Agenda details are tentative and subject to change.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Services
Conference Registration Open
Sponsor: CVS Health
Location: Garden Terrace
Refreshments
Sponsor: Enbridge Energy
Location: Parlor
PAC Reception Ticket Sales
Location: Garden Terrace
ITC Media Center Open
Location: Terrace Room
*Credentialed Media Only
UPS Business Center Open
Rocket Companies Government Center Open
*Government Officials Only
Programming and Events
Welcome Lunch
Sponsors: Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Knight Foundation, NetChoice
Location: Porch
Champagne and Chocolate Arrival
Sponsor: Community Financial Credit Union
Location: Community Financial Credit Union Café
Navigating the New Reality of Collegiate Athletics
In 2023, the State of Michigan began allowing collegiate athletes the right to profit from the use of their own name, image, and likeness (NIL). In addition, the transfer portal and new collegiate collectives are altering collegiate athletics, from recruiting to retention. This session will discuss changes and how to best support student-athletes in becoming leaders of tomorrow.
Opening Remarks: Kelly Tebay, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, Michigan State University
Panelists: Robyn Fralick, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball, Michigan State University
Alan Haller, Vice President and Director, Athletics, Michigan State University
Adam Nightingale, Head Coach, Men’s Ice Hockey, Michigan State University
Moderator: Joe Tate, Speaker of the House, State of Michigan
Host: Michigan State University
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Slice Social
Complimentary pizza slices for attendees while supplies last.
Sponsor: Google
Location: Google Pizza Co.
Solving Michigan’s Housing Crisis
Michigan’s housing supply shortage didn’t crop up overnight, and the state is working collaboratively with local, regional, and statewide partners to build and renovate thousands of housing units to resolve it. This session will discuss how foundational good housing options are to Michigan’s economic development, pay equity, educational outcomes, personal health, and more.
Panelists: Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit
Amy Hovey, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Linh Song, Council Member, City of Ann Arbor
Glenn Wilson, Co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Communities First Inc.
Moderator: Sarah Anthony, Michigan Senator (D-Lansing)
Host: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Welcome Back Reception Featuring Michigan’s Congressional Delegation
Special Guests: Gary Peters, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Debbie Dingell, U.S. Representative (D-MI 6)
Dan Kildee, U.S. Representative (D-MI 8)
Hillary Scholten, U.S. Representative (D-MI 3)
Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Representative (D-MI 7)
Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (D-MI 11)
Opening Flag Ceremony: Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan and Mackinac Island Honor Guard Troop 327
Sponsors: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Google, UWM
Location: Porch and Parlor
Opening Night at the Stables
Sponsors: Common Sail Investment Group, Crain’s Detroit and Grand Rapids Business, Mackinac Island Ferry Company, Meijer, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Location: Grand Hotel Stables
Film Night and Fireside Chat: Dug Song and Sen. Mallory McMorrow
Join us for an evening dedicated to uplifting the stories of Michigan founders and a fireside chat between Dug Song and Sen. Mallory McMorrow on the vital importance of innovation for the state’s future.
Attendees will watch a screening of Sure as the Wind, the story of JustAir co-founded by Darren Riley, an environmental tech company dedicated to the belief that everyone has a right to breathe clean air, as well as a sneak peek into future films that highlight the state’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Speakers: Mallory McMorrow, Michigan Senator (D-Royal Oak)
Dug Song, Co-founder and President, Song Foundation
Host: Song Foundation
Location: The Lilac Room, Esther Williams Swimming Pool House
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open
*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m.
ITC Media Center Open
Location: Terrace Room
*Credentialed Media Only
Conference Registration Open
Sponsor: CVS Health
Location: Garden Terrace
Coffee
Location: MHA Bar
PAC Reception Ticket Sales
Location: Gallery
UPS Business Center Open
Rocket Companies Government Center Open
*Government Officials Only
Refreshments
Sponsor: Enbridge Energy
Location: Parlor
Alternative Theatre Session Viewing
Location: Brighton Pavilion, Parlor
Programming and Events
The Importance of Racial Equity in Michigan’s Population Growth
The Growing Michigan Together Council’s report proposed strategies to reverse the state’s population crisis by reforming its education system, fostering innovation, and positioning the state as a destination for residents, workers, and businesses. This session will explore how prioritizing racial equity in these proposed growth plans will lead to sustainable developments that will benefit families and businesses in the state.
Panelists: Charity Dean, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Black Business Alliance
Hilary Doe, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Andre M. Perry, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institute
Moderator: Yazeed Moore, Director, Michigan Programs, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Host: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Make It in Michigan Meetup: Places
Michigan’s growth is inextricably linked to our placemaking efforts and our Pure Michigan way of life. Affordable housing, regional relevancy, and resiliency are critical as we support vibrant places where talent wants to live and businesses want to grow. Join Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Team Michigan legislative partners to see how they are investing in communities across the state.
Speakers: Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President, Regional Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Michele Wildman, Chief Place Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Location: MEDC Bar
Smoothie Station
Sponsor: Trinity Health
Location: Parlor
Policy Solutions for the Economic and Health Burdens of Tobacco Addiction
Tobacco use costs Michigan over $5 billion in excess health care costs and more than $11 billion in lost productivity each year. This session will discuss policy changes needed to ensure a more vibrant future free from the health and economic burdens of tobacco addiction.
Panelists: Minou Jones, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Making It Count Community Development Corporation
Sue Shink, Michigan Senator (D-Northfield Township)
Introduction and Moderator: Jodi L. Radke, Regional Director, Rocky Mountains-Great Plains Region, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Host: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Location: The Lilac Room, Esther Williams Swimming Pool House
Make It in Michigan Meetup: People
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) knows that Michigan’s greatest asset is our people, and over 80% of employers cite talent as the prime decision factor for expanding operations. That’s why Team Michigan is investing in talent campaigns, workforce initiatives, comprehensive small business support, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Hear how MEDC empowering Michiganders and growing the middle class and state population with legislative partners.
Speakers: Hilary Doe, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Kerry Ebersole Singh, Chief Talent Solutions Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President, Small Business Services and Solutions, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Location: MEDC Bar
The Power of Place: Shaping Who We Are and Building Our Future
A shared sense of place can be a powerful tool for building a unified future. Our communities hold unique stories and foster understanding and connection. By valuing the power of place, we can bridge divides and create a Michigan where diverse communities work together for a brighter future. Join us for a conversation on the importance of creative placemaking in reimaging our future.
Panelists: Anika Goss, Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Future City
Wendy Lewis Jackson, Managing Director, Detroit Program, The Kresge Foundation
Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer, The Barack Obama Foundation
Andre M. Perry, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institute
Moderator: Stephen Henderson, Executive Advisor, BridgeDetroit; Host, Detroit Today and American Black Journal
Host: The Kresge Foundation
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Understanding Gen Z’s Political Sway
Gen Z adults account for about one in six Americans eligible to vote, and they are turning up at the polls more than any other youth cohort in history. This session will illuminate young people’s perspectives on policies across the political spectrum and highlight how they are exerting their influence on the state’s and nation’s direction.
Panelists: Esther Guerrero, Youth and Community Organizer, Congress of Communities
Jacob Manning, Grassroots Coordinator and Policy Advisor, Small Business Association of Michigan
Moderator: Angelique Power, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Skillman Foundation
Host: The Skillman Foundation
Location: Grand Pavilion
Lunch
Sponsor: Comerica
Location: Parlor
Conference Open
Speakers: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Suzanne Shank, President and Chief Executive Officer, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC; Chair, 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan
Location: Theatre
A Conversation With Valerie Jarrett
Speaker: Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer, The Barack Obama Foundation
Interviewers: Rip Rapson, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Kresge Foundation
Suzanne Shank, President and Chief Executive Officer, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC; Chair, 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference
Sponsor: The Kresge Foundation
Location: Theatre
A Conversation With Alicia Boler Davis
Speaker: Alicia Boler Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Alto Pharmacy
Interviewer: Huel Perkins, Retired TV Anchor
Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Location: Theatre
A Conversation With Suzanne P. Clark
Speaker: Suzanne P. Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Interviewer: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Sponsor: Ford Motor Company
Location: Theatre
Break
A Conversation With Chuck Todd
Speaker: Chuck Todd, Chief Political Analyst, NBC News
Interviewer: Devin Scillian, Anchor, WDIV-TV 4, NBC
Sponsor: Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC
Location: Theatre
A Conversation With Paul Ryan and Harold Ford Jr.
Speaker: Paul Ryan, Former U.S. Speaker of the House
Interviewer: Harold Ford Jr., Former Congressional Representative; Regional President, PNC Bank New York
Sponsor: Delta Air Lines
Location: Theatre
Ice Cream Social
Sponsor: Plunkett Cooney
Location: Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor
Break
LEO Statewide Workforce Plan
Join the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan Economic Development Corporation leaders to learn more about the first Statewide Workforce Plan, the first public, all-access strategy to build on Michigan’s workforce momentum by addressing challenges and opportunities facing our state. Conversations will focus on how stakeholder collaboration can help unlock the full potential of Michigan’s workforce and create new opportunities where individuals and businesses can make it in Michigan.
Speakers: Susan Corbin, Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Michelle Richard, Acting Director, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)
Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Location: MEDC Bar
A Conversation With Dan Gilbert
Speaker: Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman, Rocket Companies; Co-founder, Gilbert Family Foundation
Interviewer: Dennis W. Archer Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sixteen42 Ventures
Sponsor: Wayne State University
Location: Theatre
Mike Duggan: Addressing Michigan’s Greatest Challenge
Introduction: Jeff Nelson, Executive Vice President, Strategic Staffing Solutions
Speakers: Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit
James White, Chief, Detroit Police Department
Sponsor: Strategic Staffing Solutions
Location: Theatre
The Grand Event
Sponsors: Comcast Business, EY, First Merchants Bank, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, McKinsey & Co.
Location: Porch and Parlor
Women in Leadership Reception
Panelists: Rosalynn Bliss, Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Sandy Pierce, Corporate Board Executive, CEO Advisor, and Community Strategist
La June Montgomery Tabron, President and Chief Executive Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC
Moderator: Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Rocket Community Fund and Gilbert Family Foundation
Host: Rocket Companies
Location: Tea Garden Tent, Grand Hotel
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open
*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m.
Rocket Companies Government Center Open
*Government Officials Only
UPS Business Center Open
ITC Media Center Open
Location: Terrace Room
*Credentialed Media Only
Conference Registration Open
Sponsor: CVS Health
Location: Garden Terrace
Coffee
Location: MHA Bar
PAC Reception Ticket Sales
Location: Gallery
Refreshments
Sponsor: Priority Health
Location: Parlor
Alternative Theatre Session Viewing
Location: Parlor
Programming and Events
Make It in Michigan Meetup: Projects
The U.S. is in an unprecedented time of global economic opportunity, and Team Michigan is competing to win. Hear from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and legislative partners about our work attracting and retaining long-term, impactful projects that increase prosperity for Michiganders.
Speakers: Christin Armstrong, Senior Vice President, Business Development Programs and Execution, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
John Gutierrez, Executive Director, Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan
Quentin L. Messer Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; President and Chair, Michigan Strategic Fund
Host: Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Location: MEDC Bar
Good Morning and Good Health With the MHA
Please join health care leaders to discuss how together we can build healthy communities and healthy economies.
Host: Michigan Health and Hospital Association
Location: MHA Bar
Developing Talent for Michigan’s Emerging EV Ecosystem
As environmental priorities rise at the state and national level, building talent for emerging EV materials and technologies has become a key opportunity for Michigan’s economic growth. This session will examine perspectives from industry, academia, and national workforce organizations on developing a qualified workforce to support the electric vehicle ecosystem in Michigan.
Panelists: Jeannine Kunz, Chief Workforce Development Officer, SME
Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (D-MI 11)
Ann Thompson, Manager, Workforce Development, Ford Motor Company
Moderator: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS
Host: SME
Location: Brighton Pavilion
How Justice Demands Are Changing Philanthropy Dynamics
Philanthropy today is undergoing a transformative shift away from acts of generosity to a dynamic and intentional pursuit of justice. This session will showcase local examples of philanthropy fueled by trust and economic justice and show how to engage communities in these efforts in non-threatening, inclusive, and data-rich ways.
Opening Remarks: Margaret Trimer, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Delta Dental of Michigan
Panelists: Diallo Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer, Life Remodeled
Andrew Stein, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Children’s Foundation
Deanna L. Stewart, Founder and Executive Director, Equity Alliance of Michigan
Moderator: Rachel Decker, Founder and President, Detroit Philanthropy
Host: Delta Dental of Michigan
Location: Grand Pavilion
Funding and Fixing Michigan’s Infrastructure
Strengthening our infrastructure and closing Michigan’s $3.9 billion investment gap will help guide Michigan into the future. This session will focus on the need to strengthen Michigan’s infrastructure and the impact high-quality infrastructure has on the business community, population development, and the state as a whole.
Speakers: Rob Coppersmith, Executive Vice President, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association
Brad Wieferich, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation
Host: Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association
Location: The Lilac Room, Esther Williams Swimming Pool House
Opening Session
Speakers: Suzanne Shank, President and Chief Executive Officer, Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC; Chair, 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference
Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Location: Theatre
Mackinac Moment: Matt Elliott
Speaker: Matt Elliott, Sustainability Executive, Business Banking and Global Commercial Banking, President, Bank of America Michigan; Chair, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber
Location: Theatre
A Conversation With Gina Raimondo
Speaker: Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Interviewer: Awenate Cobbina, Chairman, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee
Sponsor: Business Leaders for Michigan
Location: Theatre
Mackinac Moment: Haley Stevens
Speaker: Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (D-MI 11)
Location: Theatre
Tackling Talent Needs for Michigan Employers
Panelists: Kevin Guskiewicz, President, Michigan State University
Santa J. Ono, President, University of Michigan
Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President, Oakland University
Bill Pink, President, Ferris State University
Moderator: Zoe Clark, Political Director, Michigan Public
Sponsor: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Location: Theatre
Bloody Mary Bar
Sponsor: Let’s Detroit
Location: Parlor
AI and Its Impact on Business
Speaker: Alex Rampell, General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz
Panelists: Varun Krishna, Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Companies
Ann Marie Sastry, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Amesite
Greg Williams, Co-founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Acrisure
Moderator: KC Crain, President and Chief Executive Officer, Crain Communications
Sponsor: Consumers Energy
Location: Theatre
Lunch
Sponsor: Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Location: Parlor
Pizza With Politicians
Join elected leaders and Google for lunch.
Sponsor: Google
Location: Google Pizza Co.
Making Michigan a High-Growth, High-Wage State
Michigan has lost its competitive advantage in building the next wave of high-growth and high-wage businesses. This session will explore the urgent need for equitable action and share potential policy solutions to position Michigan, once again, as the Innovation Hub of the Midwest and America’s Scale-up State.
Panelists: Garlin Gilchrist II, Lieutenant Governor, State of Michigan
Victor W. Hwang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Right to Start
Moderator: Nancy Kaffer, Editorial Page Editor, Detroit Free Press
Host: Song Foundation
Location: The Lilac Room, Esther Williams Swimming Pool House
Business-led Approaches to Solving the Talent Crisis
Overcoming the talent crisis requires cohesive, equitable investments in the people and systems that already exist in southeast Michigan. This session will explore new efforts to apply regional, business-led, and evidence-based approaches to solving the Detroit Region’s talent crisis.
Opening Remarks: Bob Riney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Henry Ford Health
Panelists: Greg Handel, Vice President, Education and Talent, Detroit Regional Chamber
Jan Harrington-Davis, Senior Vice President, Talent Attraction, Corewell Health
Catherine Susko, Director, Talent Solutions and Strategy, Workforce Diversity, and Workforce Development, Henry Ford Health
Moderator: Jayme Powell, Executive Director, Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership
Host: Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Location: Grand Pavilion
After School: Good for Kids. Good for Business.
As Michigan’s educators work to bridge the pandemic-related learning loss experienced by children and teens across the state, many working families are also struggling with child care needs keeping them from participating in the workforce. This discussion will address how the expansion and enhancement of quality after-school programs can be part of the solution and what more can be done to increase the number of young people, families, and employers benefiting from quality after-school programs.
Panelists: King Bethel, Student and Youth Voice, Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
Kimberly Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Developing K.I.D.S.
Michelle Richard, Acting Director, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)
Ridgway White, President and Chief Executive Officer, CS Mott Foundation
Moderator: Dave Egner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Host: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Shaping Michigan’s Future
Panelists: Christina Keller, Chief Executive Officer and Chair, Cascade Engineering
Natalie King, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC
Sandy Pierce, Corporate Board Executive, CEO Advisor, and Community Strategist
Rachel Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, Gardner White
Moderator: Rhonda Walker, Anchor, WDIV-TV 4, NBC
Sponsor: PNC Bank
Location: Theatre
Recognition of Sandy Pierce
Honoree: Sandy Pierce, Corporate Board Executive, CEO Advisor, and Community Strategist
Presenters: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Gary Torgow, Chairman, Board of Directors, Huntington National Bank
Location: Theatre
Navigating Divisive Times
Panelists: Gary Peters, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Lisa McClain, U.S. Representative (R-MI 9)
Tim Walberg, U.S. Representative (R-MI 5)
Moderator: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS
Sponsor: University of Michigan
Location: Theatre
Recognition of Sen. Debbie Stabenow
Honoree: Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator (D-MI)
Presenters: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit
Location: Theatre
Break
Popcorn Station
Sponsor: Gordon Food Service
Location: Gallery
Keynote Address: Gretchen Whitmer
Speaker: Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan
Introduction and Interviewer: Daniel J. Loepp, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Location: Theatre
Recognition of Daniel J. Loepp
Honoree: Daniel J. Loepp, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Presenters: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor, State of Michigan
Location: Theatre
PAC Reception: A Toast to Michigan
Introduction: Brad Williams, Vice President, Government Relations, Detroit Regional Chamber
Panelists: Winnie Brinks, Senate Majority Leader, State of Michigan
Joe Tate, Speaker of the House, State of Michigan
Aric Nesbitt, Senate Minority Leader, State of Michigan
Matt Hall, House Minority Leader, State of Michigan
Moderator: Zoe Clark, Political Director, Michigan Public
Supporters: DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, Franco, Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC
Location: Brighton Pavilion
Happy Hour
Sponsor: General Motors
Location: The General Motors House
On the Island. Off the Record.
Remarks: Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Jeff Stoutenburg, Director, State Government Affairs, Dow
Performance and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” Singalong: Devin Scillian, Anchor, WDIV-TV 4, NBC
Speakers: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News; Contributor, One Detroit, Detroit PBS
Stephen Henderson, Executive Advisor, BridgeDetroit; Host, Detroit Today and American Black Journal
Sponsor: Dow
Location: Tea Garden Tent, Grand Hotel
Friday, May 31, 2024
Departure
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open
*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m.
ITC Media Center Open
Location: Terrace Room
*Credentialed Media Only
Coffee
Location: MHA Bar
Read news from the 2024 Conference.