Grand Rapids Chamber joins growing call for smart trade policies
April 28, 2026
West Michigan’s leading business advocacy group becomes part of growing coalition supporting policies that create jobs and lower costs
LANSING, Michigan — Support continues to grow for the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) as West Michigan’s largest business organization joins other high-caliber advocacy groups in calling for consistent trade policies that job creators can plan for.
The Grand Rapids Chamber, which has advocated for businesses since 1887 and represents thousands of members ranging from startups to global corporations, joins nearly a dozen organizations calling on Congress to enact smart, predictable trade policies that foster business growth and keep costs down for families and small businesses.
The Chamber joins MISTA as current trade and tariff policies are slowing growth and raising prices in west Michigan and across the state.
“West Michigan businesses need predictability. From manufacturing to agriculture to small business, our economy is feeling the impacts of trade uncertainty. A recent GVSU survey found 40% of purchasing managers reported prices rising out of control,” said Rick Baker, President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber. “Stability in trade policy is what allows businesses to invest, hire, and grow, and the Grand Rapids Chamber is proud to be part of the Alliance.”
The Grand Rapids Chamber joins a growing list of MISTA coalition supporters, including:
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Midwest Independent Retailers Association
Michigan Osteopathic Association
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
“The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is an important addition to our growing coalition of business voices calling for Congress to enact smart and consistent trade policies,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “We continue to hear from leaders across Michigan that our state needs stable and consistent trade policies for businesses to flourish.”
“West Michigan is one of our state’s key economic drivers. But even in a region built on economic strength, job creators and their customers are feeling the effects of uncertain trade and tariff policies, on affordability and more,” said John Sellek, a spokesman for MISTA. “That is why we are glad to have the Grand Rapids Chamber join our coalition of Michigan’s leading business advocates.”
