2020 Annual Meeting
Onsite Conference: October 18 - 21
Virtual Conference: October 20 - 21
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Corporate Sponsors
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About the Annual Meeting
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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 onsite conference will be held Sunday, October 18 - Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, MI - just minutes away from Traverse City!
A virtual conference will be available for those that are not comfortable attending in person due to the pandemic with educational sessions running October 20 - 21.
In addition, we will record the educations sessions so attendees will have an extra week to watch them and provide the sessions that were supposed to be held as breakouts as bonus material.
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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60 Years Has Taught Us ...
... that Michigan’s finest economic developers are dedicated to their work for our businesses, communities, and workforce, even in the most challenging of times. With that work, they also have an eye on the future and make plans.
This conference is designed to teach you the latest business, community, and workforce strategies so you can make big plans for driving economic development in the next decade while including strategies for overcoming the challenges that have been brought forward in 2020.
You will learn the latest about partnering with venture capital and angel investors, experience real examples of methods for making your community more human-centered, hear from partners that you may not know that you have, and wrap up the conference with insight on managing your economic development organization through hard times and moving it in the right direction. And, yes, Traverse City is still as awesome as it was when we were here for our 50th Anniversary in 2010. We have things planned to get you into the Cherry Capital of Michigan!
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COVID-19 Safety Precautions
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Measures to Protect Attendees
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, MEDA has decided to move the October Annual Meeting to a hybrid event, including both in-person and online sessions via Zoom. This decision was made to ensure the safety of all attendees, while still continuing to hold the Annual Meeting. MEDA has and will continue to ensure the safety of guests by:
MEDA will continue to change any protocols/guidelines needed to follow CDC and government recommendations to keep the attendees/sponsors/speakers health as their top priority.
Visit this page of the Annual Meeting website for updates leading up to the event.
What Will Our Distancing Plan Look Like?
Michigan Ballrooms A - D at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa normally fit 390, but we're only seating for 70.
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Agenda for Onsite and Virtual Conference
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Bonus Sessions
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About the Bonus Sessions
The 2020 Annual Meeting Committee planned some great breakout sessions for attendees before the pandemic hit and social distancing measures had to be implemented. We thought you should still have the material, so we will record the sessions and provide videos to all registered attendees of the onsite and virtual conference.
Bonus Sessions
Creating Human Scale Places
Our built environment is a major determinant of what makes a place attractive to companies and the workforce. Walkable towns, unique local businesses, and “third” places where people can meet and socialize are keys to successful business attraction and retention. This presentation will outline appropriate human-centered design principals that are applicable to any village, town, or city. Robert Gibbs, FASLA, AICP, President, Gibbs Planning Group Christopher Khorey, AICP, Senior Principal Planner and West Michigan Manager, MCKENNA Event-Driven Attraction
Communities are cranking up the creativity to get people to relocate to, or stay in, their region. Learn from experience how event ideas came about, procedures, challenges, and results. Rachel Bartels, Executive Director, Hello West Michigan James McBryde, President and CEO, Middle Michigan Development Corporation Making the Most of Opportunity Zones in Your Community
With Opportunity Zones still being a new evolution of investment in communities to spur economic development, there are still a lot of economic developers that are struggling to make the most of them. Hear the word straight from the top about how they are used on a national level, what to know, and who to know. Moderator: Kurt Brauer, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd Panelists: Gary Heidel, Acting Executive Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority William C. Lentine, Partner, Warner Norcross + Judd Making Your Community Livable for All
When it comes to location, sometimes millennials and baby boomers want the same thing. When it comes to housing costs, other factors than size matters. When it comes to working with developers, sometimes knowing how a program works instead of its existence can open the doorway to new possibilities. Knowing and balancing the needs and wants in your community, and the people that build it can help to assure that new housing meets the long-term needs, and income, of as many as possible. Ryan Kilpatrick, Director, Housing Next Talent Incentives; Not Business Incentives
For years, businesses have received incentives for hiring. The tides are turning as some organizations and communities are providing incentives directly to employees and students for staying in, or moving to, a community. How does it work? Is it working? What could turn this experiment in talent retention into permanent factors of economic development? Rob Cleveland, CEcD, President, Cornerstone Alliance Audrey Sochor, Scholarship Programs Officer, Community Foundation of St. Clair County
Von Washington, Executive Director, Community Relations, Kalamazoo Promise 8:30 a.m. The Role of Foundations and Fraternal Organizations in Economic Development
As awareness of economic development increases, as does a variety of organizations discovering how and when they have a role. Specific examples of the involvement of dynamic organizations helping to drive opportunities in their communities will help you recognize how you could work with organizations in your community or the potential for other new partners that you may not connect to your job yet. Becky Ewing, Executive Director, Rotary Charities
Jamie Schriner, Program Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation Untapped Resources for Workforce Needs
As companies work to fill positions after the unemployment caused by the pandemic, there are individuals who are waiting for companies to give them an opportunity that they might not initially consider: the formerly incarcerated, the disabled, and immigrants. Motivated organizations are implementing strategies to help these members of our economy find jobs. Leon EL-Alamin, Founder and Executive Director, MADE Institute Nancy Lindman, Director of Public Policy and Partnerships, Michigan Association of United Ways Representative, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce |
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Annual Meeting Sponsors
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Corporate
Gold
Opening Reception
Lunch Sponsor
Silver
Ann Arbor SPARK
Envirologic Technologies, Inc. Indiana Michigan Power ITC, A Fortis Company Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Oakland County, Economic Development and Community Affairs PM Environmental Rudolph Libbe Group Breakfast/Coffee
Giveaways
Friends of MEDA
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Location and Hotel Reservations
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Location and Hotel Reservations
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd. Acme, MI 49610-0404 Costs
Hotel Guestroom - $169++/night
Tower Guestroom - $210++/night (available to MEDA group until filled) Reservation Deadline September 17th
In order to receive the group rate for this conference, you must reserve by September 17th.
Reserve Your Stay
Click here to reserve your stay and for more information about hotel reservations, free parking, additional fees, amenities, cancellation policy, and deposits.
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Certification Credits
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Economic Development Finance Professionals
This program qualifies for continuing education credits for Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council (NDC). Use the form on this page to claim your credit.
Certified Economic Developers
This event is recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts toward recertification for Certified Economic Developers (CEcD).
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Registration and Fees
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Onsite Conference Fees
MEDA Members $290*/Non-Members $400**
Virtual Conference Fees MEDA Members $210*/Non-Members $320**
*If you joined MEDA in the last year, you may still have a New Member Coupon worth $115 that you can apply toward this event. Ask Cassandra at cjorae@medaweb.org. **If you are not a member of MEDA and want to join during the registration process, we can apply your New Member Coupon. Ask Cassandra at cjorae@medaweb.org.
Optional Fee-Based Activities
Tour: Grand Traverse Commons: $25/person Optional Free Activities
Tour: Downtown Traverse City Walking Tour: Free Tour: Mobile Session: Creating Human Scale Places: Free ***For all tours, you will need to register in advance and self-transport to the starting point of the tour. Guest (spouse, children, etc.) Fees
Early Arrivals Reception: $35/person Opening Reception: $50/person Awards Reception: $50/person Tour: Grand Traverse Commons: $25/person
Tour: Downtown Traverse City Walking Tour: Free
Tour: Mobile Session: Creating Human Scale Places: Free ***For all tours, you will need to register in advance and self-transport to the starting point of the tour.
***The Early Arrivals Reception, Opening Reception, and Awards Reception are included for registered attendees.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing to cjorae@medaweb.org by October 12th to receive a full refund. Cancellations between October 13th and 17th will have a $75 processing fee. There will be no refunds after the conference has started (October 18th). Those who do not cancel and do not attend will be charged the full price of registration.
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Sunday, October 18th
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Early Arrivals Reception at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Join MEDA’s Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, and staff for this light-hearted networking reception in the Hospitality Suite at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Monday, October 19th
2:00 to 5:30 p.m. Conference Registration at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Conference registration is not only for checking in, it’s for picking up your materials, paying if you have not, asking any questions that you have, and networking with fellow attendees as they arrive. 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. Concurrent Tours
Grand Traverse Commons Tour
Experience one of the most unique redevelopments in Northern Michigan! The Northern Michigan Asylum was beautiful when it was constructed in the 1880’s and is now a thriving economic center with places to work, shop, dine, live, and explore as the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. TOUR NOTICE: This tour is $25 for registrants and guests. You will need to register in advance so we can watch numbers for social-distancing purposes. You will also need to drive to the tour starting point, which will be provided closer to the event. Bring a mask! Downtown Traverse City Walking Tour
Traverse City is a cultural epicenter in Northern Michigan. There is a diverse offering of places to eat, shop, and see magnificent views. Whether you have been there or not, there are always new things to see! This tour will take you to the heart of Downtown, learn about new developments, and get some ideas for things to do while you are here. TOUR NOTICE: This tour is free for registrants and guests, but you will need to register in advance so we can watch numbers for social-distancing purposes. You will also need to drive to the tour starting point, which will be provided closer to the event. Bring a mask! 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Opening Reception
Connect with old friends, make new ones, and get excited about the conference at our Opening Reception. Tuesday, October 20th
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
8:30 a.m. Solving Worker Housing Needs
A 2017 study from Inc. Magazine concluded that “Adding 20 Minutes to Your Commute Makes You as Miserable as Getting a 19 Percent Pay Cut.” That, combined with an increase in career mobility options, investing in workforce housing may be the solution for retaining a steady workforce. Hear from companies about their investment in workforce housing as well as considerations for cost, time, and addressing financing gaps in development. Moderator: James Tischler, Development Director, Michigan Land Bank Authority Panelists: Jill Ferrari, Managing Partner, Renovare Development Sarah Lucas, Executive Director, Housing North Other TBD
9:30 a.m. When Your Community Drives Strong Community Development
The Front Street Irregulars are an informal group of business, government, foundation, and financial leaders from the Traverse City community that meet to address issues in their community. In a few years since inception, they have supported the development of a technology incubator, passed bonds for a local school district, championed a high-speed fiber network, and most importantly, have learned a lot about each other’s needs. Moderator: Warren M. Call, President and CEO, Traverse Connect Panelists: Casey Cowell, Principal, Boomerang Catapult LLC Katie Horvath, CEO, Naveego Fernando Meza, CEO, Oneupweb 10:30 a.m. Networking Break
10:45 a.m. Your Role in a Healthy Venture Capital Ecosystem
Venture and angel investors are a strong part of what drives job creation and economic growth in our state. In your seat as an economic developer, you can be a link between businesses and the right investor by knowing how investors become part of the deal, common language, what investors look for, what a good referral entails, etc. A panel of venture leaders will share with you how you can support a healthy investment ecosystem so you’re ready the next time a client business or local entrepreneur has an idea worth sharing! Moderator: Ara Topouzian, Executive Director, Michigan Venture Capital Association Panelists: Adrian Fortino, Managing Director, Mercury Fund Fredrick Molnar, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Timothy S. Parker, President, Grand Angels Tom Shehab, M.D., Managing Partner, Arboretum Ventures
11:45 a.m. Short Break
11:50 a.m. 2020 Vision for Talent
Finding and keeping the right talent has been a challenge for companies for quite some time. Until the pandemic hit in 2020, the economy was booming, but the struggle continued. These business leaders will share the challenges that they foresee as well as their plans and ideas for countering these challenges. Moderator: Nick Posavetz, Senior Market Research Analyst, Bedrock Detroit Panelists: Gretchen Overbeek, Vice President of Human Resources, Hagerty Sue Peters, Vice President of Human Resources, Munson Healthcare
Bob Sutherland, President, Cherry Republic 12:45 p.m. Lunch and Membership Meeting
1:30 p.m. Business Collaborative Efforts to Meet Talent Needs
A healthy and smart business knows that being in a region with other healthy and smart businesses can be a key component of success. In order to maintain a good balance, a talented workforce is vital. That is why some businesses invest resources in their community or the entire region’s talent needs in collaboration with others that understand the importance. Kevin Stotts, President, Talent 2025 2:30 p.m. Short Break - If attending the Mobile Session at 3:30, you will need to leave to get to the starting point of the tour at this time.
2:35 p.m. Partnering With Statewide Entities to Meet Workforce Needs
Learn from best practices how you can work with statewide entities like the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Works! Association to improve the talent landscape. Perhaps you just need a refresher on their newest programs and services. Join this session to build your partnership network! Stephanie Beckhorn, Director, Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Luann Dunsford, Chief Executive Director, Michigan Works! Association 3:30 p.m. Adjourn for Free Time or Mobile Session
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mobile Session: Creating Human Scale Places
This is a mobile session designed for people to experience firsthand the differences in walkable urban areas vs. areas that could be converted from auto-based development to human-centered design. We will visit (and walk through!) three locations in Traverse City; one that exemplifies walkability, one that is designed for auto commerce, and one that has the potential to be converted from auto to human scale. Christopher Khorey, AICP, Senior Principal Planner and West Michigan Manager, MCKENNA Russ Soyring, Plannig Director, City of Traverse City
TOUR NOTICE: This tour is free for registrants and guests, but you will need to register in advance so we can watch numbers for social-distancing purposes. You will also need to drive to the tour starting point, which will be provided closer to the event. Bring a mask! 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Awards Reception and The Traverse City Tasting Experience
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. As the Traverse City area is well known for its unique, locally sourced food and drink options, we have invited local wineries, breweries, and distilleries to bring products that you can try! Wednesday, October 21st
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. Private Company Strategies for Meeting Workforce Needs
When a company establishes a new location and has to hire hundreds of workers, the strategy can lead to efficiency or delay the profit development process. Take notes on strategies that these companies implemented to find the right workers in today’s market that you could share with businesses in your community. Kathryn Studley, HR Business Partner, Glanbia Representative, Arauco 9:00 a.m. Networking Break
9:15 a.m. The Influence of Diversity and Inclusion in Economic Development
As economic developers look for opportunities to make their communities stand out from the crowd and attract businesses and people, it is important to consider the role of diversity and inclusion. What opportunities are there, what strategies are available, and how do communities overcome challenges to having an inclusive economy? Moderator: Anne Partington, Business Development Manager, Ann Arbor SPARK
Panelists: Lauren Harris, Sales Executive, Priority Health Kevin Johnson, President and CEO, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Tifini McClyde, Associate Vice President Human Resources, Interlochen Center for the Arts Khalfani Stephens, CEcD, EDFP, Economic Development Director, City of Flint 10:15 a.m. Short Break
10:20 a.m. Benchmarking for EDO Funding
When funding diversification is needed, sometimes the answer doesn’t just knock at your door; you have to go really far out to find it. Warren Call researched funding models from around the country to find what is best for the Grand Traverse region. He would like to share what he learned with you and how he took that information to find solutions for his EDO. Warren M. Call, President and CEO, Traverse Connect
11:20 a.m. Economic Development During and After a Crisis
In 2020, the pandemic, as well as strong national attention on racial dynamics, has brought about several challenges around the state and nation. Major flooding in central Michigan has created additional challenges in our state. With those, the role of economic developers has quickly and in unexpected ways. Economic development leaders will share their experience as well as how they are thinking about their EDO’s role in the future. Moderator: Britany Affolter-Caine, PhD, Executive Director, Michigan's University Research Corridor Panelists: Birgit Klohs, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Right Place, Inc. Matt McCauley, Chief Executive Officer, Networks Northwest Tony Stamas, President and CEO, Midland Business Alliance 12:30 p.m. Adjourn
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