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
Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner, Atomic Object
In this episode we welcome Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner at Atomic Object, as he talks about the future of AI and software technology. Atomic Object is a software development and design consultancy that customizes programs for each unique client. With offices from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, Chicago and North Carolina, they are developing in industries including health tech, real estate, agriculture, sports and more.
Marla Schneider, President & CEO, Cornerstone Alliance
As President and CEO, Marla Schneider oversees Cornerstone Alliance’s comprehensive efforts to attract and retain businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and create a thriving economic landscape in Southwest Michigan. She shares several transformative projects underway, how they work with community members and development authorities and more.
Everett Woodel Jr., Regional Administrator (Great Lakes), U.S. Small Business Administration
Everett Woodel, Jr., the Great Lakes Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), talks about how the SBA helps small businesses throughout the Great Lakes area from crises and disaster resistance services to loan forgiveness and more. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
Trista Van Tine, Founder and CEO, Nunchi
We welcome back Trista Van Tine as she shares the story behind her innovative Michigan-based startup and her deep roots in the tech startup ecosystem. Her latest venture, Nunchi, is an AI-powered people intelligence platform built to help membership organizations better understand, engage, and connect with their communities. From early-stage insights to real-world impact, Trista’s journey is a testament to the power of tech with purpose.
Jennyfer Crawford-Williams, Founder, Ask Jennyfer, LLC, Small Business Advocate/Marketplace Curator
Among other services at Ask Jennyfer, Jennyfer Crawford-Williams conceptualizes, manages and executes the successful small business showcase All Things Detroit, which draws as many as 12,000 attendees and connects them to more than 200 small businesses. Her signature, independently-organized event is held each fall and spring. Marketing and event planning services specializing in Detroit small businesses clients. It is hard to define everything Jennyfer does, but she has a storefront in Corktown, and many other business activities, just listen to the interview!
Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP
We welcome back InvestUP CEO, Marty Fittante, to discuss the current projects happening in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Fittante talks about the U.P.'s unique impact in the aerospace and defense industry, shares the various housing and seed fund projects to help tackle population challenges, as well as give insight into the Soo Locks project that is critical to international shipping.
Quentin Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer, MEDC
We begin our fifth season by connecting with longtime podcast supporter and returning guest, Quentin Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer at MEDC. In this episode he discusses the Make it in Michigan strategy, gives us a preview of what is to come for the state, and he shares a Detroit Lions metaphor you won’t forget.
Kiana Wenzell, Co-Executive Director, Design Core Detroit
Listen as Kiana Wenzell, Co-Executive Director of Design Core Detroit, shares the inspiring stories of the College for Creative Studies. Design Core Detroit provides support for design driven businesses with matchmaking opportunities focused on growth, retention, and attraction. They offer flexible, technology rich, design-forward workspace for creative sector businesses seeking a soft launch in a professional, inspiring and innovative environment. She also takes us through Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design Journey.
Michigan Tech Week 2024
Join our host Ed Clemente as he speaks with key figures at Michigan Tech Week. Guests include Chris Nolte of Bloom, Crystal Brown of CircNova, Kellie Crawford of Taste of Tech, and Rishi Moudgil of Michigan Founders Fund. Michigan Tech Week is a week-long event that brings together Michigan's tech industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to discuss, connect, and build relationships.
Ernestine Lyons, Global Entrepreneur In Residence Program Manager, Global Detroit
Ernestine Lyons, Global Entrepreneur in Residence (Global EIR) Program Manager at Global Detroit, talks about how the Global EIR program works with immigrant tech entrepreneurs to start businesses in Michigan and helps them grow in scale. Global Detroit is a non-profit working to revitalize Metro Detroit’s economy by pursuing strategies that strengthen Detroit’s connections to the world and making the region more attractive and welcoming to immigrants, internationals, and foreign trade and investment.
Podcast transcripts are available upon request here.
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.