Business

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.

Michigan business groups are joining together to support changes to how the state handles slip-and-fall lawsuits. Colin Jackson has more.

New Republican-backed bills in the Michigan Legislature would get rid of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Colin Jackson has more.

The debate over marijuana is back this fall in Lima Township. Voters are being asked to allow commercial cannabis establishments within its borders. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

A bill to make it faster and easier for defendants to fend off lawsuits from business or government interests designed to stifle criticism cleared the state House Wednesday. We have more from Rick Pluta.

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.

On November 4, voters will decide who they want to serve as mayor of the City of Milan. Incumbent Mayor Ed Kolar is seeking his third term. He’s up against Laura Russeau, a longtime advocate and community organizer who ran for Milan City Council two years ago. Kolar joined WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor to talk about his experience and accomplishments on the job thus far and why he should remain in office.

Michigan bills dealing with alcohol branding and distribution advanced out of committee to the full House of Representatives on Thursday. Colin Jackson has more.

Ann Arbor may be making some changes to its commercial marijuana facilities regulations. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

As long-time businesses have been closing their doors around downtown Ann Arbor due to changing economic factors, new trends are beginning to emerge. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.