Ann Arbor SPARK convenes a roundtable of private sector business leaders who meet twice per year to discuss what is needed to be done to ensure continued economic prosperity in our region. Their vision and voice on issues facing this region provide a thoughtful framework for continuing to move our economy forward.
The most recent CEO Roundtable was held on March 9, 2016 at the impressive Lake Trust Credit Union facility in Brighton, MI. The topic of the discussion was “The Greater Ann Arbor Region in 2030,” which built upon key themes identified from surveys that were submitted prior to the discussion from Ann Arbor region executives. Of note, the survey results indicating company plans for the next 12 months:
- Plan to hire additional employees: 83%
- Making a major capital investment: 50%
- Experiencing sales or revenue growth: 92%
- Launching a new technology, product or service: 50%
The leadership of these growing companies participated in an engaging forum led by a professional moderator, sharing their hopes and dreams for the region as well as challenges we need to overcome to remain competitive in the next 15 years. There was strong sentiment for a coordinated private sector voice in identifying and supporting an action plan to move the region forward. Participants felt it was important to align the private, public and academic sectors with a shared vision for the future. Participating business leaders attended from the following companies, Arbor Networks, Oxford Companies, ITC Holdings, Domino’s Farms, U-M Credit Union, Truven Health Analytics, among others.
Ann Arbor SPARK also hosts CEO After Hours, an invitation-only, exclusive opportunity to continue the conversation and network with other executives and their guests. The most recent CEO After Hours event took place on July 21, 2016 during the 57th Annual Ann Arbor Street Art Fair! Guests enjoyed music by a classical quartet, delicious food and even showcased their individual creativity by participating in a group art project.
Below are some exciting photos from the event as well as the final acrylic painting created by event attendees! If you’re interested in learning more about the CEO Roundtable events, please contact Danielle Jones, Development Director: Danielle@AnnArborUSA.org.
From left to right: Kai West and Alex West, Cecilia Pozo Fileti and Bill Fileti
From left to right: Phil Santer, Ann Arbor SPARK, Lon Lowen, Arbor Networks and Danielle Jones, Ann Arbor SPARK
From left to right: Dr. James Smith, Eastern Michigan University, Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor SPARK and Phil Santer, Ann Arbor SPARK
Paul Roney, Domino’s Farms and Tim Damschroder, Bodman PLC.
Tim Damschroder, Bodman PLC and Dave Hankinson, Michigan Office Interiors – Enjoying a creative project at SPARK CEO After Hours.
Local business leaders enjoyed music performed by students from the University of Michigan.
Source: SPARK
