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On the third Tuesday of each month, the Imlay City Chamber holds a "Good Morning, Imlay City!" meeting at the Imlay City Days Inn. It is typically conducted in a networking and business promotions format. "In light of the extraordinarily serious and urgent issues which face our area's business community, we have decided it imperative to commit our next two meetings, April 15th and May 20th, to our district's candidates and their presentations," said Cynthia Pankala, chamber executive director.

The April 15 meeting will feature candidates for the 82nd District State House seat including Bernie Jocuns (D), Bill Marquardt (D) and Kevin Daley (R).

The May 20 meeting will added candidates featuring Paul St. Louis, Gary Howell, and Randy St. Laurent, all Republicans.

"We're looking to put information out there on a one-to-one basis," Pankala said. "It's not a debate and will be 45 minutes on April 5 and May 20."

Three 10-minute presentations will be scheduled per meeting, and will be reserved in the order of a first-call, first-serve basis in response to an invitation. There is a nominal meeting sponsorship fee, which is $35 for political candidates.

"We expect 35 to 40 in seated attendance, with possibility for 'standing room only' privileges to be later determined," she said. "Attendees are typically chamber members and their guests, and are charged a meeting fee of $5, and $6 for non-members. A continental breakfast is provided. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m., and the meeting schedule runs from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce recently announced its business agenda for 2008 at a media briefing held in Lansing. The agenda includes both legislative and political priorities, one of which is to establish a pro-business majority in the State House. "Getting a pro-business majority elected to the State House will be a high priority of the Michigan Chamber in 2008," stated the agenda. "We are in the process of identifying and recruiting candidates who understand the needs and concerns of business. The ideal candidate is a business owner who has met a payroll and dealt with the numerous rules, regulations and laws imposed on employers. Who better to serve in the Legislature than someone who believes in lower taxes, less spending, smaller government and a strong, vibrant economy."

According to the Lapeer County Clerk's office, as of Tuesday morning, no other candidates had yet filed for the 82nd House seat. There is a May 13 deadline to file for the Aug. 5 primary election.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 9125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.