Both remote (with Michigan's "Stay Home - Stay Safe" order),...

Chris Holman catches up with Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, getting his Friday March 27th, 2020 perspective on COVID-19 and how it's impacting business in Southeastern Michigan's region, and the chamber itself.

Hear Sandy and Chris discuss the business climate and resources for businesses, and how the Chamber is adapting to the ever-changing situation, click on the PodCast shared below:

Additionally here's the chamber's release this week regarding the popular Mackinac Policy Conference!

Chamber Announces New Mackinac Policy Conference Dates

Due to COVID-19 concerns the Conference will be moved to August 10-13, 2020

DETROIT, MICH. Wednesday, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced new dates for the 2020 Mackinac Policy Conference of Monday, August 10 to Thursday, August 13. The date change is a precautionary measure due to the state and federal guidelines for convening groups as a result of COVID-19.

“Our attendees, staff, and members, health and safety are our greatest concern during this crisis. Moving the 2020 Conference to August will offer the best path to ensuring a successful Conference while protecting the health of all participants and allowing our State time to recover from this pandemic,” said Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Moving to a new date was no easy task – we are beyond grateful for our partners, vendors, and committees for working with us to identify these dates.”

The Chamber decided on the August date following discussions with the Conference Chair Ryan Maibach, Chamber’s Executive Committee of its Board of Directors, Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, and other Conference partners.

“Michigan will need the Mackinac Policy Conference more than ever after this pandemic to help chart its future,” said Ryan Maibach, president and CEO of Barton Malow and 2020 Conference Chair. “The August dates provide a great opportunity to reemerge and have robust discussions about rebuilding a stronger Michigan.”

The Chamber will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and stay in regular contact with state and local health officials as we continue event preparations for the Conference in August. As a result of the global pandemic, the planning team will also work to ensure the agenda reflects the state’s new economic reality. A complete agenda will be announced in the summer.

The Chamber is working with most Mackinac Island businesses and hoteliers to ensure a successful 2020 Conference.

“The Detroit Regional Chamber is a true partner of ours, and this decision to postpone the Conference as opposed to canceling is critical to Mackinac Island tourism and all local businesses, which depend so heavily on this event. For that, we are truly thankful,” said Tim Hygh, executive director of Mackinac Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Not only is this the responsible decision for health and safety, it also preserves the opportunity for political and business leaders to connect, collaborate, network, and drive Michigan’s economic progress during this critical and unprecedented period in history. We are thrilled that we will welcome the Chamber and its guests in summer 2020.”

For more attendee, sponsor, and media information, please visit at mpc.detroitchamber.com to view a FAQ.

About Sandy: The Honorable Sandy K. Baruah is president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, the third largest chamber of commerce in the nation. The Chamber represents the business interests of a region comprising 5.4 million residents and 11 Fortune 500 companies. The Chamber also executes the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MICHauto, and hosts the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference. Additionally, the Chamber leads the most comprehensive education and talent strategy in the state.

Baruah joined the Chamber in 2010 after a distinguished career in Washington, D.C. He served President George W. Bush as administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In this role, he was the chief executive responsible for the SBA’s 4,000 national employees and $18 billion small business loan portfolio. Baruah was one of the senior officials shaping the federal government’s response to the 2008 credit crisis and assistance to the U.S. automotive industry.