The Detroiter Magazine May 2018 Issue by Detroit Regional Chamber

DETROITER May 2018 10 On the Cover

Take a closer look at the Detroiter cover designed by Skidmore Studio

12 Embracing Forward-Thinking Conversations

26 Preserving the Public Trust Educational programs, neutral storytelling keeps PBS above the 24/7 news cycle

28 Breaking the Silence, Empowering Women

In the #MeToo era, employers have an obligation to foster a safe and inclusive culture

Conference Chair Ray Telang outlines a vision for Michigan’s prosperity

14 Putting Words Into Actions

2017 Conference Chair reflects on a year’s worth of accomplishments while looking ahead to Michigan’s future

Is Michigan Prepared?

Wall Street Journal columnist and presidential speech writer Peggy Noonan shares how the power of words can influence trust in government

20 Restoring Trust, Building Integrity

Former U.S. Speaker John Boehner says Washington has much work to do to win back the public

22 Transcending Hyper-Partisan Politics

CNN’s Patti Solis Doyle reflects on her time with the Clintons, the #MeToo movement, and healing a divided nation

24 Dig Deep: Truth Will Restore Trust in Politics

Former U.S. representative and college football star J.C. Watts Jr. offers advice for a disheartened electorate

Michigan is primed to define a cross-industry standard for autonomous vehicles

52 A Fully Connected Future Just Around the Corner

Collaborative innovation drives Ford’s ‘Smarter Vehicles, Smarter World’ vision

Michigan’s leadership and R&D funding hinge on expeditious policymaking

34 Is Michigan Prepared? Industry Leaders Say Not Yet'

56 At Auto on the Island, Talent Is Key

36 Stakes Are High in Michigan Governor's Race

58 Grand Hotel: An Award-Winning Experience

18 Talking Presidential

50 Leading Automotive’s Regulatory Future

32 Talent, Infrastructure, 54 Racing Towards and Roads, Oh My! Mobility Michigan’s path to economic competitiveness begins with having hard conversations

Trust

The Mobility Disruption

Education reform, infrastructure funding must be immediate

Candidates offer little on how they would handle an economic recession

40 Accelerating Into a Brighter Future

Why Michigan must demonstrate even more leadership

42 Investing in Education and Equality

Former U.S. Secretary of Education John King Jr. is a strong advocate for funding programs for at-risk youth

44 Fighting Michigan's Opioid Battle

Decreasing misuse begins with employer awareness and support

The annual gathering of Michigan's top automotive leadership offers an opportunity to collaborate on critical issues

Updates include two themed suites, new wallpaper and modern sound system in the Grand Pavilion

60 Board Nomination Ballot

Official ballot to elect the new directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber

62 On the Roster

Join us in welcoming these new members to the Chamber

Volume 109, Number 2 Publisher Tammy Carnrike, CCE Managing Editor Megan Spanitz Editor Daniel Lai Associate Editor Kelly Weatherwax Photographers Bethany Desmond Melissa Knapp Katie Krizanich Courtesy photos Art Director Melissa Knapp Advertising Director Jim Connarn Advertising Representative Laurie Scotese Custom Publishing and Design Michelle Percival Cover Design Skidmore Studio 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 (Jan, June, Sept and Dec) by the Detroit Regional Chamber, One Woodward Avenue, Suite 1900 PO Box 33840, Detroit MI 48232-0840, 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, P.O. Box 33840, Detroit MI 48232-0840. Copyright 2007, Detroit Regional Chamber Services Inc.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Pillars

WE TRUST

Business leaders have a key role to play in leading through civility and creating trust By Sandy K. Baruah

“journalist” is also getting confusing. Are Sean Hannity on Fox or Rachel Maddow on MSNBC journalists? Are columnists in our local newspapers who find only fault with others, journalists or simply opinionists? • Overall levels of trust in the United States has fallen below those in Russia and China – both non-democratic nations with statecontrolled media. This single data point is the one that likely makes Vladimir Putin smile the most, as many have speculated that his aim to not destroy America through conventional warfare, but to undermine our basic underpinnings of democracy, might be working.

(From left) Detroit Public Television’s Christy McDonald talks with Detroit Regional Chamber President and CEO Sandy Baruah and 2017 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair Stephen Polk.

his year’s Mackinac Policy Conference will focus on the issue of trust, or the lack thereof in our society. This theme builds on our focus on “civility” at last year’s event, which dominated the on-stage and media coverage of the event. The view of the Detroit Regional Chamber is that these issues of trust and civility are not only interlinked but pose the greatest challenge to our society. Democrats, Republicans, independents, religious, non-believers, rich, poor, granola crunchers in tie-dyed VW buses and cowboys in beat-up Silverados, all 330 million of us who make up American society, we are all equal according to our Founding Fathers. Easy to say. Hard to practice. “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Evelyn Beatrice Hall wrote those words in 1903, channeling both Voltaire and our Founding Fathers. This seems to be a concept lost as our nation progresses in its third century. The thought police – on both sides — are out in force. Too much of our public discourse is built on the converse of Hall’s famous words. If we

disagree, you must be wrong, and you must be silenced. To function in a civic society, we need civility, and some basic level of trust is needed to have civility. That basic level of trust is dangerously disappearing, and there is hard data to support this. Richard Edelman, president and CEO of the public relations company Edelman, publishes the annual global Trust Barometer. Edelman, who spoke to the Detroit Economic Club recently, provided a grim picture of where society is today regarding trust: “The United States is enduring an unprecedented crisis of trust,” he said. The 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer recorded the largest-ever drop in trust levels across the globe. Record levels of distrust in government are clearly evident on cable news. But here are some more surprising findings: • The most distrusted institution is the media. More and more “journalists” are not arbiters of fact, but rather advocates for a point of view. The definition of a

• The institution most trusted is “my employer.” Perhaps surprisingly, businesses, especially businesses we work for, are the most trusted institution in America. I imagine that this is particularly true in Michigan as business has been such a positive force in driving change (e.g. business’s role in Grand Rapids and Detroit) that alluded previous government leaders, opinionists and nonprofits. This fi nding around the relatively high levels of trust of business puts our business community in a unique position to fi ll a void that previously would have been occupied by government leaders or the media. With this important role comes significant responsibilities. As business leaders, we must behave with integrity, use our position and profile for the public good, lead by example by bringing people together, and live out the words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall. As an attendee of the Mackinac Policy Conference, you are a leader. Attendance for “Michigan’s Center Stage” is almost 50 percent from the forprofit business community and about 60 percent of our attendees have a CEO, president, or other C-suite title. If there is a group of people in Michigan who can make a difference, it’s this one. Sandy K. Baruah is the president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

On the C

COVER

Take a closer look at the Detroiter cover designed by Skidmore Studio

onceptualized and designed by Skidmore Studio, this year’s special issue Detroiter cover for the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference represents the delicate, precarious, unpredictable position of our nation. Trust, represented by the rope, is what keeps our country united: trust in each other, the people and platforms that connect us, and those we elect to represent us. But that trust is fraying – in 2018, Gallup reported near or alltime lows in the American people’s trust in government, media and corporate influences. Those institutions, much like the anvil, are neither good nor evil and are capable of creation or destruction ( just

ask Wile E. Coyote). Last, but certainly not least, Lady Liberty represents what she has always represented. She is an icon of our freedom and independence as a nation. When the trust between Americans and their institutions weakens, what will happen to our society? Will it be good or bad for the future of our countr y? Should the rope be repaired, replaced, or abandoned altogether for something new? As policymakers and representatives of our communities, we must find a way to restore confidence, rebuild trust and cultivate a healthy society. So, let’s get going.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Embracing

FORWARD-THINKING Conference Chair Ray Telang outlines a vision for Michigan’s prosperity By Melissa Anders

Conversations 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair Ray Telang discusses the Conference agenda and pillars with Detroit Regional Chamber members.

Where do we need to build trust? There’s many places it manifests itself, like trust in the workplace. It has also put a spotlight on some leadership issues — frankly leadership voids — in how we develop talent. More specifically, how do we develop women and minorities? Trust goes into the media, traditional and social media, as well as in government and in corporations. What do you hope to accomplish with this year's Conference?

ichigan is at a pivotal place, and it is at risk of stagnating if its leaders do not continue to address some lingering issues, according to Ray Telang, U.S. automotive leader and Detroit managing partner for PwC. That’s why Telang, this year's Mackinac Policy Conference Chair, is looking forward to fostering dialogue on key topics, ranging from workplace equality to the mobility industry. Sessions will focus on three key pillars: Is Michigan Prepared?, The Mobility Disruption, and Trust. The Detroiter recently sat down with Telang to discuss his vision for the 2018 Conference. What are some areas to consider when you ask, “Is Michigan prepared?” Key issues like talent, K-12 education, and workforce development. Are the people that we need trained getting the appropriate resources? How does our infrastructure, postsecondary schools, etc. support getting people to work and/or getting jobs that are critical to our growth so that companies can feel good about continuing to make investments in Michigan? Other key issues

include state finances, roads, regional transit, and all the things that companies would look at. How will Michigan’s mobility leadership be featured in Conference programming? In the mobility space, this is our opportunity to re-establish our state as an innovation center. We are uniquely positioned given our critical asset of the automotive industry, the number of engineers, the amount of innovation — the patents that are developed here every day. We’re uniquely positioned to capitalize on the transition that’s happening, and will certainly continue to happen, as society changes the way it moves goods and people, and frankly how services are delivered. Why did you designate trust as one of the Conference pillars? If we behave in a way that is consistent with how we want to be treated and heard, that will only engender trust. It’s only then will we be able to solve some very important problems, because that’s when we’ll ultimately truly listen to one another and drive solutions that are good for all versus just a few.

I’m hoping that it will offer an opportunity to continue, or in some cases start an open constructive dialogue about the state’s most critical issues. As we think about this year, it’s even more critical given that it’s an election year. What are you looking forward to the most? We’re going to facilitate the first bipartisan gubernatorial debate at the Conference. It’ll be exciting to bring candidates from both parties together on stage. Where do you think the state needs to go? We can talk about all the reforms that we make around infrastructure, or the reforms that we’re going to make around postretirement benefits, and some of the things that we need to do to shore up finances. At the end of the day, if we don’t make a significant improvement in our statewide K-12 education system and really get at some leading practices, make the right investments in the right people with the right programs to really move the needle in a positive way, all the things we’re talking about won’t matter. Our kids just will not be prepared to enter the workforce and create careers for themselves. Melissa Anders is a fomer metro Detroit resident and freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Putting Words

INTO ACTIONS

2017 Conference Chair reflects on a year’s worth of accomplishments while looking ahead to Michigan’s future By Stephen Polk

s I reflect on 2017 and my time as Conference Chair, I cannot help feeling a sense of pride in the work that was accomplished by the Detroit Regional Chamber and its dedicated staff. As has been the tradition, at the end of the 2017 Conference, a To-Do List was created. This list is critically important and serves as a roadmap to take the conversations on the island and put them into action items we focus on throughout the year. The first To-Do item focused on using the Chamber platform to launch a yearlong effort to encourage civility in political discourse in the Detroit region. In October, the Chamber’s Detroiter magazine was dedicated entirely to this issue. Featuring stories of statewide leaders of government, business, media and philanthropic organizations, the magazine highlighted these “Champions of Civility” for their ability to disagree without being disagreeable, move beyond partisan ideology, and embrace a willingness to compromise. These “champions” included leaders like Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and City Council President Brenda Jones working together on the city’s growth, or Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein’s crusade to connect disabled people with jobs. The magazine also served as a call to action, soliciting public nominees who exhibit civility in their everyday lives. Additionally, this past winter, the Chamber dedicated an entire day to the issue of restoring civility at its 2018 Detroit Policy Conference. More than 600 attendees heard from 40 regional leaders on what it means to be “civil” and the role that communities play in influencing behavior. It was an honor and privilege to invite former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin to serve as the first honorary chair of the Conference. Sen. Levin’s expert insight into the importance of bipartisan relationship building was testimony to his decades of leadership in moving Michigan forward. The second To-Do item focused on increasing economic opportunity for students in the Chamber’s Detroit Promise scholarship

program. The Chamber partnered with Mayor Duggan’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) initiative and is working to connect 100 community college students with summer employment. The Detroit Promise also identified high school students who have not enrolled in college and helped recruit them to the “Access for All” pre-apprenticeship training program. A handful of Detroit Promise students have entered the program, which serves as a feeder into the skilled trades. A third item focused on creating a welcoming environment for mobility entrepreneurs to establish a presence in the Detroit region. In October, the Chamber developed and launched the PlanetM Landing Zone in WeWork’s downtown Detroit location. This collaborative project with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. is designed to connect startups with autonomous, connected, electric and shared transportation technologies with Michigan’s automotive and economic development network. Since opening, the Landing Zone has procured 16 member companies and three industry partners, including Bosch, Denso and Ford Motor Company. Finally, the Chamber focused its advocacy efforts on bipartisan support for funding the

2017 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair Stephen Polk delivers opening remarks on Michigan’s Center Stage.

rebuilding of the Soo Locks. In partnership with the Great Lakes Metro Chambers Coalition, this issue was a key focus during the annual Legislative Fly-in to Washington, D.C. Coalition members stressed the importance of the Locks to the region’s economy among members of Congress. Additionally, Coalition members and multi-industry stakeholders authored a joint letter to President Trump and Congress on the need for upgrading the Locks. In May, the President vowed to work with Gov. Snyder and state leaders to fund the much-needed infrastructure improvements. These are just a few of the accomplishments from the 2017 To-Do List. A full report will be presented during this year’s Conference. As Michigan prepares to elect a new governor and legislators, it is crucial that we continue to work together on common sense solutions that benefit all Michiganders. I am looking forward to the incredible lineup of speakers and topics Conference Chair Ray Telang, Chamber President Sandy Baruah, and the entire Mackinac team have put together. Stephen Polk is president and CEO of Highgate LLC and chair of the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

TRUST John Boehner Former Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives

Restore confidence in the critical institutions of government, media and business to build trust in society.

Peggy Noonan Columnist, The Wall Street Journal; Bestselling Author

Trust

Debbie Dingell U.S. Representative (D-MI 12)

Patti Solis Doyle Political Commentator, CNN; President, Solis Strategies

Harold Ford Jr. Former U.S. Representative; Political Pundit, MSNBC and CNBC

“

J.C. Watts Jr. Former U.S. Representative; Founder and Chairman, J.C. Watts Companies

People watch us from all different political backgrounds, and we believe that the important thing is to present the news so people can decide what to think. I believe that’s why trust in us is high. — Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS

President and CEO, PBS

“

Paula Kerger

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Talking

PRESIDENTIAL

Wall Street Journal columnist and presidential speech writer Peggy Noonan shares how the power of words can influence trust in government By Tom Walsh

rom the presidencies of Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump, no American political writer’s voice has been more prominent these past four decades than that of Peggy Noonan. She will bring that voice to the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, where she will speak on restoring confidence in government, media and business to rebuild trust in society. “I have never seen Americans so divided into different cultural and sociological camps as they are now, with different perceptions, media habits, and ways of getting their primary or beginning views enforced,” Noonan said in an interview with the Detroiter. Viewed mainly as a political conservative after working for three Republican presidents and writing a book in 2000 titled “The Case Against Hillary Clinton,” Noonan emerged as a sharp critic of candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Her columns on the campaign for The Wall Street Journal earned her the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for political commentary. Noonan has always had a way with words. As a speechwriter for President Reagan in 1986, she wrote his memorable address to the nation after the space shuttle Challenger exploded in flight, killing all seven crew members, including high school teacher Christa McAuliffe. In less than six hours after the shock and horror of that event, Noonan penned and Reagan delivered a masterwork that was at once somber and uplifting. “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted,” Reagan said, “it belongs to the brave.” Working years later for President George H. W. Bush, Noonan coined the phrases “a thousand points of light” and “Read my lips: no new taxes.” A Wall Street Journal columnist since 2000, Noonan has also authored nine books on politics, culture and religion. Before writing speeches for Reagan, she wrote daily commentaries from 1981-84 for CBS News anchor Dan Rather. Later she was a

Pulitzer Prize columnist Peggy Noonan discusses politics at a Wall Street Journal forum. Photo courtesy of Peggy Noonan/ The Wall Street Journal.

consultant for the television drama, “The West Wing.” Noonan said both the news and entertainment media bear some blame for today’s contentious state of public discourse. To a certain degree, the news media speaks about and reflects “the divisions of on-the-ground America,” she said. But she also added that the news media seems “very upfront in a pretty daily way about its essential antipathy to (President) Trump.” While describing herself as “Trump critic in the opinion space,” Noonan said, “I am not sure it does us any good as a nation that Trump supporters can legitimately claim that those in the news media are overwhelmingly against Trump” and therefore experience news about the presidency through that filter. Entertainment shows with political themes also impact the nation’s psyche, she suggested. Over the past 10 years, shows

like “House of Cards,” “Scandal,” and others “have been deeply cynical, deeply assumptive of the idea that those in politics are in it for the power, the money, the glory, the fame, and are essentially amoral,” Noonan said. And she worries that “humans in America have become conditioned to see politics and its players in an even lower and more degraded form.” Restoring public trust and confidence, Noonan said, begins with individual citizens. “We’ve had democracy for a really long time,” she said. “Let’s talk about what’s good about it. A simple human, solitary attempt each day to try to be fair, not giving in to hating the other side, or looking down on the other side or sides – these individual things help. We all have a lot of power in our own hands as citizens.” Comparing today’s political tumult with the

Trust nation’s mood under other recent leaders – Reagan, the Bushes, the Clintons, and Barack Obama – Noonan said the Trump phenomenon is hard to figure out. Is it a blip, an anomaly, or something worrisome, even dystopian? “Dystopian is going too far for me,” Noonan said. “You never know with history. It takes its turns. Mr. Trump will not be here forever … and we will see as we come out if he has changed politics, in terms of the style and general approach to the presidency. We’ll see if he has changed it irrevocably or not; that will take time.” One thing Trump has changed, she added, is the notion of who can become president. “It used to be that in order to be an American president, chances were you had to be a senator or a governor, or perhaps in the case of Eisenhower, a great general,” Noonan said. “Trump’s background was utterly apart and different.” “When I was a kid, we used to say, ‘Anybody can be president.’ Now we say it in a wholly different way,” Noonan chuckled. Tom Walsh is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Restoring Trust,

BUILDING INTEGRITY Former U.S. Speaker John Boehner says Washington has much work to do to win back the public By Tom Walsh

Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner delivers a speech prior to leaving office.

ohn Boehner, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will deliver a keynote address at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, headlining a discussion about developing trust in American institutions. Boehner served as U.S. representative from Ohio’s 8th district from 1991 to 2015, rising to become Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2015. A Republican with a reputation for candor and a willingness to listen and compromise, he resigned his position due to opposition within the GOP caucus. Boehner recently discussed his career highlights, how to restore public trust, and the national political climate during an interview with the Detroiter. What is your most important accomplishment and biggest

disappointment during your time in Congress? I dedicated my speakership to addressing the drivers of our nation’s debt. I think the most important accomplishment of my time as Speaker was that we consistently passed budgets that provided a roadmap to prosperity and made common-sense structural reforms to the programs that are currently on autopilot and have our children and grandchildren facing a future of debt. President Obama and I had an agreement in place that would have been a significant step toward achieving those goals if it had been enacted. The agreement fell apart because of political opposition, which we were both getting from our respective sides. That’s probably my biggest disappointment. During your first term in Congress, you – as a member of the so-called “Gang of Seven” – were hailed as a “conservative

reformer,” challenging leadership in both parties to attack improprieties in the House Bank and House Post Office. How was the “Gang of Seven” reform effort different than the Freedom Caucus two decades later? The mission of the Gang of Seven was to make the House more accountable to the American people by changing the way it worked and getting rid of outdated practices that were eroding public confidence in government. At the time, you had members of Congress bouncing checks at the House Bank; stamps-for-cash deals being made at the House Post Office; and the House couldn’t even pass a routine independent audit of its books. The Gang of Seven was about cleaning up and modernizing Congress as an institution. On matters relating to the Republican policy agenda, we generally voted with our leadership. You denounced the Affordable Care Act as something not done openly, with

Trust transparency and accountability, before its passage in 2010. Today, Democrats are making similar complaints about the GOP-controlled Congress. What will it take to re-establish transparency and compromise? The House is much more transparent and accountable today than it was at the beginning of 2011, when I took the Speaker’s gavel. We made it much easier for legislative information to be accessed online, in real time, by the American public. Bills are now posted online at least two days before they come to a vote. Pork-barrel earmarks were banned. The House still has those practices in place. With respect to “compromise,” I’ve always believed the goal is finding common ground, without compromising on principle. On the topic of education, you played a key role in writing the No Child Left Behind Act, compromising on details with Sen. Edward Kennedy and others. How do you see education policy evolving under President Trump and U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos? The No Child Left Behind process was about finding common ground and changing federal law to reflect what the public believed. President George W. Bush was elected in

2000 having promised to demand more accountability from the federal education programs that for decades had been throwing money at a problem with little results. I didn’t see anything conservative about continuing to spend billions in taxpayer dollars each year without a system in place to encourage accountability. As it turned out, liberals like Sen. Kennedy and Rep. George Miller weren’t any bigger fans of that practice than I or President Bush. I was open about my belief that we needed to provide better options to parents with children in struggling public schools, including the right to transfer to private schools. I still believe the full range of options should be available to all students, and I think the current administration shares that goal. You blame modern-day news outlets such as Fox News and MSNBC, along with social media, for pushing people further right and left. How much blame does the media deserve for hyperpartisanship? Americans are bombarded by news and information, and they tend to gravitate toward the news outlets that reflect their viewpoints. This does, I believe, have the effect of pushing people into their respective

ideological corners. Many Americans have grown distrustful of the so-called mainstream media because they detected a political agenda or bias running through the big TV networks and media entities and got tired of being told what they had to think or believe. I’ve always believed it’s up to our elected leaders to demonstrate that it’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable. How has President Trump impacted the Republican Party, the standing of the United States in the world, and the tone of public discourse? How can we restore trust? President Trump is probably the most pragmatic person ever to occupy the Oval Office. There isn’t an ideological bone in his body. As I’ve said publicly many times, he’s only kind of a Republican. As you know, I’m with Squire Patton Boggs, the global law and public policy firm. In our 2016 post-election analysis, we predicted the Trump presidency might look a lot like the Trump presidential campaign: noisy, chaotic, occasionally divisive – but also, ultimately, somewhat effective. He certainly doesn’t do everything the way I’d do it, but the Republican Party, and the world, will eventually evaluate his presidency on the results. Tom Walsh is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Transcending

HYPER-PARTISAN Politics CNN’s Patti Solis Doyle reflects on her time with the Clintons, the #MeToo movement, and healing a divided nation By Dawson Bell

Solis Doyle now heads a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm and is a regular contributor to CNN. In advance of her appearance at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, she shared her thoughts on a range of topics, including the tenor of debate in contemporary politics, the expanding role of women and minorities in the body politic, and how the reckoning over sexual harassment and abuse affects political campaigns and American society going forward. The discussion of politics and policy today in America is increasingly acrimonious and uncompromising. Do you view that as regrettable? Is there anything that can be done?

Patti Solis Doyle talks politics with Ralph Begleiter, founding director of the Center for Political Communication at the University of Delaware. Photo courtesy of Duane Perry/ University of Delaware.

aised in Chicago as the youngest of six children to working-class, Mexican immigrant parents, Patti Solis Doyle knows what life outside the citadels of power is like. As a veteran of Bill Clinton’s two presidential campaigns, a White House aide throughout his tenure, and the 2008 campaign manager (the first Hispanic-American women to hold that position) for the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton, she also knows what it is like on the inside.

But in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, Solis Doyle admits she was, like many Americans, left wondering, “How did that happen?” and “Where do we go from here?” In an interview with the Detroiter, Solis Doyle said she is still grappling with the former. But as a lifelong Democrat and progressive activist, she is confident the 2016 election re-awakened and reenergized the coalition on the left, and will result in a significant course correction in 2018 and 2020.

I’m happy the Chamber is taking this topic on. It is important. I think we are at a unique time in our history and in our culture. I don’t think we have ever been this divided. Politicians on both sides have contributed: the president with his comments about women and immigrants; and Hillary Clinton talking about some voters as ‘deplorable’ while her voters are ‘forward-thinking.’ We must take steps to fix it. It may not be fixable if we don’t get started. The first step is always dialogue and conversation. We don’t need to disagree for the sake of disagreement. There are things Democrats and Republicans agree upon, like the need to address our infrastructure. Another thing we must get back to is being able to disagree with civility and respect. Minorities and women are a growing force in American politics, especially

Trust for Democrats. How would you judge their role and influence going forward? The one good thing that came out of the last election is the commitment to do better in 2018 and 2020. People have taken it upon themselves to get motivated. They want their country back. We particularly see it in women, blacks and Hispanics. A lot of things happened in 2016 (Russian interference in the election, Hillary Clinton’s email issues, missteps by the Clinton campaign). There was an expectation by everyone — voters, pundits, politicians — that Hillary was going to walk away with this thing. Democrats now very much know what happens when they don’t show up to vote. The early signs (in special and midterm elections) in Pennsylvania, Alabama and Virginia are very encouraging. What about the #MeToo movement? What does it portend for politics and American life generally? Women are really pissed off. There has been story after story — Harvey Weinstein,

Charlie Rose, Matt Lauer, Donald Trump — powerful men taking advantage. Women are angry. Now they can make their anger heard and known. Something is finally being done. Men are losing their jobs, their fortunes, their reputations. It is a very affirming event. There is always the danger of a backlash. But for the most part, it is empowering. As it plays out, we’re seeing more women in prominent positions in media, a push for equal pay in Hollywood, more women running for office … and winning. You’re a Hillary loyalist. However, you have been critical of her recently for comments about President Trump and in response to a New York Times report that she allowed an accused sexual harasser to remain with her 2008 campaign. How has she helped shape the current political conversation? I was critical of her comments (that women voted for Trump under pressure from the men in their lives and that the ‘optimistic’ part of America voted for her), although they were somewhat taken out of context. To

suggest, even slightly, that people in Trump states are “backward” is not only wrong, it’s not helpful in getting the country moving forward. I would add that President Trump’s comments about the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville weren’t helpful either. I have regrets about (Clinton campaign aide Burns Strider). My biggest regret is that he went on to harass more women. If even one young woman dropped out, decided that politics was something she didn’t want to be a part of because of that, it’s not acceptable. She (Hillary) made a mistake. But this is a woman who I worked with for 17 years. She allowed me to bring a crib to the White House when I ran into childcare difficulties. Her career and her lifelong advocacy for woman mean something. She’s made a difference. We’re not done yet. The process (of redressing sexual harassment) is still convoluted. But these strong women who have come forward have opened the door. Things are changing. Dawson Bell is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

DIG DEEP:

Truth Will Restore Trust in Politics

Former U.S. representative and college football star J.C. Watts Jr. offers advice for a disheartened electorate By Greg Tasker

.C. Watts Jr., a former U.S. congressman from Oklahoma and founder of a boutique government affairs firm, has a simple solution to restore trust in national politics: Truth. “In America, we don’t want to admit that we have a problem,” said Watts, who served four terms in Congress around the turn of the century. “We have a problem with telling the truth. We can agree that two plus two is five but that doesn’t make it right, or true. The truth always hurts before it helps, but you have to admit there is a problem. That is the first step.”

“It’s not a tragedy to be dysfunctional, but it’s a tragedy to allow dysfunction to become normal. That’s where we are,” he said. “We have to recognize that two plus two is four. When someone says it’s something else, then someone, whether Republican or Democrat, white, yellow, red or black, has to stand up and say that’s not true.” If Watts’ solution sounds simple, he comes to this belief after wearing a lot of hats in life. He is a former college football star. He has served as a youth pastor. In Congress, he was a member of the Armed Services Committee and the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. He is also author of “Dig Deep: 7 Truths to Finding the Strength Within.” Watts, whose firm is based in Washington, D.C., believes civility and trust have continued to deteriorate since he left Congress. “When I left in January 2003, I could see that it was getting progressively worse,” Watts said. “There was still some civility when I was in Congress. To run for office these days, you almost have to be angry and follow the party with blind faith and loyalty.”

He surmises politics and collaboration has deteriorated on both sides of the aisle because of an inability to tell the truth. “The truth is often in the eye of the beholder. Even in politics, the data isn’t often very clear,” he said. “But to be a good defense attorney or prosecutor, you are constantly peeling the layers of the onion looking for the facts.” Being a team player is important in accomplishing an agenda, but it’s also important to be able to stand independently and question. “Everything I learned in athletics made me a team guy,” said Watts, who was a quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners and led them to Orange Bowl victories. “I don’t mind taking one for the team, but I became enough of an independent that if you made me wear a uniform that didn’t fit, I would say something. If we are going to march, tell me where we are marching to. I had enough independence to say two plus two is four.” Along with speaking the truth, it is wise to have a level of distrust of government, Watts adds. “Being of African-American descent, I’m old enough to remember that I couldn’t swim in the public pool and had to sit in the balcony of the movie theater because of my race,” he said.

Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. speaks with attendees at the 2015 Iowa Growth & Opportunity Party in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore.

The government isn’t always right, he said, pointing to some of the historic cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court — the Dred Scott decision, for example — and the distrust former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover created in government and the public. “I’ve had a healthy suspicion of my government,” he said. “At the same time, it’s the government that said we’re going to add the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. It’s the same government that said separate and equal are unequal. It’s the same government that said we’re going to abolish Jim Crow laws.” How can Congress move past the lingering trend of hyper-partisanship? '

Watts compares a politician’s inability to acknowledge the truth to an addict’s substance dependence.

“Let’s start by saying, I should treat you the way I want to be treated,'” Watts said. “That’s a pretty good foundation. If we don’t allow our children to act this way, why do we allow politicians?” “We hold our football coaches to a higher standard than elected officials,” he added. “The same standard we hold (University of Michigan coach) Jim Harbaugh to, we should hold Congress to. It’s that simple.” Greg Tasker is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Preserving THE PUBLIC TRUST Educational programs, neutral storytelling keeps PBS above the 24/7 news cycle By Dawson Bell

aula Kerger is keenly aware of the rapidly changing media landscape in America. After more than two decades in public broadcasting and 12 years at the head of PBS nationally, Kerger has witnessed firsthand the decline of traditional media and the chaotic rise of a fragmented and increasingly digital media world. The effect has been at times exhilarating, she said during an interview with the Detroiter in advance of her appearance at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference, as advances in technology have removed barriers to participation in the marketplace of ideas and entertainment. In many ways, the digital revolution has allowed “many flowers (to) bloom,” Kerger said. But Kerger notes a less salutary development as well: the fragmentation of the media has coincided with a decline in public trust of it, and of public institutions in general. There is a “growing disconnect” between the producers and consumers of content, she said. The continuing success of public broadcasting, Kerger said, is owed in large part to its ability to buck that trend. For 15 years, a PBS-commissioned survey of Americans has found the public network to be the most trusted news organization in the country. And by a wide margin. In the most recent survey, the percentage of respondents who found PBS and its local affiliates “very trustworthy” was more than twice that of commercial networks. Speaking to a tech conference in Las Vegas recently, Kerger characterized the trust that Americans place in public media as “our most valuable asset.” Kerger attributes public media’s advantage to several factors, including its insulation from the commercial pressures faced by for-profit media organizations, the close ties between local affiliates and the communities they serve, and a recognition by the public that PBS maintains a distinction between news reporting and opinion.

In a click-driven, hyper-partisan news environment that prizes conflict over consensus, maintaining that approach requires constant vigilance, she said. Amid rapid change, PBS tries to resist the temptation to relax the rigor of its decision-making over content and emphasis, Kerger said. The continuing strength of PBS affiliates also stands in contrast to other news organizations, like local and regional newspapers and broadcasters, where shrinking profits have led to sharp reductions in personnel and original content, she said.

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger discusses upcoming programming at a PBS executive session. Photo courtesy of Rahoul Ghose.

The formula for high cable television ratings is filling screens with talking heads who talk over each other, she said. Meanwhile other primary news sources, such as Twitter and Facebook, “can’t decide what they are.” “As aggregators and mediators of news content, social networks aren’t news organizations. But they look like news organizations,” Kerger said.

Public media — television, radio and its online offerings — has tried “to fill some of that gap,” she said, by producing more local public affairs programming, political and election coverage, and documentaries. And the public has responded with higher levels of viewership and support. But Kerger is less sanguine about the prospects for restoring trust in news organizations and public institutions more broadly.

All of this leaves the public in the unenviable position of having to sort through a morass of conflicting information. It is, Kerger said, “alarming...not good.” The role of PBS and public media, she said, is to maintain its focus on serving the public amidst the maelstrom.

“I think we need to look for opportunities to bring people together,” she said, acknowledging that she isn’t sure how it can be accomplished in today’s social media world.

Striking a more optimistic note, she said, “The public is smarter than they are given credit for.” Dawson Bell is a metro Detroit

“Our influence is in continuing to do work the public is attracted to and trusts,” Kerger said.

freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Breaking the Silence,

EMPOWERING WOMEN In the #MeToo era, employers have an obligation to foster a safe and inclusive culture By Wensdy Von Buskirk

“I think the #MeToo movement has really highlighted how much women have had to put up with in the workplace, and I think we are living in a moment where companies, government, and other institutions have to reckon with how they can improve and level the playing field for women,” said CNN political commentator Patti Solis Doyle, who will moderate the panel. Ignite Social Media President Deirdre Lambert-Bounds, who was appointed to the Michigan Women’s Commission by Gov. Rick Snyder, said she is eager to see the #MeToo movement grow beyond social media and into the real world. “It’s a great start but there is a lot of work to be done,” she said. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI 12) and Carolyn Everson, vice president of global marketing solutions for Facebook, talk gun control with journalist Nina Easton at the 2017 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit. Photo courtesy of Stuart Isett.

hroughout her career, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (DMI 12) has found herself in a man’s world. From attending school at Georgetown University to her 30-year rise to senior executive with General Motors Co., and now as U.S. representative, Dingell said she was always “one of the few women in the room.” When she looks back, her sentiments echo many women who talk of being marginalized at meetings, having their ideas dismissed, getting smaller paychecks, and being passed over for promotions. Or worse, suffering from sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace. Dingell said it used to be more difficult to raise her voice. “When I was younger, if a woman said anything she would be labeled. If I spoke up, there would be consequences,” she said.

“Now I’m looking forward. How do we change the climate to one of inclusion for everybody?” Dingell will share her perspective as part of a panel titled, “The Women’s Wave: Breaking the Silence,” which explores how businesses across all industries can engage in practices that put a premium on inclusion and equality. The panel also features Michigan Women Forward’s Carolyn Cassin, W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s La June Montgomery Tabron, and PwC’s Ray Telang. The panel is especially relevant in light of #MeToo, a viral social media movement that sprung up last year in the wake of several high-profile sexual harassment scandals. As women around the world continue to share stories of abuse in the workplace using the ubiquitous hashtag, companies and government can no longer fall back on business as usual.

Dingell agreed, stating, “The #MeToo movement is not real until it’s real for all women — the women on the factory floor, the tip waitress, the woman wanting to make partner or chair of the department. Washington and the media and Hollywood are in a bit of a bubble, and in the real world, women are still afraid to speak up.” Cassin said it has been her life's work to fight for women's equality in the workplace. During her career as a health care executive, Cassin made sure the companies she led were safe and hospitable for women to work and advance. “For women, there is an increasing realization of the stark reality of how far we are from gender parity in any form. This is why the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have resonated with so many," she said. “It’s an important step forward that the Chamber has brought this to the Mackinac Policy Conference and I am honored to be a part of this panel. We hope to highlight how critical this is for the future of our region and for the health and viability of the companies that the Chamber represents." Wensdy Von Buskirk is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

IS MICHIGAN PREPARED? Suzanne Shank Chairwoman and CEO, Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co. LLC

Ensure Michigan's competitiveness for major business investment by protecting the existing business climate and addressing issues preventing sustained prosperity for all.

Is Michigan Prepared?

Barbara McQuade Former U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan; Legal Analyst, MSNBC; Professor From Practice, University of Michigan Law School

Mike Duggan

Patti Poppe

Mayor, City of Detroit

President and CEO, Consumers Energy

“

Michigan is on the path to future success, but we must keep our foot on the accelerator. — Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan

Rick Snyder John King Jr. Former U.S. Secretary of Education; President and CEO, The Education Trust

Governor, State of Michigan

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

WOOD TV’s Rick Albin has his finger on the pulse of some of Michigan’s most pressing issues.

job force, but is that enough? Will it happen soon enough? Is there more that business and industry can do to provide on-the-job skills training? Are there other avenues to make sure those who are employed can learn new skills to help fill the need in their current position and offer better chances for advancement? These are all issues employers and employees will have to deal with going forward.

Talent, Infrastructure,

AND ROADS, OH MY! Michigan’s path to economic competitiveness begins with having hard conversations By Rick Albin

n preparation for this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, I am looking forward to hosting a panel that will look at how prepared Michigan is to face challenges and opportunities in the near term and for the long haul.

important in further expanding the existing business climate. One of the questions I will ask will deal with talent and the workforce. Those who focus on economic development often point to the lack of available skilled workers to fill existing jobs.

The economic environment has changed dramatically in the past 10 years after our state and the nation experienced one of the most devastating economic downturns in history. While the current economy looks bright for many of our industries and businesses, we know only too well how quickly things can change. Our collective ability to deal with that change can mean the difference between taking advantage of new opportunities or being left behind because of an inability to adapt.

Unemployment numbers have dropped precipitously since the height of the Great Recession and parts of our state are consistently well below the national average. That is good news. It also presents a challenge.

While there are an unlimited number of variables that we might face economically, there are a few that we can predict will be

For companies currently located in our state, expansion here could be stifled if the employers are not confident the workers they need are readily available. Likewise, for companies who want to locate here from out of state or country, having that workforce is vital. In Lansing, our state government has acknowledged the need for more technical skills training and focusing on a work-ready

Talent is only one issue. Infrastructure is a subject that rarely goes unmentioned when talking about business sustainability and expansion. Regardless of how you view the efforts of state government to deal with roads and bridges, it is apparent there is much more to do. Timing is critical, too. Even if there were unlimited funds to deal with transportation issues — and there are not — it takes time. With years of wear and lack of investment in those systems, we will be playing “catch up" for some time to come. Infrastructure, of course, isn't just about transportation but also encompasses water, sewer, the electrical grid, and even broadband availability. It isn't just a matter of what needs to be done. In fact, there may be some relatively broad agreement on that front. The question is, “How much will it cost and how do we, as a state, rise to the challenge of making the larger investment?" It is an issue we must ask ourselves as we will surely be asked by those who want to do business here. There are other complex issues to ask, too, like the larger question of education beyond technical skills. From the quality of K-12 learning to the cost of higher education, both impact Michigan’s economic development. When we sit down collectively, as a state, and ask the experts and leaders of job creation, economic development and business attraction about these vital issues, we are taking a crucial step in preparing for the future. Rather than reacting to changing trends and environments, we can better position ourselves to be proactive. By looking at challenges that exist and those that may arise, we can ensure that Michigan is a leader in the dynamic economy that we all know can be sustained with proper planning. Rick Albin is a political reporter for WOOD TV in Grand Rapids.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Is Michigan Prepared?

INDUSTRY LEADERS SAY ‘NOT YET’ Education reform and infrastructure funding must be immediate By Dawson Bell

ichigan has made a lot of progress in recent years. In the wake of the Great Recession, the near death of the state’s legacy automotive industry, and the bankruptcy of its largest city, Michigan has posted among the strongest gains in the country in job creation and personal income growth. But memories of the near abyss are too fresh, and the future too uncertain for complacency or overconfidence, according to the state’s public and private sector leaders working to sustain Michigan’s momentum. While there is no silver bullet to prepare Michigan for the future — whether it be attracting new talent or business — the general consensus is action must be taken today to change the trajectory of the state’s low-performing schools, properly fund failing infrastructure, and stop the flow of talent leaving. These topics will be explored in-depth as part of the 2018

Consumers Energy President and CEO Patti Poppe presents a check to FIRST Robotics team The Riveters during a reception in April. Consumers Energy sponsored the team during the state competition. FIRST Robotics encourages student interest in science, technology, engineering and math careers. Students hard at work at the Academy of the Americas in Southwest Detroit.

Mackinac Policy Conference.” Tonya Allen, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, which provides research, grants and programmatic assistance aimed at improving opportunity and education for young people, especially in urban areas, said an educational system that develops and retains young talent is essential for sustained economic progress. Michigan has an urgent need for a more focused educational agenda, Allen said.

Wave after wave of reform efforts have resulted in an overreliance on standardized tests, constant change, and teachers “getting jerked from one thing to another.” The structure of educational leadership in Michigan is, itself, fragmented, she said, with an array of state and local executives, boards and committees all “working on policy but no one taking a comprehensive approach.” “We need to get a playbook. Our problem is not that we don’t know what’s wrong,

Is Michigan Prepared?

Skillman Foundation President and CEO Tonya Allen talks with a young person while exploring an exhibit at the 2017 My Brother's Keeper Detroit Innovation Challenge Expo.

Shank said she does, however, sense a growing awareness both among elected officials and taxpayers that an infrastructure reckoning is at hand. Recent national disasters, the Flint water crisis, the Fraser sinkhole of 2016, and near-constant potholes plaguing the state’s roadways are driving home the message that something is seriously awry, she said.

but that we don’t have a consensus about our agenda,” Allen said. “We have to create more pathways to college and career (for young people) … to expand opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations.”

funding, health care-related costs) and antitax sentiment, policymakers can focus only on short-term priorities and must allow key issues, like capital-intensive projects, to “get kicked down the road.”

Rick Baker, president and CEO for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, agrees that Michigan’s leadership can no longer afford to ignore “the elephant in the room.”

As a result, America’s infrastructure, once the world’s best, has been slowly deteriorating to the point where the most recent survey by leading civil engineering experts rate it overall a “D+”. Michigan’s roads and storm water systems rank slightly worse at “D-”.

Baker, who works closely with statewide economic development partners to attract business to West Michigan, said the state’s business climate has made tremendous strides with tax and labor regulatory reform that allow it to compete in the global marketplace. “To sustain that progress, Michigan has to upgrade talent development and educational institutions that lag the nation and our international peers,” he said. Patti Poppe, president and CEO of Consumers Energy, said her company’s future is “inextricably linked” to hiring the right talent. Consumers is helping tackle the skills gap with its Talent Pipeline Management Academy, which holds local workshops with job providers and economic developers to identify specific needs and works with educators to focus training in those areas. Together with other statewide initiatives, like the Marshall Plan for Talent, Poppe said Michigan has the opportunity to become a national leader in workforce readiness. Suzanne Shank, chairwoman and CEO of Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co. LLC., an investment banking and financial services firm with offices across the country, said the state has made considerable progress in certain areas but still faces a range of obstacles. Given competing budgetary demands (paying outstanding debt, pension

The Trump administration proposed a one-time $200 billion increase in federal infrastructure investment with no sustainable funding, Shank said. So the major obstacle that remains is uncertainty about the federal government’s ongoing commitment given that programs, such as the highway trust fund, are grappling with declining revenues and struggling to keep up with demand. It will take a lot of cooperation statewide and across political parties to have a comprehensive solution, Shank said. “The time is now. We will suffer so much more by kicking the can down the road,” she said. Dawson Bell is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Stakes Are High in

MICHIGAN GOVERNOR'S RACE

Candidates offer little on how they would handle an economic recession By Rick Pluta

Left: Funding for road improvements will be a key issue for the next governor. Middle: The KWA pipeline brings water 75 miles from Lake Huron west along the I-69 corridor, with service to the city of Flint. Right: High standards and accountability is needed to improve state schools.

gift was waiting for Gov. Rick Snyder when he took office in January 2011. An economic recovery was well underway, which gave him the opportunity to enact some prescriptions for issues haunting Michigan’s budget and economy. Snyder’s successor will likely face a different reality that will require the new chief executive to manage the state through a downturn. The 2018 gubernatorial candidates’ platforms offer plans on roads, schools and jobs, but little to nothing in terms of what they would do to manage a period of austerity. And economists like Michigan State University’s Charles Ballard say it is not a matter of if the economy will stall, but when. “Can we put off the next recession forever?” Ballard asks. “The answer is probably no.” This is not a reality the candidates are anxious to talk about. That is in large part because pessimism isn’t typically a winning message.

“They don’t want to talk about recessions and adjustments of the stock market because it shoots holes in their grandiose plans,” said Joe DiSano, a political consultant who works mostly for Democrats. “I think it’s human nature. Running around being the doomsayer without a solution is not advice I’d give any candidate.” But a recession of any duration can blow a giant hole in campaign promises. Just ask former Gov. Jennifer Granholm. She assumed office in 2003 with plans to create a statewide universal early childhood program, and to offer free college tuition. Those ambitions were derailed by the Great Recession. “Life in the governor’s chair quickly turned out to be less about enacting my agenda and more about managing a cascading series of crises,” she wrote in her book, “A Governor’s Story.” Craig Thiel of the independent Citizens Research Council said Granholm’s position was worsened by the road construction debts built up under Gov. John Engler, and tax

rollbacks adopted during flush years that continued after he left office. He says Snyder will leave the next governor in a better position as the state’s “rainy day” savings were restored after being eviscerated during the recession, and the state’s long-term pension liabilities were at least partially addressed. “It’s better than it was 10 years ago,” Thiel said. “Is it ideally situated for a mild recession? Perhaps. For anything north of mild, no.” The state’s “rainy day” savings that are supposed to carry the budget through a mild downturn is expected to top $900 million this year. Snyder would like to see $1 billion in the fund. But a report by the Citizens Research Council says even that is probably not enough and the fund should have closer to $2 billion to be ready for a downturn. “Voters may complain when things go bad, but there’s not an interest group lined up behind putting money in the ‘rainy day’

fund,” Ballard said, “even though it’s good policy.” Once the savings run out, the options are limited, Thiel said. “You can cut spending and that’s always going to be a challenge for political reasons,” he said. “There’s also raising revenue. Also, equally problematic on the political front, especially when times are tough, and people are seeing reduced wages and fewer job opportunities.” When asked, most of the candidates for governor responded as if a recession can be avoided, and offered few plans on where they would cut spending or find new revenue. Former Senate Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer said she would spend more on roads and job training. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed proposed a New Deal-style public sector jobs program. Entrepreneur Shri Thanedar also said he would spend money putting people to work on infrastructure and offer “microloans” to launch small businesses. On the Republican side, only Jim Hines said he would use the governor’s executive order power to cut spending in a recession. Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said the state is well-positioned to handle a revenue hit in the event of a downturn. State Sen. Patrick Colbeck also said the state has more than enough money in its “rainy day” savings. And Attorney General Bill Schuette said he would cut taxes and spend more on student reading programs. There is also a primary race for the Libertarian nomination for governor. Bill Gelineau said he looks forward to using the governor’s lineitem veto power to cut spending, but did not say specifically where he’d look. Political candidates prefer to talk about what they are going to do for people. After all, that is what voters want to hear. But, sometimes political reality does not meet economic reality. Even if the economy continues to grow past this year – which would be a record — it is a near-certainty the next governor will have to grapple with a recession at some point. “I’m not particularly surprised they’re not talking about it,” Thiel said. “They’re talking about the opposite. They’re talking about either cutting taxes or increasing spending.” Rick Pluta is the state capitol bureau chief for the Michigan Public Radio Network.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Accelerating Into

A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Why Michigan must demonstrate even more leadership By Gov. Rick Snyder

hile our state’s reinvention over the past seven years has been remarkable, it alone is not enough to keep moving Michigan forward. Now, we need to maximize that momentum. Our state has celebrated numerous successes since 2011 – from becoming No. 1 in the nation for new manufacturing jobs and creating more than half a million private-sector jobs, to jumping from 40th to a top-10 state for business. Michiganders should be loud and proud about these accomplishments and many others, but wary of complacency. Our work is far from over. Michigan is a global leader in mobility, R&D, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism. But to continue to innovate and grow, our focus needs to be on long-term economic prosperity and lifelong learning. That means making Michigan even more attractive for companies to grow here and invest in our people, breaking down barriers to employment, and building a system that creates long-term, well-paying careers for Michiganders.

Gov. Rick Snyder celebrates Michigan’s comeback story during his 2018 State of the State address in January. Photo courtesy of the Michigan House Republican Caucus.

accelerating the work being done by schools and businesses that are already partnering to do great things, while supporting schools that want to collaborate with business partners to change the way they deliver education.

There’s a global revolution of convergence happening and Michigan must lead the charge. Our economy has transformed, so we must revolutionize the way we educate and develop talent. We need to stop working within silos and foster employer relationships with educators in K-12 districts, community colleges, and universities to fill the highdemand, high-paying careers that are facing critical talent shortages. Similarly, employers need to adapt to changes in the supply of talent by changing their requirements for hiring, recognizing that many in-demand skills can be acquired through certificate programs and lifelong learning.

Our education and training system should be a competency-based model of any pace, any place, any time, and any way. Learning should be recognized as a lifelong achievement of knowledge and competencies. Breaking down the silos and bringing business and education together will allow us to create the world’s premier education and career training system to prepare all Michiganders for success.

This is where the Marshall Plan for Talent can lead the way.

That’s why I’ve instituted projects like the integrated asset management pilots, to improve our statewide infrastructure and help make Michigan a national leader in infrastructure management and planning. We are improving our transportation infrastructure with

This revolutionary partnership between educators, employers and others will help transform Michigan’s talent pipeline by

Just as well-paying jobs mean an improved quality of life for Michiganders, so does modern and reliable infrastructure. We have under-invested in our infrastructure for too long and can’t afford to do so any longer.

projects like the US-23 Flex Route and the public-private partnership proposal currently underway for I-75 in metro Detroit. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will improve access to global markets and enhance the essential trade relationships between Canada, Michigan and the United States. I also proposed a plan to invest $110 million annually for critical updates to Michigan’s water infrastructure to ensure every Michigander has access to safe drinking water, while protecting our environment and supporting our state’s continued economic growth. Michigan is on a path to future success, but we must keep our foot on the accelerator. Just as we endeavor to be a role model in talent development and infrastructure, we should strive to be a leader in civility. Our nation seems ensnared in divisiveness, but Michigan has an opportunity to show the rest of the nation how we can work together to solve tough problems with common-sense solutions. Through relentless positive action, we can continue to build a brighter future for all who call this great state home. Rick Snyder is the 48th governor for the state of Michigan.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Investing in

EDUCATION AND EQUALITY Former U.S. Secretary of Education John King Jr. is a strong advocate for funding programs for at-risk youth By Paul Vachon Former U.S. Secretary of Education John King Jr. reads to students during the "Read Where You Are Day of Action." Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education.

At both the national and regional level, serious thought leadership has been devoted to education reform. John King Jr., president and CEO of The Education Trust, is leading the charge to improve outcomes in underserved urban communities. Following a successful teaching career, King entered public service — first as education commissioner for New York and later as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, who called King “an exceptionally talented educator.” King recently addressed the state of education in the United States ahead of his appearance at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference. In your view, what are the most effective strategies for improving accountability in P-12 and postsecondary education? How quickly is the U.S. educational system embracing reform?

”We should be talking today about how to invest additional resources in education. We should be talking about early learning, which has an eight-to-one return on every dollar invested.” — John King Jr., Former U.S. Secretary of Education; President and CEO, The Education Trust

t is easy for the business community to feel powerless when it comes to education reform. While companies are increasingly dependent on a readily available pool of high-skilled, educated job candidates, they have traditionally had little direct impact on how schools operate. Fortunately for Michigan, an evolution is taking place, with new partnerships being formed between education and business supported by organizations like The Education Trust, a nonprofit that advocates for improvements to educational access and outcomes for minority students.

What we find in the most recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is continued achievement gaps for lower income students and students of color. In some places, it’s even grown worse. Detroit ranked the lowest among major systems nationwide. Nationally, we’ve seen some progress made among all students in the aggregate, but the achievement gap among minority students persists, and represents a danger to our economy and our democracy. We should be talking today about how to invest additional resources in education.

Is Michigan Prepared?

We should be talking about early learning, which has an eight-to-one return on every dollar invested. We should be talking about how to get the best teachers to the kids with the highest needs. Often, kids in high-needs areas are in schools with high teacher turnover and aren’t getting the best educators. Many times, they also aren’t getting advanced courses like physics, chemistry and AP classes. We should be talking about putting resources there. We also need to invest more in public higher education so that students can go to college for free. You view educational reform as a social justice issue. Aside from racial segregation, what historical trends contributed (and perhaps still contribute) to racial inequalities in U.S. education? As a nation, we’re still very short of fulfilling the goals of Brown vs. Board of Education. Segregation persists, with unequal resource allocation frequently tracking this pattern. The students who need the resources the

most are the least likely to receive them. So, educational equality remains a key issue. But education cannot be looked at in isolation. Kids are also affected by how we approach housing, employment and transportation. It’s not enough to say, “fix the schools” — we need to proactively address both issues. Public education in Detroit remains one of the most deficient in the nation. Are there specific strategies that if implemented, might effectively address this situation? Look at Chicago. When William Bennett was Secretary of Education, he described it as having the worst school system in the country. But recently, a Stanford study cited Chicago as making the fastest gains among large urban districts. They made these improvements through strong leadership and investing in teacher professional development. Washington, D.C. has made similar gains by focusing on supporting principals and teachers. Officials in these cities are the first to acknowledge that there’s still plenty to be done, but the progress being

made is significant and measurable. Reforms like these, along with needed updates to the curriculum (which Detroit is currently doing) can make a real difference. What would you say to the argument that federal school improvement grant programs like “Race to the Top” are an ineffective use of taxpayer dollars? Again, you should look beyond the program level to what are the initiatives that have worked. Look at California, for example. There was a rigorous review of their use of school improvement dollars and they found there were certain schools that made considerable progress because there was a substantial investment in teacher professional development and efforts to retain strong teachers. Other places, school improvement dollars were not as well used. The program left a lot of discretion to local and state decision-making. Some worked better than others. The answer isn’t to eliminate the resources. The answer is to structure programs more efficiently to get results. Paul Vachon is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Fighting Michigan's

OPIOID BATTLE

Decreasing misuse begins with employer awareness and support By Rachelle Damico

More than 11 million opioid prescriptions were written in Michigan in 2016.

work. And, if they are coming to work, abusers are less productive and can have modified behavior, such as dulled reflexes or social withdrawal. “The deeper issue here is how to make sure you have a qualified and healthy workforce you can even hire from,” Kohn-Parrott said. Prescription drug abuse has become such a large issue for employers that they are bypassing drug testing altogether, she said. “A lot of employers cannot find people to work because they have drugs in their system,” Kohn-Parrott said.

pioid abuse has become prevalent in Michigan’s workforce, and it is affecting companies in terms of cost, productivity and talent.

These prescription drugs, which include OxyContin, Vicodin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, can be fatal if abused. Opioids have accounted for more than 115 deaths per day in the United States, more than any other accidental-related deaths, including automotive accidents. Opioid abuse costs the U.S. economy $56 billion, according to a 2016 study by San Francisco-based health care information firm Castlight Health. The epidemic is problematic for employers because they are sharing the costs — more than $10 billion

in lost productivity and absenteeism alone, according to the report. The report also stated employers spend almost double in medical costs for abusers than non-abusers, $19,450 on average compared to $10,853. In Michigan, more than 11 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2016, according to state data. For a state with a population of 9.9 million, the numbers are alarming. A Company's Silent Killer Kate Kohn-Parrott, president and CEO of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council, said opioid abuse is significantly impacting Michigan’s workforce. Employees addicted to opioids are three times as likely to miss

Employees with family members suffering from opioid addiction can also be costly for employers. Last year, an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that more than 50 percent of health care costs from employee benefit plans were used to treat employees’ children. Additionally, Kohn-Parrott said employees are missing work to take care of family members who are dealing with addiction. “Employers should step up and look at what their role can be, and address this from a public health crisis,” Kohn-Parrott said. The opioid epidemic affects all people – regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity, said Barbara McQuade, law professor at the University of Michigan and legal analyst for MSNBC. McQuade is the former U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Michigan and has seen opioids affect all communities. In her role, she prosecuted doctors who ran illegal pill mills and targeted drug traffickers who

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

peddled drugs responsible for overdoses and deaths. “I think maybe there’s a stereotype of the heroin addict in the alley as someone who is of a lower social economic status, but that’s absolutely not the case,” McQuade said. “So many people begin (using) through some legitimate need for pain that ends up impacting everyone.” Also concerning is the rise of heroin usage in the state. Individuals addicted to opioids who are unable to refill their prescriptions often turn to buying heroin from street dealers. The danger is that street-level heroin is often laced with fentanyl and can result in a fatal overdose, McQuade said. “When I first started at the U.S. attorney’s office, heroin had almost been eradicated,” McQuade said. “Then we saw this huge resurgence because of the prescription pill epidemic.” McQuade said employers need to be aware of this “silent killer.”

“Employers can help by making treatment more available for employees through financial support,” she said. “Providing support for people or families who are going through addiction issues, identifying treatment centers, and increasing resources for treatment would be helpful.”

if they have gone to multiple doctors and pharmacies for opioid prescriptions.

Combating the Epidemic

“I hope to catch it before it comes into our organization,” Denker said.

Bud Denker, president of Penske Corp. in Bloomfield Hills, said the company has been acting to identify, prevent and educate employees on opioid misuse and addiction. “This problem affects all companies in any state,” Denker said. “Putting your head in the sand and saying, ‘It’s affecting somebody else and not me,’ is naïve.” Denker said companies can partner with their insurance provider to help identify abuse. Penske’s provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), helps determine potential misuse based on factors that include the type and amount of prescriptions an individual receives, and

Penske has also taken steps to update its pre-employment drug screening to include many opioid prescriptions previously not tested for.

Denker said Penske is also educating employees about signs of opioid addiction and abuse so it can be easily identified among family members. “I think it’s all of our problem in society right now and in business, and we have an obligation to evaluate it and dig in,” Denker said. “If you’re not, then I think the problem is going to be larger than you want it to be. It’s not going to go away if you just ignore it.” Being a Good Neighbor Many state initiatives are helping to rectify opioid addiction, including the Michigan Automated Prescription System, a monitoring program that allows prescribers access to track controlled substances. Insurance providers, such as BCBSM have also launched initiatives to help. For instance, BCBSM has limited an initial fill of opioid prescriptions to a five-day supply. In many cases, additional fills are limited to no more than a 30-day supply. BCBSM also has partnered with five organizations to provide nearly $600,000 in grants to help communities fight the opioid epidemic. “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our customers, members and their communities,” said Dan Loepp, president and CEO of BCBSM. “Our social mission guides our commitment to partner with physicians, public health advocates, and officials across our state to combat the opioid addiction crisis that’s taking lives and harming families in every corner of our state.” Although progress is underway, businesses have just begun to scratch the surface on employee health, advocates say. Rachelle Damico is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

THE MOBILITY DISRUPTION John McElroy Host, “Autoline”

Strengthen Michigan's readiness for the disruption that next-generation mobility will create for industry and society. Gary Peters U.S. Senator (D-MI)

The Mobility Disruption

David Sampson President and CEO, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America

Carla Bailo President and CEO, Center for Automotive Research

Don Butler Executive Director, Connected Vehicle Platform and Product, Ford Mobility

Pavan Agarwal Member, Management Committee, Foley & Lardner LLP

“

In all things related to automotive technology, consumer acceptance is critical. Regulatory technology mandates can mitigate risk, but the auto industry operates in different regulatory environments and must meet many different targets. — Carla Bailo, President and CEO, Center for Automotive Research

“

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Leading Automotive's

Michigan is primed to define a cross-industry standard for autonomous vehicles By Tim Stevens

REGULATORY FUTURE Top: A 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan is equipped with Waymo’s fully self-driving technology. Bottom: To navigate snowy roads, Ford Motor Company autonomous vehicles are equipped with high-resolution 3-D maps – complete with information about the road and what’s above it, including road markings, signs, geography, landmarks and topography.

he future has always been complicated, and frankly, it always will be. As ever, the only real constant we can rely on is change. The unnerving flux of invention, plus its corporate-cousin disruption, is coming faster than ever before, and while all the delicious innovations we see every day seem to point the way forward, the truth is nobody really knows where they're taking us.

autonomous transportation systems is moving at an amazing pace. This is a technology that will reshape the world, not just the automotive industry. Some companies, like Waymo, are flourishing at the cutting edge. Others, like Uber, are floundering.

So, we're all as clueless about the future as we've ever been, but I do feel comfortable saying that the disruption we'll see tomorrow will be at least as dramatic as that we see today. Change will continue to accelerate, and so given that, what's the best way forward?

In between that massive gulf lie many players, large and small. Some are taking the slow and steady route to developing a solution safe and optimal for all situations. Others, frankly, are flying fast and loose to bring a product to market ahead of the competition. That is a disconcertingly broad scale when we're talking about a technology that will fundamentally affect our safety, and soon.

It's this: roll with it. If you haven't already, it's time to take off your office-friendly dress shoes with the comfortable insoles and slip into something a little more suited to dancing, because that's what we'll all be doing in the coming years. Whether you're a storied corporation or a fledgling startup, or even indeed a humble automotive journalist, being light on your feet is no longer a virtue, it’s a requirement. However, in the automotive world at least, there may be an opportunity to help define the playlist — or at least the genre of music. As we've all seen, the research and development of

Any legislative attempt at leveling the playing field would be brutally misguided and ultimately ineffective. These players should and will continue to compete on the merits of their respective technologies. However, there is an overwhelming need to set some sort of minimum competence for the systems they're racing to compete. Increasingly, that race is taking place in Arizona. The notion that this minimum competence should be developed in a place with 300 days of sunshine in an average year is ridiculous. This is in no way

representative of the broader United States, or indeed the world. Michigan, though less sunny than Arizona, is a place with four seasons a year (or at least a solid three), where manufacturers can truly test in all conditions. This variance, plus of course the greatest density of automotive business and talent on the planet, makes it the ideal location to define a cross-industry standard for a minimum level of performance that autonomous systems must achieve. And, with a little legislative muscle, Michigan could set the trend on federal standards desperately needed to ensure that this technology can be safely, and legally, tested coast-to-coast. This is something the industry needs. Frankly, this is something the country needs, too. And while still none of us know what exactly autonomy will do to the world at-large, with the right cooperation pushing us in the right direction, we can at least ensure that everyone arrives at that future safely. Tim Stevens is editorin-chief for Roadshow and editor-at-large for CNET.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Don Butler, executive director of Connected Vehicle Platform and Product for Ford Mobility, speaks at the 2018 CES in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy of Sam VarnHagen.

A Fully Connected Future

Collaborative innovation drives Ford’s ‘Smarter Vehicles, Smarter World’ vision By James Amend

JUST AROUND THE CORNER

t is an ambitious plan, but one founder Henry Ford would no doubt endorse.

As part of its “City of Tomorrow” vision, Ford Motor Company wants to connect the world’s vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, city infrastructures, and more to a single information-sharing ecosystem using the most advanced wireless technology available to eliminate gridlock, pollution and ineffective mass transit. Known as C-V2X, or cellular vehicle-to-everything, the connectivity strategy also would save lives and create a new level of transportation freedom the world has not seen since the Model T. “We view connectivity as enabling smarter vehicles in a smarter world,” said Don Butler, executive director of Connected Vehicle Platform and Product for Ford Mobility. Ford is working with semiconductor supplier Qualcomm to begin field testing a C-V2X platform this year. But Ford laid the groundwork for smart vehicles in 2007 with the introduction of Sync, the automaker’s groundbreaking, factoryinstalled and hands-free communication and entertainment system. Ford CEO Jim Hackett announced last year a key next step on the automaker’s connectivity path pledging to equip all U.S. models with built-in modems and mobile

internet connection by 2020.

and foremost, the most trusted company.”

Butler said the enhanced connectivity will provide rapid consumer benefit through items such as instant vehicle vitals, while Ford will be able to tap into customer consent vehicle data to improve future products. Third-party access, again with customer consent, would further improve the ownership experience by delivering targeted services.

Butler said Ford’s vision for a connected ecosystem also will require smart regulation, with automakers working collaboratively alongside the public and private sector to craft a common set of laws and guidelines.

“The goal is to offer you a more pleasing lifetime with your Ford vehicle,” Butler said. “And not just to tell you when you need an oil change, but to arm you with information.” Ford earlier this year acquired the Palo Alto, Calif.-based cloud-computing company Autonomic to provide the platform to begin connecting the ecosystem. Autonomic works under the automaker’s Ford Smart Mobility unit. Butler said Ford’s vision is importantly underpinned by safe, responsible management of private customer and vehicle data. “We view the vehicle data as the customer’s data,” he said. “We are stewards of that data and only use it with customer consent. It may mean we are not first to market with a product or service but we want to be, first

“Because these things are developing quickly, we need to work hand-in-hand,” he said. “We must learn together and work together in a harmonized, unified approach. We must be careful about picking technologies, too. Let’s focus on creating the best environment and then let the best technologies win.” Butler thinks Michigan can play a leadership role with its newly reshaped automotive industry and rising entrepreneurial spirit. Ford’s decision to move its autonomous and future mobility group to Detroit’s historic Corktown underscores the region’s transition. “There is a reason companies like Google, Tesla and Apple see automotive as attractive,” he said. “With that shift, Michigan can create a competitive advantage. The opportunities are there to create a place that is cool to work in and extend it out to Ann Arbor and other areas. It definitely builds on Henry Ford’s philosophy of open highways for all mankind.” James Amend is a senior editor at WardsAuto in Southfield.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Racing Towards

MOBILITY

Michigan’s leadership and R&D funding hinge on expeditious policymaking By James Amend

t remains early in the race to future mobility, but key stakeholders such as automakers, traditional parts suppliers, and new-to-the-game disruptors fervently jockey for a leadership position. With rich revenue forecasts for the space, entire countries and individual states such as Michigan, Arizona, Nevada and Florida want to lead the pack, too, hoping to cash in on those predictions as research, development, design and manufacturing hubs for enabling technologies. It also is regarded as a winner-take-all proposition, where places with best-in-class regulatory and policy frameworks likely will become the preferred destination for future mobility pioneers. Time is of the essence because automakers such as General Motors Company, Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corp. plan

to roll out autonomous fleets in a matter of years, not decades. And the stakes are high. According to the consultancy firm McKinsey & Co., future mobility could expand the automotive revenue pool more than 30 percent or $5.2 trillion globally by 2030 from $3.5 trillion today. But a recent crash in Arizona, where an Uber autonomous test car killed a pedestrian, raises questions over government oversight in the space. An attractive testing ground for its relatively loose regulations, Arizona surpassingly ordered Uber to suspend testing after the crash and the ride-hailing service reached a private settlement with the victim’s family. “There will be evolving legal uncertainty as new autonomous mobility solutions are created that policymakers and the industry will have to quickly resolve,” said David Sampson, president and CEO of Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, who will participate in a Mackinac Policy Conference session on the mobility disruption. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced

Top: Platform 2.1 expands TRI’s portfolio of suppliers, incorporating a new high-fidelity LIDAR system provided by Luminar. Bottom: Carla Bailo is president and CEO for the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor.

legislation in Washington last year to speed the development of automated vehicles (AVs) with a regulatory framework at the federal level that would avoid a complicated patchwork of state laws. Known as the AV START Act and awaiting Senate approval, it would direct companies testing AVs to routinely submit safety reports to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and continue the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) oversight of AV design, construction and performance, while leaving traditional motor vehicle laws such as speed limits to the states. Among many actions, AV START also would modernize existing safety standards written before AVs were imagined, because many cars under testing no longer employ equipment such as steering wheels and brake pedals required under law. Most importantly, it would sidestep the traditional federal administrative process.

The Mobility Disruption

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (center) discusses the AV START Act with U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI 6) and former NHTSA administrator Joan Claybrook. General Motors. is developing a driver assistance feature potentially capable of detecting pedestrians and bicyclists on congested streets or in poor visibility conditions.

“A rulemaking process would take many years and this legislation creates a shortcut,” Peters said. Carla Bailo, president and CEO for the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, said a clear regulatory roadmap encouraging the thoughtful, safe testing of AVs on the open road and closed courses such as the newly established American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti must be laid out quickly and simply. Bailo encourages policymakers to strongly consider consumer education, because the sight of a driverless car could be unsettling. “You cannot explain to the public enough how they can benefit from the technology,” she said. “And it’s more than marketing. You have to go to the grassroots level and explain the technology.” Bailo suggests Michigan, which put AV laws in place five years ago and updated them in 2016 to reflect technology advancements, take a page from Columbus, Ohio, winner of the USDOT Smart City Challenge to develop a revolutionary smart transportation system. While head of mobility research at Ohio State University, she helped land $50 million in federal funding. “We set up a demonstration room open to the public, explaining the initiative to the community,” she said. Sampson said U.S. insurers are eager to contribute to policy frameworks enabling the safety and freedom future mobility promises. In fact, a template may already exist, he said. “Solving the insurance puzzle was crucial for the current ride-sharing model, which relies on both personal and commercial insurance protection,” Sampson said. “The insurance industry, working with policymakers, found a solution that protects drivers and passengers.” James Amend is a senior editor at WardsAuto in Southfield.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

Toyota Connected continues to hire technologists -- including data scientists, engineers and software developers in the United States. Right: Pro football Hall of Famer and Detroit Public Schools graduate Jerome Bettis talks to students at Fisher Magnet Upper Academy. Photo courtesy of Sam VarnHagen.

At Auto on the Island,

TALENT IS KEY

The annual gathering of Michigan's top automotive leadership offers an opportunity to collaborate on critical issues By Wensdy Von Buskirk

hat will it take to preserve Michigan’s place as the automotive capital of the world? Talent.

That’s the consensus of industry leaders, who will gather during the annual “Auto on the Island” roundtable to discuss attracting, training and retaining employees who can drive the state’s automotive sector into the future. Held just prior to the Mackinac Policy Conference, Auto on the Island is a private event that brings together executives from major automotive companies that have an international or North American headquarters presence in the state. “It is an opportunity for the automotive C-suite to do some socializing with their peers and talk about the challenges they’re having not only in Michigan, but in the whole industry,” said Bill Diehl, managing

director for KPMG, the global auditing, tax and advisory company that is the presenting sponsor for the event. Diehl said staging the roundtable and CEO sessions as an adjunct to the Conference allows industry leaders to express their views, ideas, requests and needs to Michigan’s top decision-makers — including Gov. Rick Snyder — and brainstorm solutions with concrete action items to pursue. For the past two years, talent has emerged as the primary concern among CEOs. With mobility disruption revolutionizing the industry, there is immense potential for Michigan automakers, OEMs and suppliers to innovate and grow. There is also increased competition as companies around the world race to develop vehicles that are connected, autonomous and energy efficient.

It is crucial that Michigan universities are equipped to train students in the latest technologies, Diehl said, and that those students see reason to stay in the state once they graduate. “Talent is a major factor, and in Michigan it continues to be a major challenge and a limiter of growth,” Diehl said. This year’s roundtable will focus on four forces impacting the automotive industry: autonomous transportation, big data, the digital workforce, and corporate community culture. Diehl worked with Sandy Baruah, president and CEO for the Detroit Regional Chamber, to establish Auto on the Island three years ago. With the Chamber’s statewide MICHauto initiative, and KPMG’s expertise connecting leaders and helping companies position themselves to be competitive in

The Mobility Disruption

Brad Steward and Dan Boone of Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant review information at the plant’s data analytics center. The data analytics hub includes seven big-screen TVs that provide minute-by-minute updates, letting plant officials know whether production is meeting hourly targets or whether there is a concern.

high-tech industries, it was a natural fit. The first year, 25 CEOs attended. Since then, the event has continued to grow in popularity and prominence. Glenn Stevens, executive director for MICHauto and vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives for the Chamber, is excited to share findings from a year’s worth of research and interviews inspired by dialogue at last year’s event. Last fall, MICHauto conducted a perception survey with 900 students, parents, teachers and influencers to explore how perceptions have changed about the automotive industry and the emerging mobility sector in Michigan. “That gives us an idea of what youth think about the industry and its opportunities,” Stevens said.

MICHauto also has talked to executives and human resource professionals to explore demand for young talent.

“They are good results and we’re looking forward to digesting and discussing the information, and formulating next steps,” Stevens added.

“We’ll be presenting those results to set the stage for the discussion,” Stevens said. “The good news is we’ve improved the perception of individuals over the last few years. The automotive and mobility industry is high on the list of careers, and companies within the industry are high on the list where people want to work and build careers.”

After two days of discussions, organizers hope CEOs leave the island with the tools needed to recruit talent and educate lawmakers on the industry’s path forward. “We want to leave not just with ideas, but action steps,” Stevens said. Wensdy Von Buskirk is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

GRAND HOTEL:

An Award-Winning Experience

Updates include two themed suites, new wallpaper, and modern sound system in the Grand Pavilion By Dan Musser III

view of the bridge spanning the Straits of Mackinac.

Room 320, the Lilac Suite, pays homage to Mackinac Island’s signature flower. The island is home to a wide variety of lilacs, celebrated during the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, which has been so important to island tourism for now 70 years. The Lilac Suite features stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac and Grand Hotel Tea Garden, where many of our lilac trees are located.

Dan Musser III in front of Grand Hotel with a Detroit-made Shinola bike.

elcome to Grand Hotel and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference. My family and I, along with more than 700 staff members, are honored to once again be your host for the state of Michigan’s most prestigious public policy event. Whether you are a returning guest or a firsttime attendee, I’m hopeful your time here on Mackinac will be memorable. Each year, we look forward to providing new experiences for our guests — preserving the history and charm of the hotel, while making renovations and special improvements over the winter months. I’m excited to share several of those offseason improvements that are making their debut in 2018, including the addition of two new named

rooms to our exclusive selection of unique themed guest rooms. Rooms 318 and 320 have been redesigned with the help of our longtime interior designer, Carleton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Co. in New York — into the Prentiss M. Brown Suite and the Lilac Suite, respectively. Room 318, the Prentiss M. Brown Suite, honors former U.S. Sen. Prentiss M. Brown from Michigan. Brown, who was the first chairman of the Mackinac Bridge Authority and is considered to be the “father” of the iconic Mackinac Bridge, is not only a prominent and influential figure in state history, but also my wife Marlee’s grandfather. The room contains family artifacts and historic memorabilia, set against a mural of the Mackinac Bridge. Outside the window, guests have a wonderful

As you walk our hallways you may notice another change, the addition of custom trellis wallpaper below the chair rails in the Art Gallery and in the guest room hallways. Behind the scenes, we have made significant upgrades to the hotel’s kitchen facilities. The work that was done in our kitchen provides Chef Hans Burtscher with a variety of new equipment and facilities that will make it easier than ever for him to create the wonderful meals that are such an important part of the guest experience. Finally, our convention guests will enjoy a new audio system in the Grand Pavilion, an upgrade that will greatly improve the quality of any meeting experience. It is always rewarding to hear positive feedback from Conference attendees and hotel guests, and your feedback allows for the hotel to be favorably recognized. I am pleased to report that Grand Hotel has recently been honored with several prestigious awards and recognitions, including being named the “Best Historic Hotel in Michigan” by Reader’s Digest and the “Best Hotel in Michigan” by U.S. News & World Report. It is, as always, our honor and privilege to open our doors to you. On behalf of my family, I would like to formally welcome you. If there is anything that I or any member of our staff can do to make your stay more comfortable or enjoyable, please do not hesitate to ask. Dan Musser III is president of Grand Hotel.

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

OFFICIAL BALLOT Dear Chamber member: This ballot contains names of candidates to be nominated for three-year terms as well as unfulfilled term open seats on the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors. Space is also provided for written nominations. Please complete and sign this ballot and return it by June 11, 2018, via fax to 866.774.7410 or mail to Detroit Regional Chamber, Attn: Chair, Nominating Committee, One Woodward Avenue., Ste. 1900, Detroit, MI 48226.

To elect directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber The following are proposed for three-year terms on the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors ending June 30, 2021. Place a mark next to the name(s) to cast your vote or select all proposed candidates.  Select all proposed candidates for Board Three-Year Term  David Barfield President and CEO The Bartech Group  J. Michael Bernard Equity Member, Member of the Executive Board Dykema Gossett PLLC  Hussein Berry Vice President, Airport Operations at DTW Delta Air Lines  Christopher Brochert Partner Lormax Stern Development Company  Dean Brody Managing Director Accenture  John Carter Region Manager, Michigan Middle Market Banking JPMorgan Chase

 David Dauch Chairman and CEO American Axle & Manufacturing Inc.

 William Kozyra Chairman, CEO and President TI Automotive Ltd.

 Brian Demkowicz Managing Partner Huron Capital Partners

 Trevor Lauer President & COO, DTE Electric DTE Energy

 Bud Denker President Penske Corporation  Richard DeVore Regional President – Southeast Michigan PNC Bank

 David Segura CEO VisionIT  Christopher Thomas Founder and Partner Fontinalis Partners LLC

 Alessandro DiNello President and CEO Flagstar Bank

 Frank Venegas Chairman and CEO Ideal Group

 Patrick Fehring Chairman, President and CEO Level One Bancorp Inc.

 Alan Young Managing Director, CEO Alan C. Young & Associates PC

Two-Year Open Seat ending June 30, 2020  Matthew Cullen Principal Rock Ventures LLC / JACK Entertainment One-Year Open Seat ending June 30, 2019  Mark Davidoff Michigan Managing Partner Deloitte LLP

 Richard Hampson President, Michigan Citizens Bank

If you wish to nominate candidates not listed above, please use the space below: __________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Name of Chamber member completing form – please print clearly) By: ______________________________________________________ Title:___________________________________________________

Company: _____________________________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________

Thank you DIAMOND

PLATINUM

2018

GOLD

Bank of America Chemical Bank Comcast Business Comerica Bank Delta Air Lines Ford Motor Company ITC JPMorgan Chase & Co. KPMG The Kresge Foundation Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

SILVER AARP Beaumont Health Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Delta Dental Detroit Public Television Office Depot The Skillman Foundation Wayne State University

DETROITER DESIGN PARTNER Skidmore Studio

BRONZE AAA AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing Accenture Bank of America Merrill Lynch Business Leaders for Michigan Clark Hill Crain's Detroit Business Denso Detroit Medical Center Enbridge Energy EY General Motors Co. Greektown Casino-Hotel GS3 Henry Ford Health System Ilitch Holdings Inc. Kelly Services Meijer Michigan Realtors Miller Canfield Oakland Community College Plunkett Cooney Priority Health PwC Switch Toyota Warner Norcross & Judd LLP

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

On the Roster

Join us in welcoming these new members to the Chamber. We encourage you to contact them for future business opportunities.

Elite

Dow Eric Friedman 2030 Dow Center Midland, MI 48674-1500 989.636.1000 www.dow.com Dow combines science and technology knowledge to develop premier materials science solutions that are essential to human progress. Dow’s market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of advanced materials, industrial intermediates, and plastics businesses deliver a broad range of differentiated technology-based products and solutions for customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, and consumer care. Stratasys George Russell 9600 West 76th St. Eden Priarie, MN 55344 1-800-801-6491 www.stratasys.com As the leader in 3-D printing solutions, Stratasys is shaping the way cars are imagined, designed and developed through its work with the automotive industry. Stratasys solutions empower automotive manufacturers to reduce investment and part costs, maximize assembly line efficiency and reduce the weight of production tools; to stay one step ahead of industry challenges. The Stratasys ecosystem includes a wide range of 3-D printers and materials, parts on-demand, consulting services, and software. Visit: www.stratasys.com, http:// blog.stratasys.com. Verizon Wireless Brian Stryzek 26935 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100 Southfield, MI 48033 847.619.5415 www.verizonwireless.com Verizon is one of the largest communication technology companies in the world. Everyday, it connects millions of people, companies and communities with powerful technology. It's using an award-winning network to make breakthroughs in interactive entertainment, digital media, the Internet of Things, and broadband services for customers. Whatever the future looks like, whatever the digital world promises, Verizon will deliver.

Premier

Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (HDMS) Jeanne Jeup 19720 Gerald St. Northville, MI 48167 800.646.9788 www.orton-gillingham.com

Waste Management is the largest environmental solutions provider in North America, serving more than 21 million municipal, commercial and industrial customers in the United States and Canada. Is has invested in developing waste solutions for a changing world. Today, this includes not just disposal and recycling, but personal counseling to help customers achieve their green goals, including zero waste. As North America’s leading provider of comprehensive waste management services, our mission is to maximize resource value while minimizing impact in order to further both economic and environmental sustainability for all stakeholders.

The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s (IMSE) proprietary professional development provides direct, systematic and sequential instruction that empowers educators to teach the foundation of the English language. Its revised and expanded research-based Orton-Gillingham training provides exceptional staff development. The Institute’s instructional approach is ideal for: general education, special education, reading teachers, and learning resource room specialists.

Waste Management of Michigan Inc. Tanisha Sanders 48797 Alpha Drive, Suite 100 Wixom, MI 48393-3452 248.596.3519 www.wm.com

The IMSE Orton-Gillingham approach equips educators with strategies appropriate for every tier of the Response to Intervention model. Teachers, specialists,

DETROITER Special Edition Mackinac Policy Conference 2018

and aides can use these strategies to effectively intervene at the at-risk level and develop this population of students into successful readers, writers, and spellers. IMSE's trainings are hands-on and inperson, providing a unique, face-to-face learning experience for all participants.

General Membership

400 Monroe Associates LLC www.400monroe.com ALLCOMM www.goallcomm.com Blue Team Restoration www.blueteamrestoration.com Building Hugger www.buildinghugger.org Cisco www.cisco.com Coder Scoop Inc. www.coderscoop.com Data Tech Cafe www.datatechcafe.com DP+ www.dp-company.com EmpiRx Health www.empirxhealth.com Feldman Automotive Inc. www.feldmanautomotive.com For Michigan's Future www.michiganfuture.org Hegira Programs www.hegira.net Issue Media Group www.issuemediagroup.com Lake Michigan Credit Union www.lmcu.org MEDA Engineering & Technical Services www.medagroup.com Merit Network Inc. www.merit.edu RediMinds Inc. www.rediminds.com Samaritas www.samaritas.org The Detroit Stage Employees Union, IATSE Local38 www.iatse38.org The Yunion www.theyunion.org Trudeau Consulting LLC

Waymo www.waymo.com Windsor Comedy Festival Inc. www.nextbestcomic.com WSP USA www.wsp-pb.com

Forward Detroit Ambrell Induction Heating Solutions

Baker Tilly EmpiRx Health Huffmaster Companies Oakland Community College Piston Group RSM US LLP Waymo

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5/1/18 10:43 AM