Detroit City Wire

On October 15, Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber, served as guest host on WJR 760 AM’s “Focus With Paul W. Smith.” During the broadcast, Baruah interviewed a range of leaders from business, community organizations, and government in the Detroit area.

Tina Freese Decker, President and CEO of Corewell Health, addressed challenges facing Michigan’s healthcare system. She noted that Medicaid and Medicare are essential for providing coverage and preventive care but said that uncertainty around federal funding cuts is creating stress for providers and patients. Decker highlighted adaptations such as expanded telehealth services but warned that loss of premium tax credits and reduced reimbursements could lead more people to rely on expensive emergency care.

Trevor Lauer, Vice Chairman and Group President for DTE Energy, discussed how growing energy demands—especially from data centers—are shaping the utility’s strategy. Lauer explained that DTE is preparing by maintaining relationships with the Michigan Public Service Commission and reviewing rate cases to help consumers increase efficiency.

Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White furniture company, spoke about innovation in retail. Stewart stated: “you’re going to innovate or you’re dead,” emphasizing her focus on creating engaging experiences for customers and efforts to attract employees to Michigan.

John Walsh, President and CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), described Michigan’s manufacturing sector as strong due to its leadership in vehicle production, exports, engineering talent, and research investment. However, he noted ongoing challenges related to changing tariffs. Walsh said MMA members are responding by increasing domestic production and seeking new foreign partnerships but indicated these are temporary solutions.

Stephanie Brinley from S&P Global commented on consumer adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). She reported a 9% growth in EV registrations from January to August 2025 but said this is slower than previous forecasts suggested. Brinley remains optimistic about long-term adoption rates.

Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, highlighted strengths among small businesses in Michigan but pointed out missing elements necessary for continued success.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield discussed her mayoral campaign plans with less than a month before Election Day. Sheffield outlined goals such as revitalizing neighborhoods through partnerships with foundations and businesses, expanding the Strategic Neighborhood Fund, focusing on commercial corridors for economic development, maintaining cooperative relations between City Council and the Mayor’s office, and leveraging established relationships within city government. Sheffield also referred to her experience working with current council members as an advantage.

Dorian Grey was introduced as the Detroit Regional Chamber’s new Senior Director of Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. Grey oversees programs like Leadership Detroit—which has operated since 1979—and other initiatives supporting small businesses in the region. He aims to ensure Leadership Detroit remains relevant through feedback from alumni and stakeholders. Applications for the next cohort will open in February 2026.

The interviews provided perspectives on cross-sector problem-solving during uncertain times across healthcare, energy policy https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/fact-1001-january-3-2017-michigan-has-highest-concentration-engineers-nation , manufacturing https://www.trade.gov/data-visualization/state-export-data , retail innovation https://www.furnituretoday.com/business-news/gardner-white-named-among-americas-fastest-growing-private-companies/ , entrepreneurship support https://neweconomyinitiative.org/about/ , city governance https://detroitmi.gov/government/city-council/mary-sheffield-district-5-president , and leadership development https://www.detroitchamber.com/leadership-detroit/ .