Detroit Economic Club

The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) announced that it will convene The National Summit on June 15-17, 2009 at Detroit’s Ford Field. The summit will engage prominent business, government, and academic leaders from across the nation in a debate and dialogue on four issues of vital importance to America’s future in the global economy — Technology, Energy, Environment and Manufacturing. William Clay Ford, Jr., Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, will co-chair this unprecedented event.

“The National Summit will build on the Economic Club’s reputation as one of the world’s top speaking forums and the Detroit region’s heritage as a global leader in manufacturing and technological innovation. Well you all know Detroit’s on the front lines of global competition, so it’s fitting that our city takes the lead in creating this crucial and I believe long overdue dialogue.”

Dow Chemical Company CEO & Chairman Andrew Liveris is the other co-chair of the National Summit. After addressing the DEC, Liveris stressed the importance of having this national conversation.

“After years of neglect, maybe we’ve lost our way. But this great country, when its back is up against the wall, it responds. A little bit of panic helps us all. Let’s put our thoughts around this summit. I fully endorse it. We fully support it as a sponsor. We clearly will be there in force to bring solutions to bear. Let’s stop whining. Let’s stop doing the non-American things. Let’s bring our minds to a solution and see all sectors, everyone in, what a great, great way to do it.”

For a preview of this unprecedented event and to sign up for future updates and e-mails, visit: nationalsummit.org.

Liveris addressed the Detroit Economic Club meeting about the need for a new, comprehensive U.S. industrial policy. He said the policy will restore vigor and strength to the American economy. Liveris outlined the need to balance energy, the environment and manufacturing as the foundation to keep the nation competitive in a world that is increasingly becoming global, sophisticated and interdependent.

“What I’m talking about is a pro-industrial policy crafted and developed by manufacturers for manufacturers; a policy that rejuvenates our economic base. Consider it a new strategy, if you will, to make American industry competitive again, re-establish our economic and energy independence, and regrow jobs in America. What are the components of this plan? There are two. First, we must look with fresh eyes at the structural costs that have weakened the very foundation of our manufacturing enterprises and remove the obstacles hurting our competitiveness. And second, no surprise to any of you, we must develop a comprehensive energy policy.”