With new workgroups established by the Michigan Legislature last week ready to search out best practices for getting Michigan safely back to work, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce refuses to stand on the sidelines and watch. Instead, they have established a powerhouse new Government Affairs Committee Chaired by former State Rep and State Budget Director Al Pscholka. The committee is designed to feed the legislature with economic recovery initiatives assuring that the collective voice of Michigan’s Great Southwest is hear loud and clear in Lansing.
Chamber President Arthur Havlicek, a veteran from the trenches in Lansing himself, says that as elected leaders begin to formulate a plan to reopen the economy, his team at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber are tapping an experienced advocacy team to ensure area businesses have a seat at that all important table.
Last week, the Michigan State Legislature formed House and Senate workgroups meant to gather information and create recommendations for best practices in the workplace in preparation for the state’s transition back to work. Yesterday, Governor Whitmer laid out her criteria for reopening the economy. Today, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has revealed their plan to provide input to those workgroups and the economic recovery initiatives that follow.
Havlicek says, “Local advocacy efforts are more important than ever in ensuring Southwest Michigan families can get back to work as quickly, and safely, as possible,” and notes, “To that end, we have put together a strong Government Affairs Committee comprised of area leaders ready to advocate on your behalf.”
Leading the enhanced Chamber Government Affairs team will be political veteran Al Pscholka. Pscholka served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, including one as Chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Following his third term, Pscholka served in a cabinet position as State Budget Director under Governor Rick Snyder after which he joined Kinexus Group as their Vice President of Public Relations & Government Affairs.
Havlicek says, “Al played a key legislative role in Michigan’s comeback,” and adds, “His experience and expertise in all three levels of government make him the right choice to lead our advocacy efforts in these unprecedented times.”
For his part Pscholka says, “The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has stepped up to a take a leadership role in making sure the voice of area business is heard loud and clear,” and adds, “Our job creators go to work each and every day to build, create, and innovate. They are the backbone of our towns and communities, and I am honored to help represent their interests at this critical time.”
Serving as Vice-Chair of the Committee will be Whirlpool’s Senior Director of Global Communications, Eleanor Reece. Reece joined the Whirlpool Corporation in 2019 where she is responsible for leading the company’s global communications function and corporate communications strategy. Prior to joining Whirlpool, Reece served as Director of International Government Relations at General Motors, supporting the company’s integrated approach to global policy and government affairs.
Havlicek says, “Eleanor brings with her a wealth of government affairs experience as well as an important perspective from one of our area’s key employers,” and adds, “We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber working to influence positive change for businesses in our region.”
In accepting the role, Reece says, “It’s an honor to support the efforts of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, especially during this challenging time,” noting, “Serving the needs of our communities is a commitment that both the Chamber and Whirlpool share, and I look forward to contributing to this forum to help our community move forward.”
The full Chamber Government Affairs team is as follows:
- Arthur Havlicek – President & CEO, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber
- Al Pscholka – Vice President of Public Relations & Government Affairs, Kinexus Group
- Eleanor Reece – Senior Director of Global Communications, Whirlpool Corporation
- Millicent Huminsky – Executive Director, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council
- Alan Jeffries – CEO, Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors
- Chris Mason – Co-Founder, Watermark Brewing Company
- Matt Derby – Attorney specializing in Business and Employment law, Kotz Sangster P.C.
Havlicke says, “I’m confident our new government affairs team has the vision, policy depth, and the political clout to advocate and advance the business interests of Southwest Michigan.”
To make informed suggestions and advocacy decisions, the Chamber has also released a 5-minute COVID-19 Impact Survey that businesses in the region are encouraged to fill out. Answers can be submitted anonymously, and the survey is open to members and non-members alike. Specifically, the chamber is seeking recommendations on the following:
- Potential legislation that would help businesses, communities, and individuals recover from the aftermath of coronavirus restrictions…
- New regulations and workplace practices that could be implemented to permit ramping up of production at facilities that are not currently considered as engaged in critical infrastructure work or minimum basic operations…
- Regulatory restrictions that could be lifted to safely speed up the transition back to work…
- Regulatory measures that should be added to ensure safety in the workplace…
- Industry-specific best practices for safe operation that could be submitted as suggested guidelines for re-opening…
The survey can be found on the Chamber’s website, www.smrchamber.com, or clicking this link: https://tinyurl.com/smrcimpactsurvey
Havlicek says, “We want to hear from the employers, employees, and citizens of Southwest Michigan,” and concludes, “Tell us what policy or regulatory changes you believe would get your business and Michigan’s economy back on track. We stand ready to advocate on your behalf.”
