Agenda details are tentative and subject to change.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Services

11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Sponsor: CVS Health

Location: Garden Terrace

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Refreshments

Sponsor: Enbridge Energy

Location: Parlor

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

PAC Reception Ticket Sales

Location: Garden Terrace

12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

ITC Media Center Open

Location: Terrace Room

*Credentialed Media Only 

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

UPS Business Center Open

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Rocket Companies Government Center Open

*Government Officials Only

Programming and Events

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Welcome Lunch

Sponsors: Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Knight Foundation, NetChoice

Location: Porch

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Champagne and Chocolate Arrival

Sponsor: Community Financial Credit Union

Location: Community Financial Credit Union Café

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Slice Social

Complimentary pizza slices for attendees while supplies last.

Sponsor: Google

Location: Google Pizza Co.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

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

8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

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

6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open

*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m. 

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

ITC Media Center Open

Location: Terrace Room

*Credentialed Media Only 

7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Sponsor: CVS Health

Location: Garden Terrace

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coffee

Location: MHA Bar 

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

PAC Reception Ticket Sales

Location: Gallery

8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

UPS Business Center Open

9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Rocket Companies Government Center Open

*Government Officials Only 

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Refreshments

Sponsor: Enbridge Energy

Location: Parlor

11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Alternative Theatre Session Viewing

Location: Brighton Pavilion, Parlor

Programming and Events

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

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

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

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

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Smoothie Station

Sponsor: Trinity Health
Location: Parlor

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

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

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

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

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

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

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

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

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch

Sponsor: Comerica

Location: Parlor

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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

1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Break

1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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 

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

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 

3:10 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.

Ice Cream Social

Sponsor: Plunkett Cooney

Location: Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor

3:15 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

Break

3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

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

3:40 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.

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

4:20 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Grand Event

Sponsors: Comcast Business, EY, First Merchants Bank, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, McKinsey & Co.

Location: Porch and Parlor 

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

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

6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open

*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m.

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Rocket Companies Government Center Open

*Government Officials Only

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

UPS Business Center Open

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

ITC Media Center Open

Location: Terrace Room

*Credentialed Media Only 

7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Conference Registration Open

Sponsor: CVS Health

Location: Garden Terrace

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coffee

Location: MHA Bar

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

PAC Reception Ticket Sales

Location: Gallery

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Refreshments

Sponsor: Priority Health

Location: Parlor  

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Alternative Theatre Session Viewing

Location: Parlor

Programming and Events

8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

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

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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

 

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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

8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

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 

9:45 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.

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

10:10 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

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

10:20 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

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

 

10:45 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.

Mackinac Moment: Haley Stevens

Speaker: Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (D-MI 11)

Location: Theatre

10:55 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.

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 

11:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Bloody Mary Bar

Sponsor: Let’s Detroit

Location: Parlor

11:35 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

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

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Lunch

Sponsor: Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Location: Parlor

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Pizza With Politicians

Join elected leaders and Google for lunch.

Sponsor: Google

Location: Google Pizza Co.

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

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

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

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

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

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

1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

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

1:45 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.

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

1:55 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

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

2:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.

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

2:40 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.

Break

2:40 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

Popcorn Station

Sponsor: Gordon Food Service

Location: Gallery

3:10 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.

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

3:50 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Happy Hour

Sponsor: General Motors

Location: The General Motors House

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

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

6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row Open

*Breakfast available 6-9 a.m. 

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

ITC Media Center Open

Location: Terrace Room

*Credentialed Media Only 

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Coffee

Location: MHA Bar

Grand Hotel Mackinac Island 2024

Read news from the 2024 Conference.