DETROIT, March 29, 2011 -- Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced 2011 Mackinac Policy Conference programming that will address how to create an environment that makes Michigan globally competitive, touching on the prominent role of advanced manufacturing in Michigan’s economic renaissance.

The Detroit Regional Chamber is pleased to welcome William C. Ford, Jr., executive chairman of the board, Ford Motor Company, to the Mackinac Policy Conference stage on Friday, June 3.  Ford will anchor a panel jointly hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Detroit Economic Club (DEC) focused on the important role of manufacturing to Michigan and America’s economic prosperity and leadership.  This panel, building on the dialog that began at the National Summit, convened by the DEC in 2009, will also feature the Honorable Deborah Wince-Smith, president and CEO, U.S. Council on Competitiveness and Beth Chappell, president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Club.

The partnership between the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Detroit Economic Club marks a new spirit of collaboration at the Mackinac Policy Conference – and highlights the Conference’s strong focus on “one Michigan.”

Mark L. Reuss, president, North America for General Motors Corporation will serve as the evening keynote speaker on Thursday, June 2. Reuss has deep Michigan roots and has been a central figure in GM’s celebrated turnaround. His address will remind Conference attendees about the vital role the auto industry will continue to play in both Michigan’s and America’s economic prosperity.

“This year’s Conference is an ideal venue to celebrate General Motors’ resurgence, its leadership in technology and success in the global marketplace,” said ArvinMeritor Chairman, CEO and President Chip McClure, who serves as chairman of the 2011 Mackinac Policy Conference. “We are framing this year’s Conference discussions to serve as a microcosm of how business and government can successfully partner to create a globally competitive and financially attractive environment to increase economic development in our state which can be applied to the national stage.”

“With leading roles for Bill Ford, Mark Reuss, Bob King and Conference Chair Chip McClure, the Mackinac Policy Conference is declaring strongly that advanced manufacturing – and the auto industry in particular – is a critical component not just of the Conference agenda, but our economic future,” stated Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber.  Baruah continued, “While diversification of our economic base is critical to our future, ensuring that we nurture a robust auto industry is equally important.”

Detroit Regional Chamber 2011 Mackinac Policy Conference

The Mackinac Policy Conference - the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual event – brings together business and government to re-energize Michigan. Since 1981, the Conference has provided access to Michigan’s top business professionals, legislative leaders, corporate CEOs, entrepreneurs and veteran regional champions. Over 1,500 attendees will gather for the 2011 Conference, held June 1-3 at the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. For more information please visit, mpc.detroitchamber.com.

About the Detroit Regional Chamber

With over 20,000 members and affiliates, that employ over three quarters of a million workers, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the largest chambers of commerce in the country. The Chamber’s mission is carried out through business attraction efforts, advocacy, strategic partnerships and providing valuable benefits to members. For more information please visit, detroitchamber.com.

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