MSU’s SPDC to Host Faculty, Industry and State Leaders to Dialog on theImpacts of the Built Environment and Create Partnerships for Future Economic Development for Michigan

• Registration
• Schedule
• Speakers
• Exhibitor Showcase

On Thursday, October 25, 2012, the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) is hosting the Built Environment Showcase – Today and Tomorrow (BESTT) in East Lansing. This unique event will bring together many industries and professions that create the Built Environment to:

• Showcase the impact of this Sector on Michigan and the U.S. economies;
• Provide the opportunity for interaction between the Industries that make up this Sector; and
• Explore new public/private partnerships.

Why is the Built Environment important? This Sector provides the setting for human activity, including buildings, parks, green space, neighborhoods, cities, and supporting infrastructure. It is created via planning, design, construction, and also involves real estate, redevelopment, maintenance, materials, transport and energy. Few realize the impact this dynamic economic Sector has. For example, in Michigan alone, the Industry:

• Provides more than 370,000 jobs in more than 60,000 firms.
• Generates more than $103 billion in direct revenues.

Why should the creators of the Built Environment be brought together in one place? Beyond existing relationships, they rarely interact with each other, which has resulted in inefficiencies, such as cost and time delays, adversarial conflicts and the slow diffusion of innovations. Therefore, as the “Pioneer Land Grant University,” MSU is well-positioned to facilitate conversations between the different aspects of this Industry, and to help act as a catalyst in the creation of new public/private partnerships that have the potential to increase economic growth and development statewide.

According to SPDC’s Director, Dr. Scott Witter, “BESTT represents a tremendous opportunity for the Built Environment Sector to come together with MSU, and state and local government, to spark the creation of new places, renovate old ones and make a major contribution to Michigan’s economic recovery.”

In addition to a day-long Exhibitor Showcase of various Michigan-based Built Environment companies, firms and organizations, BESTT will feature a session on “Placemaking and Its Effects on the Built Environment,” with Gary Heidel, Executive Director for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority; and Mark Wyckoff, Senior Associate Director of the MSU Land Policy Institute, and Director of the Planning & Zoning Center.

Later in the day, Michigan’s leading economist, Dr. Charles Ballard of MSU will moderate a Forum on the Built Environment to include representatives from the Industry and State government to discuss the current and future status of this Sector. This session will also provide the opportunity for BESTT attendees to join the discussion to help set the stage for a brighter future for the Built Environment. Confirmed panelists include:

• William Rustem, Director of Strategy for Governor Rick Snyder;
• Andrea Brown, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Planning;
• Alan Cobb, Senior Vice President of Albert Kahn; and
• Len Pilon, Workplace Strategy Leader – Ideation for Haworth, Inc.

The event is free and open to the public, and media are welcome. The BESTT will take place at the Huntington Club (formerly the Spartan Club) at MSU’s Spartan Stadium. Parking is available in Lots 62W and 79 near the Stadium. While the event is free, registration is required as space is limited (lunch, refreshments, event materials and validated parking will be provided). Learn more at BESTT.