National Summit arrives amid economic troubles

By AP

DETROIT – The National Summit has downsized along with the rest of the economy.

But organizers of the three-day gathering of leaders starting today in Detroit say their agenda remains the same -- draft plans to boost U.S. manufacturing, energy, technology and environmental efforts.

Organizers hoped to draw 5,000 to Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. But they moved to the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center and lowered expected attendance to 2,000.

Participants are to include dozens of executives from corporations such as Microsoft, Dow Chemical, General Motors and Ford Motor, as well as U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

An alternative "People's Summit" includes pro-labor rallies and marches.