The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) was established in 1978 to help businesses provide jobs and to leverage private investment in the city of Detroit. Structured as a public/private partnership, the DEGC combines public sector policy and direction with private sector leadership in a 60-member board comprised of concerned business, civic, labor and community leaders nominated by the mayor and elected by the DEGC Board of Directors. In partnership with city government, the DEGC serves as the lead implementing agency for business retention, attraction and economic development initiatives in the city of Detroit.