Agenda

Location: Grand Terrace

Location: MHA/Audubon Wine Bar

Sponsor: Bank of America

Location: Geranium Bar

Location: Grand Hotel Stables

Sponsors: Crain’s Detroit Business, Enbridge Energy, PwC

Location: Grand Terrace

Location: Brighton Pavilion

Host: The Kresge Foundation

How can children receive the education they deserve? Using the Hope Starts Here Framework, this session will focus on Detroit’s efforts to better align early childhood and K-12 systems. Early Childhood and K-12 must work together to maximize impact and reduce fade-out and other consequences of misalignment. Panelists will offer insights on how elevating these systems can create streamlined, coherent education experiences for children, parents, and caregivers.

Location: Brighton Pavilion

Host: The Skillman Foundation

Afterschool programs offer a range of benefits to youth, families, and communities including stronger academic performance, physical heath, and employability. Learn about the role afterschool programs play in ensuring youth and their communities are on a path to prosperity.

Location: Grand Pavilion

Host: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation 

For the last decade, Michigan has had a poor record investing in local government. To help Michigan grow and compete in a global economy, it’s important to invest in communities. But how? This session will explore specific ways to use existing — and potentially new — revenue streams to help communities not just survive but thrive.

Location: MHA/Audubon Wine Bar

Featuring: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News
Stephen Henderson, Host, Detroit Public Television and WDET 101.9 FM

Sponsor: Delta Dental

Location: Parlor

Sponsor: Michigan Realtors

Location: Theatre

Remarks: Sandy Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber
Patti Poppe, President and CEO, Consumers Energy and CMS Energy; Chair, 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference

Location: Theatre

Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan

Location: Theatre

Location: Theatre

In September 2016, Steven Kiefer’s son, Mitchel Kiefer, was tragically killed in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver. Since then, Kiefer founded The Kiefer Foundation dedicated to ending distracted driving and all associated traffic deaths and injuries through awareness, policy, and technology. Kiefer will share his son’s story and initiatives championed by The Kiefer Foundation, including passing hands-free laws in Michigan and adding more highway cable median barriers.

Steven Kiefer, Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors Co.

Sponsor: PNC Bank

Location: Theatre

What would be required to change political outcomes in America? At a time of deep dissatisfaction and distrust in the U.S. political system, this session will make a case for using the lens of industry competition to better understand our current political state and reinvigorate democracy. This timely discussion will inspire action to shift competition in politics toward a more productive model and spark dialogue about the future of U.S. democracy.

Speakers: Katherine Gehl, Former President and CEO, Gehl Foods
Michael Porter, Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, Harvard Business School

Sponsor: Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

Location: Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor

Sponsor: Plunkett Cooney

Location: Theatre

From discussions on pressing national issues to the functionality of bipartisanship, this session will draw dialogue across the aisle and offer a preview of the country’s current and future political landscape. Seasoned political pundits will preview the 2020 election and leverage their wealth of experience and knowledge to talk civil politics and civic participation.

Speakers: Donna Brazile, Contributor, Fox News; Veteran Democratic Political Strategist; Adjunct Professor; Author; Former Syndicated Columnist
Matthew Dowd, Chief Political Analyst, ABC News; Best-selling Author; Campaign Strategist
Harold Ford Jr., Former U.S. Representative; Political Pundit, MSNBC and CNBC

Sponsor: Delta Air Lines

Location: Theatre

How can businesses play a role in protecting the state and build a Michigan fit to pass on to the next generation? Hear from corporate executives on how they, in their businesses, are working toward sustainability and stewardship—transitioning corporate strategy into a comprehensive and lasting cultural transformation. They will share how doing good can be good for business.

Panelists: Alicia Boler Davis, Vice President, Global Customer Fulfillment, Amazon
Jim Fitterling, CEO, The Dow Chemical Company; Chief Operating Officer, DowDuPont Materials Science Division
Christina Keller, President and CEO, Cascade Engineering Family of Companies
Moderator: Patti Poppe, President and CEO, Consumers Energy and CMS Energy; Chair 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference

Location: Theatre

Location: Theatre

A rising star in the Democratic party, seasoned political leader, author, and serial entrepreneur Stacey Abrams will take Michigan’s Center stage to address the current state of American politics in a keynote address. She recently made headlines when she selected to deliver the Democratic party’s response to President Trump’s State of the Union address in February and in 2018, she became the first female African-American gubernatorial nominee for a major party in any state, receiving more votes than any other Democrat in Georgia’s history.

Stacey Abrams, 2018 Democratic Nominee for Governor of Georgia; Founder and Chair, Fair Fight Action
Interviewer: Devin Scillian, Anchor, WDIV-TV4, NBC

Location: Parlor and Porch

Sponsors: Accenture, Detroit Medical Center, EY, Greektown Casino-Hotel, McDonald’s Michigan

Location: Tea Garden Tent 

Celebrate everything there is to love about Michigan on Wednesday night. The Love Michigan Celebration is a new attendee event hosted by Consumers Energy president and CEO and 2019 Conference Chair Patti Poppe under the stars in the Tea Garden Tent.

Attendees will enjoy:

– Michigan-made food from local brands everybody knows and loves
– Select drinks from some of Michigan’s favorite breweries and distilleries
– Music and dancing to the sounds of Detroit’s own Dan Rafferty Band
– Michigan-themed door prizes and photo opportunities in front of a larger-than-life state cutout

Plus, there will be many more opportunities to show your love for the beautiful state of Michigan.

Sponsor: Consumers Energy

Location: Garden Terrace

Location: Brighton Pavilion

Host: Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development

Gov. Whitmer has set a goal to boost the percentage of Michiganders with a college degree or skills certificate from 45% to 60% by 2030. This session will give attendees a brief overview of Gov. Whitmer’s talent strategy for Michigan and offer a deeper understanding of how the state plans to bridge the gap between availability of employees and needed skills, alongside avenues for businesses to shape and participate in this decade-long effort.

Location: Grand Pavilion

Host: Wayne State University 

This session will include the unveiling of a new data mapping project at Wayne State University — a public-private partnership between the City of Detroit, Wayne County, Wayne State University, MDHHS, and other partners. Panelists will offer insights on how new approaches to data dissemination will equip policy leaders, health systems, researchers, providers, corporations, community members, and nonprofits to better target population health initiatives across the State of Michigan, especially in underserved regions, and allow seamless measurement of success from clinical and social interventions.

Location: Theatre

Location: Theatre

Mobility entrepreneurship is weaved into the fabric of Michigan industry. Tackling the autonomous vehicle frontier, Alisyn Malek will share her journey as an engineer turned COO and co-founder of May Mobility, an Ann Arbor-based startup transforming transportation through self-driving vehicles and other unique services. Malek will bring her unparalleled understanding of how the convergence of the automotive and technology industries foster next-generation mobility.

Alisyn Malek, Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder, May Mobility

Sponsor: PNC Bank

Location: Theatre

Former governor of Ohio John Kasich will his perspective leading a peer Great Lakes state to Michigan’s Center Stage. Kasich’s resounding message throughout his 2016 run for president was one of unity, which resonated with voters. From his gubernatorial journey to his most recent experience running for president of the United States, Kasich will share his concerns for America and his hopes for the future, calling to action reason, dignity, and righteousness in contemporary political dialogue.

John Kasich, Former Governor, State of Ohio; Senior Political Commentator, CNN

Sponsor: Comcast Business

Sponsor: Business Leaders for Michigan 

Location: Theatre

Ari Weinzweig co-founded Zingerman’s Delicatessen in 1982 with a $20,000 bank loan, two-person staff, and small selection of specialty foods. Today, Zingerman’s is a broad community of businesses employing more than 500 people. It includes a bakery, creamery, restaurant, training company, mail order service, and much more. Entrepreneur and author Weinzweig will share his entrepreneurship journey and love for Michigan-made products.

Ari Weinzeig, Co-Founding Partner, Zingerman’s  Community of  Businesses

Sponsor: PNC Bank

Location: Theatre

Known for his dynamic keynotes on Michigan’s Center Stage, Mayor Mike Duggan will be returning once again deliver an impactful address on Detroit’s progress and trajectory. Mayor Duggan will offer a glimpse into the city’s next steps and major initiatives as Detroit’s revitalization continues to spread into the neighborhoods.

Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit

Sponsor: DTE Energy

Location: Theatre

In light of divisive bipartisanship on the national stage, how can Michigan work to cultivate civil dialogue and be an example for the rest of the country? Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation will discuss issues critical to Michiganders in Washington D.C. and how breaking the bipartisan divide can help foster a more unified state and country.

Panelists: Jack Bergman, U.S. Representative (R-MI 1)
Paul Mitchell, U.S. Representative (R-MI 10)
Gary Peters, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Moderator: Rick Albin, Political Reporter, WOOD TV

Sponsor: Ford Motor Company

Location: Grand Pavilion 

Host: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

In a rapidly shifting labor market, employers cite a range of hiring barriers. What steps can employers take to change practices and address the skills needs of today and tomorrow? This panel will cover employers’ concerns about the gap in worker supply and employer demand, new training programs and curricula that are responsive to employer needs, and policy suggestions at the state level.

Location: Brighton Pavilion

Host: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

With the 2020 Census fast approaching, Michigan faces an opportunity to boost congressional representation and economic vitality. Census data drives the allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding for transportation, education, and workforce development. This session will focus on how visionary business and civic leaders are partnering with philanthropies and nonprofits to count every Michigander and strengthen the state’s future.

Location: Parlor

Location: MHA/Audubon Wine Bar

Featuring: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News
Stephen Henderson, Host, Detroit Public Television and WDET 101.9 FM

Sponsor: Delta Dental

Location: Theatre

Introduction: Sandy Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

Mackinac Moment: Bill Pink, President, Grand Rapids Community College

With 25 years of academic experience, Bill Pink will share his robust knowledge and insight on Michigan’s current state of education. Drawing on data and best practices, he will share how the business community can engage in education efforts and collectively work toward building a strong statewide workforce development.

Sponsor: PNC Bank

Keynote Address: Jeb Bush,Former Governor, State of Florida; Founder, President and Chairman, Foundation for Excellence in Education

With his passion to improve the quality of education for students across the nation, former governor of Florida Jeb Bush will take Michigan’s Center Stage to share his experience and best practices overhauling Florida’s education system—establishing bold accountability in public schools and creating ambitious school choice programs—and stir dialogue on Michigan’s own education future. Bush will discuss the realistic possibility of change.

Panel: Launch Michigan
Tonya Allen, President and CEO, The Skillman Foundation
Paula Herbart, President, Michigan Education Association
Doug Rothwell, President and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan
Moderator: Richard DeVore, Regional President, Southeast Michigan, PNC Financial Services Group

What does it take to boost Michigan’s education impact? In this session, statewide thought leaders will discuss innovative approaches to improving education, including the statewide coalition “Launch Michigan,” a diverse representation—business, education, labor, philanthropy, parents, civic leadership, and more—advocating for improved performance in the state’s education system.

Location: Theatre

Honoring three champions of corporate citizenship – Art Van Elslander, John W. Barfield and Richard M. DeVos–this session will feature a special tribute and a panel of members from the Van Elslander, Barfield, and DeVos families. It will highlight the parallel contributions of these three individuals and how the next generation is continuing their legacy of reinvesting in the state they love.

Panelists: David Barfield, Group Development Officer, Impellam Group
Daniel G. DeVos, Chairman and CEO, DP Fox Ventures LLC
David Van Elslander, Board Member, A.A. Van Elslander Foundation
Moderator: Paul W. Smith, Host, WJR NewsTalk 760 AM

Sponsor: Consumers Energy

Location: Theatre

Delivering a keynote address for the first time at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Gov. Whitmer will take Michigan’s Center Stage to share her vision of uniting under One Michigan. With her extensive legislative experience, current statewide goals, and overall passion for cultivating Michigan’s prosperous future, Gov. Whitmer will draw on the three pillars—prepare, grow, and love—to champion dialogue and transformation for the state.

Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan
Interviewer: Christy McDonald, Anchor, Detroit Public Television

Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Location: Grand Pavilion

Host: Merit Network

An estimated 27% of students lack access to broadband in their homes. To spur discussion on closing this divide, this session will raise awareness around rural broadband connectivity issues in Michigan that exacerbate the “homework gap” and affect digital inclusion. Panelists will explore a variety of approaches, including community coalitions, changes in regulation, and public/private partnerships, which can be used to connect the underserved and impact Michigan’s collective progress.

Location: Brighton Pavilion

Host: William Davidson Foundation

What are the characteristics of the fastest-growing companies in and around Detroit? Panelists will discuss the dynamic journey of growing a business in Southeast Michigan. They will cover the shifting nature of the startup community, the support currently available to entrepreneurs, and offer insight on future opportunities to boost the growth of the startup ecosystem.

Location: Theatre

During the 2019 Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) reception, Michigan’s bipartisan quadrant leadership will participate in a conversation on what it means to grow the state under the mission of One Michigan, despite partisan divides. They will discuss issues critical to economic development and growth of the region, from investing in infrastructure and a reliable regional transit system to creating pathways to postsecondary education, among many other pro-business policy issues dedicated to growing the region as a powerhouse on the national stage.

Speakers: Mike Shirkey, Senate Majority Leader (R-16)
Jim Ananich, Senate Minority Leader (D-27)
Lee Chatfield, Speaker of the House (R-107)
Christine Greig, House Minority Leader (D-37)

Separate ticket required. Tickets: $175 per person, onsite tickets are $200 per person.

Location: Porch

Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Location: Tea Garden Tent

Speakers: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News
Stephen Henderson, Host, Detroit Public Television and WDET 101.9 FM

Sponsor: Dow

Location: Parlor

Location: Parlor