Michigan Made, Detroit Built Event To Ensure Local And State Suppliers, Contractors, Play Major Role In New Sports And Entertainment District

DETROIT, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympia Development of Michigan (ODM) invites Michigan-based construction contractors and suppliers from across the state, as well as Detroit-based contractors, to learn about supply, joint venture and construction opportunities available through the construction of the Detroit Sports and Entertainment District and its new arena.

The September 9 event will connect contractors and suppliers throughout Michigan, including Detroit, with District project leadership to drive participation in construction and supply opportunities. The event is also intended to ensure that the new arena is built primarily with materials made in Michigan, financially benefiting companies from all parts of the state.

Michigan-wide Contractor and Supplier Summit
Michigan Made, Detroit Built
September 9, 2014, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
MotorCity Casino Hotel - Sound Board
2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI
9:00 am – 10: 00 am Registration
10:00 am – 11:00 am Project overview
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Networking

Also present at the event will be General Contractor Barton Malow, Hunt & White, Heritage Development Services, The Michigan Black Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, The City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, and The City of Detroit Office of Human Rights. These organizations will provide information, resources and networking that will help contractors and suppliers pursue business opportunities through construction of the new District and its arena. 

"We are committed to ensuring that Michigan and Detroit companies, and their workers, benefit from this transformational initiative," said Christopher Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc.  "We expect to create 8,300 construction and construction-related jobs and produce a $1.8 billion state-wide economic benefit through the District and its new arena; this event is another important step in making the biggest positive impact we can for Michigan and Detroit through this initiative."

Contractors and suppliers can visit www.DistrictDetroit.com to register and learn more. 

The Sept. 9 Summit is the second contractor event held by ODM in less than three weeks. On Aug. 28, more than 300 attendees from Detroit-based and headquartered businesses attended a Jobs Summit held at Motor City Casino Hotel. A broad Detroit workforce event that will support the organization's goal of 51% Detroit workers in construction jobs is planned for October 28, 2014.

Launch for the District will occur this fall. Office, retail and residential buildings – as well as the new arena – are scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2017. Construction of the arena and surrounding District is expected to generate at least $1.8B in total economic impact, 8,300 construction and construction-related jobs and 1,100 permanent jobs. More than $100M in income from the arena project alone is expected for Detroit residents, with significant additional income to be created through future private development.

About Olympia Development of Michigan
Olympia Development of Michigan is a Detroit-based full-service real estate company owned by Detroit entrepreneurs Michael and Marian Ilitch. The company is responsible for developing and investing in some of Detroit's most recognized and visited venues, including the nationally acclaimed Comerica Park. Other Ilitch companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: Little Caesars Pizza, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kits Fundraising Program, Champion Foods, Ilitch Holdings and Uptown Entertainment. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns the MotorCity Casino Hotel.

SOURCE Olympia Development of Michigan