Some of the rising stars and established decision makers of Southeast Michigan gathered at the Charles H. Wright African American Museum for the sixth consecutive meeting of Synergy Leaders, a quarterly event hosted and efficiently operated by www.greeningdetroit.com As executive director, John Carlos planned and provided a wonderful venue with a delicious breakfast. Most importantly, an open and transparent environment was created where leaders from many different professions and persuasions could express themselves and ask for whatever resources that might be in short supply and holding them back. As an ardent supporter of Synergy Leaders and having attended my 5th event, it is remarkable that many of the same faces that initially supported this event as a favor to John Carlos continue to show up as a result of the value proposition provided to all who are honest about their needs. The diversity of people, professions and passion are one of the reasons for the continued support by attendees. The “asks” from this talented group of people really shows the value of the time spent together. Whether it’s a Detroit firefighter asking for support of an event to provide better nutrition and health to the residents of the city of Detroit, an environmentalist turned politician running for Congress to make a difference, or the Oakland County Water Commissioner illuminating major challenges for the community over the next 25 years, supporters come prepared to find answers to their biggest challenges. Even a representative from the Michigan Department of Transportation showed up to gauge the audiences’ interest in some of the vexing challenges posed by degrading infrastructure and changing patterns in transportation. Some attendees lingered at the Museum after the Synergy Leaders meeting concluded. Looking forward to the next conference which most agree can’t come soon enough.
ROBERT E. MATTLER, Associate Broker, Attorney and LEED AP BD+C, is Director of Green Brokerage at Armada Real Estate Services in West Bloomfield, Michigan. He speaks, writes and reports about emerging green real estate and development issues in Michigan and elsewhere. Bob is a senior correspondent for www.greeningdetroit.com . For more information, contact Bob at Armada Real Estate (248) 855-1221; or by e-mail: mattler@greeningdetroit.com
