News & Resources

SBAM’s Budget Recommendations

SBAM, along with a coalition of business groups*, has issued the following recommendation related to the state budget and allocation of existing American Rescue Plan Act funds. Michigan has yet […]

Small Business Weekly podcast with Grace Keros

April 27, 2023

The Key to a Century of Detroit Coney Dog Success

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Grace Keros, owner of 106-year-old American Coney Island in Detroit. She's an Elite member of the Small Business Association of Michigan and also part of the …

April 26, 2023

ChatGPT and the Future of HR: Do We Ring the Bell or Sound the Buzzer?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way Human Resources (HR) operates. As the HR landscape becomes more complex, HR practitioners need powerful tools to manage and support employees effectively.

April 24, 2023

Senate Dems Hold Up Bargain; Pass Aggregate Tax Exemption Bill

Michigan's aggregate industry would be exempt from the state's sales and use tax while purchasing processing machinery and equipment under legislation approved in the Senate 33-4.

April 24, 2023

N.C., Florida try to lure Michigan businesses, workers after RTW repeal

A billboard along Interstate 496 in Lansing promotes the virtues of Florida with a warped version of Michigan’s motto: “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, move to Florida.”

April 23, 2023

Organizations Look for Creative Solutions for Employee Engagement and Burnout

Nearly 60% of organizations have increased their efforts to boost employee engagement since early 2020. However, a new report from ATD, Employee Engagement and Burnout: Maintaining Morale in Changing Times, shows that there continues to be …

April 22, 2023

Pay Transparency May Come to Michigan

The stated intent of pay transparency is to address unequal pay. If an employer publishes or provides pay data up front in the hiring process, it allows employees and candidates to better understand and negotiate …

Small Business Weekly Podcast with Paul Murphy

April 21, 2023

Cyber Data Breaches are Serious; Learn How to Protect Yourself

On today’s SBAM Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Paul Murphy, president of 360 Risk Management Inc. He's a member of the Small Business Association of Michigan's Leadership Council.

Group of friends with their arms around each other

April 21, 2023

Work Wives and Husbands – Are They Acceptable?

Have you ever had a work wife or work husband? Not everyone agrees that these close work relationships are acceptable. A new poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies shows that opinions on work spouses vary …

April 20, 2023

Survey shows small businesses confident in Michigan banking system

Inflation remains top concern among small businesses LANSING – Despite recent national banking concerns, small businesses have confidence in their financial institutions, according to a new survey released by the […]

April 20, 2023

Compensation and Other Factors that Affect Employee Retention

Employee compensation is a critical factor in employee retention. When employees feel that they are being fairly compensated for their work, they are more likely to stay with their current employer. However, compensation is not …

Cyber security graphics overlaying a laptop screen

April 19, 2023

Three Reasons Small-Business Owners Need Cyber Insurance

Like it or not, cyberattacks are now an expected part of running a business. It’s no longer a matter of if a breach will occur but when. To this end, it’s critical for businesses of all sizes to be …

April 18, 2023

Debate Over Independent Contractors Gets Testy

Businesses would be fined for classifying their workers as “independent contractors” as a way of getting around paying benefits under a piece of a 16-bill package addressing so-called “payroll fraud” and “wage theft” under legislation …

April 18, 2023

Gotion Funding Left Behind . . . For Now

Gotion Inc. – a battery parts manufacturer with a questioned connection to the Chinese Communist Party – did not receive the blessing of the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday to receive state funding for a proposed …

April 16, 2023

Does the ADA Protect Against Unknown Disabilities?

An employee was terminated for performance reasons. Then they throw you a curve ball; they have cancer or need operable surgery that could rise to the level of ADA. You now have knowledge of it …

April 15, 2023

Keep an Eye on Worker FLSA Exempt Classification this Year

Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that despite an oil rig worker making over $200,000 a year and being a supervisor, that position was non-exempt and entitled to overtime pay for weeks worked …

April 14, 2023

Real Life HR: Employee Wants to Work Through Lunch Break

Generally you can and should require an employee to take a lunch break. In many states, employers are required to provide employees with rest breaks, meal breaks, or both, and are sometimes even required to …

Post-it note with the words "I don't care" written on it.