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Michigan Business Leaders Grapple with Inflation and Workforce Shortage

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/14 .. apple-with-inflation-and-workforce-shortage.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 9:52 GMT by inforum
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Detroit, MI - February 14th, 2026 - Michigan's business elite convened this week to grapple with the complex realities of the state's economic landscape. The forum, held at the Cobo Center, wasn't a celebration of unbridled growth, but rather a candid assessment of challenges - namely, persistent inflation and a crippling workforce shortage - alongside a determined effort to forge collaborative solutions. While optimism remains, a cautious tone prevailed as leaders outlined the obstacles and potential pathways towards a resilient and thriving Michigan economy.

For months, economists have debated whether the US, and Michigan specifically, would avoid a recession. The sentiment from those gathered suggests a 'soft landing' is still possible, but far from guaranteed. Leaders acknowledged the continued strength of certain sectors, particularly advanced manufacturing, automotive technology (especially in the EV space - see related report: [ https://www.michigan.gov/documents/medc/EV_Industry_Report_2025.pdf ]), and healthcare. However, these bright spots are increasingly shadowed by the corrosive effects of ongoing inflation, even after the Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate hikes.

"We're seeing input costs remaining stubbornly high," explained Sarah Chen, CEO of a major automotive supplier based in Lansing. "While the rate of inflation has slowed, it hasn't come down to the levels we need to restore predictable pricing and investment cycles. That impacts not just our bottom line, but our ability to invest in future technologies and expansion."

But the economic headwinds from inflation are arguably less daunting than the acute workforce crisis facing Michigan businesses. The state, like many across the nation, is grappling with a shrinking labor pool, an aging workforce, and a skills gap that leaves many positions unfilled. This isn't simply a shortage of workers; it's a shortage of qualified workers.

"The old model of relying on graduates from traditional four-year universities isn't sufficient anymore," stated David Miller, president of a Grand Rapids-based engineering firm. "We need to aggressively invest in vocational training, apprenticeships, and reskilling initiatives. We're partnering with local community colleges to develop customized training programs, but it's not happening fast enough."

The focus on workforce development wasn't limited to technical skills. Leaders highlighted the growing demand for "soft skills" - critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability - which are increasingly essential in a rapidly changing business environment. Many companies are now incorporating these skills into their training programs and prioritizing them in their hiring processes.

Importantly, the conversation repeatedly stressed the need for a unified approach. The sentiment was clear: no single entity - business, government, or education - can solve these challenges alone. The forum highlighted several successful public-private partnerships, such as the "Michigan Futures Initiative" (more information available at [ https://www.michiganfuture.org ]), which focuses on aligning educational curricula with industry needs and providing students with real-world work experience. However, leaders called for a significant scaling up of these efforts.

"We need a more streamlined and coordinated system for workforce development," urged Lisa Rodriguez, a representative from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "Businesses need to have a seat at the table when it comes to designing training programs. We understand what skills we need, and we're willing to invest in training, but we need the state to create a supportive regulatory environment and provide the necessary funding."

Adapting to the evolving nature of work was another key theme. The pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote and hybrid work models, and businesses are now grappling with how to best leverage these arrangements to attract and retain talent. Leaders also emphasized the importance of embracing new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, to improve productivity and address labor shortages. But this technological advancement also brings its own set of challenges - namely, the need to reskill workers and address potential job displacement.

The discussion concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration and a sense of urgency. Michigan's business leaders recognize that the state stands at a critical juncture. Successfully navigating the challenges of inflation and workforce shortages will require bold leadership, innovative solutions, and a unified effort. The next steps involve forming dedicated task forces to address specific issues, increasing investment in workforce development programs, and fostering a more collaborative relationship between businesses, government, and educational institutions. The future of Michigan's economy may well depend on it.