Detroit in 24 Hours Part One

In addition to all of my other traveling about, a few colleagues and I, recently spent 24 hours in Detroit, MI, long considered the Motor Capital of the World. The reason for our journey was to meet with the ‘Big Three’ – General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. It was very interesting sharing thoughts and ideas with executives from these corporations. While there, we also visited our new affiliate station, Fox 2, where, I’m quite pleased to say, my show will be aired this fall at 10 AM. As usual, I took plenty of photos. And please return to my blog tomorrow to see more pictures of my visit to the lovely and stately homes of Henry and Edsel Ford. They’re really quite magnificent.

Entering the Fox 2 Studios

Here I am being interviewed by co-anchor of FOX 2 News in Detroit, Sherry Margolis.  Sherry was lively, pretty, and well-informed!

I am standing in their kitchen, with a Fox producer and my executive producer, Bernie Young.

The Renaissance Center is the home of General Motors in Detroit, on the shores of the Detroit River, which separates Detroit from Canada, this spectacular glass structure is an architectural wonder.

looking out from the lobby of the renaissance center across the river to Canada and the gambling casinos

There are always cars on display in the lobby.

The elevator to the restaurant on top of the building is glass, with amazing views to the north and south and across to Canada.

There are many wonderful stadiums in Detroit.  That evening was one of the playoff games in the Stanley Cup competition - the Redwings lost that night but ultimately clinched the title two days later.

looking north up the river

The Red Wings stadium on the river - that night teeming with avid fans.

another great stadium

another stadium

another stadium - There are the Lions, the Red Wings, and the Tigers.

Our dinner was in a lovely, top of the building restaurant, the Coach Insignia.

Wenda Millard - our new company CEO and Sally Preston - publisher of Martha Stewart Living

Mary Meyers, one of the most important women in the automotive advertising world and Kim Kosak, Director Chevrolet Ad & Sales Promotion (GM Corp)

Here I am with Jacki Kelley, our EVP of Media Sales at Martha Stewart Living. 

Another of Detroit's important advertising executives, General Motors Brian Elwarner, SVP, Managing Director, GM Planworks - who knew he was a extreme barbecue expert and grill maven??

Caesar's Palace - right across the river in Canada, attracts a lot of gamblers, or gamers, as they are called.

The following morning, I was scheduled to be interviewed in front of a large audience of business women at the Chrysler LLC headquarters - on the left is Deborah Meyer, who was a great interviewer, and Susan Thomson, Director of Media, Chrysler LLC.

We had a great time answering questions and telling a bit about brand building and the business of MSLO.

Deborah Meyer, VP & Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler LLC and me

Nancy Rae, Sr. VP of Human Resources & Corporate Communications, Chrysler LLC and me

Andrea Sagowitz, Executive Assistant at Chrysler and me

Susan Thomson, Director of Media, Chrysler LLC and me.

Susan Thomson (Chrysler), Sally Preston (MSLO), Wenda Millard (MSLO), me, Jackie Kelley (MSLO) and Mary Meyers (MSLO) in Green Room

Deborah Meyers and me.  We're concluding the Q & A at the Chrysler Womens' 'Rise and Shine' Forum.

Make-up artist, Mary Curran and my assistant, Liesl Menning exploring Chrysler's employee gift shop.

Chrysler LLC Headquarters, capacity to hold 15,000 employees - 2nd largest office space after the Pentagon. It houses 2 barber shops, 3 cafeterias,  a Fitness/gym center, to name a few...

Looks like we're in Egypt - but we're really in Detroit!

Want more?

Visit the following links to read my most recent travel blogs!

24 Hours in San Francisco, a whirlwind trip!

Posted Jun 12, 2008

---

The D Conference, a fascinating seminar

Posted Jun 10, 2008

---

Look at my photos of the gorgeous wisteria in full bloom at my home in East Hampton!

Posted Jun 4, 2008

---

Come join the parade in the charming town of Northeast Harbor, ME

Posted Jun 1, 2008

---

Let's go antiquing together in fabulous Sag Harbor! Don't forget to leave me a comment!

Posted May 15, 2008

---

                   

   

Comments

[Pam from California]

Martha
Jacki could pass for one of your relatives she looks more like you then Alexis.
Martha you look good!
Gods speed on your trip to Poland
Can I have your frequent flier miles lol?
Enjoy~
Pam from California

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Thanks for taking us along on another fabulous trip to a place I've never been to - Detroit. I love your photos of the General Motors Building, inside and out. It looks like everyone had a great time again. Thanks for including the sports stadiums, especially Tiger Stadium. The photos of Fox 2 studio were really neat. Thanks so much for sharing another whirlwind trip. Jan

[Danielle]

I always enjoy it when you share your vacation photos on your blog. I especially loved seeing photos of you at Fox 2. The many places you go is always pleasure to hear about. ~ Danielle

[Andrea and the Weimaraners]

.

Bravo to Michigan's 'Finest' and Their Visiting Friends !

I look back to June Cleaver and onward to "You've come a long way baby!"

Congratulations Women,
AJS and the Weimaraners

.

[Patty]

Thanks for again sharing your travels with us. I've never been to Detroit but now thanks to your wonderful pictures I've had a taste of the city. Long live the big 3 auto makers- buy American !!!

[Susan]

Thank you, Martha for showing Detroit and its rich history. I have lived in this area my 52 years. We sure do love our Red Wings (over one million came to celebrate the Stanley Cup victory)and did you get to meet the beloved Mike Ilitch family, to whom we are grateful for all they have done for Detroit?

[John]

Martha it was exciting to hear that you were visiting my hometown! Too bad I wasn't lucky enough to have crossed paths with you as just about everywhere you visited, I work within minutes from! It would have been great to get to meet you again! Despite what many people may think, Detroit is a fun and exciting place to visit! Can't wait until part 2 is posted. Hope you were able to get photo's of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford Estate. The home is just magnificent!!

[Trish]

You've made me just a little bit homesick for my home town, especially the view up the river and across to Canada. I have not been to the Renaissance center yet or Ford Field where the Tigers now play so thanks for your great pictures. I still have relatives there who email me photos but not from way up like you were! Trish

P.S. You beads and bracelet look great with that suit.

[Pru]

Hi Martha,
Hope you are conserving your energy ready for London next week. I can't wait to meet you and finally see your Wedgwood items!

[colleen]

Martha, I love your show, website, and magazine (especially the crafts), and I am so happy you had the opportunity to visit my hometown, Detroit. Even though we get a bad rap sometimes, we have a lot of great things here and I'm glad you got to experience some of them...go Wings!

[Amy]

I'm loving these trips you're doing--thanks so much for sharing, I too have never been to Detroit.

Martha, are you doing a segment on these car companies, like the 3M segment a few months ago? If so, I bet it'll be VERY interesting.

Lucky, you getting to sit with Brian Elwarner, he's a cutie--and he cooks!

[Andy]

Hi Martha:
Recently on the MSN Homepage, I read an article that predicted the decline of MSLO. I sincerely hope that is not true. My wife and I enjoy all your products and purchase them as gifts for friends. My wife became interested in your first products and ordered them from Martha by Mail. Since that time, we have found them everywhere and are now shopping at our local Macy's for your fine linens and dinnerware. Speaking for my wife and myself, not to mention millions of your other customers, we hope you never go out of business.

[Tiffany]

Martha, thank you so much for sharing your trip! I am originally from Detroit (and still an avid Red Wings fan!) and it is so nice to see a positive review of the area i love so much!

[Kenn]

Thanks for spending time in the "Motor City" Martha. It's a magnificent place despite a rough history. The Riverwalk along the Detroit River is a wonderful family place. So will we be seeing a "Martha" inspired vehicle coming from one of the big three soon?
I'll miss you on WXYZ-TV but I look forward to your new 'home' on Fox-2 Detroit.

[steamy kitchen]

oh, i was going to say Luxor in Las Vegas for that last pic!

;-)

[Lawrence]

Martha
Hope your visit to Detroit was pleasant. As a native Michigander I really enjoyed your pictures. Fox-2 Detroit is lucky to get you. Just like a fine wine, you just keep getting better as the years go by.

[Lisa Soares]

Thanks for sharing your pictures! I was born and raised right across the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario, Canada...which many people don't realize is actually SOUTH of Detroit (most assume it's North because it's Canada). I recently moved to Atlanta after living many years in Southern California (where I attended 3 of your seminars...one, I believe, was in Redondo Beach around 1997 and then two others in San Diego). But, no matter where I am, the Windsor/Detroit area will always be "home" to me so it's fun to see the pictures.

[Michael]

Martha, always a pleasure when I can sit down and enjoy your show. Was so happy to see your segments on-demand on Comast Cable!! Didn't take me long to find a program that made my mouth water!!! Will be serving up some citrus chicken with that splash of tequilla salsa this weekend. Thanks so much for the taste and style you bring to our lives. You're the best!!! :)

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Thanks for taking us along on your trip to Detroit. I enjoyed seeing your photos. Go Tigers!
Kathy

[Lori Lemanski]

Dear Martha-
I am so excited that you were here in my hometown of Detroit! Yes, we have alot of problems, but many wonderful and beautiful things, too.I just wish that I could have run into you! Hope you come back to Michigan soon- you should visit my city of Hamtramck, which is of mostly Polish decent, for some good Polish cooking!

[Tiffany]

It is so wonderful to see positive depictions of Detroit. For those of us who live here we know the rich history and amazing gems our city has to offer. It's exhausting to always hear/read the negative. Thanks for bringing positive attention to a misunderstood and underappreciated city.