The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

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.

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.

Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan

On this episode we're joined by Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact at the University of Michigan (U of M). She shares her unique journey and breaks down programs such as the Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N) and the new Michigan Innovation Alliance—a statewide collaboration among Michigan's leading research universities working together to increase commercialization, entrepreneurship, talent development, and investment across the state.

Dave Beachnau, Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Local Organizing Committee

The Detroit Sports Commission works year-round to attract elite amateur and professional sporting events that generate tourism, create jobs, showcase world-class venues, and strengthen Southeast Michigan's economy. On this episode we're joined by Dave Beachnau, Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Local Organizing Committee, discussing the local planning, coordination, and execution of the 2027 NCAA® Men's Final Four®.

Michigan Celebrates Small Business

In this episode – with the help of Chris Rishko, Managing Director of Small Business and Talent at MEDC, we spotlight three Michigan small businesses recognized at the 2026 Michigan Celebrates Small Business. These Michigan small businesses are a reflection of the strength, innovation, and resilience in the state’s small business ecosystem: Equitable Accounting Solutions, led by Mary Barton; Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics with Chris Casteel; iCOR Solutions, led by Zach Pittman.

Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 2

We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference. Part 2 guests include: Joe White, High Speed Rodeo Substack; Matt Elliott, Blue Lake Ideas; Carmen Wells Quigg, Economic Growth Institute; Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan; Carolina Pluszczynski, Michigan Central; Dr. Robert McMahan, Kettering University; Rachel Kuntzsch, Public Sector Consultants

Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 Part 1

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast once again broadcasted from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Part 1 Guests include: Tricia Keith of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hilary Doe of MoveDetroit, Colin Bird of Canadian Consul, Richard A. Bierschbach of Wayne State University, Laura Lee McIntyre of Michigan State University, Stephen Rapundalo of MichBio, Mary Lewis of Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic.

Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership

In this fast-paced conversation, Eric Larson walks us through over 10 new and evolving developments shaping Detroit’s future—from major projects to the smaller, catalytic investments driving momentum. As the leader of the Detroit Downtown Partnership, Eric shares how coordinated planning, placemaking, and public-private collaboration are turning vision into reality. 

Maureen Donohue Krauss, CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership

We sit down with Maureen Donohue Krauss, Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) CEO, to explore how Southeast Michigan is attracting investment, growing jobs, and competing on the world stage. Maureen shares insights on the region’s strategy to win major projects, including the initiatives – VIP by DRP and Global Epicenter of Mobility. From advanced manufacturing and mobility to emerging technologies, she highlights how Metro Detroit is leveraging its legacy strengths while building for the future.