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\nSpeaker Line-Up:\n
\nThe Northern Michigan Policy Conference is a regional economic development conference led by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. The Alliance is a coalition of 18 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7\,000 member businesses from all across northern Michigan. The partnership exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy.
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\nNow in its seventh \;year as a policy conference after serving as the Alliance'\;s annual agenda-setting meeting for years\, the Northern Michigan Policy Conference is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the northern Michigan region'\;s standing as a world-class place for business\, residents\, visitors\, and students of all ages. This year'\;s policy conference will be a collaborative\, business-driven experience delivering actionable goals to energize and provide vision. Conference content will focus on the Alliance'\;s four policy areas as well as the chronic issues surrounding business development\, talent\, housing\, and childcare and discuss innovative approaches.
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\nWe hope to see you there!
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\nNow in its seventh \;year as a policy conference after serving as the Alliance'\;s annual agenda-setting meeting for years\, the Northern Michigan Policy Conference is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the northern Michigan region'\;s standing as a world-class place for business\, residents\, visitors\, and students of all ages. This year'\;s policy conference will be a collaborative\, business-driven experience delivering actionable goals to energize and provide vision. Conference content will focus on the Alliance'\;s four policy areas as well as the chronic issues surrounding business development\, talent\, housing\, and childcare and discuss innovative approaches.
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\nWe hope to see you there!
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\nSpeaker Line-Up:
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\nEconomic Development \;Theme: \;Statewide Economic Development Strategy and Regional Competitiveness | 10:50 - 11:30 AM
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\nThis panel will explore strategies to position Michigan as a top state for economic competitiveness. Panelists will discuss Michigan&rsquo\;s long-term growth strategy to ensure the state has a comprehensive and regionally equitable approach to economic development.
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\nConnect and learn more about each of our panelists:
\nSenator John Damoose
\nQuentin Messer
\nSenator Mallory McMorrow
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\nLunch and Networking | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
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\nTalent Continuum \;Theme: Building and Retaining Northern Michigan&rsquo\;s Workforce | 12:15 - 1:00 PM
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\nThis discussion will highlight innovative solutions to address workforce challenges\, including housing\, childcare\, and education. Panelists will share strategies for implementing and growing talent pipeline initiatives. Attendees will learn about the tools needed to attract\, retain\, and grow a skilled workforce that meets the region&rsquo\;s needs.
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\nConnect and learn more about each of our panelists:
\nRepresentative Betsy Coffia
\nJanie McNabb
\nMichelle Richard
\nRepresentative Curt Vanderwall
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\n\nBreak | 2:05 \;PM - 2:15 PM
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\nEconomic Development \;Theme: \;Statewide Economic Development Strategy and Regional Competitiveness | 10:50 - 11:30 AM
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\nThis panel will explore strategies to position Michigan as a top state for economic competitiveness. Panelists will discuss Michigan&rsquo\;s long-term growth strategy to ensure the state has a comprehensive and regionally equitable approach to economic development.
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\nConnect and learn more about each of our panelists:
\nSenator John Damoose
\nQuentin Messer
\nSenator Mallory McMorrow
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\nLunch and Networking | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
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\nTalent Continuum \;Theme: Building and Retaining Northern Michigan&rsquo\;s Workforce | 12:15 - 1:00 PM
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\nThis discussion will highlight innovative solutions to address workforce challenges\, including housing\, childcare\, and education. Panelists will share strategies for implementing and growing talent pipeline initiatives. Attendees will learn about the tools needed to attract\, retain\, and grow a skilled workforce that meets the region&rsquo\;s needs.
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\nConnect and learn more about each of our panelists:
\nRepresentative Betsy Coffia
\nJanie McNabb
\nMichelle Richard
\nRepresentative Curt Vanderwall
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\nSpecial Guest: Representative Parker Fairbairn | 1:00 - 1:07 PM
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\nA Message from: State Representative Matt Hall | 1:07 - 1:15 PM
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\nRural Development \;Theme: Equipping Rural Areas with Tools to Thrive | 1:15 - 1:55 PM
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\nFocused on enhancing rural prosperity\, this panel will address pressing issues like critical infrastructure\, regionally driven economic development\, and affordable housing. Experts will discuss how strategic investments at the state and federal level in rural communities can create resilient\, thriving rural communities. This session will highlight partnerships and policies driving long-term prosperity across northern Michigan and the U.P.
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\nConnect and learn more about each of our panelists:
\nMarty Fittante
\nVal Handy
\nSarah Lucas
\nRepresentative John Roth
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\nLifetime Achievement Award: Senator Debbie Stabenow | 1:55 - 2:05 PM
\n\nBreak | 2:05 \;PM - 2:15 PM
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\n\nSpecial Guest: Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II | 2:15 - 2:25 PM
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\n\nState Department Updates | 2:25 - 2:55 PM
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\n\nSpecial Guest: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan | 2:55 - 3:05 PM
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\nClosing Remarks | 3:15 \;PM \;
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