The Downtown Detroit Partnership hosted its Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 22 at MGM Grand Detroit, another fully sold-out signature event. DDP CEO Eric B. Larson provided a welcome and opening remarks to the audience. He reported on highlights from the 2023 Annual Report, detailing Downtown’s growth and the attractions throughout last year.
He recognized Downtown BIZ Ambassador of the Year, Cabbon Winston, who received a round of applause from the audience. The fully sold-out event included plated lunch, and premium networking an hour before the event began.
When Mike Tirico took to the stage, he shared how the NFL Draft started as a non-televised experience that took place in a hotel ballroom in New York; and has evolved into a must-see nationally broadcasted event that now travels to a different city each year.
Tirico emphasized that sports matter, considering its ability to bring droves of people together. He shared how Detroit is uniquely poised to host this year’s Draft, as it’s within driving distance of several sports teams and has a Delta hub with direct flights to and from cities that are further away.
He continued by speaking with auto industry leader and racing legend, Roger Penske on his five decades in Detroit. Penske shared his commitment for Detroit is similar to that of his company, “we want to make it better, we want people to work there, and we want them to be committed for long-term.”
Penske emphasized that teamwork and partnership were critical components to Detroit’s progress.
The discussion advanced as Daniel J. Loepp of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan joined Tirico and Penske on the stage. Loepp shared how the Downtown business community rallied together to help the city grow. Both Penske and Loepp reflected on their time working on the Super Bowl XL Host Committee in Detroit.
Loepp shared how both local businesses and workers are excited to be part of the community, and many BCBS of Michigan employees’ eagerness to live Downtown.
The event concluded with emphasis on Downtown’s vibrancy and the neighborhoods, all of which culminates into a world-class city.
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