Michigan Business & Professional Association, Food & Beverage Association Honor Lawmakers, S

PRLog (Press Release) - May 22, 2012 - May 22, 2012 –Lansing, MI - The Michigan Business and Professional Association and its sister organization, the Michigan Food and Beverage Association, will spend the day interacting with Michigan lawmakers and honoring a select few who have worked hard at championing the causes of small business in the state.

The event will take place, today, May 22, from 5-7 p.m. at the Tavern on the Square in Lansing. “We have invited our members and all state representatives and state senators, their staff and also state department directors and their deputies. Our goal is to have some one-on-one time with them and to share the message from small business,” said Bonnie Bochniak, vice president of government relations for MBPA/MFBA.

The MBPA/MFBA will honor two elected officials and one state department director at this year’s event for their dedication towards public service, especially as it relates to the federal healthcare plan and formation of the Michigan Exchange for healthcare insurance. This year’s honorees are:

•   State Representative Gail Haines-R, District 43
•   State Senator Jim Marleau-R, District 12
•   State Department Director Steve Hilfinger of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

“We think the people who were key in making Michigan more affable toward small business deserve recognition,” explained Jennifer Kluge, president of the Associations. “Making Michigan a destination state for businesses took courage and conviction on the part of both the legislative and executive branches. Our Associations are pleased that we were able to make our collective voices heard as well.”

Based in Warren, Mich., the MBPA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 180,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like.   Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA) with more than 3,400 members.