The Small Business Briefing, led by Brian Calley and Sarah Miller, welcomed new members and discussed Gallup’s survey showing small businesses as the most trusted institution in the U.S., with 67% high confidence and nearly 100% overall trust.
Despite this positive perception, small businesses face challenges, notably declining labor force participation both nationally and in Michigan, where the rate has dropped below 60%. Brian highlighted demographic trends and the record number of adults outside the labor force, including 7 million prime-age men not working or seeking work.
The briefing also covered the impact of AI on small business employment, noting that 82% of small businesses using AI regularly have increased their headcounts, as AI tools help level the playing field and boost productivity.
Updates included the reissuance of the Line 5 permit by the Whitmer administration, changes to Michigan’s unemployment law – such as expanded benefits and work share programs – and the opening of a new bridge to Canada, which is expected to improve infrastructure and trade. The session concluded with an overview of the upcoming 2026 elections, covering the governor and U.S. Senate races, early voting, candidate endorsements, and the influence of recent political developments, including Governor Whitmer’s endorsement of Haley Stevens in the Senate primary.
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