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
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.
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.
Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services
Carla Walker-Miller's 24-year-old Michigan-based business, Walker-Miller Energy Services, is one of the largest African American and woman-owned energy waste reduction companies in the country. As a B Corp certified company dedicated to changing lives through clean energy, the firm focuses on reducing energy burdens for local families and businesses, creating sustainable jobs, diversifying the local energy workforce, and empowering small business owners to become sustainable suppliers in the clean energy economy.
Quentin L. Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer
Discover the latest initiatives at the MEDC as Quentin L. Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer, discusses how Michigan is positioning itself in the arenas of talent, mobility, economic growth, defense, aerospace, innovation, and more. Then Quentin turns the tables on host Ed Clemente, diving into the podcast's 4-year journey, exploring the value of long-form listening, public value, emerging trends, unique guests, and much more.
Dr. Suzy Siegle, President & CEO Walsh College
Dr. Suzy Siegle, President & CEO Walsh College, is a high-octane president, author, coach and much more. She discusses her books on high performance leadership and how a journey in business, law and higher education got her to lead an entrepreneurial college. Since 1922, Walsh College has becoming more than a business school, it’s now an accelerator, a think tank, and incubator for ideas.
Jennifer Gonzalez, Chief Talent Officer, Windquest Group
Hear from Jennifer Gonzalez, Chief Talent Officer at Windquest Group, as she discusses the evolution of the workforce and how companies and their leaders can adapt to the changing times. She also dives into how Windquest Group is shifting into a more innovative workspace including piloting unlimited holiday time/time off concept, opening a restaurant and encouraging a more positive impact on the world.
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.
Dr. Norman Beauchamp, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences MSU & Marc Corriveau, VP & Chief Government Relations Officer at Henry Ford Health System
Marc Corriveau of Henry Ford Health and Dr. Norman Beauchamp of Michigan State University team up to discuss how their organizations’ innovative partnership is helping elevate Detroit as a world-class destination for health, research, tech transfer, training and so much more. A must-listen on all of the facets and opportunities this partnership is bringing to the city.
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.
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.