Detroiter Magazine April 2018 Issue

Saving NAFTA: Spurring Development: Protecting the Gordie Howe International Automotive Supply Chain Bridge Update

• March/April 2018

Diplomacy at Work: Up Close with Ambassador David MacNaughton

US $4.00

DETROITER March/April 2018

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Fighting for Free Trade Prime Minister Justin Trudeau embarks on U.S. tour to reinforce the economic importance of NAFTA and preserving Canadian-American relations

24 A Strong NAFTA Is 10 Prosperity Partner: Good for Michigan Building the U.S.Changes to the agreement must improve the Canadian Relationship integrated North American supply base and Ambassador David MacNaughton leverages entrepreneurial, business and political expertise to nurture Canada’s vital partnership with Michigan and the United States

14 Free Trade 101: Breaking Down NAFTA Refreshing the 24-year-old agreement requires unraveling a complex web of politics and economics

16 Why NAFTA Matters to Business

U.S. Chamber of Commerce launches national awareness campaign

18 Michigan Depends on NAFTA

Exploring the economic impact of Michigan’s trade relationship with Canada and Mexico

20 Clashing Over Commerce: NAFTA's Uphill Battle Following seven rounds of talks, a renegotiation of the tri-country free trade agreement hangs in limbo

22 NAFTA Talks Threaten Auto Industry Boom

U.S. pullout, rule changes may unravel deeply integrated parts supply chain in Michigan

concurrently preserve and grow U.S. jobs

26 Jeopardizing Detroit's Cross-Border Talent

NAFTA’s little-known TN visa program helps fuel Michigan’s economy through Canadian nurses and engineers

28 Michigan Farmers Grow Success with NAFTA

International trade and access to global markets are essential for the state’s dairy, bean and pork farmers to prosper

30 Bridging Michigan's Border

Construction on the much-anticipated Gordie Howe International Bridge is slated to begin this year

32 Preparing for Growth Cities located near the Gordie Howe International Bridge hope the new span will spark more economic development

34 It's Time to Get Serious About Michigan's Infrastructure Competing for talent and global companies requires thoughtful investment in roads, bridges and waterways

Volume 109, Number 1 Publisher Tammy Carnrike, CCE Managing Editor Megan Spanitz Editor Daniel Lai Associate Editor Kelly Weatherwax Photographers Bethany Desmond Melissa Knapp Katie Krizanich Adam Scotti Courtesy photos Art Director Melissa Knapp Advertising Director Jim Connarn Advertising Representatives Laurie Scotese Dale Smolinski Custom Publishing and Design Michelle Percival Back Issues 313.596.0391

Published by Detroit Regional Chamber Services Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

A RELATIONSHIP Worth Saving

From automotive innovation and trade, to national security, Canada and the United States are powerful allies By Sandy K. Baruah

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he Detroit Regional Chamber is honored to have the cooperation of, and to feature, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in this issue of the Detroiter, which focuses on the critical economic, trade and social relationship between the United States and Canada – and particularly how it impacts Michigan.

You would be hard pressed to fi nd a binational relationship more closely connected – both economically and culturally – then the United States and Canada.

From our shared diversity, lifestyle, living standards and language (okay, our friends in Quebec might raise an objection), the United States has no greater friend and cultural alliance than Canada.

Michigan, and Detroit in particular, have an even more special relationship with Canada. Our automotive industry is dependent upon a tightly integrated supply chain. Employees cross the border every day in the thousands to work at American or Canadian companies. Automotive analysts have calculated that the average automotive component part crosses the U.S.-Canadian border over 10 times before fi nal assembly in a vehicle built in Michigan or Ontario. Even when next-generation mobility is concerned, our fates are intertwined. When we call this region the epicenter of nextgeneration mobility, there is no doubt Ontario – especially the technology powerhouse of University of Waterloo – is critical to our region’s competitive advantage. Our international border provides a tremendous advantage for testing autonomous vehicles in a cross-border (and border crossing) environment.

Our economies are dependent on each other – one cannot succeed without the other.

Culturally, of course, our nations share a common bond. While the friendship between our nations is lived out every day,

America will always owe a big debt of gratitude to Canada for enabling the escape of American diplomats when the Iranian protesters took control of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, dramatized in the movie “Argo.” The one heartwarming memory of 9/11 when I was working for President Bush was when the small Canadian community of Gander, Newfoundland, accepted 38 wide-body aircraft bound for the United States. Not only did these jumbo jets land in this tiny town, but the citizens of Gander welcomed more than 7,000 passengers into their homes.

This is what countries do when they are your BFF. NAFTA has made our economic relationship even closer. In fact, the success of the U.S.-based automotive industry has much to do with the positive impact of NAFTA. Unifying the U.S.-Canada-Mexico market and supply chain has allowed our locallybased automotive industries to better compete with global peers.

An agreement that is a quarter century old could certainly benefit from an update. However, when thinking of the current trilateral negotiations on NAFTA, the view of the Detroit Regional Chamber is first, do no harm.

A bad update to NAFTA would be far worse than no update at all.

This is why the Chamber is committed to highlighting the importance of NAFTA to our regional economy and has devoted this issue to our Canadian trade partners. It is also why our leadership has been vocal in events both here at home and in Canada regarding our views on this topic. This commitment will also extend to our annual Mackinac Policy Conference, where our relationship with Canada will be featured.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that Michigan has the most to lose economically and in jobs should NAFTA be terminated. With all the progress our state and region has made over the past several years, it would be a shame if a change to NAFTA halted our progress.

Sandy K. Baruah is the president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

TOGETHER F

or decades, the trade relationship between Canada, Mexico and the United States has been the most prosperous in the world.

Central to that relationship is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). No state knows this better than Michigan.

Nearly three-fourths of Michigan’s export industry, or 65 percent, are bought by Mexican and Canadian companies. Upending NAFTA would devastate Michigan’s agriculture and automotive industries that rely on the restrictive-free exchange of goods, and would stop the state’s progress in its tracks. That is why, while modernizing the agreement is a reasonable and achievable goal, it must first do no harm to companies on either side of the border. The agreement should be updated in a way that solidifies the gains all three countries have reaped through collaboration, while further enhancing the state and region’s competitiveness.

DETROITER March/April 2018

IN TRADE

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

Fighting for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau embarks on U.S. tour to reinforce the economic importance of NAFTA and preserving Canadian-American relations

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. During the visit, the prime minister touched on the importance of NAFTA to businesses in Canada and the United States. Photo by Adam Scotti.

FREE TRADE

anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regularly travels to the United States, most recently visiting Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Since the inauguration of President Trump, the prime minister, his cabinet members, provincial premiers, and other Parliamentarians have cumulatively undertaken more than 255 visits to the United States and/or engagements in Canada and abroad with senior U.S. officials. These visits are an opportunity to underscore the importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship.

During his meetings with business leaders and elected officials, Trudeau emphasizes the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and makes the case for modernization.

During a recent address in California, Trudeau reminded attendees of the long history of cooperation between Canada and the United States stating, “The connections between Canada and the United States are as old as our countries themselves – from deep family ties, to businesses that work back and forth across the border, to the world’s most important trade relationship. All of us benefit when we work together.”

Despite wide agreement that NAFTA has benefited all three nations, Trudeau acknowledges that the benefits from trade are not equally shared.

The relationship between the two countries is so large and ubiquitous there is a risk that it can sometimes be taken for granted. The United States sells more to Canada than to China, Japan, and the United Kingdom combined.

Since NAFTA came into being, U.S. trade in agricultural products with Canada has tripled.

“Two things follow from this. The first is that the status quo, and I’m speaking here of NAFTA specifically but also trade more broadly, is not good enough,” Trudeau added.

“We need to collectively do a much better job of ensuring the benefits of trade are shared more broadly, to more people. The second

“It’s fine in the abstract to say free trade brings greater prosperity. That is true. But each individual circumstance is different.

And trade data, however positive, will not put your kids through college,” he said.

DETROITER March/April September 2015 DETROITER 2018

is that we must provide more help to folks whose livelihoods are disrupted by global economic shifts, including automation and technological change, so they can re-establish themselves in new jobs, with brighter futures.”

Citing progress at the negotiating table, Trudeau notes that on some of the toughest issues — including rules of origin for the automotive sector, investor-state dispute settlement, and a regular five-year review of the agreement — Canada’s negotiators have advanced creative ideas that will serve to transform the 24-year-old agreement to be fit for the 21st century. Striking a decidedly optimistic tone concerning the outcome of the NAFTA negotiations, Trudeau promises that Canada will “devote every necessary effort, for as long as it takes, in a spirit of fairness and mutual compromise, to achieve this goal.”

Editor’s note: Information in this story was provided by the Consul General of Canada’s Office in Detroit and taken from previous comments made by Prime Minister Trudeau during a Feb. 9 speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in California.

Prime Minister Trudeau greets students at the University of Chicago. Photo by Adam Scotti.

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

Prosperity Partner:

BUILDING THE U.S.CANADIAN RELATIONSHIP Ambassador David MacNaughton leverages entrepreneurial, business and political expertise to nurture Canada’s vital partnership with Michigan and the United States

By Daniel Lai

Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton meets with Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder in Washington, D.C. to talk about Canada and the United States’ shared interests, including trade and the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

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anada’s ambassador to the United States, David MacNaughton, is perhaps his country’s most important envoy on the world stage.

In a time that is critical to the economic growth of both countries, MacNaughton’s political and business-savvy expertise bodes well as the chief voice for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Washington, D.C. The Detroiter recently interviewed MacNaughton, who will attend the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, on how the prime minister and his administration are

working to protect and grow businesses and jobs on both sides of the border, particularly in Michigan — Canada’s top trade partner — and the implications for Michigan and Canada under a revised North American Free Trade Agreement.

Maintaining the bilateral relationship with the United States has been a stated goal for Prime Minister Trudeau. What are the administration’s current priorities? Where do you see challenges and opportunities and How can the two countries work together?

Canada and the United States have the longest, most peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship of any two countries in the history of the world. What I find striking is the personal connections between Canadians and Americans. I meet Americans from all walks of life who tell me about their links to Canada. They come to Canada to hunt or fish, they have a child at a university, or they work with a Canadian.

With 400,000 people crossing the border every day, and $2 billion worth of goods and services

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traded daily, that is a lot of relationships.

These bonds are the cement in the foundation of our binational relationship. It is a source of optimism for me that we have so many opportunities to build together.

Things have worked so well for so long that we are all guilty of taking our bilateral relationship for granted. That is partly why there has been such extensive outreach from all levels of the Canadian government during this past year. Virtually every member of the cabinet and Prime Minister Trudeau has had meetings in the states. In just the past half year, the Detroit region has received visits from Navdeep Bains, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport; and Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

Canadian and U.S. prosperity is inextricably linked. Canada is committed to moving forward with the United States on initiatives that keep our borders open to the flow of legitimate people and goods, while securing borders from shared threats. Neither country needs slower, more cumbersome trade at the border.

Another area of progress concerns preclearance. Canada and the United States are seeking to strengthen our relationship and enhance our mutual security, prosperity and economic competitiveness across all transportation modes.

Regarding security, our two countries share a robust partnership. Terrorism remains a global problem. Our defense relations are longstanding and well entrenched. 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command. It is worth noting that no terrorist attack has ever been carried out by individuals entering the United States from Canada. Canadian and American law enforcement and intelligence agencies engage and cooperate with one another daily to ensure that our citizens are secure.

Have you seen an influx of skilled talent immigrating to Canada following the United States' tough stance on immigration regulations? What lessons can we learn from Canada regarding protecting our borders while also remaining a welcoming nation?

Like the United States, Canada is a country of immigrants. Diversity is our strength and has played a key role in driving our economic prosperity and our success as a nation. There are many opportunities for foreign nationals

(From left) U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, (D-MI 2) meets with Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton to talk about the success of bilateral trade.

to come to Canada with legal status to study, work or even immigrate on a permanent basis. So much of our economy is now dependent on services, so it is critical that we modernize the rules for temporary entry of professionals under NAFTA for business people moving across our border. There are jobs that exist today that weren’t known back in 1994.

Michigan and Canada share a unique relationship. Not only is Michigan the largest exporter of goods to Canada, its border crossings allow thousands of engineers, nurses and highly educated professionals from both the United States and Canada access to jobs. What would a world without NAFTA look like for Canada and Michigan?

Canada’s system of immigration has been recognized internationally as a thoughtful, responsible approach that takes into consideration the need for more immigrants while balancing our fiscal and global responsibilities. Canada’s new Global Skills Strategy provides employers with a faster and more predictable process for attracting top talent and new skills to Canada. The Government of Canada recognizes that by improving access to top global talent, it will support Canadian innovative companies to grow and flourish, as well as create jobs for Canadians.

Canada’s message heading into the original creation of the 1988 Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, and then of NAFTA, a quarter century ago, was the same as our message today: America has no better friend or partner than Canada. Any increase of trade barriers between our countries, such as canceling NAFTA, would significantly impact jobs in the United States and Michigan, as well as in Canada. Canada is prepared for all possible scenarios. However, having met with U.S. stakeholders and members of Congress, it is clear they understand that a withdrawal from the agreement would harm U.S. workers and industry.

Canada remains an open, welcoming country to people seeking refuge, whatever their ethnicity, background or religion. Entering Canada must be done through the proper channels. We are confident in our programs and will continue to ensure that our immigration system balances compassion, efficiency and economic opportunity, while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Rather than focusing on what a post-NAFTA world would look like, Canada is focused on finding solutions. No one wants the U.S. economy to succeed more than Canada. When Michigan and the United States succeed, so does Canada. NAFTA is part of that success.

Our relationship supports millions of middleclass jobs on both sides of the border. We

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

We’ve reached out to companies in Michigan and across the United States to tell their stories about their ties to Canada. This is part of doing our homework and getting to a deal that creates a North America that is the most competitive economy in the world.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is critical for the long-term economic growth of both Detroit and Windsor, with both sides working together on its completion. Additionally, leaders from both governments partnered on the recent Amazon HQ2 bid. How can the collaboration between Detroit and Windsor translate into the broader U.S.Canada relationship?

Canadian Ambassador David MacNaughton (left) meets with members of Douglas Marketing Group during a luncheon in Detroit hosted by the Canada – U.S. Business Association (CUSBA) to talk about the Canada-U.S. relationship.

need to work towards the same goal — that is, a more competitive North America, achieved by give and take on all sides.

Canada’s goal is to reach a good deal, not any deal. A win-win-win deal is both possible and necessary. We all need to approach negotiations in good faith with this goal in mind. If we don’t all win, we all lose. Any effort to roll back trade would be bad for all three economies.

A study by the Center for Automotive Research reveals that any plan to undo a free trade agreement with Canada could result in automotive companies offshoring assembly to non-NAFTA countries, which would economically devastate Michigan suppliers. How is Canada working through the negotiation process to protect the automotive supply chain?

Canada will continue to advocate against any new proposals that would negatively affect jobs and our cross-border supply chains. The U.S. automotive proposal would not only be damaging to the Canadian and Mexican automotive sectors, but to the U.S. automotive sector as well.

From the beginning, Canada’s approach to negotiations has been to present ideas and solutions that benefit all three NAFTA partners and contribute to North American competitiveness. Canada has presented several creative ideas to help advance discussion in some of the more difficult areas of the negotiations, including on automotive

rules of origin. Our ideas would reduce red tape, improve enforcement, as well as incentivize investment in manufacturing and research and development in North America.

Canada will continue to consult with the automotive industry and other stakeholders on these ideas.

Our overriding objective is to build on the many valuable components of an already good agreement. We want to make updates that better align NAFTA to new realities in trade and investment.

What would you say to those who propose that trade agreements like NAFTA are bad for business and job creation?

NAFTA, while not perfect, has been a good agreement for the United States, broadly speaking, just as it has been good for Canada and Mexico. Trilateral trade has increased three-fold since 1994. Since NAFTA went into effect, the U.S. economy has added 33 million net new jobs. To put this in perspective, the entire population of Canada is 36 million.

However, we can and should do more to help the people who have been left behind by global trade. We can and must build bridges to new opportunities for the middle class, and those working hard to join the middle class.

We can and must work tirelessly to find a pathway to prosperity for all.

This is among the greatest challenges of our time. NAFTA needs an update. Canada believes that a modernized NAFTA should include elements such as stronger labor and environmental provisions. Our negotiators have already closed several chapters, including on competition and small and medium-sized enterprises, with the aim to help support the middle class.

The Government of Canada is firmly committed to the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Nearly 30 percent of surface trade between Canada and the United States goes through Windsor-Detroit so this new bridge is vital to accommodate future traffic growth for this strategic trade and transportation corridor. This border crossing is vitally important to the economic well-being of the local community, particularly to the automotive industry and for daily commuter traffic between Windsor and Detroit.

Once complete, the bridge will feature six lanes, associated ports of entry, and direct connections to the highway systems in Ontario and Michigan. It will support the anticipated growth in traffic over the years to come and will also provide for redundancy at the busiest trade corridor between Detroit and Windsor in case of emergencies or unforeseen events.

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is working with the cities of Windsor and Detroit and with many partners on both sides of the border including Infrastructure Canada, the Michigan Department of Transportation, U.S. Federal Highway Administration, Canadian and U.S. border services, and others.

This project is expected to create thousands of jobs in Ontario and Michigan.

You will be attending the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference in May. What are you most looking forward to?

I am very much looking forward to exchanging views on NAFTA with participants at the Mackinac Policy Conference. This will be a significant opportunity to engage with decision-makers on all aspects of the CanadaU.S. relationship. Daniel Lai is communications manager for the Detroit Regional Chamber and editor of the Detroiter.

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

Free Trade 101:

President Bush signs a draft of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canadian Ambassador Derek Burney, U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills, and Mexican Ambassador Gustavo Petricioli witness the event. Photo courtesy of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

BREAKING DOWN NAFTA Refreshing the 24-year-old agreement requires unraveling a complex web of politics and economics By Dawson Bell

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y one straightforward measurement, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been an unequivocal success. The threeparty deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico — which removed tariffs on most cross-border commerce and aimed to create a continental trading bloc capable of competing with the European Union — has led to increased trade. Since its inception in 1994, goods sold across NAFTA borders have tripled, to the tune of more than $1 trillion annually.

Michigan companies have been major

beneficiaries. The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) estimates that, in 2016, firms based here earned $23.5 billion exporting to Canada and $12 billion to Mexico, making them Michigan’s No. 1 and No. 2 trading partners respectively.

But trade deals are not only about trade.

They are also about jobs (complicated) and politics (confusing) and notions like national sovereignty (unmeasurable).

Recall that as the original NAFTA was being negotiated and ratified, independent presidential candidate Ross Perot famously predicted the trade deal would result in a

“giant sucking sound” of U.S. jobs leaving for Mexico. When newly-elected President Bill Clinton signed the final NAFTA a year later, he said he did so only because it would mean “good-paying American jobs.” Twenty-four years later, it is not far-fetched to say they were both right.

U.S. employment in sectors like manufacturing, which is critically important to Michigan, has declined overall in the NAFTA era. But manufacturing jobs rose in the immediate post-NAFTA period, and only reached their nadir in the wake of the international financial crisis in 2007-08.

DETROITER March/April September 2015 DETROITER 2018

Automotive-related employment has grown by more than 300,000 jobs since then. Currently, the MEDC reports 122,920 Michigan jobs rely on exports to Canada, more than half of them automotive-related.

And a series of independent economic analyses attribute most of the decline in U.S. manufacturing to unrelated factors, like increased automation.

Meanwhile, the overall unemployment rate in Michigan and the United States is lower now than it was in 1994. At the heart of the jobs debate is a Catch-22 that afflicts the case for free trade. As described

by University of Michigan economist and trade expert Alan Deardorff: “The benefits of trade are huge. But they tend to be spread out across the entire population (in the form of increased overall prosperity and consumer buying power).”

The costs of trade are concentrated more on those who lose jobs when U.S.-based manufacturers shift operations to lower wage countries like Mexico, Deardorff said.

For them, “trade is very personal. They feel it viscerally,” said Daniel Ujczo, an international trade attorney with Detroitbased law firm Dickinson Wright.

Ujczo has spent much of the last year working to defend the underlying framework of NAFTA, and rallying clients and other stakeholders to understand the challenge it faces. That’s where the politics — and a good deal of confusion — come in. For most of the last half century in American politics, Republicans generally embraced open markets while Democrats ranged from wary to hostile.

President Trump is not a conventional Republican. During the 2016 campaign, Trump decried NAFTA as “the worst trade deal maybe ever.”

While there is some speculation the president’s vow to withdraw from NAFTA is more negotiating tactic than credible threat, Ujczo and others believe the potential for talks to collapse is real. Trump’s position on NAFTA has been relatively clear and longstanding. And, Ujczo notes, opposition to NAFTA was not incidental to Trump’s election victory in key Midwestern states, including Michigan.

The task for NAFTA supporters is to persuade the president, and those who voted for him, that robust trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico is not incompatible with

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putting American interests first. That case can be made, said economist Bill Anderson, director of the Cross-Border Institute at the University of Windsor. One needs to merely point to the daily traffic across the Detroit-Windsor Ambassador Bridge, where hundreds of trucks ferry car parts in both directions in a virtually integrated cross-border manufacturing marketplace, Anderson said.

Douglas George, a veteran Canadian trade negotiator who currently serves as that country’s consul general in Detroit, said free trade agreements have always faced political resistance. The precursors to NAFTA, bilateral deals between the United States and Canada dating back to the 1960s, were enacted over stiff political opposition, he said.

Free trade agreements are complex, he said, balancing multiple interests from each participating country. But on balance, NAFTA has been a boon to Canada, Mexico and the United States.

“Ending NAFTA would be bad for all three countries … an economic disaster,” George said. Dawson Bell is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

WHY NAFTA MATTERS to Business U.S. Chamber of Commerce launches national awareness campaign By Melissa Anders

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ith thousands of American companies facing potential economic impacts if the United States renegotiates or withdraws from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is aggressively working to get them involved in speaking out on behalf of the trade deal.

“Now that NAFTA is somewhat under attack, I think you’re seeing more and more recognition about the importance of NAFTA to the U.S. economy,” said Christopher Wenk, the U.S. Chamber's executive director for international policy. “The facts themselves are, I think, absolutely staggering … it’s clear

U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue (right) and Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer, talk on NAFTA at the 2018 State of American Business press conference. Photo courtesy of Ian Wagreich/ U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

why we’re seeing manufacturers and service providers and farmers speaking up.”

percent of the state’s total exports, according to federal trade statistics.

Trade with Canada and Mexico supports almost 14 million American jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber. As the epicenter of the U.S. automotive manufacturing industry, Michigan stands to be the hardest hit.

The U.S. Chamber estimates that 366,000 Michigan jobs could be at risk if the country withdraws from NAFTA. Michigan exported more than $37 billion to Canada and Mexico in 2017, which accounts for more than 60

President Donald Trump has called NAFTA the “worst trade deal ever made” and blames the pact for sending manufacturing and other jobs across the border as well as creating trade deficits with Canada and Mexico. Labor groups like the United Auto Workers also have criticized the agreement for causing American job loss and wage stagnation.

The U.S. Chamber, however, argues that if

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NAFTA’s duty-free trade went away and U.S. exporters started facing tariffs, there would be massive job losses, especially in the automotive sector. While U.S. Chamber leaders agree that the 24-year-old agreement could benefit from being modernized and strengthened, they want to ensure that any changes would first do no harm to American businesses.

“NAFTA is so much a part of the economic fabric of the United States and North American market, and we need to make sure that policymakers are hearing from businesses, manufacturers, and farmers,” Wenk said. “There’s a lot at stake here and it’s really important that they don’t do anything that’s going to take us backwards.”

Automakers and other major industries are actively advocating against proposed changes to NAFTA, such as a five-year sunset provision or new country of origin requirements that outline the percentage of an automobile's inputs, such as parts and labor, that come from the United States, Mexico or Canada.

To get more businesses to join the conversation, the U.S. Chamber launched a “NAFTA Works" campaign. The campaign features a website, tradeworksforus.com, which includes videos profiling various businesses and how the agreement impacts them. The site also offers

state-specific trade statistics and information on how to get involved by contacting members of Congress and signing an op-ed or letter to the editor. The U.S. Chamber popularized the Twitter hashtag #NAFTAWorks through frequent tweets about the benefits of NAFTA. One of the businesses profiled on the site is Owosso-based Rugged Liner Inc. Exports represent about 30 percent of business for the truck accessory manufacturer and distributor, which has created more than 30 jobs because of increased demand overseas, according to International Sales Director Yannick Greiner.

“As we grow our export business, we’re able to hire more people here, in Michigan,” Greiner said in an interview with the U.S. Chamber.

“And, as we can create new jobs, more money is put into our local economy in ways that benefit other local businesses and workers.”

“Free trade agreements reduce the duties and tariffs of our ‘Made in USA’ product and gives an ease of doing business,” he added.

Erik Stewart, president of Battle Creek-based Stewart Industries, said NAFTA has been a double-edged sword. The supply chain management company employs 90 people who support the automotive and aerospace

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industries. While he acknowledged his company has lost some business to Mexico due to cheaper manufacturing costs, he said the trade agreement does have its advantages, too.

One area he would like to see improvement on is digitization of the rules of origin process.

“NAFTA allows for the electronic certification of goods, which cuts down on confusion and paperwork. Mexico has this capability but the U.S. has not been able to get itself into the 21st century regarding electronic certification,” he said. “Rules of origin ought to also be self-certable.”

U.S. Chamber officials are taking the NAFTA Works campaign on the road by visiting local chambers of commerce and farm bureaus throughout the country.

“For a lot of the big companies, they have an office in Washington and they’re working on this. But for a lot of small and medium-sized businesses, obviously they’re busy running their businesses,” Wenk said, noting that more than 125,000 small and medium-sized businesses export to Mexico and Canada.

“That’s a lot of companies, that’s a lot of jobs.

So, we need to make sure that those people are speaking out.” Melissa Anders is a metro Detroit native and freelance writer.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

MICHIGAN DEPENDS ON NAFTA Exploring the economic impact of Michigan’s trade relationship with Canada and Mexico

MICHIGAN'S TOP AGRICULTURE EXPORTS

IN 2016 Soybeans, $564.3 million Corn, $229.3 million Dairy products, $222 million Feed and grain, $189 million Vegetables (processed) $135.5 million

ONTARIO AND

'

QUEBEC In 2016, Michigan exported $20.8 billion in goods to Ontario and $382.6 million to Québec.

Sources: Consulate General of Canada, International Trade Administration, Michigan Farm Bureau, Statistics Canada

$1 BILLION

Michigan exported $1 billion in agricultural products to Canada in 2016.

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T

he North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed by Canada, Mexico and the United States in 1994. Twenty-four years later, the three countries have a strong economic relationship that supports billions of dollars in trade annually. Canada is Michigan’s top trade partner. In 2016 alone, Michigan exported $23.5 billion in goods to Canada, and the Detroit area exported $15.5 billion. To show how a potential change to free trade could impact the state and region’s economy, the Detroiter compiled a chart of key facts.

TOP 5 EXPORTS

270,000 JOBS

Michigan exports support more than 270,000 jobs, up 63,000 since 2009.

In 2016, Michigan's top five exports to Ontario included: Motor vehicles, $12 billion Machinery, $2.2 billion Mineral fuels, $799.5 million Electrical machinery equipment, $780 million Plastics, $633 million

$15.5 BILLION In 2016, Canada was Detroit’s top foreign market, accounting for 37 percent of its total exports.

89%

Small and mediumsized companies make up 89 percent of Michigan exporters.

Michigan imported $2.7 billion in steel and aluminum in 2017, the bulk of which came from Canada and Mexico.

$2.7 BILLION

70%

In 2016, exports to free trade agreement (FTA) markets accounted for 70 percent of Michigan exports.

FOREIGN WORKERS

6TH LARGEST

The Detroit region is the sixth largest metro area nationwide for exports.

Nearly 6,535 health care-related workers are employed outside of Canada, of those more than 1,600 are employed in Southeast Michigan. More than 1,000 individuals with scientific or technical backgrounds are also employed in Southeast Michigan.

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

Clashing Over Commerce:

NAFTA’S UPHILL BATTLE Following seven rounds of talks, a renegotiation of the tri-country free trade agreement hangs in limbo By Dawson Bell

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enegotiating a 2,000-page trade deal that has been in effect for 24 years and substantially transformed the economies of each participating country is no small undertaking. It should come as little surprise that the pace of progress through seven rounds of talks on a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, Mexico and the United States has been glacial.

But that does not mean that it is not worth doing or will not get done, according to NAFTA experts and observers. In fact, there is broad consensus that a “modernization” of NAFTA, drafted when the internet and the global economy were both in their infancy, is overdue, said Douglas George, consul general of Canada in Detroit.

“There is no such thing as a simple trade negotiation,” George said.

Modernizing NAFTA has the potential to create benefits for all three countries, he said.

“Millions of jobs depend on trade. We don’t want to disrupt that; we want to improve it,” George added.

The renegotiation itself was triggered, in significant part, by the election of President Trump, who has called NAFTA “terrible” and “unfair,” and threatened to withdraw if changes are not made. The Trump administration’s stated aim is to reduce U.S. trade deficits by, among other things, increasing Americanmade content in vehicles assembled within NAFTA countries.

That goal may be laudable, but it is also unrealistic, said U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop (RMI 8), who has attended several NAFTA sessions and planned to be in Mexico City for Round 7. Bishop serves on the U.S. House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee, which oversees trade issues with other countries.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, center, with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, left, and Mexico's Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, right, at the conclusion of the fourth round of negotiations for a new North American Free Trade Agreement in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“We’d like to build everything here,” Bishop said, “but that’s not how modern supply chains work. The automotive industry is very different now from when Henry Ford was bringing raw materials into the River Rouge plant and pushing cars out the other end.”

ratification and has followed the talks closely, also said an American abdication of the treaty now would be a mistake. But Levin remains adamant that the renegotiation must include enhanced labor standards to protect U.S. jobs from outsourcing.

Preserving the benefits of NAFTA — which he said have been critical to making Michigan manufacturing and agriculture globally competitive — is the goal of a broad coalition in Congress. One Bishop is “confident” can be reached.

“We can’t ignore this issue any longer,” Levin said. “Real wages in Mexico are lower now (than in 1994). There needs to be dramatic change.”

U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI 9), a longtime critic of NAFTA who voted against its initial

How much leverage the Trump administration has to extract concessions from its trading partners is an open question.

Both Canada and Mexico are more heavily dependent on access to U.S. markets than

DETROITER DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

America is to either country. But several studies on the impact of a withdrawal from NAFTA predict severe consequences for the American economy. Moody Analytics suggests NAFTA’s collapse could trigger a recession and the loss of 3.3 million American jobs, with “the Great Lakes region bearing the brunt.” In public, Canadian and Mexican negotiators have signaled little willingness to accommodate U.S. demands, while agreeing with the need to modernize the pact.

The picture is further clouded by upcoming elections in Mexico, Ontario, Québec and

the United States, with jobs and trade likely to be a top issue of debate.

“Now our time is running very short. I fear that the longer we proceed, the more political headwinds we will feel,” U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said. “I also note that in all three countries, reaching an agreement at the negotiating table is only part of the process. In the United States, after an agreement in principle is concluded, our laws require public disclosure of text, further consultations, and numerous reports before it can be considered by Congress. Thus, in the United

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States, we must resolve our outstanding issues soon to maintain the possibility of having this measure be considered by the current Congress.”

Daniel Ujczo, an international trade attorney with Dickinson Wright, said one encouraging, and little noted, sign of hope was the recent indication from Lighthizer that the administration would seek authority from Congress to continue negotiating, perhaps into 2019. But he called it only a “stay of execution. We can’t sit on our hands.”

Dawson Bell is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

NAFTA RENEGOTIATION TIMELINE President Trump formally notifies Congress of the intent to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico.

The second round of negotiations take place in Mexico City. Canada, Mexico and U.S. negotiators discuss NAFTA’s investorstate dispute settlement (ISDS), which gives U.S. corporations the power to sue the Canadian or Mexican government on regulations they say impose a burden on their business operations in those countries. President Trump doubles down on his threat to pull America out of NAFTA.

The fourth round of negotiations returns to Washington, D.C. Canada and Mexico both verbally oppose the Trump administration's suggestion that the trade agreement should be up for renewal every five years. A proposal to rewrite how companies resolve disputes is also rejected by the two countries.

OCT. 11-17, 2017

The sixth round of negotiations take place in Montreal. Prior to the start of negotiations, the Trump administration announces a tariff of 30 percent on imported solar panels and up to 50 percent on imported washing machines. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer notes progress made on key issues. However, a proposal by Canada to include intellectual property and emerging technologies in rules of origin for automobiles is rejected by the United States.

JAN. 23-30, 2018

SEPT. 1-5, 2017

MAY 18, 2017

FEB. 25- MARCH 5, 2018

SEPT. 23-27, 2017

AUG. 16-20, 2017 The first round of negotiations take place in Washington, D.C. Canada, Mexico and U.S. negotiators discuss revising NAFTA’s rules of origin clause. Mexico warns countryspecific rules of origin would be a deal breaker.

The third round of NAFTA negotiations take place in Ottawa. Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, states "meaningful advances" were made in telecommunications, digital trade, furthering good regulatory practices, and customs and trade facilitation. However, Mexico expresses skepticism that negotiations will wrap up by the end of the calendar year.

Talks return to Mexico City for a seventh round.

NOV. 17-21, 2017 Negotiators from all three countries announce progress is being made during the fifth round of negotiations in Mexico City. Talks centered on digital trade, sanitary measures, anticorruption, regulatory matters, trade facilitation and customs enforcement. Despite progress, Canada, Mexico and the United States announce lack of resolve on key issues including NAFTA’s country of origin provision.

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

NAFTA Talks Threaten

AUTO INDUSTRY BOOM U.S. pullout, rule changes may unravel deeply integrated parts supply chain in Michigan By James Amend

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resident Trump made renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) a key objective of his administration. While the automotive industry generally supports updating the 24-year-old agreement, the risk of a U.S. withdrawal remains genuine and tinkering with its fine print could unravel a global supply chain built on the untaxed movement of goods and services across borders.

Talks to preserve the tax-free zone between Canada, Mexico and the United States were to continue into April, but with rhetoric high around thorny, automotive-related issues, especially so-called rules of origin, an outcome favorable to automakers and their suppliers remains in the balance.

“The constant risk has been (the United States.) would pull out, and an end to NAFTA creates confusion,” said Kristin Dziczek, director of the Industry, Labor and Economics Group at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor.

One of the world’s largest free-trade zones that was widely supported by both Republicans and Democrats at its inception, NAFTA is seen by most economic observers as an engine for job growth and prosperity in each of the member countries.

“The United States presents many opportunities and an attractive environment for business investment and NAFTA is a big reason for that,” said Lisa Davis, CEO of global supplier

The all-new 2019 Toyota Avalon is manufactured in the United States.

Siemens USA, which has invested $40 billion in the United States in the last 15 years on the back of NAFTA. However, Trump believes NAFTA led to a hemorrhaging of U.S. jobs to Mexico, where

“If (NAFTA) goes away, we would see more, not fewer, imported vehicles."

- Ed Lewis, Director, Public Policy Communications, Toyota Motor Corp.

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dramatically lower wages create a costfriendly manufacturing environment. Critics claim it also torpedoed a once-balanced trade relationship between the two countries.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the country is saddled with a $463 billion trade deficit vis-à-vis Mexico.

Others blame technology for the job losses.

According to a report from CAR, 87 percent of U.S. manufacturing job losses between 1979 and 1990 were due to factors such as automation. Outsourcing accounted for another 15 percent. At the same time, nonproduction jobs and wages have soared and the United States remains the No.2 vehicle producer globally. Mexico is seventh and Canada ranks 10th.

Jobs at parts makers also are robust at 871,000 across 50 states. Including indirect employment, suppliers account for 4.26 million jobs, according to the Motor Equipment & Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Since the recession, supplier employment has grown 19 percent to drive economic growth and MEMA ties NAFTA directly to the boom.

The biggest sticking point for the automotive industry centers on rules of origin, which under NAFTA calls for 62.5 percent of the net cost of light vehicles to be made in North America. It already is the highest content threshold of any free-trade pact but President Trump wants it raised to 85 percent and half the content of the car or truck made in the United States. The plan would clarify where individual pieces of a component set originate, the White House said, because some are made outside of North America but assembled into a larger unit here and counted toward the

62.5 percent threshold by shifting tariff-free benefits to them.

Siemens USA tests its eHighway system in California. The company has invested $40 billion in the United States in the last 15 years.

Mexico and Canada want rules of origin untouched and agree on a Canadian proposal that expenses from engineering research and other advanced work be counted toward the regional total, but U.S. negotiators rejected that model. Some see the refusal purely as a negotiating tactic.

Corp. has invested $23 billion in the United States directly over the past 60 years, employs 136,000 people, and will invest another $10 billion over the next 10 years. NAFTA makes that possible, said Ed Lewis, director of public policy communications for Toyota.

CAR believes that if NAFTA crumbles, North American production costs will rise, returns to investors will fall, consumers will have fewer choices, the United States will become less competitive globally, and 31,000 automotive and parts jobs would be lost.

“If (NAFTA) goes away, we would see more, not fewer, imported vehicles,” he said. “Automakers and suppliers may shift production elsewhere. China could become a more dominant player in automotive parts, components and intermediate goods.”

Michigan would be hit particularly hard, Dziczek said, because it is the No.1 trader of parts with Canada and Mexico. Toyota Motor

Ian Musselman, director of government affairs at global supplier Continental, which has invested $5 billion in the United States over the last five years and employs 190,000 people in North America, said NAFTA adds value in other ways than the bottom line.

“One of the great things that we have done is expanded work with internships and apprenticeships,” he said. “But (we’re) also learning from other cultures.”

Siemens’ Davis admits there is room for improvement within NAFTA, however.

“The pact was done before the internet and needs to catch up to our digital world,” she said. “We just need to make sure, above all else, it helps American business stay ahead in the global economy.” James Amend is senior editor at WardsAuto in Southfield.

A Toyota Motor Corp. employee works at the Toyota North America R&D facility in York.

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

A IsSTRONG NAFTA Good for Michigan Changes to the agreement must improve the integrated North American supply base and concurrently preserve and grow U.S. jobs By Ann Wilson

automotive rules of origin requiring a 50 percent U.S. content requirement for finished vehicles, 85 percent regional value content (Canada, Mexico and the United States). The proposal also limits critical tools currently available to suppliers under NAFTA. Armed with the BCG data, MEMA has been working closely with the office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and with our counterparts in Canada and Mexico. In addition, MEMA has worked closely with a wide range of vehicle manufacturers reaching out to governors throughout the country urging them to weigh in with the Trump administration. And in January, Canada circulated some new novel concepts that are still under consideration.

Michigan automakers and suppliers rely heavily on restrictive-free trade to Canada and Mexico. In this photo, General Motors demonstrates its patented resistance spot-welding technology at its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. Photo courtesy of General Motors.

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otor vehicle suppliers have prospered under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). A strong, integrated North American supply chain has given the U.S. consumer greater choice and strengthened the motor vehicle supplier industry, motor vehicle manufacturers, and the nation. Over the last five years, this strong supply chain has grown to more than 870,000 direct jobs in the United States, an increase of 19 percent. This makes suppliers the largest employer of manufacturing jobs in the United States, and this is due in part to NAFTA. In 2017, President Trump announced the renegotiation of NAFTA and made it clear that withdrawal from NAFTA was a possibility if the three parties could not reach an agreement. The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) applauds

the president’s goal to make the United States more competitive and grow U.S. jobs. However, most manufacturers express concern that current jobs are going unfilled and that workforce training is necessary for continued growth in our sector.

MEMA also believes that it is important for the industry to provide data to frame the discussions. With that in mind, MEMA worked with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to examine the impact a renegotiated NAFTA would have on the country.

BCG found that the United States could lose up to 50,000 supplier jobs if NAFTA is dismantled. In addition, a similar impact would be felt if the automotive rules of origin are drastically changed making it harder for the industry to comply. Furthermore, NAFTA allows the North American supply chain to be globally competitive and provide a wide array of motor vehicles to the consumer.

Without NAFTA, that is all in jeopardy.

While the members of MEMA agree with the president that NAFTA should be modernized and that all trade agreements must provide free and fair trade for all parties, MEMA has consistently expressed concerns that any changes to NAFTA must be done with great care. Manufacturing jobs and our country’s global competitiveness depends on a NAFTA that works for all parties.

Even with the progress that has been made, it is critical that the industry stay vigilant.

It is important for your business to carefully consider the implications of a world without NAFTA. And it is important for all your elected representatives to understand the impact NAFTA has on your business. I would urge you to work through MEMA or other business associations including the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce to make sure your voice is heard.

NAFTA has worked for all of us and we must continue to make our voices heard.

Ann Wilson is the senior vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, which is the parent organization of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor &

The United States has offered Canada and Mexico a proposal to alter the NAFTA

Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), and Original Equipment Manufacturers Association (OESA).

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DETROITER March/April 2018

Jeopardizing Detroit’s CROSS-BORDER TALENT A registered nurse supports the surgical team during a procedure at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.

Photo courtesy of Henry Ford Health System.

NAFTA’s little-known TN visa program helps fuel Michigan’s economy through Canadian nurses and engineers

By James Amend

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n update to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which industries in Canada, Mexico and the United States generally support, comes with a degree of risk to important programs that fall under its umbrella, including a visa classification crucially essential to Michigan’s economy.

The TN visa permits qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities. It covers a wide range of professionals but of critical importance to Southeast Michigan are the Canadian engineers and health care providers, especially nurses, who cross the border every day to fill employment demand at automakers, suppliers, hospitals, clinics and universities.

Those professionals arguably never have been more important to the local economy and health of its population. The automotive industry is booming and simultaneously experiencing a sea of change due to the emergence of new forms of mobility, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, as well new competitors in that space. But the

talent pool for those jobs is shallow and while Michigan colleges and universities graduate thousands of engineers and technicians, they increasingly are pursuing jobs outside of the state and the automotive industry.

The nursing shortage is desperate, too.

Michigan’s population is growing older, which strains the local health care network, and according to the Michigan League for Nursing, fewer young people are entering the nursing field. The nursing workforce is also aging, and the physical demands of the job make it difficult for many to work past the age of 50. There also is a mismatch between the existing nursing workforce and an increasingly diverse ethnic population in the area.

“During the downturn, a lot of engineers left the state and it is a well-known fact that fewer young people are going into the hard sciences,” said Marc Topoleski, a managing attorney at Ellis Porter in Troy specializing in immigration issues. “Canadian nurses are an integral part of serving patients in the Detroit area. Losing the TN visa would have a devastating impact.”

According to the 2016 Canadian census, close to 40,000 professionals work outside of the country. Close to 11,300 alone work in either professional, scientific and technical fields or health care. In Ontario’s Essex County, which for census purposes includes Detroit’s neighboring city of Windsor, 2,825 of those professionals cross the border to work in Michigan.

Melissa Winkler, an attorney with Fakhoury Global Immigration in Troy, whose focus includes business-based immigration, said border scrutiny already has tightened with the Trump administration.

“Some of it may be necessary, but we’ve also seen backlash from it at companies with legitimate needs for employees with specialized knowledge and degrees,” she said. “If the employment pipeline was cut off or slowed, it would hurt companies looking to grow and expand."

“The low unemployment rate, which is a good thing, makes it even more difficult,” Winkler added.

Last year, confusion apparently due to interpretation over federal immigration policy revisions prevented a specialized nurse from Canada from crossing the border to Michigan and set off a red alert at Henry Ford Health System, which relies on unrestricted border access for some of its nursing staff.

DETROITER March/April 2018

A registered nurse reviews patient notes with a nurse assistant at Henry Ford West Bloomfield.

Photo courtesy of Henry Ford Health System.

There are alternatives to the TN visa, but those are capped and fill up quickly. And companies not only want the program preserved, they want to add high-skill, in-demand jobs to the list such as information technology.

Paul Riser Jr., manager of technologybased entrepreneurship at TechTown, a Detroit technology startup and smallbusiness incubator and accelerator, sees firsthand the cross-pollination of talent and ideas between Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario.

The MedHealth cluster of participating hospitals and universities between metro Detroit and Windsor, for example, seeks to improve the care quality and economic growth with more than 438,000 combined health care employees fueling upwards of 18 percent of the economies in each city.

“We need ideas and an optimized flow of talent across the border,” Riser said. “It is critical. Losing (TN) would impede our ability to compete, not just state-to-state, but globally.” James Amend is senior editor at WardsAuto in Southfield.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

MICHIGAN FARMERS GROW Success with NAFTA

International trade and access to global markets are essential for the state’s dairy, bean and pork farmers to prosper By Greg Tasker

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ichigan farmers, who export high volumes of dairy, wheat, vegetables and fruits to Canada and Mexico, are casting a wary eye on the U.S. government’s efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

NAFTA has been mostly a boon for Michigan farmers since its ratification more than two decades ago. Canada and Mexico account for about two-thirds of Michigan’s agricultural exports. In 2015 alone, the Great Lakes State exported $1.1 billion in agriculture commodities to Canada and $114 million to Mexico.

“Since the implementation of NAFTA, trade in the United States has increased by 300 percent,” said Kevin Robson, horticulture specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau.

“Michigan is one of the major players (in NAFTA) because of its proximity to Canada.”

Michigan farmers concede that NAFTA needs modernization, however concerns over drawn-out negotiations are worrying the state’s bean and dairy farmers. The ongoing negotiations and political rhetoric in the United States they say, has Mexican trade partners fearful about the reliability of American products.

“Canada and Mexico are two of our top three trading partners, this is very important to us,” said Ernie Birchmeier, manager of the Center for Commodity Farm and Industry Relations and a livestock and dairy specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau. “It’s important not just to us but all of Michigan. It’s important not only to increase or gain trade (through renegotiations) but also to maintain the trade flow that we currently have.”

Most of Michigan’s corn, soybean, wheat and fruit and vegetable exports head north and south of the border. The bulk of the state’s

exports in poultry, pork and live animals also head to markets in Canada and Mexico.

Mary Kelpinski, CEO of the Michigan Pork Producers Association, said free trade agreements like NAFTA help the farming sector remain competitive.

“It is our hope that the administration will revise NAFTA and not make any changes to pork exports. It has been a very good agreement for most of agriculture,” she said in an interview with MiBiz. According to Kelpinski, the state exports more than 25 percent of the pork raised in the country.

Hog farmer Harley Sietsema of Allendalebased Sietsema Farms, told MiBiz he hopes cooler heads prevail in the NAFTA negotiation process.

“I hope everyone sees through it, and I hope

DETROITER DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

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Michigan has approximately 430,000 dairy cows most of which are Holsteins, the most popular breed of dairy cow.

Baby pigs are typically weaned from their mothers at four weeks of age.

They are moved to temperature and environmentally controlled buildings that provide comfort, protection from disease and predators, and a constant supply of nutritious food and water.

Dairy cattle are milked two or sometimes three times per day in highly mechanized systems. Michigan's dairy industry has been dealing with difficult economic times due to high production and low demand.

point in time, it would be detrimental … we believe we will end up with a fix. I think all the countries realize the importance of keeping NAFTA in place. Tearing it down would be detrimental to all of us. If it goes away, there will be a lot of scrambling and a lot of concern."

Jean-Francois Hould, Québec representative for the Midwest, said maintaining market access in the United States is essential for Québec's agri-food exports, which reached $4.4 billion in 2016, or 70 percent of the province’s international agriculture exports, including seafood. we retain NAFTA to a minimum of where it is … NAFTA is vitally important to agriculture, and it continues to improve,” he said.

Michigan’s bean farmers are also concerned about maintaining a positive trade relationship with Mexico as negotiations continue.

“The uncertainty of having an agreement in limbo is hurting our relationship (with Mexico) long-term,” said Joe Kramer, executive director of the Michigan Bean Commission, which represents dry bean growers in the state. “We’re being viewed as an unreliable supplier. We want to be viewed around the world as a reliable supplier, providing a consistent highquality product you can count on, and now we have cast a shadow over that reputation.”

Michigan exports more than 50,000 metric tons of dried beans to Mexico each year.

It is the largest producer of black beans in the country; the state’s largest customer outside of the United States is Mexico.

That uncertainty has prompted Mexico to consider looking at other bean growers around the world.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce contends that Michigan is the state that stands to lose the most if the United States withdraws from NAFTA. Michigan’s $35 billion in export sales to Canada and Mexico are exceeded only by Texas and California.

Dismantling NAFTA is not something farmers are eager to see.

“We certainly hope that doesn’t happen,” the Farm Bureau’s Birchmeier said. “At this

Hould said Québec annually imports $151,000 worth of livestock from Michigan and exports roughly $8 million in products like sugar beets, tea, cocoa beans and maple syrup to the Great Lakes State.

“The agri-food industry is a pillar of Québec’s economy and a lever for regional economic development. Each country has some sensitive products that require a higher level of protection, such as supply-managed sectors in Canada or sugar in the United States.

Supply management balances the market and allows producers to plan production to meet consumer demand." he said.

“Farm prices are based on production costs, which allows producers to sell their products at stable prices that ensure fair retribution without resorting to government subsidies,” Hould added.

Greg Tasker is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

Bridging

MICHIGAN'S BORDER Construction on the much-anticipated Gordie Howe International Bridge is slated to begin this year By Greg Tasker

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he Gordie Howe International Bridge is far from taking shape over the Detroit River, but the longawaited, multibillion-dollar project is getting off the ground on both sides of the border.

On the Ontario shore, more than 1 million tons of fill dirt have been spread on a 130acre site to raise the low-lying area, the Canadian port of entry. Prefabricated drains have been installed and a perimeter road was built to accommodate local businesses during construction.

On the Michigan shore, the demolition of parts of the Del Ray neighborhood in Detroit is in progress. The Michigan Department of Transportation owns and controls about 85 percent of the properties needed for the American port of entry.

In just a few months, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the Canadian entity leading the project, is expected to select a team of architects, engineers and contractors to build the bridge. It is anticipated that this team will begin work in the summer before a final contract with a private partner is signed.

“We hope to close the deal by the end of September and construction would start after that,” said André Juneau, interim CEO of WDBA. “We are devoting all of our energies to making sure this is going to happen.”

The construction timeframe and price tag will come with the selection of the contractor; three international teams are vying for the project. Neither Canadian nor American officials would speculate on the overall cost or when the bridge might open. Once completed, the bridge will be maintained and operated by the private partner.

“People in the engineering business working on similar projects in North America have said this type of project takes a long time, too,” Juneau said. “That’s not reassuring to businesses, but we’re doing our best to make things happen soon.”

Envisioned is a six-lane bridge, with three Canadian-bound and three United Statesbound lanes. The bridge, which will also include a multi-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists, will stretch 1.5 miles from country to country, making it one of the longest bridges in North America.

Officials on both sides of the river have long promoted a second bridge as a gateway to improve and accelerate cross-border trade. Unlike the 87-year-old Ambassador Bridge, the new span will connect both

A cable-stayed construction of one potential design for the new Gordie Howe International Bridge.

ports of entry to a network of highways, enabling uninterrupted traffic flow for the entire NAFTA supply chain, from Mexico to Canada. The Ambassador Bridge connects to the streets of Windsor.

The Canadian government has already spent $350 million on preparation work for the project — $200 million on the Windsor side and $150 million on the Detroit side. The bridge is named after Detroit Red Wings icon, Canadian-born Gordie Howe. The project is being financed by Canada and will be repaid through toll revenue.

“Now that the project is becoming more of a concrete reality, there is excitement

DETROITER March/April 2018

surrounding it,” said Andrew Doctoroff, special projects advisor to Gov. Rick Snyder.

“This has been on the drawing board so long, and with groundbreaking approaching there is increased excitement and interest. We only expect that to continue to increase as we move closer to construction.”

Neither Canadian nor American officials expect the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to have an impact on the project.

“The need for trade and smooth movement of goods in this region is going to be there for a long time,” Juneau said. “NAFTA may be a source of uncertainty right now, but that does not change the fundamental economic relationship between Canada and the United States.”

Doctoroff also did not forsee any hurdles because of NAFTA. “We need this bridge to accommodate the increased levels of commercial traffic that will be crossing the border in decades to come,” he said. “There is no question the number of commercial vehicles will continue to increase.

We have to have the added capacity.”

“There’s another reason why we need this bridge,” he added. “In light of manufacturing needs, we need a more seamless border. We will have highway-tohighway connectedness for the first time.

This will be transformational.”

Justin Robinson, vice president of business attraction for the Detroit Regional Chamber, said the bridge is a vital component for the region’s economic growth and has been a top infrastructure priority for the Chamber for over a decade. Protecting the current crossborder trade corridor is hugely important, however the new span will allow the Detroit region to accommodate the future flow of goods and people as well.

“We are at a time and place where ondemand services and companies like Amazon are growing and have a great need to move people and goods,” Robinson said.

“Coupled with the future of autonomous fleet platooning, the new bridge only adds to our value as a sizable market with 5.4 million people and a gateway to Canada.”

“We will continue to support any strategy and economic development effort that can lure more businesses to our region.” he added.

Greg Tasker is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

TOP 5 QUESTIONS on the GORDIE HOWE

International Bridge Project In March, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) awarded Ontario-based Parsons Inc. a $61 million contract as owner's engineer to oversee the construction and design of Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Construction on the bridge is slated to begin later this year. The Detroiter reached out to WDBA to answer five of the most often asked questions from the Detroit region’s business community regarding the project timeline.

Is the project still on track and when will it open?

Yes, the project is on track.

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will select its preferred proponent - a team of engineers, architects and contractors to build the bridge in June. Construction of the bridge will start in fall 2018.

Preparatory works are already in progress on both sides of the river. The timetable on when the bridge will be open to traffic is dependent on the details of the contract with the international team chosen for the construction project.

Why is the bridge needed?

For the first time, an international crossing between Detroit and Windsor will offer direct access to the network of highways on either side of the river. The Canadian port of entry will connect to Highway 401. The American port of entry will connect to Interstate 75. The bridge will provide uninterrupted access

to highways, an important attribute for businesses shipping goods and products across the border. Currently, the Windsor side of the Ambassador Bridge connects to Windsor city streets.

How many local jobs will the bridge create?

The project will create jobs on both sides of the border during construction and many permanent jobs in the operation of the crossing. As well, it is expected that thousands of jobs will be created in businesses that will supply goods and raw materials for the project.

With the leadership change in Ottawa, does Canada have the same commitment to finishing the project?

The Canadian government reaffirmed its commitment to the span earlier this year when Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi visited Windsor and Detroit for updates on preparation work.

In a statement published last fall, Sohi said, “Our government is fully committed to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project and has every intention of seeing it through.”

What will the toll rates be?

The toll rates have not yet been established. The toll rates will be set

by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as the project nears operation. Toll rates will be competitive to recoup the investment by both the private and public sectors.

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Preparing for GROWTH Cities located near the Gordie Howe International Bridge hope the new span will spark more economic development By Wensdy Von Buskirk

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ith long-awaited construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge set to start this year, communities on both sides of the border have high hopes for economic growth. According to Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the bridge will be the largest Canadian port along the U.S.-Canada border, and one of the largest in North America. It will help spur economic activity in Ontario and Michigan by accelerating the flow of goods and services that will create thousands of jobs across the region.

Adjacent communities like St. Clair and River Rouge are expecting a boon in housing and service businesses, and are positioning themselves to benefit from increased efficiencies in industries that rely on the flow of parts to Canada and back.

“We’re going to try to make the best of it for our community,” said Karl Laub, community development director for the city of River Rouge. “It’s pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Looking to the Future Future economic development related to the bridge is hard to quantify, but agencies like WDBA are in the process of putting together

The Blue Water Bridge is Michigan’s second-largest trade crossing with Canada. The city of Port Huron is one of several communities in Southeast Michigan that forecasts an economic boom with the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Photo courtesy of the Michigan Economic Development Corp./ Mark Madion.

The city of Port Huron is known as the "Plastics Capital of the World.”

economic impact reports, including a $1 million study launched last year between the University of Windsor and Michigan State University. Both schools are examining the benefits of construction, which is expected to last two years, as well as economic development stemming from the new crossing once it is in service.

Anderson said. “In this case, a sizeable proportion of goods are components going from one factory to another, in the automotive industry especially.”

According to William Anderson, director of the Cross-Border Institute at the University of Windsor, the bridge will play a key role in integrating supply chains between the United States and Canada.

“In Canada and the Great Lakes states, we get concerned about NAFTA being repealed because tariffs charged on goods contribute to production costs and make the whole system less competitive,” Anderson said. “It’s the same situation with delays. They also contribute to the costs related to getting across the border.”

“We have a long history of tying together production facilities, with finished goods going back and forth (across the border),”

For this system to work effectively, “frictions” must be reduced, he said, and the new span promises to do just that.

The new bridge will smooth the trade route

DETROITER DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

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in several ways, Anderson explained. With three lanes in both directions, and fast lanes for pre-approved trucks, breakdowns and accidents will not have as big an impact as they do now. In addition, the bridge will offer freeway-to-freeway connections — I-75 and I-96 in Detroit and an expanded Highway 401 in Windsor — meaning trucks will not be slowed by residential streets and traffic lights on their way to the crossing.

The customs inspection plaza also will be larger and more accessible.

Anderson expects an uptick in businesses that cater to truckers on both sides of the bridge, such as truck stops and repair facilities. Land along the freeways may also be developed for factories and warehouses. And producers in both the United States and Canada will have a larger region to source parts and materials, leading to competitive cost savings, as well as a broader market for their goods.

As Anderson and others crunch numbers, analyze supply chains and traffic patterns, and consult with regional business leaders, they will craft more concrete projections of the economic impact of the bridge. For now, he suggests both sides continue to plan.

“I think governments on both sides of the border need a strategy to prepare land and sites appropriate for new economic activities,” he said. “We are a united economic region with a border running through it. Anything you can do to make that border run more smoothly is going to be beneficial.”

A Rising Tide James Freed, city manager for Port Huron, home to the second-largest trade crossing with Canada, is among many leaders working to position their communities to benefit from the new bridge. The area has abundant tier 1 suppliers and is known as the “Plastics Capital of the World,” he said, adding that Port Huron sees a lot of cross-border shipping for valueadded processes, which he expects to increase with the new bridge.

Freed is confident the economic impact will trickle down from industrial parks to Main Streets.

“St. Clair County does $300 million a year in trade with Canada. Port Huron and Fort Gratiot commercial corridors and retail are significantly more robust than you would anticipate for our size, and that’s because of the influx of the Canadian dollar,” Freed said.

Karl Laub, community development director for the city of River Rouge, also anticipates growth.

“We put a package together for the three companies still in the bidding process, to make sure they know we have building and housing stock in close proximity to the bridge,” he said. “It’s probably still going to take a while, but it’s going to have a significant impact in this area and we want to make sure we’re noticed.”

Officials hope to attract investments in larger property to be used for shipping, logistics, storage facilities and office spaces, as well as smaller businesses like restaurants and services.

“We know that there are investors and developers actively looking at ideal land and buildings for future warehousing and logistics needs that would benefit from close proximity to the bridge,” said Justin Robinson, vice president of business attraction for the Detroit Regional Chamber.

“In the near-term, there will be clear benefit to communities and businesses that can support the staging of materials related to the bridge construction.”

River Rouge was among the first 10 cities to participate in Gov. Rick Snyder’s “Rising Tide” program, which helped the city update its master plan and branding to attract development. Laub also said the city is in talks with the state and local schools so its residents can benefit from jobs related to the bridge.

According to Jeff Donofrio, executive director of workforce development for the city of Detroit, the bridge will employ an estimated

Downtown Port Huron is a welcoming place for tourists. City leaders hope an influx of construction from the Gordie Howe International Bridge project will infuse more capital in local businesses.

2,000 to 5,000 people in a wide variety of fields, from skilled construction trades and intermodal logistics, to bridge operations, customs and law enforcement. The bridge will generate hundreds of millions of dollars in road and infrastructure improvements, adding more demand to an already taxed workforce.

“Construction in Detroit is booming, and we have a huge amount of demand for talented workers for projects downtown, in the neighborhoods, city infrastructure, and other investments being made around the community. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is another example of that,” he said. “There definitely is a shortage (of skilled talent).”

Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Duggan and his team, $10 million in workforce development funds has been raised to revitalize and expand training facilities like the Randolph Career Technical Center and the Detroit Training Center, as well as fund three career centers in the city to boost the number of people prepared for careers in the skilled trades. It’s all part of the push to make the Gordie Howe International Bridge a reality.

“We want to make sure we’re building pathways for these opportunities for as many Detroiters as possible, in every growing industry,” Donofrio said. Wensdy Von Buskirk is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

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DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

It’s Time to Get Serious About

MICHIGAN'S INFRASTRUCTURE Competing for talent and global companies requires thoughtful investment in roads, bridges and waterways By Eric Lupher

F

ew things are as core to government as infrastructure.

State and local governments provide the roads we drive on, the water and sewer pipes that move water to our properties and wastewater from them, dams that affect water flow and harness the water for electricity, and the water ports and airports that are necessary for moving goods and people long distances.

They provide libraries, sidewalks, recreation centers, and many other forms of infrastructure that we often take for granted.

Historically, Michigan has been at the forefront for many infrastructure developments. This includes the first mile of concrete-paved roadway in the country on Woodward Avenue. Infrastructure investment was necessary to move bombers made at Willow Run to the front lines during World War II. And the Great Lakes Water Authority is one of the largest special authorities in the nation for treating and moving water.

But, for as good as Michigan has been at building roadways, airports, dams, and other infrastructure, we receive a failing grade for maintaining the infrastructure and giving the state and local government officials the resources to replace the infrastructure as its usefulness expires.

Roadways of various ages are crumbling because they have not been properly maintained. Dams are nearing the end of their useful lives and are in danger of collapsing. Engineers warn that the infrastructure we can’t see (water and sewer lines) is worse than what we can see Construction workers prepare to insert a 20foot section of HOBAS pipe 70 feet below ground level at the site of the Fraser sinkhole in Macomb County. Photo courtesy of Anderson Eckstein and Westrick Inc.

DETROITER DETROITER March/April September 2015 2018

“Historically, Michigan has been at the forefront for many infrastructure developments. " - Eric Lupher, President, Citizens Research Council of Michigan (our cratered roadways). Will the Fraser sinkhole be the first of many, or the last problem of the type?

Things came to a head three years ago to address our road funding deficiencies. Gas and registration tax increases came online last year to constitute half of the new funding. The other half of the funding was to come by institutionalizing a dedication of funding from the state’s General Fund.

Now that funding is set to begin, we’re asking whether there will be sufficient resources to allow the state to fund roads and also sustain the other services funded with General Fund dollars.

Pursuant to findings from Gov. Snyder’s 21st Century Infrastructure Commission, plans are being developed to provide

statewide access to high-quality broadband, clean and redevelop environmentally contaminated sites, stop invasive carp, fix our aging water infrastructure, and increase the recycling rate to leave a cleaner state for the next generation.

Let’s be clear as these discussions begin, those things cost money. The rate of growth of state tax revenues is not sufficient to think that excess revenues can easily be diverted for those purposes.

New taxes and fees will be necessary to build, or rebuild, this infrastructure. And we need to do it with the mindset that the funding should be there to maintain the infrastructure once it is in place.

Experts and the general public point to a number of reasons Detroit did not make it to the short list for Amazon’s second headquarters. Clearly workforce talent and lack of mass transit played a role. These are issues for all employers considering Southeast Michigan. But it should be equally concerning that we have to show visitors around on our deteriorating streets while we worry that the water and sewer systems will be able to service increased demands.

Eric Lupher is president of Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

Creating a Culture

OF CIVILITY

The 2018 Detroit Policy Conference highlights the people and projects that have put differences aside to move Detroit forward

T

he Detroit Regional Chamber’s seventh annual Detroit Policy Conference brought together nearly 700 business, community and political leaders from across the city and region to the MotorCity Casino Hotel on March 1. The Conference featured Detroit Police Chief James Craig, U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell and Fred Upton, Henry Ford Health System’s Wright Lassiter III, former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, PwC’s Amity Millhiser, Robin Hood Foundation’s Wes Moore, and Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Nikolai Vitti, along with various panels and speakers focused on creating a culture of civility in Detroit and the region. The Conference highlighted how progress can only continue through civil conversations, a willingness to listen to others’ opinions, and learning how to disagree without being disagreeable.

1

New this year, Detroit’s Last Word, hosted by The Detroit News’ Nolan Finley and Detroit Public Television’s Stephen Henderson, featured three 10-minute segments featuring differing perspectives on civility, what is driving incivility, and how Detroiters can make a difference.

1.) Robin Hood Foundation CEO Wes Moore delivers a powerful keynote address on civility in communities and the importance of supporting the dreams and aspirations of everyone, even the most vulnerable. 2.) (From left) Detroit Public Television’s Christy McDonald, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton share stories of bipartisanship in Washington. 3.) The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy’s Mark Wallace talks about the power of placemaking.

4.) Devin Scillian of WDIV-TV 4 talks with 2018 Conference Chair and former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin about his time in Washington and how politics has moved away from compromise.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

5.) (From left) LinkedIn Detroit’s LaRon Johnson, After 5 Detroit’s Kerry Doman, Detroit Public Television's Stephen Henderson, The Detroit News’ Nolan Finley, Right Management’s Debra Williams, and Goldwater Institute’s Mike Brownfield share insight on social media’s role in sparking incivility. 6.) (From left) Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti talks with Huel Perkins of WJBK-TV Fox 2 and Detroit Police Chief James Craig about arming teachers in schools.

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#DPC18 Tweets from the 2018 Detroit Policy Conference @kresgedetroit: Mark Wallace of Detroit Riverfront Conservancy @ #DPC18 lifts up place for people from all walks to be themselves, feel respected... which builds culture of civility. Asks for support for world-class public spaces. @TheDailyDetroit: Don't get mad, don't get even... get what you want. Also, don't gloat. Treat conflict as a problem to be solved, not as a battle to be won.

- Ackerman #DPC18

5

@iamwesmoore: I was grateful to join the Detroit Policy Conference.

My message: Make sure it mattered that you were here. We don't know what tomorrow will bring. Don't pace yourself. While we're here, let's do something about it. This is a time for leadership. #DPC18 @CassieHare: Nice demonstration of civility today at the Detroit Policy Conference as Detroit Superintendent @Dr_Vitti and Chief of Police James Craig debate arming teachers. #gundebate #DPC18 @ChadLivengood: “Schools don't make neighborhoods safe. Neighborhoods make schools safe." -- @Dr_Vitti, superintendent of @Detroitk12 #DPC18

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DETROITER March/April 2018

On the Roster

Join us in welcoming these new members to the Chamber.

We encourage you to contact them for future business opportunities.

Premier

DES – CLAW LLC Kevin Laube 42315 R Mancini Drive Sterling Heights, MI 48314 586.649.6740 www.clawlogistics.com CLAW offers customized, full supply chain services in the areas of logistics, transportation, warehousing, distribution, and light manufacturing/assembly.

Henry Ford College Patricia Chatman 5101 Evergreen Road Dearborn, MI 48128 313.845.9600 www.hfcc.edu Henry Ford College (HFC) is a public college with two campuses in Dearborn. The college, established in 1938, is accredited

by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Michigan Commission on College Accreditation, and the Higher Learning Commission. HFC offers classes on two campuses in Dearborn. HFC's main campus is located on the southwest corner of Ford Road and Evergreen, north of the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus.

The East Campus is home to HFC’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) and the state-of-the-art nursing building.

allied personnel, clerical and service employees, our clients are able to continue their vital operations in the provision of high-quality patient care.

Grupo Antolin

General

International Bancard Corporation

313.444.2831

Lakeridge Village

Atlas Industries BITCO LLC

www.businessitco.com

Building Community Value www.bcvdetroit.org

Burns & McDonnell www.burnsmcd.com

C & B Scene Inc.

http://candbscene.com/

Capitol National Bank 517.484.5080

Cass Community Social Services https://casscommunity.org/

Chariot

www.chariot.com

Charity Motors

www.charitymotors.org

City of Westland

www.cityofwestland.com

Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/

Huffmaster Companies Rob Huffmaster 1055 West Maple Road Clawson, MI 48017 248.588.1600 www.huffmaster.com

Detroit Voice for School Choice

As a leading provider of staffing solutions, Fortune 500 and health care businesses rely upon Huffmaster for contingency planning, replacement employees and strike security.

www.forgottenharvest.org

Huffmaster is dedicated to keeping companies operational through any health care strike, labor dispute or natural disaster.

Gayle Joseph Group

Huffmaster's BlueForce Health Care Staffing assists a wide variety of health care clients, including hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. By providing skilled nurses,

www.globaldetroit.com

www.detroitvoiceforschoolchoice.org

First Independence Bank www.firstindependence.com

Forgotten Harvest

GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management www.gaasolutions.com

www.gaylejosephgroup.com

Global Detroit

GLR Advanced Recycling www.go-glr.com

www.grupoantolin.com

Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC www.h2law.com

www.intlbancard.com

www.lakeridgedetroit.org

LeClairRyan

www.leclairryan.com/detroit

Michigan Realtors www.mirealtors.com

Milo Detroit

http://milodetroit.com/

Motor City Paint

http://motorcitypaint.com/

Parisienne Development LLC Premier Business Products www.premier-business.com

Professional Solutions Group

www.executiveprotectionprofessionals.com

Rightsize Facility

www.rightsizefacility.com

Roncelli Inc.

www.roncelli-inc.com

Southwest Detroit Business Association www.southwestdetroit.com

Sunningdale Tech Inc.

http://sdaletech.com/en/global_presence.php

The Albert M. Higley Co. www.amhigley.com

Vehicles for Change

www.vehiclesforchange.org

Venture School

www.venture.school

VSA Michigan - The State Organization on Arts and Disability www.vsami.org

WeWork

www.wework.com

Your People LLC www.yourppl.com

Zolman Restoration

www.zolmanrestoration.com

DETROITER March/April 2018

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Forward Detroit The Albert M. Higley Co. Chain Management Chemical Bank Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation Emagine Entertainment GAA Manufacturing and Supply GLR Advanced Recycling Grupo Antolin Huntington Bank Marketing Associates OpTech LLC Professional Solutions Group Sunningdale Tech Inc. University of Michigan

Up and Coming Mark your calendar with these regional business events

April 17

Leadership Detroit XL Informational Breakfast Detroit PAL 111 W. Willis St. Detroit, MI 48201 8:30 to 10 a.m.

This event is free to attend.

Don’t miss your chance to learn about Leadership Detroit, its application process, and the benefits of the program. Hear from program alumni on how Leadership Detroit has helped sharpen their leadership skills and expand their knowledge of regional issues.

Hear from Consumers Energy President and CEO Patti Poppe as she shares her journey in the energy and automotive industries that led her to her current position and how customer-fi rst management has allowed her to be a successful leader. Following her presentation, audience members are invited to participate in a questionand-answer session.

April 24

Networking Reception: Meet the Candidates Detroit Zoo 8450 W. 10 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48067 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

April 19

Inside the CEO Mind Townsend Hotel 100 Townsend St. Birmingham, MI 48009 8 to 10 a.m. $30 Chamber members; $50 Future members

$15 Chamber members; $850 Future members Join Detroit Regional Chamber member companies and other business leaders at the glass-domed Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, the oldest building at the Detroit Zoo. Attendees will meet the candidates who are running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan's 9th, 11th and 13th districts.Prices will increase on April 17.

May 3

Digital Marketing Secrets Revealed Greektown Casino-Hotel 1200 Saint Antoine St. Detroit, MI 48226 $55 Chamber members; $99 Future members Digital marketing leaders from the Detroit region will look at the current digital marketing landscape as it pertains to cutting-edge topics such as the new Facebook algorithm, online reputation management, and influencer marketing.

May 29 – June 1

2018 Mackinac Policy Conference Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, MI 49757 $2,300 Chamber members; $3,200 Future members The 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference will kick off on Tuesday, May 29 and will conclude on Friday, June 1. The Conference will drive a statewide dialogue on the pillars of: Is Michigan prepared?; the mobility disruption; and restoring trust in critical institutions to move Michigan forward.

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DETROITER March/April 2018

In the News Good things are happening to businesses throughout metro Detroit Automation Alley, Michigan’s leading technology and manufacturing business association, has assembled a collaborative team of academic and corporate partners to create an in-depth research report on Industry 4.0, to be released April 30 in Detroit. This is the first collaborative Industry 4.0 report of its kind in Michigan. Automation Alley’s “2018 Technology in Industry” report will be a data-rich guide to Industry 4.0 adoption comprised of observations, emerging trends, challenges, opportunities and implications for industry, created to help manufacturers keep pace with rapid technological changes.

Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that the Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enable African-Americans and other persons of color in the metro Detroit and Southeastern Michigan region to achieve their fullest potential, has named Bodman the recipient of its 2017 Corporate Community Service Award. Attorney Carl Stafford accepted the award at the Urban League’s 52nd Annual Guild Gala.

Clayton & McKervey, an international certified public accounting and business advisory firm located in metro Detroit, recently announced that Carlos Calderon has rejoined the firm as a manager in the Small- to Mid-Sized Entities department to manage the firm’s Mexico consulting practice. Additionally, Calderon will help expand the newest chapter of the United States Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC), the Detroit-based Great Lakes Chapter.

Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that attorneys Elizabeth Luckenbach, Sara Rubino, and Juliet Boyd have joined the firm’s Troy office.

Foster Swift shareholder Julie Fershtman, was recently named to Crain’s Detroit Business's inaugural list of the “2017 Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan.” Women selected for the list were nominated by their peers for setting legal precedent, managing high-profile cases, serving on boards, and mentoring others.

Michael Thomas of Rochester Hills has accepted the position of business development manager-Michigan with GEM Energy of the Rudolph Libbe Group.

The Hunter Group LLC is pleased to announce a strategic alliance with Emerge Consulting, led by President Joe Bamberger. Emerge Consulting is a Michigan-based recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) firm with a focus on small- to mid-sized businesses. Emerge Consulting brings experience in recruiting emerging talent from universities, trade schools, and the military to The Hunter Group’s network of prestigious clients.

The Detroit Historical Museum was recently named one of 29 finalists for the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, for its “Detroit ’67: Looking Back to Move Forward” community engagement project. The medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries and celebrates institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service.

Merrill Lynch recently announced that seven metro Detroit financial advisors have been recognized on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors" inaugural list. Financial advisors Marie Vanerian, Melissa Spickler, Abraham Post, Phillip Serra, Leo Stevenson, and private wealth advisors Dana Locniskar and Frank Migliazzo all made the Forbes list. Their recognition is an industry honor and acknowledgment of their accomplishments.

Nationwide, 639 Merrill Lynch advisors are included on this year’s list, the most of any firm.

SABRE further innovate its product lines, expand its relevance beyond its traditional consumer market and broaden brand presence overseas.

Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service Inc. (MPAS) is pleased to announce Kyle Williams as the agency’s director of Intake, Information and Referral. MPAS, a nonprofit advocacy organization, protects the legal rights of people with disabilities in Michigan through free and confidential services that include information and referral, shortterm assistance, selected individual and legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring and training.

Walsh College recently named three of its faculty members to serve as department chairs. Richard Davidson and Ann Saurbier will represent taxation and business law and management, respectively, and John Moore will serve as interim chair of finance and economics.

Oakland Community College recently announced the appointment of Peter Provenzano to the position of chancellor. Provenzano joined Oakland Community College in 2014 as vice chancellor of Administrative Services and a key member of the college’s executive leadership team. Since May 2017, Provenzano has served as the interim chancellor.

SABRE Security Equipment Corp. recently announced the hiring of Adam Friedman as its new chief marketing officer. With more than 20 years of marketing experience, Friedman plans to help

UHY Advisors Inc., one of the nation’s leading professional services firms, recently announced the appointment of eight new managing directors: Thomas Bowen, Daniel Felstow, Amy Gallagher, Jeffrey Hare, Michael Kirby, Corey Massella, Bill Rausch and Warren Zafrin. Bowen and Felstow are both based in Michigan.

The Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan recently launched MIApprenticeship.org, as part of the Advance Michigan Center for Apprenticeship Innovation initiative – a $4 million U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) grant aimed at fostering and strengthening the registered apprenticeship ecosystem in Southeast Michigan. As part of the DOL’s mandate to create “5 million apprenticeships in five years,” the new website will support this initiative by acting as a central hub for employers, individuals interested in becoming apprentices, and partners that want to support apprenticeship efforts in Michigan to gain access to the resources they need to be successful when creating, maintaining, or joining registered apprenticeship programs.