Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Detroit Regional Chamber Announces Arn Tellem as the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference Chairman

Detroit Regional Chamber Announces Arn Tellem as the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference Chairman

June 16, 2021
DETROIT (June 16, 2021) – Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced Arn Tellem, vice chairman of Pistons Sports and Entertainment (PS&E), as Chairman of the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference and First Vice Chair of the Chamber. The Detroit Pistons are the largest subsidiary of PS&E.

“Since coming to Michigan, Arn Tellem has been a visible leader in the Detroit community and an important voice pushing our region to expand economic and educational opportunities equitably,” said Sandy K. Baruah, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber. “Arn is a valuable member of the Chamber Board of Directors, and I look forward to working alongside him and the Detroit Pistons team to plan the 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference, Michigan’s Center Stage.”

Tellem joined the Board in 2016 and began serving on its Executive Committee in 2017. After a distinguished career as one of the top player agents in the world of sports, Tellem joined PS&E in 2015. The Detroit Pistons are one of the most iconic sports franchises in North America and have supported significant investment in Detroit since their 2017 return to the city. Tellem served as one of the principal architects and negotiators that secured the club’s move to Little Caesars Arena and executes Pistons owner Tom Gores’ civic engagement strategy.

The Detroit Pistons and PS&E have a long history of being involved in community impact projects within the region that support equitable opportunities for economic growth, educational advancement, and recreation. The Pistons are committed to a community and social responsibility mission that uses the game of basketball to inspire change and improve the community through education, health and fitness, mentoring, and equality.

“Sports organizations and corporate leaders are channeling their voices and influence like never before to impact positive change in our communities. Given the challenges ahead, we are going to need to be more active and intentional as a collective group, which makes events such as the Mackinac Policy Conference so important,” said Tellem. “I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the 2022 Conference and look forward to bringing together Michigan’s top leadership to discuss how to reach our shared goals of a more prosperous and equitable state.”

Planning for the 2022 Conference will be conducted concurrently with the final preparations for the 2021 Conference (Sept. 20 to Sept. 23, 2021), led by 2021 Conference Chairman Wright L. Lassiter III, president and chief executive officer of Henry Ford Health System. Tellem will lead an advisory committee of Michigan-based CEOs and Chamber leadership to develop the theme and the agenda for next year’s event, which will take place Tuesday, May 31 through Friday,June 3, 2022, on Mackinac Island, Michigan.

The Mackinac Policy Conference – the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual statewide event – convenes Michigan’s most influential audience to engage in collaborative dialogue on the state’s economic future. Since 1981, the Conference has provided a unique-in-the-nation experience for Michigan’s top business, government, civic, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial leaders. As Michigan’s premier policy event, the Conference attracts more than 1,700 attendees annually to discuss key issues facing the state. The Conference concludes with an actionable To-Do List that transforms dialogue into positive outcomes to create a more business-friendly climate in Michigan. To learn more, visit detroitchamber.com/mpc.

About the Detroit Regional Chamber

Serving the business community for more than 100 years, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected chambers of commerce in the country. As the voice for business in the 11-county Southeast Michigan region, the Chamber’s mission is carried out by creating a business-friendly climate and providing value for members. The Chamber also executes the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MICHauto, and hosts the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference. Additionally, the Chamber leads the most comprehensive education and talent strategy in the state.