We sat down with Keith Lambert, Chief Operating Officer at LEAP, who attended the 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Keith has attended the summit before, but each time he attends, he feels a renewed sense of excitement and opportunity for the Lansing region and Michigan. Read below to learn more about his experience.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the pinnacle of promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States. It serves as a platform to connect investors, companies, economic development organizations (EDOs), and industry experts, all united in the pursuit of investment deals that will strengthen the American economy.

Why did you go? 
Driving FDI into the Lansing region is a big priority of LEAP, and there is no better event to engage with companies big and small from all over the world who are commonly exploring US investment projects and wanting to form new business relationships and partnerships. Team Michigan is always well represented at the show, and having my fellow economic development colleagues from the state level and other regions nearby is great to maximize the message that Michigan is open for business and represents Pure Opportunity. Being able to use our beautiful Michigan booth as a “homebase” during the event is also a big plus.

What was your favorite part?
This is my fourth time attending this event on behalf of LEAP, and what I love most is the incredible diversity of companies and people I get to meet from all of the world. This year, I had the pleasure of meeting with companies from Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Guatemala, Germany, Turkey, Ireland, India, Taiwan, and more. It was also inspiring to see Team Michigan come together at the SelectUSA summit, with Governor Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist and MEDC President & CEO Quentin Messer all in attendance and actively engaged in pursuing a common goal.

What’s next?
All FDI project leads generated at this show will be added to our existing pipeline of opportunities managed by LEAP’s Regional Growth team. We will follow up with these leads to provide tailored research, connect them with economic development resources and partners, and ultimately drive them towards becoming successful projects that create jobs and celebrate our region’s diversity, assets, and amenities. This is a great way to further our community’s growth and success.

The 2023 SelectUSA Investment Summit serves as a catalyst, igniting a spark that fuels the economic progress of Lansing and propel Michigan forward.