TRAVERSE CITY -- Top CEO’s from around the state joined more than 100 business leaders in Traverse City Thursday.

Their mission? To move Michigan to greater economic growth. It’s part of the West Michigan Forum road tour.

Director of West Michigan Forum, Jared Rodriguez says, “We have to speak with one voice in Michigan to help create jobs and opportunities.”

Thursday served as an opportunity to report progress on the first West Michigan Public Forum held in 2008. At that first gathering, business leaders discussed and voted on top goals they believe will transform the state. One of the main priorities is to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax.

Rodriguez says, “We have not accomplished the five directives. Those things are not things the current legislative body and the person currently in the governor seat are supportive with. We could never think about accomplishing those things through the legislative process right now.”

Amway Corporation President, Doug DeVos says, “We need action, we need you to address tax thing because it’s killing us. We need to address overall business environment because it’s hindering from starting here.”

Leaders aren’t giving up. More than 130 volunteers are taking the time to develop a legislative agenda to help businesses of all sizes. Come Election Day they hope to know where potential lawmakers stand in relation to their goals.

DeVos says, "There are some serious issues that we are facing. The laws of the land and policies in place are hindering growth."