Michigan Chamber of Commerce joins Smart Trade Alliance, growing coalition calling for consistent trade policies

The state’s leading business advocacy organization joins growing number of groups supporting consistent, durable trade policy 

LANSING, Michigan — The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest business advocacy group, has joined six other regional and statewide organizations that are part of the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA). 

MISTA and its members are calling for predictable, stable trade policies that create jobs and lower costs for families and businesses. 

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which has more than 5,000 business members with more than a million employees, joined MISTA in its effort to foster a discussion about smart and consistent trade policies that work for Michigan. 

“Michigan businesses must compete every day in a complex global marketplace, and their success supports families and communities across our state,” said Michael P. Alaimo, senior director of legislative and external affairs for the Michigan Chamber. “That’s why thoughtful, non-partisan discussions about trade and tariff policy – grounded in clarity, predictability and long-term growth – are so important and why we’re glad to be part of the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance.” 

The Michigan Chamber joined the MISTA coalition soon after the organization announced support from a number of prominent organizations representing retailers, manufacturers and health care professionals in Michigan, including the Michigan Retailers, the Midwest Independent Retailers Association, the Michigan Osteopathic Association, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Midland Business Alliance and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.  

“We are incredibly honored to have the Michigan Chamber of Commerce join our ranks and work with us to spread our message supporting smart and consistent trade policies that create jobs, lower costs and protect our relationship with Canada,” said John Sellek, a MISTA spokesman. “The support of these groups, which represent interests across many facets of the Michigan economy, amplifies our message that Congress should enact predictable and stable trade policies.” 

“The Michigan Chamber will be another important voice in our ongoing discussion and public awareness effort about making trade policies work for, not against, Michigan businesses, farmers and families to improve Michigan’s economy,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “Members of our growing coalition agree that smart trade policies allow farmers to plan for the future, make it easier for businesses to create jobs and invest and lower costs for families and businesses.”