ACP January 2012 - Detroit
January 11, 2012(Presentations are available to ACP members by clicking here).
The January meeting welcomed ACP members and guests to GM headquarters and the North American International Auto Show in an unseasonably balmy Detroit, Michigan. The meeting also marked the ACP's 10th anniversary of existence, and it was great to see that several of the original members are still part of the program.
The meeting began with John Blanchard of GM providing a welcome, followed by Daniel Frakes, also of GM, providing an overview of GM's Advanced Technology Policy program.
Sandy Baruah of the Detroit Regional Chamber offered some remarks on the importance of regionalism as a key mechanism in moving the area's economy forward.
CAR's Valerie Sathe Brugeman followed with an overview of the recently-completed Repurposing Former Automotive Manufacturing Sites study done on behalf of the DOL's Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers. Ford Weber of the Lucas County Improvement Corporation then provided an description of what Toledo is doing to encourage important urban renewal.
Dave Andrea of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association provided an update on suppliers, noting that there is still need for industry consolidation and rationalization to occur.
The ACP was pleased that Jay Williams, Director of the federal Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, was able to attend. He introduced himself to ACP members and encouraged member communities to engage with his office.
Finally, Sean McAlinden and Bernard Swiecki of CAR offered an overview of the automotive industry as well as some previews of unique, new vehicles displayed at the show.
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