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
Anthony Garofali, Country Managing Director - Altair
Altair! Who knew a multinational information technology company was in our backyard? Apparently, companies around the world!
Come hear their story. Join Anthony Garofali, Country Managing Director for Altair, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the diverse international technology company with its world headquarters here in Troy, Michigan. Altair provides software and cloud services for simulation, IoT, high performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI), for a large variety of fields such as automotive, rail, aerospace, health, energy, architecture, marine, and much more. Listen in to Anthony walks us through the complex but exciting industry he’s in.
Michelle Grinnell - MEDC Senior Vice-President & Host Ed Clemente, Senior Advisor for Trends and Development
The Michigan Opportunity Podcast is celebrating it’s one year anniversary! Join Michelle Grinnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for MEDC who puts Ed on the hot seat with a ‘year in review.’
Join Michelle Grinnell, MEDC Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications as she grills host Ed Clemente about the 50+ economic development guests over the last year. Though Ed has a very nontraditional background, it “uniquely” compliments MEDC’s The Michigan Opportunity Podcast. Learn the sage advice from the many economic development guests, especially in areas of their unique career paths, their elevator speeches, future trends and disrupters, career advice and what they like best about Pure Michigan. Listen to the many stories of the Michigan geographic ecosystems and trends observed over the year such as: variety small business, connectivity, mobility, talent, higher education, finance, Industry 4.0, digital nomads, supply/block chain, edge computing, international footprints, digital nomads, BIO R&D, infrastructure, CED and what Michigan could look like by 2050! And so much more!
Charlie Tyson, Technology Activation Manager, Office of Future Mobility & Electrification, MEDC
What happens in Las Vegas doesn’t always stay there. Hear about self-driving tractors, cars that can change colors, and a ton more on the growing presence of mobility and electrification at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
Join Charlie Tyson Technology Activation Manager, in the Office of Future Mobility & Electrification, at the MEDC, and host Ed Clemente as you get a firsthand account of the many activities at the Consumer Electronics Show and how it creates multiple benefits for the Michigan economy. You will hear about the fast-moving mobility sector, autonomous vehicles, electrification platforms, what Michigan companies are there. Also, about a car that can change colors, autonomous farm equipment and more drones!
Lisa Lunsford, Co-Founder and CEO of GS3 Global
Listen to a dynamic automotive manufacturing leader, with her hand on the “wheel” as to how the future of mobility is evolving!
Join Lisa Lunsford, co-founder and CEO of GS3 Global, for an energetic discussion with host Ed Clemente about mobility, engineering and leadership. Global Strategic Supply Solutions offers a variety of services including assembly, CNC bending, engineering, advanced manufacturing, as well as new services in development. Lisa is very committed to creating a better future for all, especially with her leadership. She is the Chairperson of Michauto, serves on the board for the Detroit Regional Chamber and is on the Wayne State University Mike Illitch School of Business Global Supply Chain Management Advisory Board. She is also part of the Winning Futures Advisory Board and spends time mentoring as well as many other activities. Lisa has unique perspective on mobility and the future!
Dr. Weisong Shi, Associate Dean & Professor of Computer Science
A peek into the future. Dr. Shi demystifies connected and autonomous vehicles, edge computing and wireless health wearables including how and why all of these will affect you sooner than you think.
Dr. Weisong Shi is a professor of computer science and Associate Dean for the College of Engineering, at Wayne State University. He has published books and multiple other publications and has more than 3,000 cited references. Join him and Host Ed Clemente to learn about the Mobile and Internet SysTems Laboratory (MIST) and Connected and Autonomous dRiving Laboratory (CAR) at WSU. They also discuss the expanding world of quantum computing, edge computing, cloud computing and their differences as well as the future of connectivity, autonomous vehicles, LIDAR, cybersecurity and potential career paths in these areas, as well as wireless health and wearables.
Dr. Steve Melnyk, Professor Supply Chain Technology, Michigan State University
What do these hot issues of supply chain, logistics, cybersecurity, blockchain and many other moving parts have in common? Professor Dr. Steven Melnyk.
Dr. Steven Melnyk is a Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Management, Broad College of Business, at Michigan State University. He has co-authored 20 books, and over 90 refereed journal articles. Join him and Host Ed Clemente and learn about the difference between supply chain and logistics, how cybersecurity and supply chain are linked, and how there needs to be more than just blockchain to prevent hacking.
You will also learn how Amazon has capitalized on consumer driven data to become an expert in the field of supply chain, and how China is changing the world in future distribution paths. Learn why university research is critical for strategic planning for the U.S. and in career opportunities for individuals. Also, how does the automotive industry change with a new ecosystem of supply chain and other trends?
Glenn Stevens, Executive Director, MICH Auto
Why MICHauto is the secret ingredient that helps grow and attract companies to the Michigan automotive & mobility ecosystem!
MICHauto’s mission is to protect, retain, and grow Michigan’s signature automotive industry and is the state’s only automotive and mobility cluster association. Join Glenn Stevens and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the variety of the parts that make up the mosaic of MICHauto's focus. Through four points, Glenn will identify how they are helping to grow the next-generation mobility industry, plus hear more about the PlanetM Landing Zone. Also, Glenn discusses how we can lead the nation in public policy and private investment to promote autonomous vehicle development, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and intelligent transportation systems. You can also read the transcript from our conversation.
Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, Vice President for Research, University of Michigan
VP Dr. Cunningham walks us through life sciences, mobility, Tech Transfer and much more at the nation’s largest public research university.
With a mission and responsibility as the nation's largest public research university, the University of Michigan Office of Research (UMOR) aims to catalyze, support and safeguard U-M research, with the bigger vision for research to serve the world. Join Dr. Cunningham as she walks us through the wide range of research that falls under her department ranging from animal care to Tech Transfer. She helps explain what Mcity and mobility research is doing for the future, as well the vast life sciences research. She also dispenses some real sound advice for future talent and how she and her department navigated Covid-19, for both operations and research.
Michael Healander – President and CEO, Air Space Link
What is the future of drone highways, AirHubs and LAANC? How Air Space Link is mapping the future in over 23 states.
Co-Founder, President & CEO of AirSpacelink, Michael Healander, joins host Ed Clemente on this episode of The Michigan Opportunity. AirSpacelink is the first cloud-based drone platform focused extensively on the needs of state & local government working to expand drone innovation. Ed and Michael help us get a real bird’s eye view of what’s up with the future of drone highways and what exactly is an Air Hub? They also discuss what’s happening in the present and in the near future on how public sector leaders manage and engage their drone communities. Learn how the FAA is involved, the Aerotropolis and what LAAANC is for pilots.
Also, how is Michigan developing talent in this area? How will 5G and Edge Computing play a role in this field?
Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan and Senior Vice President, MEDC
Hop on for a fast-moving conversation about the future of mobility, electrification and connectivity.
Chief Mobility Officer for the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification Trevor Pawl, takes on a whirlwind path of how fast the world is changing especially in the areas of mobility, electrification and connectivity. Pay attention because a lot of ground is covered from 5G, drones, wearables, autonomous & electric vehicles, TEDX, propulsion, global competition and many other topics. What is the story behind this intricate title and the commission and its catch basin responsibility? Also, a little dip into smart infrastructure and workforce opportunities. Make sure you catch this “mobility” wave.
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.