Each fall, the Chamber presents the Economic Outlook Breakfast to highlight trends, speak to issues affecting the economy and garner wisdom from economic experts to look ahead at the emerging business climate. In addition to this premier event in northern Michigan, research and reports from the breakfast are available through the Chamber’s website for further review or for sharing with your business partners and employees.
FEATURED PANELIST
Sarah Hubbard, Principal
ACUITAS
Sarah is known as one of the leading legislative strategists working in Michigan government relations and has been recognized by Inside Michigan Politics. During her 17 years at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Sarah led advocacy efforts on behalf of over 20,000 firms in southeast Michigan before local, state and federal government stakeholders. While there, she developed national coalitions around issues concerning U. S. / Canada immigration issues, health care and automotive concerns. Also, she managed the Chambers’ political fundraising and financial contribution activities in support of hundreds of Federal, State and local candidates for public office. In Michigan, Sarah has worked closely on health care policy issues and is the past-Chair of the Michigan Hospital Association’s Business Advisory Committee. Sarah’s primary areas of expertise include: U.S. / Canada policy issues, Michigan Tax Policy, economic development, transportation infrastructure, health care, communications, social media, and coalition building.
Prior to the Chamber, Sarah spent 3 years as a Legislative Assistant in the Michigan House of Representatives with then-State Representative Willis C. Bullard Jr. (R – Highland Township).
Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of Michigan, Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
She formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Public Affairs Council, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Woodrow Wilson Centers’ Canada Institute, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.
Crain’s Detroit Business named Sarah in their “40 Under 40” class as well as a “Woman to Watch” in recognition of her work on behalf of businesses in the Detroit region.
FEATURED PANELIST
Chris Holman, Founder/CEO
Michigan Business Network
Chris Holman is the founder and CEO of Michigan Business Network, a business news site and broadcasting company. For over 40 years Chris has used his skills as an entrepreneur to successfully start businesses, launch magazines, run companies, serve on community boards, and host various talk show programs on both radio and internet. He currently is the primary host of Michigan Business Beat and co-hosts This Week in Small Businesstalk programs on Michigan Business Network.
Appointed in 2006 as Michigan’s Small Business Advocate by then Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Chris has served as a liaison between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and small business owners while working closely with the Michigan Business Ombudsman’s offices.
Chris is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, a husband, and father to three children.
MODERATING PANELIST
Doug Luciani, President/CEO
TraverseCONNECT
Doug Luciani became Chief Executive Director of TraverseCONNECT in March of 2015. TraverseCONNECT is a new parent enterprise that includes the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce and Venture North Funding & Development, as well as a new entrepreneurial division designed to directly address bottlenecks in the region’s economy. Prior to that, Luciani was President & CEO of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, which had served as the parent enterprise, since January 2003. The purpose of TraverseCONNECT is to grow business and build community at a local, regional, and statewide level.
Doug was raised in Hancock in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He received a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Prior to returning to Michigan, Doug and his wife, Lynne, lived with their daughters, Olivia and Maria, in the Kansas City Area. Doug worked for more than 12 years for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the last several years as senior vice president of Business Development and Member Services.
Event Details
- Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2016
- Time: 7:30 AM Sharp
- Location: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa Michigan Ballroom
