MEDA Annual Meeting Agenda
2009 Annual Meeting: "Local? Global? Economic Development in a Changing Economy"
August 18th - 21st • Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in Kalamazoo
As the economic climate continues to go through fast changes, you need to understand the changes and be a few strides ahead of the curve. Green initiatives, continued globalization, and transportation are at the forefront of Michigan and the country’s immediate future, and it’s imperative that you understand how to leverage these challenges and opportunities. Join us at this year’s Annual Meeting so you can get ahead of the wave of changes that our economy is experiencing.
Tuesday, August 18th
6:30 p.m. Board of Directors Reception for Guest Arriving Early (optional - additional fee)
Guests are invited to meet at a local eatery with the MEDA Board of Directors for a fun and informal networking opportunity.
Wednesday, August 19th
9:00 a.m. Golf Outing (optional – additional fee)
Host of the 2008 Michigan Amateur Championship, The Moors Golf Club has been noted as having the, “finest conditions in Southwest Michigan.” With 18 holes of exceptionally maintained greens, the Moors Golf Club courses will provide for a memorable golfing experience as well as an excellent networking opportunity for players of all skill levels.
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Annual Meeting Registration
Please visit the registration desk in the Radisson lobby to pick up important conference materials.
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Opening Reception
The opening reception is an opportunity for participants to mingle with old friends and make new ones while enjoying the sights and sounds of Kalamazoo and a delectable dinner.
Thursday, August 20th
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Registration/Exhibits/Continental Breakfast
Browse exhibits and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver Sponsors while enjoying a continental breakfast.
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Keynote Address
Stryker has maintained growth globally over the past 20 years. Learn from their story how they have remained globally competitive in our economy, with reference to their manufacturing sectors, supply base, various economic development activities, and research and development process as well as how the medical device industry is doing as a whole.
Stephen P. MacMillan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Stryker Corporation
9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Networking Break in the Exhibit Area
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver Sponsors of the 2009 Annual Meeting.
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Dialogue on State Programs
This unique roundtable discussion is an opportunity to discuss, have input, and share ideas on the future of State programs.
Deb Dansby, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Mark Morante, Director, Projects, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Networking Break in the Exhibit Area
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver Sponsors of the 2009 Annual Meeting.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
» Using Local Companies for International Attraction
Could the resources you need for attracting international investment already be operating in your own backyard? As international companies seek partnerships as an incentive for investment, find out how you can work with existing companies to meet their needs and attract new jobs.
Maureen Donohue Krauss, Deputy Director, Oakland County Economic Development and Community Affairs
» Invest in America
Invest in America, a U.S. Government program, promotes and supports foreign direct investment in the United States, contributing to U.S. job creation, innovation, and competitiveness. Find out how you can use this program in your area.
Addilyn Chams-Eddine, International Investment Specialist, Invest in America
» Lowering the Cost of Business through Green Initiatives
Sometimes green initiatives are viewed as expensive and cost prohibitive. This session will cover various ways that companies are using green initiatives to reduce costs and increase revenue.
Linda Frey, LEED AP, Executive Director, West Michigan Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council
Steve Willobee, Board Member, West Michigan Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Membership Meeting
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
» Transferring Patents to Entrepreneurs
Selling and/or donating patents to entrepreneurs is a major driver to the future growth of the economy. Hear the challenges and opportunities of this process.
Jonathan P. O'Brien, Intellectual Property Practice Group Chair and Partner, Ph.D., Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP
» Perspectives from China
The first major Chinese company to set up business in Michigan will speak about why it came to Michigan, its successes, its setbacks, plans for future growth and what other Chinese companies are looking for when they prospect in Michigan.
Jeff Zhao, Special Assistant to the Chairman and CEO, Beijingwest Industries Co., Ltd
» Unique Regional Mass Transit
Across the United States, cities and regions are concentrating on light rail and other mass transportation programs to move people and products to their destinations quickly, efficiently and for lower costs. This case study will look at these efforts.
Megan Gibb, Manager, Development Center, Oregon Metro
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break in the Exhibit Area
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver Sponsors of the 2009 Annual Meeting.
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
» Business Acceleration – TOUR – May go until 4:15 p.m.
Attendees of this session will be taken through the Western Michigan University Business Technology Research Park, a state-designated SmartZone, and will visit the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center. During the trip to and from the Center, attendees will learn why this incubator was created and how it was funded.
Bob Miller, Associate Vice President, Community Outreach, Western Michigan University
Madeline Pinder, Business Services Manager, Southwest Michigan Innovation Center
Click Here for a Southwest Michigan Innovation Center (SMIC) brochure.
Click Here for a SMIC client information brochure.
» Ports and Foreign Trade Zones
Public ports serve as a key element of state and local economic development as well as job creation efforts. The benefits of Foreign Trade Zones to manufacturers and processors are numerous. Learn more about these vital economic development tools and how they can play an important role in your economic development strategy.
Jan Frantz, Director of Corporate Projects, Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc.
John Kerr, Director of Economic Development, Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority
» Got Water?
Groundwater issues might be the next major national battleground. Groundwater technologies are a growing trend, extracting water for drinking and production. Learn about new technologies and processes as well as an update on how Michigan is using the Great Lakes.
Scott Piggott, Manager, Agricultural Ecology Department, Michigan Farm Bureau
6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. New Member Reception at Old Burdick’s Bar and Grill
Learn more about MEDA and develop your economic development network by attending the new member reception. If you are a new member, this is your opportunity to meet and MEDA Board, Committee Chairs and Staff.
6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Banquet and Awards Reception
The prestigious MEDA Medalist of the Year Award and Mike Conboy Professional Development Award will be presented along with the MEDA President’s Award honoring volunteer work within MEDA and State economic development. The MEDA Marketing Materials Contest, MEDA President’s Award and MEDC Partner Awards will also be given.
9:00 p.m. Kzoo Krawl
Visit downtown Kalamazoo night spots.
Friday, August 21st
8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Registration/Exhibits/Continental Breakfast
Browse exhibits and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver Sponsors while enjoying a continental breakfast.
8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. The Talent Driven Economy
Find out how to use a talent assessment of your community that is based on facility, infrastructure and existing talent, etc., as a marketing tool. Learn examples of how other communities in and beyond Michigan have done this to transform their local economy.
Brad Black, President and Managing Director, HumanEx
9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Networking Break in the Exhibit Area
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver Sponsors of the 2009 Annual Meeting.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
» Extreme Makeover – Manufacturing Edition – TOUR – May go until 11:30 a.m.
Attendees of this session will visit the Midlink Business Park and learn about the redevelopment tools that were packaged to redevelop this former General Motors stamping plant into a thriving business park.
Tim Hudson, Supervisor, Comstock Township
David Smith, President, Midlink Business Park
» Realities of Alternative Energy
With all of the attention on wind and solar energy and other alternatives, this session will look at the realities of their potential effects; not the hype.
Dr. David Barnes, Professor of Geosciences, Western Michigan University
» Barriers to Recruiting Foreign Talent - CANCELLED
This session will cover updates of policies and practices, such as obtaining Greencards and Visas for workers and other workforce challenges.
Kathleen M. Hanenburg, Partner, Warner Norcross and Judd LLP
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