MACKINAC ISLAND, May 30, 2014– After three days of discussions featuring top state, regional and national thought-leaders, Conference Chair Henry Cooney, president and CEO, Plunkett Cooney and Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah announced that Mark Davidoff, Michigan managing partner at Deloitte, will serve as Chair of the 2015 Mackinac Policy Conference.
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Detroit’s Next Panel Highlights Leadership Collaboration to Moving Economic Needle
Collaboration and consensus serve as the driving force behind the economic upheaval in Detroit and throughout the state of Michigan. Whether across the aisle, or across the state, “Detroit Next: Positioned for the Future” panelists acknowledged the interconnected nature of the state’s economy, the necessity to ignore political divisions and the critical importance of supporting Detroit’s success.
Continue ReadingJohn James Calls for Employers to Embrace Veteran Talent, Complements Veteran Talent Showcase
If an employer hires a veteran and shares the company’s vision with that individual, he or she will produce tremendous results. That was the message delivered to attendees by John James, vice president of operations at James Group International, during his Mackinac Moment focused on talent.
Continue ReadingKevyn Orr Emphasizes Importance of Unified Approach to Moving Detroit Forward
[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/96922743[/vimeo]
Kevyn Orr, emergency manager of Detroit, spoke to the importance of a consensual and unified approach from the city’s political and business leaders to continue driving change and moving the city forward.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu Confident that Detroit’s Best Days are Ahead
Detroit’s continued comeback is important, not only to the city and the state, but to the entire nation. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu passionately delivered that message during his keynote address at the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference, which was sponsored by The Kresge Foundation.
Continue ReadingCarl Levin: Stars on the National Stage
In a poignant moment, the nation’s longest-serving Congressman and fellow retiree John Dingell (D-Dearborn) welcomed his long-time friend and colleague, Senator Carl Levin to Grand Hotel’s theatre as Governor Rick Snyder and Detroit Regional Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah looked on.
After the three presenters praised Senator Levin’s career, highlighting his trademark advocacy and stewardship for Michigan, the Senator Levin took the podium to share his advice for Congress and metro Detroit, with Michigan’s political, business and media leaders looking on.
Continue ReadingThe Voices of CNN: Effective Government Leaders Break Gridlock, Not Create It
Two of America’s foremost political voices took Michigan’s Center Stage during “Across the Isle: Michigan and the Midterms,” to stress the importance of compromise and effective leadership in breaking the partisan gridlock in Congress. Paul W. Smith, host of News/Talk WJR 760 AM, moderated the debate, which included Paul Begala, democratic strategist and CNN political contributor, and S.E. Cupp, host of CNN’s “Crossfire.”
Continue ReadingMichigan Mulls Update to Gay Discrimination Law
ABC News: May 29, 2014
Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday urged legislators to consider updating Michigan’s civil rights law to prohibit discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity, applauding companies and the state’s two largest regional chambers of commerce for joining a business-backed push to amend the law.
Continue ReadingMichigan International Speedway brings more than $414 million into economy, president says at state conference
MLive: May 29, 2014
JACKSON, MI – More than $414 million is what Michigan International Speedway brings into the economy on a yearly basis, officials announced at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference Thursday, May 29.
Continue ReadingChambers to back state civil rights amendment to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation
Crain’s Detroit Business: May 29, 2014
MACKINAC ISLAND — The state’s two largest chambers were to announce Thursday that they had joined the coalition working to amend state civil rights law to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
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