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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Latest Episode
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.
PreviousEpisodes
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.
Robert S. Li, Co-Founder and Owner, University FM & Professors.fm
Hear Robert S. Li, CO-Founder and Owner of University FM and Professors.fm, explain the great concept in podcasting. With so much media vying for our attention, it can be hard for institutions to communicate stories. However, podcast storytelling has the power to cultivate deeper relationships within communities and share compelling and authentic stories.
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.
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.
Pascale Bauer, Dean of International Enrollment of Cranbrook Schools
Listen to Pascale Bauer, Dean of International Enrollment of Cranbrook Schools, as she shares her insights on this unique place. Cranbrook is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprising a Graduate Academy of Art, Contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House & Gardens, natural history museum and Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of local and international visitors and students to its campus each year.
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.
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.
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.