Detroit Means Business (1985)

2015.007.071
detroithistoric...
Color 16mm film containing the 1985 Sue Marx production, "Detroit Means Business," made for the Detroit Department of Public Information, and the Community and Economic Development Department. The promotional film highlights existing businesses, and new developments, and contains appearances by a number of political and business leaders who discuss the city's merits for business.
The film opens with an introduction from Lee Iacocca, who discusses General Motors' recovery and Detroit's suitability for business. The opening goes on to highlight the city's existing industries including automotive, high tech manufacturing, video production, conventions, food production, and banking. The video continues to describe the Renaissance Center and Hart Plaza. Coleman A. Young then discusses building partnerships between government, business, and labor. Following the mayor is a segment about Detroit Renaissance, with a statement from its chairman Max M. Fisher. Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. explains the purpose and structure of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. From the construction site of the Millender Center, Community and Economic Development Department director Emmett S. Moten, Jr. discusses his department's role. Forest City Dillon's vice president Ronald Ratner talks about his company's decision to build the Millender Center. The narrator mentions how the Millender Center will connect with the planned People Mover. The construction of another People Mover stop, Trapper's Alley is also shown, and Esther Edwards of the building's developer, Cordish Embry and Associates, is interviewed.
The Riverfront Apartments are the focus of the next segment, and A. Alfred Taubman is shown speaking in a tent at its groundbreaking ceremony. Further riverfront developments are also listed including Rivertown, Stroh River Place, and Chene Park. Peter Stroh discusses the process of working with the city to renovate the former Parke, Davis and Company complex.
The next portion revolves around developments in the New Center area--specifically New Center One, New Center Commons, and the neighboring area Virginia Park.
Governor James Blanchard then appears to discusses the state's work to attract business and aid job growth in partnership with the City of Detroit.
An example of promoting job growth, the film presents the new Central Industrial Park Project (General Motors Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant). Roger Smith of GM compliments the city's role in supporting the project. Dave Bing of Bing Steel, Incorporated discusses his company's move to be closer to the new plant to better serve GM's "Just In Time" assembly process as a supplier. He explains why other suppliers should follow his lead, and move into the city.
The next segment stresses the value of the city's central location, role as a transportation hub, and its resources. The toll-free expressways, railways, airports, the Port of Detroit, Detroit Edison's facilities, American Natural Resources natural gas infrastructure, the fresh water supply in the Great Lakes, and the region's workforce are the major points. Doug Fraser of the United Auto Workers appears to discuss the city's work force. The video also notes the region's colleges, universities, vocational, and technical schools. The Detroit Medical Center is spotlighted. Michael Blumenthal appears to discuss his Burroughs corporation as an example of a high tech firm in the city, and what he likes about being located in Detroit.
The video then stresses that Detroit is a great place to live in a closing montage that shows the neighborhoods Indian Village and Lafayette Park, as well as cultural institutions, arts, recreation, sports, and dining. The video ends with the city's slogan, "Do It in Detroit."
The film is housed in side of a teal plastic container with a blank mailing label on its lid.