The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Jim Schirmer, Senior Vice President of Programs, and Chris Haag, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, American Rheinmetall

In this conversation, we talk with Jim Schirmer, Senior Vice President of Programs, and Chris Haag, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at American Rheinmetall about how Michigan continues to be a standout location for global innovators including: a deep engineering talent pool, world-class R&D assets, manufacturing heritage, a defense ecosystem and more.

Fareed Y. Shalhout, Senior Director of Strategic Global Engagement and Operations, Wayne State University and Marian Reich, President, Global Ties Detroit

On this episode we explore the powerful, often overlooked impact of citizen diplomacy and international exchange with Fareed Shalhout of Wayne State University and Marian Reich of Global Ties Detroit. They examine how international relationships and people-to-people exchanges strengthen the Detroit region. From students and educators to entrepreneurs and community leaders, international relationships can lead to greater understanding, collaboration, investment and long-term economic connections.

Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, talks about Michigan’s economic future—and what it will take to compete, grow, and prosper in the decades ahead. Sandy brings a candid perspective on Michigan’s economic-development challenges and opportunities, from attracting investment and talent to strengthening education, infrastructure, manufacturing, and more. 

Eric Lupher, President, Citizens Research Council of Michigan

We sit down with Eric Lupher, President of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, to discuss the critical role that independent, nonpartisan research plays in strengthening Michigan. In an era of increasing polarization and competing narratives, Eric discusses how reliable research gives policymakers, business leaders, and citizens the facts they need to make better decisions.

Dr. Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research, Michigan Technological University

Dr. Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research at Michigan Technological University, shares how Michigan Tech is transforming university research into economic opportunity by building stronger connections between researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, government, and industry. Michigan Tech is helping grow research from the laboratory into the marketplace through customer discovery, commercialization, venture capital, industry partnerships and more.

Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren, Michiganders for Civic Resilience

We are joined by Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren of Michiganders for Civic Resilience (MCR), an organization dedicated to bridging divides and restoring civil discourse. Their conversation reveals why civic resilience is more than a discourse issue, it is an economic development issue. Tonya and Rebekah talk about the connection between strong communities and strong economies, and how where businesses invest – communities can prosper.

Dr. Jean Hardy, Associate Director, Quello Center at Michigan State University

Dr. Jean Hardy, Associate Professor in Michigan State University's Department of Media & Information and Associate Director of the Quello Center at MSU, discusses research on the relationship between technology, economic development, and rural communities. Jean also discusses the work bringing public and private stakeholders together to help Michigan communities better understand and prepare for data-center development.

Paul Marin, U.S. Trade and Development Agency & Steven Hall, NOVI Energy

Paul Marin, Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), discusses connecting U.S. companies with infrastructure and development opportunities around the world. Steven Hall, Director of Development and Engineering at NOVI Energy, shares how Novi Energy is helping meet the nation's growing demand for reliable, affordable, and sustainable power through innovative energy projects, strategic partnerships, and investments in next-generation energy infrastructure.

Chuck Lippstreu, President, Michigan Agri-Business Association

Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, talks about one of Michigan's most important and often overlooked economic engine – agriculture. Chuck discusses the critical role Michigan's farmers, agribusinesses, food processors, and suppliers play in the state's economy. And how innovation, sustainability, advanced technology, workforce development, and global exports make Michigan a continuous agriculture success.

Steve Przesmitzki, President, United States Council for Automotive Research

Steve Przesmitzki is President of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), the collaborative research organization founded by Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. He talks about how for more than three decades, USCAR has brought together automakers, suppliers and government partners to conduct pre-competitive research advancing manufacturing, electrification, propulsion systems, sustainability, and more - all while defining the next generation of transportation.