Skip to content

2026 Michigan's Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting Sessions

Back to Event
Register

I will attend the Opening Reception (Included)

8/5/26 5:30 to 7:30 PM Registrant

Summary
Join us for a long-held MEDA tradition, the 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 ($35)

8/5/26 5:30 to 7:30 PM Guest

Summary
2026 Michigan's Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting - Opening Reception Guest

I will attend Trivia Night ($35)

8/5/26 7:30 to 9:00 PM Registrant

Summary
A new MEDA tradition has been built! 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)

8/5/26 7:30 to 9:00 PM Guest

Summary
2026 Michigan's Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting - Trivia Night Guest

Design as Strategy: Developing Resilient Economies

8/6/26 11:45 to 12:45 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Bonnie Fahoome - Co-Executive Director, Design Core Detroit
Summary
Strong local economies don’t happen by accident. They’re built through clear thinking, smart planning, and good design. This session shows how design goes beyond looks to support businesses, improve how services are delivered, and strengthen commercial corridors and infrastructure. When applied intentionally, design helps reduce inefficiencies, stretch limited resources, attract customers, and create a competitive advantage that supports reliable, long-term growth.

FDI in a Changing World: Trends, Drivers, and Opportunities for Michigan

8/6/26 11:45 to 12:45 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Guillermo Mazier - SVP, Global Business, Financial Times
Summary
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is evolving as countries and companies respond to global disruptions, regional shifts, and innovation trends. This session will explore how Michigan can effectively translate global FDI opportunities into local economic wins—by understanding key trends, showcasing local strengths, and adopting proactive strategies for investment attraction and retention. Participants will leave with insights on where FDI is headed, how Michigan is positioned, and what practical steps communities can take to compete in a fast-changing global landscape.

Belong Dickinson - Multimedia Storytelling About Living and Working in the Dickinson Area

8/6/26 11:45 to 12:45 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Seth Anderson - Creative Lead and Media Production, Mountain Media House
  • Mindy Meyers - Executive Director, Dickinson Area Economic Alliance
  • Elsa Pontbriand - Communication and Marketing Consultant, Mountain Media House
Summary
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is using a multimedia storytelling approach to attract and retain talent, which could easily serve as a blueprint for promoting quality of life in a community. An investor-funded living and working initiative – Belong Dickinson – highlights the many opportunities to find community and belonging in the Dickinson area of the Upper Peninsula.

The Next Step Ahead With Ned

8/6/26 2:15 to 3:15 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Ned Staebler - Vice President of Economic Development, Wayne State University
Summary
When it comes to staying on top of what’s next in entrepreneurship, tech startups, Main Street, and retail business support, Ned Staebler and his team at TechTown at Wayne State University stay ahead of trends to prepare future workers and entrepreneurs, and to support small businesses and economic development organizations. But Ned isn't about keeping the strategies to himself; he's here to share what they can do and how you can apply them in your EDO. Learn from the leader of an organization that has supported more than 6,000 small businesses in 15 years and has trained businesses around the country for over a dozen years.

Leveraging a Corridor to Drive Economic Development: The Michigan Avenue Innovation Network

8/6/26 2:15 to 3:15 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Anne Marie Graham-Hudak - Supervisor, Canton Township
Summary
Corridor-based strategies can be powerful drivers of economic development when growth is coordinated rather than fragmented. This session examines how corridors can leverage development proximity, complementary uses, and industry clusters to create critical mass that attracts additional investment. Panelists will discuss the importance of strong corridor branding and identity in shaping market perception, along with the role of unifying infrastructure - such as transportation, streetscapes, and shared amenities - in connecting projects and reinforcing long-term economic momentum.

USDA Rural Development Programs & Rural Opportunity Zones

8/6/26 2:15 to 3:15 PM Registrant

Speakers
  • Valarie Handy CEcD - Deputy State Director of Rural Development – Michigan, U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Dom Restuccia - State Director of Rural Development – Michigan, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is presenting on Rural Development loans, grants, and loan guarantees for water, sewer, electric, housing, community facilities, and rural businesses. The presentation will also highlight the new Rural Opportunity Zones coming to Michigan next year because of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act of 2025.

Building a Stronger Small Business Ecosystem

8/7/26 9:00 to 10:00 AM Registrant

Speakers
  • Wafa Dinaro - Executive Director, New Economy Initiative
  • Fred Paul - Associate Director, New Economy Initiative
  • Youseph Saad - Program Coordinator, New Economy Initiative
Summary
The New Economy Initiative will showcase MI Small Business Helper, a free digital platform that connects entrepreneurs across Southeast Michigan to trusted business resources in one centralized hub. The tool helps organizations streamline connections, align services, and expand access to funding, guidance, and programs that support business growth and long-term economic sustainability.

Flexible Zoning Blueprint for Economic Development

8/7/26 9:00 to 10:00 AM Registrant

Speakers
  • Andy Aamodt - Senior Planner, Giffels Webster
  • Joe Tangari AICP - Principal Planner, Giffels Webster
  • Julia Upfal - Senior Planner, Giffels Webster
Summary
Learn how zoning can be used to open the door to valuable development and land uses by streamlining processes, providing flexibility, and taking advantage of historical building stock to lower costs. This presentation will cover mixed-use development, planned unit development, nonconforming uses and buildings, streamlining processes, training for elected and appointed officials, and administrative review.

Advancing Economic Development Through Multimodal Integration with UAS, AAM, and Emerging Technologies

8/7/26 9:00 to 10:00 AM Registrant

Speakers
  • Christopher Girdwood - CEO, Detroit Region Aerotropolis
  • Michael Healander - CEO, Airspace Link, Inc.
  • Robert McCraight - Mayor, City of Romulus
Summary
This session convenes leaders from the public and private sectors to explore the policy, collaboration, and investment strategies needed to accelerate the safe, sustainable deployment of next-generation aviation infrastructure. From digital integration and automation to extended reality tools, panelists will discuss how forward-looking policy can unlock innovation, expand connectivity and access, and position Michigan as a leader in aviation.
Powered By GrowthZone
Scroll To Top