2014 Conference

Michigan’s Freshman Congressionals: Let’s Work, Learn Together

Some of the newest members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation acknowledged that while they may not always be able to speak in unanimous agreement, they have made a commitment to buck partisan fighting and work and learn together.
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City and State Leaders Commit to Collaboration

A stronger comeback for Michigan and Detroit means partnering and acting together. Key leaders of the Michigan legislature, City Council and Mayor’s Office took the stage at the Chamber’s annual Political Action Committee (PAC) reception to discuss the ways they can align on critical issues affecting both the city and state.
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Long-Term Solution for Michigan’s Transportation Infrastructure Requires Funding Compromise, Increased Revenue, Immediate Action

Investing in transportation infrastructure is crucial to the state’s comeback and economic development strategy. How that happens will require compromise and new tax revenue, as discussed in a panel on how to fix Michigan’s roads.
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Detroit Leaders: City’s Comeback Requires Conscious Inclusion, Neighborhood Revitalization

Michigan and Detroit have a responsibility to expand participation and grow opportunity for people of all backgrounds in order to move the state forward. That was the key message a panel of civic, government and business leaders, moderated by Stephen Henderson, editorial page editor of the Detroit Free Press, laid out in the session titled “Race, Opportunity and the Art of Cohesion” on Friday.
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Detroit Regional Chamber Releases 2015 Mackinac Policy Conference To-Do List and Announces 2016 Conference Dates

MACKINAC ISLAND, May 29, 2015 – Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber unveiled its 2015 Mackinac Policy Conference To-Do List following three days of discussions featuring top state, regional and national thought leaders. Governor Rick Snyder, Conference Chair Mark Davidoff, Michigan Managing Partner of Deloitte LLP, and Chamber President and CEO Sandy K. Baruah announced the list of four items at the conclusion of the annual Conference.
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Harold Ford Jr., Dan Senor Debate Potential Candidates Heading Into Primary Election

First-rate political analysis took center stage as former Representative Harold Ford Jr. of MSNBC and Republican foreign affairs expert Dan Senor discussed electoral politics in advance of a primary season that may include radically different races for each party.
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Ford Motor Co. Course for Automotive Innovation Stems from Company’s Iconic Past

Ethics and innovation are important factors that affect a company’s reputation and success, according to Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Co. During a one-on-one conversation with Detroit Regional Chamber President Sandy Baruah, Ford said he takes pride in leading a company where “making lives better” drives the automaker’s overarching ethos — a fit with the Conference’s pillar of cohesion.
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Eugene Robinson, Kellogg Address the Business Case for Racial Equity

Engaged conversations about race and culture among business, philanthropic, and education leaders can positively impact the ways race, health, education and culture intersect and lead to solutions driven by intentional and purposeful investment.
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As Detroit Moves Forward, Business Must be Intentional About Inclusion, Diversity and Opportunity

Creating an inclusive city and ensuring a united Detroit emerges in the post-bankruptcy era will take collaboration from a wide variety of community, business, political and philanthropic groups working together.
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Gov. Snyder: Michigan’s Long-Term Growth Requires Cohesive Plan for Economic Development, Education and Efficient Government

Putting Michigan on a path to long-term success requires cohesiveness between state and local leaders Gov. Rick Snyder said — honing in on one of the 2015 Mackinac Policy Conference pillars. A key component of that work involves coming together on sustainable economic development programs for transportation infrastructure funding, talent development and fiscally responsible energy policies.
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