Detroit Regional Chamber > Detroiter Magazine > Reimagining a Healthy Michigan

Reimagining a Healthy Michigan

September 18, 2021
In its 41st year, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference focuses on reimagining a healthy Michigan – the gravity of which is as palpable as ever given the unprecedented times brought on by the pandemic. Featuring national experts and Michigan’s top leadership, this year’s conversation will revolve around the pillars: accelerate, advance and invest.

As Michigan looks to accelerate its economic recovery and sustainability, best-selling author and physician Nicholas Christakis will highlight the lessons of COVID-19 and lead discussions about how we prepare for a future pandemic. GM President Mark Reuss will explore automotive’s staggering investment in electrification as the industry continues to innovate at speeds never seen before.

Conversations on stage will come as the nation grapples with how to advance racial justice and equity for all. The president of the New York Stock Exchange Stacey Cunningham, former U.S. Representative Harold Ford Jr., and Quicken Loans Chief Executive Officer Jay Farner will discuss the financial sector’s role in economic growth and bringing more diversity to Wall Street. Walgreens Boot Alliance Chief Executive Officer Rosalind Brewer will share her experiences and perspectives at the helm of Fortune 500 companies while Harvard professor Raj Chetty will outline his big data approach to achieving equity in our schools.

As always, key political conversations will take Michigan’s Center Stage as former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will debate today’s Republican Party. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will lead the conversation about how best to advance Michigan and its signature city through the pandemic and beyond.

After four days of candid conversation, the Conference will conclude with the Detroit Regional Chamber’s To-Do List, a roadmap translating conversations from the island into action items and achievable goals in the year ahead.

Visit detroitchamber.com/mpc for updates, coverage, and a livestream.