MEDA Annual Meeting Agenda
50th Anniversary Celebration Annual Meeting: "The Road Ahead"
September 14th - 17th, 2010 • Hagerty Center in Traverse City
When 15 men met in 1960 to have a “discussion of the merits of having an independent organization to devote the majority of their time to industrial development,” could they have predicted that the organization would be at the top of its game exactly 50 years later? Envisioning that Michigan’s economy would be going through an extensive, all-industry-encompassing, revolution at the same time was equally unimaginable.
MEDA is very excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary at this year’s Annual Meeting, but we are aware that business is not as usual and keeping the economic development practitioners up to date on business trends helps them continue to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. This is, and always has been, our top priority. In celebration, we have planned many exciting and unique networking opportunities, but in keeping on track with what we do best, we have planned many informative topics on how Michigan’s economic climate is changing business models inseveral top industry areas.
The Road Ahead is a long one and the map is blurred, but that won’t stop the economic development community from doing what they do best! While it is difficult to imagine the state of our economy 50 years from now, you can get a significant picture of how businesses will operate in the coming years by attending. Please join us in September on West Grand Traverse Bay for our 50th Anniversary Annual Meeting Celebration!
Tuesday, September 14th
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Board of Directors Reception at the Park Place Hotel
Enjoy a fun and informal networking opportunity, made available for attendees who arrive a day before the conference opening in order to play golf or to enjoy additional time in beautiful Northern Michigan. (optional - additional fee)
Wednesday, September 15th
10:00 a.m. Golf Outing at the Kingsley Club (optional – additional fee)
“The Kingsley Golf Club is designed exclusively for people who love golf. The club fosters excellence in the game and exists for the enjoyment of its members and their guests. A place with few rules and no starting times; where kindred spirits gather to have fun and make friends; a place of courtesy and good manners created for camaraderie, good cheer and good will.” – KingsleyClub.com. Reconnect with good friends and meet new ones by joining golfers of all skills levels for an exclusive opportunity to play on this luxurious, private course.
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Conference Registration at the Hagerty Center
Avoid standing in line early Thursday morning by registering for the conference early! 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 at the Hagerty Center
This year’s Annual Meeting kick-off event will be held at the Hagerty Conference Center along West Grand Traverse Bay. This is the perfect occasion for expanding your network with fellow conference attendees while enjoying the succulent creations of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute and admiring the breathtaking view of the Bay.
Thursday, September 16th
8:00 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. – 8:45 a.m. Welcome and Introduction
8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Turning Michigan Around: How We Can Make Michigan a Top 10 State
The presentation focuses on the Michigan Turnaround Plan, a comprehensive plan aimed at making Michigan an above average state in the short-term and a top ten state in the long-term for job and economic growth. The plan lays out the case for change, sets achievable goals, identifies specific action steps and explains the impact of change. The presentation discusses why the goal of making a Top Ten state is important and how the strategies laid out in the plan can transform our state. Support for the Michigan Turnaround Plan continues to grow. Come hear why business leaders, newspaper editors, lawmakers and opinion leaders are advocating the plan as the course to take for a strong Michigan.
Doug Rothwell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Business Leaders for Michigan
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 10,000 Voices for Michigan’s Transformation
The Center for
Philip H. Power, Chairman, President and Director, The Center for Michigan
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 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 2010 Annual Meeting.
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
We all know that the automotive industry will not return to its previous means of operation, but what do recent changes mean to the economic development community? How will café standards, government ownership and other factors effect business development in Michigan as a whole?
David Cole, Chairman of the Board, Center for Automotive Research
>> Social Media for Economic Development
Businesses are clamoring to find out how the newest form of communication can be used to draw attention to their company, its products and services. This session will cover how social media is being used, or can be used, particularly for economic development practices such as attraction and fundraising.
Elizabeth Parkinson, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Ann Arbor SPARK
>> The Effectiveness of Young Professionals Networks
Young Professional Networks have been around for about a decade, but are more vital than ever in Michigan today. Learn how successful these programs have been at keeping young leaders in the community.
Laura Oblinger, Senior Vice President, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce
Bryan Taggart, Member, Traverse City Young Professionals Network and Member, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Amanda Rogalski, viastore systems, Inc. and President, Grand Rapids Young Professionals
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 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 2010 Annual Meeting.
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Buying Local Initiatives’ Impact on Economic Development
Purchasing food and other goods locally is an investment in your community; your dollars go to local businesses and those businesses are able to sustain the distinctive character of your community. In addition, buying locally benefits the environment and has the potential for creating more job opportunities in the area. Learn more about how buy local initiatives can have positive impacts on your local economy.
Elissa Sangalli, Executive Director, Local First
Barbara Rosene, Executive Director, Downtown Coldwater
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch and Awards Ceremony
2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Free time to take materials back to hotel room, change clothes, etc.
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Board Busses for Tours
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Tours
>> The Insanity of Redevelopment
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is the adaptive re-use of the former Traverse City State Hospital. It is one of the largest historic preservation and mixed-use redevelopment projects in the nation, comprised of nearly 30 magnificent century-old buildings located on a park like sixty-two acre campus, one mile from Grand Traverse Bay and downtown Traverse City. The goal of The Village is to create an authentic neighborhood of diverse people and entrepreneurial commerce, with an emphasis on local businesses and local foods. Started in 2002, The Village is now home to nearly 70 small businesses and sixty-three residential suites, with more exciting projects underway. More than 250,000 square feet is completed and occupied, with over one-million square feet of development capacity remaining on the entire site. This eclectic neighborhood and marketplace has become a unique destination in one of the strongest regions in Michigan. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons illustrates how a motivated community, private investment and meaningful redevelopment incentives can come together to add significant value to a region, create sustainable economic development and improve the overall quality of life. Space is limited, so sign up now!
>> The Business of Booze
Get a sample of Northern Michigan’s Wine Country. The Traverse City Chamber of Commerce has arranged an exciting tour of popular area wineries and breweries. Enjoy samples and a lovely view at Chateau Chantal and tour the Jolly Pumpkin brewery. Again, space is limited, so sign up today!
>> Downtown Traverse City Walking Tour
Downtown Traverse City is not just for tourists. Over 400,000 square feet of commercial space has been added in the past ten years, and the downtown now includes three distinct districts. Learn how local economic development efforts have helped diversify downtown's economy and appeal, all while on a guided walking tour of this beautiful beach-side city.
5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. New Member Reception at the Bower's Harbor Inn
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 50th Anniversary Past President’s Banquet at the Bower's Harbor Inn
In celebration of MEDA’s 50th Anniversary, all conference attendees and past presidents of MEDA are invited to attend this year’s Annual Meeting Banquet at the Historic Bower’s Harbor Inn. Enjoy fine dishes prepared by acclaimed Chef Paul Olsen while taking in the views along Grand Traverse Bay, amidst the majestic oaks and pines of Old Mission Peninsula. This will be a great opportunity to network with your colleagues as well as the people that have led MEDA to be the organization that it is today.
Friday, September 17th
8:00 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. Intro of MEDA Whitepaper and State E.D. Strategy
This unique roundtable discussion is an opportunity to discuss, have input, and share ideas on current and future State programs.
John Avery, Executive Director, Michigan Economic Developers Association
Mark Morante, Vice President of Policy and Governmental Affairs, Michigan Economic Development 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 2010 Annual Meeting.
This session will cover the "FastTrac to the Future" program - the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center's new model for coaching entrepreneurs in the launch of their business. Learn about the program and hear from actual business owners who have completing the training and from others who have launched a business.
Chris Wendel, Regional Director, MI-SBTDC
Tony Fox, Regional Director, MI-SBTDC
>> The New Realities of the Agricultural Industry
The agriculture industry contributes over $70 billion to our economy annually has been growing steadily. Learn about the future of the industry, trends and how communities should prepare. Findings from the MSU Product Center economic impact of food processors in Michigan report, which will be completed this July, will be presented.
Mike DiBernardo, Economic Development Specialist, Michigan Department of Agriculture
Nikki Rothwell, Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station (NWMHRS) and District MSU Extension Horticulture Educator
Donald Coe, Managing Partner, Black Star Farms Suttons Bay, MI and Commissioner, Michigan Department of Agriculture
CANCELLED >> The New Realities of the Tourism Industry
11:00 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. Break
11:05 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. New Models of Business Attraction/Site Consultants Panel
Site selectors from around the country will talk about incentives and attraction methods that are currently being used in other states to draw businesses and support the economy as well as discuss how Michigan can better position itself to become more competitive.
Kurt Brauer, Attorney/Partner, Warner, Norcross and Judd LLP (moderator)
Tom Ticknor, President, Ticknor & Associates
Don C. Schjeldahl, Vice President and Director, Austin Consulting
Greg VanKirk, Partner, Plant Moran CRESA
12:30 p.m. Adjourn