Featured Partners: Michigan First, Miller Canfield and Fusion

Michigan First Credit Union, Miller Canfield and Fusion were featured partners of the Millennial Mayors Congress Inaugural Meeting, Reception  and Suburbs Alliance Annual Meeting. We asked them why they believe in the MMC vision. Here's what they had to say:

Founded in 1852, Miller Canfield was the first in Michigan to expand internationally into Canada and Poland. With a global presence and clients and connections around the world, we are where you are--and need to be to help you meet your goals. Whether assisting a business, nonprofit, governmental entity, or an individual client, Miller Canfield brings a depth of experience and an unwavering commitment to getting things done. Learn more about Miller Canfield at www.millercanfield.com.

Q + A with Miller Canfield

Why does Miller Canfield support the Millennial Mayors Congress?

• Miller Canfield has been at or near the center of some of southeast Michigan’s most important business and policy activity for 157 years.  Of the many institutional lessons our firm has learned in that time, one seems especially enduring:  When it comes to public policy and leadership, inertia can be crippling.  Old, worn out, immobile ideas become entrenched in our system of governance and public discourse, even though circumstances are screaming for something different.  Miller Canfield believes that the Millennial Mayors Congress can disrupt the inertia and create new models of how our leaders relate to each other, their constituents, and the various stakeholders in our region.
  
  

Why is it important for young people to be engaged in decisions impacting the region?

• First, simple math:  The younger you are, the longer you will have to live with the decisions made and priorities set by our region’s leaders.  Therefore, it is critical that young people participate in the decision-making and priority-setting process—that they become those leaders.  Second, young people are more likely to accept the notion that true progress involves taking risks.  They recognize that the path to our region’s brightest possible future is not necessarily the smoothest, straightest or most readily apparent.  If our region is to be transformed, our leaders must have the courage to accept the risk and uncertainty that often accompany great ideas.  We believe this generation of young people has shown that courage.
  
  

What are you hoping to see come out of the Millennial Mayors Congress initiative?

• We hope to see change.  The term “change” has transcended its position in the standard political rhetoric and has become a substantive theme in the development of public policy.  We can think of no region in greater need of change than ours.  At Miller Canfield, we see that need everyday in the plans and aspirations of our clients.  The businesses, governments, non-profits, families and individuals we represent do not want to operate in the old economy or participate in tired debates, and neither do we.  Even companies built upon our region’s manufacturing tradition crave change.  Like films from a generation past that can be re-mastered with enhanced sound and color (with the occasional insertion of a previously deleted scene), they believe that re-invention does not necessarily mean abandoning your strengths.  We hope and believe that green initiatives, regional cooperation, viable public transit, and other core priorities of the Millennial Mayors Congress will help turn new ideas into new ventures, while providing existing institutions with new opportunities for growth.

Why does Michigan First support the Millennial Mayors Congress?

• Michigan First believes that we have a responsibility to support metro Detroit as an active partner and champion to its many communities. Whether that support be through donating financial contributions, displaying student artwork in its branches or hosting a blood drive, Michigan First lends support to more than 80 organizations annually. Michigan First is a proud supporter of the Millennial Mayors Congress because we are strong believers that the collaboration between today’s experienced leaders and the young leaders of tomorrow will ensure the success of Michigan’s communities.
  
  

Why is it important for young people to be engaged in decisions impacting the region?

• Michigan First believes young people need to be actively involved in decisions that are being made in the region because active young leaders become active adult leaders.  We believe that engagement with and investment in the community at an early age is the best way for young people to have an influence on the decisions being made today that will ultimately impact them tomorrow.  “Millennials” are an integral part of our leadership system because of the unique perspective they can provide and active involvement and voice they demonstrate to others.
  
  

What are you hoping to see come out of the Millennial Mayors Congress initiative?

• As a supporter of the Millennial Mayors Congress initiative, Michigan First hopes to see new, innovative and proactive programs implemented across the region that will contribute to revitalizing our cities, making them more environmentally sustainable, culturally diverse and financially stable. With stable roots dating back to 1926 – the year our credit union was established in Detroit – Michigan First continues to have a strong commitment and personal investment in ensuring the success of the region.

Launched by the Detroit Regional Chamber in April 2007, Fusion has become one of the fastest growing, most inclusive and influential young professional organizations in the state. Fusion is the only regional YP organization dedicated to engaging southeast Michigan's talent mix in shaping and showcasing a metro Detroit region that is more attractive to young talent. As the voice for young professionals and the connector between young professionals businesses and the community, Fusion influences progress by being an example of regional cooperation in action and by being the primary initiative to attract and retain young professionals.

Learn more about Fusion at www.fusiondetroit.org.

Q+A with Fusion