Over the course of three days, attendees will explore a wide range of timely and transformative topics, including the region’s positive economic momentum, the strategic innovations of energy companies, and the expanding roles of semiconductors, data centers, and artificial intelligence in driving growth. Sessions will also delve into the importance of community engagement and provide a forward-looking perspective on global trade and tariffs. Whether you're a project director, business leader, real estate specialist, or community development pro, this summit offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Beyond the sessions, the summit offers a rich lineup of engaging activities designed to foster connection and celebration. From the lively Opening Reception and spirited Trivia Night to the prestigious Awards Ceremony, Networking Breakfasts, and Happy Hour, there are countless opportunities to build relationships and recognize the outstanding contributions of our peers. We’re thrilled to welcome you to Holland for this landmark event—and to work together toward a more prosperous and innovative Michigan.

Monday, August 18th

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. MEDA Board of Directors Meeting

11:00 - 5:00 p.m. MEDC Educational Forum (times may be adjusted as details are finalized)
Join us on August 18 in Holland for a special MEDC Educational Forum, kicking off MEDA’s Annual Meeting. Hear directly from MEDC subject matter experts as they share insights on current programs, initiatives, and resources available to support Michigan’s economic development efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, ask questions, and stay informed on the latest from MEDC.
Attendees: $0

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Conference Registration
Conference registration is not only for checking in, but also for picking up your materials, paying if you have not, asking any questions that you have, and networking with fellow attendees as they arrive.

 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Opening Reception at New Holland Brewing Co.
Join us in the heart of Downtown Holland at the New Holland Brewing brewpub for a long-held MEDA tradition, its Opening Reception, where old friends meet and new ones are made, while enjoying local food and drink before the conference.
Attendees: included – Guests: $50 

7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Trivia Night at New Holland Brewing Co.
We know you’re smart, and you can prove it at Trivia Night while having fun with your economic development partners and friends and supporting the Birgit Klohs Fellowship and MEDA’s Scholarship!
Attendees and Guests: $35

Tuesday, August 19th

7:30 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
A good conversation can wake the mind and get the day started on a positive note. Join this networking breakfast before sessions begin. Grab your registration packet if you have not already and ask any questions about the conference.

8:30 a.m. Conference Welcome

9:00 a.m. Shine on West Michigan
Good things are happening throughout West Michigan. Businesses are seeking space, houses are being built, and the population is increasing. Get inspired by key leaders in the region about why companies choose their spaces, how they motivate their team, are rising above obstacles, and the trends they see moving Michigan’s economy forward.
Moderator: Kurt Brauer, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Panelists: Zach Morris, EDFP, Executive Director, Market One
Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage
Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc.

10:00 a.m. Networking Break

10:15 a.m. Energizing the Future
From strengthening backbone electricity infrastructure to bringing new and robust generation online, Michigan’s power companies are meeting the needs of today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow. These targeted plans and key investments are actively supporting the State’s economic growth strategy, strengthening Michigan’s competitive advantage.
Moderator: Maureen Donohue Krauss, President & CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership
Panelists: Greg Burkhart, Principal, Site Selector, Walbridge
Valerie Christofferson, Director, Economic Development, Consumer Energy
Chuck Marshall, President, ITC Michigan

11:15 a.m. Networking Break

11:30 a.m. Engage. Build. Grow.
When you're working to engage the community and stakeholders regarding the positive impact of an economic development project, having noteworthy stories of partnership and community engagement in your toolbox is a great way to paint the picture. The LG Energy Solutions "Ultium Project" tells the story of collaboration that resulted in one of the ten largest construction projects in North America coming to fruition in Michigan. LEAP, in partnership with the City of Lansing, Delta Township, the Lansing Board of Water and Light, and many other partners, worked creatively on an electric deal, workforce development, childcare, and other factors that were needed to run the plant, including legislative engagement in the passage of SOAR and the first example of SOAR success. Learn about the project and the positive impact on the community that followed in this inspirational story.
Bob Trezise, President and CEO, Lansing Economic Area Partnership

12:15 p.m. Awards Luncheon and Membership Meeting
MEDA’s awards recognize economic developers who have a rich history of contribution to the profession and a proven record of accomplishment as well as one that is showing great promise for future success. The awards presented include MEDA Medalist of the Year, Mike Conboy Professional Development, President’s, Emerging Star, and Robert Sieghart Awards. The Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship is also presented to further education for women and minorities in economic development.

1:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 1

1. SSBCI 2.0: Capital, Technical Assistance, and the Future of Small Business Support
The State Small Business Credit Initiative is a Department of Treasury funded program that flows through the State and into the MEDC. Realizing that businesses need more than just capital to succeed, the administrators of the SSBCI 2.0 program added technical assistance as a component. With that help, businesses can compete faster than ever before. Get an update on the SSBCI program, learn who participates, resources available, and the next steps in helping businesses reach the next level.
Salifou Mahaman, Project Manager, Second-Stage Growth/Small Business Services, State of Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Carlos Martinez, President, People First Economy

2. Master Plan for Housing and Developer Attraction
A master plan is meant to guide the future growth of a community in a way that reflects the values, needs, and vision of everyone who lives there. Communities across Michigan and the country are facing real challenges when it comes to housing, whether it's about affordability, availability, or having enough options for people at different stages of life. In response to updates to the Michigan Planning and Enabling Act through Public Act 153 of 2024, the Redevelopment Ready Communities program has updated its toolkit to help communities take action. The new guidance supports local efforts to assess current and future housing needs and build plans to meet them. Hear from an RRC Senior Community Planner, a member economic development organization, and a planning expert on how to create a strong and inclusive housing plan. You’ll also get practical tips and resources that can help your community create more equitable housing opportunities.
Justin Horvath, President and CEO, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership
Pablo Majano, Senior Community Planner, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Justin Sprague, Vice President, Community Image Builders (CIB Planning)

3. Semiconductor Growth in Michigan
While semiconductors are known for being small, they can make a lot of waves. Remember the chip shortage? Michigan jumped on growing the semiconductor industry and the industry is projected for continued growth. Get an update on the industry, what is needed to attract these companies, and hear a story about a company that is thriving in our state.
John McLaughlin, Global ESG Leader & Ann Arbor Site Lead, KLA
Others TBD

2:30 p.m. Networking Break

2:45 p.m. Getting Data Centers in Michigan Online with a Shared Message
Along with the excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) have come conversations about the impact of data centers. Data centers in our state could attract technology companies with high power processing needs, but concerns remain regarding storage, the workforce, utility costs, set-up costs, permitting, and regulations. Economic developers throughout Michigan can work together on a shared message of their positive impact so that they can be built and prepared for tomorrow’s industries.
Khalil Rahal, Director, Economic Development, DTE Energy

3:45 p.m. Concurrent Tours (times may be adjusted as details are finalized)

1. Technology and Childcare Tour
Gentex is a technology company proficient in a wide range of core competencies, yielding a unique fusion of technologies, developing and manufacturing custom high-tech electronic products for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries. In addition to being a cool facility, they have an innovative, company-provided, nature-based childcare program and are creating a model to help other companies meet their needs.
Attendees and Guests: $20

2. Incubation and Collaboration
Take a walking tour of two highly innovative economic development spaces in Holland. The Next Center is Lakeshore Advantage’s business support hub. It is an open concept, collaborative space with room for up to 50 startups. The Holland Community Ice Skating Park is a redevelopment project brought to life by a Revitalization and Placemaking Grant, crowdfunding, and an MEDC matching grant. Learn the collaborative story while touring the newly finished facility.
Attendees and Guests: $0

5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Happy Hour at the Haworth Hotel and Conference Center
After coming back from tours, and before you go out on the town, get together for a Happy Hour, sponsored by Haworth! 

Wednesday, August 20th

8:00 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
There's still time for more conversation that could make a difference in meeting your economic goals and there might be someone you still haven't met. Join conference attendees for breakfast to kick off the last day of the conference.

9:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 2

1. AI Pillars of Progress - How do we fit?
AI has existed for decades, and some companies were early adopters and leaders of this tool. Over the past few years, new and exciting govtech and economic solutions have emerged that help guide policy, market, and economic decisions. This panel seeks to open discussion with industry leaders about practical applications used today by governments and economic development organizations. Additionally, we will see how this fits under the International Economic Development Council’s AI policy pillars. This will bring together a robust conversation that intersects community engagement, economic and market analytics, with public policy. The panelists will provide specific examples and how their solutions save money, time, and provide a runway for better decisions.
Moderator: Sageous Suggs, Chief Information Officer, aLocal
Panelists: Dell Gines, Ph.D., Vice President, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Bratton Riley, Co-Founder and CEO, Citibot
Eric S. Trevan, Ph.D., Investor, President and Chief Executive Officer, aLocal

2. A Partnership That Builds More Than Just Products: How Innovation and Industrialization Roll Up Their Sleeves to Shape Michigan’s Future
Michigan stands at the crossroads of economic transformation, and we need to embrace industrialization and innovation as partners, not competitors. Let’s be honest. We often separate these forces: innovation belongs in tech hubs, while industrialization feels like yesterday’s news. But the truth is that real economic progress happens where these powerful forces meet. You simply can’t have one without the other. Join us for this presentation where Kevin Johnson will share how Detroit has successfully adopted this two-pronged approach to drive inclusive growth. He’ll offer practical insights and a Michigan-focused roadmap that communities of all sizes can apply to their economic development efforts.
Kevin Johnson, President and CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation

3. Navigating Automotive Industry Investment Trends and Opportunities
This session will explore current investment trends and emerging technologies in the automotive industry. Participants will learn how regulatory and trade policies, such as tariffs, are shaping industry decisions and impacting local economies. CAR will also highlight its Automotive Communities Partnership (ACP) program, which supports EDOs and related organizations in attracting and retaining advanced mobility providers. Key workforce needs tied to the industry's shift toward alternative propulsion systems will also be discussed.
John Voorhorst, Vice President of Economic Growth & Innovation, Center for Automotive Research

10:00 a.m. Networking Break

10:15 a.m. Today’s Outlook on Trade and Tariffs
Trade and tariffs have been a continual discussion in 2025 due to their impact on the day-to-day operations of companies. Michigan’s economic developers have a strong desire to address the challenges. Gain perspective from the local economic, state economic, trade zone, and trade centers throughout the state on what they are experiencing as well as how companies are overcoming barriers.
Moderator: Alyssa Tracey, Director, International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Panelists: Sonja Johnson, Executive Director, Grand Valley State University's Van Andel Global Trade Center
Steven Olinek, Executive Director, Greater Detroit Foreign Trade Zone, Inc.
Others TBD

11:15 a.m. Networking Break

11:30 a.m. Site Selectors Panel
The site selection process is more complex than ever. While sites and talent often emerge as the most important factors, there are many other elements that influence the ultimate choice. The discussion with three top site selectors will focus on major site selection factors and emerging trends to help communities compete.
Speakers: TBD 

12:30 p.m. Adjournment + Snacks for the Road

Learn More

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