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
Simon Sylvester-Chaudhuri, Founder and Executive Director, CIV:LAB and Allison Lucas, Chief of staff CIV:LAB
CIV:LAB was born out of a need for more coordination and collaboration between the various stakeholders that work to make cities more sustainable. We sit down with Founder and Executive Director, Simon Sylvester-Chaudhuri, and Chief of Staff, Allison Lucas, to learn more about CIV:LAB’s mission and vision.
Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP
We welcome back InvestUP CEO, Marty Fittante, to discuss the current projects happening in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Fittante talks about the U.P.'s unique impact in the aerospace and defense industry, shares the various housing and seed fund projects to help tackle population challenges, as well as give insight into the Soo Locks project that is critical to international shipping.
Dwight A. Ferrell, General Manager, Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation
As the General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), Dwight A. Ferrell oversees a complex organization that provides essential public transit and paratransit services to the residents of Southeast Michigan. Ferrell has more than 35 years of experience in the public sector, managing large-scale operations, budgets, programs, and projects for some of the nation's most prominent transit agencies.
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.
Andrew Nelson, Travel Author & Professor
Award-winning travel writer and educator, Andrew Nelson, discusses his new book Here Not There. Published by National Geographic, the book explores counterintuitive destinations that provide memories without high tourist levels and rising prices. He also teaches a course on placemaking and strategic narrative at the College of Charleston. His works have appeared in USA TODAY, Nat Geo Tours and The Wall Street Journal.
Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Listen to Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as she discusses her career background and the unique organization she leads. Established in 1966, MSHDA provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.
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.
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.
Empowering Innovation: Midwest's Edward Lowe Foundation Teams Up with MEDC in a Dynamic Partnership to Fuel Small Business Growth
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.
Voices of Michiganders Across the State
The Voices storytelling initiative aims to share perspectives of Michiganders across all 83 counties. Join MEDC's CEO Quentin Messer and guests Nyshell Lawrence/Eaton, Brandee Cooke-Brown/Genesee, Nancie Oxley/Van Buren, and Benjamin Bartz/Gogebic as they share their compelling stories showcasing what it’s like to live and work in Michigan.
Podcast transcripts are available upon request here.
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.
