Whether contributing to the development of the Qline (formally M-1 Rail) or providing loans for affordable housing, Detroit Regional Chamber member Cinnaire (Great Lakes Capital Fund), a full-service community real estate financial firm, has invested in Detroit for over 23 years.
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Ghafari Associates’ CEO: Culture of Collaboration, Investing in Employees Critical to Business Success

The success of a business is directly linked to the satisfaction of its employees. From robust benefit packages to training opportunities, investing in employees must be a key component of a business’ long-term growth plan, according to Kouhaila Hammer, president and CEO of Ghafari Associates.
Continue ReadingDetroit Scholarship Fund Work Paves Way for the Detroit Promise

The Detroit Regional Chamber joined Mayor Mike Duggan this week in announcing the Detroit Promise Zone — an effort made possible by the work of the Detroit Scholarship Fund (DSF), which guarantees Detroit high school graduates two years of free college.
Continue ReadingGreat Lakes Metro Chambers Advocate for Energy Reform, Transportation Infrastructure Funding in D.C.
The Detroit Regional Chamber and the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition met with members of Congress and their lead staff from 40 districts during a legislative fly-in to Washington, D.C. this month to discuss key issues important to the business future of the Great Lakes/Midwest region.
Continue ReadingInformation Sharing, Education Critical to Defending Against Cyber Threats

In today’s technology-driven world, businesses face a barrage of cyber threats, each larger and more sophisticated than the last. Michigan alone sees more than 2.5 million annual attempted cyberattacks. Despite the risk, many businesses are still ambivalent or unaware of how to take action.
Continue ReadingEmployers Wanted for Challenge Detroit Host Companies, Deadline March 14
Challenge Detroit, a leadership development program aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the city, is now accepting applications for its 2016-2017 class of Fellows.
Continue ReadingMichigan Suppliers Win New Contracts at Largest-Attended PMBC Automotive Matchmaking Summit

More than 1,200 representatives from automotive suppliers across the state descended on Cobo Center in Detroit last week for the 2016 Pure Michigan Automotive Summit – the largest matchmaking summit hosted by the state.
Continue ReadingLimited Internet Access, Digital Illiteracy Challenges Neighborhood Growth
Roughly 60 percent of households in Detroit do not have access to broadband Internet connectivity, according to the 2013 Census report. In addressing this issue, panelists in the “Combating the Digital Divide: Detroit Disconnected” session said for many living in the city’s neighborhoods, escaping poverty is increasingly out of reach as Internet connectivity remains a necessary platform for job hunting and furthering education.
Continue ReadingDetroit’s Revitalization Hinges on Education Reform, School Accountability

Lack of reliable transportation. No accountability. Burgeoning debt. These are just a few of the issues parents are forced to deal with on a daily basis when it comes to Detroit’s complex education system, according to parent Arlyssa Heard, education organizer for 482Forward. Heard, who removed her son from DPS and enrolled him in a charter school further from her house due to classroom overcrowding, said parents are fed up with lack of oversight.
Continue ReadingDPD’s Green Light Program Helping Reduce Crime in Neighborhoods

A pilot initiative aimed at curbing violent crimes throughout the city is seeing positive results thanks to the hard work of neighborhood business owners and city government leaders. The Detroit Police Department’s Green Light program partners with eight gas stations in strategic neighborhoods and uses high-resolution cameras and bright lighting to capture clear images of license plates and alleged criminal activity which can then be sent electronically to police patrol cars.
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