The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Michelle Grinnell, Chief Communications & Attraction Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation

We sit down with Michelle Grinnell, Chief Communications & Attraction Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to break down the state’s investment priorities shaping the next generation of growth. Additionally, Michelle turns the tables and asks host Ed Clemente about the podcast’s past 5 years of highlighting the people, businesses, and communities that have impacted the state’s economy.

Jonathan Smith, Senior Chief Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

We sit down with Jonathan Smith, Senior Chief Deputy Director at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and explore how he leads the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office. Focusing on helping workers, communities, and businesses, he discusses building long-term economic resilience through workforce development, strategic community planning, and strengthening industrial competitiveness.

Mary Buchzeiger, CEO, Lucerne International

On this episode we sit down with Lucerne International CEO, Mary Buchzeiger, getting an inside look at how this certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) company is connecting advanced manufacturing with partners and customers around the world. Mary offers a candid conversation on international trade, reshoring, foreign trade zones and more. Hear how this Michigan company is thriving in the global marketplace while staying rooted locally.

Steven Wilson, Executive Director, Economic Growth Institute, University of Michigan

In this episode we talk with the University of Michigan - Economic Growth Institute (EGI) Executive Director, Steven Wilson, about how EGI provides strategic support, funding, research analysis, and hands-on collaboration with companies and communities to build long-term economic vitality across Michigan and beyond. Steve also talks about how EGI is working with the MEDC, the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, and shares about his deep Michigan roots.

Ryan Smith, Global Marketing Director, Dow Mobility Science

As the Global Marketing and Strategy Director for Dow Mobility Science™, Ryan Smith is at the forefront of the automotive industry's rapid transition toward electrification and sustainability. He leads global go-to-market strategies that align Dow’s deep material science expertise with the needs of the growing EV market. In this episode he discusses how Dow materials work with autonomous vehicles, vehicle electrification process, and more. 

John Gutierrez, Executive Director, The Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation

Colonel John T. Gutierrez, U.S. United States Marine Corps (Ret.), brings over 30 years of operational, logistics, and defense acquisition leadership to his role as Executive Director of the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation. In this episode, he shares how Michigan’s “Arsenal of Democracy” legacy is being modernized—helping companies win federal contracts, strengthen cybersecurity, and advancing innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Michael Zahuranic, Director of Business Development, BAE Systems

Hear from Michael Zahuranic, Director of Business Development at BAE Systems, as he talks about how their Sterling Heights campus serves as a key hub for engineering, program management, and prototyping of military ground vehicles. BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace leader delivering advanced military vehicles, systems, and technologies to the U.S. Department of Defense and international partners. Michael also discusses his more than 21 years of US Army experience and why his family chose Michigan to call home.

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the MEDC

Quentin L. Messer, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the MEDC where he leads statewide efforts to attract business investment, create jobs, support community development, and enhance Michigan’s economic brand. In his role, Messer champions business attraction and expansion, small business support, access to capital, and equitable economic growth that benefits all Michiganders. Under his leadership, MEDC has secured more than $13 billion in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing investments and nearly 13,000 good-paying jobs for Michigan families.

Nick Roe, Cybersecurity and Compliance Manager, Brightline Technologies Inc.

Hear from Nick Roe, Manager of Cybersecurity and Compliance at Brightline Technologies, a Brighton-based IT services firm that delivers comprehensive solutions that optimize infrastructure, strengthens security, ensures compliance and more. In this episode we discuss safe security practices and cybersecurity awareness. Nick also breaks down how Brightline IT is working with the Department of Defense on compliance training and assessments.

Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit

As the second-longest serving Mayor in Detroit history, Mike Duggan’s economic and business development strategies have centered around attracting major investments, accelerating small business growth and creating a business-friendly climate. He discusses several projects from investing in talent, to bringing back manufacturing jobs, including bringing the Lions back to Downtown Detroit with Ford Field.