BY GAIL HAINES • May 16, 2009 We all know that the auto industry, and thus the entire state, is in trouble.
After decades of Detroit hosting the North American International Auto Show, it has outgrown the beloved Cobo Hall. In 2009, the North American International Auto Show generated more than $500 million to Michigan’s economy. It hosted more than 650,000 people, including nearly 5,500 journalists from more than 40 countries. Fifty-three products were unveiled, including 34 worldwide debuts and 19 North American debuts. More than $2.6 million was raised for children’s charities at the annual black tie charity preview. The auto show was covered by all of the major television networks. It’s a world-class event that provides jobs and revenue to local exhibit companies, service companies, restaurants, hotels, transportation companies, charities and our residents every year. There is no question we need to keep the auto show in Michigan. Competition is fierce from Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. As a state representative from the Oakland County, I say that if it can’t be at Cobo Hall, our doors are open in Oakland County. As we work to find a suitable solution to prevent the auto show from leaving our state, politics have clearly gotten into the way. If we continue down this path, it will be at our own expense.
The auto show not only creates jobs and stimulates the economy it gives our state the chance to highlight some of our greatest assets: our auto ingenuity, our natural resources, and our work ethic.