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
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.
Roberto Nicolas Vazquez, Mexican Consul in Detroit
The USMCA created one of the largest free trade zones in the world. Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolas Vazquez is at the heart of the Detroit-Windsor border crossing, hear him describe his unique diplomatic post and the services offered at the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit. He also talks about the future opportunities presented by the USMCA and the unique North American partnership.
Jon Kramer, President & CEO, OHM Advisors
Join Jon Kramer as he discusses OHM Advisor, a pioneering firm that's creating better places for people. This forward-thinking company includes engineering, planning, urban design, landscape architecture, surveying and construction engineering services all under one roof. This growing firm works with municipalities, state and federal agencies, Fortune 100 companies, developers, schools, universities and more. Recognized on ENR's Top 500 Design Firms, this full-service firm is definitely one to watch.
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.
Rich Bowman, Director of Policy at The Nature Conservancy in Michigan
Hear Rich Bowman discuss the fascinating organization, The Nature Conservancy of Michigan. As the Director of Policy, Rich has been working with the people of the Great Lakes State for decades to preserve its natural heritage. The organization remains dedicated to protecting Michigan's rivers, lakes, and lands while pursuing strategies that will ensure the vitality of its people, places, and wildlife for generations to come.
Lydia Michael, Owner of Blended Collective, Author of Brand Love and Kevin Ketels, Assistant Professor Global Supply Chain Management, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University
Lydia Michael and Kevin Ketels explore the growing world of international marketing, branding and supply chain evolution. Blended Collective is a multicultural marketing and brand consultancy focused on the core values of authenticity, culture, and diversity. Kevin Ketels of Wayne State University, walks us through the changing world of supply chains and the growth of electrification and EV’s.
Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, State of Michigan
Hear from Hilary Doe, Michigan’s first Chief Growth Officer—and first in the country, on what the Growing Michigan Together Council is tasked with and the members that make up the Council. Hilary leads the state’s efforts to grow Michigan’s population, boost economy, and reputation as the best place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business. With a population goal for 2050, the council will look at ways to successfully attract and retain talent, improve preK-12 educational outcomes, long-term funding solutions for higher education, and develop strategies for upgrading and modernizing our transportation and water infrastructure, including developing long-term, sustainable funding solutions.
Herb Drayton, Executive Director at Goldman Sachs 10000 Small Businesses – Detroit
Guest Herb Drayton chats about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses’ program, which gives participants valuable practical skills in topics such as negotiation, marketing, and more. As well as receive tools and professional support to develop strategic growth plans, taking small businesses to the next level.
Katy Locker, CEO at The Center For Michigan, Bridge Michigan, Bridge Detroit
Join Katy Locker, CEO at The Center For Michigan, Bridge Michigan, Bridge Detroit, as she explores this non-profit online media source, and its unique origins. The Center for Michigan seeks to make Michigan better through high-quality, nonpartisan journalism & engagement. The Center publishes Bridge Michigan and the editorially independent Bridge Detroit. Katy also gives us her unique path through foundations to journalism.
Jim Saber, President & CEO NextEnergy
Listen to Jim Saber, President & CEO of NextEnergy, discuss the current and future use of energy. NextEnergy is based in Detroit’s growing innovation district with access to a microgrid, smart home, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and more, demonstrating and piloting technologies in real-world environments to gather data and diverse user-experiences.
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.