Future Farmington/Farmington Hills 2003: A Dialogue Among Leaders

    Today, the world is an uncertain place. The tumultuous economy, the prospect of war in Iraq and fear of additional terrorist attacks give cause to many to retreat and wait for the future to unfold. Together, as business leaders, community activists, governmental officials and educators, we need to face, head-on, what is globally at hand and how it can and will impact our lives locally. Now is hardly the time to retreat, but rather, now is the time to come together as a community to address opportunities for advancement. Now is the time to come together, collaborate and discuss how we can foster relationships, bolster partnerships and share resources for the purpose of enhancing Farmington and Farmington Hills -- for the benefit of everyone who has a stake in the success of our community.

    The opportunity to come together for a community-wide dialogue is now upon us. On Friday, April 11, 2003, the Chamber, in partnership with the City of Farmington, City of Farmington Hills and Farmington Public Schools, will present Future Farmington/Farmington Hills 2003: A Dialogue Among Leaders.

    Future Farmington/ Farmington Hills 2003 has been designed to promote dialogue among the corporate, governmental, education and service organization communities as a means to enhance collaborative efforts and collectively plan for the future of our community. The goal is to discuss the future of leading industries in our community and the short and long-term impacts on our local community economically, socially and politically.

    This half-day program will be held from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm at the Dana Corporation, located at 27404 Drake Road in Farmington Hills.

    The format will include fast-paced, eye-opening presentations from top corporate executives and industry leaders followed by lunch and a selection of breakout sessions. Concurrent breakout sessions will be centered on five specific topics of community interest: Education, Quality of Life, Economic Development/Redevelopment, Health Care, and Transportation/ Infrastructure. The intent of these sessions is to have participants recognize potential partnerships that do not currently exist, enhance community synergy, formulate sound public policy and recognize the near and long-term challenges/ opportunities facing Farmington/Farmington Hills.

    Area business leaders, non-profit professionals/board volunteers, elected officials, educators, community representatives, civic leaders and all others interested in the future and long term health of Farmington/Farmington Hills are encouraged to attend and participate in this community-wide discussion.

    Cost to attend the program is $45 per person; attendance will be limited to 175. Registration materials will be mailed/available to the community in early March. If you wish to register or would like more information, please contact Carleigh Flaharty or Ara Topouzian at the Chamber office, (248) 474-3440.