2023 Annual Meeting "Inside and Out" Agenda
A solid foundation for a vibrant Michigan economy - inside and out!
Overview
A solid foundation for economic development requires that we work from the inside to attain the best incentives and resources that are needed for continual growth while also working on the outside to utilize natural resources and make sure residents and visitors alike enjoy and experience our unique quality of life.
Michigan is poised to build on opportunities to attract residents and visitors because of climate migration and work-from-home policies. These attractions would be made easier with a good supply of housing in urban and rural areas, a plethora of recreational activities, talent-building opportunities, and a ripe entrepreneurial environment.
After being motivated by many possibilities in those areas, we will hear from site selectors about what they feel Michigan needs in its site location offerings to attract and retain companies in today’s environment. We’ll cap everything off by hearing from State leaders on what can be done to keep Michigan on the right track.
MEDA’s Annual Meeting Committee has planned a conference full of learning, networking, and fun while also working on what is most important in keeping a vibrant economy in Michigan!
Agenda
Sunday, August 13th
5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise Early Arrivals Reception - THIS RECEPTION IS FULL!
Set sail on picturesque Lake Superior! Join MEDA’s Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and staff for this light-hearted networking reception where you will experience the historic and beautiful scenery that makes our state a fantastic tourist destination.
Katherine A. Reynolds, Ph.D., CEO, Greater Munising Bay Partnership/Alger County Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Director, Munising Downtown Development Authority
Attendees: Included in registration Guests: $35/person
Monday, August 14th
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 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.
11:00 to 3:30 p.m. Cleveland-Cliffs’ Tilden Mine Tour - THIS TOUR IS FULL!
Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel company in North America and a leading supplier of automotive-grade steel. Their products not only touch roadways, but also rail, appliances, heating systems, military armor, food preservation, and more. View their Tilden Mine and see how mined materials are transformed into the many components that make our economy and lives stronger while you gain perspective on how innovation will see manufacturing needs met well into the future.
Attendees: $25/person Guests: $25/person
Dress: All participants adhere to a strict dress code. Closed-toed, flat-soled shoes must be worn. No high heels or sandals are permitted. Long pants to the top of the shoes must be worn. No dresses, skirts, shorts, or capris are permitted. Shirts or blouses with sleeves must be worn. The shoulders must be covered. Anyone not appropriately dressed will not be permitted to participate in certain tours. No firearms, drugs, or alcohol allowed.
Limit: Limited to 35. THIS TOUR IS FULL!
11:45 to 3:00 p.m. PotlatchDeltic Lumber Mill Tour
Even the most basic of our natural resources, trees, need the best of talent and logistics to be produced and distributed to meet customer demand. PotlatchDeltic not only uses technology in manufacturing, but also works to sustain the valuable timberlands that are under their care. See up close how lumber is safely turned into materials that are used in products throughout the United States.
Attendees: $25/person Guests: $25/person
Dress: Closed-toed shoes, no heels. No dresses, skirts, or shorts are permitted. Eyewear, hard hats, and hearing protection will be provided.
Limit: Limited to 25.
2:00 to 5:45 p.m. Brew Around Marquette Tour - THIS TOUR IS FULL!
Experience Marquette’s unique mix of top-notch craft beverage producers. This tour will allow you to visit – and sample from – four distinct downtown locations: Barrel & Beam, Drifa Brewing Company, Black Rocks Brewing Company, Ore Dock Brewing Company.
Attendees: $25/person Guests: $25/person
Dress: Wear comfortable shoes; be prepared for a lot of walking.
Limit: Limited to 30. THIS TOUR IS FULL!
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Opening Reception at Upper Peninsula Brewing Company
Brewed with history, the recently renovated Upper Peninsula Brewing Company has added some delicious flavor to Negaunee’s first craft brewery! Raise a glass with your fellow attendees to a great conference ahead!
Attendees: Included in registration Guests: $50/person
7:45 to 9:30 p.m. Trivia Night at Upper Peninsula Brewing Company
Everyone is welcome to MEDA’s first-ever Trivia Night. Have fun and test your knowledge as we raise money for the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship.
Attendees: $35/person Guests: $35/person
You can register yourself and up to 4 teammates. Don't have a team? Don't worry! We'll pair you up onsite.
Tuesday, August 15th
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:15 a.m. Attendee Welcome
Dr. Brock Tessman, Ph.D., President, Northern Michigan University
8:30 a.m. Creating a Welcoming Climate Migration Haven
Extreme weather in the southern U.S. and coasts is wreaking havoc and Michigan, specifically, the U.P., has been mentioned as having a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on climate migration. How can communities prepare for a potential influx?
Dr. Derek Van Berkel, Assistant Professor, Geospatial Data Sciences, Landscape Architecture, Conservation + Restoration, University of Michigan
9:15 a.m. Networking Break
9:30 a.m. Status of Michigan Housing Initiatives
2023 has been a hot year for housing solutions. Organizations like the Housing Michigan Coalition are championing empowerment zones, tax incentives, etc. The Statewide Housing Partnership has organized and is commencing regional collaborations. Get the latest on what’s being discussed at our Capital and how these legislative solutions are being used within communities to address housing challenges.
Moderator: Justin Horvath, President/CEO, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership
Panelists: Anne Giroux, Deputy Director and Administrator, Marquette County, Land Bank Authority of Marquette
Joshua Lunger, Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Jim Tischler, Development Director, Michigan State Land Bank Authority
10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:45 a.m. Rural Entrepreneurship – Growing from Anywhere
Michigan has a budding rural entrepreneurship base and there are a variety of scenarios that lead to a business’ choice to operate outside of a larger city. Hear from one successful rural entrepreneur, and representatives from three supporting organizations, as to why some companies operate rurally, tools that are available, and how they overcome barriers to success.
Moderator: Sarah Lucas, Director, Michigan Office of Rural Development
Panelists: David Rowe, CEO, MTEC SmartZone
Joe Thiel, CEO, Innovate Marquette
Jessica Youngblood, Owner, Youngblood Vineyard
11:45 a.m. Lunch and Membership Meeting
12:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 1
>> Addressing Housing Challenges
InvestUP received a $15 million enhancement grant for critical challenges facing the region in 2022. Among the investments, they focused on incentivizing housing development, and you can build perspective from the experience for your region’s housing investments. Learn about the programming parameters, the demand, the approach in soliciting developments and ongoing challenges.
Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP
>> Launchpad for Local Entrepreneurs
In partnerships with local municipalities, ISD tech centers have students build pop-up retail shops that local entrepreneurs can rent out and use as a launching pad for their budding retail operations. The dynamics of this unique partnership for student development, entrepreneurship development, and municipal support can be an inspiration for your local entrepreneurship toolbox.
Wendy-Jean Buhrer, City Manager, City of Grand Blanc
>> A Deep Trek into the Upper Peninsula’s Trails – Creating an "Up North" Trail Experience
The Upper Peninsula is a fine example of how trails have left a large economic impact on their surrounding communities. With a society that seeks the “Up North” experience, communities around the state can build a quality trail experience that can also lead to economic growth.
Aaron Rogers, Founder, Rock Solid Trails
1:30 p.m. Networking Break
1:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 2
>> MML Pattern Book for Multi-Unit Housing Models
The Michigan Municipal League has created a Pattern Book Homes Manual for creating new multi-unit housing models for infill construction on vacant lots in downtown-adjacent neighborhoods. Learn about the history of pattern books and kit homes in the early 20th century, receive the basics of Euclidean zoning, discover ways to make simple zoning tweaks to enable gentle density with small-scale, multi-unit housing, review model duplex, and fourplex plans with optional style choices, understand the need to practice due diligence at the local level for each new build and gather references for other kinds of new infill multi-unit housing projects across the US.
Melissa Milton Pung, Policy Research Labs Program Manager, Michigan Municipal League
>> Sixty by 30- Building a Better Michigan
Sixty by 30 seeks to increase the number of working adults with a skill certificate or college degree by closing the skill gap, increasing the opportunity for higher education, and making Michigan more competitive for inclusive economic growth. What is the mission of the Sixty by 30 Strategic Plan? What are the next steps to creating a better Michigan?
Sarah Szurpicki, Director, Office of 60x30, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
>> New Investment in Outdoor Recreation
Michigan is increasingly invested in partnerships, funds and other efforts to accelerate the growth of businesses and jobs in the outdoor recreation industry, focusing on innovative outdoor gear and products, technology companies and people. Hear from players that are enhancing the outdoor recreation industry by rethinking it as not only tourism but innovation and start-up support to help meet the region and state’s economic development goals.
Brad Garmon, Senior Strategic Advisor & Executive Director, Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Alisyn Malek, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Middle Third
Dave Ollila, Founder/CEO, Shophouse Park
2:30 p.m. Adjourn
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Tours
>> Hiking the Day Away Self-Guided Tour
Materials will be available at registration for hikers that want to hit the trails for scenery, exercise, or a family adventure. Information is already available on the Travel Marquette website if you want to plan ahead.
Attendees: $0 Guests: $0
>> Lake Superior Waterfront Biking Tour - THIS TOUR IS FULL!
Join Natalie Kretlow, Office Manager with Travel Marquette, for a bike tour along the Lake Superior waterfront. Take the scenic route and learn about the most historic landmarks of Marquette including the Maritime Museum, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, The Upper Ore Dock, and more. Ride along with your fellow economic developers on this Upper Peninsula adventure!
Attendees: $25/person Guests: $25/person
Dress: Business casual, appropriate exercise clothes, tennis shoes, or comfortable shoes. Helmets not provided.
Limit: Limited to 10. THIS TOUR IS FULL!
>> The Small Business Difference Downtown Walking Tour - THIS TOUR IS FULL!
Join Elissa Sangalli, President of Northern Initiatives, for a walking tour of downtown Marquette to see the impact small businesses have on a community. Meet business leaders who have made a difference in a variety of ways – from redeveloping historic buildings to creating jobs – all with the help of Northern Initiatives, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that works with entrepreneurs who are making positive, sustainable changes.
Dress: Business casual, appropriate exercise clothes, tennis shoes, or comfortable shoes.
Attendees: $0 Guests: $0
Limit: Limited to 20. THIS TOUR IS FULL!
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Awards Reception at the Honorable Distillery
This night is for recognizing economic developers that 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. This year's location takes us to a downtown redevelopment of an old theater into a distillery that partners with local farmers, grain millers, malt houses, and breweries to make high-quality spirits that represent the rugged individualism of the Upper Peninsula "The Honorable Way." The awards presented include MEDA Medalist of the Year, Mike Conboy Professional Development, President’s, Emerging Star, and Robert Sieghart Award.
Attendees: Included in registration Guests: $50/person
Wednesday, August 16th
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. Governor's Address
The Honorable Governor Gretchen Whitmer
8:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 3
>> Private Sector Housing Solutions
Housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable. Private-sector housing solutions offer the opportunity to rehabilitate rental properties and obsolete buildings in urban and rural areas. A developer with projects throughout the state and beyond will share how they use housing tax credits, historic credits and other fund sources, the variety of projects and types pursued, and hurdles overcome for success.
Craig Patterson, Senior Vice President, Woda Cooper Companies
>> Investing in Talent to Keep College Graduates
University and EDO Partnerships can be a solid foundation for a strong local economy that retains the right talent for open jobs in the region. Internship growth and expansion have made a positive difference in the retention of college graduates and can be a changemaker in your community.
Amy Berglund, Director of Business Initiatives, InvestUP
Brianna Mosier, Director of Organizational Development, Flint & Genesee Group
Dave Nyberg, Executive Director, Business Engagement and Economic Development, Northern Michigan University
>> Talent Needs in Recreational Boating
Recreational boating remains a major economic engine in the U.S., and in Michigan. Boaters and marine dealers have a growing need for more well-trained and prepared marine professionals to maintain, repair, restore, and build boats. Find out how Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville is helping to address the dire workforce shortage in this burgeoning outdoor recreation-related industry.
Thomas Coates, Director of Development, Great Lakes Boat Building School
9:00 a.m. Networking Break
9:15 a.m. Site Consultant Panel
The site selection process has become increasingly complex due in part to the scarcity of investment-ready sites, talent, and other trending site location factors. This panel brings together three top site selectors to talk about how best-in-class states are addressing these challenges to help economic developers position communities of all sizes to win.
Moderator: Susan Proctor, CEcD, Site Selector Engagement Executive, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Panelists: Chris Lloyd, Senior Vice President & Director, Infrastructure & Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting LLC
Alan Reeves, Senior Managing Director, Newmark
Ann Rybka, Director, Atlas Insight
10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:45 a.m. State Economic Development and Legislative Leadership Panel
Now that you have been motivated by the many possibilities for building a solid foundation for Michigan’s continued growth throughout the conference, and what could be done to fix and improve Michigan’s site location offerings from site selectors, discuss the changes needed at the State level with key leaders in economic development and the legislature.
Moderator: Kurt Brauer, Partner, Warner, Norcross + Judd LLP
Panelists: Senator Ed McBroom (R), Michigan’s 38th District
Quentin Messer, CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Representative John Roth (R), Michigan's 104th District
12:15 p.m. General Adjournment
Register Now
Go back to the Annual Meeting Homepage or go straight to Registration.
Everyone is welcome to MEDA’s first-ever Trivia Night. Have fun and test your knowledge as we raise money for the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship.
Please join us on Tuesday, October 17th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. for a Zoom Webinar.
Please join us on Tuesday, September 26th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a Zoom Webinar.
Since its founding as a family-owned company in 1959, Granger Construction has fostered an atmosphere of integrity, inclusiveness, and ingenuity. Granger has been ranked among the top workplaces in Michigan and places the utmost value on relationships and community. By applying the Golden Rule in our interactions with clients and employees, Granger’s workplace culture – whether in the office or on the jobsite – advances and strengthens our most valuable asset – our people. At Granger Construction, we strive to truly understand our customers’ vision and aspirations. We listen intently, collaborate closely, and consistently build results that make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Our experience across multiple market segments – from healthcare and industrial to education and government – brings to our customers a deep and broad range of expertise. This informed approach together with our guidance makes a significant difference in the ultimate success of any building endeavor.
