Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity to host Doug Rothwell, President and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan here in Marquette County. Doug has worked as an executive in the public, private and non-profit sectors having served three governors in two different states and been employed by two Fortune 500 companies.

We are always excited when we can welcome speakers to the area who can update our partners and community on what is going on around the state and how it connects to our area.

Business Leaders for Michigan is a business roundtable, composed of the chairpersons, CEOs or most senior executives of the state’s largest job providers and universities. Their members power one-quarter of the Michigan’s economy and educate nearly one-half of the state’s university students, which makes them a powerful driver for economic development and change.

The U.P. is represented by Brian Larche, Chairman, President and CEO of Engineered Machined Products, Inc. BLM’s work is concentrated on developing strategy, raising awareness, advocating policy and championing initiatives that grow the economy. Their organizational activities are geared toward achieving the goals outlined in that plan.

The work of BLM is guided by the Michigan Turnaround Plan, a holistic, fact-based strategy developed to make Michigan a “top ten” state for jobs, personal income and a healthy economy.

The plan was first released in 2009 and is updated periodically based on benchmarking Michigan’s competitiveness and identifying Michigan’s strongest economic assets, global best practices and trends.

Each year, BLM develops a work plan outlining the steps that will be taken to advance the Michigan Turnaround Plan. Since the first plan was released, over one-third of the recommendations have been implemented. The 2014 Michigan Turnaround Plan reflects what has been accomplished and what is still left to do.

Below are some statistics that Doug covered in his presentation:

Business tax climate – ninth (biggest improvement of any state)

All taxes – 14th (31st highest property taxes)

Total cost of doing business – 40th (3 percent more than the average state)

Exports – eighth (growing faster than most peers)

Research and development – eighth (Greater than all peers except NC and MA)

Venture capital – 19th (growing faster than most peers)

Technical education -25th (7 percent increase last year)

Education attainment -30th (50th attracting educated talent)

College/career ready -37th (50 percent below top ten)

Infrastructure – 45th (nine top ten states have better urban roads)

Some accomplishments that will help Michigan become a top ten state include:

Improved Michigan’s corporate tax climate by replacing the MBT with a flat corporate income tax

Improved Michigan’s regulatory climate by: rescinding over 1,000 obsolete and redundant rules; and requiring a cost benefit analysis for all proposed rules

Passed legislation to allow for the gradual phase-out of the Personal Property Tax

Expanded technical worker training

Reformed Unemployment Insurance system

Increased funding for higher education based on performance

Increased access to early childhood education for underserved students

Increased funding for transportation

Reached agreement to build new international bridge

During his presentation, Doug noted a few things that our community can do to help. He stressed hiring high school and college students as interns. Doing this is relatively inexpensive and an easy way to help build a solid workforce. Doug also encouraged the group to call their legislators to discuss issues that affect them such as improving our roads.

EIDTOR’S?NOTE: Amy Clickner is CEO?of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. Her twice-monthly column will address topics of interest to the local business community.