“National Summit” in 2009 on US Competitive Issues (Manufacturing, Energy, Environment and Technology)

“The National Summit” announced back on September 24 by the Detroit Economic Club is finally getting some more press now that a PR firm has taken over communicating the event which is to be held at Ford Field on June 15-17.

Video announcing "The National Summit":

The three-day multi-level (from CEOs to Students) conference is to be “national and non-partisan” and is focused on gathering around 150 speakers to a “gathering to define America’s future”.

Main topics for the conference are to include four areas: Technology, Energy, Environment and Manufacturing.

From the AP (Detroit) November 24, 2008:

“More than a dozen corporate chiefs have agreed to speak at a national convention in Detroit next year on the future of manufacturing, technology, energy and the environment.”

“Organizers say it's the nation's first such gathering and could promote a national plan to overcome industrial and economic upheavals. The Detroit Economic Club announced the speakers Monday.”

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“Ford Motor Co. Chairman Bill Ford and Dow Chemical Co. chief Andrew Liveris announced plans in September to co-host the summit.”

From the original Press Release back on September 24, 2008:

Bill Ford Jr.:
"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."

Andrew Liveris:
"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."

From today’s Detroit Free Press:

“Chappell hopes to have President-elect Barack Obama and possibly some of his cabinet members speak at the summit, too. Andrew Liveris, chief executive officer of Midland-based Dow Chemical Co. and cochairman of the summit, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Energy secretary in the Obama administration.”

Here is the newly revised speakers list on The National Summit website:

• William Clay Ford (Co-Chair, Ex. Chair Ford)


• Andrew Liveris (Co-Chair, CEO Dow Chemical)


• Thomas J. Donohue (CEO US Chamber of Commerce)


• Deborah Wince-Smith, (Pres. National Council on Competitiveness)


• Anthony F. Earley Jr. (CEO DTE Energy)


• Michael B. McCallister (Pres. & CEO Humana)


• Harold W. McGraw (CEO McGraw Hill)


• James J. Mulva (CEO ConocoPhillips)


• Robert (Bob) Nardelli (CEO Chrysler LLC)


• James B. Nicholson (CEO PVS Chemicals)


• James H. Quigley (CEO Deloitte)


• Matthew K. Rose (CEO BNSF Railway)


• Dr. Anthony R. Tersigni (CEO Ascension Health)


• Timothy Wadhams (CEO Masco)


• G. Richard (Rick) Wagoner Jr. (CEO General Motors)


• Joseph L. Welch (CEO ITC Holding)

The “Components" of the National Summit will include:

Kick-off and Key Notes: “Daily General Session featuring a panel of nationally recognized, cross-industry business, government, academic and other leaders who discuss Technology, Energy, Environment and Manufacturing, in the context of a global economy.”

Town Halls:
”Concurrent Town Halls, each comprised of 200 – 300 in-person participants”

C-Suite: “The VIP Club Level section where Town Hall leaders, speakers, sponsors and invited dignitaries enjoy exclusive meeting, networking and hospitality opportunities.”

CEO Summit: “The Hall of Legends, where Town Hall leaders debrief, debate and determine outcomes.”

Innovation Celebration: “An exhibit of breakthrough ideas with the goal of matching entrepreneurs, capital and research to create real economic value at The National Summit.”

Future Leaders Program: no decription of these sessions availible

“Summit Up” Sessions: ‘Daily closing sessions, which will report the findings of
electronic voting data collected at the Town Halls.”

One of the objectives of the organizers is to be inclusive in the level of participation, despite all the “VIP” stuff in the agenda:

“The National Summit has been designed to seek innovation wherever it lives – from the dorm room to the board room. It is in that spirit that we also invite students, our future leaders, to participate in this unprecedented event, and we encourage our attendees to sponsor their participation.”

Go here for a more detailed, but yet in progress Agenda or Sign-up for email updates.