Mackinac Policy Conference Update: Corporate Investment in Communities

Day Two: DTE's Gerry Anderson and Huntington Bank's James Dunlap

5/30/2012
By Kurt Brauer, Partner

DTE Energy CEO Gerry Anderson said that what we are doing as a state is working. We all need to talk about the advantages of doing business in Michigan.

DTE has worked to promote attractive and livable cities. For example, DTE sold surplus property and reinvested in the DTE main complex, which helped improve its Detroit neighborhood. Community development and investment is key to moving communities forward, Anderson said.  One of the best ways to improve a community is to improve its businesses.

Huntington Bank Senior Executive Vice President James Dunlap said, "It's amazing what gets done when it does not matter who gets credit."  He said corporations need to be available to young people and must continue to invite everyone  to participate in the process. We need to ask, "What do we believe in?" and "What do we stand for?" he said.

Showing up and providing access to talent and treasure are important, Dunlap explained, but action is the largest part of the equation. Philanthropy is key. We need to think big, prepare ourselves for success and plan accordingly. Creating "place" is an important part of economic development and the success of a region.

Success tends to breed success.  My takeaway from the session is that the companies that lead in the market must take ownership in their communities and be involved in their turnaround, creating a "place" where people want to live and work.

Other 2012 Mackinac Policy Conference Updates:
 
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