The Michigan Opportunity

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship.This week we chat with Everett Woodel, Jr., the Great Lakes Regional Administrator for the U.S. SBA, about how the SBA helps small businesses throughout the Great Lakes area, from crises and disaster resistance services to loan forgiveness and more. Prior to his appointment as the Great Lakes Regional Administrator, Everett served as the District Director for the SBA in Columbus, Ohio overseeing programs that facilitate billions in small business lending and federal contracting. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. 

With more than 200 years of rocket science experience combined, scientists and engineers are propelling technology from the Upper Peninsula to the outer corners of the solar systemWe welcome Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology in Houghton, Michigan, as he shares the story of how Orbion came to be, the companies they have partnered with, and his connection to the Upper Peninsula. The high-tech aerospace company specializes in Hall-effect thruster (HET) Propulsion Systems, helping spacecrafts reach all corners of the solar system. 

Detroit City FC: Where 7,000 strong pack the stands — and a bold new soccer stadium is on the way.Detroit City Football Club is Detroit's professional soccer team and has established itself as one of the most talked about soccer teams in North America. The club has generated media coverage from publications across the globe. CEO Sean Mann has been involved in every facet of the growing organization, including Detroit City Fieldhouse and City Clubhouse. Sean also shares his unique career path from a background in the state legislature, to a German Marshall Fund of the United States fellowship and more. 

From skateboards to hunting blinds, fly fishing gear to motorcycles — Brad Garmon is hitting the road across Michigan, connecting with outdoor recreation entrepreneurs who are building, innovating, and making things happen!As we continue our series Around Michigan in Under 30 Minutes, we talk with Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He discusses how the office is charged with supporting and growing the outdoor recreation lifestyle economy of the Great Lakes State, as well as recognizing that a strong and vibrant outdoor recreation economy provides positive impacts for the health and well-being of Michigan's people, natural resources, and communities.The Office is a joint project of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and works alongside outdoor recreation businesses and organizations to create outdoor industry jobs and innovative products, train and attract talent, and improve outdoor access for all. 

Michigan's Upper Peninsula Drives Growth and Talent Retention with Northern Michigan University, InvestUP and Local ExpertsWe talk with Lexi Hagan, Executive Director of Menominee Business Development Corporation and Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP, about the Rural Leadership Fellowship Program at Northern Michigan University. The Fellowship is a paid and scholarship-supported applied learning experience for students interested in rural economic development and public sector careers. As a public-private partnership with InvestUP, the program helps with driving talent in the Upper Peninsula. We also hear Lexi's story as a student fellow and how it helped kick start her professional career as a recent graduate. 

Explore a new AI venture born in Michigan — led by a seasoned tech veteran, focused on strengthening affinity relationships for member-based organizations.We welcome back Trista Van Tine as she shares the story behind her innovative Michigan-based startup and her deep roots in the tech startup ecosystem. Her latest venture, Nunchi, is an AI-powered people intelligence platform built to help membership organizations better understand, engage, and connect with their communities. From early-stage insights to real-world impact, Trista's journey is a testament to the power of tech with purpose. 

Connecting the Future of Smart Cities and BeyondEric Gannaway, Director of Traffic at D2 Traffic Technologies, has over 20 years of traffic transportation experience with a manufacturing background. In this episode he shares how D2 Traffic Technologies delivers cutting-edge traffic management solutions in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. They specifically bring products and solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the transportation, traffic, and smart city markets.

200 small businesses, 12,000 attendees at "All Things Detroit" event at the Eastern Market, food trucks at the NFL Draft, Ask Jennyfer, LLC defines hustle in the new economy!Among other services at Ask Jennyfer, Jennyfer Crawford-Williams conceptualizes, manages and executes the successful small business showcase All Things Detroit, which draws as many as 12,000 attendees and connects them to more than 200 small businesses. Her signature, independently-organized event is held each fall and spring. Marketing and event planning services specializing in Detroit small businesses clients. It is hard to define everything Jennyfer does, but she has a storefront in Corktown, and many other business activities, just listen to the interview! 

We continue coverage of the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism, a three-day conference focusing on education, networking, and collaboration opportunities to advance the state's tourism industry. The Michigan Opportunity talks with tourism and hospitality leaders about current trends in the travel industry, the economic impact of travel and tourism on Michigan's economy, and what's new in Pure Michigan for the 2025 spring and summer travel season.Guests include: Choose Lansing President and CEO, Julie Pingston; Motor Cities National Heritage Area Deputy Director and Michigan Travel Commissioner, Brian Yopp; Crystal Mountain Chairman and Michigan Travel Commissioner, Jim MacInnes; Advance Travel & Tourism Midwest Senior Sales Manager, Holly Laurencelle.

The Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism is an annual event hosted in Michigan for tourism and hospitality professionals. The three-day conference focuses on education, networking, and collaboration opportunities to advance the state's tourism industry. The Michigan Opportunity talks with tourism and hospitality leaders about current trends in the travel industry, the economic impact of travel and tourism on Michigan's economy, and what's new in Pure Michigan for the 2025 spring and summer travel season.Guests include: Pure Michigan Vice President, Kelly Wolgamott; Visit Detroit President and CEO, Claude Molinari; The Henry Ford Museum Senior Director of Sales & Earned Revenue, Amy Cox; MRLA President and CEO, Justin Winslow

From the hardwood forests of the Upper Peninsula to the Final 4, this Amasa based company brings Michigan power to March Madness courtsListen as Connor Sports Marketing Director, Zach Riberdy, shares how the company got started, their sustainability practices, an NCAA partnership, and more. Through their partnership with the NCAA® they provide over 14 floors for the March Madness® Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships culminating in the Final Four®. Founded in 1872, Connor Sports is the market leader in portable and permanent hardwood sports flooring systems, athletic flooring systems for aerobic and fitness facilities, and dance flooring systems for studios, stages, and institutions. 

As the #2 credit union in Michigan, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) has 23 branches, 358,000+ members, $7.7B in assets, and 1,100+ employees.April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU, discusses the history of the credit union and what the credit union offers to Michigan residents. She joined the Credit Union in 1996 and moved through many positions within the organization prior to being named President and CEO in 2015. She serves on five #FinTech Advisory Boards. Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 13 consecutive years, and a National Association for Business Resources/The Best and Brightest Programs Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years.

Giffels Webster: Shaping Michigan's Communities with Engineering, Planning & Innovation Jill Bahm is a Partner at Giffels Webster, a Michigan-based firm serving public, private, and institutional clients with their community planning, infrastructure, and land development needs. In this episode, she discusses how Giffels Webster helps communities with their vision for the future, working with MEDC and the Redevelopment Ready program, and more.Since its inception in 1952, Giffels Webster has evolved to offer a broad scope of services centered on helping clients achieve their project or programming goals, including civil engineering, municipal consulting, planning, land development consulting, landscape architecture, traffic engineering, and GIS data creation and management.

Bridging Divides: The Michigan Political Leadership Program takes a bipartisan approach to public policy at Michigan State UniversitySince 1992, over 800 Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) graduates have applied the skills and relationships they learned to work in their communities and serve in statewide offices. Tonya Schuitmaker and Rudy Hobbs are Co-Directors at the Michigan Political Leadership Program. They share with us how MPLP Fellows gain expertise to tackle public policy issues as candidates for office, as government officials or as citizen activists.The MPLP at Michigan State University is a bi-partisan program that identifies individuals from across the state committed to community service and brings them together to engage in a leadership and public policy curriculum. The curriculum also incorporates practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development and effective governance. Most notably, 17 MPLP graduates are now serving in the Michigan State Legislature.

Using innovation to attract urban talent to sustainable cities including: NYC, LA County, and Detroit (plus a touch of London and Italy)!CIV:LAB was born out of a need for more coordination and collaboration between the various stakeholders that work to make cities more sustainable. We sit down with Founder and Executive Director, Simon Sylvester-Chaudhuri, and Chief of Staff, Allison Lucas, to learn more about CIV:LAB's mission and vision.CIV:LAB's work in Michigan began with working with Wayne State University, TechTown and Next Energy, helping secure a $1m grant from the Economic Development Administration. They continue to work closely with each of them, the University of Michigan, City of Detroit and a number of local urban innovators. 

Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is filled with exceptional views and exceptional talent. From Ironwood to Sault Ste. Marie, the UP is home to three state universities, several manufacturing companies, and many national outdoor recreation events a year. We welcome back InvestUP CEO, Marty Fittante, to discuss the current projects happening in the U.P. Fittante talks about the Upper Peninsula's unique impact in the aerospace and defense industry, shares the various housing and seed fund projects to help tackle population challenges, as well as give insight into the Soo Locks project that is critical to international shipping. 

From work commutes to connecting people with destinations across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, SMART has been Southeast Michigan's trusted transit provider since 1967.As the General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), Dwight A. Ferrell oversees a complex organization that provides essential public transit and paratransit services to the residents of Southeast Michigan. Ferrell has more than 35 years of experience in the public sector, managing large-scale operations, budgets, programs, and projects for some of the nation's most prominent transit agencies. 

Around the World in 30 Minutes: Insights from the Executive Director of Grand Rapids' 75+ Year-Old World Affairs CouncilThis week we talk with Michael Van Denend, Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. He discusses how the World Affairs Council is dedicated to educating people in western Michigan about other countries, cultures, and regions of the world and provides a forum for discussing critical foreign policy issues facing the country. The Council is best known for sponsoring its award-winning Great Decisions Global Discussion Series.Michael came to the World Affairs Council after 33 years as the executive director of the Calvin College Alumni Association, where he interviewed and wrote stories about alumni all over the globe. In addition, he's an on-air radio programmer at WYCE 88.1 FM where he presents folk, blues, jazz, rock and a lot of world music.

Uniting the Voices of Chambers and Economic Leaders Across Northern Michigan and the Upper PeninsulaOn this episode we chat with Haley Bennett, Director of Government Relations for Traverse Connect and the Norther Michigan Chamber Alliance, about how Traverse Connect is supporting area businesses through a combination of business attraction and retention strategies, talent development efforts, and strategic coordination among partner agencies. Bennett also serves as the Director of Government Relations for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, a coalition of 18 chambers and economic development organizations from across northern Michigan. We learn how the coalition exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy.

Michigan's University Research Corridor (URC) works with Michigan's three leading research institutions: Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University, on a growing interest in technology based economic development. We welcome back Michigan's URC Executive Director, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, as she discusses the future of R&D in their four main initiatives (Life and Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence). She also dives into how the researchers are not only working with universities, but businesses and industry leaders across the state and their growing interest in AI technology.

What do Terry Crews, Rumer Willis, Josh Groban, Norah Jones and many more artists have in common? They all attended Michigan's Interlochen Center for the Arts!Listen to Interlochen President, Trey Devey, describe Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. This world-renowned nonprofit institution was founded in 1928 and has nurtured some of the industry's most talented artists, musicians, actors, and performers. Its prestigious art programs and education institutions include the Interlochen Arts Camp, Interlochen Arts Academy and more. This international gem has produced alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in creative fields and has put Michigan on the map as a hub for artistic excellence.

Michigan’s Economic story and what’s next for the state.We begin our fifth season by connecting with longtime podcast supporter and returning guest, Quentin Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer at MEDC. In this episode he discusses the Make it in Michigan strategy, gives us a preview of what is to come for the state, and he shares a Detroit Lions metaphor you won’t forget. 

Whirlpool Corporation, headquartered in Michigan, is behind iconic brands like Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana. Hear from one of their top designers!Jessica McConnell, Director of CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) & Graphic Design at Whirlpool Corporation, navigates a fascinating path in designing and forecasting products that shape daily life.Whirlpool Corporation, an American multinational Fortune 500 company headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan and stands as a leader in the home appliance industry. In 2023, Whirlpool reported approximately $19 billion in annual revenue, employed around 59,000 people, and operated more than 55 manufacturing and technology research centers globally. Known for its flagship Whirlpool brand, the company also markets household names like Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana, Gladiator GarageWorks, and Hotpoint in Europe, alongside others.

Step Into the Future of Innovation: The New Integr8 Series with Automation Alley. Thomas Kelly joins as we explore AI, 3D printing, mass customization, Industry 4.0, and beyond.We chat with returning guest, Tom Kelly of Automation Alley. Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology business association and digital transformation insight center that helps manufacturers in Michigan understand new technology including AI, 3D printing, robotics, Industry 4.0 and more. Tom also takes us through Integr8, a series of round table dialogs bringing Michigan's forward-thinkers in manufacturing and technology, and the new playbook series helping companies and leaders narrow their industry focus. 

Listen as Kiana Wenzell shares the inspiring stories of College for Creative Studies, Design Core Detroit, and Detroit's UNESCO City of Design Journey.College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a private art school in Detroit, Michigan. It enrolls more than 1,400 students and focuses on arts education. Located in CCS' A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, Design Core Detroit provides support for design driven businesses with matchmaking opportunities focused on growth, retention, and attraction. They offer flexible, technology rich, design-forward workspace for creative sector businesses seeking a soft launch in a professional, inspiring and innovative environment. She also discusses UNESCO's Design Cities project, as part of the wider Creative Cities Network. The Network launched in 2004 and has member cities in seven creative fields including: Crafts and Folk Art, Music, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, and Media Arts.

WJR is a Detroit-based AM radio station that broadcasts throughout Detroit, southeast Michigan, and parts of northern Ohio. At night, it can also be heard in most of the eastern United States and eastern Canada. WJR is one of the most powerful radio stations in the United States, with a power of 50,000 watts. We chat with Ann Thomas Battersby, the first female Program Director in the station's 101-year history.  During her tenure at WJR, Ann has received numerous awards and honors from several organizations including Michigan Association of Broadcasters, United Press International, the Associated Press, and the Detroit Press Club – all celebrating her work both on and off the air.  She was recently inducted into the Michigan Business Women Hall of Fame, and is the 2014 recipient of the Michigan Business and Professional Association's Women & Leadership in the Workplace Award.  She has also been given the prestigious “Diamond” award from the Association for Women in Communications and in 2023 was awarded the Doc Fenkell Excellence in Media award from the CATCH charity. 

On October 7, 2000, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration designated Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary as the nation's first national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes. Now the sanctuary oversees nearly 100 historic shipwrecks in Lake Huron off the Michigan coast and an underwater robotics world championship! Hear from Jeff Gray, Superintendent of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA, as he talks about underwater preservation, diving the great lakes, and educating the public on the state's marine history. We also get a sneak preview of Innovation with the Underwater Robotics World Championship coming to Michigan's marine sanctuary. 

Mobility and automotive technology today is about connectivity and becoming an information center. Qiong Sun has been working with cutting edge technology and innovation, from industrializing to commercializing it. Michigan-based Qiong Sun talks about her 28 years of mobility experience. As the Vice President & GM of Global Automotive E-mobility at TE Connectivity, her specialties include product development, planning and strategy. Sun shares about her life growing up in Shanghai, her time at Michigan Tech University, and future trends she sees in mobility and technology industries. 

Where can you find innovation pitches for venture capital, networking opportunities, entrepreneurs, founders, investors and inventors? Michigan Tech Week!Join our host Ed Clemente as he speaks with key figures at Michigan Tech Week, presented by the Michigan Founders Fund. Guests include Chris Nolte of Bloom, Crystal Brown of CircNova, Kellie Crawford of Taste of Tech, and Rishi Moudgil of Michigan Founders Fund.Michigan Tech Week is a week-long event that brings together Michigan's tech industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to discuss, connect, and build relationships. The event takes place at Michigan Central in Detroit and includes pitch competitions, panels, networking and workshops.  

Global Detroit: Empowering Communities and Driving Economic GrowthErnestine Lyons manages Global Detroit's Global Entrepreneur in Residence (Global EIR) program. Hear her talk about how the Global EIR program works with immigrant tech entrepreneurs to start businesses in Michigan and helps them grow in scale. Global Detroit is an effort to revitalize Metro Detroit's economy by pursuing strategies that strengthen Detroit's connections to the world and making the region more attractive and welcoming to immigrants, internationals, and foreign trade and investment. Since 2010, Global Detroit has helped connect over $6.5 million in philanthropic, corporate, and government investments with over a half dozen ambitious initiatives.

Preserving Detroit's Dairy Legacy Through Innovation and Tradition! Dean Angott serves as Chairman and President of C.F. Burger Creamery and Twin Pines Farm Dairy, a family-owned and operated business that has been a cornerstone of Detroit since 1926. C.F. Burger Creamery's specialty products have become staples in the Midwest—from the Ultra-Pasteurized Half & Half in your coffee, to the McDonald's Triple Thick Shake, and the iconic Dairy Queen Blizzard. With a deep commitment to quality and local partnerships with dairy farmers, Angott continues to steer this multi-generational business toward its centennial milestone, proudly contributing to Detroit's rich food heritage and agribusiness.

The MSU Research Foundation is focused on helping Michigan State University achieve its objectives around economic development through the technology transfer and commercialization of intellectual property created by its faculty, staff, and students. Hear from David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation, as he discusses the MSU Research Foundation and how they manage an endowment built from decades of licensing revenue. Through their subsidiary organizations: Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III, and Research Parks – the MSU Research Foundation is a key partner in the Michigan State University innovation ecosystem along with MSU Business Connect and MSU Technologies. In addition to providing over $10 million in research funding at MSU annually, this non-profit is focused on technology commercialization, economic development, and placemaking. 

From The Simpsons to Futurama, Mad Magazine to Bongo Comics, Detroit artist Bill Morrison has created art loved by generations. Hear from Bill Morrison, acclaimed illustrator, cartoonist, writer, and art director at Atomic Battery Studios, as he reflects on his remarkable career trajectory. Born and raised in Lincoln Park, Michigan, Morrison spent years in Hollywood working alongside The Simpsons creator, Matt Groening. Now back in Michigan, Bill shares his creative journey and gives back by teaching at the College for Creative Studies, where he once studied himself. On this episode he opens up about his career highlights, including work with Futurama, Mad Magazine, and his recent Beatles project, and inspires the next generation of Michigan artists following his path.

Join our host Ed Clemente as he speaks with key figures in the mobility industry following the inaugural Michigan Mobility Conference. Hosted by the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), Michigan Economic Development Corporation, gathered a diverse audience including global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers, technology startups, and service providers to discuss Michigan's significant role in shaping the future of transportation and its broad impact on global communities.Hear from Justine Johnson of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Camille Hoisington of Traverse Connect, Kameale C. Terry of ChargerHelp, Josh Naramore of National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), Allison Bowman of Tubular Network, Timothy Papandreou of ETA Advisors, and Vincent Keenan of the City of Detroit.

With experience working in 8 Countries, this Michigan native now serves in India with the U.S. Department of State, facilitating international business opportunities. Listen to Michael Schreuder, a career diplomat generating international business. As Deputy Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, India, he has had a fascinating career dedicated to fostering global business opportunities for the U.S. and Michigan. Schreuder's career with the U.S. Department of State has taken him to Colombia, Mexico, Tunisia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Qatar, and now India. This Kalamazoo native and former Western Michigan University football player's Michigan roots remain strong, as he continues to bridge international relations and business development.

Hear from a 30-Year National Park Service Veteran: From Yellowstone and the Oklahoma National Memorial to George Washington Carver National Monument, Now Leading River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe MI.Scott J. Bentley is the first Superintendent of River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe. Bentley, a 30-plus year National Park Service (NPS) veteran, started at the Battlefield in 2011 after transferring from San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where he was the Superintendent. River Raisin NBP preserves, commemorates, and interprets the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath. 

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 job creation and strengthening communities. By collaborating with farms and food-related enterprises, they not only boost visibility but also educate consumers on the importance of local food systems and how their choices can have a positive impact.

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 more than 35 years of experience in the field of real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing as well as previously worked with Olympia Development of Michigan, Bedrock Detroit and The Parade Company.

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 Technology. These labs are at the forefront of scientific innovation in the United States, addressing some of the world's most challenging scientific problems. Also references to the Oppenheimer Movie and his love for Oakland University!

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 tourists, convention planners and meeting/trade show attendees. As a result of their collaborative efforts, the Kalamazoo area continues to see an increase in overnight spending from visitors, which leads to direct economic prosperity for our local community. Visit Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Gilmore Car Museum, Historic Charlton Park and much more in beautiful Kalamazoo.

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 Arsenal of Democracy — a legacy where Michigan leads in defense and aerospace markets. John discusses how the Office is dedicated to strengthening the state's defense and aerospace sectors by attracting, retaining, and expanding investments.

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 sustainable suppliers in the clean energy economy. Walker-Miller has grown into the largest African American and woman-owned energy waste reduction companies in the country. Hear her share her story of the companies ongoing successes.

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. For several years he has penned a monthly column for SAE Automotive Magazine called ‘Supplier Eye'.

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 tables on host Ed Clemente, diving into the podcast's 4-year journey, exploring the value of long-form listening, public value, emerging trends, unique guests, and much more.

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 Asia-Pacific and Latin American affairs, fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, and has served in senior roles including Interim Ambassador to Argentina and Deputy Chief of Mission. He also held a key international role at General Motors and is a Proud Graduate of Royal Oak Shrine Catholic High School.

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 successful careers. Becoming more than a business school, it's now an accelerator, a think tank, and incubator for ideas.

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, he was inspired in 2020 to begin working with tech professionals. Johnnie and Alexa's vision is to empower black tech communities nationwide, while closing racial wealth gap through tech-focused initiatives, drive economic growth, and foster diversity within the industry to ensure prosperity for all. 

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 adapt to the changing times. She also dives into how Windquest Group is shifting into a more innovative workspace including piloting unlimited time off/holiday concept, opening a restaurant and encouraging a more positive impact on the world. 

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 storytellers at the College of Charleston. His works have appeared in USA TODAY, Nat Geo Tours and The Wall Street Journal. 

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 and nurture the growth and development of Michigan's food service industry. In 2018, the MRA expanded its reach to become the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association to advance the entire hospitality industry. 

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 storytelling has the power to cultivate deeper relationships within communities and share compelling and authentic stories. Professors.fm is the podcast network helping you make sense of the world with top scholars. It is a collection of scholar-hosted shows that bring insights from research and make them relevant to today's world.