Detroiter Magazine: October, 2018

Let’s Detroit: Insider Intel on Our Region’s Best Assets

Talent All-Stars: Look Inside Their Attraction Playbook

Overcoming Challenges: Addressing Our Region’s Hurdles • October 2018

US $4.00

PURE MOBILITY

As the automotive world moves toward fully connected and self-driving cars, it’s no surprise who’s driving the future of the industry. Michigan. Home to North America’s only real-world testing facilities that are researching and validating autonomous and connected vehicle technology. Michigan leads the country in research, development and innovation. And it all makes up the epicenter of mobility known as PlanetM. To learn more, visit planetm.com or contact Seun Phillips at planetminquiry@michigan.org

POWERING MICHIGAN’S SUCCESS. WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW. FOR OVER 130 YEARS, Consumers Energy has been dedicated to Michigan’s growth and progress.

• Working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to support Michigan businesses.

• Collaborating with federal, state and local governments to create positive public policy.

• Training first responders on how to recognize and respond during electric and natural gas emergencies.

ConsumersEnergy.com/sustainability 82301

Retaining & Attracting

Michigan's Talent O C T O B E R 2 01 8

• V O L U M E 10 9 , I S S U E 3

cover Talent Chasers Patti Poppe and Roger Curtis of Consumers Energy embrace innovative partnerships to solve Michigan’s talent challenge.

Managing Editor Megan Spanitz

12

Take 5

Associate Editor Kelly Weatherwax

14

Talent Dividend

16

Peer Comparison

8 impact

Contents

Publisher Tammy Carnrike, CCE

18

After Amazon, regional leaders sound off on the importance of retaining talent to attract large companies.

Economist Joe Cortright takes a closer look at the impact highskilled, educated talent can have on Detroit.

Austin, Denver and Minneapolis are growing by double digits, explore how Detroit stacks up to its peers.

Talent All-Stars Our region’s companies share their strategies for growing their talent pool.

challenges

20

Overcoming Challenges With rapid growth, the time to address perceptions, placemaking and social mobility is now.

action

26 feature

28

Photographers Bethany Desmond Melissa Knapp Katie Krizanich Andrew Potter Courtesy photos Art Director Melissa Knapp Advertising Director Jim Connarn Advertising Representatives Laurie Scotese Glennon Martin Research Analysts Angela Ladetto Christyn Lucas Back Issues 313.596.0391 Published by Detroit Regional Chamber Services Inc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission.

Let's Detroit Learn about the region’s newest tool to attract and engage young talent in the Detroit region.

Leadership Detroit's Legacy Class XXXIX shares how the Chamber’s leadership program shaped their outlook to create positive change.

membership

38

Editor Daniel Lai

Point of View Learn what’s next for Michigan’s automotive insurance reform.

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.

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DETROITER October 2018

FROM THE PRESIDENT

A 21ST CENTURY STRATEGY TO ATTRACT 21ST CENTURY TALENT As the Detroit region’s economy continues to grow, attracting and retaining top talent will be a key factor in continuing that positive momentum. Today’s young people have more opportunities than ever before to pursue lucrative, high-paying careers in a field that they love. For them, it’s no longer just about the fancy title or office. It’s about finding a place that is “cool,” where they feel plugged in and connected both to their job, their community and their social network.

Historically, we have not done a good job of selling the region to this demographic. Consider this: Until just recently, anyone Googling “move to Detroit” would find as the top entry a moving company website with a gloomy photo of a moving truck parked in an industrial area – not exactly the imagery that provides the welcoming and positive message needed to attract 21st century talent to our world-class region.

Our city and region are among the hottest in the nation.

Businesses like Ford are expanding and investing in the city, entrepreneurs are finding their niche in the growing tech space, and national headlines that used to feature “ruin and decay” have done a 180 degree turn – the narrative of Detroit and Michigan is now universally positive.

Seizing on that momentum, the Chamber launched Let’s Detroit. It is the region’s first comprehensive web portal and engagement tool that is specifically designed to retain, attract and engage young talented persons in all areas of the Detroit region. Unlike many other talent websites, Let’s Detroit not only features our communities and companies, but it features a unique ability to connect real Detroiters with other Detroiters and interested persons from around the globe in a truly authentic manner. Because who could be better ambassadors for the wonderful places,

people and industries that make our region a great place to live, work and play than those who are already here.

Let’s Detroit has been years in the making and is the product of extensive best practices research, including examples from close to home in West Michigan to other nations, as well as support from the MEDC. Repeatedly, we heard that young professionals want to come to areas where there are fun things to do and where they can make an impact. Let’s Detroit is our region’s answer to helping young talent find their home, land their dream job, and connect with like-minded peers.

Beyond showcasing our region’s assets, the unique “Text a Detroiter” functionality allows anyone, anywhere in the world to reach out and ask a question. Looking to move in a neighborhood with lots of parks? A Detroiter has the answer. Want to know about upcoming events? A Detroiter has the answer. Want to learn more about careers in the automotive, advanced manufacturing, IT or health care industries? Detroiters have answers. “Text a Detroiter” utilizes an army of vetted ambassadors, using texting technology similar to communication platforms used by Lyft, and communications are monitored to ensure appropriate responses.

Leveraging Let’s Detroit, we can collectively better tell our story and retain the bright minds necessary to compete in the 21st century economy While the competition for talent is fierce, Michiganders have never been known to run from that challenge. Our grit, determination and collaborative leadership are hallmarks of our great state. In the coming months, I encourage you to explore Let’s Detroit as part of your recruitment and attraction strategy and utilize the website as a one-stop marquee for everything that makes our region great.

Sandy K. Baruah PRESIDENT AND CEO, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, HEALTHY ECONOMY. At DTE Energy, we don’t believe we have to choose between a healthy environment and a healthy economy.

We are committed to reducing carbon emissions more than 80%, while offering reliable and affordable energy to our customers. Better economy, better environment.

We can have both.

Learn more at dteenergy.com/journeyto80

6

DETROITER October 2018

Talent in Our Region The Facts THE DETROIT REGION'S WORKFORCE IS

Larger than The workforce of

28 States

Q: What is the No. 1 fear for business leaders in

Southeast Michigan and what is needed to continue our region’s prosperity?

A:

There’s a real concern to the potential growth of our region when we don’t have the talent required for businesses to grow. Automotive suppliers and others aren’t trying to hire Ph.Ds or neuroscientists. They are trying to hire people to help grow the business, work the line, and learn the business.

Patti Poppe PRESIDENT AND CEO, CONSUMERS ENERGY AND CMS ENERGY

See cover story for expansion, page 8

7

DETROITER October 2018

Priming the Talent Pipeline In a knowledge-driven economy, talent is more global, social and mobile than ever before. With the recession in the rearview mirror, the job market is stronger and the competition to attract and retain talent is more intense.

Through 2024, Michigan will have more than 811,000 career openings.

The greatest demand will be in highskill, high-tech fields such as advanced manufacturing, health care, professional services and information technology.

Consequently, the competitive difference between the highest-performing companies and others can no longer just be about automation.

Preparing our existing talent pool for 21st century jobs while attracting young professionals from outside the state must be top of mind. Achieving this goal is a top priority for the Detroit Regional Chamber. This issue of the Detroiter takes a closer look at how we get there by exploring the challenges and opportunities our region faces.

As a leader in talent development, Consumers Energy, led by President and CEO Patti Poppe and Vice President of Public Affairs Roger Curtis, makes sure their needs and the needs of their customers are met by partnering with local education institutions to craft training programs that help businesses hire the right people. Other companies are investing in culture shifts, apprenticeship programs and tuition reimbursement programs to bolster their talent needs.

Of course, keeping talent here and helping them connect with the community and their peers is equally important. Through the Chamber’s talent website, LetsDetroit.com, businesses have a new tool designed to showcase the best our region has to offer to anyone, anywhere in the world, which ultimately benefits all of us.

How

HAS OUR REGION'S INDUSTRY MIX SHIFTED?

Our Region

BY THE NUMBERS

2000 Construction and Manufacturing

Health Care, Transportation and Logistics, Management of Companies

62.3% LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE

TODAY

5.0%

Industries with the largest number of establishments.

What

ARE THE HIGHEST DEMAND JOBS?

1,056,650

Registered Nurse Mechanical Engineer General and Operations Managers The top three largest occupations in the region that require some postsecondary education.

Where

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

MILLENNIALS IN THE REGION

749,323 TOTAL REGIONAL JOB POSTINGS

ARE THE JOBS?

28,182

Flint

DETROIT CITY POSTINGS

24.83

$

AVERAGE WAGE

Port Huron

27 min.

Ann Arbor

Detroit

AVERAGE COMMUTE TIME

8

DETROITER October 2018

Talent Chasers Upping Michigan's Talent Game By Rene Wisely When Consumers Energy sought to fill 50 gas distribution positions in 2015, the company was inundated with more than 1,000 applicants. But after a lengthy screening process, only 15 people were found to have the requisite skills. The Jackson-based gas and energy provider hired them but realized then the real-world implications of Michigan’s talent gap.

It cost the company time, money and the chance to grow its business quickly.

“We knew we had to come up with a nontraditional solution to fill the jobs with qualified people,” said Patti Poppe, president and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy.

Consumers isn’t alone. Employers across Michigan are fighting the talent gap – the disconnect between the skills applicants have and the skills employers need. Michigan must fill more than 811,055 positions in the next six years or risk losing $49.1 billion in potential earnings by 2024, forecasters project.

“We need people, we need workers, we need talent,” said Roger Curtis, vice president of public affairs for Consumers Energy and former director of the state’s Department of Talent and Economic Development.

“…We are a direct connection to businesses across the state.

What I hear from all different sized companies is that access to qualified talent is limiting their ability to grow.”

And Michigan needs businesses to help turn the numbers around, said Michigan State University economics professor Charles Ballard, author of three books spotlighting the economy.

Already

There's

Changing

Work to Be Done

Campaigns like “Choose Michigan” are helping positively change the perception about the state’s lucrative careers among expats and outside talent, but it will take time.

Michigan faces a $49.1 billion loss in potential earnings by 2024 if it doesn’t fill more than 811,055 jobs in the next six years.

Perceptions

Patti Poppe

President and CEO, Consumers Energy and CMS Energy

You Play a Key Role

Businesses can play a key role in talent attraction and retention via partnerships with universities and innovative apprenticeship programs.

DETROITER October 2018

9

Thinking Outside the Box

Closing the Talent Gap

Consumers Energy, which services 6.7 million of the state’s almost 10 million residents, is on the forefront of creating a talent pipeline. Poppe, who firmly believes businesses learn from each other, has been crossing the state to share some of her company’s successful tactics used to attract and retain talent.

To help others, Consumers partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in October 2017 to create the Michigan Talent Pipeline Management Academy, the first of its kind in the nation. The academy brought together community leaders to learn how to apply supply chain fundamentals to solve the talent shortage. About 200 companies have been schooled to date.

To solve the gas distribution worker shortage, for instance, the company studied its existing team and noticed that many of its successful employees are military veterans. Consumers partnered with the Utility Workers Union of America, its training support consortium, Power for America, and the Department of Defense to create a three-month internship for veterans.

“They got the skills and then they took the qualification test,” Poppe said. “We had a 98 percent pass rate and we hired them all, so we matched supply with demand, taking a different approach to the talent problem.”

Consumers also has formed partnerships with Lansing Community College and Alpena Community College, which have utility line worker programs. Consumers helped create the curriculum to ensure that graduates have the skills line workers need to contribute from day one.

Consumers Energy, under the leadership of President and CEO Patti Poppe, is forging partnerships with the Department of Defense, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, businesses and universities to help close Michigan’s talent gap. Roger Curtis, vice president of public affairs for Consumers, helped craft the Marshall Plan for Talent and Choose Michigan campaign to promote the state’s good-paying jobs.

“We taught them how to fish,” Poppe said.

“Each of the trainees went back to their communities, gathered businesses and educators together and ran a workshop for that community. Suddenly, the schools have direct access to employers to learn about what skills they need.”

The state is doing its part, too, said Poppe.

She is encouraged by the Marshall Plan for Talent, which infuses $100 million in Michigan’s education system to grow the talent pipeline through career counseling, job shadowing, scholarships, etc.

“It’s bringing the business and education community together in ways that we never have before,” Curtis said. “It’s going to take a while, no doubt, but we have to create that pipeline now.” • Rene Wisely is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

10

IMPACT

DETROITER October 2018

SPOTLIGHT ON TALENT

RICK SNYDER GOVERNOR, STATE OF MICHIGAN million through the Marshall Plan to innovative programs, including competency-based certification, assistance for schools to improve curricula and classroom equipment, scholarships and stipends, and support for career navigators and teachers.

Michigan is the home for innovation, career opportunities and economic expansion, and we need to be louder and prouder about that."

- Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan

Since the launch of the Marshall Plan just seven months ago, we’ve seen tremendous support among employers and educators from across the state. Efforts by schools and businesses that were already partnering to accomplish great things are quickly accelerating, and new partnerships continue to form.

In September, the application process began for education and business leaders to apply for more than $59 million in Marshall Plan grants to pioneer solutions to close the state’s talent gap.

Just as educators should look at how they can transform the learning Gov. Rick Snyder watches a community college student demonstrate his project process, employers should change in a professional skills course. Photo courtesy of the Governor's Office. their requirements for hiring, recognizing that many in-demand skills can be acquired through As we continue to maximize Michigan’s momentum, a critical focus certificate programs and lifelong learning – and that includes breaking on talent development is key. We’ve achieved remarkable growth, but down barriers to employment. At the state level, we recently removed sustaining that growth depends on our ability to build an education the checkbox reading, “Were you convicted of a felony?” that precedes and talent system that creates long-term, high-paying careers for occupational and construction code licensing applications, as well as Michiganders, breaks down barriers to employment, and shows instructed all state departments to remove the felony question box employers that Michigan is the place to grow and invest in. on the state’s website for state employment. I strongly encourage private employers to follow suit to give second chances to those who There’s a talent crisis facing our nation, and in Michigan, we’re doing are ready to work and already trained for the jobs that employers something about it. We recognize the rapidly changing workplace and desperately need to fill. growing demand for talent, which is why we’re leading the charge in preparing residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Through In addition, we need to do a better job of promoting Michigan as the Marshall Plan for Talent, we’re breaking down silos and forging the place to locate and grow your business. Michigan is the home revolutionary partnerships between educators, employers and others for innovation, career opportunities and economic expansion, and we to transform our talent pipeline and fill the more than 811,000 job need to be louder and prouder about that. We have an incredibly openings in fields facing a critical talent shortage. talented workforce, and plenty more residents with great potential.

By continuing to break down silos, we can help Michiganders find In many ways, there are antiquated perceptions about learning and success while powering our economic future. • how best to deliver a quality education and skills training. Sometimes, this prevents us from helping our young people find the learning and Rick Snyder is the 48th governor for the state of Michigan. career paths that best suit them. That’s why we’ve dedicated $100

12

IMPACT

DETROITER October 2018

Take 5: What Comes First, Talent or Business?

By Paul Vachon

In the wake of Detroit’s failed bid to host Amazon’s second world headquarters, how much of a factor was Detroit’s talent pool?

Many business leaders believe if Amazon came to Detroit, talent would follow.

However, Amazon cited a lack of existing talent in Detroit as a key factor in being left off the final list.

So, which is it? Does talent follow business or does business invest in locations with an existing talent pool?

National economic experts say its both while also noting the importance of

Jeff Donofrio Talent waits for no one.

DIRECTOR, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, CITY OF DETROIT

We are making strides to change the paradigm.

David DeMuth

Ronia Kruse

CEO, DONER

PRESIDENT AND CEO, OPTECH

“When a major company is looking at locating in Detroit, the first thing that they ask us about is the talent pool. This is why we are focused on building and developing the talent of Detroiters. Our goal is to increase the talent pool with our existing residents to advance our competitiveness in attracting new business investment.”

“Attracting talent can’t wait. If you’re running a business which relies on talent, you must compete on a national basis.

You need to attract talent from some of the nation’s greatest cities, like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago — as well as emerging places like Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn. We can’t wait for the infrastructure to be upgraded. We must outline a compelling opportunity to a candidate using the assts we already have to make the argument. Talent waits for no one.”

The first thing we're asked about is the talent pool.

“Certainly, some talent follows companies but more often, companies will follow talent.

Studies by renowned economists have proven this theory. The unemployment rate is under 4 percent, which is extremely low; IT and engineering positions are below 2 percent.

Clearly the talent pool in the United States is in a crisis. Michigan has some of the finest universities in the country but is being challenged with retaining talent. We are making strides to change this paradigm via the Marshall Plan for Talent and ChooseMichigan.org initiative.”

DETROITER October 2018

investing in local infrastructure to retain homegrown talent and positively impact their quality of life. Urban expert Richard Florida of the University of Toronto correlates the linkage between areas with mass transit lines, quality educational facilities, and public green spaces with strong economic growth.

As the region works to position Detroit as a contender for the next major investment, here is what some leaders in education, economic development, city government and business had to say:

Justin Robinson

We have to approach it from all angles.

M. Roy Wilson PRESIDENT, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

IMPACT

13

“We have to approach the challenge of talent attraction and retention from all angles. Having said that, I do believe that we are losing potential talent to other cities with more advanced infrastructure. People are drawn to places for different reasons, and Southeast Michigan is attractive in many ways. The availability of excellent higher education opportunities and health care, a city in the midst of an impressive rebound, and outstanding cultural and other entertainment offerings are among the many attractions. Yet, without better infrastructure, particularly roads and public transit, it will become increasingly difficult to compete with locations such as Chicago, Boston, Denver and Pittsburgh — all places that have made substantial infrastructure investments in the recent past.”

VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS ATTRACTION, DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER Paul Vachon is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

“The first piece is to understand what infrastructure assets we have now as a differentiator. This will allow for employers to make a strong business case to potential employees. But then the region does need to pause and address the issue of 'placemaking,' which is fundamental to our long-term success. Most people still choose job over place, but our research suggests they’re pretty close as prospective workers weigh their options."

Address the issue of Placemaking.

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14

IMPACT

DETROITER October 2018

Exploring the

Talent Dividend in Southeast

Michigan

By Greg Tasker

“A successful regional economy depends on doing a great job of educating your population, starting with your children, and also building a community that smart people will choose to live in.”

Joe Cortright, President, Impresa

The urgent need to improve Southeast Michigan’s talent pool is reaffirmed in a study conducted by Georgetown University that shows that by 2020, at least 65 percent of all jobs will require some form of postsecondary education and training beyond high school.

Nationally renowned economist Joe Cortright argues that retaining and growing the number of educated adults with a postsecondary degree is critical to a region’s economy.

A 1 percentage point increase in the four-year college attainment rate is associated with about a $1,250 per year increase in average incomes in a metropolitan area.

On Detroit’s Economic Prosperity

On Feeling Connected

“Detroit is starting from a tougher spot than most other places. The important thing to remember is to celebrate the successes you’ve already had: The city’s population is not declining anymore and things are visibly turning around.

The big challenge is to figure out what the next iteration of Detroit looks like and get everyone involved.”

“You must do a great job educating your children. Education is important to get even the minimum skills needed to do well in a knowledge-based economy. There’s a broader community task: How do we build communities where everyone fills connected and can find their ways to better education and better jobs and so on?”

On Detroit’s Selling Points

On Building Places Young Talent Wants to Live

“Every city is a little bit different. I don’t think the answer is to look at another city and see how we can be more like that city. A lot of times people get fixated on what other cities have done that’s successful. What worked in places like Nashville, Portland or Austin doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you.

Detroit is its own story.”

On Why Young, Educated Talent Matters “We are increasingly in a knowledge economy.

Your success as an organization, as public-private partnerships, as communities depends on having smart, creative, innovative people.”

Cortright’s research shows that U.S. cities that have the highest levels of per capita income also have the best-educated populations. There is also an education spillover effect. Living in a better educated region means workers have more job opportunities, higher wages and lower unemployment. It also improves public services, infrastructure and other amenities.

48.5% $ 84,675

42

46.9%

%

64,553

$

San Francisco

“I think there is a substantial difference among metropolitan areas in the United States in how robust their urban core areas are. It’s not just about making suburbs better. It’s about how do we make the urban core better. It’s shared space for everyone. The question is how do we transform the vibrancy of all the people who live in the community?”

Seattle

70,157

30.4% $ 48,692

Boston

Detroit

$

Adults ages 25 and older with a four-year degree or higher

Per capita income

Greg Tasker is a metro Detroit freelance writer.

2 01 8

Is Southeast Michigan Outpacing the Nation for Job Growth?

Is the Outlook on Education Attainment Finally Improving?

Dec. 4, 2018 11 a.m. | Ford Field, Detroit

Register Now

at detroitchamber.com/sor

Find out how the Detroit region compares among peer regions and against national trends at the Chamber’s annual unveiling of the region’s report card. A panel of regional leaders will also react to the new data and share their views on its economic impact.

www.detroitchamber.com/sor

$65 Members

$120 Future members

16

IMPACT

DETROITER October 2018

Peer Comparison In the global race for talent, where in-demand professionals have myriad choices, cities and businesses must be ready to satisfy these customers — or risk losing them to areas that will. According to The New York Times, young, college-educated people continue to move across state lines at an exponential rate and do not tend to settle down until their mid-30s. Where they end up offers a glimpse of the future, where municipalities that succeed in attracting the best and brightest have a chance to become the economic powerhouses of the future.

Research by Deloitte and other national data firms reveals three key factors that increasingly entice young talent on a career decision or where to locate: having a sense of purpose, a growing urban core with high quality of life amenities, and opportunity for career advancement. So important are these factors that governments, higher education institutions, business and economic development organizations are dedicating countless hours and thousands of dollars on initiatives geared toward marketing their community as a great place to live, work and play.

t i o r t e D 1% Population Growth

(AGES 25 AND UP, 2010-2016)

The work appears to be paying off. Cities like Austin, Denver and Minneapolis that have invested heavily in strategies marketed at young talent have seen the number of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher grow by double digits.

“Like Michigan, these states and many others are acting to address the talent shortage through innovative solutions,” said Roger Curtis, vice president of public affairs for Consumers Energy and the state’s former director of talent and economic development.

“Michigan’s growth is not slowing down, and it is important that the public and private sectors work together to be prepared for what’s ahead,” he said.

30% Bachelor's Degree or Higher

% 3 Projected Five-Year Job Growth

19.08

$ Myth: The job market is not fruitful in Michigan.

Reality: Of college graduates that remain in Michigan...

79

%

WORK FULL-TIME

84

%

ARE IN A LONG-TERM CAREER-RELATED JOB

Median Hourly Earnings

+ 117,000 Degrees Conferred (MICHIGAN, 2015-2016)

% 65 Prime Working Age Adults (AGES 25-54)

DETROITER October 2018

IMPACT

Austin

Denver

s i l o p a e n Min

24%

15%

11%

Population Growth

Population Growth

Population Growth

(AGES 25 AND UP, 2010-2016)

(AGES 25 AND UP, 2010-2016)

(AGES 25 AND UP, 2010-2016)

42%

41%

40%

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

Bachelor's Degree or Higher

% 12 Projected Five-Year

% 10 Projected Five-Year

% 3 Projected Five-Year

18.84 Median Hourly Earnings

21.01 Median Hourly Earnings

Median Hourly Earnings

+ 276,000 Degrees Conferred

+ 65,000 Degrees Conferred

+ 85,000 Degrees Conferred

(TEXAS, 2015-2016)

(COLORADO, 2015-2016)

(MINNESOTA, 2015-2016)

% 68 Prime Working Age Adults

% 67 Prime Working Age Adults

% 65 Prime Working Age Adults

(AGES 25-54)

(AGES 25-54)

(AGES 25-54)

Job Growth

$

Job Growth

$

Job Growth

21.31

$

17

18

IMPACT

DETROITER October 2018

(This generation) is looking for work that is meaningful, that gives them flexibility ... a sense of purpose, of being part of something bigger than yourself."

- Julie Lodge-Jarrett, Chief Talent Officer, Global Talent Management, Ford Motor Company

The competition to retain existing talent while recruiting new talent is increasingly fierce. When it comes to luring the best and brightest, companies across the region are thinking outside the box — from innovative apprenticeship programs to investing millions in renovated office space.

The Detroiter is celebrating the people behind the efforts of small, medium and large-size companies that are changing their culture and improving perceptions among employees every day.

Talent

All-Stars

By Dawson Bell

Tammy Forney DIRECTOR, PEOPLE SERVICES, WADE TRIM

“Networking through professional associations, universities and social media has been our No. 1 recruiting source. When the people who already work here are proud of where they are and what they are doing, it’s a huge advantage.”

• Wade Trim is one of the country’s top design and engineering firms and a Metropolitan Detroit “Best and Brightest Company to Work For.” Forney said finding talent with “specialized skill sets’’ for complex engineering projects is a growing challenge.

Providing employees growth opportunities, advancement and cross training is also key.

Wade Trim’s “young professionals group” helps associates expand their skills by preparing mock project proposals and visiting job sites outside their discipline. Under development is a mentoring program that will pair experts across three generations: veteran, mid-career and entry level.

DETROITER October 2018

IMPACT

19

Nicole Kiefer

Julie Lodge-Jarrett Dan Nyogi

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CREDENTIAL CHECK CORP.

CHIEF TALENT OFFICER, GLOBAL TALENT MANAGEMENT, FORD MOTOR COMPANY

DIRECTOR, TALENT ACQUISITION, QUICKEN LOANS FAMILY OF COMPANIES

"Employers need to constantly evaluate their needs and their culture (in order to) have an understanding of how a prospective employee will fit in. If you’re looking to put just a warm body in the seat, you’ll be filling it again in six months. There are jobs out there for everybody.

But not every job is for everybody. It’s so easy to apply for employment online that some applicants don’t even understand what the job requires.

Companies need to be specific. Because there is a cost involved in making mistakes.”

“We emphasize our capacity to provide exciting and meaningful work … in a cooperative culture. Potential employees realize they will have the ability not just to innovate, but to impact the world.”

•

“For a company to be great, it must do good, and that’s what we do best at Quicken Loans and the Rock Family of Companies. We’re a ‘for-morethan-profit’ company that understands ‘doing well’ and ‘doing good’ aren’t mutually exclusive concepts. We attract and retain high-level talent by creating purpose behind everything we do. At the end of the day, that’s what attracts top talent – the opportunity to take part in something bigger than yourself.”

•

Lodge-Jarrett said the company’s success in landing top-tier engineering, design and creative candidates relies on the transformation from traditional manufacturer to a comprehensive mobility company.

Credential Check Corp. is an Inc. magazine “5,000 Fastest-Growing Company” and multiple winner of Crain’s Detroit Business’s annual “Cool Places to Work.” Kiefer said helping clients attract and retain employees is at the core of the company’s business as providers of background screening.

Ford has some innate advantages when it comes to attracting high-end talent. For starters, a globally recognized brand and a global workforce with more than 3,000 job openings for technical, product development, finance and IT.

Having the wherewithal to invest $740 million in Michigan Central Station and $1.2 billion to redevelop facilities in Dearborn sets Ford apart, she said.

• As one of the region’s largest employers, Quicken Loans is innately focused on cultivating homegrown talent. Employees spend countless hours at local universities meeting with their future workforce. The company culture reflects a “purpose drives productivity” philosophy that focuses on helping others while producing results.

20

CHALLENGES

DETROITER October 2018

Overcoming

Challenges There is no doubt that Detroit and the region are enjoying a renaissance — businesses are expanding and creating jobs, young people are moving back, and buzz words in the national media label Detroit as “cool” and “exciting.” Continuing the momentum requires the region’s business and community leaders to work together to address some of the underlying factors enticing talent to other areas of the country, i.e. quality schools, reliable transit, and quality of life.

Perception In a recent survey of human resource professionals, the largest obstacle in attracting talent is the negative perception of the region – with 46 percent of respondents ranking it as the biggest obstacle. However, perceptions of Michigan from college graduates improved after living here.

Transit

Poverty rates

69

52%

$

PER CAPITA is spent on transit in the Detroit region, significantly less per capita than peer regions.

Denver - $216 per capita Seattle - $474 per capita

of Wayne County household incomes are below the poverty line or United Way’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) measure.

Blight

15,000 STRUCTURES have been demolished since 2014 in Detroit, with another 29,000 in need of addressing.

Placemaking According to a Michigan Public Policy survey, 51 percent of Michigan’s local leaders believe placemaking and improvements to public spaces can be effective in driving growth in their community. However, one of the biggest impediments is funding.

Walkability

What will keep you here?

Community Well-Being

21

jobs • affordability schools • placemaking

4th Quintile

are the top answers when surveying students in the Detroit region.

ranks the Detroit region low in the ability for someone to flourish and fulfill their potential.

is Detroit's ranking among the 30 largest metro areas for walkable urbanism.

DETROITER October 2018

CHALLENGES

21

Social Mobility A 2017 report by 24/7 Wall St., a New York-based financial news organization, ranks the Detroit area at No. 5 in the country’s most impoverished communities, putting children at risk for moving to the next economic class. In Detroit, children who complete a degree or credential are five times less likely to remain stuck in the lowest income quartile when compared to others.

Economic Mobility

School Poverty

77%

44%

of people born into the bottom quintile of the income distribution in Detroit will likely not reach the median income.

of schools in the Detroit region have at least half of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Poverty Level

College Graduation Rates

48%

36%

of children under the age of 18 in Detroit are living below the poverty level.

of the Detroit region’s high school graduates who enroll in higher education earn a degree or certificate within six years.

22

IMPACT

DETROITER October 2018

We’ve got plans to cover all of yours.

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, we know your life and the things you need from your health insurer are constantly changing. That’s why we’re always doing more to bring you everything you need to move forward with confidence. Learn more at bcbsm.com/employer.

GROUP HEALTH PLANS | INDIVIDUAL PLANS | DENTAL | VISION | BCBSM.COM

MICHIGAN

DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

R079634

DETROITER October 2018

ACTION

23

BUILD YOUR TALENT PIPELINE WITH

Nearly 60,000 students graduate from Southeast Michigan colleges and universities each year. Let’s Detroit aims to keep these graduates in Michigan by connecting them with things to do, places to live, jobs and each other.

Businesses can leverage Let’s Detroit to reach young talent in an authentic way.

Increase visibility for your brand, industry and career potential for young talent at your company through this online and offline platform.

Partnership opportunities are available, contact Jim Connarn at 313.596.0391 or jconnarn@detroitchamber.com

24

ACTION

DETROITER October 2018

By Melissa Anders

The Detroit Regional Chamber is taking an innovative approach to its talent retention and attraction efforts with the launch of Let’s Detroit.

The strategy focuses on connecting young professionals to each other, employment, things to do, places to live and opportunities to make a positive impact via an online and offline platform.

National economic data suggests that a region’s per capita income is largely driven by the percentage of highly skilled, educated adults it retains. While the region’s employers consistently list access to talent as a top concern, until now, there has not been an organized strategy around retaining talent, said Greg Handel, the Chamber’s vice president of education and talent.

Thirty-six percent of graduates from Michigan colleges and universities leave the state within a year of graduating, Handel said. The Chamber wants to increase the number of college graduates who remain in the state by 1 percent each year and also attract talent from outside the state.

About 100 partners from government, nonprofit, young professional groups, higher education and businesses across the region began working on the initiative over a year ago. They analyzed survey results, held focus group discussions, and studied best practices for talent retention and attraction from cities like New Orleans, Philadelphia and Calgary.

Handel said survey feedback revealed that young people are generally not aware of career opportunities in Southeast Michigan.

Current

36

%

of College Students Leave within a Year of Graduating

"(Young people) are open to new ideas and possibilities about locating here but they want to hear from their peers."

Greg Handel, Vice President, Education and Talent, Detroit Regional Chamber

Goal

1

%

Increase in Talent Each Year

DETROITER October 2018

How Does it Work?

ACTION

25

Text a Detroiter Let’s Detroit engages young professionals who enjoy talking about their neighborhood, favorite things to do, career or ways to make an impact on the community. Through a unique “Text a Detroiter” platform, regional ambassadors answer questions from anyone, anywhere in the world and serve as a one-stop resource for all that the Detroit region has to offer. The technology is like that used by Uber and Lyft.

What volunteer opportunities are available in metro Detroit?

There are so many! Any geographical location in particular?

I work in Troy - maybe around here so the weeknights are easier?

LetsDetroit.com lets users choose features, such as where to find a lively nightlife or outdoor recreation, and highlights cities on a map where opportunities exist. Regional ambassadors can also recommend events or places to check out.

Another section of the website focuses on careers, since the Chamber recognizes that talent will only stay or move to Detroit if they have a job, said Sarah Craft, manager for the Chamber’s Detroit Drives Degrees initiative. Graduates can reach out to young professionals in 10 different industries who can connect them to professional or industry-specific groups.

“A lot of people are here because they want to make a difference in the community and it’s surprisingly hard to get engaged,” Craft said.

The platform will include resources on ways young professionals can volunteer, learn and lead in their communities.

One of the most impressive features is called “Text a Detroiter” which allows anyone, anywhere in the world to reach out to a young professional living here who is invested in the region’s success and ask questions.

While the perception of Detroit and the region has improved, there's still work to do, Craft said. She hopes that having locals — not just the Chamber — share their love for Detroit and the region will change that narrative.

Melissa Anders is a metro Detroit native and freelance writer.

Boys and Girls Club is in Royal Oak. Great people and close to Troy.

That'll be perfect!

I use to live downtown many years ago. There are a lot of new things happening downtown. How can I become a part of what's going on?

The Let's Detroit website is a great resource for networking events!

Awesome. I'll check it out. Thank you!

26

ACTION

DETROITER October 2018

What Can I Find?

Find Your Place Is your talent new to Southeast Michigan and not sure where to settle in? Connect them with resources to find their perfect community. Talent can learn what the region has to offer from a local resident to get the insider perspective.

Land Your Dream Job Finding a job you love is harder than it sounds.

Let's Detroit strengthens professional networks and connects talent to the field they care about.

Explore and Enjoy There are so many things to do in Southeast Michigan but it's sometimes hard to know what's going on. Let's Detroit helps young talent find their community, whether that's in a jazz club, on a hiking trail or over brunch.

Meet The Let's Detroit Ambassadors

Clarence Anthony Jr. Coordinator,

Graduate Student Career Advancement, University of Michigan

Zain Ismail

Senior Consultant, Strategic Support Services Henry Ford Health System

Industry: Education

Industry: Health Care

Why I Love Detroit: It has a lot of

Why I Love Detroit: One of my favorite

cultural pride and history in multiple fields of innovation. I also find that the culture of Detroit is one that embodies grit and determination — not only in continuously driving forward to grow as a city, but also in preserving its past.

things about Detroit is its proximity to Windsor, Ontario. It’s only in this region that you can take advantage of the best of what two countries have to offer.

Michael Waling Finance Manager, FCA US LLC

Industry: Automotive Why I Love Detroit: I love the spirit of Detroit. There is a sense of shared pride and community in our city. There is also a "tough, no nonsense" vibe to the city, which I have really come to admire.

DETROITER October 2018

ACTION

27

Make an Impact Detroiters love their community and there are numerous ways to volunteer, learn about issues and become a leader in Southeast Michigan.

How Do I Get Engaged?

As a business organization who cares about attracting the right talent, Let’s Detroit offers myriad ways to engage with young professionals around the world. Here are a few ways you can leverage the website to augment your talent attraction and retention strategy.

Become a Partner Let’s Detroit partnership opportunities offer 12 months of engagement and exposure through the website, a texting function, engagement opportunities and social media engagement. It also exists offline to enhance and create programs aimed at driving regional collaboration, social mobility, equity and economic prosperity.

Showcase the Region Need a way to show talent all that the region has to offer? LetsDetroit.com is the perfect tool. Businesses can leverage the website in their recruitment strategy and onboarding toolkit. The site helps companies show off places to live, events, and how to plug into community projects and young professional groups.

Nicole Watkins QA Engineer, Detroit Labs

Industry: Technology Why I Love Detroit: We have a diverse community of IT professionals who are highly engaged in sharing knowledge and opportunities. I work for a great company that helped me build my career in software development and testing, and I’ve gained valuable experience on mobile and web apps with global reach.

Engage Your Talent Businesses can engage young professionals in their organization to serve as texting or employment ambassadors. These individuals help promote the region and share resources, recommendations and events related to their field of work to help connect talent and grow their network.

START RETAINING MICHIGAN'S TOP TALENT FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS AT

letsdetroit.com

28

FEATURE

DETROITER October 2018

The Detroit Regional Chamber’s signature leadership development program shapes aspiring leaders. This year, the Chamber graduated its 39th cohort of Leadership Detroit, which featured 67 executives from across the region, drawing from seven counties representing a cross-section of business, organized labor, government, education, media, civic groups, health services and community organizations.

Leadership Detroit is one of the most highly sought-after development programs among business and community professionals and helps connect current and emerging leaders to create awareness of key issues.

Class XXXIX: Strengthening Regional Leaders

Class XXXIX members participate in orientation trustbuilding exercises at Camp Tamarack.

Following orientation at Camp Tamarack in Ortonville, once a month, Class XXXIX met at some of the region’s most historical locations for daylong sessions. Speakers included Detroit Police Chief James Craig, The Henry Ford President Patricia Mooradian, former Henry Ford Health System CEO Nancy Schlichting, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, and Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti. Sessions focused on regional issues including economic prosperity, education preparedness, race and diversity, public safety and the media, health and human services, arts and culture, and transformational leadership.

The program year concluded with graduation, held at the Garden Theater in Midtown. During the ceremony, Leadership Detroit recognized past alumni who exemplify the qualities of leadership and who have made a positive impact in the community. This year’s award recipients included Bob Bury, former executive director and CEO of the Detroit Historical Society; Sheilah Clay, president and CEO of the Neighborhood Service Organization; and Billy Strawter, founder and digital strategist of Milo Detroit.

As part of orientation, Leadership Detroit members learn how to work together to overcome obstacles.

DETROITER October 2018

FEATURE

29

Allandra Bulger DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DETROIT FUTURE CITY

Hassan Bazzi

DIRECTOR, REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, ACCESS

Leadership Detroit offered a safe space to raise our awareness of the key issues facing our region and hear different perspectives.

It was clear that the separate conversations we have about race, equity, education, jobs, culture and transportation are all very much interconnected. The Leadership Detroit sessions provided an overview of the history and challenged us to hear different perspectives without passing judgment and making assumptions about each other and the issues. By engaging in these conversations, Leadership Detroit helped us build the foundation of trust with each other and a sense of shared purpose that is essential to address our region’s challenges.

Although I was aware of Leadership Detroit's track record before I applied to the program, the personal and professional development and relationships I gained far exceeded my expectations. The challenges our region faces are complex and interconnected, requiring a collaborative approach and a multidimensional strategy to identify and execute solutions. My experience broadened and deepened my understanding of adaptive leadership, providing tools and resources that I now use on my leadership journey. Leadership Detroit's intentional focus on bringing together leaders that represent multiple sectors, diverse perspectives, and different geographic boundaries is a microcosm of the recipe needed for transformational change in our region.

The law firm of Dykema congratulates Member

Andrew J. Kolozsvary

and the entire 2018 Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX

California | Illinois | Michigan | Minnesota | Texas | Washington, D.C.

www.dykema.com

30

FEATURE

DETROITER October 2018

Wendy Ernzen MANAGER, DEVELOPMENT AND GRANTS, CULTURESOURCE

Peter Caborn ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND ADVANCEMENT SERVICES, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

I have worked in the nonprofit sector for many years, and I take

The authenticity of my fellow classmates surprised me the most.

great pride in my work to help create opportunities and pathways to success for others regardless of background. My “aha” moment from Leadership Detroit, however, is when I realized that a leader cannot advocate successfully for equality without fully advocating for equity. We each begin our journeys from different starting points, with circumstances that we do not choose. Therefore, as leaders serving our communities, we have an obligation to do what we can to “level the playing field” across race, class, gender, sexual orientation and other differences.

People often join networking groups with a self-serving agenda.

Leadership Detroit was different. My colleagues genuinely wanted to figure out ways to connect with each other to improve the communities we live in. The Detroit region is complicated with deeply rooted challenges — having this trusted connection made it easier to tackle them in a meaningful way.

Committed to Leading Detroit into the Future.

Congratulations to Sean Jackson, Founder and CEO of Sift, on his graduation from Leadership Detroit. Sean’s obsession with finding a better way is an inspiration to all of us.

DETROITER October 2018

FEATURE

31

David Kelly VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER, TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Robert Kruse III VICE PRESIDENT, RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, BANK OF AMERICA

The lessons learned from Leadership Detroit’s instruction on adaptive leadership and change management have had an influence on how I will approach our key goals of diversity enhancement, developing new leaders, cultivating a lean continuous improvement culture, growing an inclusive environment, and increasing our community presence.

Additionally, the supportive relationships formed in Class XXXIX are a great mechanism to expand dialogue and seek input on a variety of issues within our region.

As a transplant to the region, the challenge I faced heading into Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX was a lack of historical context and understanding of what makes Detroit the special city it is. I quickly gained an appreciation for the city and region I now call home by intentionally listening to my classmates and building relationships through empathy – something we all could use more of now. The diverse perspectives class members and speakers shared during our time together offered an opportunity to better understand the complex issues the region faces while also realizing Detroiters’ energy and will to impact positive change.

Congratulations, Michael Romaya! and the entire 2018 Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX ■ ■ ■

Commercial, asset-based and real estate finance Loan restructuring and workouts, mergers and acquisitions Community leader, mentor, role model

First Tier Ranking in Corporate Law and Commercial and Construction Litigation

Contact Michael Romaya at mjromaya@varnumlaw.com

Ann Arbor | Detroit | Grand Haven | Grand Rapids | Hastings | Kalamazoo | Lansing | Novi

32

FEATURE

DETROITER October 2018

Lashinda Stair 1ST ASSISTANT CHIEF, DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Tricia Ruby PRESIDENT AND CEO, RUBY+ASSOCIATES

There were many challenges with Leadership Detroit’s final team project, but primarily it was stepping outside of my core business knowledge and feeling unable to contribute to the discussion.

I’m not in that situation too often in my profession. In addition, the deliverable was unclear – so it was difficult to understand how to direct our energy around such a broad topic as economic development. We were fortunate to have a team member who already worked within the focus area our team chose. We all learned a ton from her and the experts she connected our team with – and in the end, I was able to connect my personal experience with our focus.

Like many great organizations, Leadership Detroit works to advance the common good in uncommon ways. By creating awareness on key issues that we face as a region, Leadership Detroit increases the level of connectivity amongst various segments and helps guide participants to find their individual passions, to ultimately drive positive change. Leadership Detroit reinforces that all of us are much more alike than different, and when working together we can make extraordinary things happen. It has also helped me to foster a spirit of thoughtfulness that is rooted in my quest to inspire hope, in sometimes the most hopeless scenarios.

Congratulations Assistant General Manager

Charles C. Johnson On your graduation from Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX From the members and staff of the Detroit Athletic Club.

The Hunter Group Partners congratulate our partner, Mike Dergis, and his 66 cohorts on their leadership commitment to our Detroit community!

Leadership.Delivered.

Keep Your Business in the Know

www.huntergroup.com

Connect with the Chamber I am so fortunate to have met such talented, passionate people in my Leadership Detroit class. What a distinct privilege to have heard from so many community leaders through this well-orchestrated program. facebook.com/ detroitchamber

@detroitchamber

I’m so thankful to be able to channel my energy in new ways that will further benefit the people of our region because of this life-changing experience.

- Tricia Ruby, CEO/President, Ruby+Associates, Inc. Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX Graduate

@detroitchamber

detroitchamber

30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 400, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 T 248.865.8855 250 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 T 616.588.0068

rubyandassociates.com

KRESGE Congratulations!

The Detroit Regional Chamber recognizes Angela Ladetto, director of research, and the entire Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX for their commitment to creating positive change in Southeast Michigan.

to our colleague Craig Fields

and the Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX for your outstanding contributions and achievements.

kresge.org

34

FEATURE

DETROITER October 2018

Punita Thurman PROGRAM DIRECTOR, THE SKILLMAN FOUNDATION

Ron Stallworth MANAGER, STATE AFFAIRS, FCA US LLC

Even successful, well-established individuals can learn and grow through program activities, and become better leaders. Leadership Detroit forces its participants to look in the mirror and consider whether they are contributing to a solution to vexing political and public policy issues faced by the region. More importantly, at some point during the 10-month program, whether in a conversation or a quiet personal reflection, participants are forced to ask themselves, “Am I part of the problem?” Leadership Detroit uses personal interactions and guided discussion to make otherwise confident people uncomfortable.

People with diametrically opposing views connect and realize that they are both individual problems and collective solutions.

Detroit is at a critical time of rebuilding and will need leaders who understand the history and context of our city to effectively guide the city’s path forward. Leadership Detroit provides a tremendous opportunity to learn about the different assets of our city and region, and to develop a network of civic-minded leaders who can collaborate and build bridges across sectors and geographies. As someone who grew up in the area, I was amazed at the new things I learned about my city and am grateful for the relationships I’ve made.

Congratulations Kelley Kuhn

Vice President Michigan Nonprofit Association

We congratulate Kelley for her successful completion of

LEADERSHIP DETROIT CLASS XXXIX Your professionalism and dedication is an inspiration for us all!

Lansing | Detroit mnaonline.org 517.492.2400

Those who take initiative take charge of the future.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network would like to congratulate our own Rebecca Erfurt and Paul Ragos on their graduation from Leadership Detroit Class XXXIX. Because of their talents and commitment, our community’s future is brighter.

bcbsm.com Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

36

MEMBERSHIP

DETROITER October 2018

Global Detroit Securing Michigan's Immigrant Talent Advantage With a focus on revitalizing the region’s economy by positioning Detroit as a more attractive and welcoming place to immigrants, internationals, and foreign trade and investment, Global Detroit is a key partner of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

Through its Global Talent Retention Initiative, international students receive help navigating visa regulations, jobs searches and cultural differences to find jobs in Michigan.

The organization’s efforts come as a recent study by the Pew Research Center shows a surge in the number of international college students staying to work in the United States after graduation, with more than half finding employment in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Detroit Ranked In Top 10 as Welcoming for Immigrants Detroit is one of the most welcoming cities in America for immigrants, according to a new study released by the New American Economy (NAE). Detroit ranked at No. 10 on the NAE Cities Index, which measures local policies and socioeconomic outcomes across the 100 largest cities in the United States. Detroit earned a 3.78 out of 5.0 overall score, and was recognized for quality of life, economic empowerment and job opportunities.

“Through a lot of collaboration, Detroit and Southeast Michigan have become national leaders in building an inclusive economy that mobilizes our immigrant potential — bellwether traits of prosperous and vibrant economies, cities and regions across the world,” said Global Detroit Executive Director Steve Tobocman. •

Filling the Automotive Talent Pipeline Glenn Stevens, executive director of MICHauto and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives, was recognized on Sept. 20 by Global Detroit with the Global Detroit Champion Award.

Stevens emphasizes that the biggest challenge to keeping Michigan at the forefront of emerging technologies is talent.

“Our team has a wholistic approach when working on the talent pipeline. The retention of youth in our state, and a strong education system are both essential,” he said.

MICHauto also looks to veterans, retraining programs, and attracting people from other parts of the country. Stevens said it is critical to also attract immigrants to Michigan and the automotive industry. •

Steve Tobocman is executive director of Global Detroit.

MICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens says immigrant talent can play a key role in growing the automotive industry.

“Our team has a wholistic approach when working on the talent pipeline.

The retention of youth in our state, and a strong education system are both essential.”

Leadership Detroit Class of 2018.indd 1

9/26/2018 1:37:45 PM

38

MEMBERSHIP

DETROITER October 2018

Point of View MIKE MCCREADY

SYLVIA SANTANA

40TH DISTRICT

Why did you vote for or against House Bill 5013?

9TH DISTRICT

WHAT'S NEXT FOR AUTO INSURANCE REFORM?

I opposed HB 5013 because the bill would effectively dismantle the policy which has provided Michigan’s motorists with the best coverage in the nation for nearly 40 years. In return for temporary premium reductions, residents would take on far greater risks and would receive insufficient coverage. In addition, as a strong supporter of the free market, I couldn’t support a bill where government controls prices and fees between private parties through price mandates and fee schedules. The bill also represented a huge shift of costs to taxpayers and Medicaid without substantially lowering rates.

What are the main obstacles hindering progress on this issue?

The complexity of the issue and the prevailing theory that the system can only be fixed by cutting the current medical benefits provided to those in an accident. There are simple reforms that we could adopt on their own that would start to provide lasting, meaningful savings such as prohibiting short-term policies used predominantly to drive uninsured, a balanced fraud authority to weed out fraud and abuse, and transparency initiatives for the $20 billion Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association Fund.

What has a better chance, bipartisan passage of automotive insurance reform or the Detroit Lions winning a playoff game?

That’s an interesting question, especially considering how the Lions have been in rebuilding mode since 1957. No-fault though is a fascinating policy topic because the division on the subject does not fall along party lines. The last several rounds of debate on reforms have featured members of both parties on each side of the issue, trying to do what is best for Michiganders.

Mike McCready is a Republican representing Michigan's 40th District in the House of Representatives.

Why did you vote for or against House Bill 5013?

While walking the neighborhoods during my campaign and then sitting in the three town halls, the people of my district demanded that I take action on the high insurance rates that they are facing. I listened to a senior citizen tell me she pays $230 a month for automotive insurance, she hasn’t had a ticket in more than 30 years, lives on a fixed income, and her insurance costs more than her car is worth.

I listened to the mother of two young boys that only makes $25,000 a year and pays $7,000 a year in premiums. The bill was not perfect, and I supported many of the amendments, including the redlining amendments, but my constituents needed relief so ultimately, I supported HB 5013.

What are the main obstacles hindering progress on this issue?

Surprisingly, automotive insurance is an emotional issue. To those that are paying excessively high rates, it is a financial burden. To those that have been involved in a catastrophic accident, the care provided by the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association is life changing. So you have people at both extremes — unlimited care at an inexpensive rate. We have to find a happy medium but until all stakeholders sit down and discuss it, then there will only be winners and losers in the eyes of the stakeholders.

What has a better chance, bipartisan passage of automotive insurance reform or the Detroit Lions winning a playoff game?

Well, seeing that the first round of playoffs are Jan. 4-5, 2019 and the newly seated Legislature will not be up and fully running at that time, I am hoping, like all Detroit fans, that the Lions win that playoff game. Then by the Super Bowl, automotive insurance reform will pass.

Sylvia Santana is a Democrat representing Michigan's 9th District in the House of Representatives.

DETROITER October 2018

MEMBERSHIP

39

Up and

Coming

MARK YOUR CALENDAR WITH THESE REGIONAL BUSINESS EVENTS

November 14

December 4

Membership Reception: Strike New Connections

State of the Region

Lucky Strike 44325 W. 12 Mile Road Novi, MI 48377 5 to 7 p.m. $15 Chamber members only

Ford Field 2000 Brush St. Detroit, MI 48226 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. $65 Chamber members; $120 Future members

Join the Detroit Regional Chamber for the revealing of the 2018-2019 State of the Region report. More than 500 attendees are expected to attend the event. The report offers an analysis of the economic indicators related to business growth, talent, innovation and international commerce for Southeast Michigan. Registration prices will increase on Nov. 27.

Make new business connections at this fun and intimate venue. Attendees will have the opportunity to spend the evening networking with fellow Chamber members. Registration price will increase on Nov. 1.

November 30 Middle Market Forum: Competing for Talent Detroit Golf Club 17911 Hamilton Road Detroit, MI 48203 8 to 10 a.m. $25 Middle market business executives The Detroit Regional Chamber is convening a discussion tailored for middle market business with local talent experts on best talent practices including utilizing nontraditional talent sources, accessing skilled trades professionals, engaging employees across generations, and cultivating a culture that allows employees to thrive. This event is exclusively for middle market executives.

METRO-DETROIT’S ONLY MULTI-GAME SIMULATOR LOUNGES

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4,000+ Capacity. Adjacent Hotels. Full Service Food, Beverage, WIFI, A/V

27777 Schoolcraft, Livonia, MI 48150 - 734-427-7550 - www.burtonmanor.net/simulator

40

MEMBERSHIP

DETROITER October 2018

In the

News The Board of Directors of Adient, a global leader in automotive seating, recently announced it appointed Douglas DelGrosso president and CEO of the company. DelGrosso is the former top executive at Southfield-based Chassix.

Automation Alley, Michigan’s industry 4.0 knowledge center and leading technology and manufacturing business association, will host Integr8, a cross-discipline global conference focused on smart technologies on Nov. 14 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Integr8 is expected to draw 750 technology and manufacturing professionals from across the globe to Detroit.

Assured Family Services, a Wayne Countybased mental health organization providing assessment, counseling, drug screening and psychological services to youth and their families, is proud to announce that Sallie Smith-Brown has been named the organization’s new CEO. Beaumont Health recently announced plans to open 30 new urgent care centers in shopping centers and office buildings across metro Detroit. The centers, which will operate seven days a week and holidays, are a roughly $30-million joint venture between the hospital system and Atlanta-based WellStreet Urgent Care.

Barton Malow Company will host “Ready.

Set. Build!” on Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cobo Center in Detroit. The event showcases the skilled trades that make up the construction industry. Jobseekers will learn about the various trades through

GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING TO BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT METRO DETROIT hands-on demonstrations and meet union apprenticeship school directors and contractors to learn the process for entering the construction industry. Attendees can also learn about job opportunities. Workforce training and community support partners will be on-site to help residents overcome barriers that may limit entry into the skilled trades. Learn more at www.bartonmalow. com/outreach.

The Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation is pleased to announce Doug Ferrick as chief development officer.

Ferrick will be responsible for directing the Foundation’s fundraising efforts and enhancing the organization’s charitable relationships with individuals, corporations and foundations.

The Clark Park Coalition, a nonprofit group in southwest Detroit, including The Ideal Group, recently announced that work has been completed on the installation of 58 luminary light poles in the public square, bounded by I-75, Clark Street, West Vernor Highway, and Scotten Street in the city of Detroit.

Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that attorney Suzanne Sukkar has been re-appointed to the state of Michigan’s MiddleEastern American Affairs Commission by Gov. Rick Snyder. Her term will expire in 2022.

Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, recently announced that DTE Energy has been named among the organization's Civic 50 — the top 50 companies nationally in corporate citizenship.

DTE Energy was the only Michigan company to be awarded this prestigious honor.

FCA US LLC is pleased to announce that the editors at WardsAuto have named the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 to the third annual “Wards 10 Best User Experience List for 2018” as it continues to lead the way in

technology, efficiency, durability and luxury with features never before offered in a pickup.

Foster Swift attorney Lisa Hamameh is one of five attorneys recently elected to serve on the 2018-2019 State Bar of Michigan’s Board of Commissioners. The Board provides oversight to the State Bar on finance, public policy, professional standards and member services and communications. The State Bar of Michigan is the governing body for more than 42,000 lawyers in the state of Michigan.

Henry Ford Health System’s Department of Neurosurgery was recently awarded a $600,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Defense to study the genetic makeup of gliomas, a type of brain cancer, in hope of identifying new therapies.

Howard & Howard PLLC is pleased to announce that Lisa Gretchko was recently named to a two-year term as vice president of publications for the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI). With headquarters in Alexandria, Va., the ABI is the country’s premier bankruptcy organization with more than 12,000 members from various professions including lawyers, judges, financial advisors, lenders, auctioneers, turnaround specialists, and claims agents.

Lear Corp., a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems, recently announced that it has hired Alicia Davis as vice president of investor relations. Davis will lead the ongoing development and implementation of Lear's investor relations strategy.

Michigan Technological University’s (MTU) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering recently inducted ITC’s Jon Jipping into the ECE Academy. Selection into the Academy recognizes excellence and leadership in engineering and civic affairs.

Inductees represent the most successful of MTU’s more than 9,600 electrical and computer engineering graduates.

According to the US Department of Labor, industrial slip and fall accidents account for 95 million lost work days per year.

Plunkett Cooney, one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest law firms, is pleased to announce that Jason Hagelthorn recently joined the firm’s Transportation Law Practice Group. Hagelthorn focuses his practice on the defense of litigation involving first- and third-party automotive and trucking liability claims.

Human resources professionals in Oakland and Macomb counties can take advantage of the networking and educational opportunities available to members of the national Society of Human Resource Management. A new Oakland-Macomb chapter of the Alexandria, Va.-based society will provide access to resources offered by the national body and valuable connections with human resource professional across the nation. The effort is being led by Oakland Community College.

Penske Automotive Group, an international transportation services company headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, announced recently that 24 of its dealerships have been named

by Automotive News as among the “Best Dealerships to Work For” in the United States.

PVS Chemicals recently announced that Jim Nicholson has been named co-chairman of the board, and David Nicholson as president and CEO. For the second consecutive year, Rehmann has been named as one of Michigan’s “Best and Brightest in Wellness.” The awards program honors organizations that are making their workplaces, their employees and the community a healthier place.

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System recently announced that Bill Manns, currently president of Mercy Health Saint Mary's in Grand Rapids, will serve as the new president of two Saint Joseph Mercy Health System hospitals: St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and St. Joseph Mercy Livingston.

Walsh College’s IT/Decision Sciences Department is launching an enhanced curriculum with unique hands-on learning experiences to prepare graduates for careers in cybersecurity, automotive cybersecurity, business information systems, and more.

Courses include “Attack and Defend,” where teams attack and defend a mock business infrastructure in a controlled environment. •

ECKHART

95 MILLION REASONS WHY WE TAKE OUR JOB SERIOUSLY.

See how Eckhart’s line of AUTOCRAFT™ autonomous guided vehicles can improve life on your line at WWW.ECKHARTUSA.COM.

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DETROITER October 2018

On the

Roster Elite Membership Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co. LLC Suzanne Shank 535 Griswold St., Suite 2250 Detroit, MI 48226-3682 313.496.4500 www.Scscapital.com

Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co. LLC leads the way in assisting its corporate and municipal clients raise funds in the capital markets.

The firm is a full-service investment banking and financial services company and provides corporate and municipal investment banking, fixed-income sales and trading, corporate share repurchase and equity execution. The firm was founded in 1996 and has 18 offices across the nation, with headquarters in New York City and Oakland. It is a member of FINRA and SIPC.

Premier Membership

JOIN US IN WELCOMING THESE NEW MEMBERS TO THE CHAMBER. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT THEM FOR FUTURE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.

Eckhart

Andrew Storm 6115 East 13 Mile Road Warren, MI 48092 586.722.2902 www.eckhartusa.com With more than 60 years of experience and based in Warren, Eckhart engineers advanced industrial solutions that enhance the quality of life. Eckhart’s proven portfolio of advanced manufacturing technology includes Autocraft autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), collaborative robotic systems, traditional robotics, contract assembly line design and simulation, 3-D printing tool development and production, and ergonomic general assembly tooling solutions for the world’s largest manufacturers. Eckhart serves an established and loyal, blue-chip customer base of leading automotive and industrial original equipment manufacturers that include Stryker Medical, General Electric, Boeing, Tesla, PACCAR, John Deere, United Technologies and Caterpillar.

For additional information, please visit www.eckhartusa.com.

Burton Manor Banquet Conference Center Sam Mass 27777 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150-2219 734.427.9110 www.burtonmanor.net As the premier banquet, conference and event center in metro Detroit, Burton Manor specializes in accommodating corporate and business events of all sizes — ranging from 50-person meetings to large-scale trade shows, conventions and expos hosting more than 4,000 attendees.

KIRCO Manix

A.J. Washeleski 101 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 200 Troy, MI 48084-5255 248.680.7180 www.kirco.com As a family-owned commercial real estate organization with more than 30 years in the industry, KIRCO Manix doesn’t just hire subcontractors, build buildings and manage them. It contributes to community infrastructure and creates environments

that have an enormous impact on how people live, places where people can comfortably interact, conduct business, care for the sick, and inspire students to learn. We create environments for people and communities to excel.

Nelson Ventures

Sanford Nelson 3501 West Maple, Suite B Troy, MI 4808 248.456.4000

Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors Debra Ortisi 41935 W. 12 Mile Road Novi, MI 48377 734.254.5000 www.yfai.com Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is the global leader in automotive interiors. Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is redefining how people relax, work and play inside their vehicle interiors – today and decades from now.

Headquartered in Shanghai, the company has approximately 110 manufacturing plants and technical centers in 20 countries and more than 33,000 employees globally. They design, develop and manufacture automotive interior components for all automakers. Established in 2015, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors is a joint venture between Yanfeng, one of the largest automotive suppliers in China, and Adient, the global leader in automotive seating. For additional information, please visit www.yfai.com.

DETROITER October 2018

General Membership

MEMBERSHIP

Penn Foster Education Group www.pennfoster.edu

Student Advocacy Center of Michigan www.studentadvocacycenter.org

Pitt McGehee Palmer & Rivers www.pittlawpc.com

Sumptuous Spirits LLC www.sumptuousspirits.com

ADT Security www.ADT.com

Posh Home Designs Decorating Den Interiors www.poshhomedesigns.decoratingden.com

The Fikany Group 248.505.0700

Advantage Living Center NW www.advantageliving.net

Purolator International www.purolatorinternational.com

Auria Solutions USA Inc. www.auriasolutions.com

Qstride Inc www.qstride.com

Forward Detroit

Rochester School District Superintendent's Office www.rochester.k12.mi.us

Auria Solutions USA Inc.

Carhartt Inc. www.carhartt.com

Sauter North America Inc. www.sauter-group.us

Continental Structural Plastics

City of Ferndale www.ferndalemi.gov

SEG Automotive www.seg-automotive.com

Northwood University

Connect Space www.connect.space

Sharma Analytics www.sharmaventures.com

SSOE Group

Isolab Inc. www.isolab.org Robert Q Travel Windsor-Essex www.robertq.com

Budget Blinds of Downtown Detroit www.budgetblinds.com Build Institute www.buildinstitute.org

Continental Management Inc. www.continentalmgt.com Continental Structural Plastics www.cspplastics.com Council of Michigan Foundations SE MI Office www.michiganfoundations.org

William Davidson Foundation www.williamdavidson.org

Citizens Bank

Eckhart

SEG Automotive

Stratasys

SSOE Group www.ssoe.com

Waste Management of Michigan Inc. Yanfeng Global Automotive Interiors

Starfish Family Services www.starfishonline.org

Curiosity Ink Media www.michealene.com Family Heritage www.familyheritagelife.com Graham Davis 313.570.8045 Heroes Alliance www.heroesalliance.net Hiscox www.hiscox.com

Experience in motion TM

Houze Living www.villagegreen.com Independent Business Association of Detroit 313.485.1422 iwerk www.iwerk.com Marco Technologies www.marconet.com Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union www.msgcu.org Mix Bricktown www.mixbricktown.com Nurse Family Partnership www.nursefamilypartnership.org O'Keefe www.okeefellc.com

For a better life on board We are Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, the global leader in vehicle interiors.

We transform how people experience vehicle interiors – creating the next living space where look, feel and function are seamlessly integrated to enable user and end-user experiences that are functional, emotional, life-changing and defining. We will create a better life on board for tomorrow and today, keeping user experiences in motion.

Learn more about us at www.yfai.com

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DETROITER October 2018

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Detroiter Talking Transit for Nearly 100 Years

2018: Where We Are Today From motor bus service to the QLine streetcar, improving mass transit options for the region is one of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s oldest and highest priorities. While the landscape looks different today, the debate over increasing mobility options for Southeast Michigan residents remains. It seems like every week brings new mobility options, from scooters to express buses. One thing is clear, Detroiters are still in need of more and better options to move safely and efficiently throughout the region.

ENERGIZING MICHIGAN’S

Future

Energy is essential to the way we live, work and play.

ITC operates, builds and maintains the region’s electric transmission infrastructure.

We’re a Michigan-based company working hard to improve electric reliability, increase electric transmission capacity, and keep efficient, reliable energy flowing to homes and businesses across the state.

Building the electric transmission infrastructure that will power the future.

ITCHoldingsCorp

@ITCGrid

ITCHoldings

www.itc-holdings.com

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