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2024 Annual Meeting "Fresh Ingredients" Sessions

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Early Arrivals Reception at SkyBridge (Included for Attendees $0)

Early Arrivals/SkyBridge (Self $0) 8/13 4:30 PM

Location
SkyBridge Michigan
Summary
Take a walk on the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge as a part of your MEDA conference experience. SkyBridge Michigan is one of the newest major attractions and is sure to leave you with an experience to share. We’ll have a central meeting spot for attendees to network and you’ll have plenty of time to cross the bridge and sight-see with your economic development friends.

Early Arrivals Reception at SkyBridge (Guest $35)

Early Arrivals/SkyBridge (Guest $35) 8/13 4:30 PM

Location
SkyBridge Michigan

RFI Bootcamp (Register Under Attendee Registration Options Above)

RFI Bootcamp (Members $55;Non $70) 8/14 1:00 PM

Summary
Quest is a national site selection and economic development consulting firm based in Greenville, SC. Quest was established in June 2018 upon the closure of McCallum Sweeney Consulting (MSC) due to the retirement of the owner, Mark Sweeney. MSC’s economic development practice transferred to Quest upon closure and has grown as Quest adapted the service offerings to reflect evolving market conditions and provide enhanced deliverables. Over the past five years, Quest has also built a robust site selection practice consisting of prior MSC clients as well as numerous new clients. Although Quest’s focus is site selection for corporate clients, Quest leverages its expertise and experience to assist economic development organizations in preparing for the challenges of attracting and retaining capital investment and employment opportunities in this competitive climate. Several of the nation’s leading economic development site readiness and certification programs were designed and implemented by the Quest team and are highly regarded for their thoroughness. Come and learn from the best and leave with tools that will assist you in showcasing your sites and community.

Craft Beverage and Sweets Tour (Self $20)

Craft Beverage & Sweets Tour (Self $20) 8/14 4 PM

Summary
Stirring new flavors into time-tested favorites is a part of what makes craft beverages and sweets such an experience. The other is local influence and ownership. Bellaire has some unique places to eat and drink. Visit Bee Well Mead and Cider, Mammoth Distillery, Fireside Lounge, and RuthAnn’s Bakery. End at Shorts Brewery for the Opening Reception.

Craft Beverage and Sweets Tour (Guest $20)

Craft Beverage & Sweets Tour (Guest $20) 8/14 4 PM

Attainable Housing Offsite Session/Tour (Included for Attendees $0)

Attainable Housing Tour (Self $0) 8/14 4:00 PM

Summary
Visit the Bellaire Lofts and learn about the components that came into this innovative workforce housing development in Bellaire, Michigan. The 1983 Company is creating affordability via design. They have been able to create a 2 bedroom townhome that can be converted and leased to one, two, or three different parties. This built in agility allows Bellaire Lofts to serve a wider range of individuals in need of housing and drive down the monthly rent significantly. From families to single adults, our communal housing design will support up to 142 new residents within 50 residential dwelling units in Antrim County.

Opening Reception at Shorts (Included for Attendees $0)

Opening Reception/Shorts (Self $0) 8/14 6:00 PM

Location
Shorts Brewery
Summary
Tacos, friends, drinks, outdoors, music, tacos – What more could you want out of a Northern Michigan evening? Connect with old friends and made new ones at this year’s Opening Reception.

Opening Reception at Shorts (Guest $50)

Opening Reception/Shorts (Guest $50) 8/14 6:00 PM

Location
Shorts Brewery

Trivia Night (Self $35)

Trivia Night (Self $35) 8/14 7:30 PM

Location
Shorts Brewery
Summary
Everyone is welcome to MEDA’s Trivia Night. Have fun and test your knowledge as we raise money for the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship.

Trivia Night (Guest $35)

Trivia Night (Guest $35) 8/14 7:30 PM

Location
Shorts Brewery

The Preheat: Building Public Support

General Session (All Attend) 8/15 8:45 AM

Speakers
  • Nick Posavetz - Vice President, Plante Moran Realpoint
  • Stephanie Fries - MPA, EDFP, Regional Manager, Government Relations, Ford Motor Company
  • Paul O’Connell - Vice President Real Estate Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Tyler Rossmaessler - Executive Director, Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance
Summary
Gain perspective from the corporate, local, and state level, on how you and your economic development partners can help community members understand economic development so that they celebrate company locations rather than postpone them due to misunderstanding the long-term benefits.

Leveraging P3s to Transform Your Development Goals

General Session (All Attend) 8/15 10:15 AM

Speakers
  • Greg VanKirk - Partner, Plante Moran Realpoint
  • Todd Fenton - Vice President, Plante Moran Realpoint
Summary
Description: Michigan is home to diverse communities, all of whom can benefit from the use of P3s. A public-private partnership (P3) is a collaborative arrangement between a government agency and private-sector companies. These partnerships are used to finance, build, and operate projects of all sizes, such as public transportation networks, parks, and convention centers. This session will provide an understanding of what a P3 is, identify drivers that make for good P3 projects, the benefits and challenges of P3s, and provide best practices to implementing successful P3s. This will also include an overview of a notable case study; how Royal Oak successfully leveraged a P3 to transform their downtown.

Refining Two Key Ingredients: Infrastructure and Jobs

General Session (All Attend) 8/15 11:15 AM

Speakers
  • Corey Utley - Economic Development Manager, Consumers Energy
  • Denise Donohue - CEO, County Road Association of Michigan
  • Maureen Donohue Krauss - President and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership
Summary
It's been nearly three years since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was voted on and approved. From roads and bridges to electric buses and drinking water, the bill, in which allocation was to be spread out over five years, is making a difference in many states. Learn the latest on investments in Michigan as well as what can be expected so that communities can prepare.

Breaking Through the Noise: Inclusive Communication and Engagement for Local Governments

Concurrent Sessions 1 (Select One) - 8/15 1:15 PM

Speakers
  • Nate Geinzer - Founder and CEO, Double Haul Solutions
  • Peter Chapman - Founder and CEO, Urban Policy Innovations
  • Teresa Gillotti - Founder, Gillotti Community Consulting, LLC
  • Torri Mathes - Founder, Mathes Media
Summary
You have an upcoming development or initiative in your community. How do you effectively communicate and engage this project to your residents, so it passes the taste test? This session will guide you through the process of developing a tailored communication and engagement plan for your community and how to implement it. You'll learn how even the most complicated city initiatives can be communicated effectively with a well-designed plan.

Best Practices for Microbusiness Ready Communities

Concurrent Sessions 1 (Select One) - 8/15 1:15 PM

Speakers
  • Richard Murphy - AICP, Program Manager, Policy Research Labs, Michigan Municipal League
Summary
Get a sneak peek at the Microbusiness Ready Communities standard, a best practice guide and support materials for local governments looking to support entrepreneurship and small business sustainability. With the standard set for completion and publication in fall 2024, attendees will have the opportunity to preview and provide feedback on draft materials and discuss how this work can be applied for the greatest impact in communities around Michigan.

A Pinch of Planning, A Dash of Local Government Support: Making Housing Deal Happen in Rural Communities

Concurrent Sessions 1 (Select One) - 8/15 1:15 PM

Speakers
  • Andrea Jacobs - Project Manager, Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity
  • Lisa Miller - Director of Partnerships and Engagement, Office of Rural Prosperity
Summary
Optimal planning, coordination, and capacity approaches can ease housing deals in rural communities. Hear from one community that has made headway local government leadership, philanthropic support, zoning changes, and other components to make development happen.

The Icing on the Cake is People: A Strong Michigan Population

General Session (All Attend) 8/15 2:30 PM

Speakers
  • Sam Bailey - Strategic Initiatives Manager, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
  • Ava Attari - Director, Higher Education Partnerships, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Michael Horrigan - President, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
  • Jake Manthei - President, Aster Brands
Summary
Loud and clear is the word that Michigan needs to work on attracting and retaining talented people to keep a healthy economy. Learn about Michigan's population growth and retention initiatives, what individual companies are doing to keep workers, what higher education is doing to keep talent in our state, and how local entities can adopt proposed solutions.

Northern Experience Offsite Educational Session/Tour (Included for Attendees $0)

North Experience/King Orchards (Self $0) 8/15 4 PM

Summary
Take a ride to Central Lake for tasting, shopping, and sight-seeing. Visit King Orchards for a demonstration of the diversity of the ag industry: agritourism, local processing, global distribution, and more. Enjoy complimentary cider and donuts while you are there!

Awards Reception at Shanty Creek (Included for Attendees $0)

Awards Reception (Self $0) - 8/15 6:00 PM

Summary
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. The awards presented include MEDA Medalist of the Year, Mike Conboy Professional Development, President’s, Emerging Star, and Robert Sieghart Award.

Awards Reception at Shanty Creek (Guest $50)

Awards Reception (Guest $50) - 8/15 6:00 PM

Bonfire/Emerging Leaders Networking $0

Bonfire/Emerging Leaders Networking 8/15 7:30 ($0)

Trails, Talent and Tech: An Asset-Based Approach to Building Lasting Community Prosperity through Outdoor Recreation

Concurrent Sessions 2 - 8/16 8:00 AM

Speakers
  • Brad Garmon - Senior Strategic Advisor and Executive Director, Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, MEDC
Summary
Join the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office at MEDC to discuss emerging opportunities, best practices and case studies in outdoor recreation-based economic and community development. Topics include insights into Michigan $12.4 billion outdoor economy, data to inform regional approaches, and national resources including the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable’s Rural Economic Development Toolkit and Outdoor Workforce Hub.

Keeping it Light: Saving Energy Costs for Businesses

Concurrent Sessions 2 - 8/16 8:00 AM

Speakers
  • Meghan Ross - Business and Communications Associate, Lean and Green Michigan
Summary
Businesses are looking for ways to alleviate the costs of energy, whether it be for operating equipment, vehicles, or heating and cooling. Many times, estimates are needed for location decisions. There are solutions and economic developers can be a resource for identifying providers. Join this facilitated discussion so you have plenty of words of wisdom to take home to your client companies.

Tribal Economic Development Today

Concurrent Sessions 2 - 8/16 8:00 AM

Speakers
  • Tom Durkee - Director, Tribal Economic Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Summary
Tribal economic development best practices, partnership, and lessons learned during the post-pandemic recovery process.

Supply Chain Sustainability and Reliability as a Means to Attract New Investment

Concurrent Sessions 3 - 8/16 9:00 AM

Speakers
  • Paul Corbett - Director, Government and Community Affairs, MichAuto, Detroit Regional Chamber
  • Glenn Stevens - Executive Director, MichAuto, Detroit Regional Chamber
Summary
Noteworthy supply chain hiccups of the last few years have highlighted the need for a more resilient supply chain to manage price volatility and other challenging dynamics in industries important to Michigan, none more so than the automotive industry. To this end, industry, policymakers, and economic development professionals should increasingly endeavor to expand access to raw materials, either domestically mined or acquired via friendly trading partners. For Michigan this represents a unique opportunity to explore and mine in the U.P. that could increase the onshoring of jobs and generate economic growth.

A Watched Community Never Boils: Business Support through Streetscape Renovations

Concurrent Sessions 3 - 8/16 9:00 AM

Speakers
  • Denise Murray - Marketing Consultant, RoamInDowntown.Com
Summary
If you are considering a Streetscape Project, how do you provide the support that your businesses will need to minimize the impact of the disruption it will create? Having a plan will provide some re-assurances to businesses and demonstrate ongoing support throughout the entire project will ensure their success and yours. We will cover objections, gameplans, tools, partnerships, and the element of creativity to get through an entire year of construction from start to finish.

Substitutions Needed: Housing for a Shifting Demographic

Concurrent Sessions 3 - 8/16 9:00 AM

Speakers
  • Jacob Boss - Vice President, Plante Moran
Summary
Senior housing plays a crucial role in communities by providing tailored living arrangements for older adults, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being. These centers offer a full suite of services, including food, recreation, specialized medical care, and other necessary amenities. Michigan's rapidly aging population is generating demand Senior housing facilities unlike any previous time. Simultaneously, as the baby boomer generation leaves the workforce, the labor force necessary to staff these senior housing settings is dwindling while demand increases. This session will address the impact this has on a community and the planning communities can do today to ensure their housing stock is adequate and fits the needs of their residents tomorrow.

Crafting the Perfect Pitch to Site Selectors, Businesses and Talent

Concurrent Sessions 4 - 8/16 10:20 AM

Speakers
  • Dave Parsell - CEO, Localintel
Summary
Join TEDx speaker and Localintel CEO Dave Parsell as he reveals the potential of combining local knowledge, AI, and data visualizations to create a compelling pitch for your community. Discover how this innovative approach can make your community stand out to site selectors, businesses, and top talent, as well as how to effectively utilize this pitch across your website, social media platforms, and other marketing channels.

Approving New Housing Options – What Makes or Breaks the Deal?

Concurrent Sessions 4 - 8/16 10:20 AM

Speakers
  • Jill Ferrari - Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Renovare Development
  • Shannon Morgan - Managing Partner, Renovare Development
Summary
In the last several years, the demand for housing options at all income levels has increased. New financial resources, revamped state policies, and a growing list of creative tools have positioned communities for success. Hear from developers who are spearheading projects in large and small towns across Michigan as they discuss what can help these projects cross the finish line or cause them to walk away. You won’t want to miss this informative discussion on one of Michigan’s most pressing needs.

The Role of Community Development in Economic Prosperity

Concurrent Sessions 4 - 8/16 10:20 AM

Speakers
  • Tim Mroz - Senior Vice President, Community Development, The Right Place, Inc.
Summary
Community development plays a pivotal role in driving long-term economic prosperity. The symbiotic relationship between vibrant places and economic progress creates the “it factor” regions need today and in the future to both retain and attract talent and business. This session will explore the role community development plays in economic development. We will delve into community development as a multifaceted strategy that extends economic development into areas of placemaking, real estate redevelopment, infrastructure, municipal relationships, and more.

Baked to Perfection: What it Takes to Win the Deal – Site Selectors’ Perspective

General Session (All Attend) 8/16 11:30 AM

Speakers
  • Susan Proctor - External Affairs Executive Director, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Bob Westover - Senior Vice President, Colliers
  • Kim Williams Davis - Director, Quest Site Solutions
  • Adam Burgess - Principal, Plante Moran Realpoint
Summary
The site selection process is more complex than ever. While sites and talent often emerge as the most important factors, there are many other elements that influence the ultimate choice. The discussion with three top site selectors will focus on major site selection factors and emerging trends to help communities compete.
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