Detroit Homecoming
Detroit Homecoming is an invitation-only event sponsored by Crain Communications and designed to enlist the efforts of Detroit natives in improving the city.[1] It began in 2014 with a commitment to be an annual event for at least 3 years.[2] and has continued for a decade. Over its 10 years of existence, more than 950 expats have attended. Putting a dollar figure on investments inspired by Homecoming is tricky, because every large investment has many inspirations and partners. But just the top 10 completed investments and donations having strong Homecoming ties top $1 billion.[3]
The first Homecoming took place in September, 2014, with an invitation list focused on what the Detroit News described as, "the elite: billionaires, sports stars, company presidents, venture capitalists, journalists and entertainers."[4] Among the event's planned highlights was a conversation between DanGilbert and Warren Buffett entitled, "Why I’m Bullish on Detroit."[4]
Interviewed during the Homecoming, Rachel Jacobs, a Detroit expat living in New York said, "Detroit doesn’t need ideas. It has phenomenal ideas. It needs doers," referring to her own organization, Detroit Nation, a web-based group of former Detroiters working to help their hometown.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Witsil, Frank (18 September 2014). "At Detroit Homecoming, leaders gather to boost the city". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- ^ "Detroit Homecoming event aims to reconnect former residents with city". Detroit Free Press. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
- ^ "10 Outcomes for 10 Years". Crain's Detroit Business. 19 September 2023. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
- ^ a b Chambers, Jennifer (16 September 2014). "Homecoming a way to gather ex-Detroiters who could give city boost". The Detroit News. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
- ^ Chambers, Jennifer (19 September 2014). "Detroit's expats say city has 'phenomenal ideas'". The Detroit News. Retrieved 19 May 2015.