To help small businesses better advocate on specific issues impacting their companies in the Michigan Legislature, the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) today launched MainStreet Legislative Consulting.
The goal of MainStreet will be to help small businesses individually engage on legislative issues that could personally affect their businesses. Businesses can now hire MainStreet to work with policymakers and advocate on their behalf on issues of all sizes. MainStreet will craft a plan for each business at an affordable rate, as lobbying is not often included in small business budgets.
“MainStreet Legislative Consulting is a game-changer for small businesses, providing the ability to advocate on legislative issues individually in a way that hasn’t been possible before,” said SBAM President Brian Calley, who oversees the organization’s communications and government affairs efforts.
Former legislator and small business owner Goeff Hansen will serve as president of MainStreet Legislative Consulting. Hansen was the partner and co-owner of Hansen Foods in Hart, served in the House of Representatives from 2005-2010 and in the Senate from 2011-2018. He has also previously served Hart township supervisor, assistant fire chief, an EMT and a first responder in West Michigan.
“Goeff’s small business and legislative experience make him a natural fit to lead this new venture,” Calley continued.
“As a lawmaker, I focused on issues that matter but don’t always get top billing and I will use that same philosophy to help small businesses get their voices heard in Lansing,” Hansen said. “MainStreet Legislative Consulting will open new doors for small businesses and I’m proud to be able to strengthen their influence in Lansing.”
MainStreet Legislative Consulting is a separate entity overseen by SBAM. Its services are not included in SBAM membership fees.
The Small Business Association of Michigan focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community through advocacy, collaboration and buying power. Today they serve over 26,000 members in all 83 counties of Michigan. SBAM is located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.