On June 20, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah took over the WJR 760 AM radio waves as guest host of Focus, interviewing several prominent business and government leaders, including Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI 9), Michigan Central’s Josh Sirefman, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, The Glengariff Group’s Richard Czuba, and Gallup Center on Black Voices’ Camille Lloyd.
Hear what the interviewees had to say below.
“If you get the cameras out of the way, if you get the microphones out of the way, if you get the media out of the way, it’s a very different scene.” There are issues out there that are bipartisan that people will agree on, but don’t get as much attention as they should.
“[Michigan Central] is a real community of innovation, of exploration.” Sirefman’s vision for Michigan Central is for it to be an anchor to draw Detroiters and visitors to the city to collaborate and be part of the innovation.
“Only two-thirds of Michigan voters were able to agree that democracy is the best form of government for Michigan…Democracy is a fragile thing…unless you nurture it, unless you protect it, it’s in danger.”
“A strong economy requires a strong democracy.” Michigan Business United for Elections will help ensure citizens statewide know how to vote and are confident in the election process.
Lloyd says the Gallup Center on Black Voices is a “listening machine” to understand the perceptions of Black Americans regarding the justice system, jobs, work, economic opportunities, health, and well-being. Since July 2020, 52% of those surveyed consider their lives as thriving.
“When it comes to developing products, it’s going to be done where the talent is. That’s why it’s imperative for Michigan to grow talent here … and give [these companies] a reason to move here. We need more software talent now.”
[Gordie Howe International Bridge] is going to be a gamechanger…It really tells the rest of the world that we are open for business here. We have underinvested in our infrastructure for a couple of decades, but you can’t say that anymore.”
Learn more about the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the Chamber’s involvement.
“On inductee John James Sr., Cook says, “He opened up commercial trucking to minorities and is just a relentless advocate…a fantastic leader for Detroit and beyond.”