2025 Michigan's Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting Sessions
I will attend the Opening Reception at New Holland Brewing Co. (Included)
8/18/2025 5:30 to 7:00 PM Registrant
Summary
Join us in the heart of Downtown Holland at the New Holland Brewing brewpub for a long-held MEDA tradition, its Opening Reception, where old friends meet and new ones are made, while enjoying local food and drink before the conference.
I will bring a guest to the Opening Reception at New Holland Brewing Co. ($35)
8/18/2025 5:30 - 7:00 PM Guest
Summary
Join us in the heart of Downtown Holland at the New Holland Brewing brewpub for a long-held MEDA tradition, its Opening Reception, where old friends meet and new ones are made, while enjoying local food and drink before the conference.
Trivia Night ($35)
8/18/2025 7:30 to 9:00 PM Registrant
Summary
We know you’re smart, and you can prove it at Trivia Night while having fun with your economic development partners and friends!
I will bring a Guest to Trivia Night ($35).
8/18/2025 7:30 to 9:00 PM Guest
Summary
We know you’re smart, and you can prove it at Trivia Night while having fun with your economic development partners and friends!
SSBCI 2.0: Capital, Technical Assistance, and the Future of Small Business Support
8/19/25 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Speakers
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Salifou Mahaman - Project Manager, Second-Stage Growth/Small Business Services, State of Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
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Carlos Martinez - President, People First Economy
Summary
The State Small Business Credit Initiative is a Department of Treasury funded program that flows through the State and into the MEDC. Realizing that businesses need more than just capital to succeed, the administrators of the SSBCI 2.0 program added technical assistance as a component. With that help, businesses can compete faster than ever before. Get an update on the SSBCI program, learn who participates, resources available, and the next steps in helping businesses reach the next level.
Master Plan for Housing and Developer Attraction
8/19/25 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Speakers
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Pablo Majano - Senior Community Planner, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
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Justin Horvath CEcD - President and CEO, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership
Summary
A master plan is meant to guide the future growth of a community in a way that reflects the values, needs, and vision of everyone who lives there. Communities across Michigan and the country are facing real challenges when it comes to housing, whether it's about affordability, availability, or having enough options for people at different stages of life. In response to updates to the Michigan Planning and Enabling Act through Public Act 153 of 2024, the Redevelopment Ready Communities program has updated its toolkit to help communities take action. The new guidance supports local efforts to assess current and future housing needs and build plans to meet them. Hear from an RRC Senior Community Planner, a member economic development organization, and a planning expert on how to create a strong and inclusive housing plan. You’ll also get practical tips and resources that can help your community create more equitable housing opportunities.
Semiconductor Growth in Michigan
8/19/25 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Speakers
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John McLaughlin - Global ESG Leader & Ann Arbor Site Lead, KLA
Summary
While semiconductors are known for being small, they can make a lot of waves. Remember the chip shortage? Michigan jumped on growing the semiconductor industry and the industry is projected for continued growth. Get an update on the industry, what is needed to attract these companies, and hear a story about a company that is thriving in our state.
Technology and Childcare Tour ($20)
8/19/25 3:45 to 5:00 PM Registrant
Summary
Gentex is a technology company proficient in a wide range of core competencies, yielding a unique fusion of technologies, developing and manufacturing custom high-tech electronic products for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries. In addition to being a cool facility, they have an innovative, company-provided, nature-based childcare program and are creating a model to help other companies meet their needs.
Incubation and Collaboration Walking Tour
8/19/25 3:45 to 5:00 PM Registrant
Summary
Take a walking tour of two highly innovative economic development spaces in Holland. The Next Center is Lakeshore Advantage’s business support hub. It is an open concept, collaborative space with room for up to 50 startups. The Holland Community Ice Skating Park is a redevelopment project brought to life by a Revitalization and Placemaking Grant, crowdfunding, and an MEDC matching grant. Learn the collaborative story while touring the newly finished facility.
I will bring a guest on the Technology and Childcare Tour. ($20)
8/19/2025 3:45 to 5:00 PM Guest
I will bring a guest on the Incubation and Collaboration Tour ($0)
8/19/2025 3:45 to 5:00 PM Guest
Summary
Take a walking tour of two highly innovative economic development spaces in Holland. The Next Center is Lakeshore Advantage’s business support hub. It is an open concept, collaborative space with room for up to 50 startups. The Holland Community Ice Skating Park is a redevelopment project brought to life by a Revitalization and Placemaking Grant, crowdfunding, and an MEDC matching grant. Learn the collaborative story while touring the newly finished facility.
AI Pillars of Progress - How do we fit?
8/20/2025 9:00 to 10:00 AM
Speakers
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Sageous Suggs - Chief Information Officer, aLocal
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Dell Gines - Ph.D., Vice President, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
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Bratton Riley - Co-Founder and CEO, Citibot
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Eric S. Trevan - Ph.D., Investor, President and Chief Executive Officer, aLocal
Summary
AI has existed for decades, and some companies were early adopters and leaders of this tool. Over the past few years, new and exciting govtech and economic solutions have emerged that help guide policy, market, and economic decisions. This panel seeks to open discussion with industry leaders about practical applications used today by governments and economic development organizations. Additionally, we will see how this fits under the International Economic Development Council’s AI policy pillars. This will bring together a robust conversation that intersects community engagement, economic and market analytics, with public policy. The panelists will provide specific examples and how their solutions save money, time, and provide a runway for better decisions.
A Partnership That Builds More Than Just Products: How Innovation and Industrialization Roll Up Their Sleeves to Shape Michigan’s Future
8/20/2025 9:00 to 10:00 AM
Speakers
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Kevin Johnson - President and CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Summary
Michigan stands at the crossroads of economic transformation, and we need to embrace industrialization and innovation as partners, not competitors. Let’s be honest. We often separate these forces: innovation belongs in tech hubs, while industrialization feels like yesterday’s news. But the truth is that real economic progress happens where these powerful forces meet. You simply can’t have one without the other. Join us for this presentation where Kevin Johnson will share how Detroit has successfully adopted this two-pronged approach to drive inclusive growth. He’ll offer practical insights and a Michigan-focused roadmap that communities of all sizes can apply to their economic development efforts.
Navigating Automotive Industry Investment Trends and Opportunities
8/20/2025 9:00 to 10:00 AM
Speakers
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John Voorhorst - Vice President of Economic Growth & Innovation, Center for Automotive Research
Summary
This session, led by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), will explore current investment trends and emerging technologies in the automotive industry. Participants will learn how regulatory and trade policies, such as tariffs, are shaping industry decisions and impacting local economies. CAR will also highlight its Automotive Communities Partnership (ACP) program, which supports EDOs and related organizations in attracting and retaining advanced mobility providers. Key workforce needs tied to the industry's shift toward alternative propulsion systems will also be discussed.
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