Michigan business owners worried a new challenge is coming their way

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Coronavirus, inflation, gas prices and the war in Ukraine -- All issues creating anxiety for people trying to run a business. One of the hardest hit areas in Mid-Michigan is downtown Lansing.

Related: Russia attacks Ukraine nuclear plant as invasion advances

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce held its policy forum Thursday at the Country Club of Lansing.

“We have to have a strong urban core for the entire region to thrive.” said Steve Japinga, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the Chamber of Commerce.

Business owners who have been struggling over the last two years because of the pandemic are now they’re worried a new war will create an even bigger challenge. Those on the front lines said it’s on their minds everyday.

“I think it’s going to take a lot more money, there’s a lot of need, there’s need everywhere but, this is a different change and we really have to put this plan together, this vision this strategy on what our downtown is going to look like,” Japinga said.

A representative with Lansing’s utility, the Board of Water and Light, said there’s hope.

“We’re more than equipped to come up with solutions that are best for this community. Getting together and talking about how we can resolve problems that face this community are in our best interest,” said Calvin Jones, the Director of Government Relations at BWL.

Coming together, sharing ideas, and coming up with solutions to keep businesses in the Lansing region open.

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