TheAnn Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber has a special day set up for Impact 2012. As the election looms, voters will have a ballot full of choices about the direction of our community, our state and our country. At the state level we have decisions to make about if and how we amend our constitution. This year’s Impact will focus on the two most critical initiatives that will affect the business community: The “25 by 25” and “Protect Working Families” ballot initiatives. Tim Skubick will moderate our day and Phil Power will deliver our keynote address.

The “25 by 25” initiative would require that 25 percent of Michigan’s energy come from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass by 2025. Doug Jester, Principal of 5 Lakes Energy, will be speaking in support of the measure on behalf of Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs.  Speaking in opposition will be Ken Sikkema, former Michigan Senate Majority Leader and Policy Fellow at Public Sector Consultants, on behalf of the Clean Affordable Renewable Energy Coalition for Michigan.

The “Protect our Jobs” initiative seeks to enshrine collective bargaining into the Michigan Constitution. Ken Brock, Campaign Manager for Protect Working Families, will be speaking in support of the proposition, and Stu Sandler, CEO of Decider Strategies, will be speaking in opposition on behalf of Citizens Protecting Michigan's Constitution.

The audience will have a chance to react to the panels using The Center for Michigan’s innovative technology. Just as important as debating the initiatives on this year’s ballot, we must also examine the state ballot process and what it means for Michigan’s future. Phil Power, the founder and chairman of The Center for Michigan, will provide our keynote address. Phil will share his thoughts on how we got to this point and most importantly, where we should go now.  

We are very fortunate that Tim Skubick will be reprising his role as our moderator. With Tim’s guidance, our panels will be both informative and exciting. A candidate mixer will immediately follow the program, allowing the audience a chance to meet local policy makers and candidates in a relaxed setting.
As the Ann Arbor / Ypsilanti Regional Chamber’s annual public policy forum, Impact brings our community together to further our knowledge on the critical public policy issues of our day and to provide an excellent networking experience. The afternoon promises to be a “can’t miss” affair.