Bequeathing Freedom

James M. Rodney,
Champion of Freedom

James M. Rodney ranks among our most loyal friends. He is one of the longest-serving members of our Board of Directors, and his leadership, financial support and business advice have been instrumental to the Center’s success.

Jim’s many contributions to Michigan begin with his founding and successful leadership of Southfield-based DFI Corporation, a manufacturer of plastic packaging with facilities in several states. Jim parlayed his considerable business achievements into an entrepreneurial initiative for liberty, providing early support to the Mackinac Center and other free-market institutions.

Since 1993, he has served with distinction on the board of directors of the Mackinac Center. He has also been a member of the board of directors of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. In 2000, the Mackinac Center presented Jim with the “Champions of Freedom Award,” the highest honor we bestow, for his resolute dedication to the cause of free markets and individual liberty.

Hewing to principle means looking to the future, and Jim has done just that, most recently through his support for our summer intern program. Jim has also included the Mackinac Center in his estate plans. This deferred gift has made him a charter member of our Legacy Society, formed to recognize those who have made a bequest to the Center.

If you have already included the Mackinac Center in your estate arrangements, please let us know, so that we can recognize you as a Society member, too. As we can attest in the case of Jim Rodney, you will be in great company indeed.

John E. Coonradt is vice president for advancement at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich.