Northern Michigan Policy Conference – Agenda & Keynote Speakers

Are you into business policy? Ready to have a regional impact?
Join us for the Chamber Alliance’s 2019 Northern Michigan Policy Conference.

Northern Michigan Policy Conference
December 2, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
NMC Hagerty Center
715 E. Front Street
Traverse City, MI

$30 per person
(includes lunch and networking event)
REGISTER HERE

Special Hotel Room Rate

West Bay Beach Resort
Call: 231-947-3700, press 1 for reservations.
Ask for the “Northern Michigan Policy Conference” Rate

Rate: $85.00 per night plus 11% tax per room, per night.
Rooms at this rate will be available Nov 29-Dec 4.

*Tax-exempt? Please present a tax exemption letter at check-in. The tax-exempt organization will need to be listed on the form of payment. The exemption includes the  6% state sales tax, but not the 5% occupancy tax.

Northern Michigan Policy Conference
DRAFT AGENDA

**Keynote Speaker Bios

Welcome
Amy Clickner, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership

Welcome from Presenting Sponsor
Doug DeYoung, Community Affairs Manager, Consumers Energy

Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Update
Kent Wood, Director of Government Relations, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

“Promoting a Rural Agenda for Economic Development and Technological Advancement in Michigan”
Jean Hardy, PhC, MIS
University of Michigan

Quick Update
Sarah Hubbard, Acuitas, LLC – “Legislative Update 101”

“The many roles in rural development: from billionaires to non-profits”
Chris Uhl
Executive Director – IFF

LUNCH

Lunch Keynote
“Combatting the Challenges of Rural talent development and attraction”
Christine Quinn
Regional Administrator, US Department of Labor

Quick Update
Rural Partners of Michigan – “A Bridge between leaders and communities to revitalize rural Michigan”

“Move Over Buffalos: Help Your Community Become Growth Obsessed”
Penny Lewandowski
Principal, Change at the Edges

Quick Update
Warren Call, Traverse Connect – “Tracking Regional Growth Metrics”

“A RAAD Concept that can Change the Narrative”
Marty Fittante
CEO, InvestUP

BREAK

Quick Update
Housing North – “A New Leader in Rural Housing”

Keynote Panel: Developing Quality and Affordable Rural Child Care Options
Dawne Bell
CEO, Early Childhood Investment Corporation

&

Senator Ken Sikkema
Senior Advisor, Public Sector Consultants
(former Michigan Senate Majority Leader)

*Moderated by Tom Kramer, Anchor, TV 7&4

Recap & Action Plan
Kent Wood, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

RECEPTION
Hagerty Center, 5:00-7:30pm

**Keynote Speaker Bios

What Is The Northern Michigan Policy Conference?

The Northern Michigan Policy Conference is a regional economic development conference led by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance – a partnership of Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Organizations throughout northern Michigan and the upper peninsula.

Now in its second year as a policy conference, the event is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance northern Michigan region’s standing as a world-class place for business, residents, visitors, and students of all ages. High-value growth in existing and new businesses, thriving public and private educational institutions, and flourishing communities and downtowns will make Northern Michigan a national model for quality and sustainable rural development.

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance’s “Four Pillars of Rural Prosperity” was created with the participation of numerous business leaders and regional stakeholders. Ultimately, changing state of Michigan policy to be a catalyst for successful rural job and wealth-creation efforts will be the result of a collaborative, unified implementation effort.

The Northern Michigan Policy Conference is designed to be the preeminent way for business and community leaders to have input into solution-oriented ways to address the Four Pillars of Rural Prosperity.

Rural Business Development
Attracting Talent to Rural Areas
Rural and Small City Housing Development
Access to Quality Child Care

Presented by

Presenting Sponsor