Stay informed on the latest legislative and policy developments that impact our members and the communities we serve. Here you’ll find updates, analysis, and calls to action on key issues we’re tracking at the local, state, and national levels—helping you stay connected and engaged in shaping meaningful change.
April 30, 2026 - Tariff Impact Survey
The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and the Blue Water Area Chamber are gathering insight on how current U.S. tariffs and trade policies are affecting local employers. We are seeking your participation in a brief survey on the Impact of Tariffs on St. Clair County Businesses.
Your confidential input will help local leaders advocate for businesses, understand supply‑chain and cost pressures, inform policymakers, and shape future support programs.
Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods, which can raise costs for businesses that rely on those products or materials. For a straightforward overview of how tariffs can affect small businesses, you can visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at: https://www.uschamber.com/tariffs
The Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and the Blue Water Area Chamber are gathering insight on how current U.S. tariffs and trade policies are affecting local employers. We are seeking your participation in a brief survey on the Impact of Tariffs on St. Clair County Businesses.
Your confidential input will help local leaders advocate for businesses, understand supply‑chain and cost pressures, inform policymakers, and shape future support programs.
Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods, which can raise costs for businesses that rely on those products or materials. For a straightforward overview of how tariffs can affect small businesses, you can visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at: https://www.uschamber.com/tariffs
April 8, 2026 Michigan–Ontario leaders convene on trade, competitiveness, from our partners at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce:
The Michigan Chamber, in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber and MichAuto, convened business leaders from across the state to join the Hon. Caroline Mulroney, president of Ontario’s Treasury Board (a position that drives economic policy and the budget process for the Canadian province) for a roundtable on cross-border trade and economic competitiveness. Leaders from the state’s automotive, manufacturing and agriculture sectors joined the discussion, followed by a reception with Michigan lawmakers to engage directly with the Minister and Ontario delegation, and your chamber was there.
Why it matters: Michigan and Ontario share one of the most integrated economic relationships in the world – and it’s under increasing pressure.
By the numbers: Ontario is Michigan’s largest trading partner – with the relationship viewed by economists as a regional, bilateral supply chain for several of the Great Lakes State’s biggest industry sectors.
What we heard:
Small business alert: As trade and tariff dynamics evolve, new resources from the U.S. Chamber can help employers navigate impacts and track business sentiment.
What the MI Chamber is saying: The MI Chamber will continue to call on policymakers on both sides of the border to focus on renewed trade partnership and collaboration. The Strategic International Partnership Agreement between Ontario and Michigan and the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement are important opportunities to do so.
Where you come in: We’ll continue working with members and partners to elevate employer perspectives and identify opportunities to grow and strengthen our economic ties with Ontario and across Canada. Have insights or impacts to share? We really need to hear from you – contact us today!
Thank you to 2026 MI Chamber Board of Directors Chair Deb Muchmore for moderating this important discussion and the Michigan employers and association partners who helped shape it. The Blue Water Chamber was honored to have been a part of the discussion.
The Michigan Chamber, in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber and MichAuto, convened business leaders from across the state to join the Hon. Caroline Mulroney, president of Ontario’s Treasury Board (a position that drives economic policy and the budget process for the Canadian province) for a roundtable on cross-border trade and economic competitiveness. Leaders from the state’s automotive, manufacturing and agriculture sectors joined the discussion, followed by a reception with Michigan lawmakers to engage directly with the Minister and Ontario delegation, and your chamber was there.
Why it matters: Michigan and Ontario share one of the most integrated economic relationships in the world – and it’s under increasing pressure.
- Trade tensions at the national level and pending United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiations are creating uncertainty
- Supply chains remain deeply interconnected across the border
- Stability and alignment are critical to regional competitiveness
By the numbers: Ontario is Michigan’s largest trading partner – with the relationship viewed by economists as a regional, bilateral supply chain for several of the Great Lakes State’s biggest industry sectors.
- $80 billion+ in annual Michigan–Ontario trade, one of the busiest across the entire North American continent
- 22% of North American auto production is tied to the region
- Parts often cross the border multiple times during production
What we heard:
- Employers need clarity and consistency in cross-border trade policy
- The Michigan-Ontario corridor remains a competitive advantage – if aligned
- Continued collaboration between business and policymakers is essential
Small business alert: As trade and tariff dynamics evolve, new resources from the U.S. Chamber can help employers navigate impacts and track business sentiment.
- Tariff refund guidance following the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision
- Q1 Small Business Index insights on where smaller employers are confident and where there are challenges
What the MI Chamber is saying: The MI Chamber will continue to call on policymakers on both sides of the border to focus on renewed trade partnership and collaboration. The Strategic International Partnership Agreement between Ontario and Michigan and the upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement are important opportunities to do so.
- Learn more about the USMCA and Michigan here.
Where you come in: We’ll continue working with members and partners to elevate employer perspectives and identify opportunities to grow and strengthen our economic ties with Ontario and across Canada. Have insights or impacts to share? We really need to hear from you – contact us today!
Thank you to 2026 MI Chamber Board of Directors Chair Deb Muchmore for moderating this important discussion and the Michigan employers and association partners who helped shape it. The Blue Water Chamber was honored to have been a part of the discussion.
