‘Fix The Damn Roads’: States Step It Up On Infrastructure
CEOs and politicians across the country were disappointed that President Obama never came through on his promises to remedy the nation’s infrastructure problems with federal largesse, and they’re doubly disturbed that President Trump hasn’t done it either. So, more states are taking it upon themselves to—as new Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer put it during her 2018 election campaign—“fix the damn roads.”
Residents are in an uproar over her plan to raise gasoline taxes by 45 cents a gallon over three years to finally address the problem in a comprehensive way after the GOP administration of former Governor Rick Snyder, and a Republican legislature, seemed to kick the can down the pockmarked road.
But many Michigan CEOs are warm to the idea of doing whatever it takes to overcome the ruinous freeze-thaw cycle that just keeps ravaging the state’s streets and highways.
As Patti Poppe, CEO of major utility Consumers Energy headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, says, “A sustainable funding source” for infrastructure upgrades is “very important. The fact that [Whitmer] is focusing on it is a good thing, and it looks like [legislative leaders are] playing well in that sandbox too.”
Meanwhile, Ohio Governor Michael DeWine wants an 18-cent-a-gallon increase in the next two-year budget, which would make the state’s 46-cent gas tax the fifth-highest in the country. And in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers wants to nudge up gas taxes and impose other fees to raise $600 million in new revenue.
“Roads are so important, especially in a lot of places in Flyover Country, where manufacturing and logistics are more intense,” says Larry Gigerich, an Indiana-based development consultant. “And with the economy doing well, some governors are saying let’s do this now.”
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
