Member Survey Results: Strong Business Climate; Worry Over Inflation, Talent, and State Regulations
The Chamber’s Public Policy Committee is preparing our 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities to advance our mission of a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all.
The Committee asked for input through a member survey to capture the needs of the greater Grand Rapids business community, and over 700 of your fellow members responded. This input will be reflected in the priorities that go to the Board in December.
Key Takeaways
Business Climate:
87.5% say the business climate in West Michigan is favorable or very favorable
- 37.8% think it is improving
- 49.7% think it is staying the same
- Just 9.5% think it is getting worse
Top Pain Points for Business in West Michigan:
- Inflation costs – 18.3%
- Availability of talent – 15.5%
- Talent retention – 10.6%
- State government regulations – 9.9%
- Revenue – 9.3%
Most Important Policy Area for the Chamber in 2025:
- A smart regulatory environment/reducing barriers to business creation and growth – 25.7%
- A talented and diverse workforce – 18.6%
- Regional housing supply – 12.1%
- Affording employee benefits/healthcare – 9.1%
- Quality infrastructure and transformational projects – 7.3%
What members say their priorities are:
“Continued development of a pro-business environment which compels business to locate in West Michigan, which in turn creates employment opportunities for residents and provides additional funds for support of community services.”
“I am concerned about our smaller businesses having to deal with all the new regulations concerning sick time.”
“Smart local government policies to enhance business competitiveness when operating across the region.”
“Creating opportunity for refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs and leaders to build their dreams as well as leveraging relationships with local business leaders to create connections to the New American workforce.”
“Affordable housing for employees to recruit and retain talent.”
“As a member of the Chamber, the most important policy issue for the business community to focus on in the coming year is workforce development and retention.
View the summary results here.
