Western Wayne’s leaders, Sowerby highlight second Business Leadership Banquet

CONTACT:        Dan West, president, Livonia Chamber of Commerce, 734.427.2122

                                Marsha Bianconi, executive director, CWW, 734.953.8834

A unique gathering of chief-elected officials and business leaders from across 18 Western Wayne County communities will gather again this fall for an evening of networking and insights into the region.

The second annual Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet – presented by Bank of America and the law firm of Fausone Bohn - will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Ford Motor Company Conference and Event Center in Dearborn. The inaugural event last year drew good reviews from the 350 people who attended.

“This event not only provides valuable information, it is also serves as a catalyst for relationship building between business and political leaders,” said Tracey Schultz-Kobylarz, Redford Township’s supervisor and chair for the Conference of Western Wayne Board. “As a result of events like this, we are able to work together, blend geographical lines and put our best collective proposals forward for the betterment of the region.”

The Conference of Western Wayne, an advocacy organization serving the elected leaders of the region’s 18 cities and townships, is partnering with several local chambers of commerce to coordinate this program designed to build stronger municipal-business relationships in a region that represents 700,000 residents and more than 54 percent of Wayne County’s tax base.

The Banquet emcee will be Mary Kramer, the publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business, and the keynote speaker will be renowned local economist David Sowerby, portfolio manager for Loomis, Sayles and Company in Bloomfield Hills. Sowerby will speak about economic and business trends for Western Wayne County and metro Detroit.

“It is an example for regionalizing and showcasing our attributes, talents and efforts for the good of State, Western Wayne County, and of course the local communities we each serve,” Kobylarz added.

The program is scheduled to feature the appearance of chief-elected officials from the following municipalities: Cities of Belleville, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Inkster, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, Romulus, Wayne and Westland; Townships of Canton, Huron, Northville, Plymouth, Redford, Sumpter, and Van Buren.

“The business community enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many leaders and learn more about the region during our event last year,” said Dan West, president of Livonia Chamber of Commerce and a lead banquet planner. “This event had a successful first year thanks to the cooperation from our elected leaders, CWW staff, many generous companies, and fellow chamber professionals.”

To reserve your space at this prominent regional program, contact the Livonia, Westland, Plymouth or Dearborn chamber of commerce, or the Conference of Western Wayne office at 734.953.8834.