Sandra E. Pierce: Reviving Metro Detroit

Region must learn from past, embrace change to progress

We have a real opportunity to transform our region and to rightfully position it among the world's most admired communities. But it will only happen if we adapt and embrace change.

It was President John F. Kennedy who said, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

To put things in perspective from an industry I know well, look at what's happened in banking. The 50 largest banks in 1985 have been consolidated into what are now eight banks. That's how dramatic change can be. And yet if change is something that is fought instead of embraced, there simply is no future.

Change encourages new thinking, appropriate risk taking and active decision-making. One of the best examples of this is One D: Transforming Regional Detroit. This group of six of the most powerful regional civic organizations -- Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Renaissance, New Detroit and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan -- is committed to working collaboratively to advance progress and growth by aligning the private, public and nonprofit sectors toward common priorities.

Not only is change at the heart of One D, so is a willingness to set aside independent plans and instead work behind the scenes to advance solutions for the greater good. One D understands that no one organization, municipality or even political party has a monopoly on good ideas.

There are other examples of regional collaboration. Detroit Renaissance recently brought together the region's economic developers to develop new ways to grow the region's economy as the Economic Development Coalition of Southeast Michigan. And organizations like Detroit Synergy offer an example of people from throughout the region working together to find innovative solutions.

While we have the future in mind, let's acknowledge the strength of our starting point. Our region is home to world-class cultural and entertainment venues, rich history, breath-taking architecture and culturally diverse communities. We hosted Super Bowl XL with finesse, and our amazing riverfront is transforming before our eyes as an international waterway to behold.

And with Tigers' spring training in full swing, the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings boasting winning records in their respective conferences, and steadfast Detroit Lions fans willing to come back next season, I am convinced Metro Detroit is the best sports town.

Charter One understands that our success is directly tied to the success of the communities where we live and work. The responsibility lies on all of us across all sectors to think strategically and seriously about how we can work together for positive change.

So let's learn from our past and act in the present with urgency around regional priorities and solutions. We can't afford to miss the future.

Sandra E. Pierce is president and chief executive of Charter One Bank. E-mail comments to letters@detnews.com.

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