LANSING, Mich., April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber released preliminary results from a survey sent to chamber members across the state on Wednesday, April 8. 

Michigan Chamber represents approximately 5,000 job providers, that employ over a million residents throughout all 83 counties.  The Michigan Chamber's survey was intended to provide timely and helpful information from job providers to the Legislature and the Administration on the impact of the current public health emergency on our state's economic health. 

"Chamber members have consistently stated that they support safety first, but also believe that our workforce cannot be sidelined indefinitely without causing long-term damage to our economy," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Executive Vice President. 

Here is the response to three questions we asked:

Q: What do you need to restart or bring employees back?  
     70.5% said For the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order to be lifted.

Q: Do you support a phased-in approach to restarting economic activities?  For example, should low-risk industries be able to restart quicker than should high-risk industries? 
     69% said Yes
     9% said No

Q: If the "Stay Home" Order must be extended beyond April 30, do you think it should apply to the whole state or should it be based on hot spots/high-risk geographic regions? 
     57% said It should be geographically based/limited to high risk regions of the state
     21% said It should apply to the whole state

"State government must protect both public health and jobs.  If the statewide Stay At Home order is to be extended, we strongly urge Governor Whitmer to allow all employers that can operate safely, to reopen.  State government must act now for our citizens and businesses," stated Studley. 

The Michigan chamber is a statewide business organization that represents approximately 5,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. It was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.  www.michamber.com

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce