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
Season - 5 Episode 45
Kara Wood, Executive Director, Grand Action 2.0
We join Grand Action 2.0’s Executive Director, Kara Wood, as she discusses plans for Grand Rapids. Grand Action 2.0 is a powerhouse not-for-profit economic development organization. Through bold leadership and public-private partnerships, they are actively identifying and funding the next wave of downtown building and transformational projects that make the city of Grand Rapids unique.
Season - 5 Episode 43
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.
Season - 5 Episode 40
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.
Season - 5 Episode 37
Alison Watson, Director, Michigan Arts and Culture Council
In our next segment of Around Michigan in 30 Minutes we talk with Alison Watson, Director of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. From the Upper Peninsula to our southern border, Alison takes us on a journey through the people, places, and stories that showcase Michigan’s cultural heartbeat. Since 1966, the State of Michigan has recognized the vital role vibrant arts and cultural sectors play in shaping our communities.
Season - 5 Episode 23
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.
Season - 5 Episode 20
Sean Mann, CEO, Detroit City FC
Detroit City Football Club is Detroit's professional soccer team and has established itself as one of the most talked about soccer teams in North America, generating media coverage from publications across the globe. CEO Sean Mann has been involved in every facet of the growing organization, including Detroit City Fieldhouse and City Clubhouse. Sean also shares his unique career path from a background in the state legislature, to a German Marshall Fund of the United States fellowship and more.
Season - 5 Episode 19
Brad Garmon, Executive Director, Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
As we continue our series Around Michigan in Under 30 Minutes, we talk with Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He discusses how the office is charged with supporting and growing the outdoor recreation lifestyle economy of the Great Lakes State, as well as recognizing that a strong and vibrant outdoor recreation economy provides positive impacts for the health and well-being of Michigan’s people, natural resources, and communities.
Season - 5 Episode 14
Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism Part 2
We continue our talk with tourism and hospitality leaders at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism about current trends in the travel industry, the economic impact of travel and tourism on Michigan’s economy, and what’s new in Pure Michigan for the 2025 spring and summer travel season. Guests include Choose Lansing, Motor Cities National Heritage Area, Crystal Mountain and Advance Travel & Tourism.
Season - 5 Episode 13
Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism Part 1
We talk with tourism and hospitality leaders at the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism about current trends in the travel industry, the economic impact of travel and tourism on Michigan’s economy, and what’s new in Pure Michigan for the 2025 spring and summer travel season. Guests include Visit Detroit, The Henry Ford Museum, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and more.
Season - 5 Episode 11
April Clobes, President and Chief Executive Officer, MSUFCU
April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU, discusses the history of the credit union and what the credit union offers to Michigan residents. She joined the Credit Union in 1996 and moved through many positions within the organization prior to being named President and CEO in 2015. She serves on five #FinTech Advisory Boards.
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.