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An economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan.
267 Episodes
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Manufacturing without borders: What it takes to lead a global manufacturing company while navigating supply chains, innovation and international markets On this episode we sit down with Lucerne International CEO, Mary Buchzeiger, getting an inside look at how this certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) company is connecting advanced manufacturing with partners and customers around the world. Mary offers a candid conversation on international trade, reshoring, foreign trade zones and more. ...
From $35B in Sustainable Capital to The Power of &™: Matt Elliott on Driving Durable Growth and Community Impact Matt Elliott, Founder and CEO of Blue Lake Ideas, is a nationally recognized business and sustainability leader who advises executives and boards on navigating complexity and driving durable growth through his The Power of &™ leadership framework. In this episode Matt discusses his background as President of Bank of America Michigan and Sustainability Executive for Business...
Dow is driving the future of sustainable mobility in Midland, Michigan As the Global Marketing and Strategy Director for Dow Mobility Science™, Ryan Smith is at the forefront of the automotive industry's rapid transition toward electrification and sustainability. He leads global go-to-market strategies that align Dow’s deep material science expertise with the needs of the growing EV market. In this episode he discusses how Dow materials work with autonomous vehicles, vehicle electrification p...
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 discuss the organization’s strategy plan “Michigan in a New Era”. By illuminating critical insights and ...
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 are advancing a cleaner, smarter, and more connected world.
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 economic development background spans both the private and public sectors. In this episode, he talks ...
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 home, the socioeconomical work she does around the world and teases her upcoming book, Catc...
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 initiative highlights entrepreneurship, place making, economic diversification, housing, talent attrac...
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 to the challenges of latency, cybersecurity, and global competitiveness, Khalil discusses how Mich...
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 down what sets land banks apart from other public entities, the programs NLBN offers, and what drew...
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 for this community, creating new opportunities and pathways to success and more.
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 Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) as the region works to retain and expand its global mobility and autom...
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 communities, working with various partners and more. Mark also purchased Lansing Brewing Company in...
Connecting the Dots for Detroit’s Entrepreneurs: Justin Onwenu on Building Opportunity. As the City of Detroit’s first Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity, Justin Onwenu is on a mission to create real pathways to better work, higher wages, and long-term wealth for Detroiters. From startup support to access to capital, Justin is helping shape a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem—one that connects residents with tools, talent, and financial backing across the public, priv...
A hidden giant in our backyard: build-to-print CNC machining company, NTL Industries Inc. is changing the game in manufacturing. This week we talk with Greg McArthur, Owner of NTL Industries Inc. in Sterling Heights, MI. He gives insight into CNC manufacturing and shares his recent win as the 2025 US SBA Small Business Persons of the Year. NTL Industries specializes in CNC milling, CNC turning, plasma cutting and more. Their products expand through the aerospace, defense, agriculture industri...
From 1885 to tomorrow — Michigan Technological University’s president takes us on a virtual tour of this R1 research leader. We connect with Michigan Technological University President, Richard Koubek, as he explains the University’s tech and research resources. He also discusses the University’s efforts in preparing career opportunities for students and keeping top talent in the state. Founded in 1885 as the Michigan Mining School, Michigan Tech comprises five colleges and schools and offers...
AI Software, Web and Mobile Apps, Product Design and more! Discover what Michigan company has been custom building software for 200+ Organizations since 2001. In this episode we welcome Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner at Atomic Object, as he talks about the future of AI and software technology. Atomic Object is a software development and design consultancy that customizes programs for each unique client. With offices from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, Chicago and North Carolina, they are developi...
In the Southwest Corner of Michigan is the economic powerhouse Cornerstone Alliance, doing business retention and expansion, physical development, and placemaking As President and CEO, Marla Schneider oversees Cornerstone Alliance’s comprehensive efforts to attract and retain businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and create a thriving economic landscape in Southwest Michigan. She shares with us several transformative projects underway, including initiatives focused on business retention and ex...
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. This week we chat with Everett Woodel, Jr., the Great Lakes Regional Administrator for the U.S. SBA, about how the SBA helps small businesses throughout the Great Lakes area, from crises and disaster resistance services to loan forgiveness and more. Prior to his appointment as the Great Lakes Regional Administrator, Everett served as the District Director for the SBA in Columbus, Ohio overseeing p...
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