MEDA's Legislative Conference
Capitol Day is MEDA's annual legislative conference, which includes sessions on the latest legislative issues related to economic development at the local, state, and federal levels.
Since the role of legislators is crucial to the strength of economic development in our state, legislators are welcome to attend complimentarily. One staff person can be sent in place of the legislator and staff receive MEDA member rate if they attend with the legislator.
In order to develop the conference around the most important legislative issues of the time, MEDA's Advocacy Committee, a volunteer group of MEDA members, plans the agenda.
Highlights from Past Capitol Day Events
MEDA is a 501(c)3 non-partisan association, so the Committee uses an approach that is balanced in topics and speakers in order to represent all sides of the aisle.
For example, in 2018, elections were taking place and MEDA invited all of the candidates to speak and were selected by very important candidates, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D). Candidates Attorney General Bill Schuette (R), Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley (R), Senator Patrick Colbeck (R), and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Former Health Commissioner for the City of Detroit (D), also participated.
Representing the entire state is very important as well, so sessions regularly address all regions of the state.
In 2019, a panel of economic developers from across the state shared what economic developers in their region need to succeed. Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP; Birgit M. Klohs, (then) President & CEO, The Right Place, Inc.; and Barry I. Matherly, CEcD, FM, HLM, (then) CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber shared what they need from their legislators during the current legislative session in order to continue attracting business and jobs to their region.
In 2021, three MEDA 2020 Legislative Economic Development Champions from opposite sides of the aisle will discuss what they would like to see for growth as COVID-19 loses its hindering influence on Michigan. They will also touch on current and proposed policies and how they could impact economic development. Moderator: Justin Horvath, CEcD, President & CEO, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership; Panelists: State Representative Ben Frederick; State Representative Abdullah Hammoud; and State Representative Steve Marino.
Attend Capitol Day
If you would like to hear more about Capitol Day, please contact MEDA. Conference information typically becomes available in October and registration typically opens up in early February of each year.