Michigan Chamber Revenue and Competitors

Just over a half century ago, 683 business leaders gathered in a room at the Lansing Civic Center to organize what eventually would become the strongest advocate and voice for business in the state: the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. On December 9, 1959, the Chamber\'s first members laid down the foundation for the organization and began charting a different course for Michigan businesses and the state\'s economic future. It was a time when organized labor dominated the agenda in Lansing. And it was a time when laws and regulations were not favorable for business. Now—roughly five decades after that first meeting—the Michigan Chamber of Commerce has a far-reaching influence that extends well beyond Lansing. With approximately 6,800 member firms, 260 volunteer leaders, 84 board members, four policy committees, and 37 employees, the Michigan Chamber is one of the largest state chambers in the country. Adding to its clout, the Chamber also operates state and federal political action committees that help keep Michigan business interests front and center for lawmakers at all levels. The Chamber\'s state political action committee ranks 17th among the 150 largest PACs in Michigan. The Michigan Chamber also provides health insurance for employees and member firms, seminars/webinars on a variety of business-related topics, information through its Web site and publications like Michigan Forward Quarterly, and HR- and employment-related documents and services.