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.
Trey Devey, President, Interlochen Center for the Arts
Listen to Interlochen President, Trey Devey, describe Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. This world-renowned nonprofit institution was founded in 1928 and has nurtured some of the industry’s most talented artists, musicians, actors, and performers. Its prestigious art programs and education institutions include the Interlochen Arts Camp, Interlochen Arts Academy and more. This international gem has produced alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in creative fields and has put Michigan on the map as a hub for artistic excellence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Justin Winslow, President and CEO, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and Emily Daunt, Vice President Communications & Brand Strategy, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association
Join us as we discuss Michigan's hospitality industry with Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) and Emily Daunt, MRLA Vice President Communications & Brand Strategy. Hear how the MRLA provides essential services to its members and contributes over $28 billion to the state's economy while supporting 650,000 jobs.
Aileen Bovan, MEDC and Geoffrey Crawley, Chief Marketing Officer, Synergies Companies
Hear from Aileen Bovan of the MEDC discuss 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.
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.
