Michigan Business and Professional Association Sees Michigan Role in State of the Union Focus on Economic Issues

WARREN, Mich., Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) along with its sister association, The Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), says it is encouraged that President Barack Obama's 2014 State of the Union address cast a spotlight on issues critical to small business and the nation's economy.

"We share the president's concern for the need to build an economy that works for everyone," said MBPA CEO Jennifer Kluge. "We appreciate his acknowledgement that business is at the heart of economic growth, as evidenced by the 8 million new jobs created by businesses in the last four years."

Kluge added that the MBPA is supportive of domestic initiatives outlined in the State of the Union address that will help stabilize the current economic climate by investing in badly needed infrastructure improvements and providing more overseas markets for small business exporters to provide goods made in America. "These kinds of actions will help small business owners more confidently make hiring and investment decisions than they have during the last few years due to uncertain economic policies," stated Kluge.

"With an impact of touching more than 150,000 businesses in Michigan, we need more consistent and concrete measures that will improve our business and employment climate," added MBPA Vice President of Government Affairs Bonnie Bochniak.  On the issue of health care reform, Bochniak noted, "Although MBPA did not support passage of the Affordable Care Act, we have been doing all that we can to help our members understand their obligations under the law and welcome the President's efforts to try to correct its massive implementation problems."

With the president recognizing the efforts of Michigan business leaders Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, and Andra Rush of Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Kluge encouraged the Obama Administration to look to Michigan as a source for innovation and entrepreneurship. "I strongly encourage the President and his administration to help steer more economic development efforts to Michigan where we have clearly demonstrated that we have the creativity, the talent, and the will to compete with any other state in the country."

The Michigan Business and Professional Association boasts a statewide sphere of influence that no other organization of its kind can claim, leveraging a depth of programs and community initiatives that positively impact more than 150,000 businesses. Learn more at www.michbusiness.org.

Michigan Business and Professional Association
27700 Hoover Rd., Warren, MI 48093-6306
(888) 277-6464 * www.michbusiness.org

SOURCE Michigan Business & Professional Association