Black Money Matters Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics Returns for 2023 Season

By Donald James Senior Writer, Real Times Media

The Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics Speakers’ Forum is back with its stellar reputation as the region’s premier event for addressing hot-button issues impacting Detroiters and others living and working in Southeast Michigan, home to the majority of the state’s businesses, industries, and population.

The first of four Speakers’ Forums for 2023 kicks off with Forum I, “Big Projects – Big Impact.” The event will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. at the Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison St. in downtown Detroit. Forum I is already “Sold Out!” Returning as the Forums’ longtime host and moderator is Dennis Archer Jr., Chairman & CEO of Sixteen42Ventures, the parent company of several businesses including Ignition Media Group.

Platinum Sponsoring Partners for Forum I are Walker-Miller Energy Services, Signal Restoration Services, and DTE.

The Broadcast Presenting Partner is GM, and the Overdrive Series Presenting Partner is Business Leaders for Michigan.

The first Forum will convene three panelists, engaging in robust discussions about the mega projects of their respective companies in the city and region and how the projects will heavily impact the revitalization of Detroit and its economy. The panelists are Kofi Bonner, CEO, Bedrock, LLC; Bud Denker, President, Penske Corporation; and Robert G. Riney, President & CEO, Henry Ford Health.

Bedrock is Detroit’s largest real-estate developer, with more than 100 properties across the city. In its portfolio of ongoing developments is Bedrock’s giant construction on the former Hudson’s site on Woodward Ave. in the heart of downtown. When completed, the grand development will include 1.5 million square feet of office, retail, hotel, residential, event and meeting space. At 685.4 feet tall, the world-class tower will be Michigan’s second most vertical structure and will attract a large and diverse workforce.

Penske Corporation, founded and chaired by Roger Penske, is described as a diversified transportation services company whose subsidiaries operate across broad industries, including retail

Property Is Power!

Five Questions to Ask When Seeking a Mortgage

automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics, and professional motorsports. Under Penske and Bud Denker’s leadership, the iconic Detroit Grand Prix has generated more than $45 million in total spending annually for the region. With the race returning to the streets of Detroit on June 2 -4, 2023, after being held on Belle Isle since 2012, economic studies show that the Detroit Grand Prix will benefit more than 260 businesses by yielding an estimated $11 million in spending.

Henry Ford Health, Tom Gores’ Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State University announced major plans in early February of this year to invest $2.5 billion over the next ten years to transform Detroit’s New Center neighborhood into a vibrant, walkable community with state-of-the-art residential, commercial, retail, recreational, and health care components.

“Detroit is seeing more investment, construction, and job growth than it has in a half-century and the announcement of this $2.5 billion development takes things to a new level,” said Mayor Mike Duggan, in a Henry Ford Health issued statement. “This partnership between

Henry Ford Health, the Pistons, and Michigan State University represents an incredible investment in our city. Detroiters will have not only a new stateof-the-art hospital and medical research facility, but also more opportunities to live, work and play right here in this neighborhood.”

“I’m excited about our upcoming Pancakes & Politics Speakers’ Forum,” said Cathy Nedd, president of Real Times Media News Group. “It will be intriguing to hear our three elite panelists speak about their respective companies’ ‘Big Projects’ and how Detroit and the region will be impacted economically.”

Since its inception in 2006, Pancakes & Politics has spotlighted the changemakers, influencers, leaders, and movers and shakers in the private and public sectors. Previous Pancakes & Politics events have presented such leaders and newsmakers, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Gov. Rick Snyder, Gov. Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator Gary Peters, former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Executive

Anthony O. Kellum

The complexity of buying a home can make for a confusing and daunting homebuying process. According to a recent survey “49 percent of those polled said they were intimidated by the steps to buying or selling, and 44 percent said they wouldn’t even know where to start.” If you’re beginning your home buying journey, you may feel like you don’t know what you don’t know. Kellum Mortgage, LLC is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of questions to ask a mortgage broker as you search for a lending partner. This list will help you get the ball rolling and keep you on track.

Five Questions to Ask Mortgage Lenders:

How do I get pre-approved for a mortgage loan?

Pre-approval is one of the first steps on your homebuying journey. It shows you how much house you can qualify for, and it shows the seller that you are a serious buyer. Therefore, it’s important to know exactly what’s required of you. Asking a lender will give you a more specific answer, but in general, seeking pre-approval will result in an analysis of your:

• Debt-to-income ratio: Lenders look at your monthly payments and your gross monthly income to determine your ability to pay back the money you plan to borrow.

• Loan-to-value ratio: Lenders compare the amount of your mortgage loan with the appraised value of the property you are looking to purchase.

• Credit history: Your credit history helps lenders determine how likely you are to pay back your loan.

• FICO score: Your FICO score is based on your credit report and is another indicator that lenders review. Typically, the higher your FICO score the lower your interest rate.

• Income and employment history:

As with many of the other factors analyzed by mortgage brokers, your income and employment history can assure lenders of your ability to repay your loan.

What are your rates and fees?

The actual purchase of your home is just one of the many prices to take into consideration during the homebuying process. Lenders charge for various things throughout the loan process and it’s important to understand what all the mortgage “lingo” means. Ask your lender for a comprehensive list of what you’ll pay for, including an origination fee. Ensure the lender provides you with the loan cost for working with them specifically.

What are my options for a down payment?

Your down payment represents a portion of the total cost of the property. You will finance the remaining cost through your mortgage loan. Different loan types require varying down payments. Ask the lend- of Detroit Voltage LLC, talks about buying Black.