Northern Michigan Policy Conference 2025
Event Sponsors
Ruby
Emerald
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Date and Time
Friday Jan 31, 2025
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM EST
9:00 AM: Registration & Networking
10:00 AM: Welcome & Sponsor Remarks
10:15 AM: Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Update
10:30 AM: Keynote Speaker
10:50 AM: Statewide Economic Development Strategy Panel
11:30 AM: Lunch & Networking
12:15 PM: The Talent Continuum Panel
1:00 PM: Representative Parker Fairbairn
1:15 PM: The Rural Development Panel
1:55 PM: Debbie Stabenow Lifetime Achievement Award
2:05 PM: Networking Break
2:15 PM: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
2:25 PM: State Department Update
2:55 PM: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
3:15 PM: Closing Remarks
Location
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa - The Governors Ballroom
Fees/Admission
Ticket Pricing:
$100 Per Person - Open Seating - CLOSEDReserved Table: Table towards front of room - CLOSED.
$500 - Table of 6 - Reserved tables closed on January 22nd(Please note, your ticket to the Northern Michigan Policy Conference does not include a ticket to the Annual Celebration Gala later that night. If you are interested in attending the gala, a sepecture ticket must be purchased. Thank you for understanding).
* Please note we cannot offer refunds one week prior to the event. Registrations cannot be shared or transferred between Northern Michigan Policy Conference and Annual Celebration Gala.
Media Credentials
Members of the media are required to register in advance to request credentials to attend the Policy Conference.
Contact Information
Molly MacGirr
Send Email
Event Sponsors
Supporting
Valet
Notepad & Pen
Beverage
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Lunch
Coffee Energizer
Coat Check
Media
Description
2025 Northern Michigan Policy Conference
Registration Closed - Open seating tickets can be purchased at the door.
The 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.
Now 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.
We hope to see you there!
Now 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.
We hope to see you there!
Speaker Line-Up:
Economic Development Theme: Statewide Economic Development Strategy and Regional Competitiveness | 10:50 - 11:30 AM
This panel will explore strategies to position Michigan as a top state for economic competitiveness. Panelists will discuss Michigan’s long-term growth strategy to ensure the state has a comprehensive and regionally equitable approach to economic development.
Connect and learn more about each of our panelists:
Senator John Damoose
Quentin Messer
Senator Mallory McMorrow
Lunch and Networking | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Talent Continuum Theme: Building and Retaining Northern Michigan’s Workforce | 12:15 - 1:00 PM
This 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’s needs.
Connect and learn more about each of our panelists:
Representative Betsy Coffia
Janie McNabb
Michelle Richard
Representative Curt Vanderwall
Special Guest: Representative Parker Fairbairn | 1:00 - 1:07 PM
A Message from: State Representative Matt Hall | 1:07 - 1:15 PM
Rural Development Theme: Equipping Rural Areas with Tools to Thrive | 1:15 - 1:55 PM
Focused 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.
Connect and learn more about each of our panelists:
Marty Fittante
Val Handy
Sarah Lucas
Representative John Roth
Lifetime Achievement Award: Senator Debbie Stabenow | 1:55 - 2:05 PM
Break | 2:05 PM - 2:15 PM
Special Guest: Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II | 2:15 - 2:25 PM
State Department Updates | 2:25 - 2:55 PM
Special Guest: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan | 2:55 - 3:05 PM
Closing Remarks | 3:15 PM
Interested in getting a room to stay the night? Take the elevator home instead!
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is offering discounted hotel guestrooms for $165.00 and tower guestrooms for $215.00 (taxes and additional rates not included) from January 30th through February 2nd when you book ahead using the code "GALA2025". Call (231) 534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent, or, book online: https://book.passkey.com/go/GALA25. You must use this specific link when booking online.
