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
Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder and CEO of Our Next Energy (ONE)
Listen to Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder & CEO of Our Next Energy (ONE), discuss the future of batteries at ONE and the company’s goals of doubling the range of electric vehicles. Also hear about his extensive career and how his company holds over 30 U.S. patents in the field of battery technology and energy management systems.
Ray Maczik, The Standing Company
Listen to Ray Maczik, Owner of The Standing Company, discuss their unique customized standing wheelchairs, how he personally delivers them to customers around the country, and his close partnership with the Veterans Administration. Also learn how Pure Michigan Business Connect identified a Michigan-based supplier of chromoly steel and facilitated a connection with the company to Boyer Steel in Warren.
Dr. Alec Gallimore, Dean of Engineering, University of Michigan
Hear Dr. Alec Gallimore, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan and Member of the National Academy of Engineering discuss complex topics such as Plasma Dynamics, the Electric Propulsion Laboratory and Vacuum Chambers, all of which are housed in the U of M Department of Aerospace Engineering. As well as talk about one of his proteges who started Orbion Space Technology, an aerospace company in Houghton.
Diana Páez is Senior Director, Energy & Mobility at the William Davidson Institute
Hear Diana Páez discuss the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan and the institute’s mission on growing the intersection of energy & mobility, helping innovators, entrepreneurs and more. Also hear about her work with the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification as well as her unique career path and globe-trotting history.
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.
John DeMaio, President Graphex Group & CEO of Graphex Technologies
Listen to John DeMaio as he discusses Graphex’s recent expansion in the rapidly growing Michigan EV battery ecosystem. The company expects to leverage its processing of high-quality graphite anode material globally and now onshoring here to Michigan.
Faris Alami, Founder & CEO of International Strategic Management
Join Faris Alami as he discusses his unique background and career with ISM, Inc., while diving into their five practice areas: entrepreneurship, global leadership, community, technology, and education (with the goal of cultivating the next generation of culturally diverse global leaders and entrepreneurs).
Quentin Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer at Michigan Economic Development Corporation, President and Chair - Michigan Strategic Fund
Hear Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of MEDC discuss the MEDC and state of Michigan’s successes in the past year and what might be on the horizon from semiconductors to the transition to EVs. Plus, he asks our host, Ed Clemente, about the interesting discussions he's had along the way to his 100th guest.
Casey Cowell, Principal, Owner, Boomerang Catapult
Join our guest Casey Cowell, Principal and Owner of Boomerang Catapult, as he discusses the rapidly changing business climate for the Traverse City Region and how the company brings talented individuals and their startups back to the Mitten State!
Chetan Koradia (CK), Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Transphere Inc. and Pranadhi Koradia, Chief Operating Officer & Owner, Transphere Inc.
Join guests Chetan and Pranadhi Koradia, a father and daughter team who manage Transphere Inc., as they discuss the interesting world of international trade through their 2nd generation minority and woman-owned freight-forwarding and logistics company.
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.