Dear Michigan Leaders:
For generations, Michigan has been defined by people who work hard, lift each other up and believe in a better future. These values have always been strengthened by voices that tell the full story of our communities. For nearly a century, the Michigan Chronicle has uplifted these experiences as a trusted source of news and information. In partnership and with an unwavering commitment to storytelling, I want to thank Hiram Jackson, CEO, Real Times Media, and the Michigan Chronicle team for this expanded publication and the launch of Huntington Homefront. This collaboration is marked by a decade of shared investment in Detroit’s future through our S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards, an initiative that expands scholarship access to high school students who demonstrate perseverance and promise.
I also want to acknowledge Bob Riney, CEO of Henry Ford Health and chair of this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, Sandy Baruah, CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, and so many others who make this convening possible. This year’s theme, A Quest for Common Ground, reminds us that more unites us than separates us. Only by working together can we shape the kind of future that Michigan residents deserve. As we discuss important topics, including economic growth, affordability, healthcare, jobs, education, safety and the overall vitality of our region, let us always remember that we do so on behalf of Michigan families and businesses.
Over the next few days, we will engage in conversations around the priorities we share across party, county and sector lines. These discussions reflect the collective responsibility we have as leaders to confront Michigan’s most pressing challenges and advance the public, private and bipartisan partnerships that drive real progress.
As this conference brings us together on common ground, Huntington Homefront extends that dialogue by sharing lessons learned, celebrating partnership and inspiring continued collaboration that benefits communities well beyond Mackinac and throughout the year. By highlighting real examples of local investment and collaboration, this platform helps connect ideas discussed at the Mackinac Policy Conference to action happening on the ground. Throughout this publication, you’ll read about investments in education as economic infrastructure, along with stories of economic empowerment fueled by small business lending, homeownership and financial well-being initiatives.
Huntington is deeply rooted in Michigan and proud to be a long-standing partner in the state’s continued growth and prosperity. Under the leadership of our CEO, Steve Steinour, and our Michigan regional presidents, Michael Land and Lauren Davis, we are guided by a people-first approach to banking and a commitment to leading locally. With our commercial bank headquarters in downtown Detroit, and nearly 4,000 colleagues and 300 branch locations across the state, our focus remains on expanding opportunities and delivering solutions that meet communities where they are.
As Huntington marks its 160th anniversary, we remain resolute in our purpose: making lives better, helping businesses thrive and strengthening the communities we serve. That same spirit of local leadership and shared responsibility is what makes gatherings like the Mackinac Policy Conference such a powerful space for progress.
Thank you for bringing the energy and dedication needed to help shape decisions that improve lives today and build stronger futures for tomorrow.
Gary Torgow, Chairman of Huntington Bank
| PHOTO Hiram Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Real Times Media, Publisher, Michigan Chronicle |
