2018 Mackinac Policy Conference

Since 2011 Detroit Public TV and the Detroit Regional Chamber partner to provide Michigan citizens access to the Mackinac Policy Conference May 30 – June 1, 2018. Coverage featured top-level speakers and insightful panels with statewide business, government and community leaders on-site.

The Future of Work in Michigan: Partnerships Pave the Way to Prosperity | 2018 Mackinac Policy Conf

The future of Michigan’s economy relies on a workforce with the skills to meet demand today, and a pipeline with capable workers for tomorrow. From the C-suite to the shop floor, discussions about how automation and artificial intelligence will change work are taking place across the state. This session will explore strategies to tackle Michigan’s talent challenges including business and education collaboration to build a pipeline of skilled workers; aligning investments between workforce, economic and community development partners; and addressing employment obstacles.

Mackinac Moment: Salvador Salort-Pons | 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference

Mackinac Moment: Salvador Salort-Pons, Director, President and CEO, Detroit Institute of Arts

Is Michigan Prepared? Challenges and Opportunities… | 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference

The presence of high-growth, large-scale companies is often regarded as a positive sign of a city or region’s economic health and overall attractiveness. Featuring a panel of statewide experts, this session will examine some of the critical areas Michigan must address now — an educated workforce, high-skilled talent, infrastructure, reliable transit and urban development — to sustain the state’s upward trajectory and competitive advantage in the future.

Upping Michigan’s Talent Game | 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference

From agriculture to automotive to everything in between, Michigan has career opportunities for nearly every walk of life. Additionally, the state’s quality of life — culture, outdoor adventure, dining, etc. — rivals national competitors. To attract and retain talent and turn Michigan’s “brain drain” upside down, the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development will discuss work underway to position the Great Lakes State at the forefront of the national consciousness regarding jobs and opportunity.

Training for the Future: Aligning MI’s Industry & Workforce Needs | 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference

Automation and technology are changing the work of the future with the promise of higher productivity, increased efficiencies, safety and convenience. However, these new technologies raise tough questions about the broader impact on jobs, skills and the nature of work itself. This session will discuss how to match training with workforce needs, the skills necessary to be successful in the mobility industry, and how industry can work collaboratively with training entities to establish viable career paths for low- and middle-income workers.

Mackinac Policy Conference 2018 Friday Wrap-Up

Christy McDonald, Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson wrap up the last day of the policy conference with a an analysis of Thursday night’s gubernatorial debate and the highlights from this year’s conference.

Mackinac Moment: Warren Evans | 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference

Mackinac Moment: Warren Evans, Executive, Wayne County

Opioids in the Workplace: Impacting Michigan | 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference

The misuse of prescription opioids and other synthetic drugs has surged in the last decade. As a result, employers are increasingly concerned about the rampant availability of these drugs and the impact on employee productivity, talent availability, absenteeism and overall health care cost. This panel will explore the opioid crisis in Michigan and the steps businesses can take to mitigate the effect on employees through policies and programs.