Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, MBN was on the road at the Hudson’s site in Detroit, for this year’s Detroit Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The event centered on the “New Leadership Era,” featuring discussions on the city’s future, economic development, and regional policy.
Watch John J. Walsh of the Michigan Manufacturers Association discuss 2026 priorities and insights from the Detroit Policy Conference.
in the YouTube video shared below:
This interview was with John J. Walsh, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Lansing. He reviewed the recent awards event they held, what the focus of MMA is for 2026, and what he was getting out of this conference.
About the Manufacturing Excellence Awards
The annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a celebration of the remarkable individuals, groundbreaking products and innovative organizations that are shaping the future of our industry.
Established to recognize what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world, this one-of-a-kind awards program reflects the strength, ingenuity and resilience of a sector that touches every aspect of our economy and daily lives. The Manufacturing Excellence Awards are a powerful reminder of the passion, dedication and impact our community delivers every day.
MMA’s program features eleven distinct awards, including the popular Coolest Thing Made in Michigan — a people’s choice favorite. The excitement of the summer Nomination Period builds momentum through a series of fall announcements and two rounds of voting, all of which will culminate in a prestigious evening of recognition — an unforgettable celebration that honors the heart and soul of Michigan manufacturing.
After more than 120 years since our founding, MMA remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a unifying champion for Michigan manufacturers. As a nonprofit representing the most diverse manufacturing hub in the world, we continue to lead with integrity and purpose — through legislative advocacy, workforce development, education, cost-saving programs and opportunities to connect and grow.
2025 Winners
The 2025 Award winners were honored in November at a well-attended ceremony.
- John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Large Tier
- Amsted Automotive (Saginaw)
- John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier
- Observable Space (Adrian)
- Coolest Thing Made in Michigan
- PF1000 Prime Focus System, Observable Space (Adrian)
- Manufacturing Lifetime Achievement Award
- William H. Dobbins, Caster Concepts (Albion)
- Manufacturing Innovation Excellence
- Elite Mold and Engineering (Shelby Township)
- Manufacturing Talent Champion
- Bekum America Apprenticeship Program (Williamston)
- Manufacturing Woman of the Year
- Laurie Harbour, Wipfli (Southfield)
- Lisa Renee Conn, Llink Technologies (Brown City)
- Manufacturing Community Impact
- Goodwill Integrated Solutions (Dearborn)
- Manufacturing Sustainability powered by Consumers Energy
- Hemlock Semiconductor LLC (Hemlock)
- Michigan Manufactured Export of the Year
- One Way Clutch, Means Industries, an Amsted Automotive Company (Saginaw)
- Manufacturing Emerging Leader
- Olivia Ostrander, Powell Fabrication & Manufacturing LLC (St. Louis)
- Zackery Bishop, 4 Flutes Machining (Vicksburg)
2026 Detroit Policy Conference: A New Leadership Era
Recently, the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference convened business leaders, government officials, and community changemakers to drive meaningful conversations and actionable solutions for a more prosperous and equitable Detroit Region.
Held at The Department at Hudson’s, the Conference explored the leadership transitions underway and on the horizon for the Region and state and featured the bold, adaptive leaders at the helm.
Explore highlights from the Conference below.
Detroit’s New Era: Mayor Sheffield’s Future-Focused Leadership
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield was attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., and was unable to attend the Conference. However, in a pre-recorded video, Sheffield emphasized that building strong partnerships between businesses and neighborhoods will remain at the heart of Detroit’s ongoing revitalization efforts.
Following her video remarks, Melvin “Butch” Hollowell, who is leading Mary Sheffield’s transition, took to the stage to discuss where the committees’ work stands and how the administration is progressing.
“The House is on Fire”: Solving Michigan’s Education Crises
Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Business Leaders for Michigan’s Jeff Donofrio, the Chamber’s Greg Handel, and University of Detroit Mercy’s Donald B. Taylor discussed Michigan’s challenges in K-12 performance and per capita income, emphasizing equity-centered policy and innovation.
Detroit’s First Word: Industry Leaders on Expanding Wayne County Transit
During a panel moderated by the Chamber’s Brian J. Shoaf, Wayne County Deputy Executive Assad I. Turfe and SMART’s Tiffany J. Gunter shared how they are changing the conversation around the expansion of transit in the Detroit Region.
Mike Duggan: Unity is Needed for Michigan to Succeed
During the Conference, Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Duggan spoke about the inspiration behind his bid for governor and discussed the hot-button topics that Michigan’s next leader will need to address.
