Business Leaders for Michigan releases Fiscal Scorecard

Scorecard measures five indicators of fiscal health, shows promising turnaround in most areas. Pension costs need to be addressed.

DETROIT, Mich., May 17, 2012 – Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM), the state’s business roundtable, today released the annual Michigan Fiscal Scorecard, “Assessing the Management of Michigan Governments”. This review of state and local government finances measures five indicators of fiscal health – revenue and expenditures, cash balances, reserves, pension obligations and debt levels-  and is part of BLM’s strategy to determine whether Michigan’s fiscal management practices are improving. The report was prepared for BLM by Anderson Economic Group, LLC.

“The Michigan Fiscal Scorecard gives us a clear picture of the progress the state and local governments are making in managing their finances, as well as identifying those areas that still need improvement, “ said Doug Rothwell, President & CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan. “As we continue to work to turn around Michigan and make it a Top Ten state for job, economic and personal income growth, this realistic review of the state’s fiscal health allows us to gauge how Michigan compares to other states, whether benchmarks are being met, and what steps need to be taken to ensure continued fiscal strength.”

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Business Leaders For Michigan 1Q Economic Outlook Survey

More optimistic about outlook for Michigan than U.S.

DETROIT, Mich., May 10, 2012 – A survey of Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM), the state’s business roundtable, shows that the state’s largest employers are more optimistic about Michigan’s short and long-term economic outlook than for the nation. 

“Michigan’s largest job providers are bullish on the state’s economic prospects and backing it up with increased hiring and investment,” said Doug Rothwell, President & CEO.  “Business leader optimism about the state’s long-term economy is at a three year high and nearly a third of the largest job providers are planning increased hiring and investment in the next six months.”

Download the full survey

Renaissance Venture Capital raises 2nd fund, passes $100 million mark

Business Leaders for Michigan committed to growing jobs and new, innovative companies  

ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 30, 2012 – The Renaissance Venture Capital Fund (RVCF), the venture capital fund-of-funds formed by Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM), announced today that it has formed a second fund with initial capital of $60 million, growing the RCVF to over $100 million.

“Venture capital has been one of the principal drivers of economic growth around the nation,” said Chris Rizik, CEO of RVCF.  “Venture capital-backed companies, as a whole, grow 50% faster than other companies and hire employees at eight times the national average. Michigan has the research and talent base to create these fast-growing new companies and the associated high paying jobs. RVCF marries these strengths with new capital and a network of collaboration between young companies, venture capital funds and many of Michigan’s largest companies, which will lead to more innovative new companies and employment in the state.”

 Download The Full Press Release

Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon, MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis, and Business Leaders for Michigan's Doug Rothwell on the Spartan Podcast

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis, and BLM's Doug Rothwell discuss the purpose and mission of Business Leaders for Michigan, the Michigan Turnaround Plan, and their visions for the future of our state on this edition of Spartan Podcast. 

http://spartanpodcast.com/?p=2242

Bruce Katz of The Brookings Institute and Doug Rothwell of Business Leaders for Michigan talk about importance of Michigan's urban areas

Hear about the role that cities and metro areas have in shaping our state's economy, and charting a course for the New Michigan.

<http://www.wdet.org/shows/craig-fahle-show/episode/bruce-katz-dour-rothwell-business-leaders-michigan/>