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DEGC celebrates its emerging industry leaders

Nov 5, 2018

From Tiffini D. Smith, Director of Human Resources

As an organization focused on increasing jobs and investment in the city of Detroit, we at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) strive to become experts in our respective fields and add value to DEGC’s work. Being thought leaders in the economic development sector requires our organization to constantly build on existing knowledge through experience and education. Our team members seek out unique opportunities to participate in programs where they can strengthen existing skills and develop new skills and leadership techniques that advance DEGC’s mission and benefit those we seek to serve.

I’m thrilled to announce our DEGC team members – Jennifer Kanalos, director of board administration and Catherine Frazier, senior real estate manager – recently celebrated their graduation from the Urban Land Institute’s Larson Center for Leadership. This highly selective nine-month program focuses on training and mentoring the next generation of real estate and land use professionals in Michigan.

Jennifer and Catherine’s leadership abilities and their thirst for knowledge coupled with their accomplishments in the work they do at DEGC made them the ideal candidates to participate in the program. This intensive program allowed them to build on their existing industry knowledge and resources while learning about emerging trends in the real estate development field. They concluded the program by participating in The ULI Michigan Technical Assistance Panel Program where they worked with other subject matter experts to demonstrate their skills using real-world scenarios.

In addition to Jennifer and Catherine’s accomplishments, Amanda Hanlin, chief of staff, was selected to participate in the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit Class XL. This 10-month leadership program is designed to challenge emerging leaders, from varied industries in Southeast Michigan, to bring about change in their communities. Upon completion, Amanda will join the ranks of over 20 DEGC employees and alum that have completed this cutting-edge program in the last 40 years.

Jennifer, Catherine, and Amanda embody DEGC’s dedication to leadership development and advancement as experts in our field. They are ready to put these fresh skills to work to strengthen our team, and in turn, the city of Detroit.

Five things you should know about the DEGC:

  1. Last week, leaders from around the world joined Mayor Mike Duggan and former New York Mayor Bloomberg for the CityLab Detroit conference.
  2. MCM awardee, Bikes & Coffee recently celebrated its grand opening on Friday, Oct. 26. Stop by Bikes & Coffee during their business hours for a cup of their famous Hyperion Coffee.
  3. MCM awardee, Detroit Wedding Studio will celebrate its grand opening on Nov. 14. The grand opening event will feature vendor tours where couples can meet their dream wedding team.
  4. West African-Caribbean restaurant, YumVillage, will join fellow MCM awardee, Baobab Fare in the New Center area as the restaurant prepares to make the former Atomic Kitchen building its new home.
  5. Motor City Match is gearing up for its Round 13 grant award ceremony on Monday, Nov. 19.

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