Michigan Business and Professional Association Buoyed by State of the Union Economic Focus

Feb. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) and its sister association, The Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), said today it is encouraged that President Barack Obama’s 2013 State of the Union address continues the focus on critical economic issues like job creation, infrastructure investment and avoiding the sequester.

“We share the president’s concern that our economy is still in recovery and needs continued strengthening,” said MBPA President and CEO Jennifer Kluge. “The proposals he outlined in the address like investing in infrastructure improvements, developing clean energy and creating meaningful job training could be very helpful for continued job growth in Michigan.”

Kluge, who oversees the two organizations with a combined membership of over 20,000 small businesses in Michigan, also notes the president’s desire for gun control and welcomes the decision to be left up to each individual business owner as to whether or not to allow guns on their premises.

MBPA Vice President of Government Affairs Bonnie Bochniak added, “We are encouraged by the improved spirit of cooperation in Washington and support the renewed emphasis on protecting the economy while moving toward fiscal responsibility.” Bochniak also noted, “Although our organizations did not support the Affordable Care Act, we welcome measures that will lower health care costs for employers and all Americans. Governor Snyder’s recent support of Medicaid expansion and formation of Michigan’s state-federal partnership health care exchange are paving the way for realization of the benefits that President Obama underscored in his speech.”

“Above all, we want to encourage the President and our representatives in Congress to do whatever they can to steer more entrepreneurial and technology-related businesses to Michigan, where we prove daily that we have the creativity, talent, and drive to help our state thrive,” Kluge concluded.

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 160,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retail, 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 group insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA).

CONTACTS:   Bonnie Bochniak        
                          517-203-9851 Cell

Jennifer Kluge
      586-393-8800 Office
      586-202-1441 Cell

      Sue Voyles
      734-667-2005 Office
      734-635-3831 Cell