Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 - David Egner - #MPC26

Chris Holman speaks with David Egner, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference. Chris Holman interviews Dave Egner, head of the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce's Annual Policy Conference on Mackinac Island. Egner explains that the foundation — funded by the sale of the Buffalo Bills following Ralph Wilson's death — serves nine counties across Western New York and Southeast Michigan and operates under a unique mandate to spend all its funds within 20 years, reflecting Wilson's desire to do good immediately rather than preserve a legacy. A current focus for the foundation is deepening its economic development work in smaller and rural Southeast Michigan communities, primarily by funding technical assistance programs and initiatives like the New Economy Initiative to help small and midsize businesses grow. The conversation also touches on the critical need for dual enrollment, apprenticeships, and support for skilled trades as essential tools for addressing Michigan's persistent talent shortage. » Visit MBN website: http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: http://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: http://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/