Each year the Mackinac Policy Conference brings leaders from government, business and education together to discuss culture, education and economic issues.  

This year’s conference, May 29-31, is anticipated to attract more than 1,500 including national experts and thought leaders who will challenge attendees to work collaboratively to create a globally competitive business environment in Michigan. Below we have a roundup of some of the exciting events happening at this year’s conference.

What to Expect in 2013

2013 Mackinac Policy Conference attendees have the unique opportunity to take part in a number of can’t-miss Conference experiences.

Early Arrivers:  Mark Hackel to Kick Off Opening Tigerfest Reception, May 28

The conference is beginning earlier than usual this year with a 1 p.m. start time on Wednesday, May 29. Join the early arrivers the night before the conference on Tuesday, May 28 at 7 p.m. as Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel, kicks off the festivities with an evening of Detroit Tigers baseball versus the Pittsburgh Pirates featuring Tigers-themed graphics and prizes courtesy of Fathead.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row

On Thursday and Friday morning, attendees have the chance to watch and listen in as some of Michigan’s thought-leaders are interviewed by radio, television and digital media outlets across the state at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Media Row in the Grand Hotel Dining Room.

The New 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference App

The 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference app will allow attendees to personalize their conference experience like never before. Receive special conference promotions, submit questions to speakers, create a personalized agenda, view photos and video, allow attendees to provide feedback through surveys and much more. The new, robust mobile app is available for your iPad, iPhone or Android device.

Chamber staff will be in the Parlor on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help attendees download and use the app.

MLive Media Group Lounge

New this year, the MLive Media Group is bringing conference attendees a hospitality space to relax, check-out conference breaking news coverage and access the new 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference App, with the 12 iPad stations provided in the MLive Media Group Lounge. The lounge is located outside the Main Dining Room.  Attendees can stop by the lounge to unwind and catch-up on the MLive news happening both on and off the island.

Opportunity Detroit Photo Boards and Booth

Conference attendees are now able to share thoughts and memories of the conference discussion with friends and colleagues with the help of the all-new Opportunity Detroit Photo Boards and Booth.

Opportunity Detroit Photo Boards will allow attendees to post, share and view pictures at the Conference from both Twitter and Instagram by using the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference hashtag, #MPC13.  Share your experiences at the conference with other attendees through the photo boards, which will be located around Grand Hotel. Attendees can also get their picture taken while sharing their perspective on the opportunities taking shape in and around Detroit at the Opportunity Detroit Photo Booth. Receive a complimentary photo keepsake and see others impacting change by participating in the Opportunity Detroit photo activities.

MLive BuzzBoards

The MLive BuzzBoards will once again connect all of the attendees on Twitter using the hashtag, #MPC13.  Join in the discussion by using the #MPC13 hashtag and find out what others are talking about on and off the island.

Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee Mayoral Candidate Forum and Reception

The Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC) will hold a Mayoral Candidate Forum and Reception at 5 p.m. on May 30 for a reception and Detroit mayoral debate featuring former Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan, State Rep. Fred Durhal, former State Rep. Lisa Howze and Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. Additional candidate participation announcements are forthcoming.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion to Participate in Summerfast: A Night of NASCAR Thrills, May 29

After the action-packed first day of the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski will join Summerfast: A Night of NASCAR Thrills in the Tea Garden Tent at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29. Keselowski will be on hand with his championship trophy for an exciting evening featuring dance music from Grand Rapid’s own Brena.

Keselowski, a Rochester Hills, Mich. native, will drive his No. 2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion NASCAR race car across the Mackinac Bridge at 6 p.m. prior to the Tea Garden Tent event later that evening. Fans are invited to see the car at 6:20 p.m. at the Bridge View Park in St. Ignace following the ride. Later in the evening, the Mackinac Bridge will be illuminated in blue in honor of the first Michigan native to become the NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion. This event is sponsored by the Michigan International Speedway.

“Pure Michigan” Things to Do After the Conference

While on the Island for the conference, there may be some free time for attendees to explore and see why thousands of people visit Mackinac Island each year. Stop by to see the butterfly conservatory, Wings of Mackinac, to see hundreds of butterflies, dancing around you to gentle instrumental music. Rent a bike from Mackinac Island Bike Shop or Mackinac Wheels and take a bike ride on the 8 mile trail that wraps all the way around the island. After a busy day enjoy dinner at the Village Inn of Mackinac, the home of the famous “Planked Whitefish.” Finally, it wouldn’t be a trip to Mackinac without bringing home some Mackinac Island fudge. A few of the many fudge shops located on the island are Ryba’s, May’s Famous Mackinac Fudge and Murdick’s Fudge.

For more information on the conference visit http://www.detroitchamber.com/mpc/.  

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Private sector procurement opportunities are becoming increasingly available to Michigan-based businesses.  Larger companies around the state are increasingly looking to other Michigan-based small businesses for products and services to generate new business growth and create new jobs here.

Michigan-based retailer, Meijer, has a commitment to buying local since they opened their doors nearly 80 years ago.  Today, guest blogger Hank Meijer, Co-Chairman of Meijer, tells us about the Meijer Locally Grown and Made in Michigan initiatives and how Meijer is continuing to invest and grow in the state.

Give us some background on Meijer and the strategy that has contributed to its success.

Customer experience and treating team members with dignity and respect are the basic philosophies that guided my grandfather, Hendrik Meijer, in 1934 when he opened the first Meijer store next to his barber shop in Greenville, Mich.

Our family followed those core values throughout the years as Meijer evolved into a 24-hour-a-day, 364-days-a-year supercenter. Today, my brother, Doug Meijer, and I work alongside a strong team that leads our privately-held company based in Grand Rapids, Mich.

We employ more than 60,000 team members in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. We opened our 200th store in May 2013 in Swartz Creek, Mich. – the first of six stores we’re opening this year in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. We also operate more than 180 gas stations, four distribution and two manufacturing facilities across our Midwest footprint.

Beyond pioneering the “one-stop shopping” concept, we seek to support the communities where our customers and team members work and live.

That commitment begins with excellent customer service, low prices, quality foods and broad selections of national and Meijer brand items. Meijer also supports a wide variety of nonprofit organizations by donating more than 6 percent of our net profit to charity each year, with a special focus on hunger relief.

As Meijer continues to grow, we will remain true to the simple philosophy of our founder: “… take care of your customers, team members, and community … and they will take care of you, just like a family.

Why is Michigan a good place to live and work?

Michigan has always been the home of great entrepreneurs, from Henry Ford and Ransom Olds to Herbert Dow, W.K. Kellogg and Rich DeVos.  It’s a vibrant state with a strong sense of community and collaboration for the good of our neighbors. In our town, we’ve developed partnerships with dozens of organizations that are all working together for the betterment of the community. We also buy some of the freshest produce farmed in Michigan fields.

What are the Meijer Locally Grown and Made in Michigan initiatives? What types of products can consumers find?

Meijer has a longstanding commitment to buying local, when available, and when the quality meets our high standards. It’s a business practice we’ve followed since our doors opened nearly 80 years ago. And we know from our customers that buying local is important to them as well.

Today, Meijer is one of the largest purchasers of local produce in the markets we serve. We’ve established relationships with more than 100 growers in our five-state region, accounting for some 75 different fruits and vegetables we offer our customers.

That commitment also led us to provide something our customers have been missing: Fresh, vine-ripened Michigan-grown tomatoes year-round – even in the middle of winter – thanks to Mastronardi Produce’s state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse in Coldwater, Mich.

This is unique because Michigan tomatoes typically grow from late June to October. The technology at the Coldwater greenhouse allows for fresh, high quality crops regardless of outdoor conditions.

The Michigan-grown tomatoes have been well received by our customers, who’ve expressed their appreciation at our stores and on our social channels.

We’ve also seen a lot of support for our Made in Michigan initiative that highlights small businesses throughout the state. We expanded that program earlier this year to feature 55 new Michigan-made grocery items in all our stores statewide.

The Made in Michigan initiative was originally launched in January 2012 in partnership with the Michigan State University Product Center. The goal is simple: help strengthen the state’s economy by supporting Michigan businesses.

This year’s lineup includes barbeque sauces, cherry butter, salsas, guacamole and kettle chips.

How does this impact small businesses or suppliers in Michigan?

Michigan is a great state, and Meijer is pleased to do what it can to stimulate growth. Partnering with local growers and businesses does just that. The locally-grown program has an economic impact of more than $80 million annually, and the Made in Michigan initiative is expected to generate an estimated benefit of $900,000 statewide, according to the MSU Product Center.

How can businesses or vendors become involved in these programs?

Meijer buyers are constantly searching for partners with high-quality products. Our team works closely with the MSU Product Center to identify great products made by small businesses statewide that can find a place on our shelves.

What is the benefit of doing business with local farmers and vendors to Michigan and to the consumer?

Buying local is important to us and to the customers we serve. I think everyone – farmer, business owner, retailer and community member – feels a sense of pride when partnerships like this are created. Customers recognize those brands on our shelves and appreciate not only the quality of the products, but the sense of community, which is something that Meijer stands behind.

Aside from that, buying local reduces food miles, and often gives us the opportunity to continue to keep our costs lower for customers.

What is next for Meijer?

We are pleased to continue to invest in the Midwest. This year that translates into nearly $200 million in new and remodeled stores.

That investment represents the construction of six Meijer supercenters in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, as well as major remodel projects at five stores in Michigan and Illinois.

In May 2013, we celebrated a milestone with the opening of our 200th store, in Swartz Creek, which created 300 jobs in that community.

That will be followed, later this summer, by our first store in the city of Detroit, at the 8 Mile Marketplace, increasing the availability of fresh produce and meats to city residents.

We will continue our process of steady growth, a process that has allowed us to focus on our customers and team members while supporting the communities where they work and live.

Hank Meijer, 60, is co-chairman and CEO of Meijer, Inc. in Grand Rapids. He joined the family retail business at the age of 11 as a grocery clerk. After serving as a reporter for a Detroit-area suburban newspaper group, he became editor and later publisher of a weekly newspaper in Plymouth, Michigan. He rejoined Meijer in 1979 as assistant advertising director. Meijer is vice-chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. He also serves on the boards of Fifth Third Bank, the Kettering Foundation and the Food Marketing Institute, and is a member of the President’s Advisory Group of the University of Michigan. 

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has a similar initiative to Meijer Made in Michigan, Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC), that connects Michigan companies with opportunities for growth and expansion. By participating in the program, companies can find procurement resources to expand their supply chain, new business opportunities, access a new business-to-business network and receive business assistance at little to no cost like legal, accounting, and other services. For more information on how your company can get involved visit http://www.michiganadvantage.org/.

Are you an entrepreneur or business leader in Michigan and want to share your success story or tell how Michigan has helped your business grow? Share your story on the Michigan Advantage blog! Learn more about being a guest blogger.

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 “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” – Confucius

I Want Your Job, a new series on the Michigan Advantage blog, profiles talented Michiganders who have a unique or cool job and want to show why they love working and living here.  

For the first blog in the series, lifelong Detroiter Jeanette Pierce shares how she turned her passion for the city into a career that is contributing to its comeback. Tell us a little about yourself and D:hive.

I am the Director of Community Relations at D:hive and a life-long Detroiter who grew up in the Morningside community on the east side of Detroit. I have a bachelor’s of arts degree in communication from Aquinas College, and have been living in downtown Detroit for 10 years.

In 2006 I co-founded Inside Detroit, a nonprofit that used tours to educate the public about Detroit’s history, culture and community. Inside Detroit took over 20,000 people on tours and welcomed over 50,000 to the Downtown Welcome Center which they opened in 2008. Inside Detroit has now merged with D:hive in order to expand their offerings by providing information and other resources related to real estate, jobs, important city data, retail, small business and more, essentially becoming an air traffic control hub for people wishing to live, work and engage in the city.

How did you get started at D:hive?  

I started Inside Detroit, the predecessor to D:hive, in 2006 because I wanted to share Detroit’s stories…the people, places and projects that made me love living in Detroit. When the opportunity arose to help create an organization like D:hive that would help Detroit and offer programs that I had only dreamed of, I was over the moon! I’m getting to do everything I love and have an impact on the city I love…it doesn’t get much better than that. What sparked your love for Detroit?

I grew up in Detroit and always loved it, but it wasn’t until I moved downtown in 2003 that I realized how much more there was to know about the city. Then every time I learned something new, I loved it even more. It was amazing conversations with locals at the corner pub, the one-of-a-kind architecture, sitting by the fountain in Campus Martius reading a book, the walkability of downtown (I haven’t driven to work in 10 years and got rid of my car completely 2 years ago.) It was just like when I did a semester abroad in Spain, except it was my home.

What is a typical work day like for you?

Every day is different, which is one of the things I love about my job. Let’s take last Wednesday. It started at 8:30 a.m. with the Board Meeting for the Downtown Detroit Partnership at the Detroit Athletic Club. Then I gave a tour to Wayne State University where we stopped for a photo op at Rivard Plaza on the riverfront, stopped for coffee at the Rowland Cafe in the Guardian Building, explored the Heidelberg Project and stopped at Willis and Canfield for shopping at Hugh, Flo Boutique, Avalon Bakery and more. After that I had a meeting with Digerati, an up and coming business downtown, about tours for their staff. Then I had a walking tour for new staff from United Way for Southeastern Michigan where we talked about all the restaurants, bars and shops and new development around their office. Finally, I attended the Crain’s Detroit Business Twenty in their 20’s Awards event. It was a day full of tours, meetings, events, community and good times!

Has there been an event or moment that stands out as a highlight of your career to date?

One big thing was having the Governor sign the Regional Transit Authority Bill at D:hive’s Welcome Center, but one smaller thing that always makes me smile is when a U of M student said to me after taking one of my tours, “I never even considered staying in Michigan after I graduated, but now I want to live in Detroit!”

What makes Detroit a great place to live, work and play?

I can walk to over 125 bars and restaurants. That’s everything from Cuban food to German food, jazz to techno, martini bars to sports bars and everything in between. I can walk to 13,000 theater seats. It’s actually the second largest theater district in the country. Big Broadway shows, operas, even small avant garde performances…all within a 2 block radius around Grand Circus Park. I can walk to Tigers games, Lions games and Red Wings games in 5 minutes. I can walk to Campus Martius Park, which is the  4th best public square in North America, the Riverwalk and all sorts of festivals. BUT that’s not why I love it. I love it because even though I have all of those big city amenities right outside my door, I also know my neighbors, and the owners the bars and shops and there is a sense of community. I also get to do what I love and have an impact. To sum it up, Detroit is big enough to matter in the world and small enough where you can matter in it.

What advice do you have for those looking to turn their passion into a career?

First, you have to know what your passionate about…it seems easy but many can’t answer the question. Ask yourself what you would love to get paid to do…even if it seems silly. Once you know you can at least move in that direction. That job might not exist…right now…but maybe you could create it. I’d also recommend volunteering on a nonprofit board or committee related to your passion to get experience and connections in that area while also helping the community.

D:Hive is a great resource for those not only looking to live or find work in the city, but also for entrepreneurs. What resources are available for those interested in starting a business in the city?

D:hive has a small business and project planning class called BUILD. It really helps take your idea and turn it into action. We also just launched a program called PILOT, where we are accepting applications to give entrepreneurs free space for 2 months to test their idea as well as marketing and event support and an interior design stipend. More information about both projects is available at www.dhivedetroit.org

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is getting to see people’s eyes light up and perceptions change when they come on a tour or stop into the welcome center. I help people get the most out of living, working and engaging in Detroit and get to see the results right away.

If you could trade jobs for a day with anyone in Michigan, who would it be?

I honestly can’t think of anyone. I get to do what I love every day…how can you beat that? If I had to pick I would probably say Mike Ilitch…I’d love to see what I could do with the assets he has…and hanging out with the Tiger’s and Red Wings wouldn’t be half bad either.

Jeanette Pierce is Director of Community Relations at D:hive. She is a Detroit native who grew up in the Morningside community and now resides in Downtown Detroit. She has been honored by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the Top Twenty in their 20’s in 2007, awarded the Dave Bing Future Leader Award from the Detroit Free Press in 2010 and the Detroit Young Professionals Vanguard Award in 2011.

Are you an entrepreneur or business leader in Michigan and want to share your success story or tell how Michigan has helped your business grow? Share your story on the Michigan Advantage blog! Learn more about being a guest blogger.

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Looking for a job in Michigan? Pure Michigan Talent Connect – a collaborative effort of the State of Michigan’s Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – is your launch pad for new jobs, careers and talent. The site is an online marketplace connecting Michigan’s job seekers and employers.

Below is a roundup of several hot jobs featured on Mitalent.org.

Assistant Buyer – Detroit Institute Of Arts
Detroit, Michigan
Under the direction of the Director, Retail Operations, the Assistant Buyer is responsible for the general management of merchandise planning and implementation, including the development of proprietary products within assigned merchandise classifications.

Maintenance Technician – Metro Commons
Romulus, Michigan
Metro Commons, a manufactured home community in Romulus, Michigan, seeks an experienced Maintenance Technician to perform general building and grounds maintenance duties 40 hours a week on a seasonal basis. Responsibilities include performing service repairs such plumbing repairs, electrical, landscaping, and mowing duties. The candidate will also repair homes owned by the community and prepare them for sale.

Team Coordinator/Production Supervisor – Adecco
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Team Coordinator (T.C.) position provides general supervision, leadership, and guidance to Manufacturing Associates, and is responsible for maintaining good employee relations, discipline and safety.   The T.C. is responsible for ensuring that customer requirements concerning quality and production are met.

High School Spanish Teacher – Marquette Area Public Schools
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette Public Schools is looking for a high school Spanish teacher to plan a program of study to instruct students in citizenship and subject matter that, as much as possible, meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of students in accordance with District and State standards and benchmarks. The teacher must also guide students through the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals, establishing clear objectives for all lesson plans, units, projects, field trips, etc.

Supply Chain Analyst – Knape And Vogt
Grand Rapids, Michigan
This position is responsible for the day-to-day activities of assigned VMI customers.  This includes maintaining agreed upon service levels, inventory turnover, stocking for promotions and handling customer calls. This position requires excellent communication skills as well as a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, inventory management principles, forecasting and planning.

Executive Chef – Hagerty Center – Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City, Michigan
The Executive Chef is responsible for all food production, menu development, food purchasing, and recipe specifications.  This person will supervise food production and dishwashing staff and maintain highest professional food quality and sanitation standards.  This individual will develop and monitor the budget for food and labor related to the kitchen department.

MES Project Lead – The Dow Chemical Company
Midland, Michigan
Engineering Solutions has exciting opportunities for Production Operations Management (POM)/Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Project Leads.  The POM/MES Project Lead works as part of a globally-distributed team of ES Process Automation professionals and has responsibility for the implementation of hardware and software solutions to address client project needs in the area of the ISA-95 Level 3 requirements of an integrated automation solution.

Design and Digital Media Intern – The Stow Company
Holland, Michigan
This position is responsible for the maintenance and creative development of media in print, web, and photography. It also provides support in the development of video production, film editing, database management and web applications, and works with multiple brands across different distribution channels to maintain consistent messaging, visuals, and asset usage.

For more listings of positions around the state visit www.Mitalent.org/

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The Great Beer State: The Business of Beer in Michigan

May 14, 2013 Economic Development

With more than 100 breweries and Grand Rapids being named “Beer City USA” in both 2012 and 2013, it’s no secret that the craft beer industry is thriving in Michigan. Not only is it thriving because of new breweries, but also because existing breweries like Bells Brewery, Founders Brewing Company and Shorts Brewing Company have [...]

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Ten Reasons Michigan is America’s Comeback State [Infographic]

May 9, 2013 Economic Development

Site Selection magazine has named Michigan the 8th most competitive state for achieving success in job creation and economic development. The state’s many business climate changes have resulted in other noteworthy improvements as seen in this infographic. Michigan ranks #1 for states that recovered most from the Great Recession (24/7 Wall Street, 2013) Tweet this! Michigan ranks 8th [...]

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Governor Snyder’s Call to Action: Educators and Employers Must Work Together to Boost Talent, Grow Michigan’s Economy

May 7, 2013 Events

Governor Snyder issued a call to action during the April 22 Governor’s Education Summit in East Lansing:  Educators and employers must work together to strengthen Michigan’s economy by better matching up skills with high-demand jobs.  Similar to the Governor’s Economic Summit in March where business and economic leaders joined to find solutions to talent needs [...]

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Entrepreneurs, Startup Companies Thriving In Detroit

May 2, 2013 Great Companies

Detroit’s resurgence is being fueled by high tech entrepreneurs and companies taking advantage of all opportunities the city has to offer. A recent NBC Nightly News feature, “Entrepreneurs find success in Detroit,” showcased several innovators and what attracted them to the Motor City. “This city has a rich history of quality manufacturing and design, and [...]

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Jackson National Life Insurance President and CEO Mike Wells: Successes Tied to Community Support

April 29, 2013 Economic Development

Jackson National Life Insurance (Jackson®) recently announced a more than $100 million expansion to its main Lansing, Mich., campus. The expansion will provide capacity for 1,000 additional jobs. Jackson is a leading provider of retirement solutions and educational resources for industry professionals and clients. This project is contingent on state and local regulatory approvals. However, [...]

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Nine Michigan Communities Win $4.4 Million in Funding for Downtown Improvements

April 26, 2013 Community Development

Nine Michigan communities have won $4,472,531 in Downtown Infrastructure Grant (DIG) program funds for public infrastructure improvements that will help attract new business investment and bring new jobs to Michigan’s downtowns. “Improving our downtowns will help ensure the continued vitality of communities and strengthen our ability to attract and retain young professionals and small businesses,” said Gov. [...]

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