I spent part of the first week in June on Mackinac Island for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference (MPC) hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. This event brings together more than 1,500 business people, lawmakers, media and others involved in policy (like yours truly) to discuss issues in an effort to re-energize Michigan.
This was my first trip to the famed conference and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from “Mackinac.” Certainly I’ve been to the island and knew that there would be walking, fudge and horses galore. But I was a bit skeptical about the value of an event I perceived to be a three-day boondoggle for Michigan’s ruling class. I don’t usually like to admit it, but I was wrong.
Don’t get me wrong, I had to look beyond the open bars sandwiched between buffet tables of shrimp and other delicacies to find the true meaning of the MPC—concentrated conversation focusing on Michigan’s problems in a relaxed setting with all the players. When I say all, I mean it. Every sector from business to non-profit and even education was represented. Anyone I’d ever done business with, exchanged business cards with or talked to in Lansing was there.
Deputy Director Don Wotruba and I had the opportunity to have several in-depth conversations with players in the business, charter and education communities about ways to close the achievement gap, tackle our out-of-control legacy costs and refocus the conversation on a better education for Michigan’s children. “Big deal,” you say, “you can do that in Lansing.” The answer is, “No.”
By putting all of these people on an island, you get lase-like focus on the issues of the day. You get a setting that’s more relaxed and provides lawmakers a bit of cover to have conversations outside of their political comfort zone. You get spectacular views from the porch at the Grand Hotel. And most of all, you get a collegial environment where no one expects a bill to be drafted that afternoon or arm twisting to be done to get a vote passed.
You hear about the Mackinac Conference on the radio or see stories on the Internet or in newspapers (if you’re still reading the print version) about what happens at the MPC, but without being there, it’s hard to quantify what actually goes on. This lobbyist sees an incredible value in participation, and thanks to the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce for hosting this meaningful event. Next year, I’m coming with more business cards.
Peter Spadafore, assistant director of government relations
Michigan Association of School Boards