On the evening of Monday, April 5, Ann Arbor City Council will again consider a proposed citywide cell phone ban.

The Ann Arbor Chamber is opposed to this measure principally on the grounds that it’s most appropriately addressed at the state level rather than that of the local. The Chamber’s formal position statement was recently communicated to Council. We anticipate being in attendance on the night of April 5th to reiterate our concerns.

We would encourage the general community, and the business community in particular, to do the same by emailing Council.

According to what’s admittedly an unscientific poll, approximately 77 percent of AnnArbor.com’s readership is in agreement with the Chamber’s position.

For more information please contact Kyle Mazurek, v.p. of government affairs, at 734.214.0101.

Praise for Rep. Byrnes

The soon-to-be Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber would like to recognize State Representative and Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes for her strong efforts on behalf of our area’s information technology entrepreneurs.

In early-March, the Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation principally sponsored by Rep. Byrnes that aims to increase investment in Michigan’s IT industry. The bill, House Bill 5808, would do so by including IT as a specific growth sector eligible for state funding through Michigan’s 21st Century Jobs Fund.

Also deserving of recognition are Chamber members SRT Solutions and The Whole Brain Group, who both testified in support of this legislation.

HB 5808 is now before the Michigan Senate’s Commerce & Tourism Committee. The Chamber has communicated to Rep. Byrnes its willingness to lend a helping hand.

For more information please contact Kyle Mazurek, v.p. of government affairs, at 734.214.0101.

Upcoming Chamber Events:

First Tuesday Breakfast: Tuesday, April 6

NetWorks!: Thursday, April 15

Get Connected: Tuesday, April 20

Morning Edition: Wednesday, April 21

Megan Crosbie is membership sales & marketing coordinator for the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce, soon-to-be the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber. Email her or follow her Chamber-related posts on Twitter.