Harbor Strategic Public Affairs

06/16/2026

According to the Fair Access to Mackinac Island coalition, the City of Mackinac Island and its ferry service operator are entering mediation to address future transportation to and from the island.

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- The City of Mackinac Island and the company that operates ferry service to the island are set to enter mediation as quest

06/15/2026

"The Fair Access to Mackinac Island coalition, which has been advocating for continued service access, praised the move toward mediation."

"While ferry service continues this year, we are excited to see that the city and ferry service are coming to the table and optimistic that they can work together to negotiate a solution for next year and beyond," said John Sellek, the coalition’s spokesperson, in a statement.

Ferry service remains available for the full 2026 season while negotiations continue. The mediation will focus on what ferry service to the island would like after the 2026 tourist season.

06/15/2026

"A recent study shows fewer people are returning those bottles and cans—even though the containers are still being recycled. The MIRA Midwest Independent Retailers Association & Foundation's Bill Wild says his organization is working to take retailers out of the recycling chain. And he says they have concerns about contaminants that used containers can bring into their retail space."

Bill Wild of MIRA says its time to take retailers out of the recycling chain and try curbside recycling or central drop-off centers.

06/11/2026

"2026 marks 50 years since Michigan's bottle and can return law passed, but after decades on the books, the landmark effort to tackle litter and promote conservation faces issues... Critics said the practice is unsanitary and burdensome."

"I think that the modern recycling, the processes that are in place, are a much better way to do it," MIRA Midwest Independent Retailers Association & Foundation CEO Bill Wild said. "Now is the time to start thinking about a more modern way to do it and to alleviate this burden that we put on our retailers for 50 years."

Follow the link to the News Channel 3 WWMT TV article.🔗
https://wwmt.com/news/state/bottle-can-returns-michigan-easier-new-guidelines-clearer-rules-recycling-litter-law-government-politics-julie-rogers-doug-wozniak

06/11/2026

“The City of Mackinac Island and the company that operates ferry service to the island are set to enter mediation as questions remain about the future of transportation to and from the island after 2026. That's according to the Fair Access to Mackinac Island coalition."

Read the UpNorthLive article to learn more.

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- The City of Mackinac Island and the company that operates ferry service to the island are set to enter mediation as quest

06/11/2026

"Our mission is to encourage fair, consistent ferry service for anyone who wants to make memories on Mackinac Island," John Sellek, coalition spokesman, said in a statement Wednesday. "While ferry service continues this year, we are excited to see that the city and ferry service are coming to the table and optimistic that they can work together to negotiate a solution for next year and beyond."

Click the Detroit News article to read more!

The Fair Access to Mackinac Island coalition praised the decision to pursue mediation, saying it encourages a long-term solution.

06/08/2026

Join the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance and the Michigan Retailers Association for an engaging webinar exploring how tariffs are impacting retailers across the state.

06/06/2026

Read on: https://enjoyer.com/how-private-equity-lost-the-mackinac-island-ferry-wars-hoffmann/

06/05/2026

Bill Wild, CEO of the MIRA Midwest Independent Retailers Association & Foundation, appeared on The Steve Gruber Show to discuss modernizing Michigan’s Bottle Bill. Wild explains why many retailers believe the current system is outdated and proposes more efficient recycling reforms to reduce the burden on retailers while meeting environmental goals.

Steve welcomes Bill Wild, President and CEO of the Midwest Independent Retailers Association, to discuss efforts to modernize Michigan’s nearly 50-year-old Bottle Bill. Wild explains why many retailer

06/05/2026

Fair Access to Mackinac Island Coalition spokesman John Sellek says they are happy the bill has been approved and signed as “the ferry monopoly controls the only practical ‘road’ to Mackinac Island.”

Check out this article from 92.1 WGHN by following the link!!

(Lansing, MI) - Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill to let Mackinac Island voters amend their city cha...