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© 2024 The Michigan Opportunity
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An economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan.
165 Episodes
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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 breaking down communication barriers, particularly for those with medical conditions, through pioneering work in neural voice synthesis. Recognized as one of only 16 Microsoft MVPs in AI across the United States and the sole recipient in Michigan, he brings to the table a direct line to Microsoft's R&D team. The company’s strategic initiatives focus on enhancing talent attraction and retention within Michigan's post-secondary institutions while targeting the potential of international students. His and efforts are aligned with the vision to make Michigan a nexus for technological advancement and a prime destination for global AI-driven education.
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 policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging mobility technologies and businesses. Justine plays a critical role in driving a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Department of Transportation, Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the Governor's Office.
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 methodology of Making it in Michigan. The company produces a wide variety of Michigan-made nails and fasteners out of there shop in North Branch. Enjoy the great story of growth and commitment.
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 circuit boards. The organization fuels collaboration with distinguished suppliers and customers to advance production of leading-edge electronics in the United States. Calumet is recognized for industry thought-leadership and the rapid advancement and commercialization of ground-breaking engineering and manufacturing processes, including advanced HDI and HDBU, RF & microwave, and IC substrates. Calumet Electronics is 100% American owned and operated with zero offshoring or outsourcing. It is America’s only HUBZone certified PCB supplier.
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. Through a comprehensive suite of energy solutions, SEEL delivers turnkey services with a seasoned team dedicated to achieving program objectives. Renowned for its agility, SEEL collaborates closely with partner utilities and clients to adapt program designs swiftly and deliver high-quality services expediently. By prioritizing innovation and efficiency, SEEL plays a vital role in driving sustainable energy practices and advancing program effectiveness in the industry.
Detroit Lift is part of Manufacturing USA, a national network of 17 institutes for advanced manufacturing.Hear from Joe Steele, Vice President of Communications and Legislative Affairs, explain how LIFT, a Detroit-based public-private partnership, is designed to help develop and deploy advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies and implementing education and training programs to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. Manufacturing USA is a national network manufacturing innovation institutes created to secure the United State’s global leadership in advanced manufacturing through large-scale public-private collaboration on technology, supply chain, and education and workforce development.
Michigan-based SkySpecs achieves a global reach through office that span 6 continents, a team of 275 and over 200,000 precision wind turbine inspections with the company’s cutting-edge drone technology.Danny Ellis stands at the helm of SkySpecs, a trailblazer in the realm of wind energy technology. Established in 2012, SkySpecs has redefined the landscape of renewable energy asset management, providing tailored technologies and services that elevate industry standards in productivity, efficiency, and returns. Nestled in the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan, SkySpecs operates on a global scale, with strategic offices spanning Austria, Denmark, India, Ireland, and the Netherlands, fostering a dynamic team of 275 dedicated professionals.
The MSU Visiting International Professional Program has 315 international participants from 58 countries and five continents and offers programs in more than 10 different U.S. cities.Listen to Xinyu Wu, Director of Visiting International Professional Program; Director of the Office of China Program; and Executive Director of Michigan Council of Citizen Diplomacy, as she discusses with Ed this unique program. The Visiting International Professional Program provides cutting-edge professional training and exchange programs for international organizations, professionals, and emerging leaders in a variety of fields for the purpose of enhancing the institution and human capacity and forging long lasting relationships that could become a powerful tool for addressing some of the biggest global challenges. They achieve this by leveraging the academic excellence of Michigan State University as well as the expertise of local, regional, and national organizations in both public and private sectors.
Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents produces more than 350 concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows a year. With 2 million attendees annually, the entertainment powerhouse works with six world-class venues across southeastern Michigan, including Little Caesars Pizza Arena, The Fox Theatre, Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadowbrook Amphitheatre, Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre and Sound Board at Motor City Casino. Howard N. Handler, President of 313 Presents, is responsible for leading the company’s vision and strategy as well as guiding operations, partnerships and long-term growth. Howard is an entertainment and sports industry innovator with a track record of success across a range of world class companies including Major League Soccer, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., Virgin Mobile, The National Football League, MTV and VH1 Digital and Saturday Night Network Live.
National Geographic, Netflix, History Channel, BBC, HGTV, Lifetime, TLC, OWN, Discovery +, Disney +, E!, FOX, ABC, and NBC have worked with Ms. MacIntosh, a Detroit Homecoming Hollywood boomerang entrepreneur.Join our high-energy guest Katie Macintosh, Founder of Mac Worldwide, as she explains to Ed her fascinating career in Hollywood, and around the world in the genre of true docuseries and reality television shows. As a highly sought-after development partner, she has teamed up with several renown producers and production companies to deliver original concepts and stimulating casts. She has served on several industry panels and is an active member of The Television Academy, The Academy Museum and Film Independent.
The future of engineering at Michigan State UniversityThe future of engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) is rich with diverse opportunities, boasting a comprehensive range of majors that cater to a wide array of interests and career paths. Under the leadership of Dean Leo C. Kempel, the Dennis P. Nyquist Endowed Professor of Electromagnetics and the ninth dean of the MSU College of Engineering, students can explore at least 10 distinct majors, including: Applied Engineering Sciences, Biosystems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, and more. The focus on continuous education emerges as a key element to keep Michigan at the forefront of advancements in the diversity of engineering fields.
Dan Wyant, Chairman and President at Edward Lowe Foundation, and Rodney Parkkonen, Small Business Consultant at MEDC, discuss their unique and dynamic partnership that assists small businesses to thrive in Michigan. Dan also has experience with many previous leadership roles in state government and policy. Ed and Darlene Lowe established the Edward Lowe Foundation in 1985 to leverage entrepreneurship as a strategy for economic growth and community development. In contrast to most U.S. foundations, which are grant-giving entities, they are an operating foundation that funds its own programs. Their entrepreneurship initiatives are focused on second-stage companies — growth-oriented firms that have moved beyond startup but haven’t yet reached maturity.
Unlocking the Earth's Secrets: SME Engineering has 50+ years of excellence behind iconic projects, from Notre Dame Stadium to clean energy initiatives, Hudson/Bedrock Development, Jimmy John's Field, and the Gordie Howe Bridge. Hear Mark Kramer, President and CEO of SME, describe some unique and iconic projects, as well as the infrastructure under our feet! Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Engineering related to large site development and redevelopment for retail, commercial, institutional and infrastructure type projects. Specialties include: Site Development reviews and consulting, risk reviews, contract negotiation, litigation support and strategic planning.
London, Nashville and Detroit, Jack White’s innovative business is about pressing Vinyl Records! Listen to Eddie Gillis Operations Manager at Third Man Records, a vinyl manufacturing studio in Detroit. Third Man Records was launched by Jack White in Detroit in 2001 and in 2009 opened its Nashville location home to label offices, distribution center, photo studio and record store. In 2015 its Detroit location was opened, housing a record and novelties lounge, mastering studio, and Third Man Pressing manufacturing facility. Third Man is an innovator in the world of vinyl records and a boundary pusher in the world of recorded music. Also Eddie discusses about his family growing up in SW Detroit.
Eastern Michigan University, founded in 1849, is moving forward for today’s challenges. Hear how President Smith is charting a bold course continuing the University’s 174-year legacy.Dr. James M. Smith is the 23rd president of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), beginning his duties in July 2016. Since then, President Smith revised the University’s Strategic Plan, created a position of Chief Diversity Officer and introduced the University’s Sustainability Commission. EMU is a public research university in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Originally founded as the Michigan State Normal School, it was the fourth normal school (teachers' college) established in the United States and the first American normal school founded outside New England.
Who knew this global German based non-profit R&D organization working with 3 major US universities was based here in Michigan?Listen to Thomas Schuelke, MSU professor and President of Fraunhofer USA, explain this unique global organization and how it’s making business innovation better in Michigan and around the world. Fraunhofer USA, Inc., founded by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, is an R&D organization that works with state and federal governments, industry leaders and universities on contract research projects. They are in the high-tech problem-solving business, utilizing world class scientific and engineering expertise to respond to technical problems. From designing and developing prototypes to developing and proofing the manufacturing processes, they work to bridge the gap between basic research and new market developments all along the technology readiness scale. Headquartered in Michigan, Fraunhofer USA has multi-state offices and works with Michigan State University, University of Maryland and Boston University.
Eight percent of the annual trade between the US and Canada comes through one of the world’s busiest international border crossing. Colin Bird is at the heart of it in downtown Detroit. Hear Colin Bird discuss Michigan and Ontario’s trade relationship, the busiest between any Canadian province and U.S. state, supporting thousands of jobs on either side. Last year, total trade between Michigan and Ontario was valued at $80.6 billion (CDN), with imports from Michigan totaling $31.3 billion (CDN). Combined, Michigan and Ontario are responsible for approximately 22% of North America’s automotive output through both Michigan and Ontario’s highly integrated automotive supply chain.
The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to facilitate business relationships among Asian and U.S. based companies and to promote the economic advancement of Asian Pacific Americans.Join Executive Director Duc Abrahamson as she explains the vision of her organization, her path to this position, and the compelling story on how she came to Michigan. The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC,) which represents more than 30 countries, is committed to providing its members with up-to-date and pertinent information for strategic decision-making. This approach not only enhances the knowledge base of its members but also expands their network in the context of the global economy. In this role she takes on the pivotal responsibility of being the spokesperson for APACC with duties including the management and evaluation of programs and activities, providing leadership to both the board and staff, allocating necessary resources, and shaping organizational policy and programs.
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Empowers Economic Growth: 5 Regional Offices, 7,600 Jobs Created and Retained, and 400+ Statewide ClientsIngrid Tighe, President of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), has an impressive background and deep understanding of the manufacturing industry in Michigan. Her journey from being a veteran to becoming the president of MMTC showcases her dedication and expertise in this field. Hear Ingrid discuss MMTC's approach of providing comprehensive consulting services and classes to help clients train and develop their employees and management in the market.
Consumers Energy Empowers 6.7 Million Michigan Customers with Natural Gas and Electricity Across 68 Lower Peninsula Counties: Lauren Snyder Unpacks Their Role in Shaping Michigan’s Future.Listen to Lauren Youngdahl Snyder as she discusses electric vehicles, renewable energy and efficiency with The Michigan Opportunity podcast! Consumers Energy is an investor-owned utility that provides natural gas and electricity to 70% of Michiganders and serves customers in all 68 of the state's Lower Peninsula counties. Consumes Energy, a subsidiary of CMS Energy, was founded in 1886 and is currently headquartered in Jackson, Michigan.
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