Patterson Calls Detroit 'Gilbertville;' The War Of Words Over Detroit Business Simmers
By James Turner
CBS Detroit
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson took aim again at Dan Gilbert in the ongoing battle for businesses that are moving their headquarters to downtown Detroit.
Patterson referred to Detroit as "Gilbertville" and called billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert, "the Mayor of Gilbertville," comparing his business practices to cannibalism during taping of "Michigan Matters."
As Detroit rebuilds its economy and reestablishes its reputation, downtown Detroit has become very attractive to businesses.
Some high profile businesses like Fifth Third Bank and Lowe Campbell Ewald that were headquartered in surrounding suburbs have recently been packing their bags and heading to Detroit.
Patterson pulled no punches when asked how he feels about it.
The brouhaha between the two CEOs started Wednesday when Patterson announced Tech248—a new organization he created to lure and grow more tech jobs in Oakland County.
As part of his comments at the event, Patterson said, "I'll fight to keep you here in Oakland County," then adding, "Are you listening Dan?"
"I would be more impressed with Mr. Gilbert's efforts if he were to bring in high-tech companies from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois rather than looking through the fertile vineyards of Oakland County," Patterson added.
An irked Gilbert responded in a statement reported by Detroit Free Press that said, "I would actually be more impressed if Brooks had gotten his facts correct. Of the more than 120 technology companies that have opened shop in SE Michigan's leading high-tech corridor along Woodward in downtown Detroit, more than 100 of them were launched right in the heart of the region's urban core.
Patterson was joined on the show by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and businesswoman Denise Ilitch.
Hackel joined in the fray by talking about businesses from Macomb also moving to Detroit, including ad agency Lowe Campbell Ewald
Ilitch, whose family moved their pizza empire to Detroit from the suburbs a few decades earlier, also talked about the saga and concerns about regionalism.
They also discussed election results what what's ahead for Gov. Rick Snyder, newly elected U.S. Senator Gary Peters and more.
Also appearing on the show is Art Van Elslander, founder of Art Van Furniture, and his son, David, who talk about their company which is celebrating its 55th year .
The retailer is a major contributor to the community through their efforts.
Art Van Elslander also discusses America's Thanksgiving Day Parade which he saved over 20 years by his sponsorship.
"It's become a family tradition for us to walk in the parade each year," the chairman says.
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Segment 4Watch "Michigan Matters" at 11:30 a.m. Sundays only on CBS 62. Past episodes are available online at CBSDetroit.com/video.
