The Michigan Opportunity

With President Siegle at the helm of Walsh College, innovation is accelerating with a focus on AI, Cybersecurity , Data Analytics, and more! Dr. Suzy Siegle , President & CEO Walsh College , is a high-octane president, author, coach and much more. She discusses her books on high performance leadership and how a journey in business, law and higher education got her to lead an entrepreneurial co...

A Serendipitous Path: How Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit became a nationally focused organization                                                      Listen to Johnnie Turnage , Co-Founder of Black Tech Saturdays , share his journey on creating a unique career path along with his wife, Alexa. Starting as a project community organizer for Moses and UCFW Labor, he was inspired in 2020 to begin wor...

Welcome to Grand Rapids-based Windquest Group. With over 1,400 team members and operations in 28 states, this privately held enterprise and investment management firm engages in diversified projects, including: performance technology, sustainability solutions, consumer goods, manufacturing, craft alcohol and nonprofit solutions.  Hear from Jennifer Gonzalez , Chief Talent Officer at Windquest Grou...

Discover three counterintuitive Michigan destinations featured among 100 global spots in the new travel book Here Not There . Award-winning travel writer and educator, Andrew Nelson , discusses his new book Here Not There . Published by National Geographic , the book explores counterintuitive destinations and places that provide iconic memories without the high tourist levels and rising prices. He...

With 16,000+ Dining establishments and 1,400+ lodging facilities, hear how Michigan’s hospitality businesses contribute over $28 billion to the state's economy while supporting 650,000 jobs. Join us as we discuss Michigan's hospitality industry with Justin Winslow and Emily Daunt of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) and hear how the MRLA provides essential services t...

What do Stanford University, The University of Texas at Austin, university of Michigan, Howard University, Michigan State University, Emory University and Middlebury College all have in common? Join us for this week’s podcast to find out. Listen to Michigan-based Robert S. Li , CO-Founder and Owner of University FM & Professors.fm , explain this great concept in podcasting. With so much media...

Thanks to Michigan's Independent and Family-Owned Beer & Wine Distributors, Michigan Ranks Among the Top 5 in Beer Production with 300+ Breweries and 140+ Wineries, Employing Nearly 5,000 People Join Spencer Nevins , President of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) and MBWWA Services, Inc., as he unpacks this unique ecosystem and industry . A beer and wine di...

Join experts discussing the unique nature of synergies companies and its role in community and economic development with the MEDC We hear from Aileen Bovan of the MEDC discuss leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies of the organization and overseeing capital projects to align with the MEDC’s mission and vision.  Also Geoffrey Crawley , Chief Marketing Officer at Synergies Companies...

“Housing is foundational”, Amy Hovey of MSHDA talks affordable housing, community development, and homelessness solutions Listen to Amy Hovey , CEO and Executive Director of The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as she discusses her career background and the unique organization she leads. Established in 1966, MSHDA provides financial and technical assistance through public and p...

For generations, Cranbrook has fostered creative and critical thinking skills in their students while preparing them to excel in college and in life.  Listen to Pascale Bauer , Dean of International Enrollment of Cranbrook Schools , as she shares her insights on this unique place. Cranbrook is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprising a Graduate Academy of Art,...

Future of Health: World-class campus emerging in Detroit, Michigan. The complex and futuristic vision is happening now. Check out this special edition podcast: Marc Corriveau of Henry Ford Health and Dr. Norman Beauchamp of Michigan State University team up to discuss how their organizations’ innovative partnership is helping elevate Detroit as a world-class destination for health, research , tech...

From South Sudan to the University of Michigan, A Must-Listen Journey in International Diplomacy and Law Ambassador Susan D. Page has a fantastic story of international diplomacy, peaking with her appointment as the first US Ambassador to South Sudan. Her illustrious career at the US Department of State includes significant roles in Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Botswana, Rwanda, and more. She has worke...

Join our host Ed Clemente for a special Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from very interesting guests including Hilary Doe of MEDC ; Ruthanne (Ruthie) Sudderth of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association ; Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ; Ferris State University President Bill Pink ; Grand Hotel President Davi...

Join our host Ed Clemente for a special Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from our very interesting guests including Jeff Donofrio , President & CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan ; Adrian Lewis , CEO of Forgotten Harvest ; CEO Charl van Niekerk & Chief Relations Officer Heather Grondin , of the WDBA-APWD-W...

“All Companies Will Become Software Companies; Business Trends Moving East to West; You Are Not Moving Fast Enough.” Founder and Managing Director of Sino Auto Insights , Tu Le , brings an abundance of experience from both the high-tech and automotive sectors having spent time living & working in Detroit, Silicon Valley , and China. He is passionate about helping companies that want to be diff...

The Engineering Society of Detroit believes that the country in the midst of a technological revolution--the engineering field is projected to have employment growth of nearly 140,000 new jobs over the next decade. The Engineering Society of Detroit ’s mission is to ensure Michigan maintains its position as a global hub for engineering and engineering leaders in private, public and higher educatio...

ProsperUs Detroit supports entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital needed to build businesses, generational wealth, and vibrant neighborhoods. Hear Paul Jones as he discusses ProsperUs Detroit , a community organization that strives to help build equity, knowledge, and healthy communities in Detroit. The Training program teaches general business skills and offers individualized feedback. To d...

Helping people understand and appreciate where they live and work . Since 2005, City Institute has used experiential learning and non-traditional tours to help more than 150,000 locals and newcomers in Detroit. Jeanette Pierce has presented at more than 200 events, including Atlantic Business Magazine’s CityLab Conference, Governor’s Economic Summit, Downtown Las Vegas Annual Meeting, and the Oreg...

Cross Border Expert Talks Canada Border Relationship: Windsor-Detroit Corridor Handles 1/3 of Canada-U.S. Trade, Valued at $1.3 Trillion Annually  Laurie A. Tannous is a Cross-Border Attorney and a renowned speaker at many trade and industry forums globally. She provides public policy counsel to government officials and industry leaders on matters relating to: Business Immigration Law, Public-Priv...

1,500 Michigan Leaders gather to discuss our future at the Detroit Regional Chambers Mackinac Policy Conference, hear a sneak preview of what was discussed. Tammy J. Carnrike is the Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber . She has many responsibilities including the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference, being on the Advisory Council for the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive &a...

Artificial intelligence, and it’s role in creating an inclusive society. Charles Elwood 's mission with SolisMatica  is to harness the transformative power of AI to create inclusive tools that empower communication and foster an inclusive society. With a background in electrical engineering and an MBA, alongside a rich cultural heritage as a second-generation Asian American, Charles work in b...

East and West Coast mobility expert is now on the freshwater coast, with the sky as no limit. As Senior Vice President & Chief Mobility Officer, Justine Johnson leads the state’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification in working across state government, academia and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification polic...

Family owned and operated, Michigan Fastener produces high-quality fasteners for large and small companies alike. Their nails are made in Michigan from 100% American melted and formed wire.  Hear Jon Will share the story of how he and his family built the business, from garage to a successful family owned, innovative entrepreneurial asset to Michigan. Michigan Fastener truly embraces the methodolo...

Deep in Copper Country, advanced manufacturing company Calumet Electronics engineers and develops microchip circuit boards for a broad list of industries. Hear from Todd Brassard , Vice President/Chief Operations Officer, and Dr. Meredith LaBeau , Chief Technology Officer, about the company’s award-winning research, design, engineering , and manufacturing specializing in high-quality printed circu...

SEEL is a nationally certified minority business enterprise (MBE) service-disabled, veteran-owned (DVBE) energy efficiency program implementation contractor that offers a suite of energy solutions. SEEL is also a Top 20 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led companies in the country. Listen to Dr. E’Lois Thomas, PHD , President of SEEL, LLC talk about the nationally ranked logistics solutions company.  T...