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2013 Mackinac Policy Conference Agenda

Thousands of Michigan's most prominent political and business leaders are on Mackinac island this week, for the Detroit Regional Chamber's 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference.

Agenda items subject to change. Detroit Regional Chamber staff is in the process of confirming additional panelists and session topics. Please refer to this page on the Chamber's website for the most up to date Conference information.

Wednesday, May 29
  • 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • Conference Registration
  • Location: Garden Terrace
  • 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • AT&T Communication Center
  • Location: Cottage Restaurant
  • 9:00 am to 12:00 am
  • MLive Media Group Lounge
  • Location: Geranium Bar

    MLive Media Group invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments. Get the latest scoop, check the agenda, browse special events at iPad stations, and talk with Michigan's leading team of journalists.

  • 9:00 am to 12:00 am
  • MHA: A Toast to Your Health
  • Location: Audubon Bar

    Michigan Health & Hospital Association invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments.

  • 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Conference App Help Desk
  • Location: Parlor

    Sponsor: Henry Ford Health System

  • 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Live Healthy Live Grand Arrival Refreshments
  • Location: Carleton's Tea Store
  • 12:00 pm
  • Mackinac 101 Attendee Orientation: Making the Most of the Conference
  • Location: Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor
  • 12:30 pm
  • Refreshments
  • Location: Parlor

    Sponsor: Society of Manufacturing Engineers

  • 1:00 pm
  • Opening Session
  • Location: Theatre

    Introduction: Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

    Remarks: Joseph Welch, Chairman, President and CEO, ITC Holdings Corp.; Chair, 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference

  • 1:30 pm
  • Governor's Welcome: Governor Rick Snyder
  • Location: Theatre
  • 1:45 pm
  • Keynote Address: Governor Jeb Bush
  • Location: Theatre

    Interviewer: Daniel Howes, Business Columnist and Associate Business Editor,The Detroit News

    During this session, Jeb Bush, president of Jeb Bush and Associates and former Governor of Florida (1999-2007), will offer a candid discussion on some of the nation's most pressing issues including education and immigration reform. Bush is a leading national voice on these issues and will speak to the political and cultural changes needed to strengthen the country's leadership in the globalized world.

    Sponsor:  Meijer

  • 2:45 pm
  • Keynote Address: Robert L. Johnson
  • Location: Theatre

    Introduction: Dennis W. Archer Jr., Founding Principal and President, Archer Corporate Services

    Interviewer: Carol Cain, Senior Producer and Host, CBS Detroit's "Michigan Matters;" Columnist, Detroit Free Press

    Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of RLJ Companies and founder of Black Entertainment Television, will offer his expertise on the role the private sector plays in urban redevelopment during this session. Johnson will highlight economic opportunities and access to capital for minority businesses as a contributor to economic growth.

  • 3:30 pm
  • Break
  • 3:45 pm
  • A Global Perspective: Tier One Auto Suppliers Doing Business in Michigan
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Colleen Haley
    , Executive Vice President, U.S. OEM Business Unit, Yazaki North America
    John Kennedy
    , President and CEO, Autocam Corp.
    Timothy Leuliette, President and CEO, Visteon Corporation

    Moderator: Ramesh "Ray" Telang, Greater Michigan Market Managing Partner, PwC

    A moderated discussion assessing Michigan's global perspective from key members of the state's supplier base. These Tier I automotive leaders will discuss the state of the automotive supplier industry, talent needs and their perspectives on doing business in Michigan.

    Sponsor: PwC

  • 4:30 pm
  • Keynote Address: Carlos Gutierrez
  • Location: Theatre

    Interviewer: Harold Ford, Jr., Former U.S. Representative; Analyst, NBC News

    Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and former CEO of the Kellogg CompanyCarlos Gutierrez will discuss his views on the creation of comprehensive immigration reform, a major strategic opportunity for Michigan and the rest of the country. Gutierrez has relentlessly advocated for immigration reform for years and continues to challenge the nation to move beyond bureaucracy and address immigration issues head on.

    Sponsor:  ITC Holdings, Corp.

  • 5:15 pm
  • A Conversation with Mayor Bing
  • Location: Theatre

    Introduction: Nancy Schlichting, CEO, Henry Ford Health System; Chairman, Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors

    Speaker: Dave Bing, Mayor, City of Detroit

    Interviewer: Nancy Kaffer, Editorial Writer, Detroit Free Press

  • 5:30 pm
  • The Grand Event
  • Location: Parlor

    Enjoy the most popular event of the Conference, featuring smooth jazz with Lansing-area saxophonist Phil Denny, a strolling dinner and a night of networking.

    Entertainment: Phil Denny

    Sponsors:
    Consumers Energy
    Greektown Casino-Hotel
    Lilly USA Inc.

  • 8:00 pm
  • Summerfast: A Night of NASCAR Thrills
  • Location: Tea Garden Tent

    Join NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ChampionBrad Keselowski in the Tea Garden Tent for the Summerfast party with dance music from Grand Rapids' own Brena. Keselowski will be on hand with his championship trophy following a ride across the Mackinac Bridge in his No. 2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion, the Blue Deuce.

    Entertainment: Brena

    Sponsor: Michigan International Speedway

  • 10:00 pm
  • Motown Sound in the Cupola
  • Location: Cupola Bar

    Join this entertaining trio for a variety of quality music consisting of Motown classics and dance favorites.

    Entertainment: Inside Out Band

    Sponsor: Perficient

  • 10:00 pm to 12:00 am
  • After Hours with MLive Media Group
  • Location: MLive Media Group Lounge

    MLive Media Group invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments. Get the latest scoop, check the agenda, browse special events at iPad stations, and talk with Michigan's leading team of journalists.

    Sponsor: MLive Media Group

  • 10:00 pm to 12:00 am
  • A Toast to Your Health
  • Location: MHA Audubon Bar

    Michigan Health & Hospital Association invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments.

    Sponsor: Michigan Health & Hospital Association

Thursday, May 30
  • 6:00 am to 9:00 am
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row
  • Location: Main Dining Room

    Feed your brain: Watch and listen as Michigan thought-leaders are interviewed by the media. Fuel your body: Enjoy complimentary Live Healthy, Live Grand breakfast and beverage service.

  • 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Conference Registration
  • Location: Garden Terrace
  • 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • AT&T Communication Center
  • Location: Cottage Restaurant
  • 7:00 a.m.
  • Wake, Walk and Run
  • Location: Porch

    Sponsor: Oakwood Healthcare

  • 7:00 am
  • Concurrent Breakfast Session: 
    W.K. Kellogg Foundation Hosted Breakfast Session
  •  

    Location: Brighton Pavilion

    Early Childhood Education: The Unfinished Agenda

    Introduction: Sterling Speirn, President and CEO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

    Panel:
    Rob Grunewald
    , Associate Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
    Bob Harbison, Board of Directors Member, Smart Start Oklahoma
    Carla D. Thompson, Vice President, Program Strategy, W.K. Kellogg Foundation

    Moderator:
    Jennifer White, Host, Michigan Radio's "All Things Considered;" Media Outreach and Community Relations Director, Michigan Radio State of Opportunity

    An exciting conversation is taking place in Michigan about the value of early childhood education, and support for increased quality preschool programs is growing among everyone from lawmakers and parents to business leaders and educators. This session will discuss the best practices and innovative models from across the country that can be adopted in Michigan to make sure all children have a great start. National experts will explain how other states are leading the way in early childhood education, why Michigan cannot afford to get left behind and share  preliminary results from the Office of Great Start's Early Childhood Systems Analysis – part of a comprehensive early childhood recommendation delivered to the Legislature in May 2013.

    Sponsor: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

  • 7:00 am
  • Concurrent Breakfast Session: 
    PwC Hosted Breakfast Session
  •  

    Location: Grand Pavilion

    The Moment of Truth: The Customer Experience in Health Care

    Panel:
    Paul D'Alessandro
    , Principal, Advisory, PwC
    Rodney Huebbers, President and Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Medical Center
    Kathryn Levine, Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Customer Experience, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
    Moderator:
    Benjamin Isgur, PwC Director, Health Research Institute

    Health care companies are finding their own moments of truth and engaging in new thinking about customers. Whether these moments are prompted by inspiration from other industries, competition, health reform, consumer demands or the bottom line, agile companies are changing the way they get to know their customers, moving beyond basic transactions and embracing their patients and members as consumers and customers.

    Sponsor: PwC

  • 8:15 am
  • Opening Remarks
  • Location: Theatre

    Speaker: Nancy Schlichting, CEO, Henry Ford Health System; Chairman, Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors

     

  • 8:30 am
  • Detroit: On the Path to Turnaround
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Andy Dillon, Treasurer, State of Michigan
    Robert Kurnick Jr., President, Penske Corp.
    Eric Larson, Co-Managing Partner, Bedrock Real Estate Services LLC

    Moderator: Sandra E. Pierce, Vice Chairman, FirstMerit Corporation; Chairman and CEO, FirstMerit Michigan

    Leaders representing a number of organizations making a significant impact on the redevelopment of the city will discuss their confidence in its rebirth. These panelists believe in the future of the Motor City and are committing their resources and becoming catalysts for growth and continued development.

    Sponsor: FirstMerit Bank

  • 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • MLive Media Group Lounge
  • Location: Geranium Bar

    MLive Media Group invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments. Get the latest scoop, check the agenda, browse special events at iPad stations, and talk with Michigan's leading team of journalists.

  • 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • MHA: A Toast to Your Health
  • Location: Audubon Bar

    Michigan Health & Hospital Association invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments.

  • 9:15 am
  • Detroit: Legacy Leaders
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Dennis W. Archer, Chairman and CEO, Dennis W. Archer PLLC; Former Mayor, City of Detroit
    Dennis W. Archer Jr., Founding Principal and President, Archer Corporate Services
    Sheila Cockrel, President, Crossroads Consulting Group; Former Councilwoman, City of Detroit
    Katy Cockrel, Director, Strategic Communications, Ignition Media Group
    John Rakolta Jr., Chairman and CEO, Walbridge
    John Rakolta III, Business Development Director, Walbridge

    Moderator: Stephen Clark, News Anchor and Multimedia Journalist, WXYZ-TV

    A conversation with generational leaders from some of Detroit's most influential families. Panelists will offer their historical perspective on Detroit's evolution and their optimism in its future. This multi-generational group's historical leaders continue to invest in the city and are passing on their dedication to a younger generation, whose spirit of creativity and urban activism is inspiring and impacting change.

    Sponsor: The Kresge Foundation

  • 9:30 am
  • Refreshments
  • Location: Parlor

    Sponsor: Sodexo

  • 10:00 am
  • Break
  • 10:15 am
  • Encouraging Entrepreneurship: The Catalyst for Continued Economic Growth in Michigan
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Paul Glomski, Co-Founder and CEO, Detroit Labs
    Caitlin James, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, DROUGHT
    Jacques Panis, Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnership, Shinola
    Carla Walker-Miller, President and CEO, Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC

    Moderator: David Egner, President and CEO, Hudson-Webber Foundation; Executive Director, New Economy Initiative

    Entrepreneurs continue to lead Michigan's resurgence through innovation and creativity. Hear from a panel of Michigan CEOs on why they chose Michigan for their new ventures and how to foster an environment in Michigan that encourages entrepreneurial development.

    Sponsor: Delta Air Lines

  • 11:00 am
  • Keynote Address: Michelle Rhee
  • Location: Theatre

    Introduction: Richard DeVore, Regional President, Detroit and Southeast Michigan, PNC Bank

    Interviewer: Craig Fahle, Host, WDET

    Michelle Rhee, founder and CEO of StudentsFirst and former chancellor, District of Columbia Public Schools, will drive a discussion focused on education reform and ensuring all children have access to a quality education. Rhee is widely recognized for her successful efforts to turnaround Washington, D.C. public schools, some of the worst in the nation at the time. During this session, she will challenge Michigan leaders to tackle education reform head on.

    Sponsor: PNC Bank

  • 12:00 pm
  • Concurrent Lunch Session: 
    Bank of America Hosted Lunch Session
  • Location: Grand Pavilion

    The Road to Recovery for the U.S. Auto Industry

    Speaker: John Murphy, Lead U.S. Auto Analyst and Managing Director, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

    John Murphy, lead U.S. auto analyst and managing director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, will offer his perspective and outlook on the dynamics of the U.S. automotive industry and its impact on the broader economy during this session. Murphy will also share findings from his most recent "Car Wars" study, an annual proprietary study that assesses the relative strength of automakers' product pipeline in the U.S., as it relates to his analysis of this vital industry.

    Sponsor: Bank of America Merrill Lynch

  • 12:00 pm
  • Concurrent Lunch Session: 
    The Skillman Foundation Hosted Lunch Session
  •  

    Location: Brighton Pavilion

    Detroit: The Final Frontier of Education Reform

    Panel:
    John Covington, Chancellor, Michigan Education Achievement Authority
    Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan
    Dan Varner, CEO, Excellent Schools Detroit

    Moderator: Mary Kramer, Publisher,Crain's Detroit Business; Trustee, The Skillman Foundation

    Detroit is the new epicenter for urban education. And that's largely influenced by the city's adoption and openness to innovation and a coherent education reform plan. Education reform disruptors, as they're sometimes called, John Covington of the Education Achievement Authority will join Dan Varner of Excellent Schools Detroit to discuss how combining online learning, innovative public policy, bold leadership and high-quality classroom teaching is helping to turn Detroit schools from abysmal to elite.

    Sponsor: The Skillman Foundation

  • 1:30 pm
  • 'Morning Joe' Comes to Mackinac
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Mika Brzezinski
    , Host, MSNBC's "Morning Joe"
    Joe Scarborough
    , Host, MSNBC's "Morning Joe;" Former U.S. Representative

    Moderator: Devin Scillian, Anchor, WDIV-TV 4, NBC

    Bringing a national perspective to the 2013 Conference discussion, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, hosts of MSNBC's popular news program "Morning Joe," are bringing their unscripted approach to morning television to Mackinac Island. In their typical freewheeling format, Scarborough and Brzezinski will discuss today's top newsmakers and provide an in-depth analysis of the economic, business and political landscape currently impacting the country.

    Sponsor: W.K. Kellogg Foundation

  • 2:30 pm
  • America's Backbone: Bringing Manufacturing Back to the U.S.
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Andra Rush
    , Founder, President and CEO, Rush Group, LLC
    Jay Timmons
    , President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers
    Mark Weishaar, CEO and President, Sturgis Molded Products

    Moderator: Mark Davidoff, Michigan Managing Partner, Deloitte LLP

    As Michigan leads the nation in manufacturing jobs gained since 2009, this moderated discussion will look at manufacturing's return to the U.S. and its impact on manufacturing's global perspective. With technological advancements and leaner manufacturing techniques, this panel will discuss how America's backbone industry is becoming more cost-competitive with offshore locations, resulting in bringing more manufacturing operations back to the U.S.

    Sponsor: Ford Motor Company

  • 3:15 pm
  • Closing the Gap: 21st Century Jobs and Education
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Jim Jacobs
    , President, Macomb Community College
    William Parfet
    , Chairman, CEO and President, MPI Research
    Vivian Pickard
    , President, General Motors Foundation; Director, Corporate Relations, General Motors Company
    Joseph Welch, Chairman, President and CEO, ITC Holdings Corp.; Chair, 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference

    Moderator: Lou Anna K. Simon, President, Michigan State University

    A moderated discussion about the importance of corporate investment in education and innovative partnerships that aim to tighten the skills gap in Michigan. This session will focus on defining jobs in the 21st century and ways to not only prepare students for those roles, but how to ensure future talent stays in the state.

    Sponsors:
    Crain's Detroit Business
    General Motors
    Michigan's University Research Corridor

  • 4:00 pm
  • Concurrent Activity:GalaxE.Solutions Hosted Session

  • Location: Brighton Pavilion

    A World Economic View from Michigan

    Introduction: Tim Bryan, Founder, Chairman and CEO, GalaxE.Solutions

    Speaker: Ron Insana, Host, "Market Scoreboard Report with Ron Insana;" Former Senior Analyst, CNBC

    This session features foremost financial expert and media commentator Ron Insana who will share his thoughts and perspectives on world events, economics and financial trends and their impact on Detroit, the state of Michigan and the U.S.

    Sponsor: GalaxE.Solutions

  • 4:00 pm
  • Concurrent Activity: 
    Ice Cream Social

  • Location: Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor

    Enjoy an afternoon treat and check out the brand new Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor, a nostalgic venue at the Grand Hotel.

    Sponsor: Plunkett Cooney

  • 4:00 pm
  • Happy Hour hosted by MLive Media Group
  • Location: MLive Media Group Lounge

    MLive Media Group invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments. Get the latest scoop, check the agenda, browse special events at iPad stations, and talk with Michigan's leading team of journalists.

    Sponsor: MLive Media Group

  • 5:00 pm
  • Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee Mayoral Candidate Forum and Reception
  • Location: Theatre

    Speakers:
    Mike Duggan, Former CEO, Detroit Medical Center
    State Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., (D-Detroit)
    Lisa Howze, Former Representative, Michigan House of Representatives
    Benny Napoleon, Sheriff, Wayne County

    Moderator:
    Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News
    Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page Editor,Detroit Free Press

    This event requires a separate ticket.Click here to register.

    Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Michigan PAC

  • 6:00 pm
  • Jazz on the Porch
  • Location: Parlor/Porch

    Enjoy a lively septet featuring a rhythm section, horns and vocals comprised of the Detroit Public Schools' most talented jazz musicians.

    Entertainment: Detroit Jazz Fest Group

    Sponsor: Accenture

  • 7:00 pm
  • Dinner on Your Own
  • 7:00 pm
  • A Toast to Your Health
  • Location: MHA Audubon Bar

    Michigan Health & Hospital Association invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments.

    Sponsor: Michigan Health & Hospital Association

  • 7:00 pm
  • Michigan Media Solutions Hosted Event: 
    On the Island, Off the Record Bourbon Night
  •  

    Location: Tea Garden

    Featuring:
    Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News
    Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page Editor,Detroit Free Press 

    Join Nolan Finley of The Detroit News and Stephen Henderson of the Detroit Free Press for a casual, fun and fluid evening featuring fast-paced, off the cuff interviews. Guests will enjoy a bourbon tasting, live cartooning by editorial cartoonists and special musical guest, Devin Scillian.

    Sponsor: Michigan Media Solutions

  • 7:00 pm
  • MLive Media Group Hosted Event: 
    Let's Talk Michigan
  •  

    Location: Jockey Club

    Join MLive Media Group for Michigan food and Michigan martinis with Michigan people during this exciting event featuring returning special guest, Michigan native and American Idol Finalist Matt Giraud.

    Entertainment: Matt Giraud, American Idol Finalist

    Sponsor: MLive Media Group

  • 9:00 pm
  • Party in the Parlor
  • Sponsors:
    Operating Engineers Local 324 Labor Management Education Committee
    Walbridge

    Entertainment: Grand Hotel Trio

  • 10:00 pm
  • Cupola Club: Stars of Tomorrow
  • Location: Cupola Bar

    Enjoy anything from Stevie Wonder to Jack Johnson during this evening of fresh, upbeat interpretations of classic jazz, pop and soul.

    Entertainment: Charles and Gwen Scales, Featuring Drew Machak and Lauren Scales

    Sponsor: Sodexo

Friday, May 31
  • 6:00 am to 9:00 am
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row
  • Location: Main Dining Room

    Feed your brain: Watch and listen as Michigan thought-leaders are interviewed by the media. Fuel your body: Enjoy complimentary Live Healthy, Live Grand breakfast and beverage service.

  • 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Conference Registration
  • Location: Garden Terrace
  • 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • AT&T Communication Center
  • Location: Cottage Restaurant
  • 7:00 am
  • Breakfast Session: 
    Funding Automotive Growth: Stimulating Job Creation in the Motor State

  • Location: Brighton Pavilion

    Panel:
    Donald Baty Jr., Finance Practice Group Co-Chair and Partner, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP
    Neil De Koker, Founding President and CEO, Original Equipment Suppliers Association
    Osamu "Simon" Nagata, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing N.A., Inc.
    Tom Walsh, Business Columnist, Detroit Free Press

    Moderator: Bill Diehl, President and CEO, BBK

    Automotive suppliers are a key driver of Michigan's economy. While the world takes notice of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), automotive suppliers are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain funding for production expansion. During this discussion industry experts and representatives from the OEM and supplier industries will highlight the existing funding gap that hampers suppliers' ability to expand and places pressures on OEMs. Potential risk mitigation solutions to this challenge will also be addressed.

    Hosted by: MICHauto

  • 8:00 am
  • Special Recognition: Congressman John Dingell and Dan Musser Jr.
  • Location: Theatre

    Introduction: Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

    Participants:
    Nancy Schlichting
    , CEO, Henry Ford Health System; Chairman, Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors
    Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan
    Joseph Welch, Chairman, President and CEO, ITC Holdings Corp.; Chair, 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference
    Dan Musser III, President, Grand Hotel
    U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn)

  • 8:30 am
  • Building and Protecting Michigan's Critical Cyber Infrastructure
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    David Behen, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan
    Dr. Farnam Jahanian, Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate, National Science Foundation; Professor, University of Michigan
    U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Brighton)
    U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph)

    Moderator: Mary Kramer, Publisher,Crain's Detroit Business

    National experts and government leaders will discuss the importance of protecting critical cyber infrastructure, and what business and governments need to be prepared for. This panel will discuss the impacts of cyber infrastructure on physical infrastructure and their importance to recovery efforts. Learn more about planning efforts at local and state levels, as well as how Michigan is leading other states across the nation.

    Sponsor: Comcast Business

  • 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • MLive Media Group Lounge
  • Location: Geranium Bar

    MLive Media Group invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments. Get the latest scoop, check the agenda, browse special events at iPad stations, and talk with Michigan's leading team of journalists.

  • 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • MHA: A Toast to Your Health
  • Location: Audubon Bar

    Michigan Health & Hospital Association invites attendees to stop in, relax and enjoy refreshments.

  • 9:15 am
  • Michigan's Legislative Leaders: Reinventing State Policy
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel: 
    Jase Bolger, (R-Marshall), Speaker of the House, Michigan House of Representatives
    Tim Greimel, (D-Auburn Hills), House Minority Leader, Michigan House of Representatives
    Randy Richardville, (R-Monroe), Senate Majority Leader, Michigan Senate
    Gretchen Whitmer, (D-East Lansing), Senate Minority Leader, Michigan Senate

    Moderator: Paul W. Smith, Host, News/Talk WJR 760 AM

    After two-and-a-half years of history-making reinvention, the Michigan Legislature continues to move forward on key issues important to business and future economic growth. The four leaders of the Michigan Legislature will join the Conference dialogue to discuss the current hot topics in Lansing and how they apply to you.

    Sponsor: DTE Energy

  • 9:30 am
  • Refreshments
  • Location: Parlor

    Sponsor: Ilitch Holdings, Inc.

  • 10:00 am
  • Michigan's Future Financial Stability
  • Location: Theatre

    Panel:
    Doug DeVos
    , President, Amway
    Robert Ficano
    , Executive, Wayne County
    John Nixon
    , Director, State Budget Office and Department of Technology Management and Budget
    Dayne Walling, Mayor, City of Flint

    Moderator: Rick Albin, Political Reporter, 24 Hour News 8

    Across the nation, states are dealing with crucial challenges in becoming financially stable. This requires a commitment and partnership from government leaders at all levels to create an agenda for financial stability. This panel will address the issues and opportunities for improvement surrounding federal tax reform, the federal budget and the impacts of sequestration while looking for ways to find stable funding and quality long-term investments and partnerships.

  • 10:45 am
  • Break
  • 11:00 am
  • Keynote Address: Governor Rick Snyder
  • Location: Theatre

    Introduction: Daniel J. Loepp, CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

    Interviewer: Vickie Thomas, City Beat Reporter, WWJ Newsradio 950

    Governor Rick Snyder returns to the Mackinac Policy Conference once again to define Michigan's path to and progress in becoming more globally and financially competitive. Gov. Snyder will also discuss the role regional collaboration plays in the state's collective growth and prosperity.

    Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

  • 12:00 pm
  • Conference Wrap Up
  • Location: Parlor

    Panel:
    Sandy K. Baruah
    , President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber
    Joseph Welch, Chairman, President and CEO, ITC Holdings Corp.; Chair, 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference

    Moderator:
    Christy McDonald
    , Journalist, Detroit Public Television

  • 2:00 pm
  • Painting on the Porch
  • Location: Porch/Tea Garden
  • 5:00 pm
  • Lobster Broil and Clam Bake
  • Location: The Gate House

    This upbeat and energetic band is led by former American Idol finalist, Royal Oak native and recent Michigan State University graduate, Drew Maychek will keep everyone entertained during this Conference favorite. This MGM favorite specializes in acoustic and electric pop, blues and funk.

    Entertainment: Davison Magpie

    Sponsor: GalaxE.Solutions

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