MISTA launches “Bridge to the Future” paid advocacy campaign urging Congress to prioritize smart trade policies

The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance is calling for predictable trade policy that grows Michigan jobs, lowers costs for families and protects our relationship with Canada Michigan Smart Trade Alliance campaign highlights economic impact of tariffs, calls for predictable trade policies that lower costs and support Michigan jobs 

LANSING, Michigan — The Michigan Smart Trade Alliance (MISTA) has launched a paid advocacy campaign, “Bridge to the Future,” which calls on Congress to adopt predictable, transparent trade policies that strengthen Michigan’s economy, protect supply chains and lower costs for families. 

The campaign started this week in conjunction with Michigan’s State of the State address, underscoring the urgent need for federal leaders to focus on trade policies that support Michigan workers, businesses and consumers. Tariff policies have placed increasing pressure on the agriculture and manufacturing sectors and contributed to rising costs for everyday goods. 

“Our message is straightforward," said John Sellek, a spokesman for MISTA. “Michigan depends on smart, consistent trade policy. We are encouraging Michiganders to speak up and urge Congress to pursue trade policies that promote growth, investment and stability.” 

The campaign includes billboards and digital advertising across Michigan, emphasizing the state’s unique economic relationship with Canada — its largest trading partner — and highlighting the billions of dollars in goods and materials that move across the border each year. 

“Trade is not abstract in Michigan, it’s personal,” said Mark Fisk, a spokesman for MISTA. “From agriculture to advanced manufacturing to tourism, tariffs create uncertainty and disrupt the economic flow that keeps communities strong. Smart trade policy strengthens national security, protects supply chains, and keeps Michigan competitive.” 

MISTA’s coalition of supporters is growing. The group recently announced that organizations representing retailers, health care providers, manufacturers and other businesses have joined its coalition, including: 

• Michigan Retailers Association, 
• Midwest Independent Retailers Association, 
• Michigan Osteopathic Association, 
• Midland Business Alliance, 
• Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and 
• Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance 

The video spot is on YouTube and transcript of the spot is available here: 

For Michigan, 

These aren’t just bridges between Canada and Michigan. 

They’re bridges to a better future. 

a stronger economy 

stronger communities. 

Stronger tourism 

And stronger industry. 

Billions of dollars in goods and raw materials cross these bridges. 

That flow keeps Michigan’s economy alive. 

Tariffs are putting roadblocks in the way of Michigan industry and tourism, 

and snarling our economy. 

Join the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance 

And tell DC legislators and leaders, 

to keep Michigan moving.