DETROIT – The newly-named Detroit Regional Partnership charged with creating a world-class marketing and attraction economic development arm for the 11-county region is now operational and led by CEO Barry Matherly.

The group kicked off a 30-day listening tour with stakeholders across the 11-county region to learn more about each community’s economic development programs and priorities.

“I spent my first few days with community leaders in Monroe, Lenawee and Washtenaw counties, and I’m excited to meet with the remaining eight counties over the next few weeks,” said Matherly, who transitioned from a former role as president and CEO of a similar initiative in Virginia. “This region has so much potential, and I’m excited to build on progress to date and help take it to the next level.”

The Detroit Regional Partnership organization will build upon the people and assets of the Business Attraction group that was formerly part of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

“Having an organization dedicated to marketing our region and attracting investment is such an important step forward in our region’s momentum and recovery,” said Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy Chairman and CEO, and chair of the Detroit Regional Partnership.

“This group is exactly what its new name reinforces: a partnership – by the region and for the region – to The Detroit Regional Partnership is an economic development nonprofit serving Southeast Michigan’s 11-county region.

Founded in 2019 by a group of business and philanthropic CEOs, the organization is laser focused on marketing the region to out-of-state and international companies to attract investments and jobs.