It was a pleasure to be part of the Wichita Regional Chamber’s City-to-City visit to Detroit last week! Having spent nearly ten years working in Detroit, it was inspiring to return after a two-year absence and see the city’s continued transformation firsthand.

Detroit’s re-emergence is truly remarkable. The city has become a vibrant incubator for new businesses and innovation, driven by strong partnerships between industry, government, and education. It’s clear that Detroit is positioning itself as a global leader in innovation and collaboration.

Equally impressive is the city’s ecosystem of nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders working together to make Detroit an ideal place to live, work, and invest. There’s an unmistakable energy behind transformational projects designed to create jobs, attract investment, and preserve the cultural legacy of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan.

I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with our outstanding Wichita delegation—leaders from business, education, and industry—and reconnecting with old friends from my Detroit days.

If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend participating in the annual City-to-City visit. It’s an inspiring experience that broadens perspectives and builds lasting connections. – Marcy Aycock, REAP Executive Director