Chamber Remembers J. Michael Bernard, Longtime Board Member
It is with great sorrow that the Chamber shares that longtime friend and Board of Directors member, J. Michael Bernard, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah shared the following sentiment:
“Any loss of a friend, mentor, and colleague is difficult to process. In the case of Mike’s tragic passing, it is beyond comprehension. Vibrant. Caring. Athletic. Steadfastly devoted to family and faith. Energetically committed to our civic community – a champion of organizations including Loyola High School, Notre Dame of Detroit, International Samaritan, and, of course, the Detroit Regional Chamber.
This is a loss that will be felt far and wide for a very long time. Mike led by example in every aspect of his life. If role models walk among us, Mike was the best of them. His loss, far too soon. His impact, far too great. Simply put, Mike Bernard was among the finest human beings any one of us had the pleasure to call a friend.
Our family, the Chamber family, stands with the Bernard family and friends in mourning and sorrow in this moment of grievous loss of a titan and friend.”
Chamber Unveils 2026 Policy Priorities to Drive Michigan’s Competitiveness
The Detroit Regional Chamber released its 2026 Policy Priorities, outlining a strategy to foster long-term economic prosperity through consistent, strategic policy. The priorities fall within six pillars: Business Climate, Economic Development, Talent, Mobility, Regional Growth, and Good Government.
Key objectives include implementing a “permit shot clock” for faster permitting approvals, establishing a “K – 12 + 2” approach to education, and securing funding for regional transit to reverse the per capita income decline and attract high-growth industries.
Proven Economic, Workforce Development Programs at Risk in FY27 State Budget
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her FY27 state budget recommendation, setting the stage for critical decisions about Michigan’s economic future. Here’s what businesses need to know:
- The proposal eliminates a very successful talent development tool, the Going PRO Talent Fund. Talent is a key pillar in the Chamber’s 2026 policy priorities and elimination of Going PRO would jeopardize a key program that equips employers with the ability to upskill their current workforce.
- It introduces new tax burdens on service industries and fails to fully restore key talent programs, creating a complex environment for employers navigating economic headwinds.
As the budget process moves to the Legislature, the Chamber will advocate for a final budget that minimizes tax burdens on job providers while maximizing the effectiveness of workforce and economic development investments.
Tune in Live: Sandy K. Baruah to Guest Host ‘Focus With Paul W. Smith’ on WJR 760 AM, Feb. 25 |
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Feb. 25, from noon to 2 p.m. Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah will fill in as the guest host of WJR 760 AM’s “Focus With Paul W. Smith” show, which will broadcast live from Lansing prior to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. Baruah will speak with top leaders in Michigan, like Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and House Speaker Matt Hall. |
Pathways in Practice: Empowering Students to Explore Health Care Careers |
In its first year, the Chamber’s Pathways in Practice initiative brought hands-on health care career exposure directly into classrooms, strengthening the Detroit Region’s talent pipeline and connecting students to real, attainable career pathways. Looking ahead, the Chamber’s TalentEd team will focus on scaling this work by expanding employer engagement, deepening work-based learning, and creating clearer pathways to internships, job placements, and postsecondary opportunities for students. Health care employers interested in developing the next generation of local talent are encouraged to reach out to the Chamber’s Health Programs Engagement Specialist Gillian Ryan at gryan@detroitchamber.com. |
Voice of Business: Chamber, MichAuto Stress Importance of Strong US-Canada Economic Relationship and the New International Bridge |
From left to right: Alicia Smith, Glenn Stevens Jr. |
In response to President Donald Trump’s threat to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Chamber and its MichAuto program became the leading voice on the issue. Following a rapid-response statement issued by Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah, MichAuto’s Glenn Stevens Jr. emphasized in numerous media appearances how the U.S.-Canada trade relationship has strengthened both economies for over a century, with billions of dollars in vehicles and parts crossing the border each year. |
| Don’t miss the Chamber’s annual International Women’s Day event on Thursday, March 5. Explore various facets of personal well-being through interactive hubs and hear from a panel of inspiring women leaders. Early bird pricing ends this Friday, Feb. 20. |
Hear a targeted analysis of the Detroit Region’s key economic metrics and where it ranks amongst its peers in areas such as the labor market, population, and economic growth during a presentation of the 12th annual State of the Region report on Wednesday, March 25. |
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