A2Y Chamber

The business community in Washtenaw County is central to the health of the local economy. WEMU has teamed with the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber to take a closer look at local businesses and the people that make them run. On the 2nd Friday of every month, we’ll bring you "Washtenaw Business Lens" and explore the perspectives on how local, state and national news impacts our business community, and ultimately you. The chamber’s Andy LaBarre will be here each month and bring with him a special guest. In this inaugural edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," Andy and WEMU's David Fair look at federal immigration policy and its impact on the business community. Their guest is Phillis Engelbert. She owns three vegan establishments in Ann Arbor, those being: Detroit Street Filling Station, The Lunch Room Bakery & Café, and North Star Lounge.

The possible Medicaid changes coming from the federal government could have serious effects to hospitals, the public and employers in Washtenaw County. That’s the message out of an Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber discussion held Monday morning. WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair kicks off today and is expected to provide an $80 million dollar boost to the local economy. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Rx Kids is getting closer to coming to Ypsilanti. Director Dr. Mona Hanna was the featured speaker Monday at the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Starting your own business can be both an exciting and frightening experience. On Wednesday, as part of Black History Month, three area minority businesses owners spoke to the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber about their experiences. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ann Arbor’s office and flex space occupancy rates dropped slightly in 2024. That’s according to the annual report by Swisher Commercial. However, it may be a long time before they reach pre-pandemic levels. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

State House Speaker Joe Tate told the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce on Monday he will need their help in getting more businesses and people to call Michigan home. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says she understands why some people are unhappy with President Biden’s positioning regarding the war in Gaza. She also understands why they would vote “Uncommitted” in Tuesday’s presidential primary. But, as WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports, the Ann Arbor Democrat says it’s a long way until November.

In an effort to improve efficiency, one of the most common transactions that Michiganders perform at the Secretary of State’s office could be moved online. WEMU’s Josh Hakala reports.

There are ongoing efforts to increase workforce diversity. In order to be successful, there also has to be more diversity in corporate and business leadership. That’s one of the objectives of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber’s A2Y Leadership Program. That program is now 41 years old. Is it making a difference? WEMU's David Fair answers that question with the chamber’s Vice President of Foundation and Leadership, Barbara Davenport, and Meg Scaling, a local business owner who recently graduated from the program.