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
Terri Fitzpatrick, Executive Vice President, Chief Real Estate and Global Attraction Officer, MEDC
Terri Fitzpatrick, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, leads the MEDC’s Office of Tribal Business Development. Fitzpatrick is also the chief real estate and global attraction officer for the state’s site readiness and global attraction efforts, helping businesses move to and expand in Michigan. Those two career responsibilities overlap in their focus on building community by diversifying and increasing economic opportunity. Listen as Fitzpatrick explains the economic relationships that Tribes have with Michigan and how their goals align to bring prosperity to every corner of the state.
Jill Ferrari, Managing Partner, Renovare Development
Women-owned Renovare Development provides mixed-income housing and community-based commercial spaces to urban communities, while helping support workforce housing and commercial amenities to support working families. Listen to Jill Ferrari discuss Renovare's commitment to communities across the state, addressing key economic issues including: attainable housing, affordable retail and commercial spaces, strategic partnerships with local governments and more.
Roberto Nicolas Vazquez, Mexican Consul in Detroit
The USMCA created one of the largest free trade zones in the world. Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolas Vazquez is at the heart of the Detroit-Windsor border crossing, hear him describe his unique diplomatic post and the services offered at the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit. He also talks about the future opportunities presented by the USMCA and the unique North American partnership.
Jon Kramer, President & CEO, OHM Advisors
Join Jon Kramer as he discusses OHM Advisor, a pioneering firm that's creating better places for people. This forward-thinking company includes engineering, planning, urban design, landscape architecture, surveying and construction engineering services all under one roof. This growing firm works with municipalities, state and federal agencies, Fortune 100 companies, developers, schools, universities and more. Recognized on ENR's Top 500 Design Firms, this full-service firm is definitely one to watch.
Lydia Michael, Owner of Blended Collective, Author of Brand Love and Kevin Ketels, Assistant Professor Global Supply Chain Management, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University
Lydia Michael and Kevin Ketels explore the growing world of international marketing, branding and supply chain evolution. Blended Collective is a multicultural marketing and brand consultancy focused on the core values of authenticity, culture, and diversity. Kevin Ketels of Wayne State University, walks us through the changing world of supply chains and the growth of electrification and EV’s.
Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, State of Michigan
Hear from Hilary Doe, Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer—and first in the country, on what the Growing Michigan Together Council is tasked with and the members that make up the Council. Hilary leads the state’s efforts to grow Michigan’s population, boost economy, and reputation as the best place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business. With a population goal for 2050, the council will look at ways to successfully attract and retain talent, improve preK-12 educational outcomes, long-term funding solutions for higher education, and develop strategies for upgrading and modernizing our transportation and water infrastructure, including developing long-term, sustainable funding solutions.
Rod Wood, President and CEO, Detroit Lions and Alexis Wiley, Founder and CEO, Moment Strategies, Strategic Communications and Public Relations
What has 300,000 people in attendance, over 54 million viewers, and will be in Downtown Detroit in the Spring of 2024? The NFL Draft. The NFL Draft will be held in downtown Detroit April 25-27. Hear what it means in the way of economic development to the City of Detroit and State of Michigan from the President of the Detroit Lions, Rod Wood and CEO of Moment Strategies, Alexis Wiley.
Hiram Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Real Times Media
Real Times Media (RTM) CEO, Hiram Jackson, discusses his 30-year track record of success in business and community activism. Headquartered in Detroit, RTM has evolved from a traditional newspaper publisher (including the Michigan Chronicle) into one of the country’s leading creators of African American content across multiple platforms. Additionally, Hiram shares his involvement as a managing partner of the real estate development firm, Paradise Valley Real Estate Holdings.
Diana Callaghan, Managing Director, Endeavor
Diana Callaghan, Managing Director of Endeavor, leads the organization's Great Lakes efforts. Founded in 1997, Endeavor promotes economic growth by selecting, mentoring, and accelerating the growth of entrepreneurs leading high-performing companies with the most potential to create economic impact. Additionally, she and Ed discuss the University of Michigan alumni's global path to get to this key leadership position.
Steven Dyokas, Director of the U.S. APEC Host Secretariat within the U.S. Department of State
Steven Dyokas, Director of the U.S. APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) Host Secretariat within the U.S. Department of State, discusses the historic visit to Detroit, and all the elements to this unique global organization. Hear how Michigan’s private, public, NGO, and higher education sectors are helping drive that agenda with mobility, manufacturing, international trade border crossings, energy transition, health, digitization, and much more.
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.