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ST. JOSEPH — As elected leaders begin to formulate a plan to reopen the economy, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber announced it has assembled an experienced advocacy team to ensure area businesses have a seat at the table.

Last week, the Michigan State Legislature formed House and Senate workgroups meant to gather information and create recommendations for best practices in the workplace in preparation for the state’s transition back to work. Monday, Governor Whitmer laid out her criteria for reopening the economy. Tuesday, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber revealed its plan to provide input to these workgroups and the economic recovery initiatives that follow.

“Local advocacy efforts are more important than ever in ensuring Southwest Michigan families can get back to work as quickly, and safely, as possible,” said Chamber President Arthur Havlicek. “To that end, we have put together a strong Government Affairs Committee comprised of area leaders ready to advocate on your behalf.”

Leading this enhanced Chamber Government Affairs team will be political veteran Al Pscholka. Pscholka served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, including one as chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Following his third term, Pscholka served in a cabinet position as state budget director under Gov. Rick Snyder after which he joined Kinexus Group as their vice president of public relations and government affairs.

“Al played a key legislative role in Michigan’s comeback,” Havlicek said. “His experience and expertise in all three levels of government make him the right choice to lead our advocacy efforts in these unprecedented times.”

“The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has stepped up to a take a leadership role in making sure the voice of area business is heard loud and clear,” Pscholka said. “Our job creators go to work each and every day to build, create, and innovate. They are the backbone of our towns and communities, and I am honored to help represent their interests at this critical time.”

Serving as vice-chair of the committee will be Whirlpool’s senior director of global communications, Eleanor Reece. Reece joined the Whirlpool Corporation in 2019 where she is responsible for leading the company’s global communications function and corporate communications strategy. Prior to joining Whirlpool, Reece served as director of international government relations at General Motors, supporting the company’s integrated approach to global policy and government affairs.

“Eleanor brings with her a wealth of government affairs experience as well as an important perspective from one of our area’s key employers,” Havlicek said. “We are fortunate to have someone of her caliber working to influence positive change for businesses in our region.”

“It’s an honor to support the efforts of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, especially during this challenging time,” Reece said. “Serving the needs of our communities is a commitment that both the Chamber and Whirlpool share, and I look forward to contributing to this forum to help our community move forward.”

The full Chamber Government Affairs team is as follows:

• Arthur Havlicek – President and CEO, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber;
• Al Pscholka — Vice President of Public Relations & Government Affairs, Kinexus Group;
• Eleanor Reece — Senior Director of Global Communications, Whirlpool Corporation;
• Millicent Huminsky — Executive Director, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council;
• Alan Jeffries — CEO, Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors;
• Chris Mason — Co-Founder, Watermark Brewing Company; and
• Matt Derby — Attorney specializing in Business and Employment law, Kotz Sangster P.C.

“I’m confident our new government affairs team has the vision, policy depth, and the political clout to advocate and advance the business interests of Southwest Michigan,” Havlicek said.

To make informed suggestions and advocacy decisions, the Chamber has also released a five-minute COVID-19 Impact Survey that businesses in the region are encouraged to fill out. Answers can be submitted anonymously, and the survey is open to members and non-members alike. Specifically, the chamber is seeking recommendations on the following:

• Potential legislation that would help businesses, communities and individuals recover from the aftermath of coronavirus restrictions;
• New regulations and workplace practices that could be implemented to permit ramping up of production at facilities that are not currently considered as engaged in critical infrastructure work or minimum basic operations;
• Regulatory restrictions that could be lifted to safely speed up the transition back to work;
• Regulatory measures that should be added to ensure safety in the workplace;
• Industry-specific best practices for safe operation that could be submitted as suggested guidelines for re-opening.

The survey can be found on the Chamber’s website, www.smrchamber.com, or via the following link: tinyurl.com/smrcimpactsurvey.

“We want to hear from the employers, employees, and citizens of Southwest Michigan,” Havlicek said. “Tell us what policy or regulatory changes you believe would get your business and Michigan’s economy back on track. We stand ready to advocate on your behalf.”