Annual Mackinac Island conference starts today

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder is scheduled to make opening remarks as the Detroit Regional Chamber begins its annual policy conference on Mackinac Island.

The conference regularly draws more than 1,000 business and government leaders for three days of discussions about the Michigan economy, education and other issues. It starts Tuesday.

This year's program will focus on how Michigan can improve its global competitiveness through innovation and collaboration.

Also scheduled for the conference is a forum featuring Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Republicans Pete Hoekstra and Clark Durant, who are seeking their party's nomination to challenge her.