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The Mackinac Center hosted a dozen economics professors at its second annual Scholars Summit in August. Attendees joined from as far away as Ball State University and Northern Michigan University. Scholars networked with like-minded professionals, discussed new research opportunities and learned how to better promote free-market policy reforms.
Attendees heard about the state of affairs in Lansing. They discussed how best to reform occupational licensing laws as well as zoning and permitting regulations. These policies are ones that both sides of the aisle recognize need change.
AnnMarie Pariseau and Dave Bondy, two of the Center’s communications gurus, revealed strategies for working more effectively with the media. Many scholars struggle to keep pace with the changing media landscape, so they valued the presentation.
The Center also partnered with the Institute for Humane Studies, which flew a representative into Lansing for the event. Scholars at the event were introduced to an AI-powered research tool that will make it easier to track bills, legislative action and find previously published research relevant to their work. The institute is a valuable partner that advances liberty through the academy.
The Freedom Embassy, the Center’s versatile space in downtown Lansing, provided the perfect venue. Scholars found the event an easy way to network and develop new relationships with similarly situated colleagues. The summit is a great opportunity for the Center to expand its Board of Scholars — a group of economists and other experts who conduct research, provide peer-reviews, write op-eds and blog posts, speak at events or contribute to our work in other ways.
We look forward to engaging with scholars and meeting new ones at next year’s summit.
