Letter From the President
Dear friends,
Despite the tough times we face, I see myself as one of the luckiest individuals in Detroit. Life has a funny way of presenting opportunities to us. For me, the downturn in the construction industry has afforded me time to spend forming and developing The Collaborative Group. This organization allows me unique opportunities to meet with individuals whose life stories are interesting, whose minds are innovative and forward thinking, and whose spirits are community oriented. There is a movement toward collective intellectual capital, connectivity, hope, drive and desire for people to come together to revitalize the region. It shows no boundaries or age, occupation, gender or ethnicity. It is a united front.
The impact of The Collaborative Group may not be fully understood since we do not combine our financial capital, but rather our intellectual capital and connectivity. As we individually move forward on parallel paths working towards efforts that personally concern us, think of the leverage, excellence, and efficiencies we share. Elaine Kelly is recognized as one of the states top CEOs and connectors; Chris and Andrew McCuiston understand and can offer assistance to those seeking venture capital and franchising opportunities; and Katie Dirksen is a young, entrepreneurial thinker who can rally the youth leaders. The list goes on to include every member of The Collaborative Group and forms the basis for this exceptional organization.
Beyond connecting with our members, Deirdre and I are forming strategic alliances with organizations and institutions from across the community. For example, we have connected with The Kresge Foundation, The Hudson Weber Foundation, The Cultural Alliance for Southeast Michigan, The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, The Michigan Municipal League, Detroit’s Symphony Orchestra, and The Detroit Economic Club.
We also continue to connect with marketers and media players such as The Detroit Free Press, WJR News Radio, Crain’s Detroit Business, Fox 2 News, Model D Media, Team Detroit, and The Detroit Regional News Hub. The connections allow us to develop awareness of The Collaborative Group, share our story, and establish bonds for future support.
Our membership, strategic alliances, and media connections, along with our speaker series events, member and community proposals, round table sessions, and energetic gatherings we are strengthening our personal, professional and philanthropic pillars. We are also progressing on initiatives that will strengthen our community such as Challenge Detroit which will launch in June. The Collaborative Group will have impact, will affect change, and will be part of the rebirth of the region. How lucky are we?
Sincerely,
Doyle
PS Resolute Consulting, our pro bono strategic business development consultant, recently won the Publicity Club of Chicago Silver Trumpet Award in the Institutional Category recognizing their achievement and dedication to The Collaborative Group. The Club awards communication programs or campaigns that are devoted to an idea or a philosophy, a total concept or identity. Resolute’s team has gone above and beyond to develop our organization’s identity, strategy for success, and media solutions. Thank you, Resolute!