The Michigan Opportunity

A Conversation with Quentin Messer: Michigan’s Competitive Position and the Mechanics of Economic Development Quentin L. Messer, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) where he leads statewide efforts to attract business investment , create jobs, support community development , and enhance Michigan’s economic...

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) bridges state agencies and private industry to cement Michigan as the world’s transportation proving ground. Recently recognized as a Leader in TIME100’s Climate 2025 list, Justine Johnson shares how the OFME is driving a total transformation of the state's workforce and high-tech transit ecosystem across land, water and air. She also d...

Business Leaders for Michigan launches “Michigan in a New Era,” featuring two experts working to shape the state’s next economy On this episode we’re diving into research-driven, fact-based strategies designed to strengthen Michigan’s economy with Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM) CEO, Jeff Donofrio and Rachel Stewart , Gardner White Furniture & Mattress CEO and BLM Board member. They discus...

From field to bottle, Shady Lane Cellars is leveraging Michigan’s agriculture in their vineyard and wine selling business As the Executive Winemaker and General Manager of Shady Lane Cellars , Kasey Wierzba is guiding the winery’s vision and award-winning craftsmanship. Shady Lane Cellars is a boutique, estate winery at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula near Suttons Bay, Michigan, known for its 1...

Managed IT, cybersecurity, compliance and more—all from one Michigan-based tech company Hear from Nick Roe , Manager of Cybersecurity and Compliance at Brightline Technologies , a Brighton-based IT services firm that delivers comprehensive solutions that optimize infrastructure, strengthens security, ensures compliance and more. In this episode we discuss safe security practices and cybersecurity...

From electrification to motorcycle systems, Astemo Ltd.’s new Michigan headquarters anchors the future of mobility! We sit down with John Nunneley of Astemo Americas, Inc. as he shares how the tier 1 automotive supplier is shaping the future of mobility . Astemo’s world-leading solutions in electrification, autonomous driving, sustainable technologies, and advanced chassis and motorcycle systems a...

City of Detroit's Mayor Mike Duggan talks through the economic developments during his tenure.  As the second-longest serving Mayor in Detroit history, Mike Duggan ’s economic and business development strategies have centered around attracting major investments, accelerating small business growth and creating a business-friendly climate.  He discusses several projects including investing in t...

Grand Rapids Developments: Spotlight on Amway Stadium and Acrisure Amphitheater Projects with Grand Action 2.0 We join Grand Action 2.0’s Executive Director, Kara Wood , as she discusses plans for Grand Rapids. Grand Action 2.0 is a powerhouse not-for-profit economic development organization. Through bold leadership and public-private partnerships, they are actively identifying and funding the nex...

From entrepreneurship to innovative workspace and the creation of 2,340 jobs, Wayne State University’s TechTown Detroit is driving impact across Michigan’s future economy. From supporting startups and emerging companies, to establishing firms, TechTown Detroit is Wayne State University ’s entrepreneurship hub helping entrepreneurs develop, launch, and grow. Ned Staebler ’s dynamic international ec...

Aerospace , Defense , Agribusiness , Tourism and more, make up the story of the Greater Muskegon Economic Development. Hear Trevor Friedeberg describe the rich Muskegon community and history on the east side of Lake Michigan, as he breaks down the tools and resources the Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) offers. Founded in 1999, the GMED is a county-wide economic development agency dedi...

PitchMI crowns 4 winners: smarter hospital beds, powered campsites, satellite tech, and in-game ads—highlighting Michigan’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Join our two startup experts — Alison Todak of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Pete Martin of the MSU Research Foundation — as they share how their organizations are helping to drive Michigan’s startup momentum. They give us...

Powering Defense and Driving Innovation for a Safer, Smarter Future in Michigan Matthew Warnick serves as Chief Executive Officer of American Rheinmetall , headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He has been with Rheinmetall for more than twelve years, guiding its U.S. operations since the establishment of American Rheinmetall (formerly American Rheinmetall Vehicles) in 2019. The company supports...

She has lived and worked around the world and been to every 195 UN-recognized countries. But there’s only one place Jessica Nabongo calls home—Detroit.  As the first Black woman to visit every country in the world, Jessica Nabongo is the author of the #1 best seller — Catch Me If You Can and mastermind behind The Catch Me If You Can travel blog. In this episode she shares why she made Michigan her...

What exactly is a mobility ecosystem and how can it be measured to attract new business and top talent to Michigan? Our expert guests unpack their groundbreaking research that connects innovation, technology, networking and infrastructure to economic growth. The Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) has partnered with Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. to run a social network analysis, to try and gage GEM’s i...

Regarded as one of the world’s leading research universities - the Office of the Vice President for Research is driving the mission to catalyze, support and safeguard U-M research from private sector, to government, to non-profit and more.  Dr. Arthur Lupia is the Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan , where he is responsible for fostering the excellence and inte...

To Preserve and Grow: the Michigan Arts and Culture Council was established as the state’s steward of creativity and heritage. In our next segment of Around Michigan in 30 Minutes we talk with Alison Watson , Director of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council . From the Upper Peninsula to our southern border, Alison takes us on a journey through the people, places, and stories that showcase Michiga...

Global issues, local insights: Hear from two leaders with the International Affairs Forum-Traverse City discuss the world affairs shaping our future. We sit down with Alex Tank , Director at Northwestern Michigan College and Michael Lehnert , retired Major General, to learn about the International Affairs Forum - Traverse City (IAF). They describe the unique relationship between IAF and the colleg...

By uniting Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the Detroit Regional Defense Coalition (DRDC) is working to make Southeast Michigan a hub for defense and aerospace.  We dive into Southeast Michigan’s role in the defense and aerospace sectors by talking with Vicki Selva , the Executive Director of DRDC . She takes us through how the coalition is driving collaboration, shaping supportive policy, and...

When it comes to attracting talent, supporting employers, and building a competitive future for Michigan, Hilary Doe is up to the challenge! How do you grow a state’s population when faced with challenges like talent migration, employer needs, and quality of life? Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer, Hilary Doe , is tackling the issue head-on with a statewide road show. The Michigan Growth Office init...

Powering the Future: Data Centers, Cybersecurity, and Energy Demands with DTE Energy’s Khalil Rahal Join Khalil Rahal , Director of Economic Development at DTE Energy , as we explore the rising demands of today and tomorrow’s energy landscape. He also gives insight into how Michigan’s energy impacts economic development and site competition with other states. From the critical role of data centers...

Transforming Vacant Spaces: Michigan-based leader assists 300 land banks across the U.S. Join Brian Larkin as he explains the interesting economic development organization, the National Land Bank Network (NLBN) at the Center for Community Progress . NLBN is the largest trade association for landbanks across the country, connecting land bank leaders to tools, networks, and resources. Brian breaks d...

Empowering Disabled Entrepreneurs in the Virtual Marketplace Former DTE Executive, Dave Meador , has launched Trove Market , a new digital platform designed to help disabled entrepreneurs connect with buyers and grow their businesses . Dave shares how his daughter and his previous work in economic development inspired him to bring the market to life. He also discusses ways he’s building support fo...

From forests to factories to frosty pints — Matt covers Michigan in 30 minutes! During this segment of Around Michigan in 30 Minutes, we talk with MEDC SVP, Matt McCauley . Matt highlights essential and unique companies from around the state, discusses diverse industries and how regions and communities work together to better economic growth in Michigan. 

The Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) is driving Detroit’s global mobility leadership in manufacturing, R&D, talent, and growth!  Bernard Swiecki is the Vice President of Mobility and Research for the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP), a leading economic development nonprofit serving the 11-county Detroit Region. In this role, Bernard oversees industry and research work for the Global Epicen...

From Velvet Peanut Butter to Craft Beer: Mark Rieth revives a Detroit icon and once again blends legacy with innovation. Best known for growing Atwater Brewery into one of Michigan’s top craft breweries, entrepreneur Mark Rieth ’s latest venture is reviving the beloved 90-year-old Detroit brand, Velvet Peanut Butter . In this episode Mark shares how to find your target markets, working with local...