Dave Bing (Part 3)

In the dawn of 1980, David Bing embarked on a bold entrepreneurial venture, birthing Bing Steel with a modest team of four employees and a vision that surpassed the confines of convention. Armed with $250,000 in loans and $80,000 of his hard-earned savings, Bing ventured into uncharted territory, leasing a warehouse to house his burgeoning enterprise.
However, the road to success proved fraught with challenges, as Bing grappled with the harsh realities of business dynamics. Within a mere six months, adversity struck, and Bing found himself at the precipice of failure, having depleted his financial reserves in the pursuit of his dream. Undeterred by setbacks, Bing pivoted his strategy, steering Bing Steel away from manufacturing to carve a niche as a middleman in the industry landscape.


Fortune smiled upon Bing's recalibrated vision, as General Motors emerged as their inaugural major client, heralding a turning point in Bing Steel's fortunes. In a testament to resilience and adaptability, the company achieved profitability in its second year, boasting revenues of $4.2 million.
Bing's unwavering commitment and entrepreneurial acumen did not go unnoticed, culminating in a prestigious accolade bestowed upon him by President Ronald Reagan in 1984—the National Minority Small Business Person of the Year. Buoyed by this recognition, Bing Steel embarked on a trajectory of exponential growth, expanding to encompass two plants and a workforce of 63 employees by 1985, with revenues soaring to an impressive $40 million.
Yet, as with any saga of triumph, Bing's entrepreneurial journey saw its share of peaks and valleys. In 2009, the winds of change swept through Bing Steel as company assets were divested, marking the denouement of a storied chapter in Bing's illustrious career. Despite the denouement, Bing's legacy as a trailblazer in the realm of business endures, a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to excellence.


Bing's journey into the realm of politics bore witness to both loyalty and conviction, as he navigated the complex terrain of public service with unwavering integrity. Initially, Bing stood as a staunch supporter of Kwame Kilpatrick, extending his early political endorsement to bolster Kilpatrick's ascent to power. However, when shadows of scandal began to cast a pall over Kilpatrick's mayoral tenure, Bing emerged as a voice of conscience within Michigan's business community, spearheading the call for Kilpatrick's resignation amidst mounting controversies. Kilpatrick ultimately heeded this call, stepping down from his position as mayor in September 2008, marking a watershed moment in Detroit's political landscape.


Bing's commitment to his beloved city extended beyond the political arena, as evidenced by his tireless advocacy to bring the 2004 Democratic National Convention to Detroit's doorstep. Despite Detroit's bid falling short in November 2002, Bing's unwavering determination underscored his belief in the city's potential as a beacon of political significance, even amidst logistical challenges such as a shortage of hotel accommodations.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to civil rights and humanitarian causes, Bing received the prestigious National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2009. This esteemed accolade honored Bing's tireless efforts to champion civil and human rights, thereby laying the groundwork for future leaders within the realm of athletics. The significance of this honor was further magnified by its planned presentation during the halftime show of a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Detroit Pistons, symbolizing the convergence of sportsmanship and social responsibility.


Beyond the corridors of power and the glitz of the sports arena, Bing's philanthropic endeavors reverberated through the community, as evidenced by his active involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program. Serving as a beacon of mentorship and guidance, Bing's dedication to nurturing the potential of future generations exemplified his commitment to fostering positive change beyond the bounds of politics and sports.


In a bold declaration of intent, David Bing embarked on a transformative journey into the heart of Detroit's political arena, announcing his candidacy for mayor on October 16, 2008. His decision to vie for the esteemed position stemmed from a deep-seated commitment to ushering in a new era of leadership following the resignation of Kwame Kilpatrick, whose departure from office amid legal turmoil left a void in the city's governance.
Navigating the labyrinth of Detroit's political landscape, Bing emerged triumphant in a fiercely contested non-partisan primary on February 24, 2009, prevailing over a crowded field of 15 candidates to clinch the top spot. His victory resonated with voters, who rallied behind his vision for revitalizing the city and restoring faith in its leadership.


On May 5, 2009, the stage was set for a pivotal showdown as Detroitians cast their ballots in the general election, with Bing emerging victorious once again. His triumph over interim mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. signaled a clear mandate from the electorate, affirming their confidence in Bing's ability to steer the city towards a brighter future.
Bing's ascension to the mayoral throne was not without its share of scrutiny, as questions arose regarding his residency status, having relocated to a residence within city limits shortly before launching his mayoral bid. Despite such challenges, Bing's resolute determination and unwavering commitment to Detroit's well-being endeared him to constituents, solidifying his position as a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.
In a symbolic ceremony befitting the occasion, Bing's inauguration for his full term took place at the illustrious Fox Theatre, underscoring the significance of the moment and the profound responsibility entrusted upon him by the people of Detroit. As he embarked on his journey as the city's duly elected leader, Bing remained steadfast in his resolve to effect positive change and leave an indelible mark on the fabric of Detroit's history.

References

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11. ^ Livengood, Chad (April 15, 2018). "Bing irked by Duggan getting credit for streetlight repairs". Retrieved September 24, 2023.
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14. ^ Walsh, Dustin (May 21, 2009). "bing say he's working to get Cobo Center expansion deal done". Crain's Detroit. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
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