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
Brittany Hunter, Managing Partner - Atomic Object
Atomic Object, this multistate company makes custom software for all types of clients, based right here in Michigan, with clients ranging from health to furniture and much more!
Join Brittany Hunter, Managing Partner, Atomic Object as she joins host Ed Clemente to delve into the cutting-edge field of software and the talent needed to make it happen. Atomic Object has spent 20 years designing and developing custom software for 200+ organizations, large and small. They have a proven approach to leveling up their team with professional development and keeping that talent right in here in Michigan. You may also learn a little about dressage & horses!
Special Episode from Mackinac Policy Conference - Day 2
Join our host Ed Clemente for another special Michigan Opportunity Podcast from the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from our thought leader guests including Michelle Grinnell, SVP Marketing and Communications, MEDC; Glenn Stevens, Exec. Dir. MICHAuto and VP Automotive & Mobility Initiatives, Detroit Regional Chamber; Dr. Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., President, Michigan State University; G. Jerry Attia, Managing Principle AECOM, Michigan.
Conrad Haremza from PROXIMO and Jamie Wright from Detroit City Distillery
Hear our two spirits experts as they break down the business of spirits, the economic impact on the state as well as the talent and workforce and the business’s unique industry.
Join our guests Conrad Haremza and Jamie Wright alongside host Ed Clemente as they discuss the exciting and evolving world of spirits. Conrad’s day job is working across three states for PROXIMO, a global innovator of quality spirits that builds brands and invents new products to meet the world’s changing tastes and trends. Conrad is also the President of the Michigan Spirits Association (MSA), representing every spirit that you see on the shelf. Jamie is the Regional Sales Manager for the Award-winning Detroit City Distillery. she is also a MSA board member and works with all the local Michigan distilleries. Learn about Certified Specialists of Spirits (CSS) and how it’s recognized internationally.
Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director - New Economy Initiative
13 foundations help fund the New Economy Initiative, find out how Wafa Dinaro’s international path has positioned her to be its new leader! Join our guest Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director for the New Economy Initiative, and host Ed Clemente as she explains this unique foundation and how its mission assists small businesses and much more.
The New Economy Initiative (NEI) is a philanthropic collaboration and special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan working to build a regional network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Their mission is to grow an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship in southeast Michigan that benefits all residents and strengthens the regional economy. Wafa has had an exciting career path from Dearborn, to the state legislature, to federal government, as well as international work and economic development with Wayne County Executive, Warren C. Evans.
Gary McDowell, Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
MDARD Director McDowell breaks down the complex ecosystem of agriculture and rural development across the State of Michigan.
Join Gary McDowell, Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, with host Ed Clemente as they discuss one of the biggest economic industries in Michigan. Gary grew up in the Upper Peninsula and has a family business of hay farming, as well as careers including being a county commissioner, a UPS driver, volunteer firefighter and EMT. He is passionate about the agriculture business and its future growth for talent and economy. Director McDowell also discusses the Office of Rural Development and how it works hand in glove with Michigan’s agriculture future.
Frank Muller, CEO - Exlterra
How do you fix Chernobyl? Exlterra has discovered the answer, plus additional sustainable ways to improve brownfield sites around the world!
Join Frank Muller, CEO of Exlterra, and host Ed Clemente and learn how Michigan-based Exlterra is remediating the brownfield world through their patented process. Discover how they develop, produce and commercialize sustainable technological solutions applied to the environment. They have made great progress at the Chernobyl radioactive site, and have operations in Poland, Japan and Switzerland, with the technology made right here in Michigan. Also learn about the interesting path co-founder and Polish-born U.S. inventor Andrew Niemczyk, CTO took to get to Michigan and America. Plus, learn about what its like to be the Michigan Honorary Consul for the Country of Switzerland.
Randy Thelen, President & CEO - The Right Place
From Lake Erie to Lake Michigan, to the plains of Omaha and the Rocky Mountains of Denver, Randy Thelen has done Economic Development throughout, and listen now how he brings that expertise back to the Grand Rapids region.
Join Randy Thelen, President & CEO of The Right Place, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the myriad of business projects going on in the Grand Rapids region. Hear about how greater Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city and a hub for research, innovation and a thriving regional economy. Randy has pretty good credentials in the Economic Development world with stints at Monroe’s EDO, MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage, Omaha’s EDO, and most recently in Denver. With all those varied places he has honed in on what it takes attract, retain, and expand commerce, and like-wise, talent.
Allegra Baistrocchi, Consul of Italy, in the Consulate of Italy in Detroit,
Listen to her fascinating story of the responsibilities and lifestyle of an International Consul, plus learn about the culture and business of Italy as well as her interesting path to Michigan!
Join Allegra Baistrocchi, Consul of Italy, in the Consulate of Italy in Detroit, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the Italian business relations and trading between Michigan and other Midwest states, and the economic benefit for all parties. The presence of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Detroit was established on the 10th of November 1899. Learn about Allegra’s globetrotting path through her family, education, and work. Make sure to listen to the end because she has some great career advice for young women in the diplomatic corps! For more information on the Consulate, follow at @ItalyInDetroit.
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!
Menaka Abel - CFO, Request Foods
Lasagna, soups, mac-n-cheese and much more! You’re going to get hungry listening to this conversation with this pleasant CFO and the unique West Michigan headquartered food company!
Join Menaka Abel, Chief Financial Officer for Request Foods, for an epicurean discussion with host Ed Clemente about this unique West Michigan company. Request Foods is a contract manufacturer of frozen foods, with over 600,000 sq. ft. of cooking, blending, freezing and packing capacity; a one-stop resource for R&D, processing and specialty packaging. Their team of top culinary chefs develops custom entrées, side dishes, heat ‘n’ serve portions, and a whole lot more—every meal in every size. Listen to their diversified growth and investment plans, and why they chose Michigan with the help of MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage and many others. This second-generation family-owned and operated business in Holland has a unique culture with a talented and diverse workforce. Hear about Menaka’s exceptional international path from Sri Lanka to Request Foods, and all the stops in between.
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.