Exploring C.A.S.E: Mobility in a Modern World
Michiganʼs Mobility Advantage: Startup Competition
2020 NAIAS Preview
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E DETROIT REGIONAL C HAMBER APRIL 2020
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TESTING THE FUTURE, NOW
Bryan Salesky
CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, ARGO AI
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MYTH-BUSTING
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CODIV-19 UPDATE FEATURE STORY
16
IMPACT
4
MEMBERSHIP
CONTENTS
APRIL 2020
• V O L U M E 11 2 , I S S U E 1
BUSINESS RESOURCES IN UNCERTAIN TIMES As COVID-19 continues to spread, the Detroit Regional Chamber is providing the latest updates and resources for your business to take the appropriate measures to protect employee and customer health.
Publisher Tammy Carnrike, CCE Managing Editor and Art Director Melissa Read Editor Melanie Barnett
ARGO AI: AN AUTONOMOUS FUTURE Argo AI CEO and Co-founder Bryan Salesky returns to Detroit to deploy autonomous vehicles in partnership with Ford Motor Company.
Photographers Andrew Potter Courtesy photos Advertising Director Jim Connarn
12
CONNECTIVITY: RISKS AND REWARDS Experts address the cybersecurity risks of connected vehicles, and how infrastructure will adapt to new technologies.
14
AUTOMATED: THE NEW FRONTIER Myths surround automated vehicle safety, cost, and timing – but the facts are optimistic.
18
SHARED USE: EMBRACING NEW MODES OF TRANSIT Skeptics say Detroiters love their cars too much for shared use transit to take off, but Ford Motor Company, Bedrock Detroit, and Parkafon are helping to change that.
20
ELECTRIFIED: THE POWER OF MOBILITY General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Company are combatting barriers to EV adoption.
24
MICHIGAN'S MOBILITY ADVANTAGE WITH MICHAUTO Detroit’s mobility leaders talk competition between Michigan and peer competitors for talent and business attraction.
28
SECURING TALENT: MOBILITY'S WORKFORCE SHORTAGE Business and education team up to refute misconceptions on Michigan’s ability to attract and retain talent in mobility.
30
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: AN INDUSTRY SUPERPOWER Automotive companies are becoming more diverse and inclusive in order to remain competitive and include their bottom lines.
36
2020 NAIAS North American International Auto Show Executive Director Rod Alberts gives a sneak preview into the 2020 auto show in June.
38
POINT OF VIEW Rep. Jim Lilly and Rep. Joe Tate discuss improving transportation and the safety of roads.
Advertising Representatives Laurie Scotese Glennon Martin Research and Analysis Christyn Lucas Austeja Uptaite Back Issues 313.596.0391 Published by Detroit Regional Chamber Services Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission. Detroiter (ISSN 0011-9709) is published four times a year (April, June, Oct. and Dec.) by the Detroit Regional Chamber, One Woodward Avenue, Suite 1900, Detroit MI 48226, Phone: (313)964-4000. Periodical postage paid at Detroit MI Subscription price: members, $14: nonmembers, $18. Individual copies: $4; plus postage. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Detroiter, One Woodward Avenue, Suite 1900, Detroit MI 48226. Copyright 2007, Detroit Regional Chamber Services Inc.
WE GROW MICHIGAN BUSINESS LIKE NOBODY’S BUSINESS. PURE PARTNERSHIP You know your business better than anyone. But MEDC knows more about Michigan businesses than everyone. We’re here to help you build relationships through our Pure Michigan Business Connect program, assist with finding access to capital at every stage, expand into global markets through our International Trade Program and get you going in the mobility sector through PlanetM. Unsure how your business can benefit? Give us a call, we have the answers. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership
4
Executive Summary FROM THE PRESIDENT
THE CRISIS OF 2020 These are unprecedented times. In many of our lifetimes, we have not only heard these words before, but we have also lived through them. The civil unrest of the late 1960s. The stagflation of the late 1970s. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Great Recession of 2008-2009. All life-altering experiences. The COVID-19 crisis of 2020 is yet another. All these crises share similar traits. First, they are called a crisis for a reason. The threat posed, the disruption that ensues, the cost that is paid, and the trauma that is inflected are very real. Second, the impact on our society – how we think and act moving forward – is forever altered in some meaningful way. Third, and this is important, not only do we recover from them, we emerge smarter and stronger. Important lessons are learned. True colors are shown. This is, of course, of little comfort to a small business struggling to meet payroll as customers shelter in place. Not helpful to the business that has been mandated to close. Nor is it any solace for the independent professional worker who is idle as companies and families freeze expenditures. There is no escaping that many businesses and individuals will be severely impacted by this current crisis. The Detroit Regional Chamber is prepared to play its historic and critical role during this crisis; providing timely, useful and factual information to the business community. Already, in the early days as the crisis unfolded, the Chamber was communicating with members: •
Facts vs. myths regarding COVID-19
•
Recommended methods for keeping your employees and workplace safe
•
Resources available from local, state, and national governments and other entities
•
The latest actions and guidelines from governments and public health professionals
•
Specific resources for small businesses
•
Actions the Chamber has and will take to adapt operations and programs in light of the crisis
These communications and links can be found on the Chamber’s website, detroitchamber.com/coronavirus.
Moving forward, the Chamber will further accelerate providing news you can use to better navigate the crisis. By the time this issue arrives in your inbox, the Chamber’s COVID-19 Business Resource Center will be online and continually updated with important information. This will include resources to help your business weather the storm, best practices to consider for your operations and employees, the latest developments in the progression of the virus in Michigan, and specific information for our small businesses and automotive-related entities. Of course, you will continue to see information via our email and social media platforms as well. Some things to keep in mind as we navigate this crisis together: •
Don’t get tunnel focused on your news feed. The news is going to continue to get worse before it gets better. Your mental health is better served with liberal doses of the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.
•
Take this opportunity to enjoy time at home – reflect and plan for the other side of this crisis. And make up for all that time away from your pets.
•
As you are able, remember and try to assist the persons who provide you services who might be really struggling during this time; parking attendants, dog walkers, housekeepers, and the like. You’re going to need them when this is all over.
•
Reach out to your favorite small businesses and nonprofit organizations and see what you might be able to do to support them.
•
Thank those who are working in front-line positions who are putting themselves at risk; your pharmacists, grocery clerks, first responders, health care providers, and others. •
SANDY K. BARUAH
Recognize that the best way for life (and our economy) to return to normal is to do what is necessary to flatten the curve – lower the peak number of cases and shorten the duration of this crisis. This is truly short-term pain for a longer-term gain.
Remember, we will get through this. We always do.
PRESIDENT AND CEO, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER
Please note, the remainder of this issue of Detroiter was developed before the COVID-19 crisis.
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COVID-19: STAYING The outbreak of Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, originating from Wuhan, China has spread worldwide. Governments have closed borders and implemented quarantines, while companies have imposed travel restrictions. The impacts of Coronavirus on businesses are being observed globally. The World Health Organization has designated coronavirus a pandemic, a disease with widespread global distribution.
MEASURES TO KEEP EMPLOYEES SAFE
The American Chamber of Commerce, based in China, has released the findings of a flash survey measuring the impact of Coronavirus on its members. Over 150 companies responded to the survey, reporting travel disruptions, reduced staff productivity, in addition to increased costs and reduced revenues.
KEEP HANDS CLEAN Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose, going to the restroom, and before consuming food. Alcohol based hand sanitizer can substitute when water and soap unavailable - it should be 60%+ alcohol, and used for 20+ seconds for best impact.
The Detroit Regional Chamber recommends approaching this emerging threat to public health with an abundance of caution.
EMPLOYERS SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING •
Utilize best practices in working from home including use of video conferencing to enhance collaboration.
•
Create employee communication plans for the latest information.
•
Decide how to handle spikes in absenteeism – in some communities, schools may be dismissed, or families may need to take care of sick family members.
•
Coordinate with state and local health officials so timely and accurate information can be provided.
•
Make a business continuity plan and be prepared to change your practices if need to maintain critical operations.
•
Encourage workplace hygiene.
WIPE DOWN PERSONAL AREAS REGULARLY Clean high traffic areas at work, at home, in personal vehicles, etc. regularly using disinfectant wipes.
DISINFECT MEETING AREAS Disinfect the table, chairs, and armrests in conference rooms following each meeting, using disinfectant wips, as well as use hand sanitizer.
COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then promptly throw away the tissue. When tissue is not available, use elbows to cover coughs and sneezes.
SAFE AND PRODUCTIVE STAY INFORMED
BE MINDFUL OF COMMONLY TOUCHED ITEMS Cover your index finger with a tissue or napkin before pressing the elevator buttons, door handles, coffee service items, etc.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY Before traveling or attending large functions and gatherings consider whether your attendance is essential. Always review travel advisories from the federal government when planning personal and business travel. Review CDC.gov/Travel for destinations with a risk of community spread of COVID-19.
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the U.S. and cases in Michigan increase, it is important to remain calm and informed on the status and threats. The Chamber is providing the latest updates and resources for your business to take the appropriate measures to protect employee and customer health.
Tele-Town Hall Schedule
Government Updates REMAIN HOME WHEN SICK Please stay home when sick with respiratory disease symptoms and communicate with your supervisor to determine whether working from home is an option.
Business and Employee Resources
Latest News SOCIAL DISTANCING Stay away from public spaces, and self-isolate to stop or slow down the spread of CODIV-19. When necessary to be around people, keep at a distance of 6 to 10 feet at all times.
detroitchamber.com/ coronavirus
8
Executive Summary
THE FUTURE OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IS NEAR.
Myth
OR
REALITY?
MICHIGAN TO CHAMPION MOBILITY TECHNOLOGY
MOBILITY: Connected A vehicle that can communicate with outside systems via the internet.
Automated A vehicle that can drive with little to no human interaction.
Shared-Use Economy Includes multi-person shared transit options.
Electrified A vehicle that runs on electricity instead of gas.
A metamorphosis is taking place in the automotive capital of the world as mobility technology is now positioned to lead the industry into the future. In the early 1900s when Michigan was a hub for automotive innovation, a collective sense of enthusiasm brought people together, working to build the strength of both the industry and Detroit. Today, the mobility revolution is attracting people from all over the world to Michigan to reimagine the way we get around. Mobility today is commonly defined by four areas – connected, autonomous, shared use, and electric – each with hyped capabilities. Connected vehicles can communicate through the internet with outside systems to assist drivers. Autonomous vehicles are cars that drive with minimal human interaction, and shared use is the shift away from personal modes of transit. And electric vehicles produce zero emissions.
HOW DOES THE BUZZ AROUND MOBILITY INNOVATIONS COMPARE TO THE REALITY? With the hype surrounding these breakthrough technologies comes skeptics who propagate myths: Autonomous vehicles are dangerous. Americans won’t trade in their gas-powered cars for electric. Connected vehicles will be hacked into. Michiganders will always prefer their cars to shared mobility options. But the incessant circulation of myths proves a point. The mobility revolution cannot prevail without proving itself to its consumer base. This issue of the Detroiter will fact-check mobility myths and uncover how Michigan’s assets position the state as a global leader. As home to 96 of the top 100 automotive suppliers to North America, Michigan has the advantage – and the rest of the world knows it.
Consumer adoption
OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IS OUT OF SIGHT. Page 20.
Executive Summary
9
MICHIGANDERS WON’T ADOPT
transi t as a service
AND DON’T WANT TO PAY FOR IT. Page 19.
CONNECETED VEHICLES
Q: Why was Detroit chosen as a location for Argo AI to test its autonomous vehicles and open an office?
AUTONOMOUS
ARE A HUGE
cyber security dangerous VEHICLES ARE
RISK TO THE GENERAL
.
CONSUMER.
Page 13.
Page 14.
A: It's just a natural place for us to have an office. We're near all the businesses and supply chains that feed
THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH
MICHIGAN DOES
talent
NOT HAVE ENOUGH
charging stations
into what we do.
IN MICHIGAN TO
TO LEAD IN MOBILITY. Page 29.
SUPPORT HIGH RATES OF CONSUMER ADOPTION. Page 21.
THE REQUIRED
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES WILL BE
expensive
OUTRAGEOUSLY .
Page 15.
infrastructure
FOR FULLY CONNECTED VEHICLES TO OPERATE EFFECTIVELY IS NOT ATTAINABLE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Page 12.
BRYAN SALESKY,
CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, ARGO AI
READ MORE OF THE COVER STORY ON PAGE 16.
10 Executive Summary JUST BUILDING IT IS NO GUARANTEE
TIM STEVENS E D I T O R - A T - L A R G E , C N E T ; E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F, R O A D S H O W
Once consumers start to see the considerable advantages of EV ownership and not just the limitations, there'll be no turning back.�
It should come as no surprise that the global auto industry is not a "field of dreams" — building a great product and bringing it to market simply isn't enough. This is the reality being faced by every original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the process of either selling or preparing to sell massmarket electric vehicles (EVs). Established players are rushing in to follow the success of Tesla but finding that without the brand's hyper-loyal fanbase and global good-will, the going is difficult. Component availability has been a key issue for many. Brands like Jaguar, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz have all made big EV pushes over the past year, but each has suffered from supply headaches and production stoppages. The biggest challenge? Finding batteries. While demand for electrified cars is indeed increasing, the sourcing of raw materials for batteries is not keeping pace. LG Chem, a supplier to many manufacturers, has struggled to meet the need. Others like General Motors Co. have made massive investments to stay immune from similar shortages, instead of beginning to
see serious issues on the demand side. Chevrolet sold more than 23,000 Bolt EVs in 2017, its first full year of availability. Last year, despite many upgrades cementing its status as one of the best all-round, all-electric cars on the market, Bolt EV sales fell to 16,418. That led to financial incentives, rebates that make the car an even better value but, conversely, an even less profitable endeavor. The reasons for this increasingly tepid response are myriad, but charger availability is a continued concern, especially among renters and others without access to private parking. This is perhaps where the adage starts to be true: build those charging networks and the EV buyers will come. Eventually. I'm a firm believer in the future of electric cars on American roads, but it may take a bit longer yet than many had hoped. But there is still hope. Electrify America's high-speed charging network is spreading quickly, already covering routes from coast to coast. And, with compelling mass-market cars like the Ford Mustang Mach-E developing huge amounts of buzz, awareness is increasing. Once consumers start to see the considerable advantages of EV ownership and not just the limitations, there'll be no turning back.
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12 Impact
Connectivity: RISKS AND REWARDS
Myth
By James M. Amend
OR
REALITY?
The required infrastructure for fully connected vehicles to operate effectively is not attainable in the near future. Michigan has the
FIRST
construction zone with connected vehicle technology1
500 +
miles of roadway equipped for connected vehicle testing by 2020 2
14
operational or planned connected vehicle deployments3
SOURCES: 1. Planet M 2. MDOT 3. U.S. Department of Transportaion 4. Accenture 5. Business Facilities Magazine 6. Upstream Security
The first phase of the global mobility revolution is connected vehicles, and chances are, you already drive one. Most vehicles today can connect to the internet with GPS systems or safety and navigation systems like FCA US LLC’s Uconnect, Ford Motor Company’s Sync, and General Motors Co.’s Onstar. As the software in cars and trucks becomes increasingly connected, concern about its heightened vulnerability to hackers increases among consumers and federal safety watchdogs. But as automakers advance this technology, they are applying three additional levels of security to protect against cyberattacks. One to the gateway between the car and the outside world, another to the car’s software, and a third to the in-vehicle network. While measures now exist to safeguard vehicle connectivity, this was not the case as recently as two years ago, says Ami Dotan, co-founder and CEO of Karamba Security, an automotive cybersecurity supplier in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “It was an afterthought, something that was bolted on rather than built-in,” he says. “You could find holes in it like Swiss cheese, but we have seen a great deal of change.”
On average test AVs generate
4-6TBs
of data per day 4 (roughly equivalent to 6,200 internet users)
ARMY COLLABORATES ON CYBERSECURITY RISKS In Southeast Michigan, automakers have found a cybersecurity partner in the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) at the Detroit Arsenal in Warren. The army is developing the latest cybersecurity measures to ensure its ground vehicles, such as tanks and troop carriers, are secure against nefarious activity. TARDEC shares its cybersecurity work with automakers through Auto-ISAC, a consortium of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), their suppliers, and commercial-vehicle companies collaborating on security features for connected cars and trucks. “An attack on one is an attack on all,” says Jeffrey Jaczkowski, associate director of ground systems cyber engineering at TARDEC. “We have to address this as a community. The more [information] shared is better for the national defense and our well-being.” INFRASTRUCTURE STREAMLINES MOBILITY ADAPTATIONS Along with addressing cybersecurity risks, automakers are teaming up with cities to brainstorm ways to link the nation’s transportation infrastructure with new connected vehicle technology. Several Michigan intersections are outfitted with cameras, radars, and highspeed communication technologies in joint research projects facilitated by the automotive and mobility industry with state, municipal, academic, and business partners. These smart intersections gather and
#
9
for cybersecurity growth potential 5
22 %
of automotive cybersecurity incidents in 2019 involved data breaches 6
Connected vehicles are a huge cyber security risk to the general consumer.
Myth
OR
REALITY?
DENSO's vision of the future of connected vehicle infrastructure.
implement data into connected infrastructures to increase road and pedestrian safety and reduce traffic congestions. Global automotive manufacturer DENSO has deployed these intersections in Southfield and Ann Arbor, Mich. and Dublin, Ohio. Seemingly minor enhancements, such as adjusting the timing of a stoplight, can make a big difference, says Roger Berg, vice president of DENSO North American’s research and development office. “Now the [municipalities] are getting realtime information for greater accuracy of traffic patterns, and the throughput of the intersection is optimized,” he says. Macomb County set the bar high when it spent a decade preparing its infrastructure for connected cars, says John Abraham, director of traffic and operations for the department of roads in Macomb County.
He argues that the county leads nationally in accommodating connected vehicles.
see a nascent but lower latency 5G cellular connection as the answer.
“What helps is the presence of so many automakers, tier-one suppliers, and startups,” Abraham says.
Cost remains an issue, too, says Paul Ajegba, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. That means deploying incremental steps such as the U.S. 23 Flex Route, where a lane-control system uses cameras and electronic message boards to alert drivers in Washtenaw and Livingston counties when an additional lane is available for use during morning and afternoon peak travel periods.
The county’s centralized traffic and communications center currently connects with 75% of its 735 traffic signals, and by 2022 the entire system will be outfitted with technology compatible with connected vehicles. The command center can detect a crash and time lights for a faster response by emergency services. In the future, the signals will alert drivers to dangerous conditions. HURDLES ON THE HORIZON But challenges exist, such as stakeholders coming together on a communications standard. Macomb County is deploying proven dedicated short-range communications technology, while others
“It’s not all over the place, and [the connected infrastructure] is being slowly integrated,” Ajegba says, noting a deliberate rollout will give drivers time to acclimate to a connected environment. “In 10 to 15 years, we will have enough money to fix the roads and incorporate new technology.” • James M. Amend is a senior editor at WardsAuto in Southfield, Mich.
14 Impact
Automated:
THE NEW FRONTIER By Paul Vachon
Automated vehicles have the potential to make roads safer and more efficient and driving more convenient. Yet, skeptics have some serious doubts. Examples include concerns over the feasibility, safety, and cost, in addition to personal adjustments drivers will need to make. Some observers may think the progress needed to overcome these obstacles makes the deployment of automated cars a distant, impractical prospect. Depending on the degree of functionality envisioned, however, this may not be the case. New research has debunked myths about safety. Currently, 94% of car crashes involve human error at least partially,
Myth
OR
REALITY? 70 %
fewer rear-end collisions with connected assistance systems1
SOURCES: 1. Robert Bosch GmbH 2. Reuters, APTV
often the result of fatigue, distraction, or intoxication. “An automated vehicle will never have these problems,” explains Sam Abuelsamid, principal analyst at Navigant Research. However, the five senses (touch, smell, sight, hearing, taste) that drivers have are challenging to replicate artificially. “Automated cars use radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors and interpret that data through extremely complex software,” says Abuelsamid. "Since the software is written by humans, an error can creep into the process.” But progress is accelerating.
Autonomous vehicles are dangerous.
19,000
fewer accidents caused by smartphone distractions per year 1
“In the next one to three years, we’ll start to see some vehicles operate without safety drivers in certain areas, and under certain conditions,” says Abuelsamid. BREAKDOWN: AUTOMATED VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY Automated vehicle technology is projected to evolve along six levels, ranging from level zero, traditional automotive, to level five, a totally self-driving vehicle able to operate anytime, anywhere without human interaction. Level one technologies include blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control, where each feature operates independently. Abuelsamid characterizes level one as “feet off.” Level two, or partial automation, integrates these functions. “This [level two] will maintain the vehicle's speed and direction as one function,” says Abuelsamid. “It’s feet off, hands off, eyes on.” Levels one and two are offered today by several OEMs. Level three will provide greater automation. While the driver will not have to continuously monitor the road, they will need to stay attentive and take over as needed. “It’ll be feet off, hands off, eyes off – but brain on.” Level four vehicles will offer total automation and may be used as unmanned taxis capable of traveling without passengers but may be limited to operating within certain hours or geographic areas. THE NEXT DECADE OF AUTOMATED DEPLOYMENT More widespread deployment could become a reality by the late 2020s. Brand new technologies almost always debut at high consumer price points,
Autonomous vehicles will be outrageously expensive.
often due to the cost of developing and producing new components. In the case of an automated car, these include lidar and radar sensors, plus several outward facing cameras. “As we scale, prices will go down, including lidars, currently the most expensive sensor employed,” says Dr. Georges Aoude, co-founder and CEO of Derq Inc. “Smart and connected infrastructure can also provide a layer of external sensors or eyes that could lead to fewer required sensors onboard the vehicle.” As technology accelerates and vehicle prices decrease over time, automated cars could take over the mobility industry like never before. • Paul Vachon is a Detroit-based freelance writer.
Myth
Impact 15
OR
REALITY?
Self-driving technology costs are expected to decrease by
90 % by 2025
2
As we scale, prices will go down, including lidars, currently the most expensive sensor employed.” DR. GEORGES AOUDE
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, DERQ INC.
ARGO AI: AN AUTONOMOUS FUTURE By Nushrat Rahman At six years old, Bryan Salesky grew up watching the self-driving supercar in "Knight Rider" and thought to himself: Why doesn't this exist? Beyond the screen, visits to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with his grandparents cemented a love for cars. Combine that with a software engineering and robotics background, support from top automakers, and today he's working to answer his own question. Salesky is the CEO of Argo AI, a Pittsburghbased autonomous vehicle startup he cofounded in 2016 with fellow Michigan native Peter Rander, the company's president and former engineering lead at Uber Advanced Technology Center. Argo AI has a mission to provide a safer, affordable, and accessible way for people to get around. This goal is backed by automotive giants.
cities in the country. The company now employs nearly 100 people in Southeast Michigan. "It's just a natural place for us to have an office," says Salesky about the state. "We're near all the businesses and supply chains that feed into what we do." Through his experience working in the automotive space, Salesky says he's known for years how much talent is in Detroit. In the mobility space, Argo AI is joined by other self-driving ventures including Google's Waymo, Uber, GM’s Cruise, Tesla, and Ann Arbor-based May Mobility. Argo AI develops the self-driving system itself, which includes everything from software and hardware to cloud infrastructure, in order to power autonomous vehicles.
In 2017, the company received a $1 billion investment from Ford Motor Company to develop a self-driving system for the automaker's autonomous vehicle, set to launch next year. Last summer, Volkswagen AG announced a planned investment of $2.6 billion in the company.
"My hope is that the technology kind of fades into the background and that we discover all these great ways to use this as a tool," says Salesky.
Recently, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed executive orders to create a council for future mobility and electrification, establish the Michigan Office of Future Mobility, and appoint a chief mobility officer at the 2020 MICHauto Summit. She signed the orders on the hood of an Argo AI autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid.
"What's so important about our role at Ford is to build that trust and bring these vehicles to market and into people's lives in a way that endears and engenders that trust element," says John Lawler, CEO of Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC and vice president of Ford's Mobility Partnerships.
SETTING UP IN DETROIT
Right now, the company is focused on developing the technology for shared fleets – and not necessarily personal use – for ridehailing and goods delivery services.
In Detroit, Argo AI launched its third-generation self-driving test vehicle alongside other major
Automakers, like Ford, come into the picture by collaborating to integrate this system into their vehicles so they can be manufactured at scale.
My hope is that the technology kind of fades into the background and that we discover all these great ways to use this as a tool.� BRYAN SALESKY
CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, ARGO AI
SAFETY IS KEY Autonomous driving technology is nascent and continually in progress, says Lawler. As with any new technology, there is a rampup curve where people get comfortable. There are still questions about the safety of self-driving technology, especially as vehicles are being tested on public streets.
millions of simulations and tests," he says, adding that the cars undergo test runs in various conditions, like weather, pedestrian patterns, traffic laws change, infrastructure, and more.
Salesky says that safety is the top priority. Argo AI's technology is still in the development phase, and specialists in test vehicles on public roads continuously monitor the system.
The idea is that self-driving cars will be more vigilant than human drivers, reducing traffic accidents. The future is promising, says Salesky. Argo AI envisions less urban congestion, reduced parking hassles, and an opportunity for underserved communities to have more transportation access.
"By the time these vehicles will be deployed they will have gone through
"There [are] various areas that are underserved in our cities today where
autonomous vehicles would provide choice and flexibility," says Lawler. It would allow individuals to move in different ways than they do today. For now, Salesky says the company is continuing to test and mature operations. While Americans won't have self-driving cars in their driveways anytime soon, autonomous technology is continuously refined every day. "We're not trying to take away anyone's right to drive," says Salesky. "We're providing people a choice; we're giving them an alternative mode of transportation." • Nushrat Rahman is a journalist from Detroit.
18
Action
Shared Use:
EMBRACING NEW MODES OF TRANSIT By Rene Wisely
Metro Detroiters have a reputation for loving their cars above all other forms of transit.
“The only time it’s difficult is if I have to go to a meeting in Detroit or Novi,” Doshi says.
However, in recent years, mobility experts and Michigan companies are introducing commuters to new ways of getting around, a movement known as mobility as a service (MaaS) – but will they use it?
That Detroit commute will get easier as transit authorities envision an hourly bus route and a commuter rail between Detroit and Ann Arbor.
“We define mobility as a service as a way to provide the maximum number of options to an individual,” says Komal Doshi, director of mobility programs at Ann Arbor SPARK.
Mary Culler, president of the Ford Fund and development director for the Michigan Central Station redevelopment, mentioned at the Detroit Policy Conference that Ford is a part of creating the Michigan Avenue Mobility Corridor.
MaaS has roots in the shared-use economy where vehicle ownership is optional as commuters share everything from e-hailing private cars to hopping on public transit. Its benefits include reducing congestion, emissions, stress levels, and conserving nonrenewable energy sources.
We define mobility as a service
Book Depository that stands nearby Michigan Central and will open in mid-2021. “It will be an opportunity for us to create the beginnings of a mobility innovation district,” Culler says. “There will be collaboration, learning, and innovation with entrepreneurs and startups. I see that being the engine for as a way to the broader community.”
provide the maximum number of options to an individual. ”
The state is involved in expanding Michigan’s mobility capabilities, too. It recently created KOMAL DOSHI the Michigan DIRECTOR, MOBILITY PROGR AMS, ANN ARBOR SPARK Office of Future Mobility and invited MICHIGAN’S UNIQUE innovators to introduce transit options at CHALLENGES While details are still under wraps, the the North American International Auto Doshi and her husband, who live and work corridor would link regional assets like the Show in June 2020, a contest known as the in Ann Arbor, have owned only one vehicle American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti Michigan Mobility Challenge. The idea since 2011. They live on a bus route and and Mcity in Ann Arbor to attract new is to help attendees get around while mobility innovators, Culler says. One of demonstrating how next-generation they ride their bikes. those assets will be housed in the Detroit mobility can transform lifestyles.
Impact 19
Bedrock began cash incentives in December 2018— $8 per day—to try an alternate mode of transportation. Since then, its employees logged more than 1 million alternative commute trips, with nearly 60% of its workforce participating at least once. “This represents a reduction of more than 390 parking spaces per day on average and has helped prevent more than 7 million pounds of CO2 emissions from singleoccupancy vehicles,” Bopp says. “It also delivers a better experience for our team members by reducing commuter stress.” There is no doubt that Detroiters and Michiganders love their cars, but through the efforts of businesses, people are catching on to how useful MaaS can be. To succeed in Michigan, though, MaaS needs major public adoption. • A Detroiter rides his bike to the bus stop to get to his next destination – utilizing mobility as a service.
Rene Wisely is a metro Detroit-based freelance writer.
CREATIVE COMPANIES PAVE THE WAY One innovator is startup Parkofon, founded by data scientist Evgeny Klochikhin and David Pickeral, an expert at public-private partnerships. Parkofon is a real-time guidance system that finds cheaper, easier parking. Parkofon believes the automakers will have the most influence on MaaS, Klochikhin says. “We absolutely believe the OEMs are going to be the ones to decide how mobility looks,” Klochikhin says. “That’s why Michigan is important. The Motor City is going to decide this.” Bedrock Detroit is playing a key role too, offering multiple mobility options for its 18,000 full-time employees. It subsidizes bus passes, encourages vanpools and carpools, and invites commuters who park outside the Central Business District to take shuttles – including May Mobility autonomous shuttles, explains Kevin Bopp, vice president of parking and mobility at Bedrock.
Myth
OR
REALITY?
Growth of
240,000
+
bus ridership from 2017 to 20181
Michiganders won’t adopt transit as a service and don’t want to pay for it.
20
shared used options in the Detroit region in 2020, compared to nine in 20132
SOURCES: 1. National Transit Database 2. Detroit Regional Chamber
20 Impact
Electrified:
THE POWER OF MOBILIT Y By Paul Eisenstein
Long, low, and sleek, Cadillac’s Celestiq might seem like a throwback to another era when luxury cars were largely hand-built to a customer’s specifications. But it’s no retro mobile. Celestiq is one of the dozens of new vehicles General Motors Co. will build – many of them in Detroit – as part of what CEO Mary Barra calls “the path to an all-electric future.”
Myth
OR
REALITY? 1 in 5
U.S. drivers want an electric vehicle1
Consumer adoption of electric vehicles is out of sight.
43
brands will offer an EV option by 2023, compared to 14 brands in 2018 2
SOURCES: 1. AAA Survey, 2019 2. Center for Automotive Research 3. U.S. Department of Energy
The automotive and mobility industry is in the midst of a massive transformation from the internal combustion engine to battery power. Among Detroit automakers, GM has outlined the most aggressive shift. But Ford Motor Company is ramping up its efforts with products like the Mustang Mach-E SUV through new electric vehicle alliances with Volkswagen and Detroit startup Rivian. After a slow start, FCA US LLC is charging up its EV efforts as well.
Yet, there are plenty of skeptics who note that all battery-based vehicles captured just 5% of the U.S. market last year, pure electric models accounting for barely 1%. During a media briefing in March, GM President Mark Reuss says he expects those numbers to grow rapidly, though he acknowledges there are “a lot of pain points that prevent people from buying EVs.”
CHALLENGES TO MASS EV ADOPTION The primary obstacles are limited range, high purchase costs, the lack of charging infrastructure, and long charging times. The good news is that each issue is being addressed, in many cases, quite rapidly. Take range. When the GM EV1 came out in 1996, it managed just 50 miles per charge. A decade ago, the Nissan Leaf and Ford Focus Electric barely topped 100. Ford will top 300 miles in versions of the Mach-E SUV, and some upcoming GM products will reach 400. As for costs, the numbers are dropping rapidly, largely due to the price of batteries. A kilowatt-hour of batteries cost about $1,000 in 2010 and is now around $150 – a big difference considering long-range EVs have anywhere from 60 to more than 100 kWh
Impact 21
packs onboard. GM’s target for the Ultium battery is “less than $100” per kWh and, by 2030, some experts believe that will reach $70 – with Xavier Mosquet, head of Boston Consulting Group’s automotive practice saying that target “could come even earlier.” For buyers, he adds, that sharp tumble means they could hit “the tipping point,” where a BEV costs no more than a comparable gas vehicle by as early as 2023. One of the biggest challenges is developing a nationwide public charging infrastructure resembling the network of over 100,000 U.S. gas stations. In reality, more than 80% of EV owners charge at home says Ted Cannis, Ford’s global director of electrification. But to expand the appeal of plug-based vehicles, more public outlets will be needed, industry officials agree. Specially to let owners travel longer distances without worry. The good news is that there are now more than 25,000 places to charge publicly, according to federal data, with new stations opening daily. And more and more of those use fast chargers, the latest of which can give a vehicle like the new Audi e-tron an 80% top-off in 30 minutes. GM’s Reuss says the company’s goal is to reach a 90% “state-of-charge” in just 10 minutes, not much more than it takes to fill an empty gas tank.
Mark Reuss, president of General Motors Co. speaks about the future of their electric vehicles at an intimate EV Day at GM's Design Dome in Warren, Mich.
There are not enough charging stations in Michigan to support high rates of consumer adoption.
Myth
OR
REALITY?
1,181
public electric charging stations in Michigan3
“The reality is there are limitations with EVs” but, going forward, there will be less and less constraints, says Daron Gifford, partner and strategy and automotive industry consulting leader at Plante Moran. •
Paul Eisenstein is the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Detroit Bureau.
REALITY:
Currently, this is true, however Consumers Energy received $10 million for the Power MI Drive EV program to fund EV stations throughout the state, and DTE Energy Co. was approved for its $13 million program, Charging Forward.
General Motors Co.'s new Ultium batteries, designed in Michigan, were on display at EV Day on March 4.
1991
22 Impact First Modern Electric Car Lansing, Mich. | United States
GM’s EV1 becomes the first modern electric car to be highway capable and mass-produced by a major manufacturer.
MOBILITY THROUGH HISTORY
By Melanie Barnett
Since the birth of the automotive industry, Detroit and Michigan have been at the forefront of new innovations. From Ford Motor Company’s Model T to General Motors Co.’s EV1, Detroit’s powerhouse of automotive companies has helped shape history by always staying one-step-ahead. But as the global mobility revolution emerges with connected, automated, shared use, and electric mobility technology, where does Michigan stand? Without leading the rest of the world on mobility, Michigan risks losing its edge. Detroit companies can take credit for automotive and mobility milestones throughout history like the assembly line and the catalytic converter. As electric and autonomous vehicles evolve to become more profitable and user-friendly, Michigan needs to once again lead. As mobility innovations continue to reshape the industry, a look back reveals that while Michigan started on top, it must continue to be the pacesetter for the rest of the world.
2000
GPS
Washington D.C. | United States Former U.S. President Bill Clinton opens GPS technology to the public, instead of just military-use.
2003
Automatic Parking Japan
Toyota’s Prius hybrid vehicle offers autonomous parallel parking called “Intelligent Parking Assist.”
2004 DARPA Grand Challenge
Mojave Desert, Cali.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency puts on the first American competition for autonomous vehicles.
Melanie Barnett is editor of the Detroiter magazine.
2009 Ridesharing
San Francisco, Cali. | United States
Uber is founded, the ride-sharing app and staple of the emerging shared use economy.
Impact 23
1998
2015
Michigan Mobility Initiative
First Mass-Produced Hybrid Japan
Detroit, Mich. | United States
The Toyota Prius is the first-mass produced hybrid with a 1.5-liter gas engine, electric motor, and nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
MICHauto partners with Michigan’s top research universities, state agencies, and Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM) to launch the Michigan Mobility Initiative.
2001
PlanetM Mackinac Island, Mich. | United States
Bluetooth
Stockholm | Sweden The wireless technology takes off with the appearance of the first hands-free kit, the EricssonT39.
Michigan Mobility Initiative partners launch PlanetM at the Mackinac Policy Conference, a campaign announced by former Gov. Rick Snyder to increase the state’s presence in mobility.
2016
Automated Car Levels
Warrendale, Penn. | United States
2 014
SAE International publishes the five levels of automated driving systems based on the level of driver participation needed to operate the vehicle.
Michigan Doubles Down on Mobility Detroit, Mich. | United States Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs an executive directive and order at the 2020 MICHauto Summit to ensure the state’s success in the rapidly evolving mobility industry.
2020
MIC HIGAN’S MOBILIT Y A DVA N TA G E WITH MICHAUTO ASHOK SIVANAND CEO, INTEGRAL
When it comes to Michigan’s growing mobility startup ecosystem, outsiders have doubts about the state’s potential for success, and its ability to compete with contenders like Silicon Valley, Seattle, or Pittsburgh. Despite this, many mobility startups have made the move to Detroit due to its resources, affordability, and community of likeminded mobility innovators.
KEVIN MULL CONNECTED MOBILITY SERVICES, ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
Detroiter hosted a discussion with three Detroit-based mobility experts at the PlanetM Landing Zone, Detroit’s premier mobility startup hub. At the table are Kevin Mull, head of Connected Mobility Services at Robert Bosch GmbH; Jessica Robinson, executive director of the Michigan Mobility Institute; and Ashok Sivanand, CEO of Integral. Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto, and vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber, moderated the hour-long conversation tackling myths around the startup and mobility space in Detroit, and considering how Michigan’s assets position the state as a global destination for mobility tech companies.
GS: What's the biggest myth to you about JESSICA ROBINSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MICHIGAN MOBILITY INSTITUTE
GLENN STEVENS JR. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MICHAUTO; VICE PRESIDENT, AUTOMOTIVE AND MOBILITY INITIATIVES, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER
Detroit versus other places or what's going on here?
JR: I think a big myth here is that everything
that we're doing is still automotive and has to be connected to automotive to be mobility. Now, that's not to say that there's not a lot of interesting things happening in that space, but I think Michigan from the outside still looks like the place where you manufacture vehicles, and that's all that happens here. And what I'm excited about and what we're working on is creating the talent that both designs and envisions the future of movement. So vehicles on new ground, yes, but everything else as well.
AS: Yeah, I'd echo that. I think when I speak to folks from outside of the region and we talk about how we're working in the auto transportation space, they automatically jump to, so you're working on the vehicle
dash ‘cause that's the only software that comes to mind about the auto industry. But a tad to Jessica's point in thinking about the future of shared mobility, there's a lot of moving people from point A to point B. I think there's also a lot of innovation happening in the automotive ecosystem. We got to work with a team at Bosch that helps with diagnosing and servicing your vehicles in a more efficient way and how software is playing a huge part in that.
KM: Yeah, I completely agree with everything said so far, but I also think another [myth] is that the quality of the startups here in Detroit and Michigan and the region is not in the caliber of what you'd find in the Valley or Pittsburgh or somewhere like that. I think that our experience, particularly sitting here in the PlanetM Landing Zone that created these startup collisions with big companies like Bosch, who I work for, that you wouldn't find that quality here is I think
Impact 25
is something that I've heard as I've gone around to other parts because we're active all over the world. Detroit easily holds its own with the other parts of the world.
GS: Let’s talk about how you all got here.
I don't think anyone's originally from here, correct? Where did you come from? How did you get here?
KM: I'm very proud to say that I'm originally from Pittsburgh, and I went to the University of Pittsburgh, got an electrical engineering degree. At that time the business climate in Pittsburgh was pretty tough just coming out of the collapse of the steel industry. I worked in the steel industry in Pittsburgh. I had a friend that was working here in metro Detroit and he said, come on for the summer, get a little experience working for this company. That was doing technical publications in the auto industry. I came out expecting to be here for three months and I never left. So, 25 plus years in metro Detroit and almost four years in living in the city. GS: Ashok, you're not from Detroit. You’ve got quite a background.
up staying and building things, which is actually cool. I first came to Detroit as part of Zipcar, which at the time was one of the first mobility service-based companies globally. I put Detroit on the list of cities that the company should look at expanding into in part because we needed to continue
AS The first thing I'd want all the [readers] to think about is this definition of a startup. It's often tied to venture capital and also tied to not being profitable.
electrified technology. Your thoughts on the scene here?
AS: The first thing that I think I'd want all the [readers] to think about is this definition of a startup. It's often tied to venture capital and also tied to not being profitable. This wave has come around where those checks and balances are coming to the foray, right? Whereas if you compare it to entrepreneurs here, there has been a history of strong, small to medium businesses growing and scaling to big businesses here. The thing that the region could probably mature into is seeing that wave again. GS: So, Bosch, you were one of
KM
[A myth is] that the quality of the startups here in Detroit and Michigan and the region is maybe not in the caliber of what you'd find in the Valley or Pittsburgh.
JR
AS: I grew up in the Middle
What I'm excited about and what we're working on is creating the talent that both designs and envisions the future of movement.
East and my parents moved around a little bit‌ I moved to Toronto after school, worked for a bunch of startups there. One of the companies I worked for got acquired by a Silicon Valley company called Pivotal Labs. And when they opened up an office in Detroit, I moved out here to open that office and it was supposed to be a six month, get in, get out kind of thing. I was in Royal Oak at first. By the time I moved in here, it was already really comfortable despite what everyone said. Moved here two years ago, started a company, now I own a house.
to grow. I came to briefly run the market and loved the business community here so much that I ended up pitching that I could move to the city as well. I also live in the city of Detroit itself.
JR: We have something common, which
GS: We're in a new evolution that has
is all three of us came to Detroit thinking we'd only be for a minute and we all ended
connected,
automated,
shared,
the early ones to literally immerse yourself in this and have stayed immersed in it.
KM: I have been fortunate to get involved in some of our activities with either investing or acquiring startups. And you know, I've learned how hard that is from the corporate side as well. That's why we're here is to get that level of engagement and to be present in this ecosystem.
AS: Not to make it an us versus them, but it's something that I've noticed that's different between Detroit and even the suburbs around here. The businesses around here, the folks who work for the city around here, I find it's just such an affable city compared to even the customers that we try to approach or the folks that we try to bring into our community for different things that are kind of tucked away in the different suburbs here tend to kind of have that policy. And I don't know if you've noticed that or if that's something just coincidental.
and
Conversation continues on page 26.
26 Impact
AS
In terms of our business, being able to find talent has really been the constraint for our growth. We've [gotten to] where we're oversubscribed as far as our customers go.
Discussion participants gather at PlanetM Landing Zone in Detroit for a candid conversation.
KM: I've noticed it from a work perspective
and from a personal perspective, it's much different than even where I was living in the suburbs compared to living downtown. And people just have a different approach. It feels like here's this cause that everybody is rallying around which is mobility in the city or championed by the city. That's probably different than maybe [Silicon] Valley for example, where it's not really about the Valley itself and the success of the Valley. It's more about the success of the individual companies. Here, it's more the success of the region, and that high tide raises all boats here.
JR: We’re seeing the next iteration of that potentially now with plug and play. I'm opening their program here at FCA, intentionally engaging the minority business supplier community here. And I think that's going to open a whole new wave of connections both for the suppliers that are here but also the startups that will engage in the community to continue to deepen those roots and take advantage of those connections to build things that are stronger and more lasting. GS: I think you guys bring up an interesting
theme. This is a very interesting city because
Listen to the full dialogue at WWW.DETROITER.ORG Share your thoughts on facebook @detroitchamber
it doesn't have mass transit like a lot of cities around the world do. There aren't going to be any tunnels dug anytime soon. So, we have to look for other solutions. I'd love to hear what your take on this. This is a large city that connects into suburbs where people do come and go, which has an international border where people are crossing and working every day. It seems like this is an ideal or unique place to test and develop. What are your thoughts on that?
JR: Recently, the Detroit Mobility Lab came out in support of giving voters here a chance to invest in regional transit. We think transit is important for the region to help people to be able to get around. I agree that we need other creative solutions as well. We're seeing the city and public sector work very creatively. You need a backbone and investing in infrastructure is really important there. AS: Coming from the perspective of talent, I'd say in terms of our business, being able to find talent has really been the constraint for our growth. We've [gotten to] where we're oversubscribed as far as our customers go. Finding the kind of talent and organizing them to do the quality of work that we do has been hard for this market. There are a few reasons for that. I think Quicken Loans is doing it already in terms of opening a development office in Ontario. Similar to New York and San Francisco and Los Angeles getting really expensive here, Toronto is not a very accessible city anymore. And there are folks starting to think about other places to go and it's definitely a big opportunity for Detroit and Windsor to collaborate. I do have a question about something that you mentioned, Jessica. It's something
I'm most you've always wondered about and it's something that extends in Toronto as well. Why is riding the bus not great?
getting out and meeting with the technology leaders who are driving their businesses forward.
excited about
JR: There’s been lots of research on this. There's people like me, I'm considered what's called the choice rider. I’m able to have a car if I want because of my economic status. Generally speaking, in most communities in the U.S., definitely in Detroit, as soon as you have enough money to buy a car, you do because it's a status symbol. In communities of color, there's other stigma around riding a bus and it goes back to the history of bus riding in America. And that's also confusing. Like if you haven't been on a bus a while, do you pay with cash? Do you use your app? Which door do you go in? How do you get the guy to stop when it's your stop? It's uncomfortable. We don't do it in America.
AS: I think folks from [MICHauto’s] office as well as from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Have done a great job of demystifying how government can be supportive for entrepreneurship and economic development, even for the small players like us. I’m hoping that blueprint can be scaled up now.
the state level,
AS: I'm proud to say that we did recently. We decided that we're going to, as a company, go to the Charles H. Wright museum. I kind of pulled a CEO rank move where I said, we're all taking the bus. It was just a really fun experience. Wow, this is really clean. Wow, the bus driver is really nice and really helpful. Folks have come back and said, hey, it's really more convenient for me to just take the bus. If you have the opportunity to pull rank like I did for like a really short trip like that, you can introduce folks to the bus and then you're likely going to bust a myth.
KM: I think it’s going to be a great addition
to the good work that’s already being done by [MICHauto] and others around. [Detroit] recently did the same thing with Mark de la Vergne’s position. If the state is as successful as what Mark has done for the city, then I think we’re really going to notice the difference. •
Melanie Barnett is the editor of Detroiter magazine. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
the focus at linking the industry and what it means to the economy with the talent story, and the focus on the Council of Future Mobility. JR
GS: You probably saw recently that Gov. Whitmer made a pretty significant announcement. You guys were talking about leadership and [that] it starts at the top. They just made a big commitment to not only the auto industry today, but where it's going. What are your thoughts on that? JR: With this new office of mobility at the state level, what I'm most excited about is two things. The first is the focus at the state level, linking the industry and what it means to the economy with the talent story. The Second is with the focus on the Council of Future Mobility. It’s in our DNA that [the] industry should have a collective voice in terms of needs. I’m not just talking about lobbying for legislative change. I’m talking about signaling where the industry’s going because the governor does not, or anyone in her cabinet, they do not have the luxury of
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28 Impact
Securing Talent: MOBILIT Y'S WORKFORCE SHORTAGE By Melissa Anders
The faster that we can get government, educators, and industry to come together to share perspectives around common platforms...that’s where we’ll succeed. ”
CHARLIE ACKERMAN
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES, BOSCH NORTH AMERICA
The Michigan Mobility Institute is a nonprofit initiative of the Detroit Mobility Lab that advises Wayne State University’s mobility curriculum.
A COMMITMENT TO ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TALENT As Michigan strives to position itself as the epicenter of the mobility revolution, some industry leaders express concern about whether the region can be competitive in attracting and retaining the engineering talent needed to fill the increasing number of high-tech roles. Yet, there’s excitement and optimism for the state’s mobility prospects, backed by several new initiatives and programs aimed at further developing the workforce. “There are good jobs here and people are very interested in working for the automotive industry right now,” says Charlie Ackerman, senior vice president of human resources for Bosch North America in Farmington Hills. “We’re seeing a strong uptick in that … it’s a very exciting transformation that the automotive industry is seeing right now.” Bosch anticipates needing an additional 350 software engineers in the next two years. But
the market is moving so fast, educators can’t keep up with the ever-changing needs of employers, Ackerman says. And there are not enough available applicants in the workforce with unemployment being so low. That’s why Bosch recently launched a software engineer apprenticeship program to help fill its talent needs. It’s also using the program’s standards to upscale its current talent within the organization. “The faster that we can get government, educators, and industry to come together to share perspectives around common platforms — not multi-platforms — but common platforms, that’s where we’ll succeed,” Ackerman says.
EMPLOYERS AND EDUCATORS TEAM UP Addressing the talent gap starts with strengthening education. Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson agrees that educators need constant input from industry professionals to understand their workforce needs. Last summer, WSU partnered
Impact 29
Myth
OR
REALITY?
Michigan ranks
3rd
in number of engineers in the nation1
Michigan does not have enough talent to lead in mobility.
111,000 +
highly skilled assemblers and fabricators working in mobilityrelated occuaptions2
SOURCES: 1. BLS.gov 2. Detroit Regional Chamber Research
with the Michigan Mobility Institute to open the Center for Advanced Mobility to expand the university’s engineering offerings and offer curriculum focused on connectivity, autonomous driving, smart infrastructure, and vehicle electrification.
Local students also see this as a great opportunity to be in the Detroit area, says Wilson, thanks to the proximity of the major auto companies, various suppliers, access to real-world urban mobility challenges and a large pool of industry experts.
“A lot of times there’s a disconnect between employers and the educational system, so we think that this partnership will better focus what the needs are and hopefully we can help on the curriculum side in terms of delivering people who are well-trained,” Wilson says.
The area’s cost of living and quality of life are helping attract talent says Jeffrey Donofrio, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) at the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Of course, Michigan’s automotive and mobility industry needs these students to stay in the state after graduation. When it comes to international talent, nearly two-thirds of foreign students who graduated from metro Detroit and Ann Arbor universities, and chose to remain in the U.S. under a training program for STEM students, decided to stay and work for a Detroit-area employer between 2004 and 2016, says Neil Ruiz, associate director of global migration and demography research at Pew Research Center.
For example, Silicon Valley-based electronics company KLA Corporation is opening its second headquarters in Michigan to take advantage of the local automotive industry, a partnership with the University of Michigan, as well as the state’s natural beauty and quality of life. “That’s the type of talent attraction we need to continue to nurture,” Donofrio says. •
Melissa Anders is a metro Detroit native and freelance writer.
30 Impact
Diversity Inclusion: and
AN INDUSTRY SUPERPOWER By Karen Dybis
As we change our industry from traditional vehicle manufacturing, the ideas and innovation coming from a lot of different voices are exactly what we need and I think that’s coming through in our products. ” KRISTEN TABAR
GROUP VICE PRESIDENT, VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING, TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Members of Eastern Michigan University's (EMU) Digital Divas program work together on mobility and cybersecurity projects.
Of all the rapid-fire changes in the automotive industry, one truism prevails: Finding the right talent and promoting diversity and inclusion is the difference between being “your father’s car company” and becoming a mobility leader. The traditional automotive industry is stereotyped as being a “boys’ club” and not diverse in its talent. But with new programs, investment, and industry support, officials say Michigan’s automotive and mobility companies are working to change this view of the industry, keeping them competitive for the long term. Companies today have innovative mentoring programs, diversity-focused boards and advisors, empowered employee-resource groups, and leadership programs that improve diversity and inclusion from the factory to the C-suite to the boardroom.
economic growth of its members and the minority-owned businesses that serve them. The MMSDC seeks to create innovative and efficient suppliers, Sourie Robinson says. Names such as Dave Bing, Vinnie Johnson, and Andra Rush – all of whom owned supplier companies that served the automotive industry – became well known and economically successful because they were strong businesspeople and had champions within the original equipment manufacturers, she says. “That’s not happening at the same level today,” Sourie Robinson says. “It’s understandable – the entire marketplace has changed. But we have to make deliberate, intentional decisions and invest in opportunities that I think make all of our businesses better. A lot of different voices make us all better.”
Michelle Sourie Robinson comes at the
Ensuring the diversity of a company's employees represents the local community, as well as the nation, can be challenging, but having diverse voices helps companies to better understand their consumer bases and improve products.
issue with fresh eyes – the attorney moved to Detroit five years ago to become president and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), a nonprofit organization that promotes the
“As we change our industry from traditional vehicle manufacturing, the ideas and innovation coming from a lot of different voices are exactly what we need and I think that’s coming through
IMPROVING BUSINESS OUTCOMES
Impact
31
The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes the economic growth of its members and the minority-owned businesses that serve them, seeks to create innovative and efficient suppliers.
in our products,” says Kristen Tabar, group vice president of Vehicle Development and Engineering for Toyota Motor North America Research and Development.
gender stereotypes, strengthening inclusivity in tech careers.
SUPPORTING WOMEN IN STEM
Bringing in people from all roles and responsibilities is key, says Cheryl Thompson, founder and CEO of the Livonia-based Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement (CADIA), a nonprofit focused on diversity and inclusion in the automotive industry.
At General Motors Co., the company is focusing its diversity and inclusion efforts through its corporate giving arm into STEM and educational programs, boosting Michigan’s future while developing that all-important talent pipeline. GM is supporting both its local partners, such as the Robotics Engineering Center of Detroit, as well as bringing fresh and proven programs to Michigan, says Hina Baloch, manager of Global Social Impact and STEM Education at GM. “We wanted to bring the best-in-class nonprofits and partnerships to the city of Detroit. Everybody’s putting a stake into it,” Baloch says, resulting in successful launches such as AI4ALL and SMASH Academy, a three-year, STEM-intensive residential college prep program that empowers students to deepen their talents and pursue STEM careers. Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) College of Engineering and Technology runs the successful Digital Divas program, encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM. In its decade-old legacy, the bi-annual, daylong program has introduced nearly 7,000 participants to careers and college programs in STEM. Initiatives encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM help to break down
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START
“Everyone recognizes they need to do something. The difficulty is where do you start,” Thompson says.
CADIA’s goal is to double the number of diverse leaders in the automotive industry by 2030. Thompson seeks to achieve that mission through programs like the D&I Roundtable series, which brings companies together to share best practices, and RevUp events, which feature industry experts, panel discussions and case studies in ally-ship, talent acquisition, and cultural awareness. “We don’t want to blame and shame. That doesn’t work. We want to meet people where they’re at, and that’s an evolution,” Thompson says. •
Karen Dybis is a freelance writer, author, and speaker in Metro Detroit.
The automotive industry is not diverse in gender or race.
36 %
Myth
73 % Males
of the automotive industry is made up of minorities in the Detroit region1
OR
REALITY?
|
27 % Females
work the automotive industry in the Detroit region1
REALITY:
Currently, this is true, however key players are committed to making change.
SOURCES: 1. EMSI
32
Action
COMMITTED TO MICHIGAN'S LEAD IN MOBILITY While the global competition to be the mobility capital of the world heats up, MICHauto is securing Michigan’s lead by advancing policy that will help Michigan remain competitive globally. This represents an enormous opportunity for the state, while also posing an increasing economic threat if we do not act and lead. For this reason, MICHauto, an economic development initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber, remains focused on promoting, retaining, and growing the state’s hold on the industry. While the global competition to be the mobility capital of the world heats up, MICHauto is securing Michigan’s lead by advancing policy that will help Michigan remain competitive globally. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs executive orders to advance Michigan's leadership in mobility on the hood of an autonomous vehicle at the 2020 MICHauto Summit.
Jason Puscas, director of government and community affairs for MICHauto testifies in Lansing.
MOVING THE INDUSTRY BY FOCUSING ON POLICY At the 2020 MICHauto Summit, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer actualized significant steps to secure Michigan’s leadership in the future of the industry, signing two executive measures to create the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification. MICHauto played a key role in working with her administration, amplifying its advocacy efforts to bridge the gap between policy and industry focus such as competitive testing and R&D for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV). Last year, MICHauto invested in a full-time advocacy staff member to focus on keeping Michigan the most competitive state for CAV legislation. Additionally, in this growing technological world, passing hands-free driving legislation is also a top priority for MICHauto in partnership with The Kiefer Foundation and it’s mission to end distracted driving and all associated traffic deaths and injuries.
The Michigan Legislative Automotive Caucus, a bipartisan group of state senators and representatives has been a key partner to MICHauto in these efforts. The co-chairs for the 2019-20 legislative session – Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Park Twp), Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit), and Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) – regularly convene with MICHauto stakeholders to discuss automotive and mobility industry issues and opportunities. MICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. recently joined Sen. McMorrow and automotive leaders for a roundtable to provide awareness on the future of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, what policies are needed to support EV infrastructure and how Michigan can support the advancement of the EV industry. “Michigan built the American automotive industry, but it’s an industry that’s changing more rapidly now than any other time before,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) in a press release following the roundtable. “No other state has the history, talent and capability to design and build the next generation of electric vehicles, but we need to have the infrastructure in place to support that development. It’s critical that the legislature and the Governor work together to move forward on positioning Michigan to be a leader in the future of this industry.” These efforts combined with an increased focus on building a highly skilled talent pipeline and robust mobility ecosystem –of automotive stakeholders, startups, university partners, testing grounds, suppliers, technology partners– will secure Michigan’s leadership in the global mobility revolution. •
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We’re replacing energy infrastructure. We’re strengthening safety where it matters most. And we’re continuing to deliver the energy Michigan needs. Learn more at Enbridge.com/line5tunnel
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l e a d i n g t h e G l o ba l Mo b i l i t y R e vo l u t i o n The eighth annual MICHauto Summit convened more than 250 automotive and mobility industry leaders and stakeholders for discussions on Michigan's position to lead the global mobility revolution. More than a dozen industry insiders engaged in conversations on key issues like the future of autonomous and electric vehicles, collaboration with the defense industry, and diversity and inclusion as an imperative. To view event coverage and read more, visit MICHauto.org.
I’m excited to work with leaders in the Office of Future Mobility to build on the progress we’ve seen in the last year and cement our status as a hub of innovation and opportunity in the automotive sector.”
GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR, STATE OF MICHIGAN
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made history at the 2020 MICHauto Summit by signing executive orders to create the state’s first-ever Michigan Office of Future Mobility and a designated Chief Mobility Officer, and the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification. The signings follow the state’s success in creating 11,000 new automotive jobs over the past year.
We’ve got to get things going and there won’t be any quick solutions. This is why we need to leverage the power we’ve got.”
JOHN MCELROY HOST, AUTOLINE
Autoline’s John McElroy called for the automotive industry to be proactive, rather than reactive, when planning the industry’s next decade. He warned that automakers will face direct and indirect costs as a result of their innovative practices and electric vehicle production. McElroy recommended improvements in four areas: the startup economy, work with the defense industry, support of incoming immigrants, and collaboration with the state’s education system.
All electric vehicles need to be profitable. If they’re not profitable, they’re not sustainable, and we don’t want to sell them.” Darren Palmer, global director of battery electric vehicles at Ford Motor Company, and Team Edison (a small, diverse startup like group at Ford) are harnessing the capabilities of electric vehicles to transform a 100-yearold company, and evolve audience perceptions. Palmer said his team is focused on human-centered design and creating solutions that suit customer needs.
DARREN PALMER
GLOBAL DIRECTOR, BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES, FORD MOTOR COMPANY
We really believe that innovation comes from this diversity of thought and the inclusiveness of hearing everyone’s voice, including all of our customers.”
KRISTEN TABAR
VICE PRESIDENT, VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING, TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Diversity and inclusion is a top industry priority now more than ever, according to Toyota Motor North America’s Kristen Tabar, NYX, LLC’s Jatinder-Bir “Jay” Sandhu, and Margaret Baxter of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement. The trio also said that diversity and inclusion plans are the most authentic, applicable and effective when supported by top leadership, first and foremost.
Smart car. Smart care. MiHIN drives healthcare infrastructure JATINDER-BIR “JAY” SANDHU CEO, NYX, LLC
The more diversity you have in management, in your workforce, it shows up in the different practices that we do out on the floor.”
Visit mihin.org to see how we can help you go beyond technology to improve processes, create standards, and reduce burdens.
36 Perception 2020 NAIAS PUTS NEXT-GENERATION MOBILITY IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT
ROD ALBERTS E X EC U T I V E D I R EC TO R , N O RT H A M E R I C A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L AU TO S H OW provide first-of-its-kind technology demonstrations – on routes from the airport to Detroit and throughout downtown. And, for the first time the show’s technology exhibition, AutoMobili-D Powered by PlanetM, will be integrated into the main show floor drawing on the synergies between OEMs, technology-driven suppliers, and entrepreneurial startups. Several countries will be hosting startup and mobility pavilions within AutoMobili-D, sharing Working innovations and new technologies that are moving mobility forward worldwide. together with
In just three months, next-generation mobility will find itself on the streets of Detroit as the nextgeneration of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) debuts, June 9th through the 20th.
Michigan and the Motor City, NAIAS is the perfect world stage to showcase next-generation mobility that is transforming today’s automotive industry.”
Keynotes, tech-talks, and panel discussions from some of the best minds and most prominent voices in the mobility space will now be featured in three locations — the AutoMobili-D Powered by PlanetM exhibit hall, TCF Center Atrium, and neighboring Crowne Plaza Detroit – to accommodate the growing list of technology and mobility content curation. What’s more, the show’s expanded technology focus will reach beyond the boundaries of the TCF Center and Hart Plaza campus.
Held in the summer for the first time, the 2020 show will feature 2-million-square-feet of vehicle and mobility experiences both inside TCF Center and outside in Hart Plaza. It will be a citywide showcase of new vehicles, innovative technology, and dynamic, moving displays and experiential rideand-drives.
Activations and engagements will be positioned throughout the Motor City, including at some of downtown’s signature parks, such as Campus Martius and the Spirit of Detroit Plaza. Ride-anddrives along Detroit’s waterfront and other experiential activities will put visitors in the driver’s seat.
Nearly 117,000 engineers drive innovation here in Michigan, along with our state’s growing reputation as a startup powerhouse. No better place represents the new world of automotive technology and mobility than right here in Detroit, especially at the 2020 NAIAS.
Also, Motor Bella, our all-new, three-day street festival of Italian and British cars and culture, will bring a unique mobility perspective to the Motor City with a lineup of supercars paired with authentic food and culture from both regions.
With an expanded footprint, NAIAS is embracing this emerging mobility space with real-life, hands-on opportunities for showgoers to engage with new technologies like never before.
Working together with Michigan and the Motor City, NAIAS is the perfect world stage to showcase next-generation mobility that is transforming today’s automotive industry.
Through Michigan’s NAIAS 2020 Mobility Challenge, show visitors will have an opportunity for their first experience in an automated vehicle. Under the program, autonomous shuttles will
This state, this region, and this city are a collective hub for mobility innovation, and we’re ready to show the world in June. •
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POINT OF VIEW J I M L I L LY REPRESENTATIVE (R - MI 89)
WHAT SHOULD THE ROLE OF PUBLIC TRANSIT BE MOVING INTO A FUTURE WITH TRANSFORMING MOBILITY OPTIONS?
IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION AND THE SAFETY OF ROADS
JOE TATE REPRESENTATIVE (D - MI 2)
WHAT SHOULD THE ROLE OF PUBLIC TRANSIT BE MOVING INTO A FUTURE WITH TRANSFORMING MOBILITY OPTIONS?
Public transit systems are facing an ever-evolving landscape. The emergence of individual mobility options may fundamentally change the role that public transportation plays in our society. The typical bus routes may no longer have the same importance that they once did, but there is a new frontier of connectors that can and should be explored.
Public transit will continue to be a critical piece of infrastructure for residents to get around Michigan for years to come. Mobility technologies are certainly needed to fill gaps in our existing systems. As these new mobility options come online, I am very much looking forward to seeing the improvements incorporated.
HANDS-FREE DRIVING LEGISLATION HAS RECENTLY PASSED IN GEORGIA AND INDIANA BY BIPARTISAN MAJORITIES. DO YOU BELIEVE THIS IS A BIPARTISAN ISSUE?
HANDS-FREE DRIVING LEGISLATION HAS RECENTLY PASSED IN GEORGIA AND INDIANA BY BIPARTISAN MAJORITIES. DO YOU BELIEVE THIS IS A BIPARTISAN ISSUE?
Hands-free driving can and should be a bipartisan issue. In December, the House voted to ensure that our Michigan drivers were safer by passing legislation that restricted the use of cell phones by drivers under the age of 18.
Absolutely. Safety is paramount especially when behind the wheel of an automobile. My colleagues and I practice and communicate safety on a regular basis, which is why the hands-free driving legislation is a bipartisan issue.
AS NEXT-GENERATION MOBILITY BECOMES THE NEW FRONTIER FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, CAN WE STILL CHAMPION THE TECHNOLOGY WHEN OUR ROADS ARE CRUMBLING?
AS NEXT-GENERATION MOBILITY BECOMES THE NEW FRONTIER FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, CAN WE STILL CHAMPION THE TECHNOLOGY WHEN OUR ROADS ARE CRUMBLING?
We can use the challenge presented by next-generation mobility as an opportunity to reevaluate the way we finance our roads. Lifting unnecessary burdens on locals to allow them to fix our most damaged roads while continuing to fund Michigan roads at record levels is the best way to address this challenge.
For us to most effectively implement new mobility technologies into society, we need to ensure that we are maintaining our current critical infrastructure systems, which includes our roads. For the state to be a leader in this nascent industry, we need to have the right ecosystem to foster this progress – this includes fixing our roads. I am grateful for Gov. Whitmer’s focus and priority on road infrastructure funding.
Jim Lilly is a Republican representing Michigan’s 89th district.
Joe Tate is the Democrat representing Michigan’s second district.
On the Road to Top Ten, we just updated our GPS.
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Get the complete directions at MichigansRoadtoTopTen.com Michigan’s made great strides in the past decade. But while we’re better, we’re still not best. We have more to accomplish on our journey to becoming a Top Ten state. Michigan’s Road to Top Ten starts from our current benchmarks and maps a plan to key goals that
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IN THE
NEWS ASE,
Michigan’s largest employer association, has released the 2020 “Starting Salaries for Co-op Students and Recent College Graduates Survey”. The annual survey provides a comprehensive look at the current state of wages and benefits provided to co-op students and recent college graduates. The survey also presents employers with a snapshot of the recruitment and retention trends associated with these new entrants to the workforce.
Automation Alley leads the Industry 4.0 Accelerator program with support services from Lean Rocket Lab and Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator. This $2.5 million investment fund was made possible through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with $1.3 million currently available for early-stage companies as well as established firms looking to commercialize products, services, or technologies within the Industry 4.0 sector. Brown & Brown of Detroit is pleased to announce the addition of Josh Hart to its team. Hart will bring his insurance expertise to the role. In his new role as the commercial insurance advisor, Hart will expand the Brown & Brown presence to the Traverse City area, where he is based. Business Leaders for Michigan and 16 state business groups, including the Detroit Regional Chamber, have signed the Michigan Compact on Immigration, a bi-partisan call-to-action for increased immigration reform, labor market support and permanent solutions for undocumented residents in Michigan. The five-pillar statement includes principles that encourage policy changes for the immigrant population that continues to make significant contributions to Michigan’s economy.
GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING TO BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT METRO DETROIT Butzel Long attorney Mitchell “Mitch” Zajac has been appointed to serve a four-year term on the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School Board of Directors. He is one of three newly elected Board members. Based in Butzel Long’s Detroit office, Zajac is an associate and registered patent attorney, focusing his practice in the areas of automotive, intellectual property (IP), compliance, and international trade. Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to
announce that it received a score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s premier benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Dickinson Wright joins the ranks of more than 680 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year. Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
has donated $12,500 to the South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless (SOCH). The nonprofit SOCH has operated the Welcome Inn Day Center on West 13 Mile Road since 2003. The Welcome Inn Day Center is a “low barrier” wintertime day-center, which means that guests are accepted as they are with few stipulations or requirements. Through the initiative, which was part of the firm’s 150th anniversary celebrated throughout 2019, Howard & Howard donated $150,000 to various community and charitable groups. Inteva
Products, a leading global automotive supplier of engineered components and systems, announced they have been recognized as a 2019 Healthiest Employer in Michigan by a nationally recognized awards program powered by the Springbuk Health Intelligence Platform. Inteva was one of only nine companies chosen for the honor.
Kelly Services, Inc. named Tim Dupree to the position of senior vice president and chief growth officer at the Troy, Michiganheadquartered global staffing firm. The chief growth officer role is new for the company. Dupree’s responsibilities include executing Kelly’s long-term growth strategy, fostering collaboration across the company, and developing metrics to track progress. Lambert & Co., a top-ten investor
relations firm and a top-five private equity communications agency nationally, announced the acquisition of Casteel Schoenborn Investor Relations & Corporate Communications. The deal marks Lambert’s seventh transaction and second in the last two months. The transaction advances Lambert’s strategy to be the nation’s leading integrated investor relations and public relations firm for emerging and established market leaders through organic growth, acquisitions, and innovation. Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services (MiHIN)
announced it has achieved full accreditation with the Trusted Network Accreditation Program (TNAP) from the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC). TNAP accreditation leverages existing industry-wide identity verification, authentication, and privacy/ security frameworks and directly aligns with the development of the 21st Century Cures Act including the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) and promotes interoperability, assuring the security and privacy of trusted networks, and the use of enabling technologies in the healthcare ecosystem. Nemeth Law P.C.’s Patricia Nemeth, founder of the Detroit-based managementside labor and employment law firm has been named a recipient of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (MDTC) “Excellence in Defense Award” for 2020. MDTC is an association of
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the leading lawyers in the State of Michigan dedicated to representing individuals and corporations in civil litigation.
Awards. For 2020, the bank will award scholarships between $5,000 and $20,000 per student to 15 awardees.
facets of the firm’s acquisition initiatives and will be instrumental in executing the strategic vision of the Board of Directors.
Oakland Community College is offering 100 qualifying high school seniors in Oakland County a financial head start on higher education next fall with a $3,500 scholarship. Graduating high school students considering OCC for the 2020-21 academic year are encouraged to apply for a Chancellor’s Scholarship which helps incoming, qualified students with $1,750 for their fall semester and $1,750 for their winter semester.
TechTown, Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub
Walsh College’s Bachelor of Business
dedicated to helping tech startups and local businesses launch and grow, is pleased to announce its brand-new TechTown Incubator program. The intensive, 30-week business development experience is designed to help tech founders fortify their businesses into sustainable, investment-ready companies.
Administration (BBA) in Management was ranked No. 5 in the United States on the list of the “Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Business Administration”, an annual publication by Online Schools Report. Walsh’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) also ranked at No. 6 on the “Best Online Master’s in Business Administration” list and earned the program its fourth top ranking in 14 months. Walsh graduate degree programs consistently earn national and international rankings, but this marks the school’s first ranking for an undergraduate degree program.
Pentastar Aviation, a leader in the
world of business aviation, announced that Brent Hanson has joined the company in the position of account manager and client relations representative. Hanson will be based at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) as part of Pentastar’s new partnership with Avflight. Pepper Hamilton LLP announced that Sean P. McNally, a partner in the firm’s Trial and Dispute Resolution Practice Group and co-chair of the Automotive Industry Group, has been named managing partner of the Detroit office. He succeeds Thomas P. Wilczak, who led the office for 10 years.
Tom Leonard, the former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, has joined Plunkett Cooney and will be leading the law firm’s new Government Relations, Public Policy and Regulatory Practice Group. Based out of the new East Lansing branch, the group will focus on policy development, strategic collaboration, legislative monitoring, building coalitions, and bill tracking. TCF Bank announced that it will renew its
partnership with the Michigan Chronicle to provide scholarships to Detroit high school seniors through the Michigan Chronicle and TCF Bank S.W.A.G. (Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness) Scholarship
UHY Advisors (UHY), one of the nation’s leading professional services firms, has hired Michael Antovski as its chief operating officer. Antovski will be responsible for the oversight of the firm’s national shared services including finance, information technology, marketing, corporate compliance, and human resources. He will be active in all
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PREMIER MEMBERSHIP St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - ALSAC
Authority Health-Detroit Wayne County Health Authority Shelley Golsky 3031 West Grand Blvd., Suite 600 Detroit, MI 48202 313.871.3751 www.authorityhealth.org Authority Health is a public body corporate engaged with community health centers, governmental, and non-governmental organizations to strengthen the health care safety net of Detroit and Wayne County. We manage the nation’s second-largest primary care graduate medical education teaching health center program, an extensive health insurance enrollment and navigation service, communitybased primary care services, and a health data portal for consumer, provider, and academic users.
MassMutual Great Lakes Gina Coleman 3000 Town Center, Suite 3100 Southfield, MI 48075 248.357.7600 www.greatlakes.massmutual.com MassMutual Great Lakes is committed to serving Michigan by providing service to clients which always represents its top priority. Each family or business has its own unique needs. MassMutual Great Lakes has developed a team of financial professionals who will assist you in honoring the legacy you desire. Local firms are sales offices of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies.
Lorie Moshier 32121 Woodward Ave., Suite 350 Royal Oak, MI 48073 248.744.1300 www.stjude.org St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other lifethreatening diseases. Treatments invented at St. Jude have pushed the overall childhood cancer survival rates from 20% when it opened in 1962 to more than 80% today. St. Jude freely shares its discoveries so doctors and scientists in Detroit and worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands of more children. For questions or to get involved, please call 248.744.1300 or email michiganoffice@stjude.org. Toledo Zoo & Aquarium Nicole Overhulse 2 Hippo Way Toledo, OH 43609 419.385.5721 www.toledozoo.org Continued on page 44.
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ON THE
ROSTER CONTINUED Toledo Zoo & Aquarium Cont. With more than 10,000 animals from around the world, a stateof-the-art Aquarium and the new ProMedica Museum of Natural History featuring unique local habitats, visiting the Toledo Zoo is like three day-trips in one. Explore more at the must-do Zoo. Visit toledozoo. org to view the calendar of events, plan your visit, and purchase tickets. Wipro Limited Andrew Kaufteil 2 Tower Center Blvd., Suite 2200 New Jersey, NJ 08816 313.657.1227 www.wipro.com Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting, and business process services company. Wipro harnesses the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics, and emerging technologies to help its clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, a strong commitment to sustainability, and good corporate citizenship, it has more than 160,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents. Wipro discovers ideas and connects the dots to build a better and a bold new future.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP AaDya Security www.aadyasecurity.com AVI-SPL, Inc. www.avispl.com
Big Green www.biggreen.org
Loveland Technologies www.landgrid.com
Bridging North America www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com
McGregor Fund www.mcgregorfund.org
Century Partners www.centurypartners.org
Mercury Sound and Lighting www.mercurysl.com
Chintan Virani Architect www.chintan.ca
Motown Digital www.motowndigital.com
CitizenDetroit www.citizendetroit.org
Multimatic www.multimatic.com
City of Highland Park www.highlandparkmi.gov
PM Environmental www.pmenv.com
CoStaff Services LLC www.costaffservices.com
Sam Circle Venture, LLC www.samcircle.com
Deol Road Carrier www.deolroad.com
Sterling Insurance Group www.sterlingagency.com
Detroit PAL www.detroitpal.org
Superior Air- Ground Ambulance of Michigan www.superiorambulance.com
Diebold Detroit Insurance www.dieboldinsurance.com Doerken Corporation USA www.doerkenusa.com
The Art Chamber 519.965.7290
Elevation Property Management 306.621.9484
The Pine Harbor Group at Morgan Stanley www.fa.morganstanley.com/ pineharbor
Gage Cannabis USA www.gageusa.com
Trudeau Consulting, LLC 586.306.9404
Greektown Neighborhood Partnership www.greektowndetroit.org
Woodland Solutions Inc. www.woodlandsolutionsinc.com
Green Advantage Consultants www.greenadvantageconsultants.com
Zenith American Solutions, Inc. www.zenith-american.com
HealthRise www.healthrise.com
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ISAIC-Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center www.isaic.org
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Smart phones, connected homes, electric vehicles. Every day, technology is changing the way we use and think about electricity. You may not realize it, but in our increasingly electrified society, that’s where electricity transmission infrastructure matters most. To meet our twenty-first century energy demands, we need a twenty-first century electric grid. ITC, the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company, is working every day and investing in our state’s infrastructure to modernize the grid in order to move electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. That means safe, secure, reliable electricity to power economic growth, job opportunities, and our long-term energy future. We’re ensuring the grid can meet your energy needs now and long into the future. At ITC, we’re always working for the greater grid.
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