A2Y Chamber

The holiday shopping season is well underway. For many small business owners and retailers, the month of December can determine whether they finish the year in the black. That’s where the notion of “Think Local First” can make a difference. How will it turn out in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this year? WEMU's David Fair and A2Y Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre find out in their talk with Ypsilanti DDA director Elize Jekabson and Ashley Schafer, the Executive Director of Main Street Ann Arbor.

Sports has an economic impact of hundreds of millions of dollars in Washtenaw County and not just University of Michigan athletics. The Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Commerce held a meeting Wednesday morning to talk about some other sporting events in the area. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The cannabis business in Washtenaw County has been rather robust since the legalization of recreational use. Now, the state is putting an additional 24% tax to help fund road repair and construction. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre spoke with Mike DiLaura about potential business impacts in Washtenaw County. Mike is the Chief Corporate Operations and General Counsel at House of Dank, which has stores in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

The business community in Washtenaw County is central to the health of the local economy. WEMU has teamed with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to take a closer look at local businesses and the people that make them run. On the 2nd Friday of every month, we’ll bring you "Washtenaw Business Lens" and explore the perspectives on how local, state and national news impacts our business community, and ultimately you. The chamber’s Andy LaBarre will be here each month and bring with him a special guest. In this inaugural edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," Andy and WEMU's David Fair look at federal immigration policy and its impact on the business community. Their guest is Phillis Engelbert. She owns three vegan establishments in Ann Arbor, those being: Detroit Street Filling Station, The Lunch Room Bakery & Café, and North Star Lounge.

The possible Medicaid changes coming from the federal government could have serious effects to hospitals, the public and employers in Washtenaw County. That’s the message out of an Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber discussion held Monday morning. WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair kicks off today and is expected to provide an $80 million dollar boost to the local economy. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Rx Kids is getting closer to coming to Ypsilanti. Director Dr. Mona Hanna was the featured speaker Monday at the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Starting your own business can be both an exciting and frightening experience. On Wednesday, as part of Black History Month, three area minority businesses owners spoke to the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber about their experiences. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ann Arbor’s office and flex space occupancy rates dropped slightly in 2024. That’s according to the annual report by Swisher Commercial. However, it may be a long time before they reach pre-pandemic levels. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

State House Speaker Joe Tate told the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce on Monday he will need their help in getting more businesses and people to call Michigan home. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.