The Michigan Chamber of Commerce announced today that James R. Holcomb will join the statewide business organization as Vice President of Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel in January, 2008.

Jim Holcomb comes to the Michigan Chamber from the office of State House Minority Leader Craig DeRoche, where he currently serves as chief of staff. From 2005-2006, Holcomb also served as chief of staff to Rep. DeRoche during his tenure as Speaker of the House. Previously, Holcomb was Director of Policy & Majority Legal Counsel for the Michigan House of Representatives (2001- 2004); Associate Attorney with Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.C., Lansing/Bloomfield Hills (1998-2001); Vice President of Governmental Affairs and General Counsel for Governmental Policy Consultants, Lansing (1997-1998); Legislative Director, Office of State Senator Joanne Emmons (1995-1996); and Legislative Aide, Office of State Representative Bob Brackenridge (1993-1995).

"We are very pleased to welcome Jim to the Michigan Chamber's business advocacy team," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Barrett. "With his extensive knowledge of business, state government and public policy, we are confident Jim will hit the ground running and be a strong addition to the Chamber staff."

"Jim's 11 years of experience as a key staff member in both the State House and Michigan Senate, plus his legal training and administrative skills, make him an outstanding choice to guide our talented and effective lobbying team," said Rich Studley, Michigan Chamber Executive Vice President.

The hiring of Holcomb represents the next step in the Chamber's leadership transition plan. Long-time Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Barrett will retire June 30, 2008 after serving 37 years with the organization. Studley, a Chamber staff member since 1981, will become President & CEO July 1, 2008. Veteran Chamber staff member, Bob LaBrant, will continue to serve as Senior Vice President of Political Affairs and General Counsel.

Holcomb holds a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from Thomas Cooley Law School. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted to practice before the Michigan Supreme Court and all lower-level state courts. Jim is currently working toward a master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. He and his wife, Lisa, have a son and a daughter and reside in Haslett.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business advocacy organization representing over 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Betty McNerney of The Michigan Chamber of Commerce,
+1-517-371-7663

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