Moving the Economic Needle for Southeast Michigan From successfully advocating for the elimination of the Personal Property Tax (PPT) to serving as a key voice in the local and national dialogue on Detroit’s revitalization, the Detroit Regional Chamber continued to move the needle for Southeast Michigan in 2014. The Chamber’s unique role in attracting talent and investment, advocating for business, convening policy events that matter, and shaping the regional message continues to play a vital role in the city and region’s prosperous future. This year in review takes a look at the most noteworthy stories from the past 12 months.

The 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair Hank Cooney welcomes attendees to Michigan’s Center Stage.

Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels addresses the importance of good government.

Former “Nightline” correspondent Vicki Mabrey interviews Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr about Detroit’s bankruptcy at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

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A Relentless Commitment to Business

With a relentless commitment to powering the economy for Southeast Michigan, the Chamber is focused on four pillars: economic development, regional collaboration, education reform and membership value. Moving into 2015, the Chamber will continue to work to grow the economy in the Detroit region and help organizations of all sizes embrace the realities of globalization.

The Chamber is committed to providing its members with the resources they need to succeed, attracting high-level talent, encouraging continued investment and innovation, and showcasing the region as a great place to live, work and play.

REGIONAL COLLABORATION

EDUCATION REFORM

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MEMBERSHIP VALUE

Attract and retain talent and business investment in the Detroit region.

Provide members, from the Fortune 500 company to the new start-up venture, the resources to succeed while advocating for policies to create the best possible business climate.

Advance education reform to ensure businesses have the highly skilled workforce they need to adapt to the ever-changing global marketplace.

Act as a platform for problem-solving by uniting government and business leaders and regional stakeholders to share ideas to impact Michigan’s turnaround.

3A Relentless Commitment •

Attracting Business and Investment from Around the World

Michigan’s economy is strong and growing with an improved tax structure, increasingly competitive business environment and expanding automotive innovation. That’s the message the Chamber’s Business Attraction team communicated nationally and internationally this past year showcasing the Detroit region as a premier location for global business.

Over the past year, the Chamber engaged in four trade missions to China, Germany and Italy to market the region and build relationships with key governments, companies and associations to attract talent and investment. It also participated in 14 tradeshows and conferences and nine domestic site consultant marketing trips while hosting 11 delegations from across the nation and world.

Since 2012, the Chamber has contributed to the generation of over 900 jobs and $132.1 million in investment.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers visits the Chamber to explore investment and partnership opportunities in the Detroit region.

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Bringing Chinese Auto Suppliers to Detroit

A coalition, led by the Chamber, to the Beijing International Auto Show facilitated partnerships between the Chinese and Michigan automotive industries. As a result of the trip, the Chamber and the Michigan Economc Development Corporation hosted leadership and member companies from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, consisting of more than 20 Chinese automotive suppliers exploring investment and partnership opportunities in the Detroit region.

Trade Missions with the Governor and MEDCIn April, the Chamber helped lead a European trade mission with Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to promote Michigan’s automotive and manufacturing industries in Germany and Italy. The weeklong trip culminated with the announcement of Hugo Benzing’s $4.7 million manufacturing expansion in Lyon Township, creating 37 new jobs. Additional wins from the trip included Brugola OEB Industriale S.p.A’s investment of $19.6 million to create up to 58 jobs in Plymouth and Eissmann Group Automotive’s investment of $13.55 million to create 233 jobs in Port Huron.

The team also participated in the Governor’s China trade mission in November to meet with manufacturing firms looking to grow their business in the United States, as well as facilitate dialogue with Michigan companies wanting to increase their exports to China.

Collaboration Helps Region Shine at ITS World Congress

The Chamber team along with Butzel Long, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, DTE Energy, Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce and the counties of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne collaborated at the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) World Congress in Detroit in September to showcase Michigan as the epicenter of innovative connected vehicle technology. The event brings together more than 10,000 of the world’s leading transportation policymakers, researchers, high-tech innovators, and business professionals from the United States, Europe and Asia to share the latest ITS applications from around the globe.

The Chamber leads a coalition to the Beijing International Auto Show in April to build partnerships between Chinese and Michigan automotive companies.

The ITS World Congress came to Detroit in 2014 providing a great stage to showcase the region as a leader in connected vehicle technology.

5Economic Development •

MICHauto Continues to Grow as Statewide Industry Association

MICHauto continues to earn recognition as the industry’s statewide automotive association. With nearly 90 MICHauto investors, the annual MICHauto Summit cemented as a can’t-miss event, and robust programming around key issues such as talent and intelligent mobility, the program is effectively coordinating all stakeholders across the industry. MICHauto continues to work strategically with Gov. Rick Snyder and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on the statewide automotive strategy spearheaded by the state’s automotive industry office.

General Motors Co.’s Executive Vice President, Global Product Development Purchasing and Supply Chain, Mark Reuss, delivers the lunch keynote at the annual MICHauto Summit.

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Joint Legislative Hearing at NAIAS Focuses on Automotive Talent Attraction

MICHauto and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) hosted the Michigan Senate Economic Development and House Commerce committees for a joint legislative hearing at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, emphasizing the importance of technological development, talent attraction and collaboration amongst stakeholders as keys to maintaining and improving Michigan’s status in the global automotive marketplace.

MICHauto Releases Survey Reflecting Perceptions on Careers in Automotive Industry

During the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference, MICHauto unveiled the results of a survey on perceptions of automotive careers in Michigan. The survey indicated that a high percentage of youth and influencers do not view the automotive industry as an attractive career option. In using the survey results to spur action, MICHauto led a roundtable discussion with leading automotive stakeholders and Fortune magazine’s Nina Easton on what the state can do to attract, develop and retain the highly-skilled talent needed to drive the innovation that is reshaping the industry on a daily basis.

MICHauto Promotes Automotive Industry with Vehicle Tour

Continuing its effort to raise awareness of the importance of the automotive industry to Michigan’s economic comeback, MICHauto partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to lead a summer tour of six vehicles representing a variety of manufacturers and suppliers that assemble, design and/or engineer world-class vehicles in Michigan. Tour stops included the Center for Automotive Research’s Management Briefing Seminars and the Woodward Dream Cruise in August, and the MICHauto Summit in September.

MICHauto partnered with the MEDC to lead an awareness tour featuring vehicles designed, engineered or manufactured in Michigan.

At the invitation of the Chamber and Detroit Auto Dealers Association, legislators held a joint legislative hearing at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.

Fortune magazine’s Nina Easton moderates a closed-door panel discussion of key automotive stakeholders.

7Economic Development •

Chamber Launches Startgrid to Support Entrepreneurs

Building on Detroit’s rich culture of innovation, the Chamber unveiled new tools and resources needed to integrate entrepreneurs into the regional economy.

The Chamber launched Startgrid, an online community platform for entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, gather feedback and make connections. The program received a $100,000 grant from The New Economy Initiative and enables entrepreneurs to create a collaboration page that outlines their idea or business plan. Since its launch, 200 members have signed up, attracting the participation of key entrepreneurship organizations, including Ann Arbor SPARK, Ponyride and TechTown Detroit.

Gift Detroit Makes Local Gifting Easy

In an effort to further support the entrepreneurs in Detroit, the Chamber created Gift Detroit to strengthen the business climate for small businesses by making local gifting easy and rewarding. Through the program, employers or customers can purchase gift certificates that can be redeemed at local businesses participating in the program.

Startgrid CEO Peter Gardner (far left) introduces the online platform for entrepreneurs at the 2014 Detroit Policy Conference along with (left to right) The New Economy Initiative Executive Director Dave Egner, and Chamber Vice President of Economic Development Ben Erulkar and Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah.

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Connecting Michigan Businesses to Global Customers

The Chamber continued to connect existing Michigan businesses to new global customers via its InnoState program and strategic partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC). This year featured curated matchmaking and unique services geared toward helping businesses improve operations.

As part of its efforts to assist more than 100 pre-selected firms develop advanced manufacturing capabilities, InnoState led 12 Michigan companies to the APTA EXPO in Houston to present to nine public transit original equipment manufacturers. Again partnering with PMBC, InnoState helped 12 aerospace-certified members present new products to Boeing’s purchasing team at the Seattle Supplier Summit in August.

The Chamber’s event support throughout the year proved critical as PMBC held hundreds of one-on-one meetings between purchasers and suppliers at matchmaking summits. The Detroit Three Matchmaking Summit held on July 22 at COBO Center included Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and 42 Tier 1 suppliers. Over 1,000 attendees participated in over 800 targeted face-to-face meetings throughout the day, marking the largest PMBC matchmaking summit yet.

Since 2012, the Chamber’s partnership with PMBC has resulted in more than 20 global purchaser trips, five supplier missions and $30 million in contracts for Michigan companies.

Through strategic partnerships, the Chamber helps businesses expand and improve operations via curated matchmaking events.

The Detroit Three Matchmaking Summit held in July marked PMBC’s largest yet.

9Economic Development •

National Speakers, Detroit Take Center Stage at Mackinac Policy Conference

The 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference once again demonstrated its significance as Michigan’s premier stage for driving statewide dialogue amongst top business leaders, government officials and entrepreneurs from all corners of the state. Led by Conference Chairman Henry Cooney, president and CEO of Plunkett Cooney, the Conference focused on the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the importance of STEM education, impact and Detroit’s irreplaceable role in Michigan’s future.

This year’s lineup, featuring 12 national speakers, brought thought-provoking programming to the stage including bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell who encouraged Conference attendees to embrace Michigan’s “disagreeables.” Jim Clifton, chairman and CEO of Gallup Inc., and former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels stressed the need to focus on international investment and create good-paying jobs to attract talent. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu shared lessons from his city’s revitalization while CNN political experts Paul Begala and S.E. Cupp brought their expertise heading into the midterm elections.

New programming this year included brief Mackinac Moments where prominent leaders from business and education delivered poignant remarks meant to inform and inspire attendees to make a difference in Michigan’s future. The Chamber also brought six military veterans to the main stage to showcase how their skills and experience earned serving in the armed forces translate to the civilian workforce.

PREMIER POLICY AND BUSINESS EVENTS

Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell delivers a keynote address at the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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City’s Next Chapter Highlighted at Detroit Policy Conference

The Detroit Policy Conference brought more than 700 business, community and political leaders to the MotorCity Casino Hotel to focus on Detroit’s next chapter in February. With nationally-renowned keynotes and nearly 40 of the region’s most dynamic leaders at the forefront of Detroit revitalization discussions, the Conference sparked dialogue on the future of the city’s business landscape.

Keynote speakers such as TED Senior Fellow Candy Chang, University of Pennsylvania history professor Thomas Sugrue, and Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson, highlighted the city’s innovative spirit and opportunities for a renewed Detroit. In addition, the Chamber announced its partnership with Startgrid in launching a collaborative community for entrepreneurs to come together to test, share and grow ideas.

Urban expert Thomas Sugrue shares insight on revitalizing cities.

TED Senior Fellow Candy Chang illustrates how art can impact a community.

11Premier Policy and Business Events •

MICHauto Summit Explores Industry Role in State’s Prosperous Future

In only its second year, the 2014 MICHauto Summit cemented the event's status as a signature Chamber event, drawing automotive industry leaders and stakeholders from across the state. The daylong program, held in September at COBO Center in Detroit, provided a unique platform to discuss promoting, growing and retaining Michigan’s automotive industry and its role in the state’s prosperous economic future.

More than 500 leaders from industry, academia, government, nonprofits and professional service firms joined automotive experts that included Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) and the North American International Auto Show; Ralph Gilles, senior vice president of product design for Chrysler Group LLC; and Mark Reuss, executive vice president of global product development for General Motors Co. and Gov. Rick Snyder. The Summit galvanized statewide efforts to leverage the automotive sector.

In addition to impressive sponsorship support for the event, the Summit attracted more than 30 members of the media, including MLive and the Detroit Free Press. The Summit also generated strong Internet traffic, as its official hashtag #MAS14 was trending locally on Twitter throughout the morning.

S U M M I T

WXYZ news anchor Jeff Vaughn (left) moderates a discussion on state-of-the-art auto design with Jeremy Glover (center), an exterior designer at Jeep Brand Design Studio, and Chrysler Group LLC’s President and CEO of Motorsports Ralph Gilles.

12

Networking with the Big Four

This year, the Chamber launched a new series of quarterly Networking Receptions for members that showcases the Big Four regional leaders in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, and the city of Detroit, along with their key staff. Nearly 300 attendees participated in the Chamber’s inaugural reception in August with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. In November, members networked with Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson at Meadow Brook Hall. The receptions are part of the Chamber’s ongoing effort to promote regional collaboration among business and political leaders across the Detroit region.

Mayor Mike Duggan presents his view of the new era in Detroit at the Chamber’s quarterly networking reception.

Executive L. Brooks Patterson highlights key staff and successes in Oakland County at Meadow Brook Hall.

The Right Place’s President and CEO Birgit Klohs (left) discusses manufacturing’s role in Michigan’s future as part of a panel with Rush Trucking Corporation’s founder and CEO Andra Rush.

13Premier Policy and Business Events •

The Grand Bargain: Building a Bridge from Bankruptcy

Leveraging its bipartisan reputation and clout as one of the largest Chamber’s in the nation, the organization worked on both sides of the aisle to advocate for the passage of the historic Grand Bargain legislation in June to address Detroit’s bankruptcy woes. The legislation, which was central to Detroit’s expeditious exit from bankruptcy, provided $800 million in combined public and private dollars to protect pensioners and ensure that the Detroit Institute of Arts’ collection would remain intact.

Discussion on the Grand Bargain took center stage at the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference in May, drawing broad support from business and civic leaders who came together across party lines to advocate for its passage throughout the week. The dialogue generated on the island was a main catalyst to the bill’s eventual approval in the state Senate, echoing the fact that Michigan goes as Detroit goes, and the fiscal health of Detroit impacts businesses across the state.

ADVOCACY

Gov. Rick Snyder signs legislation key to the Grand Bargain and Detroit’s exit from bankruptcy.

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Chamber-PAC Endorsed Candidates Sweep Elections

The Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC) flexed its bipartisan muscle in the critical 2014 midterm elections as 91 of 94 candidates it endorsed were elected at the local, state and national level, culminating with the re-election of Republican Gov. Rick Snyder – the Chamber’s No. 1 election priority. The victories by these pro-growth candidates from both sides of the aisle, particularly the Governor, sets the stage for Michigan’s continued reinvention.

The PAC endorsement of Rep. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) proved impactful as the Congressman cruised to victory over former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. In addition to Peters’ victory, all four Congressional endorsements – Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) and David Trott (R-Birmingham) – won in their respective races. In the state Legislature, 59 out of 60 PAC-endorsed state House candidates and 20 out of 21 endorsed state Senate candidates were elected.

Other major victories included two out of three Michigan Supreme Court candidates, as well as candidates for Macomb County Executive, Wayne County Executive, Michigan Attorney General and Secretary of State.

Reforming the Personal Property Tax

Collaborating with a wide coalition of business, labor and local government representatives, the Chamber led the way in eliminating the onerous Personal Property Tax (PPT), putting Michigan manufacturers on a level playing field with global competitors and making the state more attractive to site selectors by eliminating taxes on industrial capital.

As part of its advocacy effort, the Chamber staunchly supported the passage of Proposal 1 during the August primary election, achieving a “yes” vote as part of the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference To-Do List, including an aggressive communications campaign. Eliminating the PPT via Proposal 1 is estimated to create an additional 15,000 jobs and generate $450 million in investment for Michigan.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley speaks to the media about the importance of passing Proposal 1 at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

15Advocacy •

Making the New International Trade Crossing a Reality

With lack of federal funding a main obstacle hampering the construction of the New International Trade Crossing (NITC), the Chamber hosted U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.), in addition to other high-ranking officials, in May for a roundtable discussion on the proposed customs plazas at high-volume trade crossings, such as the Detroit-Windsor border. The talks represented a renewed effort to secure federal dollars for the NITC, which would increase international trade, create thousands of jobs and grow the Michigan economy. The NITC remains the Chamber’s top public policy priority due to its economic impact on the region.

Welcoming Vice President Joe Biden to the North American International Auto Show

The Chamber welcomed Vice President Joe Biden to Detroit at the North American International Auto Show at COBO Center in January. Introduced by Chamber CEO, Sandy Baruah, Biden praised the tenacity of U.S. automakers and spirit of auto workers, stating that their resolve has once again made American cars and trucks competitive in every market across the globe.

Congressman Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.), Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske discuss proposed customs plazas like the one for the New International Trade Crossing.

The Chamber welcomes Vice President Joe Biden to the North American International Auto Show.

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Pushing for Immigration Reform

As part of the 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference To-Do List, the Chamber continues to support comprehensive immigration reform to drive economic growth, including Gov. Rick Snyder’s initiative to secure an additional 50,000 employment-based visas for skilled immigrants to live and work in Detroit. In January, the Chamber authored a joint letter with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and led the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition to Washington, D.C., voicing support for immigration reform to key congressional offices.

Reducing Shipping Costs, Protecting Water Resources

As a leading member of the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition (GLMCC), the Detroit Regional Chamber continues to be a strong voice in Washington, D.C. Through fly-ins to the Capitol and coordinated advocacy outreach to key legislators, the GLMCC served as a deciding voice in the passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, which classified the Great Lakes as a single navigation system. This effort ensures the region gets its due federal funding for harbor maintenance and dredging which positively impacts Great Lakes commerce by allowing greater freight loads and significantly reducing shipping costs.

The Chamber also leveraged its leadership position in the GLMCC as part of a broad coalition in support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to ensure federal funding levels for remediation efforts remained steady amid major cuts to many other government programs. The GLMCC serves as the business voice in Washington on preserving the Great Lakes as a water resource; critical to commerce and quality of life alike.

Gov. Rick Snyder announces his support to secure an additional 50,000 employment-based visas to bring skilled immigrants to Detroit.

The Chamber played a key role in federal legislation that will reduce shipping costs and protect water resources.

17Advocacy •

Chamber Shapes National Dialogue on Detroit Bankruptcy

As Detroit continued to navigate bankruptcy, the Chamber increased its efforts to impact the national narrative by engaging media around the country. Throughout the year, the Chamber took Detroit’s message of opportunity to media outlets including Bloomberg TV, CNN Money and The New York Times. Outreach around approval of the Plan of Adjustment in November netted nearly 50 media hits including coverage by ABC News, The Economist, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald and Reuters.

SHAPING THE REGIONAL MESSAGE

Inaugural State of the Region Report Reflects Economic Opportunities and Challenges

The Chamber released its inaugural State of the Region report this year, offering an analysis of the economic indicators related to business growth, talent, innovation and international commerce for Southeast Michigan. The report highlights the automotive, aerospace and defense, health care, transportation, distribution and logistics, and IT industries. It is published to coincide with the Chamber’s Annual Meeting to help inform the public about regional economic development efforts. It provides a unique perspective on the Detroit region with its independently researched and interpreted data that reflects the challenges and opportunities for business growth.

2014

Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah joins WDIV’s Devin Scillian (far left) and a panel of experts including Congresswoman-elect Debbie Dingell, Detroit’s Corporation Counsel Butch Hollowell and Detroit News Columnist Daniel Howes on “Flashpoint” to discuss Detroit’s bankruptcy.

18

The Chamber shaped the narrative around Detroit’s bankruptcy with the national media, highlighting the momentum and opportunity throughout the city and region.

Branding Campaign to Showcase Opportunity in Detroit

With the city emerging from bankruptcy, Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah co-chaired the Detroit Branding Alliance with Tom Lewand, the city’s group executive for jobs and economic growth, to develop a positive brand to promote opportunities in the Motor City. The alliance included representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy, Rock Ventures, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, and Downtown Detroit Partnership, as well as several local creative firms, who provided their expertise in developing branding concepts. In collaboration with Mayor Mike Duggan’s office, a new brand will be announced in the upcoming year to help create a positive narrative and increase pride in the city in the post-bankruptcy era.

World Economic Forum Publishes Chamber’s Detroit Case Study

Members of the Chamber’s economic development team co-authored a case study on the city of Detroit which was published in the World Economic Forum’s “The Competitiveness of Cities.” The report examines the common factors that make global cities competitive, and was introduced through a webinar featuring participants from every populated continent. The Detroit case study provided background on the city, as well as analysis and data on the challenges and opportunities present in Detroit’s economic development as it navigates bankruptcy.

19Shaping the Regional Message •

Supporting Mayor Duggan and Detroit’s Revitalization

Building on its support of Mayor Mike Duggan’s historic write-in campaign in 2013, the Chamber continues to work closely with the Mayor serving as a key connection between City Hall and the private sector.

In January, the Chamber joined the Mayor, the Detroit Crime Commission, and the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, as the coalition successfully pushed for the passage of tougher scrap metal regulations, a key step in fighting blight, which has had an immediate and positive effect on the city. The Chamber also remained actively engaged at City Hall, lending its expertise on other key issues such as the impact of community benefits agreement policies on economic development in the city.

At the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference, the Mayor delivered an inspiring keynote speech outlining the progress made in tackling the city’s challenges as well as his vision for the future. In conjunction with those efforts, the Chamber placed the Mayor’s TeenWork Detroit summer 2015 jobs initiative on the 2014 Conference To-Do List. Duggan also returned to the Chamber stage in August as part of the new Quarterly Networking series featuring the Big Four regional leaders.

SUPPORTING DETROIT’SREVITALIZATION

Mayor Mike Duggan outlines his efforts to rebuild neighborhoods and tackle challenges facing Detroit such as blight reduction at the 2014 Mackinac Policy Conference.

20

New Orleans Tour Provides Lessons for Detroit’s Revitalization

In an effort to inspire ideas for Detroit’s post-bankruptcy revitalization, the Chamber led a delegation of 35 business, civic and philanthropic leaders, and representatives of the city of Detroit, to New Orleans, La. for a three-day lessons learned tour in October.

The delegation explored New Orleans’ recovery from Hurricane Katrina and years of challenged government function. Topics included economic development, entrepreneurship, neighborhood revitalization, city governance and community leadership, urban resiliency, and education and charter school reform as well as a visit from U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.

The trip came at the invitation of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who delivered a keynote speech at the Mackinac Policy Conference in May. The trip was also a continuation of an action item from the Chamber’s 2013 Mackinac Policy Conference To-Do List to expand visits to U.S. cities that can provide models of ongoing renaissance for Michigan’s major urban centers. Thoughtful participation from key members of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s and Mayor Landrieu’s administrations helped make the trip a success.

Mayor Duggan’s Chief of Staff Alexis Wiley and several of her colleagues played in integral role in the success of the Detroit delegation in New Orleans.

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu (center), Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah and The Kresge Foundation’s Managing Director of Community Development, Detroit, Laura Trudeau on stage during the Detroit delegation.

21Supporting Detroit’s Revitalization •

Creating Access and Leadership in Education

Recognizing that today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, the Detroit Scholarship Fund (DSF) program, administered by the Chamber, helped 628 students from 60 high schools enroll in tuition-free community college courses in 2013, with similar numbers expected for 2014. Over 1,000 high school seniors have also registered to be eligible for the DSF scholarship in fall 2015.

Building on the momentum of the past year, more than 300 families celebrated their students’ commitment to higher education at a summer ceremony at the Michigan Science Center. DSF complements the Detroit Compact, the long-standing tuition assistance program resulting from collaboration between the Chamber, public and private universities and Detroit Public Schools to help students pursue bachelor’s degrees.

Bagels and Boards Breakfasts Connect Detroit Charter School Leaders

Detroit Charter Schools are looking for leaders who are willing to answer the call to public service with a unique opportunity to change the lives of young people in Detroit. In response to this need, the Chamber’s Bagels and Boards program helps leaders become better prepared to serve on charter school boards. Informational breakfasts allow prospective candidates to hear from current charter school leaders, board members and others in the community on whether service on a charter school board might be a good fit for their skill set. To date, 19 prospective candidates have been appointed to charter school boards, with another 15 awaiting appointments, through this effort.

EDUCATION AND TALENT

More than 300 families celebrate their students’ commitment to higher education at a summer ceremony for the Detroit Scholarship Fund.

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Leadership Detroit Continues to Inspire Regional Leaders

With over 1,800 alumni, Leadership Detroit, a Chamber initiative, continues to create awareness of key issues that affect the Detroit region and challenges emerging and existing community leaders to bring about positive change in the community through informed leadership.

During Michigan’s 2014 midterm elections, three alumni — Brenda Lawrence (Class XVIII), Casandra Ulbrich (Class XXIX) and Brian Zahra (Class XVII) — were among those elected to office. These leaders will utilize the knowledge gained through Leadership Detroit to make a positive impact in Congress, the Michigan Board of Education and Michigan Supreme Court, respectively.

In June, the program graduated its 35th class featuring 70 executives from across the region representing business, organized labor, government, education, media, civic groups, health services and community organizations.

MICHauto and Project Lead the Way Connect Students to Exciting Automotive Careers

As part of its Discover Auto series, MICHauto partnered with Project Lead the Way schools to provide students and teachers in Michigan high schools with guided tours of automotive technical centers across the state, in order to educate them on the industry, its technology, and promote automotive engineering as an exciting and viable career choice. During the 2013-2014 school year, MICHauto and its member companies hosted nearly 250 Project Lead the Way high school students, who spent two to three hours engaged in an interactive tour of the host facility.

Discover Auto also brought seven MICHauto companies to Wayne State University in February where students could hear from industry representatives and exchange resumes with future prospective employers. The event is part of a series to engage university students across the state and educate them on the automotive industry, its growth, and various engineering career paths.

The Kresge Foundation President and CEO Rip Rapson addresses Leadership Detroit Class XXXV at its June commencement.

Leadership Detroit Class XXXV features 70 executives from across the region who are committed to creating positive change.

23Education and Talent •

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Delivering Membership Value Remains Our Priority Each year the Chamber strives to increase member value and engagement by offering business solutions and opportunities to learn and network.

Congratulations to Long-time Partner

on Reaching 75 Years of Service as a Nonprofit Health Insurer in Southeast Michigan During 2014

For nearly 50 years, the Chamber has partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to provide employers competitive options, quality and access to health care. The Chamber remains proud of its joint accomplishments with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and looks forward to the future.

For more information on Chamber membership, impact and benefits visit: detroitchamber.com.