk about how Calvin Prison improves prison culture by providing college education that leads to reduced re-offense rates, improved behavior, and long-term economic benefits for the state.

The Power of &: Manufacturing in Michigan Sep 18, 2024

In a conversation with the Chamber’s Vice President of Political Affairs, Brad Williams, Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI 11) highlights her dedication to Michigan's manufacturing sector, her legislative achievements, and her commitment to staying connected with constituents while advocating for collaborative policies that support economic growth.

The Power of &: Addressing Barriers for Startups Sep 18, 2024

In this episode, hear from Detroit City Councilman Coleman A. Young II, as he sits down with the Chamber’s Government Relations Director, Rod Liggons, to discuss improving access to resources, capital, and transportation to create a more supportive, entrepreneur-friendly environment in Detroit.

The Power of &: Economic Development Aug 30, 2024

Adam Majestic, the Chamber’s Government Relations Manager, sat down with Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores) to discuss revitalizing Michigan's economy through the Michigan Innovation Fund by advocating for retaining local talent, providing essential resources for entrepreneurs, and promoting "economic gardening" to help businesses thrive.

The Power of &: Department of Health and Human Services Aug 30, 2024

Elizabeth Hertel, Director of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, and Brad Williams, the Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations, discussed public health and safety in Michigan, focusing on initiatives like the "Keep Kids Safe" agenda, increased access to behavioral healthcare, and enhancing safety and public health throughout the state.

The Power of &: Focusing on Thriving Small Businesses Aug 30, 2024

Rod Liggons, the Chamber’s Government Relations Director, sat down with Detroit City Council member Fred Durhal III, discussing the revitalization of Detroit, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for small businesses, promoting a positive narrative about the city, and fostering population growth through safety and community improvements. He also provided insights on public safety funding and collaboration within the city.

The Power of &: Court Magistrates Aug 15, 2024

Rep. Joe Aragona talked with Brian Shoaf, the Chamber’s Director of Government Relations, and discussed his legislation proposal that would overhaul the court magistrate system in the state of Michigan. The changes ease burdens on courts and make the judicial system more accessible.

The Power of &: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Budget Aug 14, 2024

Brian Shoaf, the Chamber’s Director of Government Relations, sat down with Sen. Sylvia Santana, who gave an overview of the Department of Health and Human Services’ budget, which is the largest budget in the state, and updates on its latest investments.

The Power of &: Earned Income Tax Credit and the Housing Shortage Aug 14, 2024

Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) is joined by the Chamber’s Director of Government Relations, Brian Shoaf, to discuss the housing shortage in Midland and across the state. The two also discuss the Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides relief to low-income working families.

The Power of &: Housing Assistance in the City of Detroit Aug 01, 2024

Rod Liggons, the Chamber’s Government Relations Director, sat down with Detroit City Councilmember Mary Waters and discussed the importance of getting Detroiters in homes and easing the burden of homeownership. Waters shared programs that the City of Detroit offers first-time and returning homebuyers in Detroit.

The Power of &: Unemployment Insurance Agency Reforms Aug 01, 2024

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Julia Dale discusses what changes she has implemented at the Unemployment Insurance Agency since taking over as Director with Brian Shoaf, the Chamber’s Director of Government Relations. Dale discussed a workgroup that she has convened to address employer issues.

The Power of &: Bridging the Future and Her Legacy Aug 01, 2024

In this episode, Brad Williams, the Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations, interviews Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), discussing her legacy, the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, and Michigan’s future.

The Power of &: Wealth Generation in Detroit Jul 19, 2024

Rod Liggons, the Chamber’s Government Relations Director, sat down with Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson to discuss the Detroit Wealth Generation Taskforce and how it has impacted the city’s population growth.

The Power of &: Macomb County's New Jail Jul 19, 2024

Adam Majestic, the Chamber’s Government Relations Manager, sat down with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel to discuss his county’s new jail and how the facility will improve the support of individuals who struggle with mental health and substance abuse crises.

The Power of &: Michigan's Senior Representative Jul 19, 2024

Brad Williams, the Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations, sat down with Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) to discuss how Michigan’s lawmakers put aside partisanship and reach across the aisle to collaborate on issues that are important to the state’s citizens, which sets the Michigan’s delegation as a model to other states during a hyperpolarized political climate.

The Power of &: Rep. Will Snyder Jun 17, 2024

During the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, Brian Shoaf, the Chamber’s Director of Government Relations, interviewed Muskegon’s Rep. Will Snyder about his involvement with the recent statewide investment on tourism, with funds stabilizing the Pure Michigan marketing campaign. During this episode, Rep. Snyder reiterated that tourism is valuable economic development to for the state.

The Power of &: Sen. Gary Peters Jun 17, 2024

Brad Williams, the Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations, sat down with Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, to discuss his political career with a focus on policy, building trust with his colleagues, and securing the future. of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base during the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference.

The Power of &: Rep. Jasper Martus Jun 17, 2024

Adam Majestic, the Chamber’s Government Relations Manager, sat down with Rep. Jasper Martus of Flushing to discuss his involvement with the R&D tax credit and other economic development packages to increase economic competitiveness. Rep. Martus noted that education and infrastructure amount the key components of benefits that will attract and retain businesses within the state.

The Power of &: Rep. Alabas Farhat Jun 17, 2024

The Chamber’s Government Relations Manager, Adam Majestic, interviewed Rep. Alabas Farhat of Dearborn about solutions to grow and invest in Michigan entrepreneurs and the need for a pathway to retain and attract talent, and the power of venture capital funding.

The Power of &: Legislative Majority - A Year in Review Jan 24, 2024

Join Brad Williams and Michigan's Majority legislative leadership for a 2023 roundup and a preview of 2024. Speaker of the House Joe Tate and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks touch on policy highlights of the past year and policy goals for the upcoming year in this special edition of "The Power of &" podcast. Be sure to tune into the companion episode featuring the Minority legislative leadership.

The Power of &: Legislative Minority - A Year in Review Jan 24, 2024

Join Brad Williams and Michigan's Minority legislative leadership for a 2023 roundup and a preview of 2024. Rep. Matt Hall and Sen. Aric Nesbitt shared caucus highlights of the past year and an outline of the opportunities they aim to achieve in 2024 in this special edition of "The Power of &" podcast. Listen to this episode's companion to hear responses from their Democratic counterparts.

The Power of &: Oakland and Macomb County Leadership Jan 17, 2024

Hosted by Adam Majestic, this episode of the Power of & brings together the county commission chairs from Oakland and Macomb County, Chair David Woodward (D-Royal Oak) and Chair Don Brown (R- Washington Twp) to discuss regional transit, county budgets, and working with their colleagues to pass legislation unanimously.

The Power of &: Postsecondary Education Nov 01, 2023

In this episode of the Power of &, host Adam Majestic, Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-19), and Rep. Curtis VanderWall (R-102) talk about the different paths that Michiganders can take after high school. The trio discusses the evolving workforce needs, talent shortages, and the various programs that employers can utilize to train their future employees.

The Power of &: Roads Oct 18, 2023

In this episode of the Power of &, host Brad Williams discusses the state of Michigan’s roads, how they are funded, and other infrastructure topics with Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-24) and Rep. Donni Steele (R-54). They discuss the different approaches to increasing road funding that the Democrats and Republicans have proposed and talk about the perceptions of public transit.

The Power of &: Tax Credits Oct 04, 2023

Host Brian Shoaf sits down with Rep. Greg VanWoerkom (R-88) and Rep. Rachel Hood (D-81) to discuss their approach to a proposed research and development tax credit. Hear from both sides of the aisle on what each party is looking for when it comes to being economically competitive with other states and how they are hoping to work together to reach a better deal for Michigan business.

The Power of &: Economic Development Sep 19, 2023

In this fifth episode of the Power of & Podcast, Rod Liggons, Government Relations Director for the Chamber, discusses economic development tools available to businesses in downtown Detroit and the neighborhoods. Further, Council Member Latisha Johnson and Lashawna Manigault from the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation discuss some of the recent economic development headlines, the success of the Motor City Match, and more.

The Power of &: Ethics Reform Jul 13, 2023

The fourth episode of The Power of &, a podcast inspired by the theme of the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference, was recorded on Mackinac Island and features interviews with Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn) and Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare). Hosted by Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations at the Detroit Regional Chamber, the conversation focused on the role of the executive branch when it comes to ethics oversight, regulating lobbyists in Lansing, and keeping legislators responsible for their actions.

The Power of &: Budget Surplus Jul 12, 2023

The third episode of The Power of &, a podcast inspired by the theme of the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference, was recorded on Mackinac Island. The episode features interviews with Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). Hosted by Brian Shoaf, Director of Government Relations at the Detroit Regional Chamber, the conversation focused on their approaches to managing the billions of dollars of surplus funds in the state's budget, and how they are balancing the expectations of members and their requests to remain fiscally responsible.

The Power of &: Clean Energy Jun 28, 2023

The second episode of The Power of &, a podcast inspired by the theme of the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference, was recorded on Mackinac Island. The episode features interviews with Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and Rep. Graham Filler (R-St. Johns). Hosted by Adam Majestic, Manager of Government Relations at the Detroit Regional Chamber, the conversation focused on the role of wind, solar, and nuclear energy as sources of clean energy for the state moving forward.

Introduction: What is the Power of &? Jun 14, 2023

The first episode, recorded on Mackinac Island, features Matt Elliott, Chair of the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference and President of Bank of America Michigan, as well as Renee Tabben, President of Bank of America Grand Rapids. Hosted by Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations at the Detroit Regional Chamber, the conversation focused on defining what it means to take an “and” approach to policy and how Elliott and Tabben would like to see Michigan’s business leaders interpret the strategy in their offices.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected