Blockclubs and Boardrooms: Redefining Civic Engagement

Detroit Revitalization and Business (R&B) Initiative invites you to its 5th annual two-part conference: Blockclubs and Boardrooms: Redefining Civic Engagement. This year's conference is focusing on the many ways we engage with the cities in which we live as both citizens and businesspeople. As Detroit emerges from bankruptcy, we will look beyond the media perception and explore the reality of what has occurred on the ground over the last five years. Detroit community and business leaders will share the highlights of their work, and the conference will provide students with an opportunity to connect with those creating change in the city.

Conference Day: Friday, November 14, 2014

9:15 - 10:00: Registration and Breakfast

10:00 - 12:00: Idea Lab - A fast-paced, media-filled event that traverses the stories of Detroit doers using a TED-style format to entertain and inform, showing that Detroit is a place where ideas flourish.

12:15 - 1:15: Lunch from Zingerman's - Small group discussions with conference participants and speakers.

  1:30 - 2:30: Panel Discussions -

VC Panel sponsored by General Motors - Representatives from GM Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and Mission Throttle will discuss the venture capital scene in Detroit.

Foundation panel organized by The Kresge Foundation - Representatives from the Kresge Foundation, the Skillman Foundation and the New Economy Initiative will discuss how foundations and the non-profit sector have successfully impacted the City of Detroit.

Successful Private Sector Partnerships with the Community - Representatives from PwC and the City of Detroit will discuss how the private sector can effectively partner with the public sector.

2:45 - 4:00: Keynote Speaker - Aaron Seybert is the Vice President at JP Morgan Chase, which is spending $100 million to restore parts of Detroit. Seybert is at the forefront distributing half of the $100 million to community lending groups that will finance rehabilitation efforts across several neighborhoods just outside downtown Detroit.

Conference Dinner: Thursday, January 29, 2015

The conference dinner held in downtown Detroit, will be celebrating the successful completion of this year’s Detroit Impact projects. Drinks, dinner, and transportation will be provided. More information regarding the keynote speaker and location will come soon!