We feel a strong connection to this city. It’s in our DNA, and I’d like to think that we’re in its DNA as well. We’ve been a part of Detroit as it grew and gave birth to the American auto industry. We’ve been here and have represented the city and many of its important businesses through the good times, when Detroit was the jewel of the country, to hard times when it became the largest U.S. city to ever file for bankruptcy protection. We have represented the city for decades, continued to do so through its bankruptcy, and we are proud for the role we played in helping put it back on firm financial footing, enabling it to enjoy the revival it’s experiencing today. We’re proud that we have been here all along, even when Detroit wasn’t cool.

And it’s not just Detroit. It’s Chicago, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing … we feel the same way in all of the cities where we do business—energized by our revitalized communities, and grateful to contribute to the energy and to give back to the places  that have given us so much.

The thing about being committed to cities is that you learn about tenacity and relationships, and about making them work in good times and in bad. We’ve seen businesses and firms move in and move out. That’s certainly true of Detroit. The truth is we’ve made a conscious choice to stay in the central cities where we have put down roots. We’ve reinvested in them over the years, even as they have reinvested in themselves. As a result, we feel very much a part of the fabric of our home cities, are glad to be partners in their exciting growth, and are grateful to be a part of the tapestries of their success. 

So to all of the companies considering making the move downtown—any downtown, whether Detroit or otherwise—we offer an enthusiastic welcome! See you around the cities.