The Michigan Opportunity

Hear how this national organization uses leadership and diplomacy to help keep the U.S. and Michigan economies humming in an ever-changing global market! Join Michelle Bekkering , National Engagement Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition , and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the global marketplace and Michigan’s unique international position in that space. The USGLC brings together more than...

From leading Ferris State university, to national championships, to playing in the pep band, his legacy of two decades of leadership has made Ferris a real player in the new economy. Join President Dr. David Eisler , President of Ferris State University and host Ed Clemente as they discuss where he thinks the future of careers will be. Dr. Eisler talks to Ferris' mission about preparing stude...

Lizabeth Ardisana is a well-rounded business pioneer in the talent world and very passionate about giving back to community service organizations and boards.   Join Lizabeth Ardisana , Chief Executive Officer of ASG Renaissance and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the ever evolving competitive world of today's workforce and the shifting needs of employers and employees.  ASG Renaissance is a...

Hear MEDC expert Denise Graves on entrepreneurship, innovation, university tech transfer and much more in this unique space driving Michigan forward for talent, higher education and business creation.   Join Denise Graves, University Relations Director at Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and host Ed Clemente as they dive into the complex but rewarding world of tech transfer. In he...

MDARD Director McDowell breaks down the complex ecosystem of agriculture and rural development across the State of Michigan.  Join Gary McDowell, Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development , with host Ed Clemente as they discuss one of the biggest economic industries in Michigan.  Gary grew up in the Upper Peninsula and has a family business of hay farming, as well as c...

How do you fix Chernobyl? Exlterra has discovered the answer, plus additional sustainable ways to improve brownfield sites around the world! Join Frank Muller, CEO of Exlterra , and host Ed Clemente as learn how Michigan-based Exlterra is remediating the brownfield world through their patented process.  Discover how they develop, produce and commercialize sustainable technological solutions applie...

From Lake Erie to Lake Michigan, to the plains of Omaha and the Rocky Mountains of Denver, Randy Thelen has done Economic Development throughout, and listen now how he brings that expertise back to the Grand Rapids region. Join Randy Thelen , President & CEO of The Right Place , and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the myriad of business projects going on in the Grand Rapids region . Hear abou...

Listen to her fascinating story of the responsibilities and lifestyle of an International Consul, plus learn about the culture and business of Italy as well as her interesting path to Michigan! Join Allegra Baistrocchi, Consul of Italy, in the Consulate of Italy in Detroit , and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the Italian business relations and trading between Michigan and other Midwest states, a...

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast is celebrating it’s one year anniversary!  Join Michelle Grinnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for MEDC who puts Ed on the hot seat with a ‘year in review.’ Join Michelle Grinnell , MEDC Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications as she grills host Ed Clemente about the 50+ economic development guests over the last year. Though...

Listen to the former Mayor of Kalamazoo Bobby Hopewell, and his unique business in mobile health, plus he knows Yankees legend Derek Jeter! Join Mayor Bobby Hopewell, President and CEO of Mobile Health Resources, and MEDC host Ed Clemente as they explore his current business, his experienced career in the health care field and as a public servant as the Mayor of Kalamazoo , a truly unique city! Mo...

Hear President Wilson of Wayne State University, and his international path as ophthalmologist, author and his unique background that drives him to push for upward social mobility for all at an R1 U!  Join Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson and host Ed Clemente as they cover a myriad of topics, but most importantly the mission he sees for the university to drive up social mobility so t...

Lasagna, soups, mac-n-cheese and much more! You’re going to get hungry listening to this conversation with this pleasant CFO and the unique West Michigan headquartered food company! Join Menaka Abel, Chief Financial Officer for Request Foods , for an epicurean discussion with host Ed Clemente about this unique West Michigan company. Request Foods is a contract manufacturer of frozen foods, with ov...

What is an Incubator, a Tech start-up, VC, and do Angels really exist in Michigan? Find out answers to these questions and more with 20Fathoms' Executive Director.  Join Eric Roberts, Executive Director of 20Fathoms for a fast-paced discussion with host Ed Clemente about a Traverse City-based niche industry of helping emerging innovators get started and nurtured. 20Fathoms is a membership org...

Why will Michigan be the place to be in 2050? The future has been partially mapped out for us in this intriguing interview with Dr. Parag Khanna discussing competition for talent and quantum people. Join Dr. Parag Khanna , Founder & Managing Partner of FutureMap & Climate Alpha , for a very strategic and futuristic discussion, with host Ed Clemente. They discuss his new book Move , and all...

MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr. gives us some brief highlights of 2021 and looks forward to the state’s opportunity is 2022. Join Quentin L. Messer Jr. , CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as he joins host Ed Clemente, to discuss managing his challenging job and how’s he’s up to the task, while feeling blessed to have the opportunity.  He gives you a fresh view of the myriad of as...

What happens in Las Vegas doesn’t always stay there. Hear about self-driving tractors, cars that can change colors, and a ton more on the growing presence of mobility and electrification at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Join Charlie Tyson Technology Activation Manager, in the Office of Future Mobility & Electrification , at the MEDC, and host Ed Clemente as you get a firsthand account...

Listen to a dynamic automotive manufacturing leader, with her hand on the “wheel” as to how the future of mobility is evolving! Join Lisa Lunsford, co-founder and CEO of GS3 Global , for an energetic discussion with host Ed Clemente about mobility, engineering and leadership.  Global Strategic Supply Solutions offers a variety of services including assembly, CNC bending, engineering, advanced manu...

Great Lakes Shipping, who knew? Learn all about the new Soo Locks, ice breaking, supply chain economy, 9/11, coast guard, Boat Nerds, and many other unique freshwater stories!  Join James Weakley , President Lake Carriers Association , as he has a conversation with our host and landlubber Ed Clemente about the critical economic role they play in Michigan, the Midwest and North America. The Great L...

“Learn about Chris MacInnes Interesting life journey and business devotion that brought her back to Michigan!” Join Chris MacInnes , President Crystal Enterprises Inc , and host Ed Clemente, for a four seasons conversation on doing business with evolving challenges, with emphasis on the quality of life and the future. Chris is passionate about discussing the relations her business has with nature,...

“If you are wondering what the future will be like for careers, take out your notebook and follow this discussion with the new incoming LTU President!” Join Dr. Tarek Sobh , Vice President of Academic Affairs, Provost, and the incoming President for Lawrence Technological University and host Ed Clemente, for an innovative discussion on entrepreneurship, engineering, robotics , design , global fing...

Learn about the institution’s core mission, not only the aspirations for their students, but it’s fabled history in the automotive and design world. Join Olga Stella , Executive Director, Design Core Detroit & VP of Strategy and Communications for the College of Creative Studies and host Ed Clemente, for a creative discussion on design, form & function, art, business, international footpri...

Sue shares fascinating defense contracting tactics that can help your business grow, but she also shows the equity networking behind it. Join Sue Tellier , Owner and President, JetCo Federal and host Ed Clemente, for a lively discussion on small business, defense suppliers and what is WIPP? Jetco Federal, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a prime contractor in supply chain management and logis...

President Dr. Bill Pink ardently guides us on the grand path of the future workforce, through the prism of Grand Rapids Community College and the constantly evolving opportunities Join Dr. Bill Pink , President, Grand Rapids Community College and host Ed Clemente, to discuss multiple workforce issues from certificate training , degrees and stackable certificates.  Grand Rapids Community College of...

“You’ll be “Dancing in the Streets”, when you hear the Motown story from Ester Gordy’s granddaughter Robin Terry, Chairwoman & CEO of the Motown Museum.” Join Robin Terry, Chairwoman and CEO for Motown Museum , and host Ed Clemente as they talk about the exciting future of the Motown Museum and the bigger ecosystem it is creating. The Motown Museum is the ongoing heartbeat of the Motown legacy...

How the 16 Michigan Workforce Boards across Michigan are adapting to the New Economy, employment opportunities and current challenges being faced by employees and employers . Join Ryan Hundt and host Ed Clemente, as he explains the ever-changing world of the modern workforce responsibilities through the professional organization representing the MichiganWorks! Network .  MichiganWorks! Association...