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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Howard N. Handler, President, 313 Presents
Inspired by the soul of Detroit, 313 Presents produces more than 350 concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and family shows a year. Howard N. Handler, President of 313 Presents, is responsible for leading the company’s vision and strategy as well as guiding operations, partnerships and long-term growth. Handler is an entertainment and sports industry innovator with a track record of success across a range of world class companies.
Katie MacIntosh, President and Founder Mac Worldwide
Join our high-energy guest Katie Macintosh, Founder of Mac Worldwide and a Detroit Homecoming Hollywood boomerang entrepreneur, as she explains her fascinating career in Hollywood and around the world in the genre of true docuseries and reality television shows. As a highly sought-after development partner, she has teamed up with several renown producers and production companies to deliver original concepts and stimulating casts. She has served on several industry panels and is an active member of The Television Academy, The Academy Museum and Film Independent.
Eddie Gillis, Operations Manager at Third Man Records
Listen to Eddie Gillis, Operations Manager at Third Man Records - a vinyl manufacturing studio in Detroit - discuss the studio's success and his life growing up in SW Detroit. Launched by Jack White in Detroit in 2001, the Detroit location has opened a record and novelties lounge, mastering studio, and Third Man Pressing manufacturing facility. Hear how Third Man became an innovator in the world of vinyl records and a boundary pusher in the world of recorded music.
Voices of Michiganders Across the State
The Voices storytelling initiative aims to share perspectives of Michiganders across all 83 counties. Join MEDC's CEO Quentin Messer and guests Nyshell Lawrence/Eaton, Brandee Cooke-Brown/Genesee, Nancie Oxley/Van Buren, and Benjamin Bartz/Gogebic as they share their compelling stories showcasing what it’s like to live and work in Michigan.
Duc Abrahamson, Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce
The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) works to facilitate business relationships among Asian and U.S. based companies and to promote the economic advancement of Asian Pacific Americans. Join APACC Executive Director, Duc Abrahamson, as she explains the vision of her organization, her path to this position, and the compelling story on how she came to Michigan.
Terri Fitzpatrick, Executive Vice President, Chief Real Estate and Global Attraction Officer, MEDC
Terri Fitzpatrick, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, leads the MEDC’s Office of Tribal Business Development. Fitzpatrick is also the chief real estate and global attraction officer for the state’s site readiness and global attraction efforts, helping businesses move to and expand in Michigan. Those two career responsibilities overlap in their focus on building community by diversifying and increasing economic opportunity. Listen as Fitzpatrick explains the economic relationships that Tribes have with Michigan and how their goals align to bring prosperity to every corner of the state.
Jill Ferrari, Managing Partner, Renovare Development
Women-owned Renovare Development provides mixed-income housing and community-based commercial spaces to urban communities, while helping support workforce housing and commercial amenities to support working families. Listen to Jill Ferrari discuss Renovare's commitment to communities across the state, addressing key economic issues including: attainable housing, affordable retail and commercial spaces, strategic partnerships with local governments and more.
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.
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.
Rod Wood, President and CEO, Detroit Lions and Alexis Wiley, Founder and CEO, Moment Strategies, Strategic Communications and Public Relations
What has 300,000 people in attendance, over 54 million viewers, and will be in Downtown Detroit in the Spring of 2024? The NFL Draft. The NFL Draft will be held in downtown Detroit April 25-27. Hear what it means in the way of economic development to the City of Detroit and State of Michigan from the President of the Detroit Lions, Rod Wood and CEO of Moment Strategies, Alexis Wiley.
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.