Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes Madeline Whitford, Director of Property Management, Martin Commercial Properties, Lansing, MI. April 2026's discussion dives into "property management". For a business owner, what does “property management” actually include day-to-day, and how hands-on is your team? How do your property management services help companies control costs while maintaining or improving their faci...

Chris Holman welcomes back Jason Cords, Executive Manager, Shaheen Chevrolet, Shaheen Cadillac, Lansing, MI. There were several questions he wanted to cover with Jason in this conversation: For today’s customers, how do you balance vehicle sales, financing, and service to deliver a full “one-stop” automotive experience? How does having a large inventory and service capacity help you stay competiti...

Chrtis Holman welcomes back Ben Bakken, CFP®, CEPA®, Senior VP, Lansing Market Director, Tri-Star Trust Bank, Lansing, MI. This is Segment 2 [Ben launching his show, by MBN tradition turns the tables and interviews Chris for his mini-series]: Welcome, Chris. So, now that you've heard the topic, where was the business community regarding this issue back in the 1980s? What changes have you seen in t...

Chris Holman welcomes back Ben Bakken, CFP®, CEPA®, Senior VP, Lansing Market Director, Tri-Star Trust Bank, Lansing, MI. Segment 1 [Chris welcomes Ben for his mini-series (The Owner's Game Plan)]: Welcome back, Ben. Remind us about Tri-Star Trust Bank. Could you share about your career path? So, you will be hosting an upcoming mini-series for Michigan Business Network. Tell us about that? Why is...

Chris Holman welcomes back Joe Finkler, inventor, mentor, and board member of Michigan Inventors Coalition, Grand Rapids, MI. What is the Michigan Inventors Summit, and why is it important for entrepreneurs and innovators across the state? Can you talk about Paula Macpherson’s role as Chair of MIC2026 and the impact her leadership brings to this year’s summit as you celebrate your 14th year? For s...

Chris Holman welcomes back Suzanne Greenberg, CEO/Executive Director of Children Trust Michigan, Lansing, MI. Children Trust Michigan has been working to keep kids safe for almost 45 years, but some folks may not be entirely familiar with your efforts. Can you give our listeners a quick picture of what the organization does and why the work of child abuse prevention matters? April is Child Abuse P...

Chris Holman welcomes back Alexander S. Rusek, Shareholder, Foster Swift Attorneys, Lansing, 5 branches across MI. What does this ruling mean for how businesses and employees should use AI tools when dealing with legal or sensitive matters? If employees are using AI platforms like Claude or ChatGPT, what risks could that create for confidentiality and legal protection? How should companies update...

Recording Date: March 25, 2026 Location: Capital Region International Airport (LAN) Rick Snyder - CEO at SensCy Gateway, Avalon, Ardesta, State of Michigan Rick Snyder served two terms as Governor of Michigan from 2011-2018. He led an economically depressed bottom 10 state to top-10 status in eight years. Michigan became a national and regional leader in private sector job creation and increases i...

Chris Holman speaks with Larry Johnson Sr., founder of Brotherhood Against Drugs and Magic of Literacy in Lansing, Michigan. Larry shares his powerful personal journey and how it led him to dedicate more than three decades to helping individuals overcome addiction, rebuild their lives, and find hope through recovery. His organization works with individuals in jails, prisons, and the broader commun...

Chris Holman welcomes back Payton Heins, President and CEO, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Boyne City, MI. Welcome back, Payton. Share who the NLEA is/what you do? The NLEA produces bi-annual snapshots [Economic Pulse Reports] of the top issues you're hearing from business leaders across your region. Could you share key takeaways from the most recent report? And, how are you preparing for the n...

Chris Holman welcomes back Erin Kaylor, President of BIGGBY® COFFEE, East Lansing, MI. Welcome back Erin, BIGGBY was recently ranked the #2 coffee chain nationally. What do you think drove that recognition? You’ve managed to stand out in a very crowded coffee market. What is BIGGBY doing differently from competitors? Your brand recently went through a visual refresh. What was the strategy behind t...

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Julie Staveland, Assistant Division Director for the Materials Management Division, EGLE, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy, For those who may not be familiar, what is Michigan’s “Clean, Safe and Affordable” Home Energy Roadmap, and why is it important for Michigan right now? How will more energy-efficient and all-electric homes help lower monthly cos...

Chris Holman welcomes Meghan Hubbs, Small Business Programs Manager, Velocity, Sterling Heights, MI. Tell us a little about Velocity and its role in supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in Macomb County? Can you briefly explain the Professional Fellows Program and how Velocity became involved bringing it to Macomb County? From your time in Morocco, what key lessons or insights stood out t...

Chris Holman welcomes back Zac Clark, General Manager, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing, MI Athletics' affiliation is at an interesting time. Tell us about Sacramento, and are they close to going to Las Vegas? So, Zac, your season is about to get underway. Remind Michigan about the Crosstown Rivalry with MSU? What sort of economic impact for Mid-Michigan should we expect from this season? Can you speak to...

Chris Holman welcomes Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining, Vicksburg, Michigan. Welcome, Zach, tell us about 4 Flutes Machining? Your company has been recognized in the past for awards from Michigan Celebrates Small Business. What has that recognition meant for your company? We asked your team to review the most recent Michigan Future Business Index survey results. What were your impression...

Chris Holman welcomes Nicole Noll-Williams back for March 2026 from the MBN studio at the Capital Region International Airport. Nicole is president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, Lansing, MI. How has the international flight season gone this year for the airport? The economic impact by the airport is still often overlooked? Road work in three stages begins soon around the airport...

Chris Holman welcomes Brent Forsberg, Developer, Lansing Growth Fund, Lansing, MI. with Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Welcome, Brent, tell us about Lansing Growth Fund? Welcome, Kelli, tell us why you are supporting the Lansing Growth Fund and the project they are working on? Brent, please share more details about the Holmes Ple...

Chris Holman welcomes back Kristina Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at Flint & Genesee Group, Flint, MI. The Flint & Genesee Group held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday. Tell us about this year's theme — Partnering with Purpose? As that event looked back on 2025, what were some of your organization's biggest successes or achievements? Who were some winners of the Group's award divisions? How do t...

Chris Holman welcomes back Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI, for March 2026. Welcome back Ryan, how has 2026 started off so far for the Michigan Works! Association? Last week your association had Advocacy Day at the state capital, what were some highlights? Does the current legislature seem in touch with the talent issues key to you and your Michigan Works! chapters across...

Chris Holman welcomes Cheryl Ward, CTA and Owner of Time To Travel, Lansing, MI. Welcome Cheryl, tell us about your Time to Travel company in Lansing? They went on to further discuss her business and its travel packages. You have assisted Choose Lansing for several years as a CTA - Certified Tourism Ambassador, tell us about that service? Earlier this month, you were honored by Choose Lansing as t...

Chris Holman welcomes Megan Spanitz, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit, MI. Welcome Megan, remind the Michigan business community about the purpose and footprint of the Detroit Regional Chamber? Share some more about your career up to now? What have been some highlights since you took this role last summer? Last week the chamber was celebrating h...

Chris Holman welcomes Brittany Goode, Operations Manager, Aldea Coffee, Grand Haven, MI. Welcome, Brittany, tell us about Aldea Coffee? (they got into a further conversation about the origins and evolution of the business). We asked your team to review the most recent Michigan Future Business Index survey results. What were your impressions? Do the M.F.B.I. findings match your business's experienc...

MBN was "On The Road" Friday, March 13th, for Michigan's Rosie the Riveter Day 2026. In this special Faces of Manufacturing episode, The 40 minute video highlights the experience of the 4th Annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day—an inspiring celebration of Michigan’s manufacturing legacy and the women who helped shape it. Hosted by the Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMC), Cindy Kangas - Faces...

Chris Holman welcomes back Umar Tahir VP Marketing, Enterprise Innovation & Digital Assets, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Umar, we have you or your team on frequently, but remind the Michigan business community about LAFCU? What were the highlights of 2025? ' LAFCU (Michigan) is offering a limited-time promotion through March 31, 2026, featuring 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months with no...

Chris Holman welcomes back Trevor Tkach, president/ CEO, Traverse City Tourism, Traverse City, MI. Welcome back, Trevor, remind the Michigan business community about Traverse City Tourism and your mission? How was 2025? Any big plans for 2026, such as, are the International Fireworks back this year? Sleeping Bear Dunes being ranked one of the world’s top “one-of-a-kind beaches” by TripAdvisor is a...