A2Y Chamber

Each month, we partner with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to look at how the news of the day impacts the local business community. For this month's "Washtenaw Business Lens," WEMU's Caroline MacGregor was joined by Andy LaBarre, Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations for the Chamber, and Destination Ann Arbor Director of Community Engagement Jennifer Chizek to talk about the upcoming tourism season and what Destination Ann Arbor predicts for this summer and fall.

Interest rates, loans and investment strategies—it all plays into the health of individual businesses and the Washtenaw County business community as a whole. How are we doing right now? WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre check in with Erik Bakker from Bank of Ann Arbor for a better perspective on well-being of our local business community, now and in the near-term future.

Ann Arbor Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says the near tragedy at a West Bloomfield synagogue is the latest example of the need to tone down the violent rhetoric in the country. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently gave her final State of the State address. Politics and policy most certainly have an impact on the health and well-being of the business community. Rich Chang is the Chief of Staff of Blumira, a Washtenaw County-based cyber security firm. He joined WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre to talk about how the business community is faring through political uncertainty.

Of almost 10,000 local governments in the U.S. that have hired a city manager, fewer than 4% are African American. Some current officials are working to change that by mentoring young municipal professionals. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

There is a long tradition of teenagers and young adults getting summer jobs to save up some money while school is out of session. It has seemingly become more difficult to land one of these jobs. That’s where SummerWorks comes in. Through partnership and collaboration, the SummerWorks summer youth employment program works with area employers to find paid internships and mentorship to area young people. It can go beyond a few summer dollars and be a pathway to self-discovery, an educational path and/or a career. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre talked with program manager Kathleen Clancey about the program and how your kids and grandkids can get involved.

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says any problems regarding the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Windsor and Detroit can be worked out quickly. The independent candidate spoke Wednesday in front of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Business growth and how to achieve it was the main topic Tuesday as Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson addressed the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

As we begin to settle into the new year, the economy in America, and right here in Washtenaw County, is facing some uncertainties. On this month's edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," we explore the issues and potential local impacts. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Andy LaBarre from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber and Eastern Michigan University Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Amanda Stype for a look at the business year ahead.

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.