Earlier this month, DDP CEO Eric Larson joined an economic leadership panel hosted by CBC Windsor and the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce. The conversation featured leading voices in policy and business, including BDC’s Pierre Cléroux and Veronique Dorval, and Ontario Chamber CEO Daniel Tisch. Moderated by Amy Dodge, it was a timely dialogue on trade, tariffs and where our region—and our economies—are headed in 2025.
One message came through loud and clear: this moment requires bold, binational leadership.
A Binational Region at Risk
The economic data points are sobering. U.S. retail sales are declining. Recession risk is high. Investment is slowing. And the trade war is driving uncertainty across sectors—especially those crucial to our region, like automotive, steel, aluminum, and tourism.
But behind these headlines is something more fragile: the social and cultural fabric of Detroit and Windsor. For decades, this region has been defined not by division, but by shared history, commerce, and community.
Tariffs aren’t just policy decisions—they’re emotional and social disrupters. They create chaos, halt planning, and breed mistrust.
At the Downtown Detroit Partnership, we take the long view. We were here before this trade tension. We’ll be here after. And in the meantime, we’re doubling down on what matters:
- Showing up for our Canadian partners
- Elevating the arts, culture, and community that connects us
- Supporting small businesses and economic equity
- Meeting regularly with the Windsor Essex business, arts, culture and tourism leaders
- Attending programs like this to strategize, share wins, and humanize the impact of political decisions
The DDP and partners are lifting up our shared story to ensure our collaboration is more than just economic—it’s human.
