Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > COVID-19 > 3 Positions the Chamber Advanced Publicly on Behalf of Business This Week

3 Positions the Chamber Advanced Publicly on Behalf of Business This Week

May 7, 2020

The Detroit Regional Chamber and our national peers are having essential conversations with government officials and entities behind the scenes to help mitigate the COVID-19 crisis and ensure the health of businesses in the Detroit region coming out of the crisis. The Chamber and its automotive cluster association, MICHauto, are dedicated to advising the state on how to best accommodate the needs of businesses and communities through this difficult time.

1. MICHauto Advocated For Supplier Ramp-Up Period In Letter To Gov. Whitmer

Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the reopening of the manufacturing sector for May 11. This was welcomed news to the Chamber and MICHauto, who have provided ongoing guidance to her Administration regarding the needs of the industry amid reopening. MICHauto released the following statement as part of Gov. Whitmer’s announcement:

“MICHauto and the Detroit Regional Chamber applaud the Governor for her continued steps to safely re-open our economy. Automotive and manufacturing is not only the backbone of our regional and state economy, it is essential to the functioning of the global supply chain. This is good news for Michigan and the nation,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto, and vice president of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives for the Chamber. Earlier in the week, MICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. sent a letter to the governor on behalf of suppliers requesting she permits a minimum period of five days for supplier operations to start prior to the start of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) production. View or download the full letter here.

2. Chamber Joins 3,500 Organizations Nationwide On Letter To Congress On Extending PPP To Nonprofits

On behalf of the undersigned chambers of commerce, civic groups, trade associations, and other nonprofits, the Chamber joined 3,500 organizations to urge U.S. Congress to extend eligibility for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to include all nonprofit organizations when Congress considers the next COVID-19 emergency assistance legislation. Learn more.

3. With 150 Organizations From 39 States, Chamber Calls on U.S. Congress to Provide More Relief to Cultural Organizations

With a group of 150 organizations that represent businesses of all sizes and industries, the Chamber signed onto a letter that shares the critical gaps in the CARES Act that fail to meet the needs of important organizations in communities across the nation. The collective group call for the following provisions to help cultural institutions like aquariums, zoos, performing arts centers, and museums are to survive this crisis. Read the full letter to Congress.