Business owner takes over regulatory arm

On her predecessor
Focuses attention on identifying laws that are unfair to people and groups that are trying to bring about positive change or growth. “I want to help craft workable solutions and help solve problems. Case in point is the recently passed Architect Seal Bill (House Bill 5819), which I dealt with when I was a member of my local home builders association.

We were able to craft a bill that received bipartisan support through both legislative bodies and was well received by builders across the state. I want to do something when I see a situation where the government has done something it shouldn’t do, or the law has created a situation where development of something positive is being restricted.”

A new perspective
“Coming from running a small business to overseeing the way business is monitored by the state certainly has given me a whole new perspective. As a retailer trying to run your business, it’s easy to dislike CIS because it is handing out fines and regulatory measures. I can say with confidence, however, that this department is truly working to help small business.

“The focus in this agency is not just on compliance, but on education. I have seen a side of business that I didn’t see while running my own business. There are heartless, dishonest business people out there, and this department is here to police that.

“I never knew before I took this office that the retailer’s voice is truly heard when he or she complains to the CIS. I get every single complaint. If it doesn’t come to me directly, I get forwarded messages from staff.”

On limited time
“It has been frustrating to know my time is limited with this position. But if I can take 10 percent of the pressure off Michigan small business, it is better than none, and that is the way I have to move forward. I believe all things are possible if you don’t care who gets the credit, and nothing coming out of CIS needs to have my name on it. I just want it to get done.”

Business issues
“As a business owner, the biggest issue I am facing is the single business tax. This, of course, is the state business tax that is levied on business based on yearly gross receipts. This tax is clearly flawed, because profit margin is never taken into account. A company that has $2 million in yearly intake is going to pay a hefty single business tax, regardless of the fact that it may only turn a very small actual profit. A tax like this leads directly to layoffs and is a natural enemy to business owners and their employees.

“I also have a concern with the rhetoric surrounding minimum wage, versus starting wage. Minimum wage is zero, because that is what you earn when you don’t have a job. Starting wage is what you earn when you first begin a job, and that is what it should be called.

“I still have the same concerns I had as a small business owner, the only thing that has changed since I took this position is that I have a clearer view of the regulatory arm.”

On the position
“When I took this position I did it as a favor to the governor, and he said he thought I would enjoy it. He was right. The insight I have gained has truly rounded out my business experience.

“I have a message to take back to the small business community. There is a way to reach the leadership in this state. Don’t be afraid to ask. Don’t hesitate to come forth and explain your business problems to your legislators. Write, phone, do what it takes to get attention, because your voice will be heard.

Budget
"Managing the budget is going to be very difficult for the next governor of this state. State departments can help with delayed purchases and cutting back on workforce, but it's going to be a difficult year. One of the most important things the next governor can do is keep the CIS department together. Labor and commerce are so diverse and can be somewhat antagonistic. With the CIS, business and labor have a forum to talk and work together."

Goals
“To fill the vacancies in the department created by the state’s ‘early-out’ retirement. To get some technology in place to take the heat off reorganization and increase efficiency in state government.

“I’m also focused on getting the Bureau of Worker’s Disability Compensation program moving. I look at this like we were building a car, and right now we have a base model. It may not have air conditioning and cruise control, but it will get down the road, and it is time for us to progress. I have seen this from both ends—there are people that shouldn’t be collecting compensation but are, and then there are people that are laid off in this bad economy and are desperate. We cannot wait for perfection.”

Future
“A lot of people are gearing down for the end of this administration, but I am gearing up. I feel like a business person who has been allowed to see behind the curtain of state business regulation, and I plan on taking my respect for this department back to the business community.”

Noelle Clark

Position: Director of Consumer and Industry Services (CIS)

Background:
Married, two children, three grandchildren

Attended Michigan State University

Personal interests:
Skiing, golf, kayaking

Professional background:
Part owner Hasselbring-Clark Co., Lansing.

Founded in 1976 with six employees, first-year revenue was $300,000. By 2001 had 54 employees and $10 million in revenue.

Business accomplishments:
1986-present: Advisory Council National

Federation of Independent Business
Owners of Michigan (NFIB)

1991-1993: Michigan Small Business Advisory Council

1993-present: National Board of Directors for NFIB

1995: Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce “Small Business Person of the Year”

1996: “Entrepreneur of the Year,” Greater Lansing Business Monthly

1993-1999: Appointed by Governor Engler to Michigan Jobs Commission

1995-1998: Board of Directors, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

2002-present: Appointed by Governor
Engler to Michigan Workforce Investment Board