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
Josh Freeney, Partner YETi CGI, Grand Rapids Public Museum
YETi, not the mythologic Himalayan creature, but a global CGI company based in Grand Rapids. Yeti is active with recruiting talent to Michigan and reimagining education with the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Arabinda "AB" Ghosh, Chairman and CEO - Hemlock Semiconductor Operations
The ever evolving and fast paced world of Semiconductors is happening in Mid-Michigan with our own Hemlock Semiconductor Operations. Arabinda "AB" Ghosh, Chairman and CEO, has a plan — listen in!
Dr. Thomas Glasmacher, FRIB Laboratory Director (Facility for Rare Isotope Beams) - Michigan State University
What has 1,600 users, 620 employees, 124 colleges and universities, 52 countries, & 13 National Labs, all working under one Michigan State University facility? The FRIB.
Natalie King, Founder and Chief Executive Officer - Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC
With over 150 employees throughout Michigan, Natalie King of Dunamis Clean Energy Partners, LLC, is changing the manufacturing face of electrification for vehicles and clean energy!
Raymond Boeman, Research Professor at Michigan State University, and Director of the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), Scale-up Research Facility (SuRF)
This gem of an institute in Corktown, Detroit may be the future of manufacturing materials and composites, which can lead to a more sustainable future!
Heather Lanier, Chief Operating Officer & Shareholder - NBS Commercial Interiors
The future of work. Heather Lanier of NBS Commercial Interiors, a Steelcase premier partner, explains how the hybrid workplace is now more of a “destination than a directive” with the assist of technology!
Brittany Hunter, Managing Partner - Atomic Object
Atomic Object, this multistate company makes custom software for all types of clients, based right here in Michigan, with clients ranging from health to furniture and much more!
Join Brittany Hunter, Managing Partner, Atomic Object as she joins host Ed Clemente to delve into the cutting-edge field of software and the talent needed to make it happen. Atomic Object has spent 20 years designing and developing custom software for 200+ organizations, large and small. They have a proven approach to leveling up their team with professional development and keeping that talent right in here in Michigan. You may also learn a little about dressage & horses!
Jennifer Brace, Global Trends and Futuring Manager - Ford Motor Company
Hear how Jennifer is helping Ford be better prepared for what lies ahead, and with the best job title ever.
Join our guest Jennifer Brace, Global Trends and Futuring Manager at Ford Motor Company and host Ed Clemente as we talk not just about the future but the trends that will give options to maximize picking the right path to get there. Jennifer’s career path has given her the opportunity to see a number of different aspects of the company, from Michigan to Palo Alto and back. Her winding career path makes her a generalist, which seems like the right job description to become a futurist.
Special Episode from Mackinac Policy Conference - Day 2
Join our host Ed Clemente for another special Michigan Opportunity Podcast from the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from our thought leader guests including Michelle Grinnell, SVP Marketing and Communications, MEDC; Glenn Stevens, Exec. Dir. MICHAuto and VP Automotive & Mobility Initiatives, Detroit Regional Chamber; Dr. Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., President, Michigan State University; G. Jerry Attia, Managing Principle AECOM, Michigan.
Anthony Garofali, Country Managing Director - Altair
Altair! Who knew a multinational information technology company was in our backyard? Apparently, companies around the world!
Come hear their story. Join Anthony Garofali, Country Managing Director for Altair, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the diverse international technology company with its world headquarters here in Troy, Michigan. Altair provides software and cloud services for simulation, IoT, high performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), for a large variety of fields such as automotive, rail, aerospace, health, energy, architecture, marine, and much more. Listen in to Anthony walks us through the complex but exciting industry he’s in.
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.