The Michigan Opportunity

What our three top research universities (MSU, UM & WSU) have in common: The University Research Corridor, one of the nation’s top university innovation clusters for research, talent, and innovation. Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine is the Executive Director at the University Research Corridor (URC), an alliance of Michigan’s three leading research institutions: Michigan State University , Universit...

What do global nomads, the digital divide, Starlink & health care have in common? Connected Nation Michigan ties them all together Executive Director, Connected Nation Michigan Eric Fredrick takes us into the exciting new world economy of how we will be connected for many of our daily activities in the near future. He explains how in the last year this industry has accelerated, and how digital...

How the Detroit Regional Partnership has taken 11 Southeast Michigan counties and is marketing them globally for economic prosperity. Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Partnership Maureen Donohue Krauss takes us on tour of what makes up the " Detroit advantage " of how marketing the region to out-of-state and international companies to attract investments and jobs. Find out...

A short history of how Grand Rapids & Western Michigan became an economic global powerhouse. Former President and CEO Birgit Klohs worked at The Right Place, Inc . for over 33 years, with great success. During her conversation with us she discusses how she navigated the organization by collaborating with state and local leaders and business executives to create more than $5 billion in economic...

Hop on for a fast-moving conversation about the future of mobility, electrification and connectivity. Chief Mobility Officer for the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification Trevor Pawl, takes on a whirlwind path of how fast the world is changing especially in the areas of mobility, electrification and connectivity .  Pay attention because a lot of ground is covered from 5G, drones, wearables...

Hear the energizing story how Michigan navigated the pandemic, jumpstarted the economic recovery and the future of work. The Michigan Opportunity had an exciting and strategic-driven conversation with Gerry Anderson, Executive Chairman of DTE Energy .  He covers a wide range of topics from statewide issues such as the Chair of the Governors Michigan Economic Recovery Council; new leaders at Busine...

A fast-paced discussion about global competition, manufacturing and getting on board with Industry 4.0. For our second episode, The Michigan Opportunity had the pleasure of having a fast moving and informative discussion with Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley . He discusses what the key to the future of global trends are and what will help keep Michigan a leader in manufact...

Discover how a Michigan business organization is building economic and cultural bridges locally, nationally, and across the globe. The Michigan Opportunity had a great discussion with Fay Beydoun, Executive Director, American Arab Chamber of Commerce .  Fay also holds a seat on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee , as appointed by Governor Whitmer. Executive Director...

Beyond Gaming:  Economic diversification within Michigan’s Tribes. The Michigan Opportunity had the pleasure of having a discussion with Deidra Mitchell, President & CEO of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC , Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, and Tom Durkee, Business Development Manager, MEDC.  From Tom we will learn about the interaction of what the MEDC Tribal Business Development...

A discussion about community-based lender “Invest Detroit” and their support of small business owners and developers of color. The Michigan Opportunity had the pleasure of having a passionate discussion with Keona Cowan, Executive Vice President for Invest Detroit . Invest Detroit is a mission-driven lender, investor, and partner that supports business and real estate projects that will assist eco...