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
Andrew Nelson, Travel Author & Professor
Award-winning travel writer and educator, Andrew Nelson, discusses his new book Here Not There. Published by National Geographic, the book explores counterintuitive destinations that provide memories without high tourist levels and rising prices. He also teaches a course on placemaking and strategic narrative at the College of Charleston. His works have appeared in USA TODAY, Nat Geo Tours and The Wall Street Journal.
Justin Winslow, President and CEO, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and Emily Daunt, Vice President Communications & Brand Strategy, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association
Join us as we discuss Michigan's hospitality industry with Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) and Emily Daunt, MRLA Vice President Communications & Brand Strategy. Hear how the MRLA provides essential services to its members and contributes over $28 billion to the state's economy while supporting 650,000 jobs.
Aileen Bovan, Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity Officer, MEDC and Geoffrey Crawley, Chief Marketing Officer, Synergies Companies
Hear from Aileen Bovan of the MEDC discuss leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies of the organization and overseeing capital projects to align with the MEDC’s mission and vision. Also Geoffrey Crawley, Chief Marketing Officer at Synergies Companies, explains how this Detroit-based company has been a premier staffing and HR supplier since 2008, offering comprehensive solutions for Fortune 500 clients nationwide.
Pascale Bauer, Dean of International Enrollment of Cranbrook Schools
Listen to Pascale Bauer, Dean of International Enrollment of Cranbrook Schools, as she shares her insights on this unique place. Cranbrook is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprising a Graduate Academy of Art, Contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House & Gardens, natural history museum and Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of local and international visitors and students to its campus each year.
Paul Jones, CEO, ProsperUs Detroit
Hear Paul Jones as he discusses ProsperUs Detroit, a community organization that strives to help build equity, knowledge, and healthy communities in Detroit. The Training program teaches general business skills and offers individualized feedback. To date, there have been over 1,500 program graduates. Programs support small businesses with grant money for specific projects and to ensure funding is available to people who may not qualify for a traditional loan.
Jeanette Pierce, Founder & President, City Institute
Since 2005, City Institute has provided more than 150,000 locals and newcomers with tools to better equip residents and stakeholders in Detroit. Through private tours and learning journeys, Jeanette Pierce works with companies and organizations to help their teams have a deeper understanding and connection to the city. She shares that the only way to equitably engage in Detroit is to understand the bigger picture by connecting the dots between the city’s past and present.
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.
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.