Michigan Reimagined

As we all recover from the Coronavirus pandemic and the fallout it has caused, there’s a local group working tirelessly to get Downtown Lansing back on its feet. Chris is joined by Downtown Lansing, Inc's Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly and Events and Market Manager Jazmin Anderson to discuss their plans for the holiday season, the year that’s passed, and what lies ahead.

Many companies are clamoring for enough talent to meet their production goals. One strategy is to develop a reputation as a great employer - nationally if possible. Joining Chris to discuss what makes one mid-Michigan based accounting firm a special place to work is Strategy and Innovation Driver for Maner Costerisan, Sarah Jennings!

The pandemic has put just about everything on its heels. One hot topic being reported on is the future of commercial real estate, most notably the fate of retail storefronts and restaurants. Joining Chris to share some wisdom on the matter are the Retail Advisors for Martin Commercial Properties, Carson Patten and Samantha Le!

Climate change has been studied, discussed and debated for decades now. But it’s now becoming more widely accepted as a time sensitive, and urgent call to action. Joining Chris to share what Renewable Natural Gas is and how it can be part of the solution is the Senior Environmental Scientist from Barr Engineering, Jason Linkimer!

Michigan is fighting hard to recover from the pandemic and attract population growth after years of shrinking. Many are worried that a lack of housing options might slow Michigan’s quest for new residents. Joining Chris to talk about his personal journey for knowledge and his collaboration in compiling data is the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg!

On the heels of two robust reports surrounding the Michigan Avenue corridor through the Lansing Region, the Tri County Regional Planning Commission is seeking final input before redesigning this important conduit. Joining Chris to talk about the project is the Deputy Director of the Tri County Regional Planning Commission, Nicole Baumer!

Most museums deliver interesting and thought provoking content - it’s what makes visiting a museum worthwhile. Michigan State University has taken participant engagement to a new level, utilizing what’s called a CoLab Studio. Joining Chris to tell us more is the Education & Learning Manager of the MSU Museum’s CoLab Studio, Caroline White!

On Michigan Reimagined we discuss a variety of topics - from making Michigan an attractive and clean place to live, to celebrating and highlighting small business. Today we get to discuss both. Joining Chris to share the valuable & quality work of a Michigan based environmental testing lab is the CEO and Technical Director of Merit Labs in East Lansing, Maya Murshak!

If you’ve spent any time in mid-Michigan, you’re likely familiar with the Eyde family name and the many redevelopment projects and buildings they own, operate and invest in. You may also know that we lost the patriarch, George F Eyde, in 2017. Joining Chris to discuss the new generation of Eydes at the helm and what their focus is these days is a Principle of Eyde Development, Nathaniel Eyde!

In July 2021, we introduced a concept being discussed called Strikeout Baseball, and the plan to establish a facility here in Lansing. A little more than a year later, the team is back to give us a status update. Joining Chris to discuss an exciting concept planned for our region is the Founder of Strikeout Baseball, Jeff Lazaros and Director of Operations, Vic Verchereau!

One of the BEST parts of Michigan are the Lake Michigan coastal towns; they are all unique and beautiful. One of Chris's favorites is Grand Haven and in this episode he chats with the Executive Director of the Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Authority, Jeremy Swiftney

Every quality community has quality cultural offerings, and mid-Michigan is no different. Joining Chris to discuss the long history and current offerings of the Michigan State Museum and Science Gallery is its Director, Devon Akmon!

Finding affordable housing is a crisis for many. Luckily there are resources working to increase supply and assist those in need, and one of those resources has reached a significant anniversary in 2022. Joining Chris to discuss the mission of the Capital Area Housing Partnership is Executive Director, Rawley Van Fossen!

Sustainability has become more than a buzzword, it is driving innovation in all industries including some you may have never considered. Joining Chris to teach us more about a revolutionary construction process called Mass Timber is the Director of MassTimber at Michigan State University, Sandra Lupien!

Michigan legalized medical marijuana back in 2008, but in December 2019 recreational adult use was also legalized along with a massive revamp of how cannabis is to be grown, tested, transported and sold. Joining Chris to share their entrepreneurial story in this progressive industry are Sarah Birney and Bryan Madle, co-founders of Blooming Botanicals!

Anyone who follows college sports understands that student athletes and the work they perform on the court or field is big business, and it’s been contested that these athletes should get paid beyond the scholarships many receive for their work. Well - Name, Image and Likeness revenue has been approved recently. Joining Chris to discuss what that means, how it works, and how one local university i...

Healthcare is a hotly discussed topic. Some ask, how do we encourage affordability and truly drive wellness in our population? Joining Chris to share an update on HealthBar, is the Founder & CEO Nathan Baar!

In August 2021, Hip Hop Appreciation month became a state holiday. One year after this important milestone, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy (AOTA) will be hosting its first annual AOTA Hip Hop week. To kick off the celebration, AOTA partnered with Lansing Parks and Recreation to offer a 5-day camp concluding with a breaking competition called the "Cap City Jam." Joining Chris to share and discuss...

Rooted Reverence took place in Mason, MI this June and exceeded expectations, and taught everyone a thing or two about arts promotion. To talk about all this and more, Chris welcomes back a friend of the show - the Owner & Director of Opportunity Arts, Mike Marriott!

Summer is in full swing, and calendars are filling up. In this episode Chris welcomes back a good friend of the show, Chris Sell - the Executive Director of Lansing 5:01, to discuss their summer calendar!

It’s been a year since the Capital Area Manufacturing Council hired its new Executive Director. We had her on soon after her appointment, now it’s time for an update! Joining Chris to discuss the progress of CAMC is their Executive Director, Cindy Kangas!

The pandemic has changed the world, in virtually every way. One group caught in the fallout are the non-profits. Joining Chris to share the story of how not-for-profit organizations have navigated their way through these troubling times are Rich Howard - the VP of Fund Development for the Davies Project, Nada Charara - Director of Development for American Red Cross, Carmen Turner - President/CEO o...

I’ve hosted shows highlighting IT firms who help business owners navigate their cybersecurity needs. If you’ve listened to them you’ve heard them all say it’s not a matter of if, but when, you’ll fall victim. Today we’ll be discussing what insurance companies know, have to say, and what they can offer to business owners. Joining Chris is Commercial Lines Producer from Cedar River Insurance, Katie...

Lansing has produced a lot of talented people, and talented people are often lured away to chase their dreams elsewhere. However, every now and then we get a star to return home. Joining Chris to share his journey and a few of the ways he’s currently giving back to his community is former basketball star and current candidate for State Representative in the 77th District and owner of Blue Print At...

When it comes to creating a vibrant and sustainable community, a component in the discussion is often the variety of housing options available. Joining Chris to share the story of a new housing opportunity coming to Mid-Michigan is the Vice President of Operations for Traditions Management, Rose Siddle!