The Michigan Opportunity

Representing most of Michigan’s 83 Counties with various products, this Traverse City-based organization supports local business!Listen to Christina Marbury of Taste the Local Difference and discover its unique services. Taste the Local Difference is a women-owned, women-led local food marketing agency specializing in tailored strategies for agriculture, food, and beverage producers. Their mission is to support local businesses by ensuring that money stays within the local economy, fostering ...

Downtown Detroit Partnership is a 100+ year old organization that has worked with many notable partners including Detroit Grand Prix Association, the National Football League Draft, UNESCO City of Design and more. Since 2014, Eric Larson has served as CEO of The Downtown Detroit Partnership, a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders who develop and support programs to enhance downtown Detroit, including creating a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center. Larson has...

In this episode, we explore the collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory—one of the 17 national labs under the U.S. Department of Energy—and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Listen to Don Hillebrand (native Michigander), Division Director at Argonne National Laboratory, as he walks us through mobility, drones, advanced energy, batteries and much more. Argonne's largest research division - focused on Energy, Transportation, Fuels, and Manufacturing Process Te...

From Japan with Johnson’s Baby products to the UK with Kellogg’s, Jane has a wealth of experience to showcase the unique charms of Kalamazoo County.Listen to Jane Ghosh, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo, discuss her unique path to this important position, and the love she has for the region. Discover Kalamazoo works to provide the resources, platforms and opportunities for local businesses to market their services and products to a variety of travel audiences, including leisure t...

Michigan is a Defense and Aerospace Powerhouse: With 4,000 defense and 900 aerospace businesses, these industries contribute over 166,000 jobs and $30 billion to Michigan's economy. Learn more from the Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation (ODAI).Hear Executive Director, Colonel John T. Gutierrez, share his mission to bolster the state’s defense and aerospace sectors. ODAI collaborates with government, industry, and academia to forge a future rooted in the legacy of the Arsena...

Carla Walker-Miller's 24-year-old Michigan-based business is one of the largest African American and woman-owned energy waste reduction companies in the country.Walker-Miller Energy Services is a B Corp certified company dedicated to changing lives through energy. The firm focuses on energy efficiency and clean energy, aiming to reduce energy burdens for local families and businesses, create sustainable jobs, diversify the local energy workforce, and empower small business owners to become su...

With Over 37 years of experience in automotive market analysis, forecasting, and supplier strategy, Michael shares with us his insights and forecasts on a vital industry to Michigan.Michael Robinet joined S&P Global as a Consulting Executive Director for his valued insight on forecasts, commercial transition strategies and market dynamics. He is a Director for the Automotive Hall of Fame, a Trustee for the SAE Foundation and a board member for the Canada Unites States Business Association...

Join Quentin as he delves into the competitive and ever-evolving landscape of global economic development and the history of The Michigan Opportunity through the voice of the show’s host, Ed Clemente.Discover the latest initiatives at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as Quentin Messer discusses how Michigan is positioning itself in the arenas of talent, mobility, economic growth, defense, aerospace, innovation, and more. In the latter half of the show, Quentin turns the ta...

Capital Group, one of the world's oldest and largest investment management firms, manages over $2.6 trillion in assets. Listen to Michigander Thomas Cooney, Vice President and International Policy Advisor at Capital Group, discuss his organization's investments in Michigan and globally, along with his unique path to this role. With nearly 30 years of experience in government relations, strategic planning and leadership, Tom is a former U.S. Department of State executive, an expert in Asi...

With President Siegle at the helm of Walsh College, innovation is accelerating with a focus on AI, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and more!Dr. Suzy Siegle, President & CEO Walsh College, is a high-octane president, author, coach and much more. She discusses her books on high performance leadership and how a journey in business, law and higher education got her to lead an entrepreneurial college. Since 1922, Walsh College has combined theory and application to prepare students for successf...

A Serendipitous Path: How Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit became a nationally focused organization Listen to Johnnie Turnage, Co-Founder of Black Tech Saturdays, share his journey on creating a unique career path along with his wife, Alexa. Starting as a project community organizer for Moses and UCFW Labor, h...

Welcome to Grand Rapids-based Windquest Group. With over 1,400 team members and operations in 28 states, this privately held enterprise and investment management firm engages in diversified projects, including: performance technology, sustainability solutions, consumer goods, manufacturing, craft alcohol and nonprofit solutions. Hear from Jennifer Gonzalez, Chief Talent Officer at Windquest Group, as she discusses the evolution of the workforce and how companies and their leaders can ada...

Discover three counterintuitive Michigan destinations featured among 100 global spots in the new travel book Here Not There.Award-winning travel writer and educator, Andrew Nelson, discusses his new book Here Not There. Published by National Geographic, the book explores counterintuitive destinations and places that provide iconic memories without the high tourist levels and rising prices. He also teaches a course on placemaking and strategic narrative guiding students to become masterful sto...

With 16,000+ Dining establishments and 1,400+ lodging facilities, hear how Michigan’s hospitality businesses contribute over $28 billion to the state's economy while supporting 650,000 jobs.Join us as we discuss Michigan's hospitality industry with Justin Winslow and Emily Daunt of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) and hear how the MRLA provides essential services to its members. The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) was originally founded in 1921 to serve, enhance an...

What do Stanford University, The University of Texas at Austin, university of Michigan, Howard University, Michigan State University, Emory University and Middlebury College all have in common? Join us for this week’s podcast to find out.Listen to Michigan-based Robert S. Li, CO-Founder and Owner of University FM & Professors.fm, explain this great concept in podcasting. With so much media vying for our attention, it can be hard for institutions to communicate stories. However, podcast st...

Thanks to Michigan's Independent and Family-Owned Beer & Wine Distributors, Michigan Ranks Among the Top 5 in Beer Production with 300+ Breweries and 140+ Wineries, Employing Nearly 5,000 PeopleJoin Spencer Nevins, President of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) and MBWWA Services, Inc., as he unpacks this unique ecosystem and industry. A beer and wine distributor is a critical link in the Three-Tier System for alcohol distribution. Nevins walks us through t...

Join experts discussing the unique nature of synergies companies and its role in community and economic development with the MEDCWe hear from Aileen Bovan of the MEDC discuss leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies of the organization and overseeing capital projects to align with the MEDC’s mission and vision. Also Geoffrey Crawley, Chief Marketing Officer at Synergies Companies, explains how this Detroit-based company has been a premier staffing and HR supplier since 200...

“Housing is foundational”, Amy Hovey of MSHDA talks affordable housing, community development, and homelessness solutionsListen to Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as she discusses her career background and the unique organization she leads. Established in 1966, MSHDA provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community ...

For generations, Cranbrook has fostered creative and critical thinking skills in their students while preparing them to excel in college and in life. Listen to Pascale Bauer, Dean of International Enrollment of Cranbrook Schools, as she shares her insights on this unique place. Cranbrook is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprising a Graduate Academy of Art, Contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House & Gardens, natural hist...

Future of Health: World-class campus emerging in Detroit, Michigan. The complex and futuristic vision is happening now.Check out this special edition podcast: Marc Corriveau of Henry Ford Health and Dr. Norman Beauchamp of Michigan State University team up to discuss how their organizations’ innovative partnership is helping elevate Detroit as a world-class destination for health, research, tech transfer, training and so much more. A must-listen on all of the facets and opportunities this par...

From South Sudan to the University of Michigan, A Must-Listen Journey in International Diplomacy and LawAmbassador Susan D. Page has a fantastic story of international diplomacy, peaking with her appointment as the first US Ambassador to South Sudan. Her illustrious career at the US Department of State includes significant roles in Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Botswana, Rwanda, and more. She has worked directly with the African Union and served as Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nati...

Join our host Ed Clemente for a special Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from very interesting guests including Hilary Doe of MEDC; Ruthanne (Ruthie) Sudderth of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association; Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; Ferris State University President Bill Pink; Grand Hotel President David Jurcak; Lawrence Technological University President Tarek Sobh; Claude Molinari & Christopher M...

Join our host Ed Clemente for a special Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from our very interesting guests including Jeff Donofrio, President & CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan; Adrian Lewis, CEO of Forgotten Harvest; CEO Charl van Niekerk & Chief Relations Officer Heather Grondin, of the WDBA-APWD-Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority; President Santa Ono of University of Michigan & President Kevin G...

“All Companies Will Become Software Companies; Business Trends Moving East to West; You Are Not Moving Fast Enough.”Founder and Managing Director of Sino Auto Insights, Tu Le, brings an abundance of experience from both the high-tech and automotive sectors having spent time living & working in Detroit, Silicon Valley, and China. He is passionate about helping companies that want to be difference-makers in the mobility space. Tu is recognized as an automotive & mobility expert in Asia ...

The Engineering Society of Detroit believes that the country in the midst of a technological revolution--the engineering field is projected to have employment growth of nearly 140,000 new jobs over the next decade. The Engineering Society of Detroit’s mission is to ensure Michigan maintains its position as a global hub for engineering and engineering leaders in private, public and higher education sectors. Founded in 1895, ESD is one of the nation's largest and oldest engineering societies, r...

ProsperUs Detroit supports entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital needed to build businesses, generational wealth, and vibrant neighborhoods.Hear Paul Jones as he discusses ProsperUs Detroit, a community organization that strives to help build equity, knowledge, and healthy communities in Detroit. The Training program teaches general business skills and offers individualized feedback. To date, there have been over 1,500 program graduates. Programs support small businesses with grant mon...

Helping people understand and appreciate where they live and work.Since 2005, City Institute has used experiential learning and non-traditional tours to help more than 150,000 locals and newcomers in Detroit. Jeanette Pierce has presented at more than 200 events, including Atlantic Business Magazine’s CityLab Conference, Governor’s Economic Summit, Downtown Las Vegas Annual Meeting, and the Oregon Main Street Conference. Within Detroit, City Institute works with companies & organizations ...

Cross Border Expert Talks Canada Border Relationship: Windsor-Detroit Corridor Handles 1/3 of Canada-U.S. Trade, Valued at $1.3 Trillion Annually Laurie A. Tannous is a Cross-Border Attorney and a renowned speaker at many trade and industry forums globally. She provides public policy counsel to government officials and industry leaders on matters relating to: Business Immigration Law, Public-Private Partnerships and Economic Development Initiatives and more. As President of Canada United...

1,500 Michigan Leaders gather to discuss our future at the Detroit Regional Chambers Mackinac Policy Conference, hear a sneak preview of what was discussed.Tammy J. Carnrike is the Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber. She has many responsibilities including the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference, being on the Advisory Council for the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM); and a member of United State Global Leadership Coalition. The Chambe...

Artificial intelligence, and it’s role in creating an inclusive society.Charles Elwood's mission with SolisMatica is to harness the transformative power of AI to create inclusive tools that empower communication and foster an inclusive society. With a background in electrical engineering and an MBA, alongside a rich cultural heritage as a second-generation Asian American, Charles work in breaking down communication barriers, particularly for those with medical conditions, through pioneer...

East and West Coast mobility expert is now on the freshwater coast, with the sky as no limit.As Senior Vice President & Chief Mobility Officer, Justine Johnson leads the state’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification in working across state government, academia and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging mobility technologies and businesses. Just...

Family owned and operated, Michigan Fastener produces high-quality fasteners for large and small companies alike. Their nails are made in Michigan from 100% American melted and formed wire. Hear Jon Will share the story of how he and his family built the business, from garage to a successful family owned, innovative entrepreneurial asset to Michigan. Michigan Fastener truly embraces the methodology of Making it in Michigan. The company produces a wide variety of Michigan-made nails and f...

Deep in Copper Country, advanced manufacturing company Calumet Electronics engineers and develops microchip circuit boards for a broad list of industries.Hear from Todd Brassard, Vice President/Chief Operations Officer, and Dr. Meredith LaBeau, Chief Technology Officer, about the company’s award-winning research, design, engineering, and manufacturing specializing in high-quality printed circuit boards. The organization fuels collaboration with distinguished suppliers and customers to advance...

SEEL is a nationally certified minority business enterprise (MBE) service-disabled, veteran-owned (DVBE) energy efficiency program implementation contractor that offers a suite of energy solutions. SEEL is also a Top 20 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led companies in the country.Listen to Dr. E’Lois Thomas, PHD, President of SEEL, LLC talk about the nationally ranked logistics solutions company. Through a comprehensive suite of energy solutions, SEEL delivers turnkey services with a season...

Detroit Lift is part of Manufacturing USA, a national network of 17 institutes for advanced manufacturing.Hear from Joe Steele, Vice President of Communications and Legislative Affairs, explain how LIFT, a Detroit-based public-private partnership, is designed to help develop and deploy advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies and implementing education and training programs to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. Manufacturing USA is a national network manufactur...

Michigan-based SkySpecs achieves a global reach through office that span 6 continents, a team of 275 and over 200,000 precision wind turbine inspections with the company’s cutting-edge drone technology.Danny Ellis stands at the helm of SkySpecs, a trailblazer in the realm of wind energy technology. Established in 2012, SkySpecs has redefined the landscape of renewable energy asset management, providing tailored technologies and services that elevate industry standards in productivity, efficie...

The MSU Visiting International Professional Program has 315 international participants from 58 countries and five continents and offers programs in more than 10 different U.S. cities.Listen to Xinyu Wu, Director of Visiting International Professional Program; Director of the Office of China Program; and Executive Director of Michigan Council of Citizen Diplomacy, as she discusses with Ed this unique program. The Visiting International Professional Program provides cutting-edge professional tr...

Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents produces more than 350 concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows a year. With 2 million attendees annually, the entertainment powerhouse works with six world-class venues across southeastern Michigan, including Little Caesars Pizza Arena, The Fox Theatre, Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadowbrook Amphitheatre, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre and Sound Board at Motor City Casino. Howard N. Handler, President of...

National Geographic, Netflix, History Channel, BBC, HGTV, Lifetime, TLC, OWN, Discovery +, Disney +, E!, FOX, ABC, and NBC have worked with Ms. MacIntosh, a Detroit Homecoming Hollywood boomerang entrepreneur.Join our high-energy guest Katie Macintosh, Founder of Mac Worldwide, as she explains to Ed her fascinating career in Hollywood, and around the world in the genre of true docuseries and reality television shows. As a highly sought-after development partner, she has teamed up with s...

The future of engineering at Michigan State UniversityThe future of engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) is rich with diverse opportunities, boasting a comprehensive range of majors that cater to a wide array of interests and career paths. Under the leadership of Dean Leo C. Kempel, the Dennis P. Nyquist Endowed Professor of Electromagnetics and the ninth dean of the MSU College of Engineering, students can explore at least 10 distinct majors, including: Applied Engineering Sciences...

Dan Wyant, Chairman and President at Edward Lowe Foundation, and Rodney Parkkonen, Small Business Consultant at MEDC, discuss their unique and dynamic partnership that assists small businesses to thrive in Michigan. Dan also has experience with many previous leadership roles in state government and policy. Ed and Darlene Lowe established the Edward Lowe Foundation in 1985 to leverage entrepreneurship as a strategy for economic growth and community development. In contrast to most U.S. fo...

Unlocking the Earth's Secrets: SME Engineering has 50+ years of excellence behind iconic projects, from Notre Dame Stadium to clean energy initiatives, Hudson/Bedrock Development, Jimmy John's Field, and the Gordie Howe Bridge. Hear Mark Kramer, President and CEO of SME, describe some unique and iconic projects, as well as the infrastructure under our feet! Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Engineering related to large site development and redevelopment for retail, commercial, i...

London, Nashville and Detroit, Jack White’s innovative business is about pressing Vinyl Records! Listen to Eddie Gillis Operations Manager at Third Man Records, a vinyl manufacturing studio in Detroit. Third Man Records was launched by Jack White in Detroit in 2001 and in 2009 opened its Nashville location home to label offices, distribution center, photo studio and record store. In 2015 its Detroit location was opened, housing a record and novelties lounge, mastering studio, and Third ...

The Voices storytelling initiative aims to share perspectives of Michiganders across all 83 counties. Featuring business owners, students, and community members from around the state, these compelling stories showcase what it’s like to live and work in Michigan. From the 4 corners (if we had corners) including the 2 peninsulas, villages, townships, cities and counties, come the unique voices of our state! Come join MEDC CEO Quentin Messer, who was the originator of the idea, and guests Nyshel...

Eastern Michigan University, founded in 1849, is moving forward for today’s challenges. Hear how President Smith is charting a bold course continuing the University’s 174-year legacy.Dr. James M. Smith is the 23rd president of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), beginning his duties in July 2016. Since then, President Smith revised the University’s Strategic Plan, created a position of Chief Diversity Officer and introduced the University’s Sustainability Commission. EMU is a public research u...

Who knew this global German based non-profit R&D organization working with 3 major US universities was based here in Michigan?Listen to Thomas Schuelke, MSU professor and President of Fraunhofer USA, explain this unique global organization and how it’s making business innovation better in Michigan and around the world. Fraunhofer USA, Inc., founded by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, is an R&D organization that works with state and federal governments, industry leaders and universities on con...

Eight percent of the annual trade between the US and Canada comes through one of the world’s busiest international border crossing. Colin Bird is at the heart of it in downtown Detroit. Hear Colin Bird discuss Michigan and Ontario’s trade relationship, the busiest between any Canadian province and U.S. state, supporting thousands of jobs on either side. Last year, total trade between Michigan and Ontario was valued at $80.6 billion (CDN), with imports from Michigan totaling $31.3 billio...

The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to facilitate business relationships among Asian and U.S. based companies and to promote the economic advancement of Asian Pacific Americans.Join Executive Director Duc Abrahamson as she explains the vision of her organization, her path to this position, and the compelling story on how she came to Michigan. The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC,) which represents more than 30 countries, is committed to providing its m...

Terri Fitzpatrick, a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, leads the MEDC’s Office of Tribal Business Development. Fitzpatrick is also the chief real estate and global attraction officer for the state’s site readiness and global attraction efforts, helping businesses move to and expand in Michigan. Those two career responsibilities overlap in their focus on building community by diversifying and increasing economic opportunity. Listen as Fitzpatrick explains the econ...

Hydrogen is definitely in Michigan’s future of Mobility: Mach2 & Nel Hydrogen!Zachary Kolodin, Chief Infrastructure Officer and Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office, and Reuben Sarkar, CEO at the American Center for Mobility — are two key figures in providing insights into the transformative effects of Michigan's newest clean hydrogen hub project.The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), a Michigan-backed initiative, is working to secure a substantial grant of up to $1 b...

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Empowers Economic Growth: 5 Regional Offices, 7,600 Jobs Created and Retained, and 400+ Statewide ClientsIngrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has an impressive background and deep understanding of the manufacturing industry in Michigan. Her journey from being a veteran to becoming the president of MMTC showcases her dedication and expertise in this field. Hear Ingrid discuss MMTC's approach of providing compre...

Consumers Energy Empowers 6.7 Million Michigan Customers with Natural Gas and Electricity Across 68 Lower Peninsula Counties: Lauren Snyder Unpacks Their Role in Shaping Michigan’s Future.Listen to Lauren Youngdahl Snyder as she discusses electric vehicles, renewable energy and efficiency with The Michigan Opportunity podcast! Consumers Energy is an investor-owned utility that provides natural gas and electricity to 70% of Michiganders and serves customers in all 68 of the state's Lower...

Women owned Renovare Development is disrupting the real estate market from Ypsilanti to Benton Harbor to Munising by focusing on urban communities, rural towns, brownfields, and workforce housing. Renovare provides mixed-income housing and community-based commercial spaces to urban communities, while helping support workforce housing and commercial amenities to support working families. The company works closely with towns to identify and address key economic issues, including attainable hous...

The USMCA, also known as "Nafta 2.0", created one of the largest free trade zones in the world. Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolas Vazquez is at the heart of the Detroit-Windsor border crossing, the 2nd busiest in the world! In a recent interview, Consul Roberto Nicolas Vazquez describes his unique diplomatic post and the services offered at the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit including processing passport and visa applications, legalizing and authenticating documents, and registering ma...

With 650 OHM Advisor team members, this unique company does it all to help build better places, businesses, infrastructure and communities.Join Jon Kramer and host Ed Clemente as they discuss OHM Advisor, a pioneering firm that's creating better places for people. This forward-thinking company includes engineering, planning, urban design, landscape architecture, surveying and construction engineering services all under one roof. This growing firm has made its mark on the industry by work...

What do Presidents Biden & Obama, Governor Whitmer & Secretary of Energy Granholm all have in common? Kerry Duggan has worked directly with all of them all.Kerry C. Duggan, CEO and sustainability expert, founded SustainabiliD to help established organizations anticipate and address climate challenges. With partners like ONE, LuxWall and AeroSeal, SustainabiliD is scaling up innovative climate technologies. Duggan's extensive experience includes serving as climate advisor to Pres...

The Nature Conservancy of Michigan has worked with private, public, education and non-governmental agencies to help make Michigan’s 83 counties ideal places for people to live, work and play. Hear Rich Bowman and host Ed Clemente as they discuss this fascinating organization. As the Director of Policy at The Nature Conservancy in Michigan, Rich has been working with the people of the Great Lakes State for decades to preserve its natural heritage. The organization remains dedicated...

What is multicultural marketing and branding, and how can it impact Michigan’s supply chains and the quest to attract talent in this new economy?Listen to Lydia Michael and Kevin Ketels as they explore the growing world of international marketing, branding and supply chain evolution. Blended Collective is a multicultural marketing and brand consultancy focused on the core values of authenticity, culture, and diversity. Kevin Ketels, Assistant Professor Global Supply Chain Management, Mike Ili...

What do you get when you add the Switzerland based World Economic Forum (including Davos) and the US leader in Industry 4.0, Michigan based Automation Alley? You get the U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing based here in Michigan with an international board.Listen to Cynthia Hutchinson as she explains the mission and vision of the USCAM, and its international impact. The USCAM drives state, regional and national initiatives that accelerate and strengthen advanced manufacturing in the U.S., ...

Hear from Hilary Doe, Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer—and first in the country, on what the Growing Michigan Together Council is tasked with and the members that make up the Council. As the Chief Growth Officer, Hilary leads the state’s efforts to grow Michigan’s population, economy, and reputation as the best place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business. Hilary works alongside the Growing Michigan Together Council on a once-in-a-generation effort to grow Michigan’s p...

What has 300,000 people in attendance, over 54 million viewers, and will be in Downtown Detroit in the Spring of 2024? The NFL Draft. Hear what it means to Detroit and the Michigan economy from the President of the Detroit Lions and Strategist Alexis Wiley. Listen to Rod Wood & Alexis Wiley, as they discuss one of the biggest sporting events since the Super Bowl came to Detroit Michigan, the 2024 NFL Draft. The NFL Draft will be held in downtown Detroit April 25-27. The event ...

Discover what the 12 Native American Tribes of Michigan are doing to expand their economic footprint in the state, and in this case, in the manufacturing industry. Listen to our three guests as they discuss their unique relationship between the tribes, the MEDC and the collaboration to ensure economic growth and prosperity through our tribal partners, regions across the state, and the communities in which they support, live, and thrive.

Real Times Media is located in 15 cities across the country and headquartered in Detroit. Hear Hiram Jackson’s 30-year track record of success in business and community activism!Through his vision and leadership, RTM has evolved from a traditional newspaper publisher (including the Michigan Chronicle) into one of the country’s leading creators of African American content across multiple platforms. RTM is a dynamic media company and in addition to its robust digital platform, RTM annually exec...

What is CAR MBS? Electric Vehicles, Steel Industries, Focus: Hope, Polaris, Autonomous vehicles and much more 100’s of industry experts!Join us from the Grand Traverse Resort for a special podcast about CAR MBS (Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars). CAR MBS provides an exceptional forum to hear from industry leaders as they deliver compelling talks and engage in stimulating panels about the future of the global automotive industry. CAR’s research is the foundation that...

VC & Entrepreneurs. From the University Michigan, to the University Of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School, to University of Southern California, Korea and the London School of Economics, and back to Michigan, Trista has a Mission. Listen to Trista Van Tine, who currently serves as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Michigan Founders Fund, a nonprofit network of high-growth entrepreneurs in Michigan. This organization develops unique programming to help company builders succeed wi...

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman called this organization “the best anti-poverty program of all”. Endeavor can be found in 41 growth markets, 5 continents, Detroit and the Great Lakes, with 2,300 selected founders. Diana Callaghan is the Managing Director of Endeavor, leading the organization's Great Lakes efforts. Founded in 1997, Endeavor promotes economic growth by selecting, mentoring, and accelerating the growth of entrepreneurs leading high-performing companies with the mo...

Since 1902, the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) have been a driving force in the states’ economy, hear from this week’s guest on their efforts.Join John Walsh, President and CEO of MMA. In the 21st century, the industry and the next generation of innovators are collaborating to drive Michigan into a future that will continue to shape our state’s economy, the communities, individual businesses, and families’ livelihoods. The modern manufacturer in Michigan is one part inventor, one pa...

21 Countries, 15 federal agencies, 1,300 dignitaries, ½ of the worlds global trade, 60% of the worlds’ GDP all here in Detroit, Michigan, as the host for the APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) conference! Hear Steven Dyokas, Director of the U.S. APEC Host Secretariat within the U.S. Department of State, discuss this historic visit to Detroit, Michigan, as he unpacks all the fascinating processes and economics of this world organization. Steve & Ed discuss all the elements to ...

Jeff Lambert’s 3 future trends and a new venture: Artificial Intelligence x factor, globalization and speed of technology adaption. Plus the Confluence of Wall Street and Mainstreet with TiiCKER.Jeff Lambert founded Lambert in his basement at age 26 (then Lambert Edwards & Associates) and has led the firm through 21 straight years of growth to become Michigan’s largest PR firm, a top-40 PR firm in the U.S., and a top-15 firm nationally in investor relations and financial communications.&n...

What do organizations like the NFL Draft, The Movement Festival, Grand Prix, Swifties, Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Detroit Opera House and the United States Football League have in common? Claude Molinari and Visit Detroit! Join Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss all the activities going on in Metro Detroit and the Bureau’s Visit Detroit initiative. Visit Detroit promotes the region locally,...

How can Michigan businesses better participate in the global economy? USAID has an opportunity to engage more domestic businesses to enhance economic impact around the world!Adam Tomasek is the supervisory division chief in the Private Sector Engagement Hub of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Hear how Adam helps carry on USAID’s long history of working with the private sector on a broad range of development priorities. The Hub’s global network of staff collabora...

Imagine the tasks of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, but doing for the European Union, Roberta Dall’Olio is tasked with cooperation for the 20+ countries & 70 regions!Hear Roberta Dall’Olio, director of EURADA, as she discusses how the association facilitates the cooperation among regional economic development practitioners. The organization is tasked with building out and advocating for European Union projects and continued growth. Roberta has established strong ties...

Keynote speaker & author Richard Florida speaks about “Michigan’s Great Inflection: A Strategy for the Age of Technology and Talent,” and its 3 Pillars of Focus.Hear Richard Florida, a world leading urbanist and international best-selling author of “The Rise of the Creative Class” and host Ed Clemente discuss his 3 Pillars: Tech, Talent, and Place. He released this report at the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. He is also the founder of the Creative Clas...

Join our host Ed Clemente and seven thought-leaders for a special edition of The Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Island where the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Guest today span industries from economic development to venture capitalist and education to MichAuto and hydrogen.This special episode has an all-star cast straight from Mackinac Island. You’ll hear from Michelle Grinnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communicatio...

Join our host Ed Clemente and four thought-leading guests for a special The Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Island where the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Our special edition podcast guests range from biotechnology, higher education, economic development organization, mobility and advanced manufacturing.Hear from Pete Pellerito, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, Federal/State, Economic Development & University Relations for Biotechn...

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses’ Herb Drayton, gives an overview of the rigorous process and how it’s affecting small businesses across Michigan.Join guest Herb Drayton chat with Ed Clemente about this unique program that Goldman Sachs has implemented in Detroit. Through the program, participants gain valuable practical skills in topics such as negotiation, marketing, and employee management that can immediately be put into action. In addition, they will receive the tools and profession...

With over 100,000 email subscribers, is The Center For Michigan, Bridge Michigan, and Bridge Detroit, the future of media?Join Katy Locker, CEO at The Center For Michigan, Bridge Michigan, Bridge Detroit, and host Ed Clemente as they explore this non-profit online media source, and its unique origins. Founded by Phil Powers & John Bebow in 2006, the Center for Michigan seeks to make Michigan better through high-quality, nonpartisan journalism & engagement. The Center publishes B...

Local Pearl: The William Davidson Foundation does philanthropic investments to stimulate new business creation and job growth in Southeast Michigan and Israel!Hear Lisa Katz and host Ed Clemente as they discuss this hugely philanthropic Michigan organization. Lisa has a very qualified background to be in this field looking into the future for private sector growth. As an entrepreneur and investor, Bill Davidson, the Foundation’s namesake, helped boost local job creation and contributed ...

President Dr. Neil Hawkins of the Erb Family Foundation discusses ESG, the Great Lakes ecosystem, CFR, Bloomberg and even the Olympics!Hear Dr. Neil C. Hawkins as he discusses a broad range of topics ranging from environmental, social and governance (ESG), and much more. With his many years at Dow Inc. as an ESG VP, he is a global expert in sustainability practices and policy. Plus, he has experience working with Michael Bloomberg, The Council For Foreign Relations, the Olympics, Intern...

Brian shares why Small Business Week is so important to the organizations’ 31,000+ members, the largest small business organization in the country.Join Brian Calley of Small Business Association of Michigan as he discusses how important small businesses are, not only to communities in which they’re located, but how they help drive the state’s economy. As a former Michigan Lt. Governor, hear how his career has positioned him to help small businesses in all 83 counties of the state and wh...

A copper and nickel mine in the Marquette County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula started in 2014. With 400+ employees the mine has over $4.3 billion worth of impact in the local economy.Join Matt Johnson and host Ed Clemente as they discuss this world renowned Eagle Mine located in the Upper Peninsula and how the world of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) is a growing effort. Hear why countries, governments, and other mines from around the world are coming to visit this remote mine...

As the manufacturing world adopts next generation Industrial 4.0 platforms and tools, CEO David Wang explains how BEET’s industry leading software digitizes every manufacturing motion and simplifies complex factory systems to visualize bottlenecks, maximize throughput and unlock potential. Hear from David Wang as he discusses his path to America and the journey taken to create this successful software engineering firm. With over a decade of experience in the automation industry, Michigan-base...

With a 100-year legacy, statewide training centers, 14,000 Journeypersons and working on the Gordie Howe Bridge, the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC) remains quite busy.Listen to Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary Treasurer of MRCC, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the busy and dynamic world of this trade union. The member carpenters help build diverse projects, large and small, residential and commercial. Union millwrights work with precision machinery inst...

What organization deals with fast charging, microgrids, smart homes, hydrogen and much more? Answer: NextEnergy.Listen to Jim Saber, President and CEO of NextEnergy, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the current and future use of energy. NextEnergy is based in the center of Detroit’s growing innovation district with access to a microgrid, smart home, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and an alternative fuels platform. The company demonstrates and pilots technologies in real-world en...

Reshoring: Is American manufacturing ready?Listen to Harry Moser, President and Founder of the Reshoring Initiative and host Ed Clemente discuss the global movement of manufacturing and workforce. The mission of the Reshoring Initiative is to bring good manufacturing jobs back to the United States by assisting companies to more accurately assess their total manufacturing cost structure and shift their collective thinking from offshoring is cheaper to building local helps reduce the total cost...

2,100 new green jobs, 45% carbon reduction, 20Gwh capacity, all at Our Next Energy (ONE) + more range, safety & sustainability = A Future of Net Zero Admissions!Listen to Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder & CEO of ONE, chat with Ed Clemente as they discuss the future of batteries at ONE. Ijaz discusses the company’s goals of doubling the range of electric vehicles, putting safety first and using sustainable, abundant materials that are lower in cost and resistant to global supply issues. Ija...

When the Saginaw-based standing wheelchair manufacturer faced supply chain delays, MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect services helped the company secure a local supplier!Listen to Ray Maczik, Owner of The Standing Company, as he discusses their unique customized standing wheelchairs and how he personally delivers them to customers around the country. Users of all of their products realize a drastic life altering experience for not only quality of life, but also for wellness. Many of his cl...

How NASA’s history relates to “Hidden Figures,” Wolverines on the moon and maybe Mars next. All thanks to University of Michigan!Hear Dr. Alec Gallimore, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan and Member of the National Academy of Engineering and host Ed Clemente discuss both the fantastic history and incredible future at U of M. Listen to his fascinating explanations of complex topics such as Plasma Dynamics, the Electric Propulsion Laboratory and Vacuum Cha...

Philanthropist William Davidson had a global vision in 1992, to transform the emerging markets, through business innovation, and specifically economic growth and social freedom. Hear Diana Páez’s story of how William Davidson’s vision transformed into the William Davidson Institute (WDI) a non-profit research and educational organization at the University of Michigan as well as her unique path to this career. The institute’s mission is to grow their work at the intersection of energy & mo...

Hines Industries is an Ann Arbor-based family-owned manufacturing company focusing on machining solutions leveraging innovative technology.Hear Dawn Hines, CEO of Hines Industries and host Ed Clemente discuss how this unique niche industry started and what led her to her current position after a career in Europe. Dawn discusses aerospace, automation, talent attraction, Industry 4.0 and dealing with African rural poverty in this week’s episode. This family-owned engineering and man...

10,000 metric tons of spherical graphite, now being on shored into Michigan, here why!Listen to Mr. John DeMaio and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the company’s recent expansion in the rapidly growing Michigan EV battery ecosystem. Graphex, a global leader in the industry, has been proficient in commercial graphite processing since 2013 and is currently producing over 10,000 metric tons of spherical graphite annually. Graphex prides itself on the innovative operation that is highly scalable...

International Strategic Management in Michigan has worked with 44 universities, 61 countries, delivered 2,200 training sessions, and assisted with 10,000 youth entrepreneurs. Join Faris Alami and host Ed Clemente as they discuss Faris’ unique background and career. ISM, Inc. works in five practice areas that weave together including entrepreneurship, global leadership, community, technology, and education with the goal of cultivating the next generation of culturally diverse global lead...

Looking Ahead: The Future of Michigan with Quentin Messer, CEO of the MEDC, The Michigan Opportunity Podcast’s 100th guest.Hear Quentin L. Messer Jr. and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the MEDC and state of Michigan’s successes in the past year and what might be on the horizon. Quentin breaks down the complicated world of economic development from its granular level to the macro trends including microchips, semiconductors and the transition to EVs. Plus, Quentin takes a turn at ...

Northwest Michigan Tech Hub? How Gordie Howe was influential in one company’s quest to bring talented individuals and their startups back to the Mitten State! Join our guest Casey Cowell, Principal and Owner of Boomerang Catapult as he discusses the rapidly changing business climate for the Traverse City Region. Investing in Traverse City companies that create high value through intellectually intensive effort and export it to the world. The purpose of Boomerang-Catapult, LLC is t...

Sea, Air and Land. The details and complexities of the international supply chain and logistics sector from a minority and woman-owned 2nd generation freight-forwarding company. Join this week’s guests Chetan and Pranadhi Koradia, a father and daughter team who manage Transphere Inc., discuss the interesting world of international trade. Transphere Inc. is a minority and woman-owned freight-forwarding and logistics company established in 1987 and is presently located in Westland, MI. They are...

Is the automotive microchip crisis over? What are some measures Michigan and the MEDC are taking to alleviate this challenge?On this special edition of the Michigan Opportunity, hear from our two industry experts, Eric Shreffler of MEDC and Kristin Dziczek of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and learn some interesting background in this very dynamic field. What is causing the chip shortage, and what is the global supply chain doing to solve challenges being faced? How does ons...

The Michigan Venture Capital Association: More than 400 individual members representing 100+ organizations across the nation, from angel funds and VCs to universities and EDO’s. Join our guest Ara Topouzian and host Ed Clemente, as they explore the complicated but fascinating world of Venture Capital. The MVCA’s goal is to increase the amount of capital and talent available to venture and angel investors so they can fund Michigan’s most innovative entrepreneurs as well as working closely...

What is 10,000 square miles, has over 1100 recognized assets along with 14 National Park Service highway signs in Southeast and Central Michigan? The Motor Cities National Heritage Area!Hear from our guest Shawn Pomaville-Size, Executive Director, MotorCities National Heritage Area, and host Ed Clemente as they explore the fascinating world of a US Heritage Area (there are about 50+ of these areas around the US.) The Motor Cities National Heritage Area Partnership is a nonprofit corpora...

How did making skis in 1908 in the Michigan Finnish Copper Country influence these Boyne City entrepreneurs to start making modern skis in 2005?Listen to Jeff Thompson, Co-Founder of Shaggy's Copper Country Skis, and host Ed Clemente, explore this unique ski manufacturer in Boyne City Michigan. In 1908, our great-grand-uncle Sulo "Shaggy" Lehto starting hand carving wooden skis for our family and neighbors in the village of Kearsarge, located in the heart of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, bes...