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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PreviousEpisodes
Spencer Nevins, President, Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, and MBWWA Services, Inc.
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. He walks us through the process of purchasing alcoholic beverages from suppliers (breweries, wineries, etc.) and distributing them to licensed retailers, such as grocery stores, bars, and restaurants. Also, how they help new brands get to market, ensuring consumers have a wide variety of options.
Aileen Bovan, Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Officer, MEDC and Geoffrey Crawley, Chief Marketing Officer, Synergies Companies
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, explains how this Detroit-based company has been a premier staffing and HR supplier since 2008, offering comprehensive solutions for Fortune 500 clients nationwide.
Ambassador Susan D. Page, Professor of Practice of International Diplomacy at the Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan & Professor from Practice of Law at Michigan Law
Ambassador Susan D. Page’s story of international diplomacy includes her appointment as the first US Ambassador to South Sudan. Her illustrious career at the US Department of State includes significant roles in several African countries. Working directly with the African Union, she served as Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. She also talks of how her personal story adds a compelling dimension to her distinguished career as an asset to U of M and the State of Michigan.
Mackinac Policy Conference 2024 Part 2: Governor Whitmer, University Presidents, The Grand Hotel, NFL Detroit Draft and more
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 David Jurcak; Lawrence Technological University President Tarek Sobh; Claude Molinari & Christopher Moyer of Visit Detroit; Naheed Huq of SEMCOG & Khalil Rahal of DTE Energy.
Mackinac Policy Conference 2024 Part 1: Gordie Howe Bridge, U of M, MSU, Lt. Governor and much more
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-Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority; President Santa Ono of University of Michigan & President Kevin Guskiewicz of Michigan State University; Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership; Jazmine Danci, Economic Development Administrator for the Downriver Community Conference - MI Works Community Conference; & Michigan’s Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.
Robert Magee, Executive Director, The Engineering Society of Detroit
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 education sectors. Hear Robert Magee discuss how the society promotes and celebrates excellence, talent, innovation, cooperation, professional growth and fellowship in the engineering and allied professions.
Paul Jones, CEO, ProsperUs Detroit
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 date, there have been over 1,500 program graduates. Programs support small businesses with grant money for specific projects and to ensure funding is available to people who may not qualify for a traditional loan.
Jeanette Pierce, Founder & President, City Institute
Since 2005, City Institute has provided more than 150,000 locals and newcomers with tools to better equip residents and stakeholders in Detroit. Through private tours and learning journeys, Jeanette Pierce works with companies and organizations to help their teams have a deeper understanding and connection to the city. She shares that the only way to equitably engage in Detroit is to understand the bigger picture by connecting the dots between the city’s past and present.
Laurie A. Tannous, Cross-Border Attorney, Tannous & Associates Ltd.
Laurie A. Tannous is a Cross-Border Attorney and a renowned speaker. She provides public policy counsel to government officials and industry leaders on matters relating to business immigration law, public-private partnerships and economic development initiatives. As President of Canada United States Business Association (CUSBA), she works in cross border e-mobility, customs and trade. She is also closely associated with Farrow and the University of Windsor.
Tammy Carnrike, Chief Operating Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
Tammy J. Carnrike is the Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber, working with businesses in the 11-county Southeast Michigan Region. Hear Tammy discuss the chamber's nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference, and the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MICHauto, including a comprehensive education and talent strategy in the state.
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.