Category Archives: 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference

For the fourth consecutive year, there will be a To-Do List of concrete action items resulting from the Mackinac Policy Conference discussions in order to hold Conference leadership accountable for the upcoming year. Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy …

“The good part is that our best days are ahead of us, because they are. And that’s something really special; that’s something we need to spread the word about and that’s something we need to be proud of,” Governor Rick Snyder said. Following an introduction by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan CEO Daniel Loepp praising the Governor’s difficult decisions and resolve that put Michigan on a better path to success, Governor Snyder returned to the Mackinac Policy Conference stage once again to highlight Michigan’s path forward in the 21st century.

In keeping with the theme of collaboration and cultural change that has been prevalent throughout the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference, there was a significant focus on interconnectedness between local and state government as well as the business community during a discussion this morning on how to achieve fiscal stability during a session titled “Michigan’s Future Financial Stability.”

Funding was a hot topic on the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference stage this morning as the Michigan quadrant leaders addressed their positions on transportation and education funding in addition to Medicaid expansion and term limits.

As the world’s dependence and social culture continues to rely more and more on technology, Michigan has become a national leader in cyber security. National experts and government leaders gathered this morning to discuss the importance of protecting critical cyber infrastructure, and what business and governments need to be prepared for during a session titled “Building and Protecting Michigan’s Critical Cyber Infrastructure.”

2013 Mackinac Policy Conference leadership opened the final day of the Conference with a special presentation of two individuals who have made a lasting mark on the Conference and the state of Michigan. Following a tribute of the late Grand …

A group of industry experts and representatives from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and supplier industries joined together to analyze the funding gap that hampers suppliers’ ability to expand and places pressure on the OEMs this morning during a session …

Four candidates in the 2013 Detroit mayoral race gathered on the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference stage this evening to discuss election issues with moderators Nolan Finley, editorial page editor, The Detroit News, and Stephen Henderson, editorial page editor, Detroit Free Press. Candidates included former Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan; State Rep. Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit); former State Rep. Lisa Howze; and Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.

The importance of staying ahead of the curve and closing the talent gap led an afternoon panel discussion today that culminated in the realization that parents and mentors need to change the perception of STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) professions for the younger generation.

Jay Timmons made it clear this afternoon that manufacturing companies who survived the recession and came out leaner and more efficient in the end should all be considered advanced manufacturers. Timmons, the president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, began this session by praising Governor Snyder for his diligence, making the point that policy is important to creating a quality manufacturing environment.