The Michigan Opportunity
Through dynamic discussion, The Michigan Opportunity markets the state and promotes Michigan as a world-class business location. The podcast serves as a forward-thinking voice for Michigan as a conduit to global trends and applications in the new global economy.
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Latest Episode
Dean Angott, President of C.F. Burger Creamery and Twin Pines Farm Dairy
Dean Angott serves as Chairman and President of C.F. Burger Creamery and Twin Pines Farm Dairy, a family-owned and operated business that has been a cornerstone of Detroit since 1926. With a deep commitment to quality and local partnerships with dairy farmers, Angott continues to steer this multi-generational business toward its centennial milestone, proudly contributing to Detroit’s rich food heritage and agribusiness.
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David Washburn, CEO, MSU Research Foundation
Hear from David Washburn, CEO of the MSU Research Foundation, as he discusses how the foundation manages an endowment built from decades of licensing revenue and is a key partner in the Michigan State University (MSU) innovation ecosystem. In addition to providing over $10 million in research funding at MSU annually, this non-profit is focused on technology commercialization, economic development, and placemaking.
Bill Morrison, Illustrator and Art Director at Atomic Battery Studios
Hear from Bill Morrison, acclaimed illustrator, cartoonist, writer, and art director at Atomic Battery Studios, as he reflects on his remarkable career trajectory. Born and raised in Lincoln Park, Michigan, Morrison opens up about his career highlights, including work with The Simpsons, Futurama, Mad Magazine, and more, and sharing his creative journey while teaching at the College for Creative Studies, where he once studied himself.
Michigan Mobility Conference 2024: From Supply Chains to Talent Attraction – Unveiling the Future of Hydrogen, EV Charging Software, Infrastructure, and Urban Transport
Join our host Ed Clemente as he speaks with key figures in the mobility industry following the inaugural Michigan Mobility Conference. Hear from Justine Johnson of Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Camille Hoisington of Traverse Connect, Kameale C. Terry of ChargerHelp, Josh Naramore of National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), Allison Bowman of Tubular Network, Timothy Papandreou of ETA Advisors, and Vincent Keenan of the City of Detroit.
Michael Schreuder, Deputy Principal Officer, U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai
Listen to Michael Schreuder, a career diplomat generating international business. As Deputy Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, India, he has had a fascinating career dedicated to fostering global business opportunities for the U.S. and Michigan. This Western Michigan University alumni and Kalamazoo native’s Michigan roots remain strong, as he continues to bridge international relations and business development.
Scott J. Bentley, Superintendent of the River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Scott J. Bentley is the first Superintendent of River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe. Bentley, a 30-plus year National Park Service (NPS) veteran, started at the Battlefield in 2011 after transferring from San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where he was the Superintendent. River Raisin NBP preserves, commemorates, and interprets the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath.
Christina Marbury, Marketing Director, Taste the Local Difference
Listen to Christina Marbury of Taste the Local Difference and discover its unique services. Taste the Local Difference is a women-owned, women-led local food marketing agency specializing in tailored strategies for agriculture, food, and beverage producers. Their mission is to support local businesses by ensuring that money stays within the local economy, fostering job creation and strengthening communities.
Eric Larson, Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Detroit Partnership
Since 2014, Eric Larson has served as CEO of The Downtown Detroit Partnership, a private/public partnership of corporate and civic leaders who develop and support programs to enhance downtown Detroit, including creating a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center. Larson has more than 35 years of experience in the field of real estate investment, development, asset management and leasing.
Donald Hillebrand, Deputy Associate Laboratory Director, Argonne National Laboratory
Don Hillebrand (native Michigander), Division Director at Argonne National Laboratory, walks us through mobility, drones, advanced energy, batteries and much more. Argonne is at the forefront of scientific innovation in the United States, addressing some of the world's most challenging scientific problems. Also references to the Oppenheimer Movie and his love for Oakland University!
Jane Ghosh, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo
Listen to Jane Ghosh, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo, discuss her unique career path and the love she has for the region. Discover Kalamazoo provides the resources, platforms and opportunities for local businesses to market services and products to a variety of travel audiences. Through these collaborative efforts, the Kalamazoo area continues to see an increase in overnight spending from visitors, which leads to direct economic prosperity for the local community.
John Gutierrez, PMP, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) - Executive Director, Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation
The Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) collaborates with government, industry, and academia to forge a future rooted in the legacy of the Arsenal of Democracy — a legacy where Michigan leads in defense and aerospace markets. Hear Executive Director, Colonel John T. Gutierrez, share how the Office is dedicated to strengthening the state’s defense and aerospace sectors by attracting, retaining, and expanding investments.
About the Host: Ed Clemente
Ed Clemente joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in 2020 as the Senior Advisor for Trends and Development.
From 2012-2020, Clemente served as a two-term governor appointed Hearing Commissioner for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Executing over 7,000 judicial Orders/Decisions, over the tenure of service. Prior joining the MLCC, Clemente launched Michigan’s Energy Innovation Business Council (EIBC) establishing it as 501c3 and 501c6 entity and serving as its first President.
Ed Clemente was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2004 representing parts of southern Wayne County. During his three terms in the State House (2004-2010) he led task forces on electric vehicles, biosciences, film industry, Brownfield restoration, economic development, quality of life and advanced energy. Before his tenure as a public official, Clemente held several leadership roles at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, including President and Director Economic and Business Development. He also previously chaired the Economic Development Committee of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and was elected as a Trustee for Wayne County Community College District, serving four terms.
Clemente has earned degrees from Ferris State, Michigan State University and Sienna Heights Universities. Clemente was awarded with a prestigious fellowship to the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and The National Judicial College for Administrative Law. He graduated from several political leadership development programs, including Leadership Detroit, Michigan Political Leadership Program, and Leadership 21. He is a previous small business owner and has taught at Northwood University. Additionally, he hosts a “Critical Conversations” podcast and is a member of the Workforce Advisors for Wayne County Community College. Ed serves on the Board of Directors for Global Ties Detroit and the Motor Cities National Heritage Area. An avid traveler, Ed has visited more than 80 countries and territories, 150+ UNESCO World Heritage sites, many to play rugby tournaments, others for professional exchange and some for just intellectual curiosity.
The Michigan Opportunity is brought to you by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, MEDC markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.