Building the Infrastructure to support a New Michigan
For decades, our state has struggled to adequately build and maintain its infrastructure. As we move into a new digital era, we cannot afford to ignore the aging roads, bridges, waterways, communications, water and sewer systems that continue to demand our attention. 
 
But every year, frustrated policy and budget leaders come back with the same response: where is the money to come from? How can we possibly tackle all these needs quickly enough to make a difference?
 
Thanks to the Governor's leadership on this issue, we now have findings from the 21st Century Infrastructure Commission that suggest there is better way of planning and prioritizing the state's future projects, so we can generate more efficient, effective results. These changes will help MI be more competitive for the new jobs and economic opportunities we need.


We also have a path forward. BLM commissioned an independent review of Michigan's infrastructure to help state leaders identify some of the most promising infrastructure practices from around the world. Not only did the study concur in the Commission's findings, but it also identified potential strategies for changing the way we manage our state's future growth.
 
There are a number of strategies -asset management systems, coordinated planning councils, and innovative funding mechanisms- that can be brought to scale to help MI's infrastructure be not just as good as those of its peers, but better. "Top Ten" better.
 
We can solve MI's infrastructure challenges once and for all, with sustainable solutions that work. We encourage you to take a look at our latest report. It documents MI's needs in detail and identifies best practices other states and countries have used to address similar challenges.


OUR EVENTS
Save the Date - April 17, 2017


Business Leaders for Michigan will be hosting a 
Leadership Summit on the Fiscal Stability 
of State and Local Government 
on Monday, April 17, 2017 in Lansing.  


Registration opens soon!


*Please note this is a date change, the previous date was March 6th. 


EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO BUILD A NEW MICHIGAN
Silicon Valley Dominating Self-Driving Tech? Motor City Says Not So Fast 

The New York Times | December 20, 2016 


In the race to develop self-driving cars, Michigan is suddenly aiming to give Silicon Valley a run for its money. The Motor City has been the center of the United States auto industry for more than a century. But as computer chips and software have become increasingly important in automobiles, Silicon Valley has seemed to take the lead, especially in the development of the supersmart cars of tomorrow.  But Michigan is trying to regain the high ground. General Motors, Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are all engaged in autonomous vehicle projects based in Detroit's environs. And the state government is laying the ground for even more self-driving development work. Learn More 
GM to Begin Testing Self-Driving Chevy Bolts on Streets of Detroit

Detroit Free Press | December 15, 2016
GM-logo

General Motors will begin testing a fleet of autonomous Chevrolet Bolts on public roads around metro Detroit, CEO Mary Barra said.  GM becomes the second traditional automaker to test a fully autonomous vehicle on public roads outside their own campuses and proving grounds. Ford has done some testing on public roads since July 2015. Learn more


Self-Driving 15-Passenger Shuttle Debuts at Mcity for Testing, Tours

Detroit Free Press | December 9, 2016


A French company that has deployed about 30 self-driving vans in France, Switzerland and Australia debuted its 15-passenger electric shuttle at Mcity in Ann Arbor. Navya Technologies is a 2-year-old company based in Lyon, France, and its vehicle, the Arma, will be tested and used for tours at the 32-acre simulated village on the University of Michigan's North Campus. Learn More 
Life Sciences Sector is Heartbeat of Michigan Innovation

Crain's Detroit Business | December 16, 2016


When you think of medical innovation, you may think of San Diego, Boston or the San Francisco Bay area. But entrepreneurial activity in medical innovation has been flourishing across Michigan and top talent, investors and leading life science corporations across the world have taken notice.  Companies including Armune Bioscience, CelSee Diagnostics and Millendo Therapeutics in Kalamazoo, Plymouth and Ann Arbor, respectively, are making significant strides in the research, detection and treatment of cancer and disease. They're attracting investors and top talent - people who witness the technology, see the potential, and are ready and willing to commit their resources to support it. Learn More 
DATA SUPPORTING THE NEW MICHIGAN PLAN
United Van Lines Mover Study: Michigan Out-Migration Slows
The company compiles an annual report summarizing the interstate migration of their customers. 52% of Michigan interstate moves were out-bound vs. 48% in-bound.  The primary reasons for in-bound moves were jobs and family vs. jobs and retirement for out-bound moves.  Blue states are the biggest in-migration winners, while yellow states are the biggest out-migration losers.  Learn More
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS
Ford Invests $700M in Mich., Cancels Plan for Mexico Plant
Detroit Free Press | January 3, 2017  Ford Logo


Ford is investing $700 million to expand its Flat Rock assembly plant and hire 700 new hourly workers to build self-driving and electric vehicles along with the Mustang and Lincoln Continental already produced at the Downriver site. The automaker also said it is canceling plans for a new $1.6-billion plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, but confirmed that the next generation of its Focus compact will be produced at its Hermosillo, Mexico, factory. Learn more 
Stryker to Build $130-million Corporate Campus in Portage, add 105 Jobs
Mlive.com | December 20, 2016 Stryker Logo


Stryker Corp. plans to build a $130-million corporate campus on nearly 300 acres in Portage, creating an estimated 105 new jobs over three years. The proposal for Stryker's medical instruments division involves 485,000 square feet of facilities that will include a customer experience center, functioning showroom, state-of-the-art research and development lab and a bio-skills lab for research and new product development. It will also include office space for sales, marketing and support functions. Learn more 
Dow Chemical Invests in a New Innovation Center in Michigan
Nasdaq | December 12, 2016  Dow Chemical Logo


The Dow Chemical Company announced that that it will invest in a new, state-of-the-art innovation center in Midland, MI. The innovation center will provide about 200 research and development jobs in Michigan, including 100 newly created jobs while repatriate 100 jobs from other Dow facilities throughout the globe to Midland. Learn more 
IN THE NEWS 
Michigan outlook: Companies expect to hire in 2017

Detroit Free Press | January 3, 2017 


Michigan's business leaders see attracting and recruiting talent as a top challenge for 2017. But many say they're still likely to recommend Michigan as a great place to grow a business, according to the fifth annual Michigan Economic Outlook Survey to be released Thursday at the Detroit Economic Club meeting. Learn More 
Four Ways to Help the Midwest: Infrastructure, Universities, Business Development and Urbanism

Bloomberg | December 16, 2016  Bloomberg News Logo


The Midwest region, once legendary for its manufacturing might, is struggling. A team of economists, including the distinguished Stanford economist Raj Chetty, recently found that "the largest declines [in economic mobility have been] concentrated in states in the industrial Midwest states such as Michigan and Illinois."  Learn More 

Venture Capital Looking to Midwest

Journal Sentinel | December 10, 2016


While most of the nation's venture capital is clustered on the East and West coasts, the Midwest is home to emerging pockets of early stage investment dollars. The door is open for Milwaukee to become one such hub, based on the experience of "fund of funds" that are up and running in Michigan and Ohio. Learn More 


Business Leaders for Michigan

600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1760

Detroit, MI, 48243-1802
Phone: 313.259.5400
Business Leaders for Michigan, the state's business roundtable, is dedicated to making Michigan a "Top Ten" state for jobs, personal income and a healthy economy. The organization is composed exclusively of the chairpersons, chief executive officers, or most senior executives of Michigan's largest companies and universities. Our members drive 32% of the state's economy, provide nearly 375,000 direct in Michigan, generate over $1 Trillion in annual revenue and serve nearly one half of all Michigan public university students. Find out more at: www.businessleadersformichigan.com. 




Business Leaders for Michigan | 600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1760 | Detroit | MI | 48243