The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Quentin L. Messer, Jr., Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the MEDC

Quentin L. Messer, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the MEDC where he leads statewide efforts to attract business investment, create jobs, support community development, and enhance Michigan’s economic brand. In his role, Messer champions business attraction and expansion, small business support, access to capital, and equitable economic growth that benefits all Michiganders. Under his leadership, MEDC has secured more than $13 billion in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing investments and nearly 13,000 good-paying jobs for Michigan families.

Jeff Donofrio, President and CEO, Business Leaders For Michigan and Rachel Stewart, CEO, Gardner White Furniture & Mattress

On this episode we’re diving into research-driven, fact-based strategies designed to strengthen Michigan’s economy with Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM) CEO, Jeff Donofrio and Rachel Stewart, Gardner White Furniture & Mattress CEO and BLM Board member. They discuss the organization’s strategy plan “Michigan in a New Era”. By illuminating critical insights and connecting diverse perspectives, BLM’s proposals are grounded in Michigan’s current economic realities and aimed at accelerating growth, competitiveness, and long-term vitality statewide.

Kasey Wierzba, Executive Winemaker & General Manager, Shady Lane Cellars

As the Executive Winemaker and General Manager of Shady Lane Cellars, Kasey Wierzba is guiding the winery’s vision and award-winning craftsmanship. Shady Lane Cellars is a boutique, estate winery at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula near Suttons Bay, Michigan, known for its 100% estate-grown, sustainably certified wines crafted from cool-climate varietals. She also discusses Michigan’s unique agribusiness industry and the state’s various grape vine species.

Nick Roe, Cybersecurity and Compliance Manager, Brightline Technologies Inc.

Hear from Nick Roe, Manager of Cybersecurity and Compliance at Brightline Technologies, a Brighton-based IT services firm that delivers comprehensive solutions that optimize infrastructure, strengthens security, ensures compliance and more. In this episode we discuss safe security practices and cybersecurity awareness. Nick also breaks down how Brightline IT is working with the Department of Defense on compliance training and assessments.

Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit

As the second-longest serving Mayor in Detroit history, Mike Duggan’s economic and business development strategies have centered around attracting major investments, accelerating small business growth and creating a business-friendly climate. He discusses several projects from investing in talent, to bringing back manufacturing jobs, including bringing the Lions back to Downtown Detroit with Ford Field. 

Trevor Friedeberg, President & CEO, Greater Muskegon Economic Development

Hear Trevor Friedeberg describe the rich Muskegon community and history on the east side of Lake Michigan, as he breaks down the tools and resources the Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) offers. Founded in 1999, the GMED is a county-wide economic development agency dedicated to supporting local business. Their focus is to leverage public and private investment to accelerate business growth and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities in Muskegon County.

Jessica Nabongo, Author, Entrepreneur, Photographer, Travel Expert

As the first Black woman to visit every country in the world, Jessica Nabongo is the author of the #1 best seller — Catch Me If You Can and mastermind behind The Catch Me If You Can travel blog. In this episode she shares why she made Michigan her home, the socioeconomical work she does around the world and teases her upcoming book, Catch Me in the Kitchen, featuring one recipe from every country in the world. Jessica is also an entrepreneur with a background in working with the United Nations.

Meaghan Kennedy, Founder, Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. & Bernard Sweicki, Vice President of Mobility and Research, Global Epicenter of Mobility

The Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) has partnered with Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. to run a social network analysis, to try and gage GEM’s impact beyond their region and measure the relationship between organizations within their ecosystem. We talk with Meaghan Kennedy, Founder of Orange Sparkle Ball, Inc. and Bernard Swiecki, Vice President of Mobility and Research at GEM about their partnership and findings of their analysis.

Dr. Arthur Lupia, Vice President of Research and Innovation, University of Michigan

Dr. Arthur Lupia is the Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan, where he is responsible for fostering the excellence and integrity of research across all three campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint). The Office of the Vice President for Research is driving the mission to catalyze, support and safeguard U-M research from private sector, to government, to non-profit and more. Lupia’s vast experience as a researcher, administrator and educator, also includes federal service which spans two U.S. presidential administrations.

Alex Tank and Michael Lehnert of the International Affairs Forum - Traverse City

We sit down with Alex Tank, Director at Northwestern Michigan College and Michael Lehnert, retired Major General, to learn about the International Affairs Forum - Traverse City (IAF). The mission of IAF is to advance the understanding of the world and its critical issues through education and public dialogue. Alex and Michael describe the unique relationship between IAF and the college, the various events and opportunities IAF offers, and more.