insideauburnhills

The Big Picture

Posted by – Elizabeth Brennan, Executive Assistant

Nothing builds a team like spending time together.  Knowing this, the City of Auburn Hills developed a program called Auburn Hills University (AHU) which brings one employee from each department together, for one day out of the month, for six months.  The group visits a new department each month for an in-depth look at its core functions.  At the end of the program, they have a better understanding of how the deparments work together to service the City and make connections with co-workers that strengthen our team.  They get a look at the big picture.

Yesterday, AHU employees spent the day with the Community Development Department.  They were treated to a day full of information about Building, Planning, and Code Enforcement activities.  While this may sound terrifically dull, it was anything but.  The best way to understand Community Development is to be out in the community!

The group visited the construction site of the nearly complete, Round 1 Entertainment attraction coming to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.  They got a sneak peek of the space and learned about the growth of this company that is new to Michigan.

Checking out the Round 1 project under construction
Then it was off to SEALIFE Aquarium, Michigan.  A behind-the-scenes tour gave them a chance not only to see the incredible sea life but see the space that had been transformed from a restaurant into an entertainment destination for people of all ages to enjoy.

Overlooking the big pool at SEALIFE
The group stopped for lunch at The HUB (The Home of Urban Bowling) to try out Bomb Bowling.  No bowling ball needed…just a football.  It’s not as easy as it looks!  The HUB is located in a newly redeveloped restaurant that sat vacant for years.  The new use brings life and fun back into the space.

CD Director Steve Cohen has a good arm! Way to go, Steve!
Saving the best for last, the day ended with a tour of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US).  FCA gave generously of their time to give our AHU group a tour of their facilities and then shared fascinating background of how their headquarters building came to be.

Photo taken from the 15th floor of the FCA US Headquarters tower
We look forward to leading a tour of brand new spaces next year!