Harbor Strategic Public Affairs

The Michigan House Public Health and Food Security Subcommittee held its third hearing on Michigan’s independent pharmacy closure crisis. @APRxNews appreciates Rep. Matthew Bierlein’s effort to explore causes of the crisis, which includes PBMs, and partners like pharmacist John Gross, owner of six independent pharmacies, for testifying today that independent pharmacies are at a breaking point. Miguel Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at American Pharmacies, said the 3 largest PBMs in the country own their own pharmacies and directly compete with Michigan independent pharmacies.

"Being able to work through to get solutions to problems is a very civil thing to do."

Harbor’s John Sellek, who worked for two attorneys general and managed AG Schuette’s successful reelection campaign, talked to @GongwerMichigan's @liz_nass about the current race. “Whoever wins the nomination, Sellek said, is going to have to compete with the unprecedented fundraising Karen McDonald is raising on the Democratic side. This, and her notoriety in the Oxford High School shooting cases against both Ethan Crumbley and his parents, makes her a much bigger name than most attorney general candidates at this point in the race.”

“As expensive as drugs are for people, most of that money does not go to the pharmacist. Often, the pharmacists are paid less than what it costs them to get the drug in their door,” said Miguel Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of @APRxNews. “We’ve seen several pharmacies in the last couple of years have to close,” said Heather Russell, who owns Central Pharmacy in Perry and Williamston. Read @WLNS' coverage on the independent pharmacy closure crisis: wlns.com/news/local-new…

Michigan Public's @ZoeMichigan & @rickpluta hosted @JohnSellek & @AdrianHemond for a Baldly Bipartisan session on their popular Issues & Ale program. A FULL house at John Cowley & Son's pub in Farmington without a gubernatorial candidate to be found! youtube.com/watch?v=ajaqnh…

Adrian and John spoke to the Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association Capitol Day today about the current state of public policy and politics before they headed out to meet directly with legislators from around the state!

"Engler and former Michigan Democratic Governor Jim Blanchard are promoting voter education along with transparency and trust in elections. “They’re managed by over 1,500 local city and township clerks, staffed by thousands of volunteers and our system should be respected.” Combating mis and disinformation through public education are also priorities. Former Democratic Lt. Governor John Cherry and Republican U.S. Congressman Mike Bishop are also members of the Michigan Democracy Defense project team.” Read the full article here: wgvunews.org/news/2026-03-1…

@APRxNews' Miguel Rodriguez talked to the Michigan Business Network about independent pharmacies feeling pushed to the brink by PBM practices. Listen here: michiganbusinessnetwork.com/michigan-busin…

“Sellek said DeBoer’s entry into the race is a “coup for Republicans” because of her high name recognition among voters. “This saves Republicans a lot of money, because her name ID is already high.” He said the pressure now falls on DeBoer to translate her strong name recognition into a clear political message. Read the full article here: mlive.com/news/grand-rap…

Independent pharmacies are trusted local healthcare providers but the practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are squeezing independent pharmacies out of business. @APRxNews’ Miguel Rodriguez talked to @wjrradio as a Michigan House Oversight Committee’s subcommittee holds hearings on why patients are losing their independent pharmacies. thegreatvoice.com/Episode/indepe…

“I had nowhere else to go. I was in foster care. I, yeah, didn't have a family or home to be placed in, so they just sent me there,” said Sophia Knoblauch, a former resident of the Vista Maria residential treatment facility in Dearborn Heights. “I feel like it was like a never-ending hell, honestly.” Read the full article here: midmichigannow.com/news/local/wom…

Michigan needs to recycle the Bottle Bill! “The Midwest Independent Retailers Association (MIRA) says the law is costly, outdated, inconvenient and increasingly ignored — in addition to health hazards in grocery stores, with overflowing bins and sticky floors and machines.” audacy.com/wwjnewsradio/n…

Michigan’s bottle return program needs a refresh. “The program has not been updated for decades, and its success has faltered in recent years.” That’s why the Midwest Independent Retailers Association is asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to support a refresh of the outdated system and expand curbside recycling programs to reflect Michiganders’ current needs. independent.co.uk/money/retailer…

Bill Wild, president of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association, joins Steve Gruber to discuss the calls to repeal Michigan’s outdated bottle deposit system. The current system is costly, creates health concerns inside grocery stores, and return rates continue to decline, while modern curbside recycling expands. rumble.com/v76d2y6-time-t…

“When you say it out loud, that we’re asking you to take your trash back to the grocery store, what other industry do we say that to?” said Bill Wild, CEO of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association. Local grocer Denha says his store often has 10–15 bags of bottle returns in the back at a time. He notes they can be dirty, smelly, and attract pests. “It’s a nuisance and a burden on us because we’re selling fresh meat and produce, while also dealing with this dirty area for bottle returns.” Read the full article here: wxyz.com/news/is-michig…

On Tuesday, @DemoDefenseProj’s Mike Bishop spoke to Oakland University students on the importance of civility and civil discourse in today's political climate. Read the Detroit News article: detroitnews.com/story/news/pol…

Local pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare providers in communities across Michigan, especially in rural areas where losing a pharmacy can mean losing essential care. @APRxNews appreciates the independent pharmacists who testified before the Michigan House Oversight Committee’s Public Health and Food Security Subcommittee to share how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) impact independent pharmacies and the patients who depend on them. Three independent Michigan pharmacy owners provided firsthand perspectives from their communities: Jordan Marchetti – Owner, The Drug Store of Iron Mountain; Norway Pharmacy; Crystal Falls Pharmacy; Northern Lights Compounding Steve Jensen – Owner, Jensen’s Community Pharmacy, Saline and Dexter Heather Russell – Owner, Central Pharmacy, Perry & Williamston They were joined by Eric Roath, PharmD, Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Pharmacists Association, who discussed the broader impact on pharmacists and patients across the state.

We had a great time connecting with the MSU PRSSA chapter! Olivia from Harbor Strategic Public Affairs spoke with students about coalition building and how strong partnerships drive successful public affairs campaigns. Harbor Strategic is proud to invest in the next generation of communicators and support the incredible students at MSU PRSSA. Thanks for having us!

The last stop of the 2026 National Cherry Festival media tour: Detroit! 🍒 Today, the team headed to the Motor City for stops at @Local4News, @FOX2News, and @wjrradio to spread the cherry spirit and excitement for the 100th annual National Cherry Festival. That wraps up the 2026 media tour, we’ll see you in Traverse City this July for the National Cherry Festival!

Today’s cherry stops! 🍒 The National Cherry Festival team and Harbor stopped by the State Capitol in Lansing for media visits with @wilxTV, 101 WRIF FM, and @1051thebounce!