Governor Whitmer Delivers Final Macomb County Address at Chamber Luncheon

Business and community leaders gathered last month at the Assumption Cultural Center in St. Clair Shores for the annual Governor’s Luncheon, hosted by the Macomb County Chamber and Connect Macomb.

The event featured remarks from Governor Gretchen Whitmer in her final Macomb County address, followed by a fireside chat with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

Throughout her remarks, the governor highlighted Macomb County’s critical role in Michigan’s economy, particularly as a center for defense, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. She emphasized recent progress in securing a new fighter mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

“Selfridge is critical to our national security,” said Whitmer. “It’s critical to our economy, and it’s critical to our future. It supports thousands of good-paying local jobs, 5,000 military families and $850 million of annual economic impact. It’s important to Macomb County, but also to the other 82 counties that call Michigan home.”

Whitmer also discussed her approach to governing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and finding common ground to move Michigan forward. She stressed the need for civility in public discourse and encouraged leaders at every level to focus on collaboration and problem-solving.

“We all want the same things: good-paying jobs in our communities, successful small businesses and growing our economy,” said Whitmer.

When asked what’s next during the fireside chat, the governor said she hasn’t quite decided and will spend some time reflecting.

“I am going to take a little break and walk the earth for a bit,” said Whitmer. “My family and I have been in this for the better part of 25 years. There are a lot of things I think might be stimulating and interesting to do, but I have not settled on anything. I just want to make sure that I don’t take my eye off the job for the next seven and a half months. And then I’ll take that walk and think about what’s next.”

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel closed the discussion by thanking Whitmer for her partnership with Macomb County and her commitment to advancing the interests of residents, businesses and communities throughout the region.

The annual Governor’s Luncheon provides Chamber members and regional leaders with an opportunity to hear directly from state leadership on issues affecting Macomb County. Governor Whitmer’s final appearance at the event offered a fitting opportunity to reflect on years of partnership and shared accomplishments.