IPPSR Policy Forums Series
Michigan State University's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research connects scholarly work with the policymaking community through applied and survey research, community dialogue and political leadership training. The Institute transforms the results of research into strategic solutions for decision makers to consider during the policy debate.
The 2012 Forum Series continues the policy education curriculum of the Institute's leadership programs. Each Forum is open to all who want to learn more about current issues being discussed in the policy arena. Attendees have an opportunity to contribute to the policy discussion as well. Please plan to join us for the 2012 Forums scheduled for:
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This year's Forums will take place in downtown Lansing in the Mackinac Room of the Anderson House Office Building across from the Capitol, 124 North Capitol, Lansing, MI 48909. The Mackinac Room is on the Fifth Floor. This year's forums begin at 11 a.m., unless otherwise indicated. There is NO CHARGE to attend. A light lunch will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are recommended by calling 517-355-6672 or emailing ippsr-action@ssc.msu.edu.
For driving directions and a map, click here.
Questions or topic suggestions? Contact AnnMarie Schneider at 517-353-1738.
The 2012 Public Policy Forums
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Pure Michigan: What's in it for me?
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Note earlier start time for this Forum)
Breathtaking vistas, lush lakes and four seasons of natural beauty. That is Pure Michigan.
The campaign that launched Michigan as a tourism showcase is now inviting businesses to see the state as an equally alluring location. Michigan’s leaders have recently had to think about the State’s economic recovery more creatively and with fewer resources than ever before.
Acknowledging the State’s wealth of natural resources and attraction, a promotional strategy was designed to better leverage these assets in the tourism and travel arena. While people have for some time now realized that “Virginia is for Lovers” and that “The Big Apple” is not something you literally bite into, they are more recently coming to know “Pure Michigan" for much more than as a destination for the next vacation getaway.
How is Pure Michigan serving as a resource beyond tourism? What does  research tells us about the future direction of the campaign? Where is the link between the national, and now global, Pure Michigan promise and local communities? Learn about Pure Michigan’s next turn, considerations for policymakers, and how you can participate and benefit from Michigan’s brand.
Speakers
- Dennis B. Propst, Professor of Natural Resources, Department of Forestry, Michigan State University, Co-Principal Investigator of "Pure Michigan Campaign: Policy Implications and the Importance of Empowering Michigan Residents." See presentation on empowering Michigan residents through Pure Michigan (.pdf)
- George Zimmermann, Vice President for Travel Michigan, Michigan Economic Development Corporation. See presentation on Pure Michigan's successes. (.pdf)
- Chris MacInnes, Chief Operating Office, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. See presentation on how one destination partners with Pure Michigan and results. (.pdf)
- Dan McCole, Assistant Professor of Tourism, Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS), Michigan State University See presentation on Michigan's evolving tourist (.pdf)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Living on the Edge: How Michigan's Border Cities are Stepping Up
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Note earlier start time for this Forum)
All across Michigan community leaders are walking the talk and making gains on economic development efforts that will lead to business growth and job creation, particularly in the area of exports. Speaking from their experience, what have they told us? Collaboration is king and jobs are the bottom line.
If you are living in or nearby Port Huron, Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Sault Ste Marie you are part of a community that is participating in an urgent task. These and other communities across the State are working against significant economic pressures to think innovatively while matching community assets with economic opportunities.
Efforts are set on creating and connecting investment ready communities in Michigan. Regions are working together to further engage existing business and support their success while clearing the way for new business growth and job creation related to the export economy. These collaborations face difficult policy challenges as well as exciting opportunities. Both will be discussed during the March forum.
Speakers
- Benjamin Erulkar, Senior Vice President for Economic Development, Detroit Regional Chamber
- Janice Karcher, Vice President of Economic Development, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Rick Chapla, Vice President for Business Development, The Right Place of Grand Rapids
- Kristen Claus, Executive Director, Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation
- Daniel B. Casey, Chief Executive Officer, St. Claire County Economic Development Alliance
Read WKAR story about Port Huron and Sault Ste. Marie's work to expand Canadian trade across a key international border crossing.
Bios of all panelists (.pdf)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Regional Export Economy: What It Means to Michigan, the U.S. and Our Canadian Connection
11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Note earlier start time for this Forum)
Michigan is the gateway to Canada and the U.S. Midwest. It is at the center of the largest trading partnership in the world with more than $1.7 billion of trade passing through its international borders every business day. The benefits of a trade corridor are aligned through the stops that export trade makes within the state. How can Michigan participate more efficiently and profitably in the export economy? What is the value proposition to businesses for making a stop in Michigan? Is there benefit in boosting supply chain infrastructure to accommodate an export economy?
Speakers
- Jeanne D. Broad, International Trade Development Manager, Michigan Economic Development Corporation. See the presentation.
- David J. Closs, Ph.D., Supply Chain Management School Chair and Researcher, Michigan State University. See the presentation.
- Darwin Rader, of Zeeland Farm Services, Inc. See the presentation.
- James D. McNiven, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University. See the presentation.
- Peter Anastor, Policy Director, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and newly appointed state Representative to the Great Lakes International Trade and Transport Initiative
- David Hollister, Senior Vice President of Prima Civitas Foundation and Chair of the Great Lakes International Trade and Transport Hub Summit (GLITTH)
Bios of all panelists (.pdf)
See the inspiring video of Michigan's path to expanded global trade
(Use this password: glitthvideo)
Listen to Peter Anastor on "Capital City Recap w/Michael Cohen" WILS 1320 am radio
See slides from the event (.wmv)
In the News
"Supply Chain Effort Needs Marketing Hook," Gongwer Michigan, Jan. 25, 2012
"When It Comes To Exporting, Does Size Matter?" Mirs News, Jan. 25, 2012
"Boosting Michigan's role in the U.S. export economy," MSU News, Jan. 23, 2012
"State seeks to expand exports: Looking beyond Canada is key, experts say,"
Lansing State Journal, Jan. 28, 2012
The 2011 Public Policy Forums
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Redistricting for the Next Decade
11:30 to 1:30 pm
Michigan’s Legislature will soon begin one of its most significant duties – the process of redrawing Congressional and State legislative districts. Michigan’s overall loss of population and shifts within the state over the past decade necessitate a new configuration. Criteria for forming districts, such as population, preserving local political boundaries, and voting rights considerations, are established in law. But the workings of redistricting are complex and turn on decisions that are inherently political. This Forum provides an overview of the mechanics of the process, legal issues, and the politics of drawing new legislative districts.
Speakers
- Robert LaBrant, General Counsel, Michigan Chamber of Commerce. See the presentation.
- Bernie Porn, President, EPIC-MRA.
- Rick Wiener, President of Wiener Associates, Adjunct Faculty, MSU College of Law.
This forum is Co-Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Michigan and Michigan Nonprofit Association.
Bios of all panelists .(pdf)
About IPPSR and our Forum Co-Sponsors (.pdf)
Redistricting Resources from the League of Women Voters of Michigan
More information resources have been compiled by the League of Women Voters of Michigan and are posted in the following .pdf.
Download redistricting resources provided by the League of Women Voters of Michigan
Mapping Resources
Professor Michael McDonald at George Mason has developed open-source software, and now a website, that allows academics, journalists, and state activists to draw their own maps and evaluate consequences of those boundaries (http://www.publicmapping.org). The software is being used to select the "best map" by initiating a student competition among universities in Virginia (http://www.varedistrictingcompetition.org). Professor McDonald has also written a previous analysis of Michigan using various criteria for map drawing and the 2000 census data (http://elections.gmu.edu/Midwest_Mapping_Project_MI.pdf).
Watch a slide show from the Forum.
Media Coverage
- Michigan redistricting to reflect a state at a crossroads, Ballot News
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Reinventing Michigan Through Job Creation
11:30 to 1:30 pm
The process of reinventing Michigan calls for thinking outside of the box, drawing outside of the lines, and taking the lid off good ideas will be the discussion at IPPSR’s February policy forum.
How does research recommend Michigan go about job creation? We think we know what attracts talent. Can we provide it in Michigan? What steps will we take to grow talent in our state? Today’s business-minded entrepreneurs know no boundaries. What are the possibilities for advanced regional cooperation for building Michigan’s economy? What are the unique features about Michigan that lend to job creation? The discussion will end with ideas on how public policies can lend to job growth in Michigan.
Speakers
- Amy Cell, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, former Senior Vice President for SPARK
- Ross B. Emmett, James Madison College at MSU and Michigan Center for Innovation & Economic Prosperity Director
- Roy B. Norton, Consul General of Canada, Detroit
Bios of all panelists
Forum Podcast (Left click to activate each MP3 audio file)
 Segment One
Segment Two
Segment Three
View slide show of the Forum.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Creativity Wanted; Technical Skills Required
11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Entrepreneurs and employers alike realize that finding solutions to today’s more complex problems requires imagination, creativity, and of course, innovation. They also value technical skills and list them as fundamental to every job position. Where do technological thinkers like scientists and engineers get their training for creative problem solving on the job? How do technical skills and creativity come together in the workforce? What are the barriers to innovation in the workplace? How is the term “workforce ready” being redefined in today’s job market?
See additional resources from this popular Forum.
Speakers
- Robert Root-Bernstein, MSU Department of Physiology, Co-author of Sparks of Genius: The Thirteen Thinking Tools of the World’s Most Creative People
ArtSmarts Among Innovators Report
See Presentation
Arts Foster Scientific Success Report
- Mary Wright, Workforce Readiness Initiative, The Conference Board, Co-author of Ready to Innovate: Are Educators and Executives Aligned on the Creative Readiness of the U.S. Workforce? See presentation.
- William Demmer, CEO of The Demmer Corporation, a manufacturing business; Managing partner of two real estate and development companies; and Board Chairman of Palmer Engineering and Demmer Investments LLC
Bios of all panelists
See slide show from this Forum.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Trade, Security and Economic Growth
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research is cosponsoring the CN Forum with Michigan State University’s Canadian Studies Center as the closing forum in its spring 2011 series. The CN Forum is a policy-based discussion focused on key international issues relating to Canada and the U.S., particularly the advancement and balance of trade, security, and economic growth. Given the goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2015, these topics are at the center of policy discussions among state and national legislators as well as among business leaders.
As part of the programming, Amgad Shehata, United Parcel Service Vice President of Strategic Development and Public Affairs, spoke at special evening reception prior to the Forum. He serves as Chair for the Canadian Courier and Logistics Association and also as Vice Chair of the Canadian American Business Council based in Washington, D.C.
During his 22-year tenure at UPS, he has held several senior management roles in the areas of strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, finance and marketing.
See program.
See slideshow from this Forum.
Former U.S. Ambassador Jim Blanchard, former Michigan governor and congressman, will welcome guest speakers:
- Warren Everson, vice president for policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the International Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Everson will address the prospects for effective P3s (private-public partnerships) in balancing international trade, security and economic competitiveness. What works and doesn’t work will be a focus of the discussion.
- Economist Karen Phillips, vice president of public and government affairs at CN Railways Company. She has responsibility for CN's public and government affairs intiatives in Canada and the U.S.
Audience input will close the 2011 IPPSR forum series.
Register for this forum by emailing
ddrago@dmsevents.com or by calling 517-663-5147.
FORUM VIDEO
Watch video from the first half of the Forum (.wmv 324 MB)
Watch video from the second half of the Forum (.wmv 531MB)
These are large video files. Please be patient while they download.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Sides Lining Up Fight on Bridge As June Looms, Gongwer News Service (.pdf)
Canadian Chamber Official: Border Security Has to Improve, Michigan Information &Research Service Inc. (.pdf)
U.S. Ambassador Jim Blanchard on WILS 1320 AM (.mp3)
U.S. Ambassador Jim Blanchard talks with Michael Patrick Shiels on The Big Show 1240 WJIM (.mp3)
The 2010 Public Policy Forums
IPPSR's Forum Series provides an opportunity to hear topic and research experts talk about critical issues that are faced by Michigan communities. It is a venue for meeting people with similar interests, for finding new resources and for expressing a point of view. It brings together a network of research faculty, informed professionals, policy advocates and interested citizens to learn about current research, exchange perspectives and cultivate possible solutions.
Information from the 2010 Forums is available for policy makers, decision makers, scholarship and research opportunities. Please see below for the 2010 Forum dates, topics and speakers:
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010
Wednesday,
Feb. 17, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research annually produces a series of public forums that focus on key issues facing leaders and their communities. Each Forum describes an issue, provides various perspectives on the issue and presents recent research and practices directed at problem resolution. The forums demonstrate how research can inform public policy and how policy proposals might affect our everyday lives. Over the years, the Forum Series has built a strong network of community advocates, policy leaders and university faculty.
The 2010 Public Policy Forums
Wednesday, Jan, 27, 2010
Michigan's Economic Turnaround
Policy Innovations for Michigan's Entrepreneurs
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m
There are more than 200,000 small business employers in Michigan, many who recognize entrepreneurship as a lifeline to economic vitality. The constraints of economic decline are forcing creative thinking and policy innovation among business professionals.This forum looked at the policy needs of small business employers, incentives for pursuing new ideas and supportive network tools that lend themselves to economic success.
Speakers
- Rob Fowler, President and CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan. See the presentation.
- Denyse Ferguson, President and CEO, Lansing Economic Area Partnership. See presentation.
- Marcia Hune, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Michigan Credit Union League. See presentation.
- Bryan K. Ritchie, Associate Professor, International Relations; Associate Director, External Strategy, Office of Biobased Technologies and
Co-director, Michigan Center for Innovation and Economic Prosperity, Michigan State University. See presentation.
Bios of all panelists
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010
Michigan's Economic Turnaround
State Budgets of the Past, Present and Proposals for Change
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
World reports of an economy in dire straits, Michigan Governor's last State of the State Address, and release of the 2011 Executive State Budget has helped to unravel the mystique of business and personal financial scenarios being played out in Michigan.
MSU's February IPPSR forum extended understanding and further transparency of Michigan's Executive State Budget. The forum will host Eric Scorsone, Senior Economist of the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency and Mitch Bean, Michigan's House Fiscal Agency Director. MSU Economics Professor Charles Ballard closed the discussion with insight from the citizen's quarterly statewide survey - State of the State Survey - including how residents are sizing up their own financial future.
Speakers
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Michigan’s Economic Turnaround
A Look at Women and Families
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
National attention has been given to Michigan’s unique challenges during this global economic crisis. Lost in the discussion is the crippling effect of those challenges on women and their families. The March Forum will look particularly at women and observe how they have landed in their struggle for economic survival, but men and women are invited to this powerful set of presentations.
Popular news journals have highlighted how assessments of the economy need to be attentive to the differential impact on men and women to truly see a crisis in the making. The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research is pairing up with the Center for Gender in Global Context at Michigan State University to examine the rationale behind this seemingly patterned activity during economic downturns, the related consequential challenges of policymakers, and the long-term effect on society.
Speakers
- Jason Palmer, Economist with the State Department of Labor and Economic Growth Statistics on Women in Michigan. TOPIC: Where do women in Michigan stand, measures specific to women in Michigan that can be compared to women in neighboring states, such as college education, income level, single heads of households with children. See the presentation.
- Louise Jezierski, Associate Professor in James Madison College. TOPIC: Women in economic freefall, how the economic crisis trickles through families, trends on women during economic crises, how the problem unfolds. See the presentation.
- Paulette Granberry Russell, Director of MSU’s Office on Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, Special Advisor to the University President on Diversity. TOPIC: Turning the tables on statistics and the stereotypes, what the metrics tell us about women stereotypes, what are the ideas in practice that can move Michigan forward? See the presentation.
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Donna Addkison, Family Economic Self-Sufficiency Project Director at WOW (Wider Opportunities for Women), a Washington D.C. based organization charged with leading the National Women's Workforce Network, the Family Economic Self-Sufficiency Project (FESS), and the Elder Economic Security Initiative. TOPIC: Family economic security, state policies that improve educational opportunities, increase access to work and support women and older workers and youth.
This Forum is co-sponsored by the MSU Women's Resource Center, MSU's Center for Gender in Global Context and MSU's School of Criminal Justice .
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Michigan's Economic Turnaround
Thinking Globally
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This Forum will open discussion about Michigan's perspective on the international economy. Involving university, policy and business leaders, the Forum will also address how Mchigan is engaged in the international economy. What are the barriers and challenges for Michigan businesses seeking an international market? What are the opportunities. And ultimately, are there specific areas of policy that would better position Michigan businesses in an international economy? The Forum will end with questions and comments from the audience.
Each forum will be in downtown Lansing in the Mackinac Room of the Anderson House Office Building across from the Capitol, 124 North Capitol, Lansing, MI 48909. The Mackinac Room is on the Fifth Floor. Forums are scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There is NO CHARGE to attend. A light lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Register by email at ippsr-action@ssc.msu.edu or by phone at 517-355-6672.
For a map and driving directions, click here.
Speakers
- Ed Clemente, Chair of the House Committee on New Economy and Quality of Life, Michigan House of Representatives.
- Jim Byrum, President, Michigan Agri-Business Association. See presentation.
- Anthony Ross, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University. See the presentation.
- Irem Kiyak, Associate Director of the Center for International Business Education and Research and Treasurer of the Academy of International Business, Michigan State University.See website.
Bios of all panelists.
Additional Resources
Michigan's Next Great Companies 2010 Summit, April 21, 2010
2010 Michigan Land & Prosperity Summit, April 23, 2010
Entrepreneurship and Engagement: Building a Bridge of Prosperity between Romania and North America
Saturday, May 8, 2010
8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Marriott Hotel, 300 East Mac Avenue, East Lansing
Register by calling 517-355-6672
The April Forum is co-sponsored by
Michigan State University's International Studies and Programs
MSU Center for Advanced Study of International Development
MSU Center for Gender in Global Context
MSU African Studies Center
MSU Asian Studies Center
MSU Canadian Studies Center
MSU's Center for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies
MSU's Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Prior Event Resources
Check out our online clearinghouse of prior forum resources and photos. Resources include
presenter handouts, electronic presentations, and biographical information.
IPPSR Forum Series - General Information 
In its 16th year, the IPPSR series of forums provides
an opportunity to hear and interact with experts on critical issues
that are faced by Michigan communities. It is a venue for meeting
people with similar interests and learning of new information resources,
as well as expressing your point of view. It brings together a network
of campus faculty, policymakers, capitol staff, and policy advocates.
Current policy-relevant research is discussed, perspectives are
exchanged, and solutions are cultivated.
2009 Series Events
The 2009 Forum Series examined Michigan's critical infrastructure of the built environment. The first of these Forums addressed comprehensive questions, while the following four Forums directed attention to specific areas of need: roads, bridges, modes of transportation, water and swer systems and related concerns, tellcommunications and information technology frameworks and energy production, transfer and efficiency.
2008 Series Events
The year 2008 was a presidential election year, focusing on topics of great urgency and heightened public interest. Together, our presenters from Michigan State University and the community explored energy, international education in our K-12 schools, homeland security and infrastructure needs crucial to our national transportation flow and economic vitality.
IPPSR extends a sincere thank you to those presenters and participants who helped to engage and to connect through scholarship, research, policy and varied perspectives.
2007 Series Events
IPPSR’s 2007 season of forums concluded in a special dialogue showcasing the significance of Michigan’s major research universities to the state economy. Our forum series this year has given a new and informed perspective to the most pressing problems of our times: healthcare, climate change and economic challenge.
We now send a sincere thank you to those who presented new research and those who attended our forums from Michigan State University, state government, local government and local businesses. Our public dialogue is engaged by such a community and our society is enriched by our discourse.
2006 Series Events
Special thanks are extended to all 2006 forum presenters and to all who attended the 2006 IPPSR Public Policy Forum Series. It was a banner year for tough and timely topics, as well as participation. As a whole, the series hosted 27 speakers and 625 attendees. The average forum audience was 125 with the highest audience count of 185 registering to attend the February Forum regarding the Economy and Michigan Cities.
Running one day a month from January to May, the series attracted the attention of more than 47 legislative offices and several state departments in addition to the Governor’s Office and Michigan’s U.S. Senators. Forum panelists have received additional inquires on their topics and invitations to further address the forum topic on which they presented during the series. Every forum received media coverage.
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