Some of the top young professionals in the region put their imprint on the 2008 Mackinac Policy Conference (MPC). The state of Michigan has declared that one of its top priorities is to attract and retain young professionals. By deciding to make this demographic apart of the most powerful conference in the state, a major step was taken. Detroit Fusion, a diverse group of young thinkers and leaders comprised of the Gen ‘X’ and Millennial generations, was not only present, but on the agenda and welcomed by everyone.
If the state of Michigan is committed to changing the dead manufacturing model that built the middle class, a transition to a knowledge-based economy is required. The economic obstacles that we face provide a great platform to redefine the new economy. The same way Ford, GM, and Chrysler built the middle class and the economy of our region with manufacturing, new industries and infused thinking will build the new economy in Michigan.
Michigan’s top-leaders realize the talent they are attempting to attract and retain has to be part of the conversation. The seat of innovation has always come from the entrepreneurial mindset of great thinkers that were not weighed down with the weights of tradition but challenged and uplifted with the idea that human capital is the currency that drives any economy.
The inaugural class of young professionals from Detroit Fusion realized that the conference was only the beginning. I believe that every person has to take ownership to be change agents and brand evangelists of ‘The New Michigan’. Young professionals must be fully engaged in the process with input and resources to help infuse life into a stronger Michigan. The 2008 Mackinac Policy Conference and Detroit Fusion, through the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, was the first step in that process.
Mackinac Policy Conference + Detroit Fusion, originally uploaded by Hajj Flemings.
Hajj - this is great! I really love these initiatives. Whilst I do not understand all the issues facing the US, I am familiar with the dominant industries in Michigan, and the issues this presents! Great to hear about this, and I look forward to hearing more! Stay well…and maintain the change!
Luke Harvey-PalmerJune 1st, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Luke,
The state of Michigan has it’s work cut out for itself. Our economy was built on high paying low education jobs that are leaving daily. It is a great opportunity as well.
Hajj
Hajj FlemingsJune 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 am
What an awesome opportunity it was to brush elbows with the region’s top executives, hear personally from the state’s leading policy makers, and be intimately involved in creating the blueprint for transformation for the greater Detroit area. I am inspired by the Mackinac Policy Conference’s call to action to attract and retain young professionals, I am inspired by all of the “funky” and “hip” things that I learned that the city and region have to offer, but most importantly, I am inspired by the promise and talent of the other Detroit Fusion participants that I met. I look forward to being a part of the change.
Lesley T. HallJune 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 am
Hajj,
I always give credit when credit is do… Thanks for allowing me to learn from you at the MPC. You are definitely a brilliant individual. Keep up the great work!
Stefen J. WelchJune 2nd, 2008 at 7:11 am
Stefen,
The respect and learning was mutal, look forward to working with you on some of the initatives that were identified at the conference.
Hajj FlemingsJune 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
WOW! What a weekend. I truly had a great time with FUSION at MPC. This was the start of something really great and im glad I was able to be there.
LaVar HarrisJune 2nd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hajj,
I am happy that I had the pleasure of sitting next to you on the ride up to the MPC.
The Conference was an amazing experience in many ways. Not only did we have the chance to exchange ideas, we had the opportunity to let Michigan’s policy makers know that we want to be involved in the policy making process. Let’s make sure that we follow-up with them to stay involved.
Tiffany A. BuckleyJune 3rd, 2008 at 6:30 am
Tiffany,
I am glad that we had a chance to connect at the MPC, I enjoyed hearing your perspective based upon your background. Face-to-Face interaction with the policy makers was very important, I agree follow-up with be key.
Hajj FlemingsJune 3rd, 2008 at 7:33 am
I have to say the Fusion track at MPC was impressive. There were a lot of great minds in the room and I’m looking forward to getting more involved in Fusion with my new role at the Chamber.
Steve PooleJune 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 am
I concur. The Fusion members were excited about what took place and are ready to roll-up their sleeves. Just let us know what you need.
Hajj FlemingsJune 3rd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Hajj, great to see this. It was a pleasure meeting you and everyone else at MPC - can’t wait until next year! However, I was looking through the list of participants and the names on this blog and I don’t remember meeting a lot of them…I must do a better job of that next time!
Keep up the good work
Leanne West MoirJune 5th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Leanne,
It was great meeting you as well. I am sure that we will all connect as a group to continue what was started.
Hajj FlemingsJune 5th, 2008 at 8:05 pm