Growing From Abroad, Growing From Within, Growing With You: The Detroit Regional Chamber's "Year in Review"

From DetroitRegionalChamber.com

The Detroit Regional Chamber is a driving force in improving and growing the business community in Southeast Michigan.  It’s doing so both by telling the story of success around the country, as well as with its local youth, with the end goal of developing Detroit as the business leader it’s meant to be.  

In my last article, I discussed the Chamber's recent "State of the Region."  Today, let’s take a dive into its recently released “Year in Review.”  

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) and its regional partners, the Chamber attended five trade missions in China, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.  They also attended 11 national and international trade shows and conferences.  Their goal was to share the story of Detroit’s dramatic rebound from just a few years ago.

Their trips were a success!  The Chamber helped contribute to the generation of 430 jobs and $42.7 million in investment for the first three quarters of 2015.  The Chamber plans on publishing their annual economic development report in March when the complete results are available.

The Chamber worked with Gov. Snyder and the MEDC in telling the story to automotive, hospitality and medical companies abroad and at home.  In September, the teamwork helped Daimler North America Corp to decide to move its headquarters to Michigan.

The Chamber also welcomed delegations throughout the world to learn more about the automotive region.  

GROWING DETROITThe Detroit Regional Chamber was a lead partner with Mayor Duggan’s “Grow Detroit’s Young Talent” program that helped create over 5,500 jobs for Detroit’s youth.  The Chamber engaged with its member organizations, who pledged support through hiring students, making a financial donation, or both. 

The Chamber also helped coordinate the regional participation of facilities and students in Manufacturing Day.  Over 5,000 students from the region were able to take part in tours of over 100 manufacturing facilities.  To the chamber’s success, the event attracted over double the amount of students from previous years.  The goal of the event was to change misperceptions about skilled trades and develop interest in manufacturing careers.

The Chamber administers the Detroit Scholarship Fund, which helped over 400 students from 60 high schools enroll in a tuition-free path to an associate's degree this fall.  The DSF compliments the Detroit Compact, which helped 202 new students pursue a four-year degree.

YOU CAN GROW WITH DETROIT
The Chamber is helping to improve the city’s economic environment, from attracting investment to developing new leaders from its local youth.  You can take an active part in the revival of Detroit.

Start a business in a growing area, where the future looks bright.  You can even get a head start by bringing a proven business concept to Southeast Michigan.  You have probably heard of franchising, where you own a company operating under a license with the franchisor.   

Let me introduce you to franchising at a FREE seminar on February 11, 2015 in Troy, MI.  “Franchising as a Career, an Investment, or Both” gives an overview that talks about entrepreneurship, franchising vs. starting a business from scratch, various industry categories, and how FranNet’s no-fee, no-obligation consulting service can match you with a company that fits your lifestyle needs and goals.

For more information, please visit http://michiganfranchiseforum.com/local.html.  You can also contact me directly at 313-821-5060 or mcory@frannet.com.