At least 19 trade associations and chambers of commerce will hold a news conference Wednesday, March 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee Room located on the third floor of the State Capitol Building to urge legislative leaders and Governor Granholm to balance the state budget by reducing spending.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000320/DEM039 )

The group of trade associations and chambers of commerce will be actively involved in the upcoming debate over how to balance the state budget and are in agreement on the following three points:

* The business community is willing to consider its fair share of budget cuts.

* State government's budget must be brought back into line by reducing spending.

* No new or increased taxes on individuals or business.

At press time, the following business organizations have agreed to participate in the news conference:

  Affiliated Building Services Contractors in Michigan
  Brewers Association of America
  Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
  Michigan Bankers Association
  Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association
  Michigan Brewers Guild
  Michigan Business & Professional Association
  Michigan Chamber of Commerce
  Michigan Distributors & Vendors Association
  Michigan Food & Beverage Association
  Michigan Grocers Association
  Michigan Licensed Beverage Association
  Michigan Restaurant Association
  Michigan Retailers Association
  Michigan Retail Hardware Association
  Midwest Carwash Association
  National Federation of Independent Business - MI
  Outdoor Advertising Association of MI
  The Beer Institute

  CONTACT:  Betty McNerney of Michigan Chamber of Commerce, +1-517-371-2100.

PRNewswire -- March 3

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000320/DEM039
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840

SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Web site: http://www.michamber.com/