2007 Mackinac Policy Conference Blog

Stick with the prepared text next time, James

2007-06-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

Most folks I spoke with gave this year's Mackinac conference high marks.
That's why the kickoff dinner speaker -- Teamsters President James P. Hoffa -- was so disappointing -- and puzzling.

Hoffa reportedly threw away his prepared text and gave the crowd what could best be described as a union hall rally speech. But in speaking off the cuff and from scribbled notes, he was redundant and he missed some important local cues -- such as referring to now-retired Comerica economist as David LIGHTman, rather than Littman and confusing Debbie Dingell with Sen. Debbie Stabenow (thereby promoting Dingell to a political rank above her U.S. House of Representatives husband John).

Hoffa hammered home about "free" trade versus "fair" trade, but by hammering away on NAFTA (that ship has sailed), Hoffa avoided a kind of paradox. He was wildly enthusiastic about the proposed Aerotropolis in Wayne County and the idea of building a logistics center. What does he think will be moving through the Aerotropolis but products created by global trade?

I sure wish I knew what was in the original speech.

Parting Thoughts

2007-06-02T12:50:00.000-04:00

Some final thoughts as we prepare to leave Mackinac Island…
If one central theme came through this year’s Mackinac Conference it is the importance of leadership. We saw a number of examples of what real leadership can accomplish . . . and what can happen when there is no leadership. Some of those examples on display this week:

Mayor Kilpatrick was here, reminding us of what real leadership can accomplish when tackling tough issues. His handling of the city’s budget, his ability to sit down with city unions and work with them to develop the meaningful contract changes that current conditions require, are an example all of our public officials could learn from.

Mayor Eddie Francis of Windsor, participating in the “Big Five” discussion for a second year, explaining his efforts to retrain workers.

Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano, who deserves great credit for his willingness to take the lead on such critical issues as Cobo Expansion and the proposed Aerotropolis.

Brooks Patterson, whose early advocacy of Automation Alley is yielding great benefits for this region.

Conference Chair Dan Loepp of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, who produced one of the best conferences we’ve ever had, including enticing two major labor leaders to join the discussion.

UAW President Ron Gettlefinger, whose thoughtful speech showed that he recognizes that labor and management are in the same boat and if the boat sinks, both go under.

Detroit Renaissance President Doug Rothwell and Chamber President Dick Blouse, proving what can happen when their organizations join forces.

United Way President Mike Brennan, who is reshaping the United Way to meet today’s needs.

Convention and Visitors Bureau President Larry Alexander, for believing in Detroit and developing an imaginative program to sell our city.

New Detroit President Shirley Stancato, for putting together a very thought provoking session on race, which remains one of this region’s key issues.

Crain’s Detroit Publisher Mary Kramer, for asking the tough questions that needed to be asked.

Michigan Chronicle Publisher Sam Logan, whose tenacious journalism was vindicated during the week and who continues to put the best interests of our school children up front.

You will notice that there are no state officials on this list. That, unfortunately, is because we continue to see a terrible lack of leadership from our Governor and legislative leaders on the critical issues facing our state. The focus in Lansing seems to be more on placing blame than on working together to find real answers to tough issues. The Governor, for the first time in the history of this conference, didn’t even show up to host her traditional reception on Friday. Through the 27 years of this conference, that had never happened before.

Two years ago former Governor William Milliken captivated the conference with an address that reminded us of what true leadership looks like. One of the suggestions heard on the island this week is that we buy a bunch of bracelets to pass out in Lansing with the letters, “WWMD,” – What Would Milliken Do? The more I think of it, the better that idea sounds.

Final Thoughts

2007-06-01T23:28:00.000-04:00

Today's thoughts -

The Big 5 still need to strive for regional cooperation. It was nice to see the love between Brooks and Kwame :)
Very impressed with Eddie Francis, Mayor of Windsor - succinct and to the point.
Would like to see more plans on K-12 Education
Mitt Romney and H-Rod seem to be the prediction for 2008 election

Overall, the feeling is positive that we, Michigan, can pull through this. The issues we are facing are NOT new problems. We need to all be responsible, action-orientated and accountable. We need strong leadership, cooperation, and to solve today's problems while focusing on what is emerging for the future. Michigan has a bright future, we just need to reinvent and believe in ourselves!

Here's a few snapshots from the last couple days

Dan Loepp Croaks

2007-06-01T22:43:00.000-04:00

Yeah, he lost his voice; but he won huge kudos for a meaty, meaningful Conference. And a healthy one too -- thanks to free health screenings available to all attendees from his company Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan. (I was thrilled to discover that once I grow another 3 inches I will have a perfect Body Mass Index rating.)

The last hurrahs of the day were for a witty discussion of the upcoming campaign by political pundits Charlie Cook and Stu Rothenberg. Their conclusions were that H-Rod will win the Democratic nod; as for the Republican candidate--Mitt Romney or Fred Thompson. This matches the opinions of the Big Five who predicted Clinton and Romney as the nominees.

AT&T's free computer/phone/lollipop center is about to turn in for the night. So maybe I will too. Oh wait, do I hear the tinkle of a Martini on the rocks in the other room?

Race Relations: A Personal Story from 1967

2007-06-01T17:10:00.000-04:00

The 1967 riots in Detroit changed my life.

I was a young student nurse at Hery Ford Hospital (HFH). I lived in the dorm on the HFH Campus and traveled back and forth through the underground tunnel that connected all the buildings on the HFH Campus.

The Sunday the riots started, I was at a party in Birmingham. When I saw TV coverage of beginning problems, I knew I needed to get back to the hospital. Driving down Woodward Avenue was a Daliesque experience with people milling everywhere randomly walking in the street and in and out of stores with broken windows. There was no rhyme nor reason. It looked chaotic but I had no idea of how bad it would get.

That night I walked through the HFH tunnel to the 17 story clinic building with some fellow student nurses. We took the elevator to the top floor and the city that I love looked like it had been bombed. So much anger exploding. My heart hurt. My soul hurt.

The national guard was stationed in the HFH parking garage and tanks patrolled the campus perimeter. Snipers would shoot at the nurse's dorm so we had to crawl along the floor whenever we approached an outside window. We worked 18 hour shifts with 6 hours rest for that entire week.

But, and this is the point of my story, inside the hospital was an island of sanity within a sea of erupted anger and dispare. We were all shades of skin color, ethnic origins, and religions, working together to take care of the sick in our care. African American colleagues would risk their lives to get to work to take care of patients. For a young, impressionable student nurse, it was a vision of what could be and the best that humanity had to offer. It was the real Detroit!

There and then I made a personal commitment to be part of the solution of healing, not just bodies, but the healing of spirit in this great City -- the City I still love. My entire career has been devoted in one way or another to this personal mission as I have worked in Detroit since that Sunday of 1967.

Today, 40 years have passed, and the healing may finally just be starting. Optimism is a choice. Hope is a choice. Action is a choice. What part of the solution will you commit to? What choices will you make? What actions will you take? I've made mine, and I'm staying!

2007-06-01T15:48:00.000-04:00

Bill Gnodtke (left,) who chairs the Mackinac Bridge Authority, discussing plans with authority executive secretary, Bob Sweeney, for a second bridge spanning the straits. [Just kidding.]

July 26-28 brings a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the bridge's opening. There will be parades in St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, fireworks, and hosts of other events. For more info please go to www.mackinacbridge.org.

Holding their feet to the fire

2007-06-01T14:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday evening Andy Dillon and Mike Bishop were politely and professionally manhandled by interviewer Tim Skubic, who got them to 'fess up about the '07 budget, the SBT replacement, expected decision dates, points of difference, reasons for footdragging and more--including their yes or no vote on term limits and a part-time Legislature. It was both good theatre and one of the meatiest sessions put on by the Chamber's PAC Committee in many years.

Heard that the SheMachine--a West/East Michigan business thinktank--had a standup board meeting Thursday night. According to one member, they caucused on One D's economic prosperity strategies.

Am looking forward to the Big FiveFest that starts in a few minutes. Saw Brooks coming out of the men's room with a freshly sharpened tongue.

Moving Forward

2007-06-01T14:13:00.000-04:00

Okay, late night last night but what fun!

New term: Aerotropolis - spine & clusters of airport-linked businesses along airport transportation corridors.

Nice to see the topic of regional transportation defined in a more global context. It wasn't just the same discussion around bussing and metrorails - not that it would be convenient to have a system like Washington D.C. area.

While I didn't like the ugly topic of Michigan's economy, Governor Granholm's discussion on the budget was clear and succinct - we need to get it done - NOW!

Here's a few snapshots- more to come:

I was impressed, and it doesn't happen often

2007-06-01T12:14:00.000-04:00

I just attended Governor Granholm’s address, and I can say she hit a home run. It was by far the most impressive dialog around why we need new revenues that I have seen her do in a while. Though she should have started this conversation four years ago, I am glad it is now the center piece of her budget plan and message to the public. It really isn’t that hard to make the budget balance; we have to raise the income tax to 1999 levels. Hopefully leadership will allow the Senate and House to vote on it. The real question for the governor is will she use the remainder of her campaign war chest to buy media to get this message out. She is a great communicator, and if this is the most important decision for the state’s future, why would you not?

We Are the Solution

2007-06-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

Here at the Leadership Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, there has been much discussion surrounding the goals and expectations of One D, southeastern Michigan’s newest initiative designed to promote regional collaboration and growth. As expected there are naysayers who grumble about the many plans unveiled in the past that did not yield results. Will One D be like that too?

The fact is, it’s not up to One D to solve our problems. It’s up to us.

For example, as a business owner, I know I must focus on my company and strive to make it the best it can be. I also know it is my job to promote southeastern Michigan and the rest of the state to others especially when I travel. I know that I have to stay open-minded regarding organizations like One D. And finally, I have to encourage my friends and neighbors to do the same.

If I sit back and pot-shot creative ideas, all the while expecting organizations like One D to fix our region’s issues and economy, then yes One D and those like it will fail to make any progress. Quite simply: they can’t do it alone.

So next time the person next to you says, “that will never happen,” regarding a new idea designed to help our region. Let them know politely that anything is possible. The world, as they say, is still our oyster and by persistently making improvements (however small they might be), capitalizing on opportunities and embracing new ideas, this region, our economy and the state and turn itself around and be a place we are all proud to call home.

Wellness is Key to Reducing Healthcare Costs

2007-06-01T10:13:00.001-04:00

In our annual Business Leader survey, created in partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, we found that 56 percent of respondents have considered reducing employee health benefits due to the high costs of health care.

Providing good health care benefits for employees is an essential, yet costly, business. But aside from debating on the details of why health care is so expensive, in my view, the solution to reducing these costs is found in the individual. By caring for ourselves, watching what we eat and getting at least 20 minutes of good exercise each day, we make precious strides in promoting our own wellness.

The logic is simple. Fewer ailments mean fewer trips to the doctor. The result could lead to lower premiums. Although we enjoy a fantastic health care infrastructure in the United States with premier physicians and technology, we can’t expect that system to solve all our problems. And, by adding incentives that reward employees for healthy behavior, businesses can influence their bottom line too. I was a little surprised that our survey also showed that 75 percent of businesses do not offer health care insurance that rewards people for healthy habits. I’m sure the costs for these programs are well worth the results: fit employees who are less stressed and feel good about themselves.

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Real results

2007-06-01T09:52:00.000-04:00

At the final One D session of the Mackinac conference, panelists offered some specific anecdotes on how One D is already achieving success. Among them:

* Grants for the region from the U.S. Department of Labor totaling $7.1 million for workforce development

* Leadership Detroit announced Friday it would re-organize its program with One D tenets. The leadership program is sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber, one of the member organizations of One D.

* A collaborative group including One D member organizations led by New Detroit Inc. brought the “Race: Are we so Different?” exhibit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on short notice, sending a delegation to Minneapolis in February and getting the exhibit here in May when there was an opening in the schedule.

See OneD.org for more information or to post success stories from regional collaboration.

Humbling Happenings

2007-06-01T09:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a great day on the island. I have been coming to the Chamber conference for many years, and I usually have a pretty intuitive sense of the mood and the state of readiness for change. This year, more than ever, I sense a real tiredness around status quo and a real desire for the region to redefine itself. The words have been there before but this year they seemed to be backed up by a pervasive spirit and focus. The sessions were productive and the visible leadership and messages from Edsel Ford seem to be reasonating throughout the attendees.

Now for the humbling part. Last night after a wonderful dinner at the Island House with great friends and colleagues, I walked back to the Grand Hotel with my boss. We were both talking about the power of the day and the energy around changing the business culture of Southeastern Michigan. During the walk, a bird decided to drop a big gift from the sky onto my new sportcoat!

I tried to think of the deeper message in this (OK, not really) but decided after watching the Pistons game that it simply must have been a bird that flew in from Cleveland with a special message!

The Grand Event

2007-06-01T09:02:00.000-04:00

It was great to see people cut loose a little bit last night at The Grand Event, the big reception that took place at the Grand Hotel after a long day of policy sessions.

Attendees ate some delicious food, including an excellent paella, listened to live music and gathered around flat-screen TVs to cheer on the Pistons late into the night. I really enjoyed listening to and getting involved in some of the informal discussions people were having out on the hotel's porch.

My favorite part -- seeing well-known executives dance their way down a "Soul Train" line while a funk/soul band played "Le Freak" and "Rappers Delight." I have to say I was pretty impressed by some of the moves I saw out on the dance floor!

Small Steps: Big Rewards in Health Care

2007-06-01T02:13:00.000-04:00

Each year I look forward to the Mackinac Policy Conference. It isn't often that I can sit in a comfortable chair and watch Sen. Stabenaw, L. Brooks Patterson, Bart Stupak, Dennis Archer, Mike Bishop, Herb Smitherman, Fran Parker, Mike Duggan, and Janet Olszewski in one room! Impressive! For three days I sit, listen, observe, absorb and interact with some of the best and brightest minds in the state. For three days I also do what my mother told me not to do: eavesdrop. She would say, "nie podsluchiwuj" - don't eavesdrop. But, I can't help myself. I hear about a new PPO benefit plan for small businesses and how employees will need to take better care of themselves if they want lower copayments and deductibles. I hear praises for the Greater Detroit Area Health Council and their Saving Lives Saving Dollar Program. I hear about the succeses of the Arab American Chamber of Commerce and the importance of ACCESS. I listen to a small group discuss the matters dealing with illegal immigration and amnesty for those who have lived in the US for more than one decade. I hear two young women talk about a new mall near Lakeside (Clinton Township)that will attract shoppers because of the wide array of stores. I also listen to a physician who is concerned about health disparity in Detroit, the need for more primary care physicians. He lamented that no one is listening and no one is looking for a solution, although everyone is willing to talk about the problem. I should have asked him for more specifics but I wanted to get to a presentation on Pitney Bowes worksite wellness programs. I assumed he'd be there after the presentation on Health Care: High Stakes for Business and I'd have the opportunity to get more information about the topic so I proceeded to the Theatre.

I anticipated a great deal of knowledge being transferred from the speakers to the audience and Craig Barrett and Michael Critelli did not let me down. They presented a great case for workplace wellness programs, workplace pharmacies and clinics. They indicated that chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma could be followed at the workplace. They acknowledged that small employer groups would not be able to provide the same level of care as available at Pitney Bowes offices. I wondered what small employers could do to provide a scaled-down version of the Pitney Bowes Healthcare Solution. The cost would be high but preventive services could be provided by teams of non-physician providers that would travel from site to site. Craig pointed out that the health care industry would need to begin embracing the 21st century model of medicine which would include implementing electronic prescribing, electronic consults and electronic medical records. He also touched on a topic near and dear to me, developing a scorecard which would be used to monitor and report efficiency, quality and cost...

Is It Real?

2007-05-31T18:19:00.000-04:00

I am seeing collaboration already alive and well at this conference. Some may ask, is it real? Within 24 hours, two national labor leaders, James Hoffa and Ron Gettelfinger, graciously addressed our group and indicated a need for business and labor to work together. They are asking for collaboration. Is it real? The audience for both was equally courteous with their standing ovations for both. Were they real?

Amidst the One D Conference buzz, you may have noticed two business leaders who are collaborating together in a way they never have before. On the Theatre stage and in breakfast sessions, you are seeing Chamber President Dick Blouse and Detroit Renaissance President Doug Rothwell discussing their joint efforts to improve our economy. Both are recognizing the other’s organization for its contributions and accomplishments. I wonder if any of you out there are wondering, is it real?

Well, it is. I have been witnessing and watching these two work together for a common goal and purpose to transform regional Detroit. They talk regularly and meet regularly. They each are partnering on pieces of the other’s master plan. They traveled to Europe together to an Aerotropolis Conference and together they are championing new initiatives like the Medical Residence and Education Panel.

So when I see two great leaders suggest opportunities for new, unprecedented collaboration, I think to myself THIS IS REAL, because I have been witnessing it first-hand for the past seven months.

I believe regional collaboration is gaining momentum like a bicycle speeding down the Grand Hill. I sit here hoping that at 3 p.m. tomorrow, this momentum will continue when five of our regional leaders take the Theatre stage. And could it continue down I-75 and make its way Southeast Michigan?

Immigration

2007-05-31T17:58:00.000-04:00

I have run into several attendees this year who are from companies on the west side of the state. Is it curiosity, opportunity, access to Murdicks fudge? Could we be actually creating One D and One M at the same time? Stay tuned for more!

Rumbling

2007-05-31T17:39:00.000-04:00

After his Thursday speech, Bill Ford Jr. was asked about Sen. Barack Obama's comments criticizing automakers on fuel efficiency during Obama's Detroit Economic Club speech. Ford said he was disappointed by Obama's comments and would like to invite the senator to Ford's Chicago assembly plant where the company makes a car more efficient than what Obama drives (a Chrysler).

Showcase of Art

2007-05-31T16:24:00.000-04:00

In Grand Hotel is a selection of late 19th and early 20th century portraits on loan from Richard and Jane Manoogian -- two preeminent patrons of the arts. The exhibition alone is worthy of a visit to Grand. Artists include John Singer Sargent and Frank W. Benson. Their work is phenomenal. You pass through the exhibition space to get to and from the theater, at which the speakers' programs take place. There's much to love and admire about Grand Hotel's grounds and decor, but every bit as much to love about the Mussers' and Manoogians' commitment to the arts and willingness to share masterpieces with the public. Hats off to them!

Another political precipice

2007-05-31T15:57:00.000-04:00

Looked a day or two ago that legislators were really close to wrapping up a deal to replace the single business tax. Today, Senate Republicans backed up several steps--and so now we have another cliff teetering on our hands. No question that a deal will be done. Just too bad that the pols couldn't polish off the business tax issue more quickly to focus attention on the nightmarish 2007-08 budget.

Authenticity

2007-05-31T15:28:00.007-04:00

Day two of the conference has been quite stimulating. In addition to the problem solving on the porch, there have been several great presentations. The overflow crowd for the One D panel this morning was exciting to see. The questions and comments from the audience were thoughtful but usually represented a parochial view based on the individuals business. The panel did a good job presenting a unified front on the need to focus on a few key regional 'must haves' and just get them done.

Some of our political leaders are willing and able to get on board with the power of regional alignment and some have defined their careers by turf battles and are unlikely to change. One D must create critical mass support for the agenda and turn a deaf ear to the turf guards. It will take courage and tenacity.

I am sensing a higher level of readiness than I have before. True change usually comes when the platform is burning! Do you feel the heat?

Macminds

2007-05-31T15:22:00.000-04:00

Macminds

Traditions

2007-05-31T15:07:00.000-04:00

In the 14 or so years I’ve attended the Mackinac Policy Conference, I’ve developed some personal traditions that for me are as big a part of the conference as the major public policy deliberations that are a conference mainstay.

In recent years that starts with the ride to Mackinac Island with Bob Berg, who has been S3’s public-relations consultant for more than 10 years. The drive provides time to cover a lot of business, but more importantly, it includes a stop for a Haloburger at the Birch Run exit off I-75. Arriving on the island the ritual includes skipping a ride to Grand Hotel because I know I’m going to have at least one pecan ball before the week is over. And we stop at two shops – the Peace Frogs store in the Horse Corral Mall on Main Street and the Birkenstock Store right across from the infamous Mustang Bar on Astor Street run by friends of Bob’s.

Walking up the hill I am reminded every year of the breathtaking splendor of the Grand Hotel and what a unique asset it is for Michigan. We are indeed fortunate to have a family like the Mussers who take such loving care of this historic landmark, now in its 121st year. Last year I thought back to the address Gov. William G. Milliken made at the 2005 conference, when he reminded us what true leadership looks like.

On Wednesday I will head out early in the morning for a run around the island and feel completely safe – something that is not an option in so many places these days. And then it will be time to get down to work.

During the week, make sure you take time to thank Dan Loepp and the chamber staff for running such a huge undertaking in such a seamless manner. They literally work 24 hours a day to make everything go smoothly. Their professionalism is evidenced both by the results of their work and the fact they do it in such a low-key way.

If you want to get the most out of the conference, start your own traditions this year. And if you’d like a suggestion where to start, I’d suggest the Birch Run exit and a Haloburger, with olives.

Images of Mackinac

2007-05-31T14:32:00.001-04:00

Thursday Afternoon

2007-05-31T14:32:00.000-04:00

Okay, really enjoyed Ron Gettelfinger. Growing up in the Detroit metro area, unions have not always been well-received and often blamed for regional issues. Gettelfinger went outside of regular union-issues and really made us think regionally as well as globally. He emphasized that things, including unions, have to change to remain competitive. He touched on trade issues that impact American companies - i.e. trade agreements that level the playing field and much more. He also touched on health care, the Chrysler sale, global economy and global warming/environmental issues.

Kudos for Gettelfinger who kept the audience's attention and received a standing O!

TTFN!