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
Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner, Atomic Object
In this episode we welcome Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner at Atomic Object, as he talks about the future of AI and software technology. Atomic Object is a software development and design consultancy that customizes programs for each unique client. With offices from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, Chicago and North Carolina, they are developing in industries including health tech, real estate, agriculture, sports and more.
PreviousEpisodes
Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner, Atomic Object
In this episode we welcome Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner at Atomic Object, as he talks about the future of AI and software technology. Atomic Object is a software development and design consultancy that customizes programs for each unique client. With offices from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, Chicago and North Carolina, they are developing in industries including health tech, real estate, agriculture, sports and more.
Marla Schneider, President & CEO, Cornerstone Alliance
As President and CEO, Marla Schneider oversees Cornerstone Alliance’s comprehensive efforts to attract and retain businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and create a thriving economic landscape in Southwest Michigan. She shares several transformative projects underway, how they work with community members and development authorities and more.
Everett Woodel Jr., Regional Administrator (Great Lakes), U.S. Small Business Administration
Everett Woodel, Jr., the Great Lakes Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), talks about how the SBA helps small businesses throughout the Great Lakes area from crises and disaster resistance services to loan forgiveness and more. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
Dr. Brad King, CEO, Orbion Space Technology
We welcome Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology in Houghton, Michigan, as he shares the story of how Orbion came to be, the companies they have partnered with, and his connection to the Upper Peninsula. The high-tech aerospace company specializes in Hall-effect thruster (HET) Propulsion Systems, helping spacecrafts reach all corners of the solar system.
Sean Mann, CEO, Detroit City FC
Detroit City Football Club is Detroit's professional soccer team and has established itself as one of the most talked about soccer teams in North America, generating media coverage from publications across the globe. CEO Sean Mann has been involved in every facet of the growing organization, including Detroit City Fieldhouse and City Clubhouse. Sean also shares his unique career path from a background in the state legislature, to a German Marshall Fund of the United States fellowship and more.
Brad Garmon, Executive Director, Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
As we continue our series Around Michigan in Under 30 Minutes, we talk with Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He discusses how the office is charged with supporting and growing the outdoor recreation lifestyle economy of the Great Lakes State, as well as recognizing that a strong and vibrant outdoor recreation economy provides positive impacts for the health and well-being of Michigan’s people, natural resources, and communities.
Lexi Hagan, Executive Director, Menominee Business Development Corporation and Marty Fittante, CEO, Invest UP
We talk with Lexi Hagan, Executive Director of Menominee Business Development Corporation and Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP, about the Rural Leadership Fellowship Program at Northern Michigan University. The Fellowship is a paid and scholarship-supported applied learning experience for students interested in rural economic development and public sector careers. As a public-private partnership with InvestUP, the program helps with driving talent in the Upper Peninsula.
Trista Van Tine, Founder and CEO, Nunchi
We welcome back Trista Van Tine as she shares the story behind her innovative Michigan-based startup and her deep roots in the tech startup ecosystem. Her latest venture, Nunchi, is an AI-powered people intelligence platform built to help membership organizations better understand, engage, and connect with their communities. From early-stage insights to real-world impact, Trista’s journey is a testament to the power of tech with purpose.
Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic, D2 Traffic Technologies
Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic at D2 Traffic Technologies, has over 20 years of traffic transportation experience with a manufacturing background. In this episode he shares how D2 Traffic Technologies delivers cutting-edge traffic management solutions in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. They specifically bring products and solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the transportation, traffic, and smart city markets.
Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, Founder, Ask Jennyfer, LLC, Small Business Advocate/Marketplace Curator
Among other services at Ask Jennyfer, Jennyfer Crawford-Williams conceptualizes, manages and executes the successful small business showcase All Things Detroit, which draws as many as 12,000 attendees and connects them to more than 200 small businesses. Her signature, independently-organized event is held each fall and spring. Marketing and event planning services specializing in Detroit small businesses clients. It is hard to define everything Jennyfer does, but she has a storefront in Corktown, and many other business activities, just listen to the interview!
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.