Detroiter Magazine September 2021 by Detroit Regional Chamber

ADVOCATING FOR ADVANCEMENT: WRIGHT L. LASSITER lll ON REIMAGINING A HEALTHY MICHIGAN

MEETING THE MOMENT: SKILLMANʼS NEW CEO SEES MANDATE FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

PLAGUES HAVE PLAYBOOKS: NICHOLAS CHRISTAKIS ON THE ENDURING IMPACT OF COVID-19

A PUBLICATION OF THE DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER • SEPT. 2021 US $4.00

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MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE 2021

ENERGIZING MICHIGAN’S FUTURE

@ITCHoldingsCorp @ITCGrid ITC Holdings Corp

To achieve our twenty-first century energy goals, we need a twenty-first century electric grid. ITC, Michigan-based and the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company, is working every day across the state – from Metro Detroit to Lake Michigan and north to the Mackinac Bridge – to modernize the grid. That means safe, secure, reliable electricity to power our energy future. At ITC, we’re always working for the greater grid. Learn more at www.itc-holdings.com.

FOR THE GREATER GRID

REIMAGINING A HEALTHY MICHIGAN S E P T. 2 0 2 1

• V O L U M E 11 3 , I S S U E 3

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER Michigan-Based Artists Create Custom Conference Artwork

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE Barton Malow’s Ryan Maibach on Leadership Amid Crisis

ADVOCATING FOR ADVANCEMENT Wright L. Lassiter III on Reimagining a Healthy Michigan

ACCELERATE 16

PURPOSE DRIVEN PNC Taps Harold Ford to Harness Power of Market to Promote Equity

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED GM’s Mark Reuss Looks to a Sustainable Post-Pandemic Future

ADVANCE 22

NOT A NUMBERS GAME Detroiter and Walgreens CEO Rosalind Brewer Pushing Equity Conversation

MAKING BIG DATA ACTIONABLE Economist Raj Chetty Brings Unique Brand of Research to Equity and Education

MEETING THE MOMENT Skillman’s New CEO Sees Mandate for Educational Equity

Publisher Tammy Carnrike, CCE Managing Editor Melissa Read Art Director Bethany Saner Editor James Martinez Photographers Andy Sandifer Courtesy photos Advertising Director Jim Connarn Advertising Representatives Laurie Scotese Research and Analysis Austeja Uptaite Christyn Lucas Back Issues 313.596.0391

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

INVEST 30

UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITY Governor Talks American Rescue Plan, Equity, and Economic Growth

PLAGUES HAVE PLAYBOOKS Nicholas Christakis on the Enduring Impact of COVID-19

DESIGNING DETROIT’S FUTURE Duggan Administration Energized as It Eyes Third Term

NATIONAL POLICY 40

POLARIZATION IN POLITICS Top Pundits Weigh in on Democracy and the Road to Bipartisanship

HONORING MICHIGAN’S LONGEST-SERVING SENATOR Remembering Carl Levin

CARRYING ON THE LEVIN LEGACY The Levin Center Promotes Bipartisan, Fact-Based Governing

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 48322. Copyright 2007, Detroit Regional Chamber Services Inc.

HERE TO HELP MICHIGAN BUSINESSES THRIVE. No matter what stage your business is in, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is here to help you succeed. By connecting you to the resources your business needs, granting access to necessary capital and introducing you to the right partners, the MEDC helps your business reach new potential. Find out how we can help propel your business forward with customized support at michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership

4 FROM THE PRESIDENT

28 MONTHS IS A LONG TIME MACKINAC POLICY CONFERENCE…FINALLY!

When we first locked down and moved offices into our home dens or basements back in March 2020, we all thought this might last a long time…even weeks. Eighteen months later we have all come to the painful realization that what was expected to be weeks turned into months – and now even years. The COVID-19 pandemic is becoming an endemic – something we will have to learn to live with for quite some time. Dealing with an endemic, in our mind, is to not hide forever in our basements or to pretend the health risk to ourselves and our neighbors is over. The Chamber has taken the stance since the earliest days of the crisis that the best way to retain and regain our economic and social normality is to do what is necessary to keep the virus at bay, which keeps the doors of our businesses open and customers comfortable walking through them. This is why the Detroit Regional Chamber took the lead in promoting masking in public spaces and now, increasing our vaccination rates. This is the same ethos we used planning the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference. During the pandemic, society has witnessed not only the powerful impact of COVID-19, but also profound societal change, the growth of mass disinformation, ever more damaging political polarization, and the further decline of civility in our public discourse. These are some of the key factors that drove the Chamber to proceed with our first Mackinac Policy Conference in 28 months. The Conference is a public asset for Michigan. The ability to convene Michigan’s leading corporate, civic, and political leadership to have meaningful and civil conversations about where we are and where we are going has never been more important.

Planning Team – led by Wright L. Lassiter III, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System and his team, the Chamber Board, the statewide Conference CEO Advisory Committee and our Chamber team – worked hard to develop the protocols that allowed the Conference to move forward with conditions that made Michigan’s leaders feel comfortable. As the CEO of the Chamber, I have been overwhelmed with the support and positive feedback I have received from Michigan’s business leadership for our handling of the Conference. Managing the protocols in any other way simply was not an option – the choice was to do this right or not at all. THE CHAMBER’S UNSUNG LEADER Serving as chair of the Chamber is a three-year commitment. Given the primary role is to serve as my adult supervision, it is not always a picnic! But the greatest joy of our chairs is often to chair the Mackinac Policy Conference. This was not the case for Ryan Maibach, president and CEO of Barton Malow Holdings. Ryan’s term as our chair encompassed the planning, postponement, cancellation, and then rescheduling of not one, but two conferences – neither of which he got to execute. Instead, Ryan’s time as chair was devoted to guiding the Chamber through one of the most difficult times in modern American history. Ryan gave selflessly throughout this entire period and did so combining great counsel and great humor. Both were needed. On behalf of the entire Chamber team and Board of Directors, I thank Ryan Maibach for his amazing service to the Chamber – and for his friendship.

GETTING THE PROTOCOLS RIGHT The pathway to a somewhat normal Conference has been abnormal. This year’s Conference will be the most public health-conscious major event in Michigan’s history. The Conference

SANDY K. BARUAH

Michigan is fortunate to have such high caliber leadership in business, government, education, philanthropy and education that are shaping our future. The Detroit Regional Chamber is proud to once again host them for the Mackinac Policy Conference.

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER

C H A N G E I S:

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Y O U R S M A L L C H A N G E S C A N H A V E A B I G I M P A C T. T OG E T H ER , W E C AN M OV E TO WA R D C LE A N E N E RGY AND BECOME A FORCE OF CHANGE FOR MICHIGAN. CON SUME RSENE RGY.COM/ CHANGE

REIMAGINING A

Healthy Michigan In its 41st year, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference focuses on reimagining a healthy Michigan – the gravity of which is as palpable as ever given the unprecedented times brought on by the pandemic. Featuring national experts and Michigan’s top leadership, this year’s conversation will revolve around the pillars: accelerate, advance and invest. As Michigan looks to accelerate its economic recovery and sustainability, best-selling author and physician Nicholas Christakis will highlight the lessons of COVID-19 and lead discussions about how we prepare for a future pandemic. GM President Mark Reuss will explore automotive’s staggering investment in electrification as the industry continues to innovate at speeds never seen before. Conversations on stage will come as the nation grapples with how to advance racial justice and equity for all. The president of the New York Stock Exchange Stacey Cunningham, former U.S. Representative Harold Ford Jr., and Quicken Loans Chief Executive Officer Jay Farner will discuss the financial sector’s role in economic growth and bringing more diversity to Wall Street. Walgreens Boot Alliance Chief Executive Officer Rosalind Brewer will share her experiences and perspectives at the helm of Fortune 500 companies while Harvard professor Raj Chetty will outline his big data approach to achieving equity in our schools. As always, key political conversations will take Michigan’s Center Stage as former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will debate today’s Republican Party. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will lead the conversation about how best to advance Michigan and its signature city through the pandemic and beyond.

FEATURED PRESENTERS

ROSALIND BREWER

MARK REUSS

JAY FARNER

STACEY CUNNINGHAM

Chief Executive Officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance

Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Companies

GRETCHEN WHITMER Governor, State of Michigan

President, General Motors

President, New York Stock Exchange

MICHAEL STEELE

Former Chairman, Republican National Committee; Former Lieutenant Governor, State of Maryland; Political Analyst, MSNBC

After four days of candid conversation, the Conference will conclude with the Detroit Regional Chamber’s To-Do List, a roadmap translating conversations from the island into action items and achievable goals in the year ahead. Visit detroitchamber.com/mpc for updates, coverage, and a livestream.

MIKE DUGGAN Mayor, City of Detroit

RAJ CHETTY

William A. Ackman Professor of Public Economics and Director of Opportunity Insights, Harvard University

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ON THE COVER

Michigan-Based Artists Create Custom Conference Artwork

The Detroit Regional Chamber and Henry Ford Health System, in partnership with Michigan-based artists, Dean Denell and Kristin Zuller, collaborated on a custom illustration to bring the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference theme, Reimagining a Healthy Michigan, to life. The Chamber is proud to unveil this artwork that embodies a collective vision and effort toward a healthy community – from physical and mental health to a healthy environment, economy, educational system, and more. Elements from the illustration will be used across Conference branding assets – in communications, web properties, print publications and banners, stage imagery, and more.

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Proud to participate in the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference

Special Edition

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE BARTON MALOW’S RYAN MAIBACH ON LEADERSHIP AMID CRISIS By Karen Dybis

As 2020 began, Ryan Maibach was anticipating a great year ahead: As president and CEO of constructionindustry leader Barton Malow, work was booming, and he was excited to serve as chair of the 2020 Mackinac Policy Conference, a role his father also held. Then came the pandemic. It brought construction delays, supplier slowdowns and new health protocols. Serving then as the Detroit Regional Chamber’s board chair, Maibach also sat in on Zoom meetings and phone calls as the Chamber decided to cancel the much-anticipated 2020 Mackinac Policy Conference. In a year like no other, Maibach said he saw the best and the worst of it all. Despite

these trials, Maibach said he made a decision to focus on positive leadership in his professional life as well as his role with the Chamber. Rather than dwell on what could have been, Maibach said he sought to share the lessons he learned and boost the support the Chamber gives businesses, especially during this most uncertain time. “We learned new ways of doing business. … You can’t build buildings at home,” Maibach said. “We all became very comfortable with Zoom, Microsoft Teams and everything else, and there’s value in that. But when you lose that ability to interact in person through freeform conversations, you realize how much you value it and how much you can benefit from it.”

The Chamber served as a guidepost for how to navigate coronavirus, Maibach said. Together, he and other board members as well as Chamber leadership walked business leaders through how to prepare employers for everything from quarantines to vaccines to work-fromhome strategies. This information has been instrumental in helping not only Maibach’s business but many Metro Detroit companies move forward, he said. “We were a conduit and resource for COVID-related information for Chamber members as well as creating a sense of community as to how we were approaching challenges past, present and future,” Maibach said. “The value proposition of the

Special Edition

We learned new ways of doing business. … You can’t build buildings at home.” RYAN MAIBACH PRESIDENT AND CEO, BARTON MALOW

Chamber really shown through to members and the business community at large.” In addition to his role at the Chamber, where he is the immediate past chair of the board, Maibach served on Gov. Whitmer’s Michigan Economic Recovery Council, advising the governor on the best way to reopen Michigan. Those lessons are still coming into play, especially with the Delta variant again shifting how people work, go to school and find ways to support their communities. “COVID is certainly far from over,” Maibach said. “We’re still wrestling with what do we do to do right by our team members both to ensure their safety on an ongoing basis. Last year, we had a kind of clarity (because of governmental guidance), but now it’s really up to businesses to try to figure out how we put in place the right protocols to ensure the safety of our own team members and clients. These are not easy decisions.”

Maibach said, however, his optimism for Detroit, Michigan and the nation’s economic recovery and business resurgence remains unabated. “(At Barton Malow,) we have a record backlog and record revenue forecasted – we see tremendous activity in the construction industry. There’s a tremendous influx of capital from clients, and that is encouraging,” Maibach said. “At the Chamber, we’ll continue to be a resource for information and an advocate for Chamber members. As the chair, I got a first-hand seat to see the talent that’s in the Chamber’s leadership, and that was really gratifying. The true test of a leader is how they conduct themselves in the midst of a challenge, and they and the region really rose to the challenge.” • Karen Dybis is a freelance writer in Metro Detroit.

ADVANCING PUBLIC HEALTH SINCE 1965.

SEMHA IS COMMITTED TO ADVANCING PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE EXCELLENCE FOR ALL RESIDENTS IN MICHIGAN. Visit us at www.semha.org

ADVOCATING FOR ADVANCEMENT WRIGHT L. LASSITER lll ON REIMAGINING A HEALTHY MICHIGAN

The chair of the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference, Wright L. Lassiter III is President and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Ford Health System and the incoming Chair of the American Hospital Association. Well regarded as a national thought leader and advocate for advancement and equity inside and outside healthcare, Lassiter has pursued a lifelong commitment to meeting the unmet needs of the communities he serves through innovative and foundational solutions.

What does “reimagining a healthy Michigan” mean to you? We need to think more broadly about what it means to be “healthy.” Actual medical care accounts for only 10-20% percent of a person’s overall health. Social and economic conditions play a far more significant role. For communities to thrive, they need access to healthy food and clean water, safe and vibrant neighborhoods, gainful employment, affordable housing, transportation, and unfettered access to the right to vote. When any of these fails, the health of individuals and communities fail. When I reimagine a healthy Michigan, I envision a vibrant pipeline of opportunities and the eradication of inherent structural barriers to these core needs.

How do we achieve that goal? We all have to see ourselves in the solution. Everyone has a role in improving someone’s life, regardless of where we find ourselves. We also have to embrace this as a long-term commitment, moving beyond band-aid solutions and pilot programs toward authentic, foundational, scalable change. And, we can’t do it alone. We have to find equally committed partners who will work alongside us on the journey.

How do we need to invest differently in the health of our people and communities? We need to make foundational, enduring investments in our vulnerable communities, urban and rural. The notion that intentionally focusing on one group hurts the broader population is just plain false. When we ignore basic challenges faced by people who’ve historically been left behind, we all experience negative and lasting effects on economic growth, prosperity, and health. The reverse is equally true – when we lift up our underserved, we all have the potential to experience that success.

Special Edition

When we ignore basic challenges faced by people who’ve historically been left behind, we all experience negative and lasting effects on economic growth, prosperity, and health.” What’s the next step needed from corporate leaders to help Michigan achieve racial justice and equity? Hope and dialogue are not enough. We have to be courageous and willing to act on behalf of every life we serve – by openly acknowledging our collective failures and embracing the fight for justice. We, as leaders, cannot be silent anymore. We must commit to rejecting and eliminating all forms of bias, racism and violence, not just in our organizations, but across our communities.

What do you think is the overarching lesson Michigan’s leadership should take away from the pandemic? First and foremost, that we’re not out of this pandemic yet. We have come so far and learned so much since our first reported

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME1 No. 32

$59,584

Henry Ford is planning an “art activation” at the Grand Hotel during the Conference. Tell us about that. We have long known the healing power of culture and the uniquely restorative effects of art, music and food. That’s why we have been so intentional about the infusion of the arts at Henry Ford – and there has never been a more pivotal time to harness that. Throughout the pandemic, Michigan residents have experienced physical, sociological and psychological impacts of trauma, separation and isolation. We want to empower artists to empower us. As we come together to engage in authentic dialogue and commit to measurable action, we want to generate that restorative experience for everyone. •

EDUCATION ATTAINMENT2

Ages 25-64, includes short-term credentials

No. 35

$65,712

HOME OWNERSHIP RATE1

49.1%

51.9%

VOTER TURNOUT RATE3 2020 General Election

No. 10

No. 6

71.6%

cases in Michigan in March 2020. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to implore everyone to get vaccinated and actively encourage others to do so, especially as we’re continuing to see emerging variants and breakthrough cases.

64.1%

SOURCE: 1. U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates 2. Lumina Foundation 3. ElectProject 4. Sharecase, Inc.

73.9%

66.8%

COMMUNITY WELL-BEING INDEX4

No. 38 MICHIGAN RANKS NO. 38 AMONG ALL STATES IN THE 2020 COMMUNITY WELL-BEING INDEX, MEASURING HEALTH RISK FACTORS SUCH AS PHYSICAL HEALTH, ECONOMIC SECURITY, HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND HOUSING.

Accelerate ACCELERATE OUR COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND SUSTAINABILITY. $8 BILLION+ AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT IN AUTONOMOUS AND ELECTRIC-VEHICLE RELATED INVESTMENTS IN THE U.S. IN 2021.1

While government relief spending, including the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan, will continue to play central roles in sustainable economic recovery, the private sector will be the accelerator. Innovative companies will create the jobs and long-term investment required to move beyond the pandemic economically. Amid the race for electrification and autonomous vehicle technology, OEMs are spending billions in R & D as the automotive and mobility industry enters an era of unprecedented innovation. With the manufacturing sector booming and industrial sites at a premium, mobility solutions are planting the seeds for more robust growth. Corporate leaders are also looking to maximize the connection between the economy, growth, and a sustainable financial industry. Investing with the purpose of driving prosperity has the potential to bring about a more inclusive and productive talent pool, and ultimately a more diverse Wall Street and healthier economy. With the right leadership, both industries are poised to help accelerate COVID-19 economic recovery and sustainability. SOURCE: 1. The Center for Automotive Research (As of May 2021)

Special Edition

We view electric vehicles as a growth business, and believe the best way General Motors can keep the recovery going is by doing exactly what we’re doing – leading the charge toward an all-electric future by launching new EVs, pushing for EV adoption and infrastructure installation and keeping Americans employed by the tens of thousands.”

MARK REUSS

PRESIDENT, GENERAL MOTORS CO.

ACCELERATE Michigan

PURPOSE DRIVEN PNC TAPS HAROLD FORD TO HARNESS POWER OF MARKET TO PROMOTE EQUITY By Paul Vachon Former congressman Harold Ford Jr. is optimistic about change ahead. In his current role as CEO of Empowerment & Inclusion Capital Corp., and Vice Chairman of PNC Bank, he sees a not-to-distant future when most, if not all, American companies will be led by boards and management teams that practice diversity that extends to women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community. He has good reason to be confident. His employer, PNC Bank, has introduced several initiatives aimed at achieving equality. In the wake of the racial justice movement in 2020, the PNC Foundation committed to contributing $1.5 billion to efforts working to combat racism, empower African Americans, and bring about economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income communities.

HAROLD FORD JR.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EMPOWERMENT AND INCLUSION CAPITAL CORP.; VICE CHAIRMAN, PNC BANK

PROVIDING SHARE HOLDER VALUE WHILE PROMOTING INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Ford explains that once the partner company is acquired, the mission is to “take all of the profits and invest them in initiatives supporting the economic empowerment and inclusion of underrepresented groups.”

In 2020, a PNC board member who is a senior manager at Microsoft noted that just as the tech company leverages technology to work toward equality, a financial giant like PNC can do likewise with its resources.

The Empowerment and Inclusion Capital Corp., debuted on the New York Stock in March 2021 and trades under the ticker symbol EPWR. To date, it has researched several potential partner companies, but is not yet ready to consummate an acquisition.

The idea was then hatched to sponsor a SPAC, or Special Purpose Acquisition Company, with the goal of purchasing an existing private company to further promote diversity. PNC Bank approached Rep. Ford to spearhead the initiative. Hence the creation of the Empowerment and Inclusion Capital Corp.

In the meantime, PNC continues with its broader goal of promoting diversity and inclusion at every opportunity while setting a positive example.

SPACs exist for the sole purpose of raising capital and acquiring another company with the intention of achieving a predefined goal, in this case a more equitable and inclusive society. Sponsors come together and put up the at-risk capital, including the costs of consultants, lawyers, etc.

“A number of other companies are working toward achieving diversity, including Netflix, Google, and Microsoft,” says Ford. “We (at PNC) want to be part of the pantheon of awareness that leads to an even bigger intentionality for companies to make a difference in this way.” • Paul Vachon is a freelance writer in Metro Detroit.

Special Edition

WHAT IS THE KEY TO BRINGING MORE DIVERSITY TO THE FINANCIAL SECTOR OR MORTGAGE INDUSTRY?

STACEY CUNNINGHAM

JAY FARNER

SUZANNE SHANK

PRESIDENT, NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

VICE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ROCKET COMPANIES

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SIEBERT WILLIAMS SHANK & CO., LLC

We need to advance diversity across the entire corporate landscape, Wall Street included. Our capital markets can play a powerful role when investors demand change by allocating dollars to companies that are prioritizing diversity. At the NYSE, and through our parent company ICE, we arm investors with ESG data that informs their investment decisions. We are also leveraging our brand and CEO network to deliver a solutions-based approach by identifying and placing diverse independent directors with our Board Advisory Council. The key is for us all to take action, as our collective efforts are critical to driving meaningful change.”

Hiring diverse talent is a top priority at Rocket Companies as we continue growing our FinTech businesses. We have partnered with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and diverse student organizations at many other universities, to recruit new talent. In fact, we surpassed our goal of hiring 10% of this year’s summer interns from HBCUs. Rocket Companies remains committed to keeping DEI in our DNA and leveraging our culture to enact lasting, positive change.”

After 33 years on Wall Street, what’s most encouraging is that improvements in DEI in employment and procurement are at the forefront of senior leadership team and corporate board agendas. The most glaring issue is that diversity declines dramatically as you move up the corporate ladder. Wall Street must look at the pipeline of talent and do a better job ensuring bias and preconceived perceptions are not playing a role in advancement decisions. DEI must be viewed as a responsibility and priority throughout each firm at every level.”

ACCELERATE Michigan

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED GM’S MARK REUSS LOOKS TO A

SUSTAINABLE POST-PANDEMIC FUTURE By Paul Eisenstein It began almost imperceptibly, as workers along the line began falling ill. Within weeks, it soon was apparent, COVID had come to America and, like much of the country, the auto industry needed to respond with drastic measures. Workers were sent home. Factories shut down, and a downturn to rival the Great Recession seemed inevitable. Despite the dire forecasts, the auto industry has pulled through much better than expected. If anything, manufacturers have used the crisis to make massive changes impacting everything from the way factories operate to the way vehicles are sold. And there are more changes to come, President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order accelerating the shift from internal combustion engines to battery power.

Credit: Paul A. Eisenstein, TheDetroitBureau

At General Motors, President Mark Reuss is a key player in the company’s response to COVID, as well as its push into electrification. The comparison to GM’s role in World War II, as part of the “Arsenal of Democracy,” is “an opt one,” Reuss said. Not only did GM have to set in place protocols for reopening its factories, it also began the “Herculean task” of rolling out the ventilators and masks desperately needed to fight the pandemic. “And through it all, we never wavered from our commitment to EVs and realigning our product portfolio. In fact, we doubled down,” said Reuss. Just weeks

Credit: Paul A. Eisenstein, TheDetroitBureau

It sounds cliché to say, ‘Expect the unexpected.’ But what else could be the lesson of the last year or two? And who knows what’s going to be next? You can’t just sit around and wait for the locusts to roll in.” before the March 2020 industry shutdown, CEO Mary Barra announced GM would invest $20 billion in its electrified and autonomous vehicle program. That figure now stands at $35 billion. “We view electric vehicles as a growth business, and believe the best way General Motors can keep the recovery going is by doing exactly what we’re doing – leading the charge toward an all-electric future by launching new EVs, pushing for EV adoption and infrastructure installation and keeping Americans employed by the tens of thousands,” said Reuss. This means a continued emphasis on “sustainability.” That has numerous interpretations, including long-term profitability but, “For the purposes of Mackinac, “the way to look at sustainability is in the context of helping the planet and fighting climate change,” said Reuss – who believes the shift to EVs “will happen more quickly than most people can imagine.” OVERCOMING CHALLENGES CREATED BY PANDEMIC GM’s goal is to eliminate sales of vehicles using internal combustion engines by

2035. For now, however, the company has more immediate challenges, including disruptions from the ongoing pandemic. “This is an insidious virus with multiple variants and it’s not going to go away on its own,” said Reuss. The automaker nearly had to cut production at a plant in Missouri due to a shortage of manpower in July. And that highlights the challenge it – like much of America – faces hiring new workers. GM, he said, is in “hiring mode,” adding social media to traditional recruiting means, and reaching out through “friends and families (of) our current team.” The good news is that the focus on a high-tech future is helping GM – and its competitors – win the sort of talent that, for many years, steered clear of the auto industry. One of the biggest challenges stemming from the pandemic has been the shortage of semiconductor chips. According to a study by AlixPartners, the industry will take at least a $110 billion hit due to lost production and sales. While GM had to trim production of some truck models like the highly profitable Chevrolet Silverado in July, it’s fared better than many rivals.

GENERAL MOTORS CO. PLANS TO BE

Credit: Paul A. Eisenstein, TheDetroitBureau

“The chip shortage has really reinforced the creativity and agility of our teams to manage just about any issue,” Reuss said. “We plan for all kinds of scenarios, and I think anybody who looks at our balance sheet would have to say we are weathering the storms pretty well.” EXCEEDING WALL STREET’S EXPECTATIONS Despite production cuts and slim inventories, the automaker delivered a net profit of $2.8 billion for Q2, handily exceeding Wall Street expectations. “It sounds cliché to say, ‘Expect the unexpected.’ But what else could be the lesson of the last year or two? And who knows what’s going to be next? You can’t just sit around and wait for the locusts to roll in,” said Reuss. “You have to plan proactively and resolve to react quickly and decisively, to anything.” • Paul Eisenstein is publisher and editor-in-chief of automotive news site TheDetroitBureau.com.

BY 20401 SOURCE: 1. General Motors Co.

Advance ADVANCE RACIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY FOR ALL. $2.7 TRILLION THE AMOUNT THE U.S. STANDS TO GAIN IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT BY CLOSING THE RACIAL EQUITY GAP.1

Recognition of a problem is different than solving it. While discourse on diversity, equity and inclusion has increasingly emphasized intentionality over the past decade, the events since March 2020 have demonstrated the need to advance racial justice and equity for all. To put it simpler: talk is cheap. Expectations have changed as the life and death consequences of systemic racism and inequities were broadly exposed. That requires fixing systemic issues that have often prevented underserved populations from benefitting from economic prosperity, which will also accelerate the economy. That starts with addressing gaps in the talent pipeline from preschool to boardrooms. Access to quality k-12 education can position all graduates for postsecondary success while employer-based initiatives can bring increased diversity to the C-suite. While that is much easier said than done, the era of big data offers new insight to help educators, employers, and philanthropists tackle long-standing educational and equity challenges in innovative ways that drive economic results. SOURCE: 1. W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Business Case for Racial Equity in Michigan, 2018

Special Edition

A year from now I want to look back on this time as an inflection point…. and a moment in time where real, lasting change happened – that we will all have collectively banded together and got through the pandemic…. and at the same time worked to drive real change toward racial equity.”

ROSALIND BREWER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE

ADVANCE Michigan

NOT A NUMBERS GAME DETROITER AND WALGREENS CEO ROSALIND BREWER PUSHING EQUITY CONVERSATION By Trevor W. Coleman

I think we have spent more time trying to reach numbers than we have changing our environment where people feel safe, where they feel they can come to work and be their whole self, give it everything they’ve got, be their natural self, and be respected for it and applauded for it.” ROSALIND BREWER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, WALGREENS BOOTS ALLIANCE

Credit: Walgreens Communications

It’s not easy to rise from the ranks of employee to the chief executive officer of a Fortune 500 company. And it’s especially difficult if you are a woman, and triple the challenge if you are a Black woman. But Rosalind Brewer, who was named chief executive officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) in March, is used to being a trailblazer who defies expectations from those who might underestimate her because of her gender and race. In just the past decade, the Detroit native and alum of Cass Tech has had the distinction of serving as a top executive at three Fortune 500 companies, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and now Walgreens Boot Alliance (Walgreens in U.S., Boot Alliance internationally). The executive’s latest move makes her chief executive officer of the largest company ever led by a Black woman, as WBA is No. 19 on the Fortune 500. Brewer is just one of two Black women currently leading a Fortune 500 company along with Thasunda Brown Duckett, who was named CEO of TIAA in May.

OPENING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS Brewer’s ascension to the rarified air of the Fortune 500 board room is a testament to her brilliance, fortitude, innovative thinking, and foresight as a thought leader in the corporate world. Those characteristics now help her open up opportunities for others. As chief executive officer, she oversees WBA leadership accountability program, which focuses on increasing representation of people of color and women within leadership ranks. The program’s targets for fiscal 2021 are a three-percent increase of women in leadership across WBA, and a twopercent increase of people of color in leadership in the U.S. Having personally navigated the minefields of race and gender her entire career, diversity and inclusion is not only a business imperative but a personal one. And that means not allowing such efforts to be reduced to a numbers game.

Special Edition

Brewer stresses the “inclusion” component of the accountability program by placing a heavy emphasis on creating an environment where diverse employees are represented, but also feel welcomed, valued, engaged, and a critical part of the company culture. “I think we have spent more time trying to reach numbers than we have changing our environment where people feel safe, where they feel they can come to work and be their whole self, give it everything they’ve got, be their natural self, and be respected for it and applauded for it,” she said in a 2020 TED talk. IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE Brewer, a Spelman College alum, has also been instrumental in leading Walgreens’ vaccine equity efforts, as part of the company’s commitment to improving access to healthcare.

2020

FORTUNE 500 PERCENTAGE OF BOARD SEATS BY GENDER AND MINORITY1

333

694

MINORITY WOMEN

MINORITY MEN

1,226

3,627

WHITE WOMEN

WHITE MEN

5.7%

20.9%

11.8%

61.7%

“Leading Walgreens Boots Alliance is a rare opportunity to be part of the solution to end the pandemic and to help shape the future of healthcare and retail,” Brewer said. “A year from now I want to look back on this time as an inflection point…. and a moment in time where real, lasting change happened – that we will all have collectively banded together and got through the pandemic…. and at the same time worked to drive real change toward racial equity. I feel inspired and hopeful that some good will come out of this very difficult time.” For her former classmates, Brewer’s success is no surprise. Maria WoodruffWright, vice president of operations and chief financial officer of the Detroit-based Skillman Foundation has known her since their high school days in a women’s charitable organization. “Rosalind was the president and had a command and leadership style that I admired and looked up to,” she said. “She was fun. She was great. Very likable and approachable. She had a grace and beautiful sense of style and maturity. I’m not surprised she has become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.” • Trevor W. Coleman is a former editorial writer and columnist for the Detroit Free Press.

Credit: Walgreens Communications SOURCE: 1. Deloitte, The Board Diversity Census of Women and Minorities on Fortune 500 Boards, 6th Edition

ADVANCE Michigan

MAKING BIG DATA ACTIONABLE ECONOMIST RA J CHETTY BRINGS UNIQUE BRAND OF RESEARCH TO EQUITY AND EDUCATION By Karen Dybis

Taxes, educational equity, unemployment: When it comes to research, Raj Chetty takes on topics other economists might avoid. Chetty’s work as one of the nation’s top economists could be boiled down to one question: How can we as a country give children from disadvantaged backgrounds better opportunities? Chetty believes that with data, innovative programs and a lot of curiosity, the United States can help more people achieve the American Dream. “We’re trying to bring modern data – ‘Big Data’ – to bear on these questions of equality and social mobility,” Chetty said from his office as the William A. Ackman Professor of Economics at Harvard University. He also is the director of Opportunity Insights, which uses big data to understand how the United States can boost the success rate for children of disadvantaged backgrounds. What makes Chetty’s work stand out is the way he works – he blends empirical evidence with his expertise in economic theory. The result is easy-to-understand solutions that take government programs and long-standing notions about poverty,

education and economic mobility and turns them into effective policies. DATA SHOWS INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY In other words, Chetty is the kind of economist who wants to make data not only accessible but actionable. For example, he delved into IRS tax data to show what he calls “inequality of opportunity” right down to the neighborhood level. He looks at cities from a micro and macro perspective, including Detroit and Michigan, to understand why some children rise and others, especially Black young men, can face downward mobility. “In Detroit, the racial divide is significant. As a population, it’s an important issue. How do you create better opportunity for Black Americans living in Detroit?” Chetty asked. “Where are they living? How can they do better? An important piece of the puzzle that we find in our data is … there is a persistent effect of racial disparity. It’s not just about giving more resources to schools. It’s about why Black kids going to the best schools still have disparities.”

Special Edition One solution Chetty recommends is early intervention with quality preschool as well as top-tier teachers early on. Others include mentorship and looking at the criminal justice system to ensure Black men are present in neighborhoods as fathers and leaders. INTERRUPTIONS AT YOUNGER AGES HAVE LIFELONG IMPACTS In other words, action based on data will lead to important changes for mobility, equality and a better life for all. In that regard, he walks the talk: Chetty is part of a pilot program in Seattle working with families to help them better utilize housing vouchers to move to higher-opportunity areas. These interventions at younger ages have life-long impacts on income potential and overall success, he notes. Detroit could create similar programs, he said. “Detroit has made great strides in recent years, bringing back major employers and its overall revitalization,” Chetty said. “But

does that benefit current Detroiters versus people moving in? … To remedy that, you need a deliberate strategy to increase upward mobility and connect (Detroit residents) to these jobs.” Business and governmental leaders need to think about how to build a pipeline for people to succeed – and that all comes back to the things that matter most, such as taxes, educational equity and unemployment. “For the business community, they need to understand that at the end of the day, their ability to thrive depends on human capital. How can you build up a better pool of skills? You invest in the people, and especially in the kids growing up in Detroit,” Chetty said. “It’s in their own interests in the long run to make these investments, to give back to the local community and to create a pipeline to opportunity.” •

We’re trying to bring modern data – ‘Big Data’ – to bear on these questions of equality and social mobility.”

RAJ CHETTY WILLIAM A. ACKMAN PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS AND DIRECTOR OF OPPORTUNITY INSIGHTS, HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Karen Dybis is a freelance writer in Metro Detroit.

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ADVANCE Michigan

MEETING THE MOMENT SKILLMAN’S NEW CEO SEES MANDATE FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY By James Martinez

Watch the young people. Children and youth are always the metric on equity because they represent today’s priorities and tomorrow’s promise.” ANGELIQUE POWER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THE SKILLMAN FOUNDATION

For The Skillman Foundation’s new president and chief executive officer, Angelique Power, achieving equity in Detroit starts with our youth. “Watch the young people,” said Power. “Children and youth are always the metric on equity because they represent today’s priorities and tomorrow’s promise.” Power, an accomplished champion for racial justice from the Field Foundation in Chicago, takes the helm at The Skillman Foundation as investing differently in k-12 outcomes nationwide is viewed by many as central to advancing overall racial justice and equity. In her new role, Power will be leading the Foundation’s Opportunity Agenda for Detroit Children and striving to ensure equitable outcomes for students to learn and lead with a focus on k-12 education, afterschool, and college and career pathways. From her perspective, achieving more equitable outcomes is about tracking who gets listened to, supported, and funded.

“Many systems and sectors impact a child’s life, from prenatal through their years as young adults,” Power said. “We have an incredible opportunity – and really a mandate – in this moment to work in lockstep as partners, sharing data, goals and accountability for the well-being of children.” THE NEW CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Events over the past summer demonstrated to Power that the very idea of corporate responsibility has changed. And it is forcing tough questions about how decisions are made, who benefits, and how racialized analysis of history and institutions policies can reshape daily practices. “Is it grants and volunteerism? Sure, it’s some of this. But ultimately, it’s about shifting power and moving resources inside every sector,” said Power, who also previously led corporate social responsibility at Dayton Hudson Corporation. She sees the strong racial

Special Edition

WHAT IS THE KEY TO PREPARING K-12 STUDENTS FOR POST-SECONDARY SUCCESS?

RUSSELL A. KAVALHUNA PRESIDENT, HENRY FORD COLLEGE

equity statements issued in the summer of 2020 as a precursor to substantive change. Following the murder of George Floyd, Power co-founded Just Action, a group of 200 individuals and institutions focused on helping organizations make their racial equity statements from 2020 real. “Let’s start with an understanding that the racial caste system needs to be actively dismantled on an individual, institutional, and systemic level, and it’s an all-hands-on deck moment,” Power said. “This isn’t about a pipeline program to add more people of color into a space. It’s about changing education, criminal justice, housing, health, and other systems – while changing ourselves to boot. And while learning about race and racism and its impact is critical, it’s ultimately about action.” •

This begins in grade school, where students must build traditional academic foundations in reading, writing, math, and science. This is not new. But we are learning that students need us to model a “college-going culture,” especially in underrepresented populations. This entails a support system around the child from youth to college, showing the opportunity, value, and expectation of college. This comes from partnership between colleges and P-12 districts, with consistent modeling from all adults, from parents to college presidents.”

Thank you for Empowering Detroit’s Youth @

Detroit Youth Summit Conference 2021

“As a speaker at the Detroit Youth Summit Conference,

these young Detroiters are shaping the future community they want to call home.” Jeff Donofrio, President & CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan

“No conference I’ve been to could ever compare to the Detroit Youth Summit Conference. It’s a great opportunity for youth to use their voices and find great career paths.” TaKayla, L!FE STUDENT

Empowering youth to empower their futures For more information, contact: Frankie Piccirilli at

info@fueledbylife.org fueledbylife.org

James Martinez is a freelance writer and content creation consultant in Metro Detroit. w Opportunity Fair Presented by Beaumont Health

Invest INVEST IN THE HEALTH OF PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES. $826 MILLION AMOUNT AWARDED TO CITY OF DETROIT THROUGH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN, THE 5TH LARGEST AMOUNT OF ANY CITY IN AMERICA.1

The pandemic has changed the lens through which we collectively view “health,” starting with how we define it. “Health” is encompassing much more than just traditional medical care as a broader conversation evolves. With the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 unfolding in real time, the connections between social mobility, equity, environmental justice and health care have come into stark focus. Even as the pandemic surges on, dialogue across some corporate, government and philanthropic circles is raising questions about how we should invest in the health of people and communities differently to create more equity and economic resilience. While there is much yet to explore in terms of lessons learned for the postpandemic era, there is a growing recognition that ignoring the broader concept of “health” in underserved people and communities is untenable and counterproductive in such an interconnected society. A state and nation that wishes to create widespread prosperity for all must evaluate how it invests its “health” resources. SOURCE: 1. City of Detroit

Special Edition

The ability of the government to spend vast sums of money in a blink of an eye gave a palpable demonstration of the tremendous economic power it has to address a threat deemed important enough. The pandemic functioned as a kind of object lesson: See? See what is possible?”

NICHOLAS CHRISTAKIS SOCIAL SCIENTIST AND PHYSICIAN; DIRECTOR, HUMAN NATURE LAB, YALE UNIVERSITY

UNPRECEDENTED

OPPORTUNITY GOVERNOR TALKS AMERICAN RESCUE

PLAN, EQUITY, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

We have a lot more work to do to promote racial justice and foster inclusivity, diversity, and equity. It’s important that we take time to reflect on what we have learned and how, together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive and resilient economy for every Michigander.” GRETCHEN WHITMER GOVERNOR, STATE OF MICHIGAN

What’s the biggest obstacle to sustaining economic growth? There continues to be an incredible demand for talent. The pandemic has only intensified this challenge. From engineering to skilled trades, we know Michigan’s workforce is one of our greatest assets from a business attraction standpoint. But as industry changes, particularly the shift from combustible engine to EVs, jobs are changing too. We are being proactive in getting Michiganders the retraining, upskilling, and certifications that will be critical both to ensuring our businesses have the workforce they need to grow but also making sure people all across this state are able to get a good paycheck and path to economic security.

What steps would you like to see to advance racial justice and equity in Michigan? We have a lot more work to do to promote racial justice and foster inclusivity, diversity, and equity. It’s important that we take time to reflect on what we have learned and how,

together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive and resilient economy for every Michigander. I proudly created the Black Leadership Advisory Council, dedicated to eradicating and preventing inequity in education, community safety, business leadership, and health to advance our shared goal of justice into each sector of the state. As we navigate the pandemic, it is critical that we continue to offer inclusive, targeted support for both new and existing businesses if we want to achieve comprehensive, meaningful, and generational success for the people, businesses, and communities of Michigan.

Where do we need to invest more resources to create a healthier, more resilient Michigan? We must continue to jumpstart our economy which means increasing incentives to boost wages to attract applicants, providing grants to small businesses to ramp up hiring, and expanding access to childcare for families with young children who want

to return to work but cannot. We have the unprecedented opportunity to take advantage of federal stimulus funds and our $3.5 billion state budget surplus to invest in our communities by making longterm, lasting investments that will benefit all residents, and create comprehensive strategies that will help drive long-term economic growth. We recently introduced our Economic Jumpstart Plan which pours $1.4 billion in childcare to make 150,000 more kids eligible for low or no-cost care, and offers small businesses grants up to $20,000 to cover rent, taxes, payroll, or any operating expenses. Whether we are utilizing our $10 million federal grant to support registered apprenticeship expansion efforts to increase employment opportunities or creating a tuition-free path to an associate degree or a skills certificate through MI Reconnect – each investment puts Michiganders first and prioritizes economic development in our communities.

MICHIGAN UNEMPLOYMENT1 2020 Q2

19.4% 2021 Q2

5.0%

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Quentin Messer Jr. recently took the helm at the MEDC. How do you think the MEDC’s strategy will change as we move beyond the pandemic? We are so excited to have Quentin as CEO at the MEDC. He has an incredible passion and energy for economic development and a competitive spirit. Most importantly, he understands that at its core, economic development must lead to meaningful economic opportunity at the individual level. If the impact of economic growth is not reaching every region and every resident in our state, we are doing something wrong. That was the foundation of the economic strategy before the pandemic, and it is the foundation today. So, while the pandemic, and industry trends may require us to adjust our tactics, we remain confident in the overall strategy. It has weathered this pandemic, and ensures we are in the best possible position for a strong economic recovery on the other side. And now with Quentin, we are going to put that in overdrive and get to work building a championship economy here in Michigan.• Note: Answers were edited for length and clarity.

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General Contracting Construction Management Design/Build Pre-Construction Services Flint MI 810.736.7843 siwekcc.com SOURCE: 1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Strategic Initiatives, Department of Technology, Management & Budget

INVEST Michigan

PLAGUES HAVE PLAYBOOKS NICHOLAS CHRISTAKIS ON THE ENDURING IMPACT OF COVID-19 By James Martinez

In early 2020, Dr. Nicholas Christakis knew the COVID-19 virus deserved serious attention. The Yale professor had been collaborating with Chinese scientists for several years using cell phone data to study human interactions. Tracking data from the movements of 11 million people, he and others were able to predict the timing, intensity and location of the pandemic early on throughout China. Growing more concerned, he sounded the alarm about the risks of public transmission in the U.S. by tweeting basic epidemiology information. “To my amazement many of these threads went viral and gave me the idea that there was a lot of hunger out there for such information,” said Christakis. The experience prompted the best-selling author, physician and sociologist to write “Apollo’s Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of Coronavirus on the Way We Live.” Starting in March 2020, he completed the book in just four months.

Special Edition One of the overarching themes of the book is that challenges and responses during times of pandemic, both good and bad, are timeless dating back to ancient times despite modern society’s technological and medical advances. “(We) think that this experience we’re having is so alien and not natural, but it’s not. Plagues are not new to our species, they’re just new to us. We think it’s crazy what’s happening. But our ancestors have been confronting plagues for thousands of years,” said Christakis. “And in fact, this plague is not as bad as some of the plagues that our ancestors had to deal with, but it is nevertheless following a playbook.” That playbook is comprised of responses and factors such as fear, denial, superstition, the rapid spread of misinformation,

and the undermining of science and health experts, which have long accompanied the spread of germs, according to Christakis. Those elements of the pandemic wreaked havoc on early mitigation efforts and continue to undermine vaccination efforts. This has provided the paradox of the United States’ ability to develop and administer highly effective vaccines in record time, but inability to convince many people to get vaccinated. “The problem is most Americans have not personally experienced serious epidemics. And so although it’s in our historical memory, and we have medical historians and epidemiologists and other experts in our society who can understand this situation, the citizen on the street doesn’t have that personal experience, so we took it lightly.”

(We) think that this experience we’re having is so alien and not natural, but it’s not. Plagues are not new to our species, they’re just new to us.” NICHOLAS CHRISTAKIS

SOCIAL SCIENTIST AND PHYSICIAN; DIRECTOR, HUMAN NATURE LAB, YALE UNIVERSITY Credit: Jordan Makarof

INVEST Michigan

1918 INFLUENZA PANDEMIC1 500 MILLION PEOPLE INFECTED WORLDWIDE 50 MILLION DEATHS WORLDWIDE ON THE CONTINUUM OF PLAGUES – COVID-19 COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE As bad and tragic as the current pandemic has been and continues to be, Christakis points out that the lethality of pathogens varies and COVID-19 was not as deadly as smallpox or cholera. In other words, when we are beyond it, things likely could have been worse, and perhaps the next one will be. “I want people to understand the reality of the situation,” said Christakis. “This is why for decades, the CIA and the White House, and other organs of government have rightly seen pandemics as national security threats. They are a threat to our way of life. Just as much as we might fear human enemies, we should fear viral enemies. They could destroy our way of life.”

PREPARED FOR THE NEXT PANDEMIC? IT MAY BE A MATTER OF TIMING For Christakis, the level of preparedness for the next pandemic will largely come down to timing. If too long passes before the next serious pandemic, people may have collectively forgotten or downplayed the hardships and lessons presented by COVID-19. “I fear that if the next one comes more than 30 years from now, everything will happen again. We’ll make the same mistakes again,” said Christakis. •

James Martinez is a freelance writer and content creation consultant in Metro Detroit.

675,000 DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES

COVID-19 PANDEMIC2 210 MILLION+ CONFIRMED CASES WORLDWIDE 4 MILLION+ DEATHS WORLDWIDE 626,000+ DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES

SOURCE: 1. CDC, John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center Notes: Estimates, COVID19 data as of August 19, 2021²

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We’ve set new environmental and social goals, and we’re serious about achieving them.

We’ve always been a forward-thinking company, focusing on the changes we can make today so tomorrow is better for everyone. That’s why we’re committing to net-zero emissions by 2050. A brighter future also means building a workplace where everyone is included. We’re elevating our diversity efforts, with a focus on increasing representation of women, Black and Indigenous people and other groups throughout our organization. How are we holding ourselves accountable? By tying our compensation directly to our progress on these goals. Our commitment extends to the work we’re doing to protect the environment here in Michigan, by replacing the Line 5 pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac inside a new tunnel, buried deep below the lakebed. We are Enbridge—North America’s largest energy infrastructure company—and we believe when the energy you invest in life meets the energy we deliver, a brighter future happens. Learn more at Enbridge.com/ESGgoals.

INVEST Michigan

DESIGNING DETROIT’S FUTURE

DUGGAN ADMINISTRATION ENERGIZED AS IT EYES THIRD TERM By Karen Dybis

As Detroit’s mayor, Mike Duggan keeps his core values front and center: He wants Detroiters to have access to jobs, affordable housing, health care and, over the last 18 months, a sense that a pandemic-besieged city can come out on the other side. Mayor Duggan, who is seeking his third term this November, is a favorite speaker at Mackinac Policy Conference. In a question-and-answer interview, he talks about getting back to in-person meetings, boosting jobs and job skills for Detroiters, and how he hopes to create equity across all parts of the city. Is there a renewed energy among your team to get work done in Detroit? There’s no doubt about it. We have $826 million in the American Rescue Plan where we had to make decisions and get (proposed spending) approved by City Council. We held 60 community meetings in basically 30 days. Everybody was energized. Everyone was hosting meetings, half in person, half on Zoom. We successfully got the plan through City Council in June. It wasn’t just people came back to work to come back to work. They came back to work with the opportunity to design the city’s future. The past year has had many challenges, including issues related to equity and inclusion. How have you handled that? There were more than 200,000 who left Detroit in the decade before I got elected. The folks who stayed wanted to make sure that they benefitted from staying, and I think we’ve seen it. Property values have gone up. The unemployment rate is way down. We’ve done things like the Chrysler Jeep plant, where the first 3,000 people they hired were all Detroiters. It’s core to what we’re doing as an administration – we’re creating a city that benefits the people that stayed. Karen Dybis is a freelance writer in Metro Detroit.

Edition 37 The COVID-19 pandemic illuminatedSpecial and worsened long-standing disparities in Michigan’s economy, workforce, education and health systems.

2/3

125K preschoolers

of all new jobs

couldn't access high-quality early care and education, causing families ﬁnancial hardships.

are created by small businesses, which have struggled during the pandemic, with entrepreneurs of color disproportionately impacted.

4.1B

per year in economic costs

Health disparities cost the economy $4.1B per year in lost productivity and health care expenses.

Together, we can make a diﬀerence...

Every parent can access quality care and education for young children.

By solving these systemic problems, our state will gain $92 billion in economic output each year by 2050.

Entrepreneurs of color can access capital and capacity-building support.

Learn more at WKKF.co/MI-Reimagined

Communities oﬀer equitable, aﬀordable access to the necessary elements for good health: reliable transportation, quality education, safe housing & nutritious food.

NATIONAL

Policy 24%

OF AMERICANS TRUST THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ALWAYS OR MOST OF THE TIME.1

Recent events offer quite a reminder of the federal government’s impact on our daily lives – from COVID-19 response to mail delivery to secure elections. The good, the bad, and the ugly have been on full display, with what’s considered good, bad, and ugly strongly dictated by party affiliation. Of course, partisan rancor and finger-pointing have been escalating for decades, and culture wars aren’t new. But the seditious acts at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6th, efforts to delegitimize the 2020 election, and subsequent debates surrounding voting rights suggest the U.S. has entered a more perilous era that threatens national stability at home and abroad. As questions arise about the state of the U.S. democracy, at the heart of the matter are the scorched-earth tactics and disinformation dominating a national political scene where what’s considered to be true, and untrue, also falls along party lines. And where the difference between policy and politics is lost by many. As the world watches, what’s clear is that our epidemic of civic cynicism stretches across party lines. Engaging members of both parties in restoring faith in our institutions and rebuilding our democracy will be critical to our economic prosperity now, and in the future. SOURCE: 1. Pew Research Center, 2021

We will get on the path to bipartisanship when we decide that ‘bipartisanship’ is not a dirty word. Until we not only recognize its value to the body politic but are willing to use its tools as a legitimate means of governing ourselves, we will continue to find ourselves mired in a cesspool of lackluster leadership, poor results, and just bad politics.”

MICHAEL STEELE

FORMER CHAIRMAN, REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE; FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, STATE OF MARYLAND; POLITICAL ANALYST, MSNBC

NATIONAL Policy

MEET THE PANELISTS

POLARIZATION IN POLITICS POLITICAL VETERANS WEIGH IN ON DEMOCRACY AND THE ROAD TO BIPARTISANSHIP

ROBERT C. O’BRIEN

FORMER UNITED STATES NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR, TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

MICHAEL STEELE

FORMER CHAIRMAN, REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE; FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, STATE OF MARYLAND; POLITICAL ANALYST, MSNBC

With national politics as polarized as ever, the health of democracy is drawing increased attention as the Mackinac Policy Conference again brings national thought-leaders to Michigan’s Center Stage. This year includes former United States National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien, who served under President Trump, and former chairman of the Republican National Committee and MSNBC Political Analyst Michael Steele. They answered questions from the Detroiter prior to the Conference.

In your opinion, what is the overall health of the U.S. democracy today? ROBERT C. O’BRIEN: Our democracy is strong and resilient. We have been through many turbulent times since our founding, including a fragile start to the nation under the Articles of Confederation, a Civil War, World Wars, the Great Depression and the 1960s. Recent events in America have been trying but the genius of the Founders and the strength of the Constitution have been proven over and over again. American democracy will persevere through the current polarized political climate. I like to tell people to “never bet against the United States.” MICHAEL STEELE: Democracy is only as healthy as her people; and I would say we’re not feeling too well at the moment. When the people stop believing in the promise of America; when they find solace in conspiracies and lies, demagogues, and weak leadership there is a sickness which is more profound than we may realize and it affects all of us. Recovery comes when we demonstrate we are willing to hold

ourselves and each other accountable – first for the sickness, and then for how we recover as one people.

Given the internal push and pull to the left and right in both parties, what do you think about the sustainability of the two-party system? RO: The two-party system in America is entrenched and durable. We do not have proportional representation in our Congress like most Europeans or the Israelis do, so the likelihood of a Green Party or far right party emerging and making an impact in Congress is small. There have been viable third-party presidential contenders in the past such as Teddy Roosevelt’s Bull Moose comeback attempt or Ross Perot’s two runs in the 90s, but those movements did not out last their charismatic leaders. MS: The current state of the two-party system is unstable at best; certainly, it is changing as the priorities of both parties are shifting closer to the political extremes. We have witnessed both parties deconstruct democratic principles through vacuous soundbites, fundraising off crass behavior and rhetoric, appeals to tribalism and no accountability. Now we know why many of the Founders were less than enthusiastic about the formation of political“factions”.

Is there a path to a more bipartisan political climate in the U.S., if so, how do we get there? RO: We need to return to being friends with each other. The idea that friends or

Special Edition families would split over politics is very sad. We must emphasize our American identity before we move on to our political identity. When I was an 18-year-old intern at the RNC in Washington, the first call I received on the job was from my Democratic hometown Congressman, Doug Bosco. He welcomed me to DC and invited me to attend all of his office’s intern program events. I have never forgotten Doug’s kindness. We need more of that type of reaching across the aisle today. MS: We will get on the path to bipartisanship when we decide that “bipartisanship” is not a dirty word. Until we not only recognize its value to the body politic but are willing to use its tools as a legitimate means of governing ourselves, we will continue to find ourselves mired in a cesspool of lackluster leadership, poor results, and just bad politics. •

Our democracy is strong and resilient. We have been through many turbulent times since our founding, including a fragile start to the nation under the Articles of Confederation, a Civil War, World Wars, the Great Depression and the 1960s. Recent events in America have been trying but the genius of the Founders and the strength of the Constitution have been proven over and over again. ” ROBERT C. O’BRIEN

FORMER UNITED STATES NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR, TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

HONORING MICHIGAN’S LONGEST-SERVING SENATOR REMEMBERING CARL LEVIN Over six decades Carl Levin fought to extend and ensure the American promise to all while holding democratic institutions accountable to everyone. Rising from a student activist to Detroit City Council member to U.S. Senator, he never lost his humility or uniquely human touch. After retiring as Michigan’s longest-serving U.S. Senator in January 2015 after 36 years, his legacy extends to every corner of Michigan, including the preservation of the Sleeping Bear

Dunes and the Upper Peninsula’s mining and maritime history; cleaner Great Lakes and Michigan streams; a beautiful Detroit Riverwalk; and an American auto industry that is stronger for his tireless support. He will be remembered for his relentless intellect and work ethic, his humility, his humor, and his strength of character. Following his passing on July 29, national and regional leaders shared memories and reflections on his work and service to this country.

SANDY K. BARUAH

“Carl Levin was a champion of civility, a giant on the national political stage, and a steadfast supporter of his native Detroit. As Chair of the Armed Forces Committee, he made our nation stronger and more accountable and put Michigan in a central role in the defense sector. As important was his generous and humble spirit, his love for Barbara, and his service to Michiganders of all political stripes.”

DEBBIE STABENOW

“Senator Carl Levin was a champion for truth and justice and a tireless advocate for the people of Michigan. He always believed that our government could be a force for good, and he spent his career showing all of us how it’s done. Senator Levin was also my friend, and it was truly an honor to represent Michigan alongside him for 14 of the 36 years that he served in the Senate. Michigan was so fortunate to have him fighting for us.”

FRED UPTON

“Woke up to the sad news about Carl Levin. He was much more than a legislator; he was a wonderful listener who helped forge bipartisan consensus on many issues impacting Michigan. Carl was a respected straight-shooter and when he spoke, everybody listened.”

GRETCHEN WHITMER

Brilliant, humble, and principled, Carl earned the trust of his constituents and colleagues by doing the work. He studied the issues in detail. He forged consensus across the aisle. He built coalitions across his beloved Michigan. With his head tilted down, his eyes peering over his glasses – Carl always looked people straight into their own eyes, listened with an open mind, and responded the way he saw it with respect.” JOE BIDEN PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“His 36-year tenure in the United States Senate was marked by a tireless commitment to our auto industry, Great Lakes, and men and women in uniform. Carl would often wear his glasses on the tip of his nose, but he saw the best in us. He saw what we were capable of when we came to the table as Michiganders, as Americans, to get things done.”

DEBBIE DINGELL

“Carl Levin was one of the most decent human beings to walk the face of the earth. He was John Dingell’s best friend and partner in Congress. He was a steadfast leader who always stood up for what was right and knew every ounce about every issue. His contributions in Congress and in his Michigan community live on to this day and have impacted so many hardworking American families.”

SUSAN COLLINS

“Sen. Carl Levin was one of the Senate’s giants, a leader of extraordinary intellect, impeccable ethics, exceptional energy, and obvious decency. I learned from him first as a Senate staffer, and then worked closely with him as an admiring Senate colleague. I will miss Carl greatly.”

NATIONAL Policy

A LESSON IN CIVILITY SEN. CARL LEVIN AT THE 2018 DETROIT POLICY CONFERENCE With former Senator Carl Levin as the honorary chairperson, the 2018 Detroit Policy Conference focused on how to create a culture of civility. In a 32-minute conversation with WDIV-TV anchor Devin Scillian, Levin shared his observations on national politics and how the Senate can force compromise to advance policy that moves the country forward. Included here are a few excerpts, edited for length and clarity.

VIEW ONLINE To watch the session, visit the Detroit Regional Chamber’s YouTube page, or google “Carl Levin + Detroit Policy Conference.”

THE “STENNIS RULE” “(Sen. John Stennis) taught me to always give the other fellow some ground to stand on, even if you have the votes and don’t need to give him the ground – do it any way. He’ll be there to respect you one day. And it’s a better way to live, it’s a better way to work, and it’s a better way to get things done.”

CIVILITY HELPS GET THINGS DONE “If you are going to be in public office and hope to get things done that can get done and must get done, like (passing) a budget, you have to figure out a way to work together … Civility contributes to working together.”

GOVERNING THROUGH COMPROMISE “If you’re not there (in Washington) to compromise, you’re not there to govern.”

BIPARTISAN FACT-FINDING “If you treat people in a civil way and mean it – and don’t attribute bad motives to other folks that you’re working with or have differences with – civility can lead to and probably is essential to leading a bipartisan approach to a factual investigation. If there’s a lack of civility, then it is less likely you are going to be able to do some things together which are critically important.”

IGNORING INCIVILITY AND ATTACKS “One of the real ways to produce incivility is to attack people’s motives, to assume the other person has bad motives, instead of assuming they have good motives. You may disagree totally with them, and if they personally attack you, civility requires you to ignore it and not engage in any kind of personal attacks.”

Special Edition

CARRYING ON THE LEVIN LEGACY THE LEVIN CENTER PROMOTES BIPARTISAN, FACT-BASED GOVERNING By James Martinez Senator Carl Levin’s brand of public service focused on integrity, candor and bipartisanship, and he placed a premium on Congress’ responsibility to provide public and private sector oversight that put people first. “I do believe that a politician has an obligation to identify injustice and try to eliminate or at least minimize it. And I do believe that politicians can write laws that will improve the lives of the people they seek to serve. And that is what I tried to do,” wrote the senator in his recent memoir. Throughout his 36-year career in Washington, Senator Levin held key leadership positions on committees that led dozens of major investigations ranging from Enron to unethical practices in the finance industry to the 2008 financial crisis. He did not shy away from the difficult conversations and remained determined to bring accountability and thoughtful policy solutions to government. That legacy is carried on today by the Levin Center at Wayne Law School, which focuses on promoting fact-based, bipartisan oversight by Congress and the 50 state legislatures. It also encourages civil dialogue on major public policy issues. “We all have a responsibility to maintaining a fact-based public square without which our democracy can’t function and we can’t tackle major problems such as vaccines, climate change, and infrastructure,” said Jim Townsend, director of the Levin Center and a former state representative. “So, our focus on bipartisan, fact-based oversight is about raising the quality of legislative fact-finding and pushing to make lawmakers accountable for upholding basic norms of truthfulness and integrity.”

The Center, where the late Senator taught and shared his insights and experiences with students, offers academic coursework, training programs, symposia, and research. Its programming is designed to encourage future and current leaders to embrace their role in promoting honest and open government, maintaining the public trust, and holding public and private institutions accountable to high ethical and transparency standards. “Bipartisan fact-finding, bipartisan investigations tend to be more thorough and in-depth,” said Townsend. “We have found that lawmakers and staff raise their game in an investigation when both parties have a significant role and bring their own perspectives to the work, rather than having a single-party echo chamber that begins the inquiry with a foregone conclusion.” Upon Levin’s retirement in January 2015, Wayne State University and the Wayne Law School along with supporters, friends, and former staff established the Center, which includes bipartisan advisory board and staff. In his memoir, the Senator credited Elise Bean, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Eugene Driker, and Linda Gustitus with leading efforts to create the center. •

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Faurecia North America Inc. FleishmanHillard Foley & Lardner LLP Ford Motor Company Franco GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management George Johnson & Company Ghafari Associates, LLC Grand Valley State University Grupo Antolin GS3 G-TECH Professional Staffing, Inc. HELLA Henry Ford Health System Highgate LLC Huntington Bank IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc. Independent Bank Kelly Services Inc. Kerr Russell Kettering University Key Bank KPMG LLP Lacks Enterprises, Inc. Lambert Lucerne International Magna Mahindra Automotive North America MAHLE Industries, Incorporated Meritor, Inc. Michigan Economic Development Corporation Michigan State University Motherson Multimatic Nexteer Automotive NYX, LLC Oakland University Omron Automation Americas

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WELCOME BACK TO THE GRAND UPGRADES TO POOL AREA OFFER NEW AMENITIES, VIEWS By Paul Vachon

Guests arriving for the Mackinac Policy Conference can expect some surprises at the host venue. The venerable Grand Hotel, which has been welcoming guests to Mackinac Island since 1887, has always prided itself on offering the very best in upscale accommodations. Continuous updates and enhancements to the facility has been a long tradition to the hotel billed as “America’s Summer Place.” Yet in each case, careful consideration is made to respect the building’s historic nature. Since 1989 the hotel has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior. Over the past winter, the hotel made a number of new and exciting upgrades to the iconic Esther Williams pool. The well thoughtout improvements are designed to enhance the experiences of both leisure and business guests. Named for the star of the classic 1947 movie This Time For Keeps (which was filmed at the Grand), the historic natatorium boasts the addition of a heated whirlpool, plus an adults-only area that features an infinity edge

that is situated to offer stunning views of the island and the Straits of Mackinac. A family-friendly area of the pool includes a zero-depth beach style entry, a play area with water jets, and an ultra-long water slide. Once out of the water, guests have a bevy of additional amenities to enjoy. Fifteen luxurious cabanas have been installed poolside. Available by reservation, they include access to food and beverage service. New pool furniture graces the deck, terrace, and lawn. Like all the hotel’s public spaces, the pool area also offers programming and events all throughout the season, including family friendly “dive-in” movie nights. Renovations were also made to the adjacent structures. The pool house was expanded to include a fitness center and bathhouse with upscale changing rooms, lockers and showers, while a new bar and kitchen were added to serve guests poolside. On the second floor of the pool house, a new private space was added. Included are rooms for meetings rooms and events, along with a covered outdoor seating area offering panoramic views of the Straits. Paul Vachon is a freelance writer in Metro Detroit.

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IN THE

NEWS Amazon is launching the Black Business Accelerator (BBA) to help build sustainable equity and growth for Black-owned businesses. The initiative—which explicitly targets barriers to access, opportunity, and advancement created by systemic racism across America—was created in partnership with their Black Employee Network and a coalition of strategic partners. Ann Arbor SPARK is hosting a free weekly educational series, Accelerating Company Excellence, for small business owners in any industry who are interested in learning new skills and employing best practices. Each session will feature experts sharing their knowledge in areas such as finance, sales, marketing, and accounting.

GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING TO BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT METRO DETROIT (MDTC), which is an organization of leading

battery research and development center.

lawyers dedicated to representing individuals

Ford’s Ion Park project moved forward after the

and corporations in civil litigation. She accepted

Michigan Strategic Fund — part of the state’s

this appointment after serving as co-chair of the

Michigan Economic Development Corp. —

Trial Practice Section of the MDTC.

approved the transfer of an existing renaissance

The

Downtown

Detroit

Partnership

(DDP) announced David Cowan as chief

Two attorneys from the Southfield office of

manage DDP’s six award-winning parks and

Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC have been

public spaces. Cowan will be responsible for

selected to the 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers

strategy, implementation, and management

list while four others have been selected as

of critical business functions across DDP’s

“Rising Stars.”

network of spaces.

Lear Corporation has announced that it will

The Detroit Pistons will team up with

build a new manufacturing facility on the site

Shopify to launch SHOP313, an immersive,

of a former Cadillac stamping plant in Detroit.

first-of-its-kind small business platform focused

The new facility will produce seats for General

on amplifying and supporting small businesses

Motor Co.’s all-electric vehicles and is expected

in Detroit. Developed to promote Detroit’s

to create hundreds of local jobs.

local entrepreneurs and those interested in entrepreneurship,

SHOP313 will provide

each participating business and entrepreneur

has released its 2021 Healthcare Insurance

with

Benefits Survey. The annual survey, covering

educational programming and resources,

Michigan employers, examines the premiums,

grant opportunities, and networking events

deductibles,

throughout the 2021 to 2022 NBA season.

co-pays

employer-

sponsored health plans as well as wellness benefits and cost control strategies.

complimentary

access

Shopify,

Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that two attorneys within the firm

recently announced that 54

have been recognized in Benchmark Litigation’s

of the firm’s attorneys have been included

2021 “40 and Under Hot List”. Benchmark

in the 2021 edition of Michigan Super

Litigation’s 2021 “40 and Under Hot List”

Lawyers, a nationally recognized journal that

includes practitioners, all aged 40 or younger,

lists outstanding lawyers from more than 70

that have been deemed the most promising

practice areas.

emerging talent in their respective litigation

Bodman PLC

Butzel Long attorney Javon David has been

within 18 months of completion of renovation.

public spaces officer, a position which will

The American Society of Employers (ASE)

and

zone. The project is expected to create 200 jobs

communities in the U.S. by peers and clients.

appointed to the Board of Directors of the

Ford Motor Co. has selected the city of

Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Association

Romulus for the site of a $100 million global

Ten Howard & Howard attorneys were recently named to Michigan Super Lawyers® and Michigan Rising Stars 2021 as a result of a patented selection process. This process includes peer evaluation and independent research. Only five percent of the attorneys in Michigan were named to the Super Lawyers list and two- and one-half percent to Rising Stars. Huntington Bank announced a lending pledge for minority businesses and individuals that includes a $1 billion commitment to Detroit and Wayne County. The $1 billion in metro Detroit and $11 billion for Michigan is part of a larger $40 billion effort by the Detroit- and Columbus, Ohio-based Huntington. Meijer announced that it will host a supplier diversity

product

presentation

event

September, giving Michigan businesses owned

by Black, Indigenous and people of color the

Applications to the MAC/MBA are being

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP announced

opportunity to showcase their offerings for

accepted and the program will be available

it has completed buildout of its new Detroit

interested Meijer merchants.

for the fall semester beginning Sept. 22, 2021.

office, which is designed to enhance

Michigan Women Forward

announced

Wayne

State

University

recently

its 2021 Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame

announced the opening of a new center

inductees during its Power of 100 Women virtual

focused on the study of infectious diseases

event on Wednesday, Aug. 11. The six Michigan

and strategies to combat future pandemics.

women will be inducted in a virtual ceremony

The Center for Emerging and Infectious

on Tuesday, Oct. 26. Inductees include chief

Diseases will enhance training and research

executive officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance,

in the field of public health.

collaboration and improve the overall experience for clients, attorneys and staff. The firm is following Michigan COVID-19 office safety regulations with plans to move up to 60 attorneys and team members into the building in the coming months as restrictions are lifted.

Rosalind Brewer, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Diana Sieger, and cofounder and artistic director of Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, Debra White-Hunt. Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Kasturi Bagchi and Alan Aboona have joined the law firm’s nationally recognized Financial Institutions Group. Kristina M. Marshall, a champion of diversity and inclusion initiatives, has been hired as director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) at Oakland Community College (OCC). She brings a wealth of experience in DEIJ and higher education to the newly created position. Peter J. Langley, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Michigan Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekof, recently joined Plunkett Cooney as a senior attorney in the firm’s Lansing office. Rocket Mortgage is offering $2,500 in lender

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credits to homebuyers purchasing a primary residence in Detroit. The program is a part of a new “Detroit Home Loan+” initiative seeking to provide wraparound resources to Detroit residents who are looking to buy a home in the city regardless of the stage they are at in the process. Walsh College is introducing a dual Master of Accountancy/Master of Business Administration (MAC/MBA) program to provide Master of Accountancy students without an undergraduate degree in business the 24 hours of general business credits required to sit for the CPA exam.

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