Detroit has seen significant changes in recent years, with the city’s revitalization efforts attracting global attention. At the heart of this transformation is the Detroit Regional Chamber (DRC), one of the largest chambers of commerce in the United States. The DRC has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s economic growth, attracting businesses to the region, and fostering regional collaboration. At the helm of this dynamic organization is its president and chief executive officer, Sandy Baruah. In this article, we will explore the Detroit Regional Chamber, its visionary leader, and their contributions to the region’s economic growth.

Founded in 1903, the Detroit Regional Chamber is a non-profit organization representing businesses in the 11-county Southeast Michigan region. The organization’s mission is to promote the region as a premier place to do business and to foster economic growth. The DRC achieves this by advocating for pro-business policies, connecting businesses with resources and networking opportunities, and providing a platform for collaboration between businesses and the community.

The Detroit Regional Chamber has been instrumental in many of Detroit’s recent successes. For instance, the organization played a key role in securing funding for the Detroit Regional Transit Authority, which led to the construction of the M-1 Rail, a 3.3-mile streetcar line connecting downtown Detroit with Midtown. The DRC has also been a vocal advocate for the development of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new crossing that will connect Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

Sandy Baruah is the president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. He has held this position since 2010 and has been instrumental in the organization’s success. Before joining the DRC, Baruah served as the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President George W. Bush. He has also held senior positions in the automotive and energy industries, including as the chief executive officer of the American Automotive Policy Council.

Under Baruah’s leadership, the Detroit Regional Chamber has become one of the most influential business organizations in the country. Baruah has been a vocal advocate for regional collaboration and has helped bring together business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to promote economic growth in Southeast Michigan. He has also been a strong proponent of education reform and workforce development, recognizing that a skilled workforce is essential for attracting and retaining businesses in the region.

Baruah’s contributions to the DRC and the region are numerous. In 2021, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced its $10 million Forward Detroit 2023 initiative, a plan that Baruah helped develop. The initiative is designed to promote regional economic growth and includes efforts to attract new businesses and talent, promote diversity and inclusion, and invest in the region’s infrastructure.

Detroit’s revitalization efforts have attracted attention from around the world, and the Detroit Regional Chamber and Sandy Baruah have played an instrumental role in driving the city’s economic growth. The DRC’s advocacy and collaboration have been key in attracting businesses to the region and shaping its economic development. Meanwhile, Sandy Baruah’s leadership has helped the Detroit Regional Chamber become one of the most influential chambers of commerce in the country. Under his guidance, the organization has developed initiatives that promote regional collaboration, education reform, and workforce development. With the Detroit Regional Chamber and Sandy Baruah at the helm, Southeast Michigan is well-positioned to continue its economic growth.