MACKINAC ISLAND (UKTN Detroit) – While 1,300 people from business, politics and the community attended the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, UKTN 62’s “Michigan Matters” was there and spoke to people about many questions.
Senator Debbie Stabenow
READ MORE: University of Michigan approves new budget, raises tuition and housing
Senator Debbie Stabenow kicks off the all-star lineup as she chats with Carol Cain, Senior Producer/Host, Electric Vehicles (she just bought a Chevy Bolt thanks to her step-in-law’s GM family rebate). daughter) and also mental health initiatives she is spearheading.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan discusses Motor City and recent electric vehicle announcements. It also focuses on the current talent gap and helps ensure more Detroit is prepared for the jobs of the future.
Paul Ajegba, MDOT Director
MDOT Director Paul Ajegba provides an update on the road construction project in Metro Detroit this summer and the state’s efforts to improve roads.
Chris Shepler of Shepler’s Ferry
Chris Shepler talks about his company that offers ferry rides to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, and added thoughts on business as the pandemic winds down. He too talks about a labor shortage.
Michael Bickers, Regional President Detroit-Southeast Michigan PNC Bank
Michael Bickers, Detroit-Southeast Michigan PNC Bank Regional President, explains the importance of helping small businesses and minority businesses that continue to face challenges.
Michael Genord, CEO of HAP
HAP CEO Michael Genord talks about rising inflation and costs affecting everyone in Michigan. He also talks about health care costs which are also affected.
Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President of Oakland University
Oakland University President Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz talks about the importance of higher education and how OU is working with businesses to meet talent needs.
Timothy Nicholson, PVS Chemicals
READ MORE: Analyst: Michigan gas prices will drop below $5 this weekend
Timothy Nicholson of PVS Chemicals discusses education and the need to better address labor shortages, and how the region is working together to address these issues.
Shawn Patterson of DTE Energy.
DTE’s Shawn Patterson shares his thoughts on the power grid and how Michigan will fare this summer amid reports that there may be weather-related brownouts.
Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association.
Joe Lunghamer, president of the 2022 Detroit Auto Show
Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, and Joe Lunghamer, president of the 2022 Detroit Auto Show, talk about the upcoming event in September. The duo also talk about how electric vehicles continue to impact the market as the region prepares for these changes.
General Manager Terry Rhadigan
GM’s Terry Rhadigan discusses electric vehicles and the changing market and how the automaker is adapting.
Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter discusses a new manufacturing center to be housed in Oakland County with a mission to raise the region’s profile by attracting more businesses.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel talks about the issues affecting his county.
Michael Rafferty, CEO of New Detroit
Michael Rafferty of New Detroit provides an overview of social justice and equity and talks about the region and how it is doing.
Brad Williams of the Detroit Regional Chamber
Brad Williams of the Detroit Regional Chamber talks about Michigan’s 2022 election and a new survey by the trade organization that measured people’s thoughts on the current state of affairs.
NO MORE NEWS: Detroit man charged with stealing multiple vehicles from Ford Flat Rock assembly plant
Watch “Michigan Matters” Sunday at 8 a.m. on UKTN 62. Michigan Business Network Jeffrey C. Mosher and Benjamin Robinson assisted in the filming of this episode.
.
