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
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.
Dr. James M. Smith, President, Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University, founded in 1849, is moving forward for today’s challenges. Hear how President Dr. James M. Smith is charting a bold course for continuing the University’s 174-year legacy, including revising the University’s Strategic Plan, creating the position of Chief Diversity Officer and introducing the University’s Sustainability Commission.
Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, State of Michigan
Hear from Hilary Doe, Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer—and first in the country, on what the Growing Michigan Together Council is tasked with and the members that make up the Council. Hilary leads the state’s efforts to grow Michigan’s population, boost economy, and reputation as the best place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business. With a population goal for 2050, the council will look at ways to successfully attract and retain talent, improve preK-12 educational outcomes, long-term funding solutions for higher education, and develop strategies for upgrading and modernizing our transportation and water infrastructure, including developing long-term, sustainable funding solutions.
Special Episode: CAR MBS 2023
Join us from the Grand Traverse Resort for a special podcast about CAR MBS (Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars). Hear from industry leaders as they discuss the future of the global automotive industry.
Our guests include: Mark Garrison of Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Kevin Green and students Terrick Thomas & Candace Jones of Focus: Hope, Tom Manganello of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Christine Roeder from the Detroit Regional Partnership GEM program, Kathleen Hickey of Auto/Steel Partnership and World Auto Steel, Jay Johnson of Behavioral Elements and Patrick Weldon of Polaris.
Trista Van Tine, Co-founder & Executive Director, Michigan Founder Fund
Listen to Trista Van Tine, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Michigan Founders Fund. This nonprofit network of high-growth entrepreneurs in Michigan develops unique programming to help with venture success, community needs, and ensuring portions of success contribute to the prosperity of Michigan. Since 2020, she created the state's first Social Impact Startup Pitch Competition, first Founders Retreat for early-stage companies, and the first Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Internship Program to pair underrepresented college students with Michigan-based tech companies and VCs.
Richard Florida, Renowned Urbanist and Author
After recently speaking at the Mackinac Policy Conference, world leading urbanist, Richard Florida, discuss his 3 Pillars of Focus: Tech, Talent, and Place. He is the international best-selling author of “The Rise of the Creative Class” and the founder of the Creative Class Group. He also advises companies such as BMW, Starwood Hotels, Facebook, Bloomberg, Microsoft and others.
Special Episode: Mackinac Policy Conference 2023 Day 2
Join host Ed Clemente for a special The Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Island for day two of the Mackinac Policy Conference. Hear from Michelle Grinnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Maureen Donahue Krauss, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Partnership. Ed also chats with Lisa Lunsford, CEO of GS3 and Glenn Stevens, Executive Director of MICHAuto and VP Automotive & Mobility Initiative, as well as Jennifer Hayes, Senior VP Operations & Policy, at Invest Detroit, Linzie Venegas, President, The Ideal Group and Michele Economou Ureste, Executive Director, Workforce Intelligence Network.
Special Episode: Mackinac Policy Conference 2023 Day 1
Join host Ed Clemente for a special The Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Island where the Mackinac Policy Conference. On this special edition podcast hear from guest Pete Pellerito, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, Federal/State, Economic Development & University Relations for Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) as he discusses tech transfer, reshoring manufacturers to the US, BIO startups and more. Then Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations at the Detroit Regional Chamber discusses the mission and history of the Mackinac Policy Conference, and overview of all of the guests and keynote speakers. Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation chats about the initiatives the city of Detroit is making to develop a livable infrastructure for the right balance for quality of life for those who live, work and play in Detroit. Lastly, hear Teresa Woodruff President, Michigan State University discuss her view of the mission of the university, the quality of the education MSU students receive, the FRIB, MSU Extension and much more.
Thomas D. Lutz, Executive Secretary Treasurer, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
Listen to Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary Treasurer of MRCC, discuss the busy and dynamic world of this trade union. From member carpenters helping build diverse projects, to union millwrights working with precision machinery with their contractor partners across the state.
Dawn Hines, CEO, Hines Industries
Hear Dawn Hines, CEO of Hines Industries, discuss her family-owned engineering and manufacturing firm and how it relates to aerospace, automation, talent attraction, Industry 4.0 and more. Plus hear about how she founded Aventura Investment Partners, a social impact management firm with a focus on agricultural value chain companies in West Africa.
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.