economy

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. On 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 Cybersecurity expert, Detective Kevin Parvize to explore how emerging cyber security issues are increasingly posing a threat to the local business community.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bills Tuesday that make up the new state budget. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June was 5%, according to the state’s monthly jobs report. We have more from Rick Pluta.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair boosts the local economy in the short term and sparks long-term interest in the city. This paves the way for further growth. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

The growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way people do business. On this month’s "Washtenaw Business Lens," WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor chats with Atomic Object Managing Partner, Jonah Bailey and Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, Andy LaBarre about how responsible adoption of AI can help companies remain innovative and achieve long-term growth.

A food organization in Ypsilanti is fostering future food entrepreneurs by expanding its kitchen operations. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Michigan’s jobless rate edged up in May to 5.1%. We have more from Rick Pluta.

Washtenaw County’s Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) has released its annual report for 2025-26. WEMU’s Ana Longoria details.

Ann Arbor businesses are feeling the impact of people suffering homelessness and mental health challenges. For this month's "Washtenaw Business Lens," WEMU's Caroline MacGregor and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President and Director of Government Relations, Andy LaBarre discussed these economic impacts with the Executive Director of Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, Trish Cortes.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s annual report shows that Ann Arbor’s future could be driven by businesses utilizing artificial intelligence technologies. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.