Larry Michels

Larry Michels
Name	Larry Michels
Birth date	1949
Birth place	Youngstown, Ohio
Occupation	Businessman; Politician
Office	Member, North Dakota Senate
Party	Republican Party (United States)
Spouse	Judy Michels
Alma mater	Youngstown State University

Larry Michels was an American businessman and state legislator who represented a district in the North Dakota Senate. He combined experience in manufacturing and entrepreneurship with legislative service, influencing state policy on taxation, industry regulation, and public finance. His career bridged local commerce in Fargo, North Dakota and statewide politics in Bismarck, North Dakota, and he engaged with regional organizations and trade associations.

Early life and education

Born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1949, Michels grew up amid the industrial landscape of the Mahoning Valley and the steel industry centered on firms such as Youngstown Sheet and Tube and LTV Steel. He attended Boardman High School (Boardman, Ohio) and pursued higher education at Youngstown State University, where he studied business-related subjects and developed ties to community institutions like the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and regional chapters of national organizations. During his youth he was exposed to labor-management debates shaped by unions such as the United Steelworkers and companies including Republic Steel, experiences that informed his later views on manufacturing policy and workforce development.

Business career

Michels relocated to Fargo, North Dakota to pursue opportunities in manufacturing and entrepreneurship, founding and managing enterprises involved in fabricated metal products, industrial components, and regional distribution networks. He engaged with trade organizations including the National Association of Manufacturers, the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce, and local affiliates of the National Federation of Independent Business. His firms contracted with regional corporations and public entities such as North Dakota State University and private sector partners across the Upper Midwest, interacting with supply chains tied to companies like John Deere and Caterpillar Inc..

As an employer, Michels participated in workforce initiatives with institutions including the North Dakota Department of Commerce and regional technical schools such as the Dakota College at Bottineau, supporting apprenticeships and vocational training. He navigated regulatory interactions involving agencies like the Internal Revenue Service and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and he represented business interests at policy forums alongside representatives from organizations such as the American Legislative Exchange Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Political career

Michels entered partisan politics as a member of the Republican Party (United States), campaigning on platforms emphasizing fiscal restraint, support for small business, and local control of regulatory matters. He won election to the North Dakota Senate and served on committees that interfaced with budgeting, economic development, and industry oversight. In the legislature, he worked alongside senators from districts encompassing Cass County, North Dakota and engaged with statewide leaders in the North Dakota Republican Party.

During his tenure he collaborated with governors such as Jack Dalrymple and Doug Burgum on state economic initiatives and budgetary proposals. He also engaged with federal representatives from North Dakota, including members of the United States House of Representatives delegation, to coordinate on infrastructure and agricultural matters. Michels was active in intergovernmental forums that included representatives from the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Council of State Governments.

Legislative positions and policy impact

Michels championed tax policy changes and regulatory reform aimed at improving the business climate, advocating for measures that affected income tax, property tax, and incentives for capital investment. He supported initiatives to modify the North Dakota Tax Commission's procedures and backed policies encouraging partnerships with institutions like the North Dakota Department of Commerce and development authorities in cities such as Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota.

On workforce and education-related legislation, Michels favored collaboration with technical colleges and universities, promoting programs at institutions such as North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota to align curricula with industry needs. He took positions on infrastructure funding that intersected with federal programs administered by agencies including the United States Department of Transportation and advocated for state involvement in projects affecting the Red River of the North corridor.

Michels also engaged in debates over regulatory frameworks impacting manufacturers, addressing standards enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency and state environmental agencies, while working with industry groups such as the American Manufacturing Association to craft pragmatic compliance approaches. His legislative record reflected alliance with pro-business caucuses and involvement in bills influencing economic development, tax incentives, and intergovernmental cooperation.

Personal life and community involvement

Michels lived in the Fargo–Moorhead area with his wife, Judy, and their six children. He participated in civic and charitable organizations including local chapters of the Rotary International, United Way of Cass-Clay, and regional business clubs tied to the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. He supported cultural institutions such as the Fargo Theatre and philanthropic efforts affiliated with healthcare providers like Sanford Health and Riverside Medical Center (North Dakota).

In retirement he remained engaged with veterans’ and service groups, contributing to local events linked to Veterans Day observances and civic commemorations in municipalities like West Fargo. His community work included mentorship for young entrepreneurs through partnerships with programs associated with the Small Business Administration and local economic development corporations.

Category:North Dakota State Senators Category:American businesspeople