2017 Agenda

Planet M welcomes attendees to Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry docks with a pair of connected cars from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The cars serve as visual reminders that autonomous-vehicle development does not exclusively involve test drives on Michigan roadways, but also the development and integration of a host of technologies, such as radars, cameras, sensors and cybersecurity.

Sponsor: Ilitch Holdings Inc.

Sponsor: Comcast Business

Sponsor: Enbridge

Sponsors:
Crain’s Detroit Business
General Motors Co.
GS3
PwC

Sponsor: Comcast Business

Stop by the Geranium Bar and take a virtual reality tour of Michigan’s mobility assets. This tour showcases the state’s leadership in autonomous vehicle research and development.

Presenting Sponsor: KPMG

Supporting Sponsors: 
DENSO
SME
Toyota

NOTE: This roundtable is invitation-only. 

Sponsor: Comcast Business

Sponsor: Michigan Health & Hospital Association

In September, the Detroit Public Schools Community District will begin an academic calendar that promises to be the most important school year for Detroit in decades. With local control restored, an elected school board, financial solvency, and a new superintendent in place, this will be the most promising — and most fragile — start of a school year for Detroit students and families in a long time. Hear what the business community needs to know, and how it can help ensure that Detroit children will be prepared for the opportunities of today and tomorrow.

Panel:
Herman Gray, President and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan
John Rakolta Jr., Chairman and CEO, Walbridge; Co-chair, Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren
Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District

Moderator: Erin Einhorn, Editor, Chalkbeat Detroit

Planet M welcomes attendees to Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry docks with a pair of connected cars from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The cars serve as visual reminders that autonomous-vehicle development does not exclusively involve test drives on Michigan roadways, but also the development and integration of a host of technologies, such as radars, cameras, sensors and cybersecurity.

Local communities are the state’s economic drivers, with metropolitan areas accounting for 89 percent of the state’s jobs and 88 percent of gross domestic product. Yet cities are facing unprecedented fiscal stress created by a broken municipal finance system.

As Michigan looks to create greater economic opportunities, we need to assess how our system of municipal finance impedes or accelerates a thriving economy. This panel will provide historical context of how – and why – Michigan got here and how creating stronger, more vibrant communities will help attract the best talent, improve infrastructure and increase access to employment, housing and health care.

Introduction: Ridgway White, President, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Panel:
Rosalynn Bliss, Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Anthony Minghine, Associate Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Municipal League
Joshua Sapotichne, Associate Professor, Michigan State University

Moderator: Ron Fournier, Publisher and Editor, Crain’s Detroit Business

Employers in Michigan, as well as throughout the nation, have identified a shortage of qualified workers as a top challenge for businesses. Faced with this shortage of talent and the declining proportion of younger workers, there is an opportunity for Michigan employers to turn to older workers to gain and maintain a competitive edge.

This session will explore AARP’s collaborative partnership with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), Michigan Works!, Detroit Regional Chamber, and local chambers of commerce around the state to help find experienced workers for the more than 100,000 unfilled jobs.

Panel:
Paula Cunningham, Director, AARP Michigan
Roger Curtis, Director, Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development
Chuck Hadden, President and CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association

Moderator: Chris Holman, Founder and CEO, Michigan Business Network; President, AARP Michigan

Speaker: Brenda Jones, President, Detroit City Council

Remarks: Bob Tagatz, Historian and Concierge, Grand Hotel

Panel:
Andy Hetzel, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Terence Thomas, Principal, Thomas Consulting Group
Lindsay VanHulle, Lansing Correspondent, Crain’s Detroit Business and Bridge Magazine

Moderator: Matt Friedman, Partner, Tanner Friedman

Hosts:
Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News
Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page Editor, Detroit Free Press
Christy McDonald, “MiWeek” Anchor, Detroit Public Television

Sponsor: Ilitch Holdings Inc. 

Sponsor: Michigan Realtors

Be sure to pick up your boxed lunch in the parlor before main stage programming begins.

Speakers:
Sandy Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber
Stephen Polk, President and CEO, Highgate LLC; Chair, 2017 Mackinac Policy Conference

Gov. Rick Snyder kicks off the 2017 Conference, setting the stage for the important statewide conversation to take place throughout the week on Michigan’s Center Stage.

By 2050, the World Health Organization predicts that 70 percent of the population will be urbanites living in cities that are decades old, built for vastly smaller populations with very different needs. As these cities grow, resources such as land, water and energy, become harder to manage. Kicking off the Conference discussion on “winning the race in connected technology,” Ingeborg Rocker, vice president of 3DEXPERIENCity at Dassault Systèmes, will discuss how technology can help Michigan build more efficient cities that not only considers its citizens, but also the long-term impact on the entire planet.

From connected homes and autonomous vehicles, to better management of energy, water, transportation infrastructure and health care, the transformative power of technology and big data is forging the path for fully integrated, smart and sustainable communities. This session will focus on how Michigan can capitalize on its strengths to lead the race in connected technology.

Panel:
Keith Collins, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, SAS
John Kwant, Vice President, City Solutions, Ford Smart Mobility LLC
Wright Lassiter III, President and CEO, Henry Ford Health System
Ingeborg Rocker, Vice President, 3DEXPERIENCity, Dassault Systèmes

Moderator: KC Crain Jr., Executive Vice President, Director of Corporate Operations, Crain Communications Inc.

Sponsor: PNC Bank

Growing up in poverty, Wes Moore, CEO of Robin Hood Foundation, U.S. Army combat veteran and best-selling author, has walked the fine line between economic success and failure. As a nationally renowned social advocate and entrepreneur, Moore is dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth and veterans through access to higher education, support services and mentorship. He will share how education along with other economic inclusion strategies can shrink the opportunity gap and enhance the quality of life for all Michiganders.

Introduction: Richard DeVore, Regional President, Detroit and Southeast Michigan, PNC Bank

Interviewer: Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page Editor, Detroit Free Press

Sponsor: Plunkett Cooney

Speaker: Anya Babbitt, Founder and CEO, SPLT

Bringing civil discourse to the table, award-winning documentary filmmaker Julie Winokur has traveled the country interviewing students, citizens and community leaders in an effort to break down barriers to civil discourse as the state and country look to heal following the tumultuous presidential election. Winokur will share stories she has learned through her conversations as part of her “Bring It to the Table” project. Building on the pillar of restoring civility in American politics, Winokur will also touch on how to best respond to others’ political beliefs, learn to listen well, engage in civil political debate, and talk across party lines about issues that matter.

Sponsor: Delta Air Lines

Following decades of combined political experience, former U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr., political analyst for MSNBC and CNBC, will facilitate a discussion with Washington insiders Stephanie Cutter and Ana Navarro. This discussion will revolve around the trend of hyper-partisanship and where opportunity lies for a more civil conversation in order to move past ideology and help move America forward.

Speakers:
Stephanie Cutter, Political Strategist; Founder, Precision Strategies; Former Deputy Campaign Manager, Obama 2012; Former White House Deputy Senior Advisor to President Obama
Harold Ford Jr., Former U.S. Representative; Political Analyst, MSNBC and CNBC
Ana Navarro, GOP Strategist; Political Contributor, ABC News, CNN, Telemundo

Sponsor: Meijer

As Fortune magazine’s leading journalist and expert on automotive and mobility trends, Geoff Colvin, will draw on his relationships with the world’s top industry leaders to share insight on the transformative power of technology, its impact on society and the automotive industry, and how Michigan can capitalize on its world-class assets to win the race in connected technology beyond the connected car.

Interviewer: John McElroy, Host, “Autoline”

Sponsor: DTE Energy

Detroit is truly the comeback city. From booming development and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem to efforts to reduce crime and blight, the city’s revitalization is a shining example for metropolitan communities across the country. But there is still more work to do. As his first term nears completion, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will reflect on the progress being made in the city and ongoing collaboration needed to ensure all of its citizens benefit from Detroit’s rebirth.

Interviewer: Paul W. Smith, Host, WJR NewsTalk 760 AM

Sponsors:
Accenture
Detroit Medical Center
Eli Lilly and Company
EY
Greektown Casino-Hotel

Sponsors:
DTE Energy
Consumers Energy

Entertainment: STARFARM

NOTE: This reception requires a separate registration.

Sponsor: Comcast Business

Stop by the Geranium Bar and take a virtual reality tour of Michigan’s mobility assets. This tour showcases the state’s leadership in autonomous vehicle research and development.

Julie Winokur, executive director at Talking Eyes Media, will simulate her “Bring it to the Table” project in this interactive session. Attendees will learn about the project and then be encouraged to engage in conversation with each other with the hope of bridging political divides and breaking down partisanship.

Michael Beschloss, presidential historian and best-selling author will draw on his experiences from Washington, D.C. to provide insights on presidential leadership over the past decades.

Interviewer: Sandy Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

Sponsor: Henry Ford Health System

Hosts:
Jason Hall, Co-founder, Slow Roll Detroit
Wright Lassiter III, President and CEO, Henry Ford Health System

Sponsor: Michigan Health & Hospital Association

Sponsor: Priority Health

Sponsor: Consumers Energy 

The quintessential biographer of some of the world’s larger-than-life leaders and innovators, Walter Isaacson knows that big ideas don’t happen overnight and fostering environments conducive to attracting entrepreneurs is key for Michigan’s long-term growth. Isaacson will discuss the importance of collaboration in regards to two of the Conference pillars, winning the race in connected technology and increasing economic opportunity in Michigan.

Introduction: Patti Poppe, President and CEO, Consumers Energy

Interviewer: Daniel Howes, Columnist and Associate Business Editor, The Detroit News

Sponsor: Ford Motor Co.

Drawing on the Conference pillar of restoring civility in American politics, presidential historian and best-selling author Michael Beschloss will share a historian’s perspective on the state of political discourse in America and how past presidents have helped shape the conversation.

Interviewer: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News

Sponsor: MEDC

Stop in to the Geranium Bar for a smoothie, compliments of MEDC. Attendees will also be able to take a virtual tour of Michigan’s mobility assets at the Planet M Virtual Reality Station.

Speaker: Harold Ford Jr., Former U.S. Representative; Political Analyst, MSNBC and CNBC

As vice president and director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings Institution, Amy Liu has her finger on the pulse of sustainable development and will tie her discussion back to the increasing economic opportunity pillar. Drawing on examples from urban communities across the country, Liu will discuss her blueprint for investing in people and infrastructure.

Following Amy Liu’s keynote address, a panel of diverse leaders representing government, foundations, and political think tanks will explore policies to minimize the opportunity gap in Michigan. Discussion will center around the idea that, while different groups may have diverse views on achieving success, the end goal is the same – Michigan’s long-term economic prosperity. Panelists will also explore how leaders can work together to build more equitable and sustainable communities that give opportunity for all Michiganders to participate.

Panel:
Brian Calley, Lt. Governor, State of Michigan
Melanca Clark, President and CEO, Hudson-Webber Foundation
Joseph Lehman, President, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Amy Liu, Vice President and Director, Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institution

Moderator: Rochelle Riley, Columnist, Detroit Free Press

Sponsor: Comerica Bank

Be sure to pick up your boxed lunch in the parlor before main stage programming begins. If you plan on attending a hosted program at this time, lunches will be provided in those hosted program rooms.

One of the best measures of a city’s well-being is how it helps children realize their nearly unlimited potential. Unfortunately, the conditions for children in Detroit and in Michigan are less than ideal.

Michigan ranks 31st in overall child well-being. In Detroit, nearly 30,000 eligible young children have no access to high-quality early learning and care options. Get an inside look at Hope Starts Here: Detroit’s Early Childhood Partnership, an effort launched by The Kresge Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, that is creating a vision and action plan to make Detroit an equitable, world-class city for its youngest residents and their families.

Panel:
Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit
Rip Rapson, President and CEO, The Kresge Foundation
Rev. Larry Simmons, Executive Director, Brightmoor Alliance
La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Moderator: Mary Kramer, Group Publisher, Crain’s Detroit Business

Transforming neighborhoods, growing small businesses, and maintaining the dynamic momentum that is underway throughout Detroit and Michigan requires many ingredients—not least of which is investment capital. To ensure that everyone benefits from Michigan’s ongoing economic revitalization, this session will explore strategies to incentivize private investment that leverages high-performing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Panelists will discuss how alternative lending institutions have been leveraged to increase credit access and other financial services in low-income and minority communities that traditionally have been underserved.

Panel:
Melinda Clemons, Senior Loan Officer, Capital Impact Partners
Vanessa Holsey, Relationship Manager, Detroit Development Fund

Moderator: Tosha Tabron, Vice President, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Speaker: Mark Schlissel, President, University of Michigan

In an effort to sustain Michigan’s competitiveness, Gov. Rick Snyder created the 21st Century Infrastructure, Education and Economy commissions in 2016. The chairs of the three commissions will discuss key findings and recommendations with the Governor.

Panel:
Sandy Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber; Chair, 21st Century Economy Commission
Thomas Haas, President, Grand Valley State University; Chair, 21st Century Education Commission
Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan
S. Evan Weiner, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Edw. C Levy Co.; Chair, 21st Century Infrastructure Commission

Moderator: Christy McDonald, “MiWeek” Anchor, Detroit Public Television

Bipartisanship compromise and spirited debate has long been a hallmark of the U.S. Congress. However, in recent times civil discourse has given way to extreme partisanship, preventing forward progress on key issues impacting all Americans — from health care and trade reform to immigration and improving the nation’s infrastructure. As the state looks to lead in today’s politically charged environment, a panel of representatives from the Michigan congressional delegation will discuss how they are working together at the federal level to advance major issues to move the country forward.

Panel:
Debbie Dingell, U.S. Representative (D-MI 12)
Brenda Lawrence, U.S. Representative (D-MI 14)
Dave Trott, U.S. Representative (R-MI 11)
Fred Upton,  U.S. Representative (R-MI 6)

Moderator: Carol Cain, Senior Producer and Host, “Michigan Matters”

For more than two decades, Darren Walker has been at the center of community development — from helping to bring the Grand Bargain to fruition and ushering Detroit’s swift exit from bankruptcy, to working with the Rockefeller Foundation to rebuild New Orleans. Walker will share insights on the importance of inclusion and tools to close the opportunity gap.

Interviewer: Devin Scillian, Anchor, WDIV-TV 4, NBC

Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Michigan is on the right path toward reinvention — buoyed by increased job growth, entrepreneurial investment, the success of its legacy industries and new development. Gov. Rick Snyder will share his vision and priorities to continue this progress and what it takes to move Michigan to the forefront as a national leader in effective, pragmatic policy to strengthen economic growth and bolster Michigan’s momentum.

Introduction: Daniel Loepp, President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Interviewer: Rick Albin, Political Report, WOOD TV

Janeé Ayers, Council Member At-Large, Detroit City Council
Scott Benson, Council Member District 3, Detroit City Council
George Cushingberry Jr., Council Member District 2, Detroit City Council
Brenda Jones, President, Detroit City Council
Gabe Leland, Council Member District 7, Detroit City Council
André Spivey, Council Member District 4, Detroit City Council

Connected and automated vehicles are the next frontier for transportation and are predicted to have a seismic impact on the industry. Current employees will need to learn new skill sets and future workers will be asked to apply specific training as this disruptive technology matures.

Representatives from business, government and education will discuss the economic impact of mobility and what is being done to maintain and expand opportunities for high-paying, in-demand jobs in Michigan.

Panel:
Rose Bellanca, President, Washtenaw Community College
Roger Curtis, Director, Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development
Curtis Ivery, Chancellor, Wayne County Community College District

Moderator: Paul Krutko, President and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK

What must Michigan do to put every child on the path to success? The first step starts in the early years. It’s during the critical years of development, from birth through Kindergarten, that the quality of a child’s early experiences matter. Michigan has an opportunity now to make trailblazing investments in high-quality early childhood development, learning and care settings.

Join the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and The Kresge Foundation for a provocative conversation about how the entire state can benefit when early childhood development is the basis for economic recovery and revitalization. The panel will have a special focus on the child care crisis in Michigan and how public-private partnerships hold the key to ensuring that Michigan families and employers benefit when high-quality, affordable child care is available.

Panel:
Robert Barnett, Dean, School of Education and Human Services, University of Michigan-Flint
Emettra Nelson, Student, Michigan State University
Michael Nutter, David N. Dinkins Professor of Professional Practice in Urban and Public Affairs, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs; Former Mayor, City of Philadelphia
Sean Welsh, Regional President, West Michigan, PNC Bank

Moderator: Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page Editor, Detroit Free Press

Special Guests:
Kirk Maltby, Former NHL Player and Four-Time Stanley Cup Champion, Detroit Red Wings (1995-2010)
David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief, Bloomberg News

Sponsor: ITC

Join Michigan Health & Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters and Michigan Health & Hospital Association Board Chair and Henry Ford Health System COO Robert Riney for a toast to your health and to learn how hospitals are advancing the health of individuals and communities.

Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 

Don’t miss a series of sizzling debates Friday morning before you ferry off the island. New to the Conference, this disruptive and interactive session features good-natured banter between thought leaders with opposing viewpoints who will say what is on their minds, that will likely create headlines for weeks to come.

This informal concluding session takes place in a unique strolling setting in the parlor and will feature seven segments with hosts moderating the conversations – and fueling the fire.

Emcees:
Dennis Archer Jr., President, Archer Corporate Services; CEO, Ignition Media Group; Chair, Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors
Tammy Carnrike, Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

Topics:

Governor’s Race
Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO and Principal, Truscott Rossman
John Truscott, President and Principal, Truscott Rossman
Host: Rick Pluta, State Capitol Bureau Chief and Managing Editor, Michigan Public Radio Network

Michigan Legislative Term Limits
Joseph Lehman, President, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Randy Richardville, Former Majority Leader, Michigan Senate
Host: Chad Livengood, Senior Reporter, Crain’s Detroit Business

President Trump Report Card
Lena Epstein, General Manager, Vesco Oil Corp.
Michael McGee, CEO, Miller Canfield
Host: Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News

Detroit Elections
Sheila Cockrel, President, Crossroads Consulting and Communications Group
Reginald Turner, Member, Executive Committee, Clark Hill PLC
Host: Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page Editor, Detroit Free Press

Forecasting the 2020 Presidential Election
Dennis Archer Sr., Chaiman and CEO, Dennis W. Archer PLLC; Former Mayor, City of Detroit
Robert Schostak, CEO, Templar Baker Group
Host: Ron Fournier, Publisher and Editor, Crain’s Detroit Business

Millennials’ View of the Conference
Peter Ghafari, Director of Business Development, Ghafari Associates
Dannis Mitchell, Diversity Manager, Barton Malow Company
Host: Ingrid Jacques, Deputy Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News

The Island Buzz
Marcie Brogan, Partner and Chair, Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing
Matt Friedman, Partner, Tanner Friedman
Host: Tim Pamplin, Nightcam, WDIV-TV 4, NBC

Sponsor: Michigan Health & Hospital Association

Speakers:
Sandy Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber
Stephen Polk, President and CEO, Highgate LLC; Chair, 2017 Mackinac Policy Conference

Interviewer: Christy McDonald, “MiWeek” Anchor, Detroit Public Television