History

The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) was formed in 1934 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues. Fortune 100 CEOs and top government officials continue to deliver thought leadership on our dynamic world, from the DEC’s storied podium. The DEC is proud to have hosted every U.S. President since Richard Nixon. 


Two important DEC components are the premium networking with access to our region’s leaders and the hand up to future generations via our Young Leaders and Student Programs.

1934 Economic Club of Detroit logo

Presidents Message

For over 90 years, the Detroit Economic Club has been a platform for the discussion and debate of the day’s important business, government, and social issues. We are proud to be recognized today as one of the top-speaking forums in the world!

With an exceptional lineup of high-profile speakers and tremendous networking opportunities, the Detroit Economic Club remains a vital Detroit institution that is making a positive difference in our region and around the world.

We pride ourselves on inclusion and encourage you to join the club today!

Steve Grigorian
President & CEO 

NOTABLE SPEAKERS

October 8, 1945

EDDIE VON RICKENBACKER

Problems and Opportunities of Today and Tomorrow

April 19, 1948

CECIL B. DEMILLE

April 14, 1957

HENRY KISSINGER

Should We Pay More for the Education of Our Children?

April 14, 1957

GEORGE ROMNEY

When Rome Burns

September 17, 1968

WILLIAM (BILLY) F. GRAHAM

Which Way America

April 8, 1969

U.S. SENATOR
EDWARD M. KENNEDY

New Fiscal Priorities for America: The Surcharge, Tax Reform and Military Spending

March 2, 1970

WALTER CRONKITE

Rebel or Die: The Call for Revolution

September 23, 1971

PRESIDENT
RICHARD M. NIXON

September 29, 1980

CORETTA SCOTT KING

Major Challenges for the Eighties: Eliminating Poverty, Racism, and Violence

October 10, 1984

PRESIDENT
JIMMY CARTER

April 28, 1997

BILL GATES

Technology: The Great Enabler - Its Influence on Society, Business and Communities

Jan 8, 1999

PRESIDENT
BILL CLINTON

February 8, 2005

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

May 7, 2007

SENATOR BARACK OBAMA

October 28, 2014

MARY BARRA

Driving Transformation and Economic Growth

August 8, 2016

DONALD J TRUMP

October 31, 2017

BILL FORD, JR.

Disrupting The Future: A Conversation with Bill Ford

February 7, 2019

MARC MORIEL

Patriotism vs. Nationalism - The New American Challenge

September 20, 2023

JAMIE DIMON

February 14, 2024

SECRETARY OF TREASURY JANET YELLEN