Detroit Means Business (c. 1982)

2015.008.097
U-Matic tape containing the c. 1982 version of the promotional film "Detroit Means Business," produced by the Urban Communications Group for the Detroit Department of Public Information and the Community and Economic Development Department.
The film begins with a brief introduction that lists the city's automotive industry along side its lesser known industries including the manufacture of business machines, paints, Stroh's, potato chips, and industrial and commercial films. It also lists major corporations and banks present in the city, and highlights the convention and tourism industries.
The film then focuses on the recently constructed Renaissance Center, as an "investment in the city's future" headed by Henry Ford II. The adjacent Hart Plaza is also shown, representing downtown development. The narrator describes the 1980 Republican National Convention as being a success of the Renaissance Center. The film also mentions "Phase 2" in the Renaissance Center's development--the addition of Towers 500 and 600.
Next, Mayor Coleman A. Young is shown discussing his efforts to create a coalition of government, business, and labor--Detroit Renaissance--to assure the city's prosperity. Max M. Fisher then is shown talking about the origins of Detroit Renaissance, and his role as the first chairman.
Using animated graphics, the film then describes the relationships between the Economic Growth Corporation, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Economic Development Corporation.
Several developments facilitated by these partnerships are then covered. Ronald Ratner of Forest City Dillon is filmed talking about his company's Trolley Plaza. The same company's plans for the Millender Center are also detailed by the narrator. Esther Edwards of the Americal Development Corporation talks about her company's work on Trapper's Alley. The film also features maps showing the Riverfront West Project--Max Fisher and Alfred Taubman's plan for hotel and marina (Riverfront Apartments)--and the Riverfront East Project--a Stroh's complex (River Place). The narrator also briefly mentions a plan for parks between the sites.
Other developments around the city are also highlighted. The narrator mentions an "elevated urban transport system" in downtown (the People Mover). New Center One, and General Motors' New Center Commons housing development are also mentioned.
Moving from the topic of housing to that of jobs, the film then focuses on the Central Industrial Park project--General Motors' new General Motors Assembly Division plant in Poletown. The film mentions the issue of land acquisition for the project. GM chairman Roger Smith appears to discuss working with the city to realize the project. John Adams of Adams Industries, a light aircraft manufacturing firm, is also interviewed. He talks about working with city government during while relocating his business to Detroit.
The next segment of the film highlights other details that might woo business to the city including income levels, other industries, the city's role as a transportation hub, dependable energy, fresh water, and the pool of skilled workers. Doug Fraser of the United Auto Workers is interviewed about the city's work force. He discusses productivity, and the positive relationships between workers and management. The film then briefly touches upon universities, colleges, and technical schools in the area, as well as the existence of high tech industries like robotics, and the presence of the Detroit Medical Center.
In a closing montage, the film touches on neighborhoods, home ownership, arts, recreation, sports, music, dining in the city.
The video is on a 30 minute Sony U-Matic tape with a handwritten Producers Color Service, Incorporated, Video Communications Division label on its top. The video is housed within a black plastic latching case with a matching label on its cover, and a City of Detroit Department of Public Information Video Production label on its spine.