By Kathryn Kretschmer-Weyland
December 17, 2007

Southfield Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence and the Southfield Chamber of Commerce December 5 hosted the first Partner America event in Michigan at the state-of-the-art Southfield Public Library. Over 150 small business owners attended the half-day event that included discussion on topics such as improving profits, cash flow, business growth and utilizing local, regional and national resources.

Southfield serves as Michigan’s premier business address-home to over 8,600 businesses that include more than 80 “Fortune 500” companies. Southfield’s access to city-wide fiber optics, extensive infrastructure and its central location make this a great business destination.

In her opening remarks, the mayor told participants that, “Working together in these challenging times we must take the time to create opportunities to reinvent ourselves, brainstorm and share ideas. We are looking forward to assisting you by providing you continuous support and assistance during these difficult economic times.”

“Partner America has given me the conduit to enable me to address our businesses’ needs and create further awareness in our city. Partner America is a great, user-friendly resource that is open and responsive. This conference was a huge success! I encourage other mayors to have similar events in order to embrace their business needs and challenges,” she added.

Lawrence concluded by saying, “This will not be the last time we talk. At the end of the day, will discuss next steps so that we can continue to provide you with similar venues for you to be successful.”

Susan Busch, chairwoman of the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce, served as the official master of ceremonies. Busch stated, “The mayor of this city has so much heart. Together, we will continue to strive to make this the most business-friendly climate in Michigan.”

Guest speakers included Richard King, Regional Director of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center who spoke about the specific resources available to the small business owner; Cynthia Grubbs, Manager of Diversity Initiatives for the Michigan Development Corporation discussed her organization and how they can assist the small business owner as well; and Louis M. Mosca, Executive Vice-President of American Management Services, interacted with the crowd asking pertinent questions regarding their everyday life and strife as a small business owner. Do You Really Want to Make a Profit was the topic and he related it to what that really means to the small business owner. Anthony Outley, GSA (General Services Administration) discussed Selling to the Federal Government and the presentations concluded with Doug Adams, Vice-President, SBA Lending, Comerica Bank.

At the conclusion of the session, the group convened for lunch in a nearby room where all the guest speakers were available for further questioning by the attendees.

Partner America is a public/private partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and American Management Services, Inc. If you would like to participate in this program or as a host for such an event, contact Jeff Bean, Managing Director at 202-446-8140 or send e-mail to jbean@usmayors.org.