Category Archives: Mackinac Policy Conference

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.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

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.”