Insider Intelligence

As a follow up to my recent post about West Michigan’s Creative Class, I was set to share some creative culinary spots and history in the area, but then an article caught my eye, and I decided to shift gears. Last week, the Grand Rapids region was touted as being one of the best places […]

This week, the Senate passed a House bill that prohibits local units of government from imposing an excise tax on the production, distribution, and sale of food.  During the committee process the legislation received support from a wide range of groups, including; the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers, the […]

As we wrote last week, legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate prohibiting local units of government from imposing an excise tax on the production, distribution, and sale of food.  The proposal was put forth after other cities nationwide have adopted such a tax, causing harm to grocery stores, food production, and employment […]

This week, the Board of State Canvassers approved the petition form from a group seeking to increase the state’s minimum wage.  One Fair Wage is seeking to place the issue on the November 2018 ballot for Michigan voters to decide.  Under their proposal, wages would incrementally increase in the following manner: 2019 Non-tipped employees – […]

This week, the non-partisan Senate Fiscal Agency released their revenue numbers for August 2017.  Last month, General Fund and School Aid Fund taxes increased 4.3% from the prior year, totaling $2 billion.  Tax collections for the month were roughly $6 million below prior estimates. General Fund earmarked collections were $5.4 million below projections, while School […]

Once known as “Furniture City” for hosting some of the finest wood furniture designers and manufactures in the world (Think, access to native timber and a major river to carry it to the mills) – the Grand Rapids region identifies as having a large creative class and enjoys its economic benefits. The arts dominate in […]

This week, Governor Rick Snyder embarked on a trade mission to Japan and Germany.  While there, he will focus on attracting jobs, creating business investments, and promoting the state’s strength in the automotive and mobility sectors.  The Governor departed for Japan on Tuesday and will then travel to Germany on September 11, returning to Michigan […]

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July declined from the prior month by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.7%.  Total employment for the month declined by 18,000 and the number of unemployed declined by 7,000, making July the third consecutive month that the state’s workforce has been reduced.  While the month-to-month decline was marginal, […]