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2021 Annual Meeting
JW Marriott • Grand Rapids • August 22 -25th
Register Today!
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MEDA is excited to announce that the new Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Quentin L. Messer, Jr. (left), will address the audience at the Annual Meeting during lunch on Tuesday, August 24th.As CEO, Quentin is charged with implementing and executing MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital, and enhancing Michigan’s image and brand with a focus on building a strong and equitable economy for all Michiganders.
Mr. Messer begins this role at the MEDC on July 19th, so he will provide a fresh perspective on the latest at the State's top economic development agency.
About the Annual Meeting
MEDA's biggest education and networking event of the year is its Annual Meeting. This conference includes educational sessions covering the most important economic development topics and issues of the time as well as several networking opportunities.
The conference will be held Sunday, August 22 - Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids!
Conference Website
For full information on the conference, including agenda, location, hotel reservations, award nominations, etc., visit www.medaweb.org/annualmeeting. Also, connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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Michigan is a Resilient State ...
... and its business community has wasted no time turning the challenges brought forth in 2020 into new pathways for rebuilding the economy.
Economic developers were instrumental in providing resources to businesses through the tough times and will continue to lead businesses, communities, and the workforce through the new landscape.
Through increased equity initiatives, continued work in advancing our broadband infrastructure, adaptations of the supply chain, and much more, the economic development community in Michigan is already building up our resilience for anything that may come in the future.
Join us in Grand Rapids for education and networking with your partners in growing your community!
Agenda
Sunday, August 22nd
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Early Arrivals Reception at Forty Pearl Wine Bar
Join MEDA’s Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and staff for this light-hearted networking reception.
Free to attendees - Guest Fee: $35
Free to attendees - Guest Fee: $35
Monday, August 23rd
2:00 to 5:30 p.m. Conference Registration
Conference registration is not only for checking in, but also for picking up your materials, paying if you have not, asking any questions that you have, and networking with fellow attendees as they arrive.
3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Concurrent Tours
This timeframe includes travel time between the JW Marriott and the tour site.
>> ADAC “Driven by Innovation” Tour
ADAC, a global Tier 1 automotive supplier of door handles, has been a proud member of the Grand Rapids manufacturing community since 1975 and continues to provide innovations that will open doors well into the future. Visit the headquarters and Innovation Center not only to experience how their corporate culture drives growth but to see how the products are designed and delivered.
$20/person for attendees and guests - Limited to 30 people
>> Grand Rapids Aseptic Manufacturing “State-of-the-Art Pharma Development and Delivery” Tour
GRAM’s large-scale aseptic fill-finish facility is equipped with industry-leading technologies that support projects using high-speed, state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging equipment. This aseptic processing facility expansion provides access to top-quality parenteral drug manufacturing for all batch sizes. The facility accommodates customer and industry-wide demand for U.S.-based cGMP injectable drug manufacturing. Join us on a tour of GRAM and see their Grade C formulation suites, cleanroom, filling suites, QC and Analytical Labs, customer viewing rooms, and more.
GRAM’s large-scale aseptic fill-finish facility is equipped with industry-leading technologies that support projects using high-speed, state-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging equipment. This aseptic processing facility expansion provides access to top-quality parenteral drug manufacturing for all batch sizes. The facility accommodates customer and industry-wide demand for U.S.-based cGMP injectable drug manufacturing. Join us on a tour of GRAM and see their Grade C formulation suites, cleanroom, filling suites, QC and Analytical Labs, customer viewing rooms, and more.
$20/person for attendees and guests - Limited to 30 people
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Opening Reception at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Rooftop
Take in the view of Grand Rapids from the Rooftop of the Warner Norcross + Judd LLP building while you connect with old friends, make new ones, and get excited about the conference at our Opening Reception.
Free to attendees - Guest Fee: $50
Tuesday, August 24th
7:45 a.m. Registration Opens
8:15 a.m. Randy Thelen, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc., Welcomes Attendees
8:30 a.m. Our Business Resilience Story
Perrigo is a multi-national company - with a new location in Grand Rapids - with over 10,000 employees. With those employees being both remote and essential, and major changes occurring in the supply chain, their operations have no doubt been impacted by the pandemic. Hear about what they learned and what they plan to do for continued success moving forward.
Moderator: Birgit Klohs, CEO, The Right Place, Inc. (retired), Honorary Conference Chair
Panelists: Ron Janish, Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Supply Chain, Perrigo
Richard Sorota, Executive Vice President and President, Consumer Self-Care Americas, Perrigo
9:15 a.m. Networking Break
9:30 a.m. The Right Infrastructure for the New Landscape
The need for new and upgraded infrastructure to meet the needs of innovations, such as electric vehicles, has not gone away. Learn what is being done to address the growing and diversified needs.
Moderator: Jill Bland, CEcD, Managing Partner, Southwest Michigan First
Panelists: Paul C. Ajegba, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation
Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, State of Michigan
Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, State of Michigan
Simon Whitelocke, President, ITC Michigan
Representative, Midwest Energy and Communications
Representative, Midwest Energy and Communications
10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:45 a.m. Our New Talent Landscape
The pandemic caused a rapid change in not only how work is done, but also where work is done, how staff is managed, the hiring process, talent sourcing, and much more. Hear how this multinational, but Michigan-born, company has adjusted its practices.
Ann Harten, Vice President, Global Human Resources, Haworth
11:30 a.m. Networking Break
11:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 1
>> Equitable Economic Development Plan
Increasing equitable economic development outcomes is a primary focus of many EDOs across the country. In January 2020, the City of Grand Rapids adopted its Equitable Economic Development and Mobility Strategic Plan. The Plan is aligned with the City's Strategic Plan and seeks to: 1) support economic competitiveness with more equitable participation in the economy; 2) enhance citywide mobility options and increase safety; and 3) promote inclusive growth and access to City services. We will share policy changes made, lessons learned, and report on outcomes that will help you with your equitable economic development strategies and results.
Jeremiah Gracia, CEcD, Director, Economic Development, City of Grand Rapids
Jeremiah Gracia, CEcD, Director, Economic Development, City of Grand Rapids
>> Deeper Dive into the State of Michigan’s Broadband
An increase in online activity due to the pandemic has brought a lot of challenges, one of which is the lack of broadband internet access in Michigan, and it is not only in rural communities. This panel will focus on the challenges Michigan residents face in relation to broadband internet access.
Panelists: Eric Frederick, AICP, LEED AP, Vice President, Community Affairs, Executive Director, Connect Michigan
Ron Houtman, MM, ED.S., Education Technology Consultant/REMC 8 Director, Kent ISD
Gavin Leach, Vice President, Finance and Administration, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, Northern Michigan University
>> Grand Rapids’ Revitalization Task Force
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss formed the Grand Rapids Area Revitalization Task Force at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Task Force is focused both on the short-term needs of helping the community navigate through the pandemic and the long-term vision of using this crisis as an opportunity to “build back better” than when we entered the pandemic. This presentation will look at how the Task Force came into existence and how it is facilitating collaboration between numerous different, but like-minded business, community, workforce, and tourism-related organizations.
Joe Agostinelli, CEcD, Executive Director, Grand Rapids Area Revitalization Task Force
12:30 p.m. Lunch and Keynote by MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr.
1:20 p.m. Concurrent Session 2
>> New Supply Chain Links
The supply chain is the structure that keeps businesses moving around the world. Disruptions can make a huge difference to any company that might need a part to finish a job. Companies need to stay ahead of the best supply chain practices and this automotive company will share what they learned during the pandemic and what their plan to do and what they plan to do to keep their supplies coming on time.
Peter Hungerford, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, ADAC Automotive
>> Michigan’s Resilient Automotive Industry
Eyes have been on the automotive industry in Michigan throughout the pandemic. Sales were impacted, staffing was impacted, and some diversified to make PPE, which generated income and kept our residents safe. With the need to keep workers safe moving forward, what do our automotive companies, mobility startups, and suppliers need to do to keep the production line running strong?
Moderator: Kurt Brauer, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Speakers: Tara Lanigan, Head of Policy and Advocacy, May Mobility
Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, State of Michigan
Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director, MICHauto and Vice President, Automotive & Mobility Initiatives, Detroit Regional Chamber
>> Move to MI
Move to MI is a program that encourages and incentivizes Chicago workers to move to Southwest Michigan. This breakout session will focus on the Move to MI program, the challenges the program faces, and the opportunities it offers.
Rob Cleveland, CEcD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cornerstone Alliance
Christina Frank, Vice President, External Affairs, Cornerstone Alliance
Christina Frank, Vice President, External Affairs, Cornerstone Alliance
2:05 p.m. Networking Break
2:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 3
>> Commercial Storefronts Best Practices for Towns and Cities
This timely seminar will illustrate practical storefront and visual merchandising best practices for small retailers, restaurants, and downtown shopping districts in the Post-pandemic era. Current shopper trends and proven techniques for displays, signage, branding, lighting, fixturing, and window displays will be illustrated, with easy hands-on applications.
Robert Gibbs, FASLA, AICP, President, Gibbs Planning Group, Inc.
Robert Gibbs, FASLA, AICP, President, Gibbs Planning Group, Inc.
>> Keeping Michigan’s Carbon Footprint in Step
Our future depends on keeping our air clean and fresh. Containing our carbon footprint is a great way to do that, as well as to promote our state as a healthy place to live and do business. Three of Michigan’s largest utilities are making moves to assure our safety. This panel will talk about the rise in electric vehicle infrastructure, what the goals are for renewables, creating reliability/value for customers, and more. What does this mean for your community? What are they doing and how can you partner?
Kwafo Adarkwa, Director, Public Affairs, ITC Michigan
Representative, Consumers Energy
Representative, DTE Energy
>> A Healthy Corporate Culture Workout
The pandemic sent many workers home very quickly. Employees that were used to networking and strategizing in person on a daily basis had to learn how to accomplish their goals while miles from each other, which caused some muscle strain or torn ligaments to their company culture. Lessons were learned and it is time to hear about the best practices that can be implemented moving forward.
Moderator: Cindy Brown, Vice President, Talent Initiatives, The Right Place, Inc.
Speakers: Jim Medsker, President, Keystone Solutions Group
Keather Winslow, Director, Human Resources, Automated Process Equipment Corporation (APEC USA)
3:00 p.m. Adjourn
3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Concurrent Tours
This timeframe includes travel time between the JW Marriott and the tour site.
>> Feyen Zylstra “Growing Industry 4.0” Tour
Feyen Zylstra is a leader in industrial technology, and electrical innovation and services. During the tour, they will highlight their capabilities, longevity, and commitment to the region and leadership on helping Western Michigan manufacturers adopt Industry 4.0 through their partnership with The Right Place, Inc./The Center-West.
$20/person for attendees and guests - Limited to 30 people
>> Array of Engineers “Technology and Automation” Tour
Array of Engineers specializes in embedded software and embedded hardware design, development, and testing in the aerospace, space, defense, medical device, and IoT industries. In addition to an array of specialized products and solutions, their automated solutions save time and money for these vital industries. Tour the facility and witness product creation and testing automation as well as learn about how relationships with other small businesses support NASA centers.
$20/person for attendees and guests - Limited to 30 people
6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Awards Reception at the Grand Rapids Art Museum
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.
Free to attendees - Guest Fee: $50
Wednesday, August 25th
8:30 a.m. Registration Opens
9:00 a.m. The Medical Mile Goes Farther than a Mile
The healthcare cluster developed by the Medical Mile has far-reaching implications for our state. In an effort to build Michigan as a health and technology destination, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) established the SmartZone program around 2001. This innovation hub has grown substantially since. Learn where it’s going, the impact, potential partnerships for your community, and much more.
Moderator: Birgit Klohs, CEO, The Right Place, Inc. (retired), Honorary Conference Chair
Panelists: Norman Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, Michigan State University
Jerry Callahan, PhD, MBA, Chief Strategic Officer, Van Andel Institute
Philomena Mantella, President, Grand Valley State University
Richard Sorota, Executive Vice President and President, Consumer Self-Care Americas, Perrigo
Invited: Tina Freese Decker, MHA, MSIE, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Spectrum Health
10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:45 a.m. Optimizing the New Site Selection Landscape
Site consultants will always be a part of the economic development process, whether it is going smoothly or there are mass disruptions such as a pandemic. These site consultants will share their experiences and what you can do moving forward to be prepared when RFP’s come your way.
Moderator: Brent Case, Vice President, Business Attraction, The Right Place, Inc.
Speakers: Greg Burkart, Managing Director and Practice Leader, Site Selection and Incentive Advisory Services, Duff and Phelps
Dan Foster, Executive Managing Director, Global Strategy, NEWMARK
Brooklin Salemi, Credit and Incentives Manager, STS SALT, BDO
11:45 a.m. Networking Break
12:00 p.m. Economic Development Today
With the recent pandemic, economic developers around the country have developed a new role. Hear from economic developers from around the country discuss what they have experienced, how they are navigating the new landscape, the challenges economic developers are facing, and what they believe the future is to look like.
Moderator: Jeff Finkle, CEcD, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Economic Development Council
Panelists: Mike Finney, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Moderator: Jeff Finkle, CEcD, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Economic Development Council
Panelists: Mike Finney, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Miami-Dade Beacon Council
Peter Frosch, Chief Executive Officer, Greater MSP
Jon Roberts, Principal, TIP Strategies, Inc.
1:00 p.m. Adjourn
Location and Hotel Reservations
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
235 Louis St., NW
235 Louis St., NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Costs
$195++/night for single or double rooms
Click here to reserve your stay and for more information about hotel reservations, parking, additional fees, amenities, and the cancellation policy.
Corporate Sponsors
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