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ICYMI: Michigan Business Beat | Rodney Cole, DTE Foundation - Supporting Michigan Celebrates Small Business

Michigan Business Beat
May 30, 2023 2:00 PM

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Chris Holman welcomes Rodney Cole, VP of the DTE Foundation, Detroit Metropolitan Area, MI.

Watch Rodney and Chris discuss the DTE Foundation and their support of small businesses in Michigan and Michigan Celebrates Small Business in the YouTube video shared below:

In their conversation here's what Chris looked to find out about: Why has the DTE Foundation been engaged with Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) to support small business success?

Small businesses are important to DTE Energy Foundation’s efforts for what reasons?

Share with me how DTE Energy supports the community beyond supporting small businesses.

What initiatives are you focused on for 2023?

MCSB Silver Sponsor, DTE Energy, is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. The DTE portfolio also includes non-utility businesses focused on industrial energy services, renewable natural gas, and energy marketing and trading. #MichiganCelebrates

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In April 2021, Rodney Cole was named vice president of DTE Energy Foundation, and director of community engagement for public affairs, DTE Energy

Fourteen-year DTE Energy veteran tapped to lead Foundation operations and community relationships, further DTE’s mission of service to its customers and communities

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) announced the appointment of Rodney Cole as vice president of the DTE Energy Foundation, and director of community engagement for public affairs, DTE Energy. In his new role, Cole will lead the DTE Foundation’s operations and grant strategies, and will play a key role in advancing DTE’s efforts to create meaningful, good-paying jobs; advance social justice and racial equity; and be good stewards of the environment. Cole will also lead efforts to strengthen neighborhoods and manage community relationships across DTE’s service territory.

“Rodney is a proven leader who is respected not only within our company, but among government officials and in communities across Michigan,” said Lynette Dowler, vice president of public affairs, of DTE Energy, and president, of DTE Foundation. “His experience – and passion for – advocating for policies that benefit our customers and communities position him to make an immediate positive impact on the people we serve, and to further empower our company and foundation to advance our efforts to drive healing, recovery, and progress statewide – and beyond.”

During his 14-year career at DTE, Cole has led business units across the organization. He most recently served as the director of state government affairs. In this role, he spearheaded state legislative activities and worked closely with state legislators and the governor’s administration to meet the needs of DTE’s customers and other stakeholders.

“At DTE, our aspiration is to be a force for good in the communities where our 10,000-plus employees live and serve,” said Cole. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in continuing to drive our organization forward on its path toward achieving this aspiration, and to leverage the skills, insights, and relationships I’ve developed during my 14 years with the company to create positive, meaningful change, and a healthier, more vital Michigan.”

Cole earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University. He joined DTE Energy in 2006 as a member of the company’s human resources team and advanced to a leadership role. He then joined the company’s corporate and government affairs team in 2012, managing DTE’s relationship with the city of Detroit, then leading DTE's relationship with Wayne County until he was promoted to director, of state government affairs, in 2017.

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Michigan Business Beat, hosted by Chris Holman, discusses economic development, new or unusual entrepreneurial initiatives, and successful business practices from different regions and industries around Michigan with a wide range of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

8:00 AM every Monday through Friday
Replay: 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 2:00 AM The music for 'Michigan Business Beat' is graciously shared use of Phil Denny's "Traffic Jam" off his 2012 CD 'Crossover'

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