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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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Raymond Boeman, Research Professor at Michigan State University, and Director of the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), Scale-up Research Facility (SuRF)
This gem of an institute in Corktown, Detroit may be the future of manufacturing materials and composites, which can lead to a more sustainable future!
Heather Lanier, Chief Operating Officer & Shareholder - NBS Commercial Interiors
The future of work. Heather Lanier of NBS Commercial Interiors, a Steelcase premier partner, explains how the hybrid workplace is now more of a “destination than a directive” with the assist of technology!
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!
James Weakley, President, Lake Carriers Association
Great Lakes Shipping, who knew? Learn all about the new Soo Locks, ice breaking, supply chain economy, 9/11, coast guard, Boat Nerds, and many other unique freshwater stories!
Join James Weakley, President Lake Carriers Association, as he has a conversation with our host and landlubber Ed Clemente about the critical economic role they play in Michigan, the Midwest and North America. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway combine to form the longest deep-draft navigation system in the world, extending 2,300 miles into the North American heartland. Since 1880, Lake Carriers Association (LCA) has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can annually move more than 90 million tons of cargo that are the foundation of American manufacturing, infrastructure, and power generation: iron ore, limestone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain and sand. Learn especially about how the Soo Locks expansion finally happened and what it means to the economy. Who are Boat Nerds anyway and where is the Great Lakes Maritime Academy?
Dr. Tarek Sobh, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Provost, Incoming LTU President
“If you are wondering what the future will be like for careers, take out your notebook and follow this discussion with the new incoming LTU President!”
Join Dr. Tarek Sobh, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Provost, and the incoming President for Lawrence Technological University and host Ed Clemente, for an innovative discussion on entrepreneurship, engineering, robotics, design, global fingerprints, and many other future trends and careers! LTU is recognized for its transformative STEM and Design education structures that develops leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset and global perspective. Find out about Dr. Sobh and his ‘boots on ground’ academic passion that led him on a path from Alexandria, Egypt to Michigan.
Sue Tellier, Owner and President of JetCo Federal
Sue shares fascinating defense contracting tactics that can help your business grow, but she also shows the equity networking behind it.
Join Sue Tellier, Owner and President, JetCo Federal and host Ed Clemente, for a lively discussion on small business, defense suppliers and what is WIPP? Jetco Federal, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a prime contractor in supply chain management and logistics serving in the defense industrial base. She also has great credentials on many associations including SBAM, National Defense Industrial Association, Vice Chair of the Women in Defense National Council and the Vice President of Women in Defense - Michigan, Board member for WIPP and a Governor appointee on the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Vicki Selva of Michigan Defense Center
The Michigan Defense Center: From Arsenal of Democracy to Arsenal of Innovation, Building a Good Offense!
Join Vicki Selva and host Ed Clemente as they navigate a course though Michigan’s rich historic relationships with the U.S. Defense Department in some of the state's core industries including manufacturing, mobility, aerospace and others. The Michigan Defense Center focuses on the support, protection and growth of Michigan’s defense and homeland security missions and the Michigan businesses that support them. The MDC acts as a liaison between the state and defense interests in the federal government, academia and the defense community and supporting organizations. Nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses, in every corner of Michigan are currently serving the defense industry and there’s room for more. Vicki highlights some of the companies already here as well as how emerging technologies from Michigan companies are the keystone of future growth in Michigan. She points out the opportunities and resources MEDC offers Michigan companies to assist them in contracting with the U.S. government and large companies, whether in cybersecurity, manufacturing, Industry 4.0, DARPA and others. If you're a veteran, there are opportunities for you at many levels for career or entrepreneurship too.
Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO, Automation Alley
A fast-paced discussion about global competition, manufacturing and getting on board with Industry 4.0.
For our second episode, The Michigan Opportunity had the pleasure of having a fast moving and informative discussion with Tom Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Automation Alley. He discusses what the key to the future of global trends are and what will help keep Michigan a leader in manufacturing. He explains why Automation Alley is a World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB) and a nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus. He will enlighten us about the digital transformation and what it can mean for workforce opportunities to Michigan’s talent workforce. He touches on the unique economic ecosystem of industry, academia and government working together in the state as well.
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.
