OUR Big Three, Thoughts On The New Economy

The state of Michigan has more than just three big companies, often overlooked are the Big Three of the west side: Herman Miller, Haworth, and Steelcase -- global leaders in furniture. OUR Big Three had their Big Dogs speak on a variety of topics through a panel discussion.

Brian Walker of Herman Miller on "taxes and talent":

On taxes...

The MBT favors some industries over others and hurts many businesses. The root cause of the state's financial problem is the cost of running the state government. While Herman Miller does well under the new MBT, Walker doesn't agree with it's principles. He believes we need a tax system that is less complex, more transparent, and encourages new businesses and growth.

On talent...

It is the lifeblood and critical to the success of Herman Miller. While looking for talent, regional companies need to recognize that it is not limited to simply Michigan, or the U.S., but spans around the globe.

Dick Haworth of Haworth on state policies:

Four policy isues to look at...

1. Tax policy for business is broken and not attracting or retaining business.
2. Educational policy needs to be delivered at a higher level at a more reseaonable cost.
3. Energy policy is also broken.
4. The labor environment, as a state, needs work. The one thing he thinks could make progress is to make Michigan a Right To Work state. Labor unions will hate it, but it will make a positive impact for many if done correctly.

A few points on what makes good policy...

1. Free people are not equal and equal people are not free
2. What belongs to you, you take care of. What belongs to nobody gets neglected
3. If you encourage something you get more of it; if you discourage something you get less of it
4. Liberty makes all the difference in the world

Overall, Haworth said, our new policies are not any better than our old policies and the state needs to get the economics of the state right to set off the rebuilding of the surrounding issues.

Jim Hackett on how Michigan competes:

1. Networking, including technology.
   
2. Understanding that West Michigan is the center of understanding how people work effectively.
   
3. The need for such physical things as an airport. It's not helpful when people are forced to go on a 20-minute airplane ride to be stalled for three hours at another airport.
   
4. The relationship between government and business.
   
5. "The education system is like lovehandles," said Hackett. "You know it needs work, but you never do anything about it."

Jake Himmelspach, reporter