Next Tuesday is an important day in Michigan - an opportunity to start fixing Michigan's crumbling road system by passing Proposal 1 at a statewide election.

Don't buy in to all the negativity - the only way to raise Michigan's sales tax is by a public vote. Proposal 1 would raise more than $1.2 billion a year for Michigan's transportation system through a 1-cent sales tax increase and other pending changes. The state can't delay on needed road repairs, or siphon current funding from education, health care, public safety, local communities and other critical services to pay for roads.

Get ready to hear a lot about Venture North, the Chamber's sister economic development division under TraverseCONNECT. Venture North was created through the recent merger of the Chamber Foundation and the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corp. with $5 million in business lending resources. Led by Executive Director Laura Galbraith, Venture North is administering close to $2 million in business loans to more than 30 local businesses, with some major new transactions to be announced shortly.

Venture North will be launching its own monthly newsletter in the coming weeks. It will provide updates on financing available to the region's business community through Venture North, along with news on the latest loan deals, business development programs and seminars and related topics. Watch for more information.

Traverse City's SCORE Chapter just ranked among the top 25 in the nation in client satisfaction for the third consecutive year! This outstanding team of SCORE mentors works here in the Chamber building to help local entrepreneurs with business start-ups or fledgling businesses get to the next level.

SCORE also offers free monthly workshops at the Traverse Area District Library from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on a variety of business topics. Sign up for these upcoming programs:

• May 12 - Power Up Your Social Media Marketing
• June 9 - Understanding the Financial Fundamentals for Success  

How do our region's top small businesses stay innovative, build strong employee relations and get involved with the community? Find out at the Small Business Celebration Meet the Top 10 Breakfast on Tuesday, May 5 starting at 7:30 a.m. at NMC's Hagerty Center.

The Chamber is ramping up new leadership programming for LGT Fellows. This alumni group for the Chamber's landmark Leadership Grand Traverse program launched in 2014 to give past LGT graduates a chance to reconnect with the program and engage with current LGT classes.

Now our LGT Fellows are invited to a series of "deep dive" discussions to build on their LGT experience. Starting in May, these 90-120 minute programs will offer the latest information on our region's natural resources, local economy, state and local government and other topics.

Government Relations Director Kent Wood is busy tracking a number of legislative proposals in Lansing. The Traverse City Area Chamber renewed its objections to proposed changes in the state's No Fault auto insurance law because of its potential impact on Michigan's health care providers. The Chamber and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance also oppose efforts to repeal the post Labor Day school start for Michigan school districts. The Alliance backed the post-Labor Day school start when it was implemented state-wide in 2005.

The Alliance is also monitoring state budget discussions and has opposed proposed cuts to rural health care services impacting Northern Michigan. Follow the Chamber Bulletin for updates or contact Wood atkentw@tcchamber.org

Also, check out the latest Northern Michigan Business Blog for an update on transportation discussions at the federal level.