Global Ties Detroit

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50 Years of Global Ties Detroit

November 11, 2022

On Wednesday, October 26th, Global Ties Detroit held its annual dinner to celebrate the international exchanges programs and events hosted in the past year, connecting Detroit with global leaders. This year’s dinner was especially significant, as we recognized Global Ties Detroit’s 50th anniversary.

Global Ties Detroit was founded as the International Visitors Council of Metropolitan Detroit (IVC Detroit) in 1972 and has been connecting Detroit, and its diverse citizens, vast resources and innovative industries, to global leaders ever since. By hosting international exchange programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State and other governmental organizations, universities, and think tanks, Global Ties Detroit has played an essential role in promoting global exchange and citizen diplomacy.

Over the past 50 years, Global Ties Detroit facilitated connections between international professionals and professionals in Detroit-area institutions, organizations, and companies, in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. These networking opportunities have promoted meaningful exchanges centered on topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, civic engagement, education, economic development, public health, and more. Not only do these exchanges give visitors a chance to learn from their Detroit counterparts, but they also engage Detroit’s diverse, globally minded citizens. To date this year, Global Ties Detroit hosted more than 400 emerging leaders from nearly 100 different countries meeting with 250+ organizations throughout metropolitan Detroit.

DTE Energy and General Motors served as Presenting Sponsors of this year’s dinner at the beautiful Chroma Detroit. More than 200 business, government, and community leaders enjoyed delicious food and drink, amazing views, and outstanding networking with fellow Global Ties Detroit sponsors, board members, volunteers, and visiting international fellows.

Attendees also heard from some amazing speakers who reflected on Detroit’s role as a global city and the value of engaging with the world around us. Global Ties Board Member, Jas Singh, Vice President of Corporate Services at DTE Energy gave a warm welcome to the evening as the presenting sponsor and shared his recent travels to explore expanding sustainable energy solutions in SE Michigan and beyond.

Craig Glidden, Executive VP of Global Public Policy and General Counsel of General Motors, discussed Global Ties Detroit’s strength to not only survive, but thrive amidst economic difficulties, international conflicts, the coronavirus pandemic, and other challenges during its existence, and how GM is proud to be involved in the organization’s global contributions to Detroit: “The Global Ties story is one of resilience. As indomitable as the City of Detroit itself, it rises to every challenge. This is why General Motors is so proud to be a Detroit company and to support Global Ties. We share the same tough DNA, and we always drive toward a brighter future.”

Anne Grimes, Director of the Office of International Visitors at the U.S. Department of State, thanked Global Ties Detroit for their support of the State Department’s exchange programs and dedication to building positive cross-cultural connections: “Governments alone cannot solve global challenges. We cannot do this work without you [Global Ties Detroit], our vital partners, who create the opportunity and space for dialogue and an exchange of ideas and fostering connections that will lead to long term relationship building.”

Board Chair Faris Alami of International Strategic Management, Inc and emcee W.E. DaCruz of the VGC Group rounded out the speakers

To top off the fun, the dinner included a silent auction in which guests bid on exciting prizes such as private tours of Detroit, weekend stays at hotels, gift certificates to local restaurants, and more. Without a doubt, it was a fantastic evening that celebrated another year of international connections.

Global Ties Detroit is grateful for everyone who attended the dinner, and wants to thank everyone who has supported Global Ties Detroit in any way this year and over the past 50 years. Global Ties Detroit has been a leader in connecting the world to Detroit and promoting citizen diplomacy for the past five decades, and will continue to be one throughout the decades to come.

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