MEDA Annual Meeting Agenda
A Clean Slate for Economic Development in Michigan
August 23rd - 26th, 2011 • Lakeview Hotel and Conference Center at Summit Village • Shanty Creek Resorts • Bellaire
In a typical year, the educational content of our Annual Meeting provides updates on some economic development programs and a few sessions on new programs. This is not a typical year. The economic development slate was wiped clean, re-thought and re-envisioned, leaving much to learn for even the most experienced of practitioners. In addition to learning new ways to attract and retain businesses in Michigan, economic developers are collaborating with neighboring communities like never before. The state is heading important changes in regulatory processes while many communities are leading their own permitting process simplification. Come and learn so you can assure that your community is up-to-date on all of the happenings! There’s something for everyone as entrepreneurship, urban and rural development-themed breakout sessions feature how you can get ahead on unique economic and talent development opportunities for your community.
Tuesday, August 23rd
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Board of Directors/Early Arrival Reception (optional – additional fee)
Enjoy a fun and informal networking opportunity made for attendees who arrive a day before the conference opening in order to golf or to enjoy additional time in beautiful Northern Michigan.
Wednesday, August 24th
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Golf Outing at The Legend Golf Course (optional – additional fee)
“Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, The Legend cascades over hilltops and valleys with a stunning view of Lake Bellaire. Capable of challenging the most focused golfer, The Legend was named one of the top four resort courses in the United States by the readers of Golf Magazine and was awarded 4½ stars in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play Directory.” – ShantyCreek.com/golf. Reconnect with good friends and meet new ones by joining golfers of all skill levels for an exclusive opportunity to play on this luxurious course.
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration in the Lakeview Hotel Lobby
Avoid standing in line early Thursday morning by registering for the conference as you arrive! Visit the registration desk to pick up important conference materials, pay for attendance, and get answers for any questions that you have about the conference.
6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Opening Reception
The opening reception is the perfect occasion for participants to start networking and creating relationships while enjoying the sights of Northern Michigan.
Thursday, August 25th
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Future of Economic Development in the Midwest
Top officials from State economic development boards join to discuss the state of the economy, the future of economic development, how states currently work together for regional promotion as well as how they could improve those partnerships to achieve greater goals.
Moderator: Jeff Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Public Sector Consultants, Inc.
Panelists: Ed Burghard, Executive Director, Ohio Business Development Coalition
Benjamin Erulkar, Senior Vice President, Economic Development, Detroit Regional Chamber
Jeff Noel, Corporate Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Whirlpool
Corporation, Benton Harbor, and Vice Chair, MEDC Executive Committee
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Networking Break
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver sponsors of the 2011 Annual Meeting.
9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Town Hall Meeting with the MEDC
Eight months into the new administration, the State’s leading economic development agency will operate much differently than it does now. Over the next few months, most of us will learn what the planned changes are, but will need assistance with the new or changed procedures, contacts, and understanding how to obtain incentives for businesses. This discussion session will provide you the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts on current and future State programs.
Michael Finney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Mark Morante, Senior Vice President, Policy, Program Management and Governmental Affairs, MEDC
Doug Smith, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, MEDC
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Networking Break
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver sponsors of the 2011 Annual Meeting.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Streamline of State Regulatory Practices
A slow, complex and unpredictable regulatory process has been a major challenge for business development in Michigan for too long. This issue is very clear to our new administration. Hear changes that have been made or that are being proposed to make the regulatory process more customer-friendly.
Dan Wyant, Director, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Membership Meeting
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Emerging Sector Entrepreneurs
A panel of innovative entrepreneurs discusses their needs and challenges, making connections for resources, connecting with global markets and what the economic development community can do for them.
Moderator: Dr. Thomas Anderson, Senior Director, Entrepreneurism, Automation Alley
Panelists: Milton Roye, President, ENRG Power Systems LL
Kyle Schwulst, Chief Executive Officer, ElectroJet, Inc.
Rifino Valentine, Founder/Master Distiller, Valentine Vodka
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver sponsors of the 2011 Annual Meeting.
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 1
>> Gardening with Angels
Economic development agencies receive an influx of information on the importance of entrepreneurial development in Michigan, but in a small to medium size community, connecting with entrepreneurs to help them meet their needs, as well as connecting entrepreneurs with the proper funding sources, can be a challenge. Learn how to create a culture and place in your community that attracts entrepreneurs. The Blue Water Angels will also talk about asset mapping your community, what they look for in an entrepreneur and how they find them.
Joe Asiala, Founding Member, Blue Water Angels and President, Mid-Michigan Innovation Center
>> RecoveryPark
The complex and innovative Recovery Park project in Detroit is not only a community redevelopment initiative for recovering substance abusers, but a substantially creative utilization of land that will benefit the entire surrounding population. By personal and economic empowerment through such job-creating activities as urban farming, food processing and logistics, this project will have a positive impact on the people within it as well as on the local economy. Learn about the collaboration of Universities, philanthropy and activism that has taken place to make this project happen as well as the challenges with planning, zoning and due diligences that have been faced.
Gary Wozniak, Chief Development Officer, SHAR Foundation
>> Planting the Seeds for Michigan Agri-Business Growth
As fuel prices remain high across the country, agriculture businesses are returning to Michigan and we need to be prepared to expand the already-healthy infrastructure that we have for them. Communities of all sizes will need the electricity capacity, product movement and knowledge of the worldwide demand that these companies need to thrive. Learn how your community can maximize its involvement in the agri-business industry as well as what others are already doing.
Jim Byrum, President, Michigan Agri-Business Association
3:45 p.m. Adjourn for Free Time
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. New Member Reception
This special reception is to thank new members of the Association and give them the opportunity to meet and mingle with MEDA staff, Board of
Directors and committee chairs.
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Awards Banquet in the Bellaire Ballroom, Lakeview Hotel and Conference Center
MEDA’s annual awards ceremony is a chance to show appreciation for, and give recognition to, some of the hardest-working practitioners in the industry. The Medalist Award identifies outstanding contributions to economic development within Michigan. Recipients of this award have demonstrated commitment to the profession of economic development, dedication to the growth of his or her community of responsibility, and have shown a record of achievement for an extended period of time. The Mike Conboy Professional Development Award is given a MEDA member who has made substantial, long-term contributions/commitment to MEDA, specifically focusing on the advancement of the economic development profession through support of education/training and/or by expanding the knowledge base of economic developers. The President’s Award is presented to recognize volunteer work within MEDA. Finally, winners of the 6th Annual MEDA Marketing Materials Competition will be announced.
Friday, August 26th
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Collaboration/Consolidation of Services
Looking at potential revenue-sharing reductions, communities in Michigan are being asked to consolidate services and collaborate like never before in order to save costs. Hear from communities of different sizes about their efforts with collaborating and consolidating services, challenges, successes and how this will effect economic development moving forward.
Moderator: Arnold Weinfeld, Director, Strategic Initiatives & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League
Panelists: Jered Ottenwess, City Manager, City of Ishpeming
Kurt Soper, Supervisor, Davison Township
Mark Vanderpool, City Manager, City of Sterling Heights
9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Networking Break
Browse exhibits, meet and greet, and learn about the programs and services provided by the Corporate, Gold, and Silver sponsors of the 2011 Annual Meeting.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 2
>> The MORE Program
Created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the MORE Program provides rapid access to the ideas and resources needed to move new business forward. Using a web-based application called InsYght, entrepreneurs can enter their specific circumstances and receive a recommended process for meeting their needs. Find out how you can partner with The MORE Program to continuously improve this unique system of information.
Ken Agacinski, Executive Director, The MORE Program
>> Reuse of GM Properties
Find out how remediation dollars are being used to rebuild vacant GM properties. Who is doing it, how are they doing it and what are plans for future developments?
Peter Anastor, Director of Policy, MEDC
Janice Karcher, Vice President, Economic Development, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Rasher, Redevelopment Manager, RACER Trust
>> Urban/Rural Connections
Regional public markets are where urban and rural food system components connect, where improved relationships between producers, processors, distributors, retailers, waste managers, and consumers increase food system opportunity. Learn how Eastern Market, one of the nation’s most comprehensive healthy metropolitan food hubs, is seeking to align urban and rural interests to strengthen Southeast Michigan’s economy.
Daniel Carmody, President, Eastern Market Corporation
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Streamline of Local Permitting
Just like State regulatory practices, the local permitting process can also be slow and unpredictable. Hear what a couple of communities are doing to improve their local permit approval process.
Landon Bartley, Planner, City of Grand Rapids
Kristen Claus, EDC Director, City of Sault Ste. Marie
12:00 p.m. Adjourn