to Restart Michigan’s Economy Beginning May 1
In a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and state lawmakers, The Lansing Regional Chamber
of Commerce (LRCC) has asked for a phased-in plan to restart the Michigan economy, beginning
May 1. LRCC’s letter to state officials came as a result of a survey of Chamber members, which
showed that the business community expects to continue to experience severe challenges after
restarting their businesses. The survey also showed broad support for a phased-in approach to
restarting the economy after the Governor’s current “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order
ends on April 30.
“We commend the Governor for her decisive leadership during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Tim
Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “The health and safety of Michigan citizens is of the highest
priority during this crisis. At the same time, businesses are suffering and we must begin to take
steps toward restarting our economy in a safe and sensible manner.”
One-third of LRCC members participating in the survey indicated they expect to continue to
experience cash flow/liquidity issues after restarting their business. More than half the
respondents said they expect challenges to retaining customers. 84% said they support a
phased-in approach to restarting the economy. Below are survey results:
1) How has COVID-19 impacted your business?
Deemed essential – 35%
Significant cash flow – 32%
Laid off some employees – 29%
Suspended operations – 27%
Supply chain disruptions – 21%
2) What is the biggest challenge on returning to business as usual?
Retaining customers – 52%
Liquidity/cash flow issues – 50%
Implement new health protocols – 47%
Bringing back employees – 21%
Availability of vendors or supply chain – 21%
Ramping up production to meet new demands – 18%
3) If the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” EO is extended beyond April 30, do you think it should apply to the whole state or should it be based on hot spots/high-risk geographic regions?
It should be geographically based/limited to high risk regions – 51%
It should apply to the whole state – 30%
Not sure – 14%
4) Do you support a phased-in approach to restarting economic activities?
Yes – 84%
Not sure – 8%
No – 3%
“We want to ensure that all our citizens are safe and healthy and we need to ensure the health of
our job providers in this state,” said Daman. “We also need to strategically consider how we can
recover from COVID-19 and protect our quality of life after the crisis has passed.”
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About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow and thrive. For more than 115 years, the Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. More information about LRCC, its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org, Facebook (@LansingChamber), Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@LansingChamber), and LinkedIn.
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