Detroit Chamber picks Dennis Archer Jr. as 2016 Mackinac Policy Conference Chair

MACKINAC ISLAND – The Detroit Regional Chamber announced that Dennis Archer Jr., the founding principal and president of Archer Corporate Services (ACS), and CEO of Ignition Media Group, will serve as Chair of the 2016 Mackinac Policy Conference. This year’s Conference Chair and Deloitte’s Michigan Managing Partner Mark Davidoff made the announcement from the four-day Conference held at Grand Hotel.

“Dennis Archer connects the start-up and corporate communities like few others at a time when the convergence of entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies is playing an expanded role in the regional economy. His ability to connect these communities will help bolster the Chamber’s Startgrid program as we work to link the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Chamber President and CEO Sandy K. Baruah. “Dennis’ leadership on the Chamber Board and engagement with the Mackinac Policy Conference continues to make a positive impact on this organization and his passion for making the city and region a better place is evident through his work every day.”

A serial entrepreneur, Archer has grown ACS into one of the nation’s leading marketing fulfillment services firms and launched Ignition Media Group, a boutique integrated marketing agency headquartered in downtown Detroit, specializing in experiential marketing, public relations, event production and brand development. In March, Archer and partners announced the opening of a modern American gastropub, Central Kitchen + Bar, in the First National Bank building in downtown Detroit in July.

“I was first introduced to the Detroit Regional Chamber by way of the Mackinac Policy Conference as I attended with my parents. Since then, I have seen the reach and influence of the Chamber increase as the diversity of its members and board expand,” Archer said. “At such a pivotal time in Detroit's and Southeast Michigan’s history, I am honored to serve as Chair of this one-of-kind event and look forward to working with the Chamber team to advocate for businesses of all sizes and industries throughout our region.”

The 2016 Mackinac Policy Conference will be held Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 3.

Detroit Regional Chamber 2015 Mackinac Policy Conference
The Mackinac Policy Conference - the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual event – brings together business and government to re-energize Michigan. Since 1981, the Conference has provided access to Michigan’s top business professionals, legislative leaders, corporate CEOs, entrepreneurs and veteran regional champions. Approximately 1,500 attendees are gathering for the 2015 Conference from May 26 – May 29 at the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

About the Detroit Regional Chamber
Serving the business community for more than 100 years, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the oldest, largest and most respected chambers of commerce in the country. The Chamber’s mission of powering the economy for Southeast Michigan is carried out through economic development, education reform, regional collaboration and providing valuable benefits to members. For more information, please visit detroitchamber.com.