LANSING, Mich., Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced that Brad Hantler has joined the statewide business organization as Grassroots Action Coordinator & Small Business Advocate.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130131/DE52279 )

"We are pleased to have Brad join the Michigan Chamber's Business Advocacy Team," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "With a strong background in policy and politics on both the state and national level, Brad will be a great resource for Chamber members."

In addition to lobbying on small business-related issues, Hantler will work directly with Chamber members to develop and implement a comprehensive grassroots action plan to ensure that the collective voice of job providers is heard more clearly in Lansing.   

Hantler found his passion for Michigan politics in 2007 working in Attorney General Mike Cox's office. Inspired by Attorney General Cox, Hantler joined his gubernatorial campaign in 2010, performing a variety of tasks – from voter contact to event coordination.  In the summer of 2010, Hantler joined the staff of the Republican Governors Association in Washington D.C., carrying out candidate research on 18 of the 37 gubernatorial races.

As a former candidate for State Representative, Hantler is well versed in both policy and politics. During the 2012 election cycle, Brad utilized his extensive experience serving as a senior grassroots coordinator for Citizens Protecting Michigan's Constitution, the broad-based statewide coalition that led the successful fight to defeat five job-killing constitutional amendments.

"Brad's passion and experience makes him an excellent choice to work with Chamber members at the local level to give job providers across the state a stronger voice in policy debates," said Jim Holcomb, Michigan Chamber Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy & General Counsel.

Hantler holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Oberlin College.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,400 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only six state chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber and one of only four state chambers accredited with distinction.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce