HOSTING THE WORLD IN MICHIGAN
Michigan is even better with a home-field advantage. The MEDF helps host international delegates, companies, and site selectors to demonstrate why Michigan is the top place to live and do business.
Michigan Showcases
Site Selectors Guild Fall Forum took place in Detroit in 2024, where Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist welcomed over 200 attendees from 29 domestic and international guild members. Journalist Scott Cohn, special correspondent for CNBC, shared perspectives on “America’s Top States for Doing Business,” which upgraded Michigan’s ranking into the top 10 for 2024, as well as in cost of living, business friendliness, and tech and innovation.
In its 18th year, the Americas Competitiveness Exchange visited Michigan to see key industries, university ecosystems, and cultural landmarks. This week-long program brought together over 70 delegates from 20 nations, including senior level government, business, policy, and economic decision-makers from across the Americas. Participants visited nearly two dozen sites in Detroit, East Lansing, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor.
The Battery Show North America showcased more than 1,300 exhibitors to over 21,000 industry professionals, from business leaders to engineers. Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist walked the show floor and viewed some of the world’s leading battery technology exhibits in downtown Detroit.
A significant presence of international delegations attended the Battery Show and participated in site visits around the Detroit area before the event. Visitors toured some of the region’s leading research facilities specializing in mobility, including the American Center for Mobility, EV Base Camp, SmartParking Lab, and NewLab at Michigan Central.
Michigan also hosted Reuters Events: Automotive USA in Detroit. The event brought together over 700 top auto leaders and OEMs across tech, manufacturing, supply chain, and more. The MEDF was instrumental in sponsoring Michigan’s presence, ensuring attendees left with Michigan at the forefront of their minds.
Building a Stronger Michigan
The Michigan Economic Developer’s Association Annual Meeting is one of the state’s biggest educational events. With the MEDF’s help, Michigan hosted a panel featuring three site selectors who participated in the event’s educational sessions.
The Make It in Michigan Leadership Summits featured panels and speakers who highlighted the benefits of the state’s economic development strategy. The first summit of the year was held in Detroit in March, where opening remarks were delivered by Sarah Gonzalez, Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Delta Airlines and MEDF board member. Then, leaders from across the MEDC provided updates on the people, places and projects pillars of the “Make It in Michigan” economic strategy, followed by representation from local economic development, the semiconductor industry and the small business community.
At the September summit in Lansing, representatives from Michigan agencies, the Michigan Strategic Fund, key industries, economic developers and site consultant firms discussed how Michigan’s focus on people, places, and projects drives economic growth. Speakers included Jen Flood, Budget Director, State of Michigan, and Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, Michigan’s University Research Corridor and MSF board member.
The governor attended the 2024 Tribal-State Summit in the Upper Peninsula, with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community hosting. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the state and the sovereign tribal nations, focusing on shared priorities and collaborative efforts.