HISTORY
The Economic Club of Detroit - November 8, 1944 - Book-Cadillac Hotel
Photograph by H. Koss
The Detroit Economic Club was established in 1934 in the midst
of the Great Depression by a determined, optimistic and
forward-thinking business leader, Allen Crow.
Mr. Crow, a
prominent Detroit businessman known for his tireless devotion to the
community, spearheaded informal luncheon gatherings and saw the need to
form a larger, more permanent and effective organization. He brought
together a group of Detroit’s business and industrial leaders for
regular forum meetings and the predecessor to the DEC – the Economic
Club of Detroit – was born.
Early membership of the Club was a
“Who’s Who” of Detroit’s business, government and professional
community – a legacy of leadership that still continues to the present
day.
In 2002, the Economic Club of Detroit was reborn as the Detroit Economic Club under new leadership by Beth Chappell.
The
DEC hosts high-profile speakers from across the nation and world at
more than 35 meetings per year. Looking back at the speakers who have
addressed the DEC over the years – and the critical issues they have
addressed – is like studying the major personalities and events that
shaped our history over the past 70+ years.
Today, the DEC
continues to be a coveted forum for prominent individuals worldwide to
share their thoughts, express their opinions and let their voices be
heard.