Michigan retailers, Southwest MI chamber join growing coalition to warn of Con-Con risks

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Retailers Association and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber today announced their opposition to a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con), joining a bipartisan group of organizations across the state working together to urge a NO vote on Proposal 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Representing a cross-section of interests and areas of the state, these groups are among several prominent organizations working with Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests (PMCFSI) to encourage a NO vote on Proposal 1, which will ask Michiganders whether to support calling a Con-Con.

This growing coalition is highlighting the dangers of opening the state constitution to a rewrite that would hurt Michigan’s economy and discourage investment.

The Michigan Retailers Association represents more than 5,000 businesses operating more than 15,000 stores across Michigan, ranging from small independent shops to large national chains, with a unified voice for Michigan’s retail industry.

“Michigan’s economy is strongest when employers, investors and entrepreneurs have confidence in the rules of the game,” said William Hallan, president and CEO of the Michigan Retailers Association. “Opening the entire constitution to revision would create confusion that could discourage investment, slow job growth and undermine Michigan’s competitiveness. Retailers across our state believe the risks of a Con-Con far outweigh any potential benefits.”

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, the largest chamber in the region, focuses on sustainable growth and economic prosperity in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.

“A Con-Con is an invitation to uncertainty and division at a time when Michigan should be focused on growth and opportunity,” said Arthur Havlicek, president and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “That kind of chaos threatens the progress we are making across Southwest Michigan and sends the wrong message to employers looking at the counties we represent as places to grow and invest. A strong economic future for our state depends on stability.” 

Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests is continuing to grow its supporter network. To join the list of supporters and find ways to help, visit protectmiconstitution.com.

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