House ways & means chairman anchors town hall forum--"tax reform driving economic growth".

• Position: Chapter News ...

As tax professionals we are reminded daily of the economic impact resulting from tax legislation emanating from Washington and our State capitols. While the policy makers have the luxury of creating a labyrinth of rules left for others to administer, the tax executive is often forced to explain the unexplainable to our business team. Policy makers, pundits, and the media often attempt to educate the general public on tax policy and the potential economic ramifications but they often find it difficult to explain the relevant tax complexities and the corresponding impact on business decisions. Seeking a forum that would allow for an open dialogue addressing this topic, the Detroit Chapter of TEI initiated an innovative and ambitious format for the Chapter's 2013 Annual Meeting.

On May 6th, 2013 the Detroit Chapter held its annual meeting, "Tax Reform: Driving Economic Growth--A Town Hall Meeting". The impetus of the forum was spearheaded by the efforts of Congressman Dave Camp, Chairman House Committee on Ways and Means, and his ongoing determination to elevate the discussion of comprehensive tax reform to a national debate. Larry Leaman, the Chapter's Vice President along with the joint efforts of the entire Board sought to build on the Chairman's efforts and expanded the forum to include prominent leaders who have impacted tax reform in their own unique ways. Current Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, former Michigan Governor and currently President of the Business Roundtable John Engler, and Scott Hodge, President of The Tax Foundation, a prominent Washington D.C. think tank were added as speakers.

The Tax Reform Town Hall meeting addressed federal and state tax reform from several perspectives and was officially opened with welcoming remarks by Jack Trainor, Detroit Chapter President and Larry Leaman, Detroit Chapter Vice President and host. The meeting event was held at the Taylor, Michigan world headquarters of Masco Corporation where Larry serves as Vice President--Tax.

The Honorable Rick Snyder, Governor of the State of Michigan, kicked off the tax reform discussion. Governor Snyder's goal since taking office in 2011 was to "reinvent Michigan" which included a transformational elimination of the state's complex business tax and adoption of a corporate income tax within months of taking office. Governor Snyder was able to provide a pragmatic...