LANSING, Mich., Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Former presidential candidates Rev. Al Sharpton and Pat Buchanan will debate the top issues affecting Michigan's economic future on Sept. 20, as part of the Michigan Chamber Foundation's 2011 Future Forum.

Sharpton and Buchanan will cap a day of thought-provoking discussions about the key economic issues facing Michigan. The forum will kickoff with futurist Joel Kotkin, author of "The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050." He will examine Michigan's demographic changes, prospects for the state's cities and small communities, and opportunities for new jobs and industries.

"It will take innovative thinking to overcome our state's challenges, and the Future Forum is a launch pad for those ideas," said Rich Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "Gov. Snyder and legislative leaders have taken major steps already this year to reinvent Michigan and reinvigorate our economy, but there are more tough decisions ahead."

The Future Forum will also include a panel discussion on the leadership role women, minority and immigrant entrepreneurs are taking to speed Michigan's economy recovery. The future of Michigan's transportation infrastructure will also be discussed.

"The Future Forum sets the standard for exciting speakers and fresh ideas," said Michigan Chamber Foundation Chairwoman Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO of Lansing-based Truscott Rossman. "These are the conversations the business community needs to have to accomplish an agenda that moves Michigan forward."

It will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Michigan State University's Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. Register online at http://www.michamber.com/futureforum or by calling 1-800-748-0266.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only four state chambers of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce