As key decisions are being made about business operations in preparation for any effects of the COVID-19, it’s important to hear from state leaders at the front lines and subject matter experts who can help navigate the risks. The Chamber will be hosting a COVID-19 Town Hall Series, with regular guest speakers, to help businesses navigate the impact of the virus.
Following each presentation, there will be a Q&A portion to share your most pressing needs and get answers in real-time. Participants can submit questions during the discussion.
Listen to Previous Town Halls Here
Thursday, Aug. 20
1 p.m.
Chad Newton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority, will provide an update on what you can expect when traveling through DTW this summer and fall amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. Newton will share the precautions taken by DTW and its partners to ensure safety of travelers and the workers supporting operations and air travel. Newton will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber.
Monday, Aug. 24
11 a.m.
Mark S. Lee, President and CEO, The LEE Group, MI LLC, will discuss the state of Detroit small businesses amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. Lee will offer insight on how businesses are managing throughout the crisis and the resources they need to survive. Learn what Detroit-area small businesses should be doing during these unprecedented times to navigate the headwinds of the economic crisis. Lee will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Participants can submit questions during the discussion.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
11 a.m.
Industry 4.0, also known as the fourth industrial revolution, is defined as the convergence of digital and physical technologies disrupting the manufacturing industry and being realized today in smart factories across the globe. The global COVID-19 pandemic is “colliding” with Industry 4.0 and will result in an acceleration of digitalization across customer engagement, processes, operations, and to enhance and create new revenue.
Tom Kelly, president and CEO of Automation Alley will offer insight on what Michigan companies will need to do to utilize technologies like artificial intelligence to survive, compete, and thrive into the future.
Kelly will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto and vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber. Participants will have the option to submit questions to Stevens during the discussion.
Thursday, Sept. 10
11 a.m.
Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) is the only hospital in Michigan participating in Phase 3 human clinical trials for Moderna’s mRNA-1273 Coronavirus Efficacy (COVE) vaccine study. Dr. Allison Weinmann, an infectious disease specialist at HFHS working on the trial, will share insight on vaccine development and the study enrollment process. Dr. Weinmann will also provide an update on Michigan’s current COVID-19 status during the Town Hall.
Dr. Weinmann will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Participants can submit questions during the discussion.
Tuesday, Sept. 15
1 p.m.
A diversity and inclusion strategy for a business should not be a knee-jerk reaction to any given circumstance. Mark S. Lee, president and CEO, The LEE Group, MI LLC, will discuss the need for more businesses to become advocates for diversity and inclusion which can ultimately impact racial justice and achieving greater equity. Lee will offer insight on why it is important for leadership teams within an organization to reflect the diversity of the communities served and employees that work for those businesses.
Lee will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Participants can submit questions during the discussion.
