Mich. economic outlook better, still not great

DETROIT (AP) -- A statewide survey of business people shows that their confidence in Michigan's economy has grown greatly since the bottom of the Great Recession, with room to improve as well. Results of the second annual Michigan Economic Outlook survey were released Wednesday at the Detroit Economic Club. Margaret Baker of Ann Arbor's Baker Strategy Group says that leaders of Michigan's key manufacturers gave the state a business rating of 65, up from 25 in 2009. Baker says that's still low. Michigan State University economist Charles Ballard says a concern is how many Michigan communities like Detroit are struggling to cope with a shrunken tax bases after property values fell sharply. The forum took place at the MotorCity Casino in Detroit. Published: Fri, Jan 10, 2014