News & Resources

Understanding the Distinction: Pay Equity vs. Pay Fairness

In a March report released by the Pew Research Center, it was revealed that in 2022, women in the United States typically earned 82 cents for each dollar earned by men in similar roles.

Image of an overhead road sign with the words "More Clean Energy Ahead" printed on it

September 5, 2023

McCann: ‘Clean Energy Future Plan’ Will Be Coming Early

Work continues on legislation obligating utility providers to show progress toward shutting down all coal-fired plants by 2030 and achieving a 100% clean energy standard by 2035.

Image of the capitol building in Lansing, Michigan

September 5, 2023

Legislative Leaders Say They’ll Work First, Then Adjourn

Asked when legislators will be adjourning for the year, amid predictions that Democratic leadership will leave Lansing early to assure their new presidential primary date goes into effect, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) said "as …

September 1, 2023

Podcast: Preventing Michigan brain drain

The Small Business Association of Michigan’s weekly podcast presents a dynamic audio interview from a top-notch expert on entrepreneurial success. Hear great tips and advice on how to be a more effective small business owner. …

A contract with the words non compete agreement and sample language, sitting on a desk.

August 31, 2023

House Seeks to Impose New Requirements on Noncompete Agreements

A bill working its way through the Michigan House of Representatives would impose new requirements on businesses that enter into noncompete agreements with their employees. Proposed Law Imposes New Burdens […]

Photo of the Michigan State Capitol at dusk.

August 30, 2023

Whitmer Lays Out What’s Next

Article courtesy MIRS News for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter Editor’s Note: SBAM will be closely watching all issues with the potential to impact Michigan small businesses. Of particular interest is […]

Image of Michigan's capitol building in Lansing

August 30, 2023

Lawsuit Filed To Keep Income Tax Rate At 4.05%

Article courtesy MIRS News, for SBAM’s Lansing Watchdog newsletter Note: For SBAM’s insight into this income tax lawsuit, watch our Small Business Briefing from August 28, 2023. A coalition of […]

Brian Calley and Sarah Miller, hosts of The Small Business Briefing

August 28, 2023

The Small Business Briefing – August 28, 2023

Catch up on the latest legislative issues and updates impacting Michigan small businesses.

Image of three electronic devices stacked on each other and placed on a tabletop

August 27, 2023

Can I Withhold a Paycheck if Employee Fails to Return Company Property?

An employer may be entitled to withhold a final paycheck if the employee has not returned company property, but this must be explicitly stated in employment contracts or company policies and conform to applicable laws.

A person sitting at a desk that is cluttered with post-it notes about things that need to get done

August 26, 2023

Real Life HR: New HR Administrator Needs Help

You're new to HR and are feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do. Don’t panic. You’re in the same boat as many others.

A group of people engaged in conversation around a laptop on a table

August 26, 2023

Implementing Management Trends in the Workplace

As businesses strive to effectively manage their operations, a variety of management trends and approaches come into play.

Image of papers on a desk titled ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act

August 25, 2023

EEOC updates its ADA guidance to account for AI

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its guidance on how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pertains to candidates and employees with visual disabilities to highlight steps companies can take to make sure …

Image of Ron Kurnik of Superior Coffee Roasters, guest on the Small Business Weekly podcast

August 25, 2023

Podcast: Leveraging Great Lakes Assets to Make Great Coffee

Image of person experience workplace burnout

August 24, 2023

Navigating Burnout Challenges in HR

A recent Gartner survey has revealed a concerning rise in burnout cases among HR staff. A significant majority—close to 75%—of HR leaders who participated in Gartner's survey expressed that burnout among HR staff has become …

Image of a person being interviewed for a job by a panel of three additional people

August 23, 2023

Top 3 Hiring Strategies for 2023

In today's fast-paced job market, the competition for top talent is fiercer than ever before. With an excess of available positions across industries, candidates hold the power to choose employers that align with their career …

Image of automobiles moving through an assembly line

August 22, 2023

UAW Strike Could Cause $5B in Economic Losses; Peters Stands with Labor

A strike on Detroit’s Big Three automakers by 143,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members could result in a total economic loss of more than $5 billion in 10 days, according to a new analysis released …

Image of someone typing at a keyboard with overlaid graphics of a lock