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
Donald Hillebrand, Deputy Associate Laboratory Director, Argonne National Laboratory
Don Hillebrand (native Michigander), Division Director at Argonne National Laboratory, walks us through mobility, drones, advanced energy, batteries and much more. Argonne is at the forefront of scientific innovation in the United States, addressing some of the world's most challenging scientific problems. Also references to the Oppenheimer Movie and his love for Oakland University!
Johnnie Turnage Co-Founder, Black Tech Saturdays
Listen to Johnnie Turnage, Co-Founder of Black Tech Saturdays, share his journey on creating a unique career path along with his wife, Alexa. Their vision is to empower black tech communities nationwide, while closing racial wealth gap through tech-focused initiatives, drive economic growth, and foster diversity within the industry to ensure prosperity for all.
Robert S. Li, Co-Founder and Owner, University FM & Professors.fm
Hear Robert S. Li, CO-Founder and Owner of University FM and Professors.fm, explain the great concept in podcasting. With so much media vying for our attention, it can be hard for institutions to communicate stories. However, podcast storytelling has the power to cultivate deeper relationships within communities and share compelling and authentic stories.
Dr. Norman Beauchamp, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences MSU & Marc Corriveau, VP & Chief Government Relations Officer at Henry Ford Health System
Marc Corriveau of Henry Ford Health and Dr. Norman Beauchamp of Michigan State University team up to discuss how their organizations’ innovative partnership is helping elevate Detroit as a world-class destination for health, research, tech transfer, training and so much more. A must-listen on all of the facets and opportunities this partnership is bringing to the city.
Tu Le, Managing Director, Sino Auto Insights
Sino Auto Insights Founder and Managing Director, Tu Le, brings an abundance of experience from both the high-tech and automotive sectors having spent time living & working in Detroit, Silicon Valley, and China. Passionate about helping companies become difference-makers in the mobility space, Tu is recognized as an automotive & mobility expert in Asia by respected media outlets such as The Economist, Wall Street Journal, BBC, Reuters and more.
Charles Elwood, Microsoft AI MVP | TEDx Speaker & SolisMatica
Charles Elwood's mission with SolisMatica is to harness the transformative power of AI to create inclusive tools that empower communication and foster an inclusive society. Recognized as one of only 16 Microsoft MVPs in AI and the sole recipient in Michigan, he brings a direct line to Microsoft's R&D team and with it strategic initiatives focused on enhancing talent attraction and retention within Michigan's post-secondary institutions.
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.
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.