MMA Names Two Legislators of the Year for 2025

LANSING (May 20, 2025) — Manufacturers are powerful forces in communities across Michigan, making significant capital investments, providing high wage careers and accelerating the state’s economic engine.

The impact of the industry on Michigan’s economy is undeniable, so it is critical to our state’s future that policymakers are focused on making Michigan the prime location for manufacturing growth and investment.

The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), the unifying champion of Michigan’s manufacturing industry, joined together with manufacturing leaders from across the state to recognize the 2025 MMA Legislators of the Year at the 50ᵗʰ Annual Legislative Day reception, held at MMA’s headquarters in Lansing.

MMA recognized two legislators with the Association’s highest policy honor in appreciation for outstanding leadership on behalf of Michigan manufacturers.

“These two legislators champion pro manufacturing policies and we appreciate their leadership in inspiring Michigan’s manufacturing business climate,” said Mike Johnston, MMA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Workforce Development. “State leaders who champion manufacturing understand that a thriving industry strengthens Michigan’s economy, supports local communities and drives innovation. Their leadership and commitment to pro-manufacturing policies ensure our industry has the momentum needed to grow and compete on a world stage.”

The 2025 Legislator of the Year Award recipients are:

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Senator John Damoose

In the challenging debate on economic development, Senator John Damoose is a vocal leader on the need for Michigan to compete with other states and nations for transformational manufacturing jobs and investment. In addition, about 10 years ago, he helped produce one of the best pro-manufacturing videos we have ever seen. John Damoose embodies the kind of leadership and leadership manufacturing needs and has earned MMA’s recognition as a 2025 Legislator of the Year.

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Representative Bill G. Schuette

MMA had been focused on the Earned Sick Time (ESTA) issue since it was a proposed ballot initiative in 2018. The issue was not resolved until Representative Bill Schuette became chair of the Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses early this year. Under his leadership, a seven-year odyssey regarding ESTA was resolved in just about one month’s time. For his leadership, MMA recognizes Bill Schuette as a 2025 Legislator of the Year.
 

For more information or to schedule a call with MMA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Workforce Development Mike Johnston, contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at 517-487-8530 or mckinley@mimfg.org.

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