Program: The Michigan Economy

April 6, 2010
8 – 8:45 a.m. Guest seating
Location: Community Arts Auditorium
9 – 9:10 a.m. The Michigan Economy: Will it Get Better, Can it Get Worse?
Welcome and introductions
Location: Community Arts Auditorium

Welcome from President Jay Noren
Introductions by Irvin D. Reid
9:10 – 10:30 a.m. The Michigan Economy Up Close
Location: Community Arts Auditorium

Panelists analyze current conditions while exploring indicators for recovery, examining government’s role in relieving economic stresses, explaining obstacles to policy reform and giving a prescription for improving Michigan’s fiscal health. Moderated by Mary Kramer, publisher, Crain’s Detroit Business.

Panelists: Joseph Lehman, president, Mackinac Policy Center; Lou Glazer, president, Michigan Future Inc.; and Michael Belzer, associate professor, Wayne State University Department of Economics .
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. The U.S. Economy: Can it Get Better, Will it Get Worse?
Location: Community Arts Auditorium

Alice Rivlin will address issues of the U.S. economy, including the federal budget deficit, growing national debt, healthcare financing, reform of financial institutions and other matters that could impact the budget crises in Michigan. A question and answer session follows Ms. Rivlin’s presentation.
 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Break for lunch. Please click here for a list of campus dining options.
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Business Leaders and Financial Institutions on Business Expansion
Location: Community Arts Auditorium

Business leaders discuss their successes and failures, as well as obstacles to improving Michigan’s business climate. Moderated by Daniel Howes, associate business editor, The Detroit News.

Panelists: Lori Blaker, president and CEO, TTi Global; Ben Maibach III, chairman and CEO, Barton Malow; David Marvin, executive vice president, Middle Market Banking, Comerica Bank; Michael Poulos, president and CEO, Michigan First Credit Union; Doug Rothwell, president and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan; and Bob Slattery, president, Midtown Development Corporation.
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Preparing for Michigan’s New Economy
Location: Community Arts Auditorium

Leaders from Southeast Michigan’s foremost business accelerators and economic development organizations discuss steps being taken to encourage new developments and foster high-tech entrepreneurship in our state. Moderated by RJ King, editor, D Business.

Panelists: Sandy Baruah, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber; Michael Finney, president and CEO,  Ann Arbor Spark; David Hollister, president and CEO, Prima Civitas Foundation; Judy Johncox, director of business services, TechTown; Gregg Main, president and CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; and Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley.