Previous Events Archive

September 19, 2019

by Jennifer Granholm

As part of the 2019 Speaker Series of South Haven, former Governor Jennifer Granholm spoke on Top Trends Affecting Michigan.

Since leaving office in 2011 Jennifer Granholm has been involved in numerous projects such job growth in clean energy, information technology, sustainability, climate change, and the development of public policy. Paired with her eight years experience as Governor and four as Attorney General, Granholm’s perspective posed a compelling look at Michigan’s future.

Watch the Video – Top Trends Affecting Michigan, Jennifer Granholm

Video by Richard Brunvand

Thursday, May 9, 2019

by Peter Annin

“The Great Lakes Compact: A Decade of Lessons Learned”

Acknowledged as the preeminent journalist writing about the Great Lakes, Peter Annin presented at the Speaker Series for a second time. He was the very first presenter when the series was launched in April 2015. This time he reviewed the successes and challenges to the Great Lakes Compact agreement.

The presentation “The Great Lakes Compact: A Decade of Lessons Learned” by Peter Annin was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

by Ryan Kilpatrick

Ryan Kilpatrick, now executive director at Housing Next of Grand Rapids, spoke on Affordable Housing: Obstacles and Solutions in Lake Shore Communities.

Kilpatrick worked from 2009 to 2014 in Douglas before becoming a community assistance team member for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. covering Region 4, which includes Allegan and Ottawa counties.

Ryan Kilpatrick explored the many ways in which 50 years of federal, state, and local policy decisions have contributed to the shortage of affordable housing. He then focused on a variety of local and regional solutions including such factors as transportation, community design, connectivity, and quality of life.

The presentation “Affordable Housing” by Ryan Kilpatrick was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

by Dennis Archer

Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and member of the Michigan Supreme Court offered his inspiring perspective on perseverance and leadership. Widely known for his political service, Archer also had a distinguished legal career as a respected judge, first black president of the American Bar Association, and one of the 100 Most Powerful Attorney’s in The U.S.

The presentation “Reflections on Leadership and Perseverance” by Dennis Archer was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.

Watch the Video – Reflections on Leadership and Perseverance, Dennis Archer

Video by Richard Brunvand

Thursday, May 10, 2018

by Phil Power

Phil Power, Founder and Chairman of the Center for Michigan and Bridge magazine, offered insightful reflections on 2018 issues affecting Michigan including the mid-term elections. A former owner of a chain of community newspapers, Power has been a strong proponent of economic development in Michigan.

The presentation “Why Our Political System is Behaving So Oddly” by Phil Power was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.

Watch the Video – Presentation “Why Our Political System is Behaving So Oddly” by Phil Power

Video by Richard Brunvand

Thursday, April 19, 2018

by Dr. Fred L. Johnson III

Professor Fred Johnson, one of Hope College’s most celebrated teachers, discussed how centuries old patterns of discrimination play out in new forms and challenges. He offered action steps that need to be taken to secure the diminished benefits of citizenship for African Americans.

The presentation “While Black People Slept” by Dr. Fred L. Johnson III was well attended. Here’s some photos from the event.

Watch the Video – While Black People Slept, Dr. Fred L. Johnson III

Video by Richard Brunvand