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
Dr. E’Lois Thomas, President, Solutions for Energy Efficient Logistics (SEEL)
Listen to Dr. E’Lois Thomas, PHD, President of SEEL, LLC talk about the nationally ranked logistics solutions company that prioritizes innovation and efficiency, while playing a vital role in driving sustainable energy practices and advancing program effectiveness in the industry. SEEL is a nationally certified minority business enterprise (MBE) service-disabled, veteran-owned (DVBE) energy efficiency program implementation contractor and also a Top 20 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led companies in the country.
Joe Steele, Vice President, Communications and Legislative Affairs, LIFT
Hear from Joe Steele, Vice President of Communications and Legislative Affairs at LIFT, explain how this Detroit-based public-private partnership is designed to help develop and deploy advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies, as well as implement education and training programs to better prepare the workforce today and in the future.
Danny Ellis, CEO, SkySpecs
Michigan-based SkySpecs achieves a global reach through office that span 6 continents with Danny Ellis at the helm. A trailblazer in the realm of wind energy technology, SkySpecs has redefined the landscape of renewable energy asset management, providing tailored technologies and services that elevate industry standards in productivity, efficiency, and returns.
Leo Kempel, Dean of the Michigan State University College of Engineering
The future of engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) is rich with diverse opportunities, boasting a comprehensive range of majors that cater to a wide array of interests and career paths. Under the leadership of Dean Leo C. Kempel, the Dennis P. Nyquist Endowed Professor of Electromagnetics and the ninth dean of the MSU College of Engineering, students can explore at least 10 distinct majors. The focus on continuous education emerges as a key element to keep Michigan at the forefront of advancements in the diversity of engineering fields.
Thomas Schuelke, President of Fraunhofer USA Inc.
Listen to Thomas Schuelke, MSU professor and President of Fraunhofer USA, explain how this unique global organization is making business innovation better in the state and around the world. Headquartered in Michigan, Fraunhofer USA, Inc. is an R&D organization in the high-tech problem-solving business, utilizing world class scientific and engineering expertise to respond to technical problems. From designing and developing prototypes to developing and proofing the manufacturing processes, they work to bridge the gap between basic research and new market developments all along the technology readiness scale.
Zachary Kolodin, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office & Reuben Sarkar, CEO at American Center for Mobility
Hear from Zachary Kolodin, Chief Infrastructure Officer and Director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office, and Reuben Sarkar, CEO at the American Center for Mobility — as they provide insights into the transformative effects of a clean hydrogen hub project. The Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) is working to secure a substantial grant of up to $1 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding is earmarked for the development of regional supply chains focusing on the production, distribution, and utilization of clean hydrogen as a viable and sustainable green energy source.
Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, VP of Customer Experience for Consumers Energy
Listen to Lauren Youngdahl Snyder as she discusses electric vehicles, renewable energy and efficiency. Consumers Energy, a subsidiary of CMS Energy, is an investor-owned utility that provides natural gas and electricity to 70% of Michiganders and serves customers in all 68 of the state's Lower Peninsula counties.
Kerry Duggan, Founder & CEO, SustainabiliD
Kerry C. Duggan, CEO and sustainability expert, founded SustainabiliD to help established organizations anticipate and address climate challenges through innovative climate technologies. Duggan's extensive experience includes serving as climate advisor to President Joe Biden and sitting on several boards and advisory boards.
Special Episode: CAR MBS 2023
Join us from the Grand Traverse Resort for a special podcast about CAR MBS (Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars). Hear from industry leaders as they discuss the future of the global automotive industry.
Our guests include: Mark Garrison of Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Kevin Green and students Terrick Thomas & Candace Jones of Focus: Hope, Tom Manganello of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Christine Roeder from the Detroit Regional Partnership GEM program, Kathleen Hickey of Auto/Steel Partnership and World Auto Steel, Jay Johnson of Behavioral Elements and Patrick Weldon of Polaris.
Special Episode: Mackinac Policy Conference 2023 Day 1
Join host Ed Clemente for a special The Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Island where the Mackinac Policy Conference. On this special edition podcast hear from guest Pete Pellerito, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, Federal/State, Economic Development & University Relations for Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) as he discusses tech transfer, reshoring manufacturers to the US, BIO startups and more. Then Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations at the Detroit Regional Chamber discusses the mission and history of the Mackinac Policy Conference, and overview of all of the guests and keynote speakers. Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation chats about the initiatives the city of Detroit is making to develop a livable infrastructure for the right balance for quality of life for those who live, work and play in Detroit. Lastly, hear Teresa Woodruff President, Michigan State University discuss her view of the mission of the university, the quality of the education MSU students receive, the FRIB, MSU Extension 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.