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.
SubscribeThe Michigan Opportunity Podcast
PreviousEpisodes
Quentin Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer at Michigan Economic Development Corporation, President and Chair - Michigan Strategic Fund
Hear Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of MEDC discuss the MEDC and state of Michigan’s successes in the past year and what might be on the horizon from semiconductors to the transition to EVs. Plus, he asks our host, Ed Clemente, about the interesting discussions he's had along the way to his 100th guest.
Shawn Pomaville-Size, Executive Director, MotorCities National Heritage Area
Hear from our guest Shawn Pomaville-Size, Executive Director, MotorCities National Heritage Area, as she explores the fascinating world of a US Heritage Area discusses the nonprofit's affiliation with the National Park Service and more.
Jeff Thompson, Partner/Product Design Engineer and co-founder, Shaggy's Copper Country Skis
Listen to Jeff Thompson, Co-Founder of Shaggy's Copper Country Skis, and host Ed Clemente, explore the unique ski manufacturer and how the Thompson family keeps their heritage alive in Boyne City, Michigan.
Gina Thorsen CEO and Co-Owner, Jacquart Fabric Products, home of Stormy Kromer
Join Gina Thorsen CEO and Co-Owner, Jacquart Fabric Products, home of Stormy Kromer hats, and host Ed Clemente, as they discuss this fascinating unique manufacturing and outdoor recreation industry that makes much more than hats.
Brad Garmon, Director, Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
Join our guest Brad Garmon, Senior Strategic Advisor & Executive Advisor for the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office as he and Ed discuss the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry.
Josh Freeney, Partner YETi CGI, Grand Rapids Public Museum
YETi, not the mythologic Himalayan creature, but a global CGI company based in Grand Rapids. Yeti is active with recruiting talent to Michigan and reimagining education with the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Awenate Cobbina, CEO - Bedrock Manufacturing Company & Chair, MEDC Executive Committee
From pro-sports to presidents, to a legal career to wearable fashion, MEDC’s Executive Committee Chairman Awenate Cobbina has had an exciting and eclectic career.
Dale A. Robertson, President and CEO – Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is changing the way people experience education. As the only XQ Super School in the Midwest, the museum is setting the pace to move and blend the future of knowledge jobs and sense of place.
Dave Lorenz, Vice President, Travel Michigan
Hear about Michigan’s roughly $22 billion tourism economy and the how the future is happening now, and maybe how Michigan is the “Alaska” of the Midwest!
Join our guest Dave Lorenz who serves as Vice President of Travel Michigan alongside our host Ed Clemente as they discuss the business of tourism and its economic impact in jobs, ROI and attraction for knowledge jobs. Dave also oversees the award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign, and his potential disruptions and trends for the future of his profession.
Randy Thelen, President & CEO - The Right Place
From Lake Erie to Lake Michigan, to the plains of Omaha and the Rocky Mountains of Denver, Randy Thelen has done Economic Development throughout, and listen now how he brings that expertise back to the Grand Rapids region.
Join Randy Thelen, President & CEO of The Right Place, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the myriad of business projects going on in the Grand Rapids region. Hear about how greater Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city and a hub for research, innovation and a thriving regional economy. Randy has pretty good credentials in the Economic Development world with stints at Monroe’s EDO, MEDC, Lakeshore Advantage, Omaha’s EDO, and most recently in Denver. With all those varied places he has honed in on what it takes attract, retain, and expand commerce, and like-wise, talent.
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.