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When Everyone Counts, Everyone Thrives Partnering on the 2020 Census for Michigan’s Future
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THRIVING CHILDREN. WORKING FAMILIES. EQUITABLE COMMUNITIES.
Detroiter (ISSN 0011-9709) is published four times a year (April, June, Sept. and Dec.) by the Detroit Regional Chamber, One Woodward Avenue, Suite 1900, Detroit MI 48226, Phone: (313)964-4000. Periodical postage paid at Detroit MI Subscription price; members: $14, non-members: $18. Individual copies: $4; plus postage. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Detroiter, One Woodward Avenue, Suite 1900, Detroit MI 48226. Copyright 2007, Detroit Regional Chamber Services Inc.
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ONE MICHIGAN M AY 2 01 9
INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
10. ON THE COVER Take a closer look at The Detroiter cover designed by Skidmore Studio. 12. A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DINGELL The Detroit News Nolan Finley pens a reflection in remembrance of the late former U.S. representative John Dingell. 14. FAREWELL TO JUDGE DAMON KEITH Detroit Public Television and WDET 101.9 FM’s Stephen Henderson and Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson remember the life and legacy of Judge Damon Keith. 16. WHEN MICHIGAN WINS 2019 Conference Chair Patti Poppe talks One Michigan, this year’s Conference pillars, and how Michigan can succeed. 18. WHERE ARE WE NOW? 2018 Conference Chair Ray Telang offers updates on the To-Do Items from last year’s Mackinac Policy Conference.
PREPARE
Michigan
22. FROM FLORIDA TO MICHIGAN: JEB BUSH ON EDUCATION REFORM Former governor of Florida and founder, president, and chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education Jeb Bush shares his perspective on how to improve the education system. 24. LAUNCH MICHIGAN: A DYNAMIC VISION FOR EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS Learn about how a partnership of business, education, labor, philanthropy, civic leaders, and parents is collaborating to improve the state of education in Michigan. 26. AN EDUCATOR’S VISION FOR THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW Grand Rapid Community College’s Bill Pink offers his insight on building a workforce that is inclusive and has long-term benefits.
• V O L U M E 11 2 , I S S U E 2
28. MICHIGAN COOPERATING ACROSS THE AISLE Michigan’s quadrant leaders talk bipartisanship, Michigan-specific issues, and restoring cooperation in governing.
GROW
Michigan
32. BUILDING ONE MICHIGAN THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE Gov. Gretchen Whitmer discusses her vision for fostering a state that works for all Michiganders. 34. A LEGACY OF DEVOTED LEADERSHIP National and regional leaders remember the longest-serving congressman in American history. 36. THE MOBILITY FRONTIER May Mobility’s Alisyn Malek is at the helm of Michigan’s mobility future. Learn about the startup she co-founded, Michigan’s talent pool, and more. 38. PASTRAMI AND TUNISIAN LEMONS: HOW ARI WEINZWEIG BUILT AN ICONIC FOOD BUSINESS Zingerman’s Community of Businesses’ Ari Weinzweig talks about the origin and growth of his dynamic business, love of local products, and more.
LOVE
Michigan
42. TOMORROW’S MICHIGAN: CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY AND STEWARDSHIP Corporate executives discuss preserving Michigan as a place to live, work, and play. Learn how they plan on leaving Michigan in a better state than they found it. 44. THE LASTING LEGACY OF NOTABLE LEADERS The sons of three founders of Michigan corporate giants offer their thoughts on business and philanthropy and the importance of giving back to the community.
46. A FATHER’S MISSION TO END DISTRACTED DRIVING General Motor Co.’s Steven Kiefer shares his family’s story and dedication to stop distracted driving.
NATIONAL POLICY 50. POLITICAL PUNDITS TALK NATIONAL POLITICS From pressing national issues to the functionality of bipartisanship, political experts discuss the country’s current political state. 52. STACEY ABRAMS: A FAIR FIGHTER Learn about Fair Fight Action’s Stacey Abrams 2018 Democratic run for governor, commitment to ballot fairness, and vision for inclusive and representational political leadership. 54. DISCORD AND DISCOURSE: JOHN KASICH ON AMERICAN POLITICS Former governor of Ohio and senior political commentator for CNN John Kasich makes a case for why civil discourse is a must in today’s America and his optimism for the country. 56. COMPETING FOR PROGRESS Co-authors of a 2017 report on why competition is failing the country, Katherine M. Gehl and Michael E. Porter, discuss their strategy for reinvigorating American democracy.
MEMBERSHIP 60. BOARD NOMINATIONS View the official ballot to elect new directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber. 64. ON THE ROSTER Welcome the newest members of the Chamber.
In a Livable Community, people of all ages can GO FOR A WALK
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… and make their town, city or neighborhood a lifelong home. Thank you for supporting our efforts to designate Michigan as an Age-Friendly State: Karen Adcock • Kelly Arndt • John Barnas • Andrea Brown • Barry Cargill • Rob Collier • Ryan Cowmeadow • Stephan Currie • Derek Dobies • Kathie Feldpausch • Jennifer Feuerstein • Robert Filka • Nancy Finegood • Luke Forrest • Rob Fowler • Mark Gaustella • Dan Gilmartin • Clark Harder • David Herbel • Paul Hillegonds • Gloria Kovnot • Tammy Lemmer • Deb Lindstrom • Clare Luz • Jeff Mason • Kirsten Matthews • Mark McDaniel • Larry Merrill • Keith Morris • Roger Myers • Marion Owens • Charles Owens • Sandy Pearson • Thom Phillips • Howard Pizzo • Jamie Schriner • Karen Schrock • Kari Sederburg • Mike Selden • James Snell • Richard Studley • Don Stypula • Clay Summers • Fran Talsma • Arnold Weinfeld • Angela Witwer • Sara Wright • City of Lansing • City of Grand Rapids • City of Jackson • Presbyterian Villages of MI • Delta Township Board of Directors/ Senior Council • AFL-CIO (MI Alliance for Retired Americans) • City of Auburn Hills • MI Association of Regions • Michigan Association of Planning • Michigan Public Transit Association • Tri-County Office on Aging • City of Southfield • AAAA of MI • Habitat for Humanity of Michigan • PACE Association of MI • CEDAM • Michigan Historic Preservation Network • MSU Outreach and Engagement/Urban Policy Initiatives • City of East Lansing • MSU Board of Trustees
AARP encourages the state of Michigan to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities to help make Michigan an ever better place to live for people of every age. Learn more at aarp.org/mi.
6
FROM THE PRESIDENT
WHY CIVILITY MATTERS Once again, the Mackinac Policy Conference will highlight the necessary role civility plays in making our society and democracy work. This is an issue that the Detroit Regional Chamber has been focused on for a few years – making it a continuing theme in our events and other communications. At this year’s Conference, our friends Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson will continue their partnership with the Chamber with the Detroit Civility Project, which has been pairing people with different political, religious, or other perspectives and capturing their curated conversation with an eye toward teaching all of us how to disagree without being disagreeable. I am also pleased that I will engage my friends Reps. Debbie Dingell and Fred Upton in a conversation about how the growing lack of civility in Washington D.C. over the last two decades has fundamentally damaged how — and how well — our nation is governed. Some question our focus on civility. Some view a call for civility as an excuse to ignore difficult issues or worse, silence someone’s voice. Others argue that some issues (usually the issue they are most passionate about) are so important that they feel compelled to go on a war footing. Our view is that civility is critical to the art of compromise, and compromise is the necessary backbone of our representative democracy. As a nation of 330 million persons, to think that any one subset of us will always be right, or will always win, is simply unrealistic. Our founding fathers created a system of government that has compromise at its very core. In order for legislation to be enacted, the representatives of these 330 million persons have to come to an agreement, and the President also has to agree. Our
three-branch system — legislative, executive, and judicial — itself is a system geared towards compromise. Compromise is hard. Nobody likes to do it. We all think we are generally right, that our perspective on an issue is the correct one. But in reality, our society is better because sometimes we win and sometimes we don’t. Look at all the legislative battles of the past. It’s hard to argue that those who opposed civil rights legislation in 1960’s were right, or those who opposed Ronald Reagan’s approach to the Soviet Union in 1980’s. But while those opponents no doubt felt they were on firm logical or moral ground at the time, our nation is undoubtedly better off that the results were what they were. Civility is understanding that while we may disagree with somebody’s approach to an issue, their underlying intent may be just as honorable as yours. Civility is also the realization that in a nation of 330 million people we may never all be on the same page, so trying to win an argument by yelling at someone is a fruitless endeavor. But that is what politics has devolved into today. Instead of trying to find a compromise that allows an issue to be solved, many of us demand “our way” and limit any possible compromise, as compromise would show weakness or not resolve the issue at hand in the exact manner we think it should. The lack of civility in our public discourse is seeping into other aspects of our society. It’s not enough that incivility is damaging our politics, it’s damaging how we interact with each other on a daily basis. This is dangerous, and the Chamber is committed to doing our part to restore civility in our dialogue.
SANDY K. BARUAH PRESIDENT AND CEO, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER
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In its 39th year, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference once again convenes more than 1,700 statewide leaders to engage in conversations around Michigan’s economic future. The year’s Conference theme is One Michigan with the program pillars: Prepare Michigan, Grow Michigan, and Love Michigan. Former governor of Florida Jeb Bush and Ohio John Kasich are among the national speakers taking Michigan’s Center Stage, alongside 2018 Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia and founder and chair of Fair Fight Action Stacey Abrams, former U.S. representative Harold Ford Jr., and political pundits Donna Brazile and Matthew Dowd. The speakers will address politics on the national front and partisanship that works.
ONE Michigan
Under the Prepare pillar, education and talent will be a focus area. Grand Rapid Community College’s Bill Pink and industrywide leaders — from business, government, and philanthropy — will dive into the issues facing the state’s education system, examples of progress, and solutions to catalyze change for Michigan students.
Prepare
Grow
Love
Education and Talent
Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
Sustainability and Stewardship
FEATURED PRESENTERS:
Stacey Abrams
Donna Brazile
2018 Democratic Nominee for Governor of Georgia; Founder and Chair, Fair Fight Action
Contributor, Fox News; Veteran Democratic Political Strategist; Adjunct Professor; Author; Former Syndicated Columnist
Harold Ford Jr. Former U.S. Representative; Political Pundit, MSNBC and CNBC
Katherine M. Gehl Former President and CEO, Gehl Foods
Jeb Bush
Matthew Dowd
Former Governor, Chief Political State of Florida; Analyst, ABC Founder, President News; Best-selling and Chairman, Author; Campaign Foundation for Strategist Excellence in Education
John Kasich
Michael E.
Mike Duggan Mayor, City of Detroit
Gretchen
Former Governor, Porter Whitmer State of Ohio; Bishop William Governor, State of Senior Political Lawrence Michigan Commentator, University CNN Professor, Harvard Business School
Delivering a keynote for the first time on Michigan’s Center Stage, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will join Mayor Mike Duggan and Quicken Loans’ Dan Gilbert for a lineup of speakers discussing Grow Michigan — the state’s economic development and entrepreneurship. Representing the legacies of their families, Impellam Group’s David Barfield, DP Fox Ventures LLC’s Daniel G. DeVos, and A.A. Elslander Foundation’s David Van Elslander will share their thoughts on the impact of long-standing corporate philanthropy. Love Michigan, focusing on sustainability and stewardship, will convene voices from the corporate community including 2019 Conference Chair and president and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy Patti Poppe, Amazon’s Alicia Boler Davis, Dow’s Jim Fitterling, and Cascade’s Christina L. Keller. After four days of candid conversation, the Conference will conclude with the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2019 To-Do List, a roadmap translating conversations on the island into achievable goals for the upcoming year. Visit mpc.detroitchamber.com for updates, coverage and a livestream.
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10
ON THE COVER
Take a closer look at the Detroiter cover designed by Skidmore Studio This year’s special edition Detroiter cover for the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference — developed and designed by Skidmore Studio — honors the life of John Dingell, Michigan representative and longest serving Congressman in American history. In his final address to America published in the Washington Post on Feb. 8, 2019, Dingell notes “One of the advantages to knowing that your demise is imminent...is that you have a few moments to compose some parting thoughts.” Dingell understood that we are defined by the words we choose. His final thoughts, interwoven with his likeness on the cover, display the grace and wisdom he showed throughout his political career. His words provide a much-needed respite from today’s heated political debates and offer a bridge across hard fought political lines. They are a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we have to go — plus, a little advice on how to get there. Thank you for joining us as we honor the final act of public service from a man who gave so much.
America’s summer place. A Michigan tradition.
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Welcome to America’s Summer Place, family owned for more than 85 years. We invite you to experience the tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the Grand Hotel Orchestra and relaxing in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac.
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12 REMEMBERING AN UNPRECEDENTED LEADER
A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DINGELL in camouflage or a business suit. When a passerby remarked that he admired a man who was secure enough to wear pink pants, John looked down at his outfit as if it were the first time he was seeing it and replied: “I’m secure enough to The Mackinac wear what my wife lays out for me Policy Conference in the morning.”
highlights civility and John was a masterful
practitioner of that art. He was an effective lawmaker because he knew how to build alliances across the aisle. And he was a good friend because he judged people as individuals and not by their politics.”
NOLAN FINLEY Former attorney general Frank Kelley and John Dingell sit together on Grand Hotel’s porch. Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel.
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR, THE DETROIT NEWS; HOST, 910 AM SUPERSTATION
The Mackinac Policy Conference ran through my friendship with John Dingell. I first met John and Debbie at the Gate House, then known as the French Outpost. The legendary congressman asked me to join him for a drink — bourbon of course — and within five minutes we were engaged in an intense conversation. Not about politics or policy, but about guns and hunting. Those were the subjects that mitigated our political differences and enabled a relationship that deepened over the next quarter century until his death earlier this year at age 92. Every year on Mackinac, we stole a few hours away from the serious business to sit on the porch and reminisce about our hunting trips, debate the merits of various models of shotguns and rifles, and let John recount the outdoor adventures of his youth. We were jealous of that time; interruptions were tolerated, but not often welcomed. John owned the porch. As soon as he sat down in a rocker, the line started forming. He was as dapper in island wear as he was
For years, it wasn’t a Mackinac Policy Conference unless John was on a panel. The impact America’s longest-serving congressman had on his home state is enormous. From Grand Hotel, look out across the beautiful waters of the Straits of Mackinac and understand that they’ve remained pristine because John Dingell fought for passage of the Clean Water Act. The magnificent forests of Northern Michigan, and the outdoor economy they support benefited mightily from John’s protection of the wildlife habitat vital to hunters and fishermen.
John also preserved a delicate balance between environmentalists and manufacturers, shielding automakers from destructive regulations while prodding them to produce cleaner, more efficient products. The last time I had dinner with John outside his Dearborn home was at last year’s Conference. My colleague Ingrid Jacques and I had the pleasure of a free evening with John at the Jockey Club. As usual, we were amused by the reaction from those who stopped by the table, realized who John was dining with, and got that “What are you doing with these two?” look on their faces. The Mackinac Policy Conference highlights civility and John was a masterful practitioner of that art. He was an effective lawmaker because he knew how to build alliances across the aisle. And he was a good friend because he judged people as individuals and not by their politics. That quality kept our unlikely friendship together. Without John, Mackinac will never again be the same for me. • Nolan Finley is editorial page editor forThe Detroit News and host for 910 AM Superstation.
From education & development to growing Michigan We proudly support the Mackinac Policy Conference
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14 REMEMBERING A CHAMPION OF JUSTICE
FAREWELL TO JUDGE DAMON KEITH
SECRETARY JOCELYN BENSON
STEPHEN HENDERSON Judge Damon Keith, someone I thought of as a role model and mentor, and more importantly as a friend, died on Sunday, April 28, at age 96.
Democracy dies behind closed doors. ”
He had such an extraordinary life, with 50 years on the federal bench, that it’s hard to even catalogue the things he changed, the ideas he put forward. He believed in, and fought for, civil rights in every context. And his rulings on everything from racial discrimination to government transparency stand as pillars in the halls of our legal system.
He believed in fairness and justice. He believed in democracy and opportunity. And he believed in us, Americans of all color, creed, economic station and ethnic origin. He knew we could be good, and true, to one another. He believed that someday, we could be even better. For so many of us in Southeast Michigan, though, Judge Keith was also a personal beacon, a guide and shining light who touched us deeply with his never-ending supply of grace and support. He was our personal hero, too, and the loss stings all the more. Whenever I saw Judge Keith, he wanted to tell me stories about my grandfather, former UAW official William Beckham Sr., and the way the two of them worked together in the 60s and 70s to build, and then to gird, the opportunities that my generation of Black Detroiters would enjoy. It was his way of pointing out connection with me, but also a way of pushing me along, letting me know that there was destiny and kinship behind his affinity for me, and that there was a powerful foundation for the possibilities that defined my life, especially my life here in Detroit. There are so many who would tell the same story about Judge Keith. This piece was originally published in WDET.org on April 29, 2019. Stephen Henderson is the host for Detroit Public Television and WDET 101.9 FM.
About 15 years ago I moved to Detroit to clerk for Judge Damon Keith. I knew of him as one of our nation’s most iconic civil rights jurists, a crusader for justice whose decisions prevented the federal government from infringing on individual liberties and helped to battle systemic racism in corporations, municipalities, and schools.
As his clerk I learned of the gentle giant behind those groundbreaking decisions. Judge Keith created a family of law clerks, the vast majority of whom were women and people of color. He shared lessons learned throughout his life and never failed to make an introduction or build a connection that could help further our careers. Inspired by his leadership and devotion to Detroit, I stayed in Michigan after my clerkship. I began a career as a voting rights attorney and — due in large part to his encouragement — accepted a position as a professor at Wayne State University Law School. When I was asked to serve as dean of Wayne Law, I called Judge Keith for advice. He told me to think about where I could achieve the greatest good for the largest number of people, reminding me of how the law had empowered him and so many other people of color and women to seek a better world. Judge Keith instilled in me the principle that “democracies die behind closed doors,” a phrase he coined that is emblazoned over the entrance to the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne Law. He reminded me a few months ago when he swore me in to office to continue to follow this guiding light in seeking a fairer and more just society. Above all, Judge Keith taught me and all who knew him the importance of living a life in service to others. He lived that principle for 96 years, and we are all better for it. • Jocelyn Benson is secretary of state for Michigan.
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WHEN MICHIGAN WINS By Patti Poppe
I’m thrilled and honored to chair the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference this year. The Conference always shines a spotlight on the major opportunities that our state is embracing. New political leadership at the state level and rapid evolution in our state’s automotive and high-tech industries make this a perfect time to focus in on Michigan’s priorities and future. Since last year’s Conference, I’ve had the chance to travel the state, visiting customers and my co-workers, and see the face of Michigan firsthand. There’s innovation at work. Michigan is preparing our talent, growing our state through spirited entrepreneurs and taking a stand for running our companies with sustainable business practices. I am continually inspired by the people of Michigan! Change can disrupt our old ways of doing businesses, but it also offers a tremendous opportunity to bring Michigan’s 10 million residents together. The theme of this year’s Conference is One Michigan, and that means focusing on values that we all share. The three pillars for this year speak to those shared values and celebrate all that Michigan has to offer: PREPARE MICHIGAN
We must enable a world-class performance for our students, who will be our future! We must prepare students for a variety of careers, recognizing that not everyone travels the same career path. GROW MICHIGAN
We must let the world know that Michigan is open for business, promote economic development, and create opportunities for employers and entrepreneurs to choose Michigan and grow here. LOVE MICHIGAN
What’s not to love? Our lakes, rivers, streams, and natural resources make Michigan the best place to live. Our job is to nourish what we have and preserve it for generations to come.
There’s innovation at work. Michigan is preparing our talent, growing our state through spirited entrepreneurs and taking a stand for running our companies with sustainable business practices. I am continually inspired by the people of Michigan!” PATTI POPPE PRESIDENT AND CEO, CONSUMERS ENERGY AND CMS ENERGY; CHAIR, 2019 MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE
I can’t wait for this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference to start. The issues we raise and discuss will plant the seeds for Michigan’s economy to continue growing well into the future. Let’s work together to share ideas, views and perspectives, and remember this: When Michigan wins, we all win. • To learn more about the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference pillars from regional leaders and industry experts, continue reading this special edition of The Detroiter magazine. Patti Poppe is president and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy, and 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference chair.
Special Edition
17
Keep anticipating
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18
WHERE ARE WE NOW? By Ray Telang
Progress. That is what comes to mind when reflecting on my time as the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair. It was my privilege to chair a Conference that continues to make tremendous strides year after year. As has been tradition, at the end of the 2018 Conference, a To-Do List was created. This list is critically important and serves as a roadmap to take the conversations on the island and put them into action items to focus on throughout the year. Below are just a few of the accomplishments from the 2018 To-Do List. A full report will be presented during this year’s Conference.
REGIONAL COLLABORATION
NEXT-GENERATION MOBILITY
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
TALENT ATTRACTION AND RETENTION
Convene a principals-only, bipartisan, multi-sector working summit of regional leaders to strengthen the ethos of regional collaboration and address longstanding challenges.
Develop, maintain, and advance a comprehensive policy and regulatory agenda to maintain Michigan’s leadership in nextgeneration mobility.
Provide useful and easyto-implement strategies for Michigan businesses to help employees and their families prevent, and if needed, address opioid addiction.
Launching a comprehensive strategy, based on national bestpractices, to retain, engage, and attract talent to meet the region’s future workforce needs.
Following the Conference, the Chamber began working with a regional group of CEOs and DTE Energy to formally stand up the Detroit Regional Partnership. The immediate priority throughout the year focused on standing up the Partnership, a regional entity focused on business attraction and marketing for the 11-county Detroit region. Th Regional Summit was put on hold for another act of regionalism — leaders coming together to form this entity — and it will take place as planned this fall. Furthermore, the Chamber has continued to convene regional leaders and champion issues that need regional reinforcements around education and policy priorities.
During the 2019 North American International Auto Show, MICHauto, the Chamber’s automotive cluster association, introduced Michigan’s new Auto Caucus co-chairs to the industry and has been fully engaged with them throughout the year. Additionally, this past spring, MICHauto established policy priorities that focused on further development of talent, technology, and trade as the key drivers of progress. During private meetings at the Capitol, 25 automotive companies employing more than 25,000 people, presented the policy priorities to 25 legislators. The Chamber has also been engaged in discussions surrounding electric vehicle infrastructure and distracted driving legislation.
Following the Conference, the Chamber launched a campaign to provide resources for addressing opioid addiction in the workplace via its communication channels and website. Resources were created and gathered from partners who actively address the opioid epidemic to prevent addiction before it starts. Among other things, the Chamber captured best practices from other businesses who are successfully addressing the opioid crisis, providing clear takeaways for how to address it.
In September, the Chamber launched “Let’s Detroit,” a collaborative strategy that uses technology to retain and attract talent, was designed to reduce graduates leaving Michigan by helping them connect to community, jobs, and people. A working group of 100 partners had a hand in the strategy, including young professional associations, economic developers, business, nonprofit, human resources, and recruiting professionals. To date, more than 200 Detroiters engaged as resources through “Text a Detroiter” and the website has had more than 11,000 visitors since launch. • Ray Telang is U.S. Automotive Leader and Detroit Managing Partner for PwC and was the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference chair.
Special Edition
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GROW Michigan
PREPARE Michigan 44
%
OF ADULTS HAVE COMPLETED POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION CREDENTIALS1
From advanced manufacturing and aerospace to defense and mobility, Michigan has a diverse workforce and business-friendly ecosystem. Ensuring economic success requires talent development and the robustness of Michigan’s education ecosystem will play a role in this progress. The education system in the Detroit region alone represents over 800,000 students in the K-12 grades. Within 1,600 schools across public and charter entities, more than 54,000 teachers are guiding and preparing the next-generation workforce. The area is also home to several ranked higher education institutions. Vocational training provides technical training to students in order to prepare them for a particular career, offering training in areas such as construction, advanced manufacturing, casino dealer training, and more. Retaining and attracting high-performing talent is critical to business innovation and growth. Understanding the importance of this, Michigan’s higher education institutions and businesses are creating innovative ways to help better prepare future talent. Regional business leaders shared their insights on Michigan’s education and talent ecosystem.
Special Edition
RICHARD L. DEVORE
REGIONAL PRESIDENT, DETROIT AND SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN, PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP
It’s important to Michigan’s economy and the future success of companies for the business community to play an active and visible role in improving education. We continue to hear about the lack of a prepared workforce throughout the state. Education is the primary driver to developing our region’s talent…it will take a collaborative effort from business, education, philanthropy, civic leaders, and parents to move Michigan forward.”
RAY TELANG
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SUZANNE SHANK
U.S. AUTOMOTIVE LEADER, DETROIT MANAGING PARTNER, PWC
CHAIRWOMAN AND CEO, SIEBERT CISNEROS SHANK & CO. LLC
Our firm has made a commitment that no one will be left behind as we experience the advancements in technology. We’re going to make an investment in every single one of our people to ensure that their skill sets stay relevant and applicable…we need to make sure that people are part of our portfolio, are trained, and have the skills necessary to succeed.”
I am passionate about education because I’ve seen firsthand that it can be the engine of social mobility — a way to level the playing field for those less fortunate...the business community has keen interest in seeing improvement in Michigan’s school performance. The business community can play a positive role in that regard by partnering with schools to provide tutoring and mentoring support.” SOURCE: 1. US Census and Lumina Foundation
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PREPARE Michigan
FROM FLORIDA TO MICHIGAN: JEB BUSH ON EDUCATION REFORM By Tom Walsh
Former governor Jeb Bush visits a second grade class at Mater Academy Elementary School in Hialeah Gardens, Florida. Mater Academy Elementary is a K-5 public charter school that ranks as one of the top elementary schools in Miami-Dade County. Photo courtesy of Foundation for Excellence in Education.
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%
OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES IN MICHIGAN WHO ENROLLED IN COLLEGE EARNED A DEGREE OR CREDENTIAL AFTER SIX YEARS1
When he was Florida’s governor from 1999 to 2007, Jeb Bush made education reform his top priority. Upon leaving office, he created the Foundation for Excellence in Education — a nonprofit working with state leaders to offer education solutions that increase student learning, advance equity, and enhance college and career readiness — which he still chairs. Today the former governor believes that boosting student achievement is more critical than ever — and he’ll be driving that message home as a speaker at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference. Bush’s 1999 “A+ Plan” for education required testing of all students, graded all Florida public schools, and rewarded improvement with extra funding. Fourth grade reading scores increased markedly, and high school graduation rates have risen steadily. While proud of the progress, Bush warns that a high school diploma in 2019, in Florida or other states, does not mean that high school graduates are ready for college. According to Bush, for many students,
the last two years of high school are not utilized well or made more relevant. “I think the next iteration of reforms is ‘how do you create a real command focus on college readiness and career readiness?’” Bush has also been a steadfast proponent of school choice for parents, in the form of charter schools, private school vouchers, and online schools. Achieving consensus around bold new education strategies, however, is a tall order in today’s toxic political environment, he says. “Everything seems to be hyperpartisan, hyperpoliticized. I think the left-right coalitions for reform have eroded as part of that new political climate, so that creates a challenge for sure.” One hopeful area, he notes, is growing support among both Democratic and Republican governors for “career readiness” efforts to prepare students not only for the next stage of school, but for the next stage of life — modern jobs and career paths.
Special Edition
Michigan, a state hard-hit in recent decades by the disappearance of highpaying blue-collar manufacturing jobs that didn’t require post-high school education a generation ago, is fertile ground for such an approach. “The economy is in transition across country. States like Michigan have paid a heavy price because the industrial manufacturing base there was stronger, bigger, more important than in Florida and other states. How we educate and train is a high priority now across the country. And I think it’s an imperative in Michigan.” Six years ago, Bush addressed the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference and was working with Michigan’s Legislature and then Gov. Rick Snyder on reform proposals like the school choice and fourth grade reading emphasis of the Florida “A+ Plan.” But change has been slow to come. Last year, Michigan ranked 33rd among the 50 states in Education Week’s annual rankings based on National Assessment of Educational Progress student test scores and other factors. A variation of one of Bush’s Florida initiatives from 15 years ago, the A-through-F grading of public schools, finally won approval by very narrow margins in Michigan’s lame-duck legislative session last year during the final days of Snyder’s tenure, but has yet to be implemented.
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I think the next iteration of reform is ‘how do you create a real command focus on college readiness and career readiness?’ ” JEB BUSH FORMER GOVERNOR, STATE OF FLORIDA; FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, AND CHAIRM AN, FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
Former governor Jeb Bush with a student during a visit to Reasoning Mind, a nonprofit organization that develops compuvter-based math curricula. Photo Courtesy of Foundation for Excellence in Education
SOURCE: 1. Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI), 2012 High School Graduates
CREATING TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS
LET’S SHAPE YOUR WORLD TOGETHER.
Major education changes for Michigan and many other states, Bush suggests, will require a breakthrough in the chronic pulland-tug between would-be reformers and teachers’ unions. After 20 years in the education policy arena, Jeb Bush continues to soldier on, not because the battle will ever end or that total victory can ever be declared, but because the cause is too important to abandon. • Tom Walsh is a former Detroit Free Press business editor and columnist.
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PREPARE Michigan
LAUNCH MICHIGAN: A DYNAMIC VISION FOR EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS By Amy Kuras
There’s general agreement that the trend in education in Michigan is troubling, despite the best efforts of some of the state’s brightest minds. There’s also little consensus about how to address these issues in order to effect change. Launch Michigan aims to change that. Bringing together leaders from across industries, the group’s goal is to look at some of the hard truths surrounding Michigan’s educational system and agree on focused, evidence-based recommendations to radically improve education in the state.
Business, education, philanthropic, and other organizations announce the Launch Michigan initiative and partnership at a press conference on June 20, 2018.
MEET THE PANELISTS
TONYA ALLEN
PAULA HERBART
DOUG ROTHWELL
PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE SKILLMAN FOUNDATION
PRESIDENT, MICHIGAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT AND CEO, BUSINESS LEADERS FOR MICHIGAN
Special Edition Three leaders — Tonya Allen, president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation, Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association, and Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan — are the steering committee co-chairs for Launch Michigan.
What do you believe is at the core of Michigan’s struggle to provide quality education?
They spoke with The Detroiter about what they see as the biggest issues in Michigan’s educational system, what they hope to achieve, and how the state can do its best for its students.
PH: I don’t think there is one — there
How does your previous work inform this statewide collaborative effort?
TA: I think our previous work gives us hope
TA: We have shied away from narrowing
our focus and identifying our common priorities. is a great amount of quality education provided to students.
DR: We haven’t really had everybody on
the same page as far as what the plan is and what our priorities should be. That’s what we’re trying to achieve with Launch Michigan.
and direction that a diverse coalition like Launch Michigan can succeed and thrive.
What “ripple effects” exist from the state’s education crisis?
PH: We are taking people who have stood
TA: Every subgroup of children in our
on opposite sides of many issues over the years to see what the two or three things are that we can agree on.
state is falling behind their peers — not only poorer students or students of color but wealthy students as well.
DR: The thing that’s different about PH: I do think there is a disconnect Launch Michigan is who’s at the table. We have virtually all of major business and philanthropic organizations...that’s not something we have done in the past and it’s what other states who have had success have done.
between what we’re being asked to do in our public schools and what business leaders are saying they need in terms of skills. We’re still working in an industrial model and it’s not translating to what they need as a business community.
How does Launch Michigan reconcile the varied priorities of a diverse state, from very rural areas to large urban districts like Detroit?
DR: The way kids are getting educated
TA: Leaders, no matter where they teach,
What are reasons to be optimistic about education in Michigan?
face the same problems. In order for us to improve, it will take a Herculean effort from everybody.
PH: We did a survey of 1,700 educators
across the state...where we asked, what can Launch Michigan promote or advocate for based on what educators say their needs are.
and trained has probably not kept pace with the change that has happened in our economy.
TA: I’m encouraged by the broad-based coalition wrestling in a positive way with these problems.
PH: These unlikely allies coming together to say we want to do right by Michigan students is a reason to be optimistic.
DR: We’re not trying to trade one for DR: Everyone is coming to the table with another so much as trying to figure out what’s the right thing to do.
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the right motivation. We want kids to have as good or better a future as we have had, and we know we can do better than this. • This interview was edited for length and clarity. Amy Kuras is a Detroit-based writer with an interest in education and urban policy.
Launch Michigan is a partnership of business, education, labor, philanthropy, and civic leaders, as well as parents, who want a high-quality, studentcentered education system — one that helps every student succeed in school, in their careers, and in life.
VISION Launch Michigan’s goal is for Michigan to be a top 10 education state for every Michigan student by 2026.
PRIORITIES 1. Listen to and support educators. 2. Support shared, statewide, research-driven strategies for delivering effective education that serves all students, and adhere to these strategies beyond election cycles. 3. Support a comprehensive accountability system that includes everyone — not just teachers. 4. Elevate public awareness about the current state of education in Michigan and take collective action to improve it. 5. Ensure that resources are available to provide for an equitable student-centered education system and funding model.
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PREPARE Michigan
AN EDUCATOR’S VISION FOR THE WORKFORCE OF TOMORROW
By Linda Laderman
At the core of Bill Pink’s 25-year tenure as an educator, is an unwavering commitment to the task of building dynamic partnerships between the business and education communities. Pink is the president of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and says that he is optimistic about the direction of education in Michigan. “GRCC has a twofold mission, either to help our students transfer to a four-year college or to prepare them to go on to a living wage job or career,” Pink says. “For eight years we had a governor who did some great things for community colleges. Gov. Whitmer and the legislators I’ve spoken to are focused on that as well.” As the former dean of workplace development at GRCC, Pink remains committed to developing a robust workforce while at the same time changing the perception of what that workforce looks like. “The definition of workforce shouldn’t be put in a box. Too often people get stuck on the idea that it means only skilled trades, when that’s not the case at all. It’s holistic. Whether you’re a doctor or a tradesperson, it includes everyone. So, we have to ask our business community, ‘What can we do better to help you meet your needs?’” Pink says that his own remarks at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference will emphasize that a strong workforce is not the sole responsibility of a single organization. “If we are going to move forward as a state, we have to get past our differences and figure out how to do it together, with no finger pointing or blaming,” says Pink, who was recently appointed to the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Executive Committee by Gov. Whitmer. As Pink points out, data from a 2018 study released by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation confirms that the economic benefits for a community that is inclusive, far outweigh the cost of failing to reach out to underserved populations. “Last year, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation published a study, ‘The Business Case for Racial Equity,’ that found that if we can set aside our ethnic disparities and truly look at how we can lift each other up, then by 2050, Michigan could realize a $92 billion increase in economic input. This tells us that if we can put our hands to the work, then Michigan is in store for some really good days.” • Linda Laderman is a metro Detroit freelance writer who often writes about higher education.
GRCC president Bill Pink with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during her visit to the community college on Feb. 13, 2019. Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Community College.
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PREPARE Michigan
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MICHIGAN COOPERATING ACROSS THE AISLE By Dawson Bell
It may sometimes seem like Washington D.C. has become a free-fire zone for partisan warfare, where defeating political opponents takes priority over problem solving. But for many members of Congress from the Michigan delegation, civil discourse and bipartisanship are both useful and necessary to achieving progress and unifying the country. The Detroiter talked to four of them — Democratic Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters and Republican Reps. Paul Mitchell and Jack Bergman — in advance of their appearance on a panel to discuss bipartisan problem solving at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference. Members of Michigan’s Congressional Delegation and former governor Rick Snyder pitch for funding for the Soo Locks.
MEET THE PANELISTS
GARY PETERS
DEBBIE STABENOW
PAUL MITCHELL
JACK BERGMAN
U.S. SENATOR (D-MI)
U.S. SENATOR (D-MI)
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE (R-MI 10)
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE (R-MI 1)
Special Edition What opportunities do you see for bipartisan solutions in the current session of Congress?
GP: I’m always willing to work with
anyone, regardless of party, if it’s good for Michigan. Repair and expansion of the Soo Locks isn’t just a Michigan issue...a shutdown of the Locks can plunge the nation into recession. I’ve long advocated for funds to finish this project and I’m pleased the Trump Administration has proposed dedicated funding to ensure this project is finished.
PM: The Michigan delegation has
a long history of bipartisan support for protecting the Great Lakes… and for the automotive industry. I’m hopeful we’ll see bipartisan support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which will help the auto industry, the Michigan economy, and the American economy. Lastly, I hope we can put people before politics and find a bipartisan comprehensive solution to looming infrastructure issues.
Working as a team is always better. It’s about more than politics for me; it’s about doing the right thing and finding common ground.” JACK BERGMAN
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE (R-MI 1)
JB: Conserving our natural resources,
protecting jobs, and ensuring veterans receive the care they’ve earned...these have all been, and should remain, bipartisan in nature.
TOP TWO ISSUES FOR MICHIGAN VOTERS 1
What is your advice to colleagues, constituents, and the passionate base in each party on the value of collegiality and cooperation in governing?
GP:
Our country faces serious challenges. Michiganders want us to work in a bipartisan way to solve these problems. That’s what I came to Congress to do. At a time when we lurch from crisis to crisis, we need to come together as Americans and recognize the values that bond us all together. That starts with listening, reaching out, and building relationships to make sure partisan politics don’t overshadow the needs of Michigan families and businesses.
DS: It’s most important in today’s divisive
25% FIXING THE STATE’S INFRASTRUCTURE
19% IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION
world that we find ways to solve critical problems for the American people so they will have confidence in our democracy. My philosophy is to try to find one area of agreement with a colleague and solve a problem. You can get a lot done if you aren’t focused on who gets the credit!
GREAT LAKES 2
PM: Effective dialogue starts with
OF THE UNITED STATES’ SURFACE FRESH WATER
civility and respect between all parties. I was raised that one can disagree without being disagreeable. One doesn’t have to disrespect someone just because one disagrees with their opinion.
JB: Working as a team is always better. It’s
about more than politics for me; it’s about doing the right thing and finding common ground. We will have disagreements and differences, but at the end of the day we must come together, put politics aside, and do what’s best for our constituents. Governing from any extreme is unrealistic and unhealthy. Finding common ground is the only way forward. • This inverview was edited for length and clarity. Dawson Bell is a veteran Michigan journalist who spent 25 years covering government and politics for the Detroit Free Press.
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95% 30
MILLION CITIZENS CALL THE GREAT LAKES BASIN HOME
CAR INSURANCE3
2,611
$
MICHIGAN HAS THE HIGHEST CAR INSURANCE RATE
SOURCE: 1. EPIC-MRA, October 2018 2. Fish and Wildlife Survey 3. Insure.com
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GROW Michigan
GROW Michigan 140
VENTURE-BACKED STARTUPS IN MICHIGAN
37 % INCREASE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS
While Michigan is leading the automotive industry’s evolution from traditional manufacturing to next-generation mobility, the state is also home to a broad range of growing industry clusters including defense, health care, information technology, food processing, and more. From West to Southeast Michigan, the state offers fertile soil for economic development and entrepreneurship. Jackson is home to business incubator Lean Rocket Lab while Detroit features mobility accelerator Techstars Detroit. The Detroit region alone saw a 6% increase in employment since 2013 with a 4.4% unemployment rate in 2017. Investment from foreignheld companies continues to be important to Michigan’s economy. Since 2011, foreign-held companies have committed to 374 projects, investing nearly $12 billion and creating more than 59,500 jobs in Michigan. Business leaders from the state offered their thoughts on Michigan’s economic development and entrepreneurship trajectory.
PATTI POPPE
PRESIDENT AND CEO, CONSUMERS ENERGY AND CMS ENERGY; CHAIR, 2019 MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE
Michigan is way more diverse than people know. We know that automotive and mobility is a key part of Michigan’s future. But when you look at automotive, manufacturing technology, agriculture, furniture, and pharmaceuticals...Michigan is extraordinarily diverse in our industries and they all have a common thread — we make stuff, we grow it. And I think that has lasting value. ”
DENNIS W. ARCHER JR. CEO, IGNITION MEDIA GROUP; FOUNDING PARTNER, ARCHER CORPORATE SERVICES
The state has a tremendous foundation, historically set by the automotive companies…while we do have a very mature automotive industry and the other supporting industries surrounding it, it’s very important that the state be welcoming to small businesses, young startup entrepreneurs. Welcoming means everything like tax structure, infrastructure, workforce, and education.”
BIRGIT KLOHS PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE RIGHT PLACE
Economic development, at its heart, is about building prosperous economies so we can provide good paying jobs for the citizens of our state. If you grow the economy, good things tend to happen. Today, a person looking at a new job, looks at the community in which they live differently than they did 10 years ago. Today, quality of life plays a very important role, particularly around talent retention and attraction. ”
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GROW Michigan
BUILDING ONE MICHIGAN THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE
By Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan is at a turning point right now. We need to decide whether or not we want to invest in the things that once made our state a destination for families all over the world. There was a time when people knew that they could move to Michigan and get a great job that would support their family. They knew that their kids could get a great public education. And they knew that in the state that put the world on wheels, they could drive to work and drop their kids at school safely, without blowing a tire or cracking a windshield. Right now, we have the chance to rebuild our state so everyone can thrive here.
I know that when we work together, we can build One Michigan where we can all get ahead.”
We all know that our roads are downright dangerous. Every day, school buses full of kids drive over bridges with temporary supports on them. Chunks of concrete have flown into windshields and injured our drivers. That’s why we need to rebuild our roads, not just patch them, with the right materials and mix so they stay fixed. I presented a solution that will ensure the funds we raise for roads are constitutionally guaranteed to only go toward road repair. It’s a plan that will save us money in the long run by cutting down the need for costly repairs on failing infrastructure later. The longer we wait to act, the worse this problem will get as our infrastructure fails and requires even more money to fix.
GRETCHEN WHITMER
I’ve also introduced a plan that will help us grow our workforce and ensure everyone has a path to a goodpaying job. The MI Opportunity Scholarship will ensure every hardworking high school graduate who gets a B-average can afford a community college education and ensure that a four-year degree is much more affordable for lowand middle-income families. The Michigan Reconnect program will provide free skills training programs for adults and students at community colleges to fill the more than 100,000 jobs currently in demand from Michigan businesses. When we build the talent we need, we can make Michigan a place where more businesses want to move.
GOVERNOR, STATE OF MICHIGAN
Support from the business community will be crucial in finally fixing our roads and closing the skills gap. I know that when we work together, we can build One Michigan where we can all get ahead. I’m proud to have the support of business organizations across the state, including the Detroit Regional Chamber, for my plans to fix the roads and close the skills gap, and I want to thank them for their partnership as we build a stronger Michigan together. Gretchen Whitmer is the 49th governor of the state of Michigan.
Special Edition
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THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION: REMEMBERING JOHN DINGELL
Serving Michiganders for 59 years before retiring in 2015, former representative John Dingell was known by many titles — the Dean of the House, “Big John,” and Twitter icon. With his historic congressional service, 6-foot-3-inch frame and tenacious perseverance, and quick-witted social media presence, Dingell left an indelible mark on America today and ultimately what it means to be a public servant. Following his passing on Feb. 7 in his Dearborn home, national and regional leaders — from government officials to corporate executives — shared memories of the legendary congressman and reflected on his life’s work representing Michiganders and Americans.
GEORGE W. BUSH He was a fine gentleman who showed great respect for our country and her people. He represented his district with decency and honor. And Laura and I join the people of Michigan in sending our sympathies to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and their family. – via statement on Facebook
JOHN BOEHNER
“John was driven by the notion that congressional service is an act of coming together and finding the common ground necessary to advance the interest of our country. A mentor to many of us who served with him in Congress, John was revered by colleagues Democrat and Republican alike. Like many who served with him, they loved him. And that’s not say that my friend was all honey and no vinegar. He was practitioner of what you might call tough love. He was a man who fought fiercely for what he believed.” – from a eulogy delivered at the funeral of John Dingell
GRETCHEN WHITMER
SANDY BARUAH
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of ‘The Dean’ John Dingell. In Congress, he paved the way for the kind of statesmanlike leadership for long for today, embodying civility, and an effortless way of working across the aisle. John was a champion for Michigan and always placed the interests of people above party. This loss will not only be felt across the state, but the nation as well.” – via statement
BILL CLINTON
“For nearly 60 years, John Dingell represented the people of Michigan with honor, integrity & great good humor. There are few major legislative triumphs since 1955 that he didn’t have a key hand in passing. Hillary & I are grateful to have worked with him & called him our friend.” – via Twitter
“Today the great State of Michigan said farewell to one of our greatest leaders. John Dingell will forever be remembered as ‘The Dean’ of Congress not simply for the length of his service, but for his unparalleled record of legislative accomplishments. The Congressman’s grit, humility and humor taught us all that we can disagree without being disagreeable, while still finding common ground and working together to get things done.” – via statement
DEBBIE STABENOW
“Congressman John Dingell—the Dean of the House and my dear friend—was not merely a witness to history. He was a maker of it. His original family name, translated into Polish, meant ‘blacksmith.’ Nothing could be more fitting for a man who hammered out our nation’s laws, forging a stronger union that could weather the challenges of the future.” – via statement
BARACK OBAMA
“John Dingell’s life reminds us that change does not always come with a flash, but instead with steady, determined effort. Over the course of the longest congressional career in history, John led the charge on so much of the progress we take for granted today.” – via statement
GROW Michigan
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THE MOBILITY FRONTIER By Greg Tasker Three years ago, Uber – one of the country’s largest ride-sharing services – envisioned thousands of robot taxis cruising the nation’s roadways by today. Despite advances in technology, Alisyn Malek – then an automotive engineer who had experience bringing new technology to market – had her doubts, well aware of the challenges autonomous vehicles face, especially in congested and densely populated urban areas. Robot taxis, she surmised, wouldn’t be out in droves anytime soon.
ALISYN MALEK Flash forward to 2019, and Malek is no longer an CHIEF OPER ATING OFFICER engineer but at the helm of an autonomous vehicle AND CO-FOUNDER, MAY fleet operator — May Mobility Inc. — as co-founder MOBILITY Photo courtesy of May Mobility. and chief operating officer. The Ann Arbor-based startup is expanding its footprint in the self-driving world and helping “Self-driving cars have been hyped for years — with some of the transform Michigan’s mobility sector. biggest brands spending enormous marketing budgets — but no one has delivered. May Mobility is simply delivering on promises “I had insight from having been an automotive engineer to others cannot meet.” understand how hard it is to get something safe and reliable, that’s autonomous, on the road,” Malek says. She had participated in Southeastern Michigan and Detroit were the right location to the early days of electric vehicle development at General Motors launch a startup, not only because of the talent pool but also Co. “I knew it wasn’t going to happen by 2017 or even 2018. But because the region’s synergy. I knew it was something technology could work through.” “We have hired great talent out of OEMs and Tier One Malek and May Mobility are working through some of the issues companies,” she says. “We couldn’t do that anywhere else. and operating in a narrower field. Since 2018, the company has Innovation in the autonomous vehicle industry is happening here. been running six-passenger electric vehicles on the streets of We have access to an unparalleled talent pool from world-class Detroit, transporting Quicken Loans employees from parking universities, there’s a rich history of automotive innovation and locations to downtown offices. The green-and-white vehicles talent, and many Fortune 500 companies call Detroit home.” follow a carefully mapped, closed loop. The company has since begun similar services in Columbus, Ohio, and has plans to Michigan, she predicts, will continue to be the leader in autonomous development and deployment. expand to Providence, Rhode Island, and Grand Rapids. Malek will share her journey to entrepreneurship in the mobility sector during a Mackinac Moment at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference.
“I think it will all keep growing and it’s something we all need to keep investing in. It’s something May Mobility is excited to be a part of.” • Greg Tasker is a Michigan-based freelance writer.
53,526
8,000+
19
RIDES SINCE BEGINNING THE PILOT IN 20181
ENGINEERING DEGREES AWARDED ANNUALLY IN MICHIGAN 2
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES HAVE NATIONALLY RANKED ENGINEERING PROGRAMS3
44,000+ MECHANICAL ENGINEERS IN MICHIGAN, MORE THAN ANY OTHER STATE 4
SOURCE: 1. May Mobility 2. EMSI, 2017 3. Detroit Regional Chamber 4. BLS, 2017
Upper or Lower. . .
Right Side or Left . . . Public or Private. . . Government or Business. . . . . .Together with Business Leaders and our Great Governor Gretchen we will build a Stronger Michigan for the People
GROW Michigan
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PASTRAMI AND TUNISIAN LEMONS:
HOW ARI WEINZWEIG BUILT AN ICONIC FOOD BUSINESS By Dorothy Hernandez
Ari Weinzweig is co-founding partner of Zingerman’s Deli, which he started in 1982 with Paul Saginaw. Over the years, the small but mighty deli grew from a 1,300-square-foot deli in Ann Arbor to the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, which employs more than 700 people across several enterprises such as a Korean restaurant, bakery, creamery, and Zingerman’s Roadhouse — a popular American comfort food restaurant that’s in the running for a James Beard award for outstanding service this year. Zingerman’s is equally known for its hearty corned beef and pastrami sandwiches as it is for its organizational culture. It’s often recognized for its business practices, such as putting employees on a path to partnership and empowering every worker with the resources they need to act like owners through open book management. But the Chicago native who studied Russian history at the University of Michigan had no “mindful intention of going into business” before opening the beloved community staple. Weinzweig came to Ann Arbor in the late 1970s and like many college students, had no vision of what came next after graduation — he just knew he didn’t want to go home. He got a job washing dishes at the now-shuttered downtown Ann Arbor restaurant Maude’s, where he discovered his passion for cooking and food. It was also where he met key individuals who would eventually work with him at Zingerman’s, like Saginaw and many others. In 1981, Saginaw reached out to Weinzweig about a space near his recently opened business —Monahan’s Fish Market in Kerrytown. The two bonded over the fact they couldn’t find good deli food like they had in their respective hometowns (Saginaw hailed from Detroit), so the two opened Zingerman’s with two employees and a $20,000 bank loan.
MICHIGAN’S FOOD INDUSTRY 1
UP
404,830
JOBS IN MICHIGAN IN FOOD PREPARATION AND SERVING
5.4%
OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS
4TH
LARGEST OCCUPATION GROUP IN MICHIGAN
While Zingerman’s has become one of the country’s top specialty food stores, Weinzweig is committed to staying firmly rooted in Ann Arbor, the community where Zingerman’s was born. Weinzweig will disucss this and more during a Mackinac Moment at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference. “A healthy business is always well integrated to the ecosystem in which it’s existing, growing, and it should be informed, just like plants by the terroir of the soil, by the community’s culture, and then in turn it should inform that culture effectively,” he says. While several products of are made locally from the hearthbaked breads at the bakery to the fresh and aged cheeses from the creamery, Zingerman’s offers a curated selection of unique, full-flavored traditional foods, which may or may not be local. In today’s food obsessed culture, selling extra-virgin olive oil is nothing special. While Zingerman’s certainly did not invent extra-virgin olive oil, it did carve a niche for itself by offering foods that are not found everywhere, such as 12-year aged vinegar from South Africa and preserved lemons from Tunisia. “We’re helping people have a better quality of life and supporting the idea that higher quality pepper earns a higher price. And when you farm better quality pepper, they’re farmed in more ecologically sustainable ways. So, there’s a lot of good that comes from that too.” • Dorothy Hernandez is a freelance food journalist whose work has appeared in NPR, Roads and Kingdoms, Eater, Thrillist, and more. SOURCE: 1. EMSI, 2019
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GROW Michigan
LOVE Michigan MANY MICHIGAN COMPANIES RANK IN THE TOP 100 U.S. COMPANIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE 1 INCLUDING : 9. CMS Energy Corp. 49. Ford Motor Company 50. Whirlpool Corp. 70. Dow Chemical Co. 79. Kellogg Co.
Doing good is good for business. Corporations across the state have made commitments to sustainability, from renewable energy and zerowaste-to-landfill initiatives to philanthropy and healthy communities. Leaders of long-standing corporations have continued to intersect business and community to cultivate shared progress. Long-term investment toward building a state where Michiganders can live, work, and play requires a commitment to not only promoting environmental improvement but also a culture of diversity and inclusion—in teams, board rooms, and other spaces. How can businesses play a role in protecting and stewarding a Michigan fit to pass on to the next generation? Business leaders offered their thoughts on sustainability and stewardship.
CAROLYN CASSIN CEO, MICHIGAN WOMEN FORWARD
The most important thing that we can do right now is to make these long-term investments in our community in diversity and inclusion, making sure that everybody has a seat at the table…data is conclusive. Businesses do better the more diverse their teams are. The bottom line is that businesses that have a diverse leadership team, a diverse board, they are far more efficient… this is a business imperative.”
KOUHAILA HAMMER PRESIDENT AND CEO, GHAFARI ASSOCIATES LLC
The ability to effect lasting change needs to be a team effort. It’s one thing to come up with an idea that will—at least in theory— yield benefits in the long term. It’s a whole other matter to execute that idea, and to do so successfully, you can’t do it alone. You need to get your team’s buy-in but, more importantly, you also need their insights to develop sound implementation strategies if you’re really going to make an impact. ”
SOURCE: 1. Newsweek (2017-2018)
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LOVE Michigan
TOMORROW’S MICHIGAN:
CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY AND STEWARDSHIP By Tom Walsh
Protecting the state and region’s “Pure Michigan” brand as a great place to invest, work, and live is the responsibility of all corporate citizens. Many corporate executives have made global commitments to sustainability, from renewable energy and zero-waste-to-landfill initiatives to philanthropy and healthy communities. Patti Poppe, president and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy, and 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair will moderate a panel on corporate sustainability and stewardship, with panelists Christina L. Keller, president and CEO of Cascade Engineering Family of Companies; Jim Fitterling, CEO of Dow; and Alicia Boler Davis, vice president of global customer fulfillment for Amazon. The Detroiter spoke to Poppe and some of the panelists about sustainability and stewardship in the corporate community.
MEET THE PANELISTS
ALICIA BOLER DAVIS VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL CUSTOMER FULFILLMENT, AMAZON
JIM FITTERLING CEO, DOW
CHRISTINA L. KELLER
PATTI POPPE
PRESIDENT AND CEO, CASCADE ENGINEERING FAMILY OF COMPANIES
PRESIDENT AND CEO, CONSUMER’S ENERGY, CMS ENERGY; 2019 MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE CHAIR
Special Edition How does protecting the environment make Michigan’s electric power and natural gas more plentiful and affordable and thus make economic growth more sustainable?
How can business maximize the potential of people in its community and make its economy more sustainable?
CK: A lot of us face talent shortages,
and I think employers need to open their
PP: There was a time when we used to minds to some people who have been have to make a sucker’s choice between clean but expensive energy, or cheap and dirty. It’s just not true anymore. And we’ve proven it. When we retired our coal plants, we reduced operating costs and prices for electricity have gone down. We’re proving that cleaner energy can be more affordable energy and that makes Michigan then more competitive. Cascade Engineering specializes in plastic injection molding. How does making plastic products square with environmental sustainability?
CK: Some people think plastics aren’t
environmentally friendly because of single use, but we use heavy amounts of recycled content in our products. Plastic is never intended for a single-use life cycle because it’s going to be around forever. So, we put it into things that are intended to be around for a long period. We make a lot of rolling trash cart containers that are out there for 10-plus years. We bring those carts back at end of their 10-year-life and regrind them up and put them right back into our product. And we are zero-waste-to-landfill in all our Michigan facilities, saving us hundreds of thousands of dollars What can Dow and other Michigan businesses do to make the state a more attractive and sustainable place to invest, work, and live?
JF: In Michigan, Dow is collaborating
alongside our customers, communities, and other stakeholders to find new and innovative end uses for recycled plastics, including uses as wide ranging as in asphalt roads, building materials, and recycling back to feedstocks. This not only provides longer lasting infrastructure but also provides a value-added end use for plastics. We are also working to increase STEM opportunities for school-aged children and investing in higher education, most recently in the Delta College Downtown Midland Center.
incarcerated, have paid their dues to society and are looking for a fresh start. We spend more in this state on incarceration than on higher education. We have more per capita incarceration than any other country and recidivism is very high. Government and nonprofits can support efforts with technical training, social workers, and other services. We’ve partnered with public and private organizations to change lives and save the state money. At Dow, you have talked about “creating a circular economy around plastics” to increase reuse and recycling. How can this also help the company’s bottom line and return to shareholders?
JF: In a circular economy, resources
are more effectively used so that they are around for future generations. Recovery and recycling of plastic generates economic opportunity, making plastic too valuable to be lost as waste. Dow is focusing on all stages of the plastic life cycle. How can companies maximize financial returns to shareholders while also making commitments to social issues?
PP: I believe when a company can use its
talent to solve a social issue related to its core business, you have the perfect intersection. People often ask how our investors feel about our commitment to climate change and carbon reduction. Our CMS Energy stock is held by more international investors than any other U.S. utility because of our commitment to the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit. It’s attractive to investors to know that a company has a sustainable business model and that its performance is not a flash in the pan. • This interview was been edited for length and clarity. Tom Walsh is a former Detroit Free Press business editor and columnist.
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SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN: AMAZON1 • Shipment Zero is Amazon’s goal to reach 50% of all shipments with net zero carbon by 20301 • Amazon led investment round of $700 million in Michiganbased electric vehicle startup Rivian 2
CASCADE ENGINEERING 3 • Cascade Engineering has had ZERO Landfill costs since 2012 • ALL water used by Cascade Engineering is recycled and reused in their manufacturing process
DOW 4 • Dow’s STYROFOAM™ insulation is installed in more than 20 million buildings worldwide, saving greater than $10 billion in energy costs annually • Dow is a collaborating partner of the Blue Accounting initiative, managed by The Nature Conservancy and the Great Lakes Commission, that ensures water sustainability within the Great Lakes
SOURCES: 1. blog.aboutamazon.com 2. forbes.com 3. www.cascadeng.com/what-we-believe 4. Dow Sustainability Report
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LOVE Michigan MEET THE PANELISTS
THE LASTING LEGACY OF NOTABLE LEADERS By Greg Tasker
DAVID W. BARFIELD GROUP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, IMPELLAM GROUP
Business success stories are inspiring, but so too is a company’s dedication to its surrounding community. That commitment to philanthropy is even more impressive when the next-generation of leaders take the helm—or branch out in other pursuits—to continue the legacy.
DVE: My father often said if you are
The sons of three founders of Michigan corporate giants — Art Van, Amway Corp., and Bartech Group — will share their parallel contributions to the community at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference. Sharing their insights, David W. Barfield, group development officer at Impellam Group; Daniel G. DeVos, chairman and CEO of DP Fox Ventures LLC; and David Van Elslander, board member of the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation spoke to the Detroiter about their families’ commitment to corporate citizenship.
Can you mention any examples of your company combining business and philanthropy?
DANIEL G. DEVOS
Is there a particular mantra or philosophy in your family that underscores charitable efforts?
CHAIRMAN AND CEO, DP FOX VENTURES LLC
DB: My father and mother were
entrepreneurs who founded, owned, and operated numerous businesses over their careers. Though the products and services of their companies differed, the founding principles of each remained constant. These principles are quality of service, fairness to employees, and community service and corporate citizenship.
DD: Dad and mom were guided by
DAVID VAN ELSLANDER BOARD MEMBER, A.A. VAN ELSLANDER FOUNDATION
their Christian faith to give. In fact, from their first days as a young married couple, they dedicated a portion of their annual earnings to others, long before Amway grew to become a business success. As their earning power grew with Amway’s growth, so did their giving.
lucky enough to be successful, you have a responsibility to give back…Dad was always grateful for the incredible community support he received through the years, and returning that support was the most natural thing in the world for him.
DB: To this day, Bartech regularly
partners with our clients to support causes they feel strongly about that also align with our values. On a quarterly basis, our employees conduct organized fundraisers for various charitable organizations with matching funds from our leadership.
DD: It is hard to pick — they all are
important. Seeing the launch of the Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Foundation and the impact that it has had over the years is truly rewarding. Equally as fulfilling are the efforts at Fox Motors, as we identify local needs and create programs to support great organizations like Kids Food Basket, Toys for Tots, and many more. We also place great value on the arts, and we have been blessed to be a part of several organizations supporting major initiatives — nationally and here in Michigan.
DVE: It was difficult to separate Art
Van the man from Art Van the business — many people never knew there was actually a person behind the name — but there was, of course, and the philanthropy came from his heart. For his company’s 50th anniversary in 2009, Dad donated one million dollars to Michigan charities by establishing a grass roots challenge grant program which resulted in over five million dollars being raised; that platform has since been successfully
Special Edition
adopted by other organizations. During a tough economic time, when companies were cutting philanthropic dollars, my father recognized the need for continued corporate responsibility and acted in a meaningful and lasting way. I’m really proud of that. Why is it important to continue to reinvest in Michigan?
DB: We have always believed in
the importance of supporting those communities where we do business. Though Bartech now operates throughout the world, our first customers, the majority of our employees, and the heart of Bartech remain in Michigan.
it is a great place to live, raise a family, and grow a business. The entrepreneurial attitude of individuals in Michigan is hard to miss.
DVE: My father was born, raised, and
lived his entire life in Michigan; although he traveled the world, he said there was no better place to raise a family than Michigan, with its Midwest values, work ethic, educational systems, and incredible natural resources. • This inverview was edited for length and clarity. Greg Tasker is a metro Detroit freelance writer.
The entrepreneurial attitude of individuals in Michigan is hard to miss.” DANIEL G. DEVOS CHAIRMAN AND CEO, DP FOX VENTURES LLC
DD: Michigan is our home. It will always
hold a tremendous place in our hearts and
.
Many look to make a difference. At BorgWarner, we’re actually doing it. Every day, we’re innovating new technologies to create a cleaner, more efficient world.
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46
LOVE Michigan
A FATHER’S MISSION TO END DISTRACTED DRIVING
By Greg Tasker
Steven Kiefer speaks at The Kiefer Foundation’s 2nd Annual Swing for Safe Driving Golf Outing at Oakland Hills Country Club on Monday, June 11, 2018. Photo courtesy of The Kiefer Foundation.
Nearly three years ago, Steven Kiefer found himself to be an unexpected advocate on the dangers of distracted driving. Kiefer, senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain management at General Motors Co., lost his 18-year-old son Mitchel Kiefer in a car accident on I-96 outside of Lansing in September 2016. Mitchel was returning to Michigan State University when he was struck from behind by a distracted driver. The impact forced his car across the median and into the path of an eastbound full-size tractor trailer. In his grief, Kiefer and his family established the Kiefer Foundation, which initially began as a memorial to his son and to raise awareness about distracted driving. In its first year and half, the foundation focused largely on memorial activities with the goal of increasing public awareness about fatalities and injuries caused by distracted driving.
So far, 16 states have passed hands-free legislation, and in those states, deaths have dropped dramatically, Kiefer says. About 10 people a day are killed in accidents involving distracted drivers, he noted. Similar laws banning the use of cell phones while behind the wheel have been successful in Canada and Europe. If passed in Michigan, the law would allow police to pull over motorists who are using their cell phones while driving. Violators would be fined. “We’d really like Michigan to be the 17th state to pass hands-free legislation,” Kiefer says. The Automotive Hall of Fame last year honored Kiefer with its Distinguished Service Citation for his work to end distracted driving through the foundation. Kiefer manages to continue his public service campaign, while balancing a demanding job and travels, as well as the responsibilities of raising a family. He has three other children. “It’s all about time management and great teams,” Kiefer says. “I am so fortunate to have a great family, an outstanding team at GM, and a network of amazing people associated with our foundation, that are passionate about the cause.” • Greg Tasker is a Michigan-based freelance writer.
The foundation also worked with the Michigan Department of Transportation to have a 1.7-mile-long cable guardrail placed along the median in Ingham County where Mitchel’s car was hit, to help prevent similar accidents.
DISTRACTED DRIVING 1 IN MICHIGAN
In the past year, the nonprofit organization has turned its focus to legislation. Last month, it launched the Hands-Free Michigan campaign. It also has stopped accepting corporate donations, choosing to work with other nonprofit groups to work more closely with organizations that are spreading the message.
CAR CRASHES
“We’re really trying to use a grassroots approach to get as many people — young people, people of all ages, involved,” Kiefer says. Kiefer will talk about the organization’s efforts to get handsfree legislation passed in Michigan and his family’s journey since Mitchel’s death during a Mackinac Moment at the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference.
18,927 77
FATALITIES
7,213
PEOPLE INJURED
SOURCE: 1. Michigan State Police, 2018 Crash Report
Special Edition
47
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We’re replacing energy infrastructure. We’re strengthening safety where it matters most. And we’re continuing to deliver the energy Michigan needs. Learn more at Enbridge.com/line5tunnel
NATIONAL Policy MICHIGANDERS POLLED.... IS THE UNITED STATES HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?1
57
%
WRONG DIRECTION
29% RIGHT DIRECTION
14% NOT SURE
Michigan is home to nearly 10 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. From government to business, leaders are working to ensure Michigan’s place as a great place to live, work, and play and bolster its competitive economic edge on the national and global stage. Members of Congress from the Michigan delegation are working to foster civil discourse and bipartisanship across the aisle in Washington D.C. They are highlighting the repair and expansion of the Soo Locks, conservation of natural resources, protection of the Great Lakes, support for the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and more. Companies in Michigan, including from the automotive to the health care industry, are making an impact—employing thousands of individuals within and outside of the state and setting a standard for excellence. From investment in infrastructure to attracting and retaining talent for existing and emerging economies, Michigan is working to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Business leaders offered their insights on Michigan’s position on the national stage.
Special Edition
MATTHEW GODLEWSKI DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS, FORD MOTOR COMPANY
As regional leaders, I think we all have a special responsibility in thinking about how Michigan remains the automotive economic engine for America and how we continue to build our leadership in the future relative to self-driving vehicles, electrification, and mobility services…It all comes back to just how important the auto industry is to our state, how important it is to America and how we promote policies that uphold Michigan’s global leadership. ”
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DANIEL J. LOEPP PRESIDENT AND CEO, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN
As a national leader in health care, we’ve changed the paradigm…the healthcare industry is an economic driver in Michigan. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employs more than 10,000 employees across the U.S. with the large majority living and working in the state of Michigan. We’re proud that our mutual nonprofit model strengthens the Michigan economy. Being local and being part of the community makes it matter more and we want to share our national model for quality and affordability nationally.” SOURCE: 1. Reuters Poll, Jan. 2019
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NATIONALPolicy
MEET THE PANELISTS
POLITICAL PUNDITS TALK NATIONAL POLITICS By Paul Vachon
DONNA BRAZILE CONTRIBUTOR, FOX NEWS; VETERAN DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL STRATEGIST, ADJUNCT PROFESSOR; AUTHOR; FORMER SYNDICATED COLUMNIST
MATTHEW DOWD CHIEF POLITICAL ANALYST, ABC NEWS; BEST-SELLING AUTHOR; CAMPAIGN STRATEGIST
HAROLD FORD, JR. FORMER U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, POLITICAL PUNDIT, MSNBC AND CNBC
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Television
From pressing national issues to the functionality of bipartisanship, political experts Donna Brazile, Matthew Dowd, and Harold Ford Jr. have a wealth of experience and knowledge on the country’s current political state.
The nation’s current political climate has grown especially toxic since the 2016 election. In your view, what social forces were responsible for Donald Trump’s election?
Detroit-born Dowd is a veteran political consultant. Over a thirty-year career, he has worked on both Democratic and Republican campaigns. Currently a political analyst for ABC News, he will join Donna Brazile, contributor for Fox News and veteran Democratic political strategist, for a conversation moderated by Harold Ford Jr., former U.S. representatives and current political pundit for MSNBC and CNBC, during the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference.
current political climate, not the cause. A certain segment of the population feels both left behind economically and uncomfortable with the pace of social change in the nation. These were the two pillars supporting Trump’s election.
The Detroiter spoke with Dowd, Brazile, and Ford to preview their forthcoming conversation.
paradigm in each party is creating dysfunction across the political system. That is what has to stop. Fortunately, voters have a way of electing candidates that will do that.
MD: Donald Trump is the result of our
Does the current hyperpartisan environment in Washington present an insurmountable obstacle for progress on our most pressing issues?
HF: The moderates versus the extremes
Special Edition
In our current hyperpartisan environment, what course could our nation’s leaders take to most effectively “reduce the temperature” and bring back the spirit of civility and bipartisanship?
How would you assess the current state of the Democratic Party? Is the high number of candidates vying for the 2020 nomination a good or a bad thing?
more they have dialogues, both of which lead to a vibrant democracy. Civility is vital for a well-functioning democracy and it must begin with us. As citizens, it’s our responsibility — as well as those we elect to serve in public office — to engage each other in healthy and civil debates and conversations. We can have honest disagreements about the issues and challenges our nation must confront without resorting to name calling and other uncivil debate.
I like among the 2020 Democrats... who’s not to like? There are steady hands and fresh faces, years of experience and tons of potential. They aren’t divided on what they want—fair and honest elections, economic opportunity, human rights for all, universal healthcare, action on the environment, and an America engaged with our allies to defend ourselves.
DB: It’s great to have such a large group DB: The more people come together, the of candidates to choose from. As to who
ROMTLIVE.COM
I wouldn’t make a choice at this point, and I’m glad that I don’t have to. The Democratic primary voters can make that choice, and I feel certain that they will love doing it.
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Do you feel our country is evolving along a positive or a negative track?
HF: For better or for worse, the country
is in the Trump era — they want no nonsense, problem solving, shake it all up in DC kind of politics.
DB: Even with the improvement in the
economy, voters are still anxious and worried about their own personal finances and happiness. We are living in a period of profound uncertainty at many levels, including civil unrest.
MD: I’m pessimistic in the short term, but optimistic in the long term. •
This inverview was edited for length and clarity. Paul Vachon is a metro Detroit freelance writer.
CONTACT:
JESSIE MILLER Special Events Director jemiller@aegpresents.com 586.944.8222
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NATIONALPolicy
STACEY ABRAMS: A FAIR FIGHTER By Nushrat Rahman
Stacey Abrams addresses supporters shortly after her landslide victory during the 2018 Democratic Primary.
My mother, a pastor, told me once that you meet people where they are, not where you want them to be. In politics, that means understanding your opponent’s beliefs and then looking for common ground where the outcomes benefit the many.” STACEY ABRAMS 2018 DEMOCR ATIC NOMINEE FOR GOVERNOR OF GEORGIA; FOUNDER AND CHAIR, FAIR FIGHT ACTION
Stacey Abrams — business woman, nonprofit leader, and elected official — has entrepreneurial zeal. The former candidate for governor of Georgia, who delivered the official Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address in February, is a two-time founder.
“I ran for governor of Georgia because I believe we can build a state where every family can succeed,” Abrams says. “Although the outcome was not what I had hoped, we transformed the electorate in Georgia. Voters who had sat out recent elections felt moved to cast their ballot.”
Abrams co-founded Nourish, a small business which made formula-ready bottled water for babies and sippy-cups for toddlers, and NOWAccount, a company providing a payment system to small businesses, improving their cash flow so they can grow and thrive.
She notes that her campaign increased turnout of Latinx, Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), and African American voters and young voters. Abrams cites voter suppression tactics and election mismanagement during the race.
“In all of my ventures…my primary goal is to find solutions to the problems others face,” she says. She applies the same philosophy to her political work. In her historic 2018 run, Abrams vied for the Georgia gubernatorial seat. She would have become the first African American woman elected governor in the United States. Although she lost the race, her run left an impact.
“As results came in on November 6, so did reports from around the state of long lines, malfunctioning machines, and voters missing from the voting rolls,” she says. “In the period surrounding Election Day 2018, our voter protection hotline received over 50,000 calls from voters whose right to vote was threatened or taken away.” Soon after the election, she launched Fair Fight Action, a nonprofit, to advocate for elections reforms in Georgia. In November
Special Edition
2018, the organization filed a federal lawsuit challenging Georgia’s election system. She says that much of her adult life has been dedicated to voting rights because disenfranchisement leads to negative outcomes for vulnerable communities. In her response to President Trump, she called for ballot fairness. “Being asked to deliver such a critical speech, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, offered a rare opportunity to deliver a message that would unite and inspire Americans,” she says. She notes that her first obligations in politics are to find areas of compromise — on policy, not on values. As House Minority Leader for the Georgia General Assembly, she worked with the Tea Party on environmental legislation and negotiated compromises with a Republican governor on education, tax policy, and transportation.
expansion of opportunity for all. In many ways, this begins with representational leadership including women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ , and people with disabilities. “There is a common saying that if you do not have a seat at the table, you are on the menu. Voters deserve leadership that reflects their experience,” she says. “Because they understand the real, lived experiences their constituents have faced, these leaders will often identify gaps in policies, offer fresh perspectives on problems, and provide bold solutions that lift everyone up.” • Nushrat Rahman is the editor of Detroiter magazine. Stacey Abrams and Barack Obama share the stage during a Get Out The Vote Rally in Atlanta, GA.
“My mother, a pastor, told me once that you meet people where they are, not where you want them to be. In politics, that means understanding your opponent’s beliefs and then looking for common ground where the outcomes benefit the many.” Georgia, like Michigan, is a diverse state, says Abrams. She recommends that candidates need to organize everywhere, from the Midwest to the Sunbelt and the Coasts. “In the Midwest, thousands of voters stayed home in 2016, and this has had a direct result on every level of service, from police reforms to farmers to health care costs,” Abrams says. “Leadership matters, and the voters in the Midwest can help change the direction of our nation.” Abrams says her 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference address will focus on leveraging the energy and capacity of state-level leadership, in cooperation with national vision, to achieve the most effective
53
Stacey Abrams meets with voters during the 2018 General Election.
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NATIONALPolicy
DISCORD AND DISCOURSE:
JOHN KASICH ON AMERICAN POLITICS By Dawson Bell
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.
POLITICAL
John Kasich isn’t easily categorized.
AND
RACIAL DIVISIONS ARE THE
MOST SERIOUS PROBLEMS FACING THE COUNTRY TODAY . 1
SOURCE: 1. Two Paths America National Poll, 2017-2019
His roots are in the working class of western Pennsylvania as the son of a postal worker, and grandson of Eastern European immigrants. Yet, at 68, the former Ohio governor and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, has rarely been employed outside of government. Prior to signing on this year as a political analyst for CNN, Kasich’s only extended stay in the private sector was as an investment banker with Lehman Brothers until its 2008 collapse. In Congress, where he served from 1983 to 2001, Kasich was among the leaders of the Newt Gingrich conservative Republican revolution in 1994 and a noted budget hawk. As Ohio governor from 2011 to 2019, he was often at loggerheads with the state’s dominant GOP faction of conservatives and Tea Party activists, notably by backing the expansion of Medicaid eligibility under Obamacare.
He was, and remains, a high-profile critic of President Donald Trump. But he couldn’t bring himself to vote for Hillary Clinton in 2016, writing in the name of the late Arizona senator John McCain instead. For Michiganders attending the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference, where Kasich will deliver a keynote address, perhaps he will be reminiscent of another former governor, Michigan’s “passionate moderate” of the 1970s and 1980s, William Milliken. “When most people hear me speak, they are surprised how little I talk about politics. I’m a CNN commentator, but this is not going to be a political analysis. It will be about ‘can do’ and ‘hope.’ I fundamentally want people to realize they can get things done.” Kasich says he believes the country’s salvation lies outside Washington D.C.
Special Edition
“When people focus on their own lives and the lives of those around them, good things happen,” he says. “Communities matter. Power flows from the bottom up. Leadership is important. But at the end of the day leaders exist at every level.” Kasich recognizes that the current discord in national affairs affects people — it’s divisive and sours moods — however it’s important to remember that “what’s going on at home” is important because it impacts daily life. Even so, Kasich himself hasn’t entirely closed the door on another presidential bid in 2020. The political nonprofit he heads called Two Paths America — an echo of his 2017 campaign memoir “Two Paths: America Divided or United” — bills itself as a “center-right” alternative to radical wings on the left and right.
Welcome Aboard Mackinac
for the
Policy Conference! Please check our website for travel tips.
Communities matter. Power flows from the bottom up. Leadership is important. But at the end of the day leaders exist at every level.”
And in or out of office or Washington D.C., Kasich will almost certainly continue to promote the vision for healing the nation presented in his memoir. In it, Kasich writes: “The way forward is to focus on our shared moral compass — the one that points us to honesty, integrity, personal responsibility, faith, humility, compassion, forgiveness, tolerance — that will get us back on track.” It can be done, Kasich says. “I’m not a pessimist.” •
JOHN KASICH
Dawson Bell is a veteran Michigan journalist who spent 25 years covering government and politics for the Detroit Free Press.
FORMER GOVERNOR, STATE OF OHIO; SENIOR POLITICAL COMMENTATOR, CNN
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Possible is everything.
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NATIONALPolicy
COMPETING FOR PROGRESS MEET THE PRESENTERS
By Melinda Clynes
In their 2017 report, “Why Competition in the Politics Industry is Failing America,” former president at and CEO at Gehl foods, Katherine M. Gehl and Harvard Business School professor Michael E. Porter analyze how unhealthy competition in the political system has created an inability for government to solve problems. To spur change, the report also outlines a set of reforms. Gehl and Porter’s work is about politics, but it’s not political. Instead they make a case for using the lens of industry to better understand the current political state and how it can spark dialogue about the future of U.S. democracy. Gehl and Porter suggest actions that would shift the entire system by creating healthy competition and raising the importance of public interests over special interest groups. The Detroiter spoke with Gehl and Porter to learn more about this report and how a perspective shift can impact political dialogue and progress.
KATHERINE M. GEHL FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO, GEHL FOODS
You co-authored a 2017 report on how competition in politics is failing America; why is this work significant?
MP: Our work is an attempt to take a
deep look at how the politics industry is structured, how the parties compete, what they compete on, and who are the most important customers to the parties. Current political competition is not serving the average American. Both parties are focused on serving partisan and special interests that are aligned with their ideology. The average American has virtually no influence. The research we cite in our report shows that if you take out the organized special interests and the high-network people who make donations, the influence of the average citizen on policy is statistically insignificant.
MICHAEL E. PORTER BISHOP WILLIAM LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
What are some of the major problems created by the way in which the bipartisan duopoly currently competes?
MP: We have enormous partisanship.
One side blames the other side. We have gridlock. There’s no more compromise or collaboration in creating solutions to complicated problems like health care or gun violence or the many issues we
face. Based on our research and work I have done previously with our U.S. Competitiveness Project at Harvard Business School. We’ve discovered, to our shocking dismay, that the U.S. has made very little progress on any of the most important economic or social challenges facing the country. What are the implications for business?
KG: Conditions for business and for employees are less than optimal because the government becomes incapable of addressing key issues like our subpar education system, national infrastructure, health care system, and a difficult, complex national tax code. These challenges put our multi-national corporations at a disadvantage compared to their international competitors. They also put local business at a disadvantage, because they cannot, for example, find the skilled employees that they need. How can using the lens of industry competition help us better understand our current political state and reinvigorate democracy at a time of deep dissatisfaction and distrust?
KG: In any industry, healthy competition
tends to lead to customer satisfaction. And unhealthy competition means the customers are not well served. In the politics industry, there’s unhealthy competition. Members work well together to rig the rules of the game to protect themselves from new competition. That’s why, even though most people don’t like their two choices, there still remain only two. With no other option, you can’t drive improvement in the duopoly and their willingness to satisfy you, because they don’t need to. They just need you to hate them less than the one other choice. On the flip side, talk about the outputs, absent here in the U.S., that a healthy political system should deliver.
KG: We have five specific outcomes
that we believe our democracy, our political system, should deliver, all related to establishing the conditions of competition. The first is solutions. Congress should solve problems. Second, government should take action — not just talk about solving problems, but actually pass legislation and implement it. Third, solutions should be sustainable, balancing short-term and long-term interests of the citizenry. Problems shouldn’t be solved in the present at the expense of the future. Fourth, we should be able to achieve reasonably broad-based buy-in by citizens. When you first solve something, everybody may not think it’s a great idea. But over time, if you’ve done the right work, citizens will get on board. The final outcome is, what we do in government should respect our Constitution and the rights of citizens.• This interview was edited for length and clarity. Melinda Clynes is a metro Detroit-based storyteller, interviewer, and overall seeker of knowledge.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS • Public trust in the federal government is hovering at a near 60-year low. • In 1958, three out of four Americans trusted the government. In 2017, this had fallen to one in five. • Today, however, our political system has become the major barrier to solving nearly every important challenge our nation needs to address. • It’s important to recognize that much of what constitutes today’s political system has no basis in the constitution. • Most people think of politics as its own unique public institution governed by impartial laws dating back to the founders. Not so. It is, in fact, an industry—most of whose key players are private, gain-seeking organizations.
POLITICAL INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX 16 BILLION
$
IS SPENT IN A TWO-YEAR ELECTION CYCLE
19,000 JOBS
IN 2016 DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO LOBBYING
40%
40%
ELECTION SPENDING
LOBBYING SPENDING
1,000 ORGANIZATIONS WITH CONTRACTS TIED TO CAMPAIGNS
$1.5 BILLION
IN NON-POLITICAL ADVERTISING (i.e. major TV shows covering politics and elections)
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A WARM MACKINAC WELCOME Welcome to Mackinac and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference. I would like to personally welcome you to Grand Hotel on behalf of my entire family and the more than 700 staff members who work hard to make this hotel something special. We are extremely honored to once again be your host for Michigan’s most prestigious policy and networking event. We are pleased to welcome our returning guests and excited to have an opportunity to share this remarkable property with first-time visitors. I am confident your stay here at Grand Hotel will be a productive and memorable one. This is our 133rd season of operation, but we aren’t resting on our laurels. From the physical structure to the guest experience, we are always working to improve the hotel. As we begin the 2019 season, we are pleased to announce a number of upgrades and improvements that were completed during the offseason.
We are extremely honored to once again be your host for Michigan’s most prestigious policy and networking event.” DAN MUSSER
PRESIDENT, GR AND HOTEL
An exciting 2019 highlight is the completion of our Cupola Suites project, which adds four new suites — each with spectacular views and beautiful design elements. The project, which began in 2014, restores Grand Hotel’s original 1887 roofline with a full row of dormers lining the roof. The four new Cupola Suites now give us a total of 12 and increases the overall number of guest rooms to 397. These unique accommodations offer the flexibility of one-bedroom or two-bedroom options with a parlor, ideal for families or for anyone needing extra space. The new rooms were designed by longtime Grand Hotel interior designer, Carleton Varney, and Gene Hopkins and Tamara Burns of HopkinsBurns Design Studio. The suites truly have unique décor that features striking color schemes and bold patterns. Dormers in each suite offer breathtaking views of the Straits of Mackinac. Grand Hotel also has a new location for our concierge desk on the Parlor level. This will allow guests to more easily utilize this service to book amenities, arrange activities, and enjoy a unique resort experience tailored for their individual interests.
I am pleased to report that Grand Hotel has also recently been honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions, including being named the Best Hotel in Michigan by Condé Nast Traveler, and has earned a Gold badge by U.S. News & World Report for being in the top ten percent of the Best Hotels in the United States. As always it is our honor and privilege to open our doors to you. If there’s anything that I or any member of our staff can do to make your stay more comfortable or enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to ask. • R.D. Musser III is president of Grand Hotel.
TEXT TO SAVE Text “DRCSPC� to 555-888 to receive a Chamber store purchasing card sent to your phone!
Show this card at checkout at an Office Depot or Office Max store to see instant savings. Just another valuable benefit for being a Detroit Regional Chamber member.
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OFFICIAL BALLOT Dear Chamber member: This ballot contains names of candidates to be nominated for three-year terms on the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors. Space is also provided for written nominations. Please complete and sign this ballot and return it by June 10, 2019, via fax to 866.774.7410 or mail to Detroit Regional Chamber, Attn: Chair, Nominating Committee, One Woodward Avenue., Ste. 1900, Detroit, MI 48226.
TO ELECT DIRECTORS OF THE DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER The following are proposed for three-year terms on the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors ending June 30, 2022. Place a mark next to the name(s) to cast your vote or select all proposed candidates. Select all proposed candidates for Board THREE-YEAR TERM Dennis W. Archer, Jr. CEO, Ignition Media Group; Founding Partner, Archer Corporate Services
Tricia Keith Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff and Corporate Strategy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Sandy Baruah President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber
Ronia Kruse President and CEO, OpTech LLC
Carolyn Cassin CEO and President, Michigan Women Forward
David Lewis President - Michigan, AT&T
George Corona President and CEO, Kelly Services Inc.
Lisa Lunsford CEO, Global Strategic Supply Solutions
John Fikany CEO, The Fikany Group
Betsy Meter Michigan Managing Partner, KPMG LLP
Matthew Godlewski Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Ford Motor Company
Jean Meyer Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Michigan
Kouhaila Hammer President and CEO, Ghafari Associates LLC
James Proppe Managing Partner, Plante Moran Charles Scrase Site Director, Google Ann Arbor; Director, gTech Google Errol Service Managing Director, E.C.S. Partnership McDonalds, BBD Suzanne Shank Chairwoman and CEO, Sibert Cisneros Shank & CO., LLC Anthony Tedeschi CEO, Detroit Medical Center Carla Walker-Miller President and CEO, Walker-Miller Energy Services LLC
Troy Mooyoung Executive Director and Complex Manager, Morgan Stanley
If you wish to nominate candidates not listed above, please use the space below: (Name of Chamber member completing form. Please print clearly.) By: Title: Company: Date:
Thank You Investors AAA Michigan ABC Technologies Accenture ADAC Automotive Adient US LLC Ally Financial Alten Technology USA, Inc. American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. Ann Arbor SPARK Aon Risk Services Central, Inc. ArcelorMittal Auria Solutions USA Inc. Automotive Hall of Fame Axalta Coating Systems, LLC Bank of America Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Barton Malow Company Beaumont Health Bianchi Public Relations, Inc. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Bodman PLC Böllhoff, Inc. BorgWarner Inc. Brose North America, Inc. Center for Automotive Research Chemical Bank Citizens Bank City of Novi City of Southfield Clark Hill PLC Clayton & McKervey, P.C. Colliers International Comcast Business Comerica Incorporated Consumers Energy Continental Structural Plastics - CSP Cooper-Standard Automotive DENSO International America Inc. Deshler Group Detroit Auto Dealers Association Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Detroit Manufacturing Systems LLC Detroit Medical Center Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation Detroit Regional Partnership
Dickinson Wright PLLC DISHER DMI DTE Energy Dykema Gossett PLLC Eckhart Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County eLab Ventures Emagine Entertainment, Inc. ESG Automotive Inc. Fakhoury Law Group, PC Faurecia North America Inc. FCA US LLC Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber Inc. Flagstar Bank FleishmanHillard Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Foley & Lardner LLP Ford Motor Company Franco GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management George Johnson & Company Ghafari Associates, LLC Grupo Antolin GS3 G-TECH Professional Staffing, Inc. Harlow Public Relations, LLC HELLA Henry Ford Health System Highgate LLC Huffmaster Companies Huntington Bank IAC Group North America IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc. IBEW Local 58 and Southeastern Michigan Chapter NECA Incorporated IHS Markit Automotive Independent Bank Inteva Products, LLC Ironworkers Local Union No. 25 ITC Kelly Services, Inc. Key Bank
KPMG LLP Lacks Enterprises, Inc. Lapeer Development Corp. Lawrence Technological University Lear Corporation Lenawee Economic Development Corporation Level One Bank LIFT – Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow Lucerne International Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development Magna International Mahindra Automotive North America MAHLE Industries, Incorporated Michigan Economic Development Corporation Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council Michigan State University Miller Canfield Monroe County Business Development Corp. Nexteer Automotive Northwood University Novation Analytics Oakland Community College Oakland University Omron Automation Americas OneMagnify OpTech, LLC Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) P3 North America Inc. Penske Corporation Phoenix Contact Piston Group Plante Moran, PLLC Plastic Omnium - Clean Energy Systems Platinum Equity PNC PwC Röchling Automotive USA, LLP Rockford Construction RSM US LLP
Rudolph Libbe Inc. Rush Group LLC Saint Joseph Mercy Health System SEG Automotive Selander Law Office, PLLC Shape Corporation Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership Shiloh Industries, Inc. SME SRG Global Inc. SSOE Group Stoneridge Inc. Stratacomm LLC Stratasys Switch Taktix Solutions Tenneco Powertrain The Albert M. Higley Co. The Farbman Group The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. The Kresge Foundation The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting TI Automotive Toyota Motor North America Truscott Rossman UHY LLP University of Michigan Varnum LLP Visteon Corporation Vitro Automotive Glass Walsh College Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Washtenaw Community College Waste Management of Michigan Inc. Waymo Wayne County Wayne County Airport Authority Wayne State University Western Michigan University WJR AM 760 Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors Yazaki North America, Inc.
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T hank you 2019 Sponsors Gold
Diamond
Bank of America Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Chemical Bank
Ruby
Comcast Business Comerica Bank Delta Air Lines Ford Motor Company ITC
Platinum
KPMG LLP The Kresge Foundation Kroger Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development The Skillman Foundation
American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. Business Leaders for Michigan Clark Hill Crain’s Detroit Business DENSO Detroit Medical Center EY FCA US LLC Greektown Casino-Hotel GS3 Kelly Services McDonald’s Michigan Meijer Michigan Realtors Miller Canfield Nexteer Automotive
Silver
Oakland Community College Plunkett Cooney
Beaumont Health
Priority Health
Deloitte
PwC
Delta Dental
Toyota
Enbridge Energy
Warner Norcross + Judd
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Yazaki
Merit Network Office Depot Wayne State University William Davidson Foundation
Bronze AAA - The Auto Club Group Accenture
Corporate Shinola Design Partner
Skidmore Studio
Special Edition
Linking people, cultures and commerce. Supporting great causes: a commitment that’s as much a part of UPS as our brown trucks. UPS is the Official Logistics Provider to the 2019 Mackinac Policy Conference. ups.com Š 2019 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS logo, and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
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JOIN US IN WELCOMING THESE NEW MEMBERS TO THE CHAMBER. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT THEM FOR FUTURE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
ELITE MEMBERSHIP
EDW. C. LEVY CO.
David Wilhoit 3301 Sutton Road Adrian, MI 49221 888.922.5374 www.wacker.com
Renee Beckwith 27500 Stansbury Blvd. Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248.489.2183 www.deltadentalmi.com
S. Evan Weiner 8800 Dix St. Detroit, MI 48209 313.849.9225 www.edwclevy.com
A globally operating chemical company, WACKER is represented in the Americas by Wacker Chemical Corporation (WCC) in Ann Arbor and Adrian, Michigan. With a strong regional presence, WCC operates 12 facilities, including 7 plants and silicones R&D Center in Ann Arbor. WACKER, a pioneer in silicones and polymer chemistry, supports markets such as automotive, aerospace and transport, construction, paints, coatings, photovoltaics, semiconductors, electronics, health and personal care, food, pharma, and agrochemical. WACKER globally posted sales of $4.98 billion in 2018. Committed to safety and sustainable corporate management, WACKER’s operating principles encompass responsible business practices with respect to products and technologies, employees,
Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana — one of the largest dental benefits administrators in the country — covers nearly 8.9 million members. In addition to providing superior dental benefits, they invest in building healthy, smart, vibrant communities. The Delta Dental family includes the Delta Dental Foundation; Dewpoint, a information technology solutions company; and Red Cedar Investment Management, a financial services subsidiary. Through dental benefits, philanthropy, technology and finance, Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana works every day to achieve brighter futures. They recognize
The Levy Group of Companies transforms products into lightweight aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, agricultural products, and more. They provide services that include construction materials, road building, flame cutting and treatment, steel mill services, logistics, and laboratory testing. Levy employees share ideas, channel their creativity, develop systems, and deliver processes to transform products and services into innovative solutions that best meet customers’ needs.
PREMIER MEMBERSHIP JLL Larry Emmons 226 East Hudson Ave., Suite 200 Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.581.3300 www.us.jll.com A member of the Fortune 500, JLL is a global professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate.
Special Edition The company’s expert teams provide integrated services to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying, developing, or investing in real estate. Nearly 80,000 employees serve clients in 80 countries from 300 corporate offices. MIAT College of Technology Jennifer Paugh 2955 South Haggerty Road Canton, MI 48188 800.447.1310 www.miat.edu MIAT College of Technology was founded on the drive to fill a growing need for qualified technicians. In 1969, Lee R. Koepke saw what other people could not. He anticipated growth in the aviation industry and developed a training resource to send qualified aviation technicians into the field. Koepke founded the Detroit Institute of Aeronautics, which became MIAT College of Technology. The aviation training he developed went on to become the foundation of the Aviation Technology program taught at MIAT ever since. Novo Nordisk John Hodges 734.634.2757 www.novonordisk.us.com Novo Nordisk, a global leader in diabetes care, has been committed to discovering and developing innovative medicine to help people with serious chronic conditions lead longer and healthier lives with fewer limitations. They are working toward a future where fewer people get diabetes, everyone is diagnosed, and all patients receive adequate treatment. Schoolcraft College Dawn Magretta 18600 Haggerty Road Livonia, MI 48152 734.462.4689 www.schoolcraft.edu
Established more than 55 years ago, Schoolcraft College’s focus has been on progressive innovation, educational excellence and academic success. To serve the community, they have 3 campuses and more than 70 majors and programs. Our diverse and vibrant culture is a staple in Southeastern Michigan. As society and workforce development evolves, Schoolcraft College remain highly adaptable and dedicated to training the skilled trades workers that Michigan desperately needs in addition to preparing future generations.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP Alpha USA www.alphausa.com Ameresco www.ameresco.com Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau www.bluewater.org Community Education Commission www.cecdetroit.org ComplyZoom | CyberSecurity & Compliance Consulting. Simplified. www.complyzoom.com Detroit Mobility Lab www.detroitmobilitylab.org Detroit Philanthropy www.detroitphilanthropy.com Detroit Regional Partnership www.detroitregionalpartnership.com DLux Suites www.dluxsuites.com Eastside Community Network www.ecn-detroit.org Endeavor Detroit www.endeavordetroit.org Foodcorps Michigan www.foodcorps.org GalaxE.Solutions www.galaxe.com Güd Marketing www.gudmarketing.com
Guidehouse www.guidehouse.com Lewand Building Companies www.lewandbuilding.com Marsh USA Inc. www.marsh.com North American Free Trade Consultants Inc. www.naftcstudios.com Ontario Centres of Excellence www.oce-ontario.org PsyGenics Inc. www.psygenics.org SharePoint 411 www.sharepoint411.net Steward Media www.steward-media.com Summit Commercial summitcommercialllc.com Tenneco Powertrain www.tenneco.com The Miller Law Firm www.millerlawpc.com The Senior Alliance www.thesenioralliance.org The Waverly Group-Midwest LLC www.waverlygroupmidwest.com UBS Financial Services-Jennifer McPartlin www.financialservicesinc.ubs.com Victory Capital Holdings Inc. www.vcm.com
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Detroit Manufacturing Systems LLC Detroit Regional Partnership FCA US LLC Tenneco Powertrain
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IN THE
NEWS Butzel Long attorney and shareholder, Geoffrey S. Gallinger has been elected to a one-year term as president and member of the Board of Directors of the Detroit Athletic Club. Previously, Gallinger served as first vice president and an officer of the DAC Board of Directors. Gallinger’s practice includes counseling clients regarding general business and corporate transactional, finance, and planning needs, including all forms of real estate transactions and developments, acquisitions, leasing, financing and condominiums. Dickinson Wright PLLC announced that Chambers & Partners, publisher of the world’s leading guides to the legal profession, has ranked seven of the firm’s practices in Michigan and 27 of the firm’s Michigan attorneys in the 2019 Chambers USA Guide. Clayton & McKervey P.C. announced that shareholder Sarah Russell, CPA, will be a presenter at the 2019 Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Executive Conference. Now in its 25th year, the conference takes place April 30 – May 3 in Asheville, North Carolina. Russell’s workshop on May 2 at 1:30 p.m. will focus on “How Tax Reform Impacts Systems Integrators.” Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan distributed $19 million in grants to support the work and efforts of organizations and initiatives in Detroit and across the region. Grant recipients include programs involved with health, education, arts, environment, youth, housing, and human services. Lawyers of Color has named Dykema Gossett PLLC one of its Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Leaders. This designation is presented to law firms with a black attorney percentage of 3.8 or higher. As published in the Black Student’s Guide to Law Schools & Firms, Dykema is ranked 38th among large law firms with a black attorney percentage of 4.85.
GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING TO BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT METRO DETROIT Four of Detroit’s foundational food businesses have joined forces to launch Food Industry Jobs, a training and development pilot program intended to prepare workers for stable jobs and career paths in the food and agriculture trade. This sector makes up more than 20% of Michigan’s workforce and provides the highest number of entry-level, living-wage jobs. Eastern Market Corp., along with partners Wolverine Packing Co., E.W. Grobbel, and Germack, are working with Greenhorn Training Solutions on a comprehensive program that will prepare participants to succeed in the food and agriculture industry. The city of Detroit acquired 215 acres of land for a new FCA US LLC assembly plant that will create an estimated 4,950 jobs in the city. HELLA announced it will open a new administrative and technical center in Northville, Michigan. The new, modernized facility will address the company’s continued growth as well as provide flexibility to adapt to dynamic marketplace shifts in the coming years. The number of employees is expected to expand from the current 350 to approximately 400. Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC announced four new members have joined the firm, Eric S. Esshaki, Timothy D. Lee, Aaron J. Beresh, and David J. Goswami. All four will practice out of the firm’s Royal Oak office. Michigan’s only community-based financial cooperative, Lake Trust Credit Union — headquartered in Livingston County and serving members across the state — proudly announced the April 10th grand opening of its new Holland, Michigan branch location. The new 2400-square-foot facility features a modern, inviting design and two personal video teller machines that serve as 24-hour ATMs and allow for conversations with a Lake Trust Member Experience Associate. LinkedIn opened the doors to its new downtown Detroit office. The office is located at 1523 Woodward Ave. and spans 75,000 square feet in the historic Sanders and Grinnell buildings, designed by Albert Kahn. With the move to a larger location, the company plans to expand its 50-person team.
The Michigan office of Marsh & McLennan Agency announced a new service available for entrepreneurial and growing Michiganbased entities — the MMA Enterprise Group. MMA’s Enterprise Group leads a framework of preferred partners to address strategic and tactical needs of organizations. Enterprise Group provides a team of local benefits specialists to lead employers through the process and partner with them throughout the year to ensure all their needs are met. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has launched the Michigan Site Readiness Program to boost the state’s inventory of properties ready to compete for business attraction projects. MEDC will provide up to $100,000 in grant funding to a community or other public entity to assist with the development or enhancement of an industrial site to make it more competitive during site selection processes. Nemeth Law P.C. offered Raising the Bar, an educational series aimed at increasing employer awareness of current issues in employment and labor law on May 8, 2019. Immigration attorney Dorothy Basmaji will serve as a guest speaker to discuss how U.S. immigration policy may affect companies’ employment practices and what they need to be doing to stay in compliance. Plunkett Cooney elected three new members to the firm’s Board of Directors at their recent Annual Meeting. Partners Michael S. Bogren, Michael P. Ashcraft, and Audrey J. Forbrush were elected. Bogren will serve a oneyear term’s as chairman, Ashcraft will serve one year as secretary/treasurer, and Forbrush will serve one year as senior vice president. CRN magazine has named Rehmann to its 2019 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Security 100 category. This annual list recognizes the top technology providers and consultants in North America whose forwardthinking approach to providing managed services is changing the landscape of the IT channel. The Detroit Department of Transportation and SMART Bus have partnered together to launch a unified payment system called Dart. This method will eliminate the need for
WILL HELP YOU
transfers, offer unlimited passes and lead to more coordinated operations between the two bus systems. Dart rolled out on May 1, 2019. The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) has awarded Tanner Friedman two international 2019 Hermes Creative Awards for its successful communications campaigns. The team earned a strategic program platinum award for its work with Gleaners Community Food Bank and the collaborative campaign supporting Gleaners’ urgent need for volunteers over the winter. The team earned a video gold award for its Realcomp Super REALTOR® video, which encouraged Realcomp subscribers to adopt new lock box technology.
YOUR DREAM! LIVE ◆ Top Schoolcraft College Graduate Programs
• Business • Fire Tech • Liberal Arts Transfer • Criminal Justice • Health • Culinary • Homeland Security
◆ 74% of Schoolcraft College graduates are ◆ 87% of our graduates felt Schoolcraft College prepared them well for further education ◆ $52,000 is the median salary for Schoolcraft College graduates who are employed full-time
Visit www.schoolcraft.edu or call 734-462-4426
Van Dyke Horn Public Relations, Michigan’s largest minority-owned public relations agency, is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of the 2019 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, an awards program presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. The firm was chosen out of nearly 600 award nominations from across the state. Walker-Miller Energy Services LLC opened its 32,000 square foot building in Detroit’s New Center area. Established in 2000, the company is Detroit’s first African-American owned energy distributor. Walsh College will introduce two new degree programs in the fall 2019 semester, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management (BSAM) and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL). These programs come as a direct response to industry demands for a bachelor’s completion program for individuals with an Associate in Applied Science degree and a master’s degree solely focused on leadership. Waymo, Google’s self-driving affiliate, announced it has selected a former American Axle plant in the city of Detroit to build fully self-driving vehicles for its automaker partners. Waymo plans to invest up to $13.6 million into the Detroit facility. The move is expected to create up to 400 jobs. Wayne State University, Oakland University, and Henry Ford College announced they have joined together in a cooperative agreement to offer a debt forgiveness program for students with unfinished degrees. Both Wayne State University and Oakland University will waive up to $1,500 off the debt owed, while Henry Ford College will forgive up to one half of a students’ debt.
Real Estate Services
beyond AMBITION In the market to buy, sell, finance or lease? Feeling that your real estate goals are equal parts operational and aspirational? We get it. As the world’s most trusted real estate advisors, we work with you to achieve your ambitions, no matter how bold they may be. Larry Emmons larry.emmons@am.jll.com
© 2019 Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc. All rights reserved. All information contained herein is from sources deemed reliable; however, no representation or warranty is made to the accuracy thereof.
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Villages*
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Onaway Alpena
PACE Southeast Michigan** PACE Central Michigan*** Rosebush
* Some villages and programs are in collaboration with other organizations
Bay City Flint Holly
** In collaboration with Henry Ford Health System *** In collaboration with Michigan Masonic Home
Pontiac Kalamazoo
Battle Creek Jackson
Fort Gratiot Township Chesterfield Clinton Township Township Warren
Redford Westland
Detroit
Dearborn Gibraltar
St. Clair Shores
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan creates opportunities for seniors of all faiths. Connecting seniors to resources and their community for a vibrant life. www.pvm.org | (248) 281-2020
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan (PVM) Programs and Partners include:
Metro In-Home Solutions Metro In-Home Solutions has qualified experts to coordinate with care professionals on home assessments. They make recommendations of modifications, including the necessary equipment and devices. (313) 929-9880
PACE Locations Offer the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Provides care and services in the home, community and the Day Health Center. PACE Southeast Michigan www.pacesemi.org (855) 445-4554 PACE Central Michigan (833) 532-6981
CareSync Solutions A full-service home health and personal service provider to meet the needs of individuals, family, or community. www.caresyncsolutions.org (248) 773-4550
Bay Connect The Bay Connect goal is to provide transportation for Northern Michigan residents in Emmet County for nonemergency health care appointments, provide them with access to essentials such as groceries, prescriptions and social activities like shopping. www.bayconnect.org (231) 526-7108
There are 34 PVM Communities throughout Michigan: Perry Farm Village, Harbor Springs The Village of Hillside, Harbor Springs Alpena Pines, Alpena The Village of Rosebush Manor, Rosebush The Village of Hampton Meadows, Bay City The Village of Lake Huron Woods, Fort Gratiot Township The Village of East Harbor, Chesterfield Township The Village of Holly Woodlands, Holly The Village of Sage Grove, Kalamazoo The Village of Mill Creek, Battle Creek The Villages of Spring Meadows, Jackson Vista Grande Villa, Jackson The Village of Oakland Woods, Pontiac The Village of Peace Manor, Clinton Township The Village of Warren Glenn, Warren The Village of Redford The Village of Our Saviour’s Manor, Westland The Village of Westland, Westland
231.526.1500 231.526.7108 989.278.4250 989.433.0150 989.892.1912 810.385.9516 586.725.6030 248.634.0592 269.567.3300 269.962.0605 517.788.6679 517.513.6691 248.334.4379 586.790.4500 586.751.5090 313.541.6000 734.595.4663 734.728.5222
Detroit: Delta Manor Hartford Village The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood The Village of Bethany Manor The Village of Brush Park Manor Paradise Valley The Village of Harmony Manor The Village of Oakman Manor The Village of St. Martha’s The Village of University Meadows The Village of Woodbridge Manor
313.259.5140 313.270.9700 313.259.9000 313.894.0430 313.832.9922 313.934.4000 313.957.0210 313.582.8088 313. 831.6440 313.494.9000
The Village of Gibraltar Manor, Gibraltar Lakeshore Senior Living, St. Clair Shores Lynn Street Manor, Onaway McFarlan Villages, Flint Park at Franklin, Southfield The Park at Trowbridge, Southfield
734.676.4802 586.218.6228 989.733.2661 810.235.3077 248.353.2810 248.352.0208
Detroit’s Hometown Bank.
Chemical Bank is proud of its storied history of serving Michigan people and communities for over 100 years. As the largest bank headquartered in Michigan our legacy is only strengthened as we make the move from our small-town roots to the Motor City. To learn more, visit ChemicalBank.com.
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When it comes to health care, you want the best. But you need the best to cost less. That’s why Blue Cross and thousands of doctors and hospitals across Michigan are transforming primary care by emphasizing wellness in the doctor’s office. It’s just one of the many ways we’ve helped save more than $626 million in health care costs. You can learn more at valuepartnerships.com Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.