MACKINAC ISLAND (CBS Detroit) – When 1,300 people from business, politics, and society attended the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference, CBS 62’s “Michigan Matters” were there checking in with people on several issues.
Late. Debbie Stabenow
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Late. Debbie Stabenow starts starring as she talks to Carol Cain, Senior Producer / Host, about electric vehicles (she just bought a Chevy Bolt thanks to her daughter-in-law’s GM family discount) and also mental health initiatives she spearheads.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan discusses Motor City and the latest EV announcements. He also focuses on the ongoing talent gap and helps ensure more Detroiters get ready for future jobs.
Paul Ajegba, MDOT Director
MDOT Director Paul Ajegba provides an update on road construction projects across Metro Detroit this summer, and where the state is making overall efforts to improve roads.
Chris Shepler from Shepler’s Ferry
Chris Shepler talks about his company, which offers ferry trips to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City and St. Louis. Ignace, and added thoughts on business as the pandemic unfolds. He also talks about labor shortages.
Michael Bickers, Regional President Detroit-Southeast Michigan PNC Bank
Michael Bickers, Regional President of Detroit-Southeast Michigan PNC Bank, discusses the importance of helping small and minority businesses that continue to face challenges.
Michael Genord, CEO of HAP
Michael Genord, CEO of HAP, talks about rising inflation and costs that are affecting all Michiganders. He also talks about the fact that health care costs are also affected.
Dr. AS Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, President of Oakland University
Oakland University President Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz talks about the importance of higher education and how OU works with companies when addressing talent needs.
Timothy Nicholson, PVS Chemicals
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Timothy Nicholson, of PVS Chemicals, discusses education and the need to better deal with labor shortages and how the region works together to confront these problems.
Shawn Patterson, from DTE Energy.
DTE’s Shawn Patterson shares thoughts on the power grid and how Michigan will fare this summer amid reports that there may be weather-related brown outs.
Rod Alberts, CEO of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association.
Joe Lunghamer, President of the Detroit Auto Show 2022
Rod Alberts, CEO of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, and Joe Lunghamer, president of the Detroit Auto Show 2022, talk about the upcoming event in September. The duo also talk about electric cars continuing to impact the market as the region prepares for these changes.
GM’s Terry Rhadigan
GM’s Terry Rhadigan discusses electric cars and the evolving market, and how the automaker is adapting.
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter is discussing a new manufacturing center to house in Oakland County with a mission to raise the region’s profile as it attracts more businesses.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel talks about issues affecting his county.
Michael Rafferty, CEO of New Detroit
New Detroit’s Michael Rafferty provides insight into social justice and equality and talks about the region and how it is doing.
Brad Williams of the Detroit Regional Chamber
Brad Williams, of the Detroit Regional Chamber, talks about the 2022 election in Michigan and a new survey conducted by the business organization that measured people’s thoughts about the current state of affairs.
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Watch “Michigan Matters” Sunday at 8 on CBS 62. Michigan Business Network Jeffrey C. Mosher and Benjamin Robinson helped with the filming of this episode.