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
Special Episode: Mackinac Policy Conference 2023 Day 1
Join host Ed Clemente for a special The Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Island where the Mackinac Policy Conference. On this special edition podcast hear from guest Pete Pellerito, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, Federal/State, Economic Development & University Relations for Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) as he discusses tech transfer, reshoring manufacturers to the US, BIO startups and more. Then Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations at the Detroit Regional Chamber discusses the mission and history of the Mackinac Policy Conference, and overview of all of the guests and keynote speakers. Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation chats about the initiatives the city of Detroit is making to develop a livable infrastructure for the right balance for quality of life for those who live, work and play in Detroit. Lastly, hear Teresa Woodruff President, Michigan State University discuss her view of the mission of the university, the quality of the education MSU students receive, the FRIB, MSU Extension and much more.
Thomas D. Lutz, Executive Secretary Treasurer, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
Listen to Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary Treasurer of MRCC, discuss the busy and dynamic world of this trade union. From member carpenters helping build diverse projects, to union millwrights working with precision machinery with their contractor partners across the state.
Dawn Hines, CEO, Hines Industries
Hear Dawn Hines, CEO of Hines Industries, discuss her family-owned engineering and manufacturing firm and how it relates to aerospace, automation, talent attraction, Industry 4.0 and more. Plus hear about how she founded Aventura Investment Partners, a social impact management firm with a focus on agricultural value chain companies in West Africa.
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.
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.
Amy O-Leary, Executive Director – Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) & President, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC)
Join in listening to Amy O’Leary, Executive Director of Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and President of Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, as she joins host Ed Clemente to discuss the big-ticket items that effect all the businesses, citizens, and environment of the region.
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.
Kerry Ebersole-Singh, Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer - MEDC
Learn what 60X30 means, MI Reconnect, STEM, and many other key programs and issues for the future of workforce and talent solutions! Kerry leads MEDC’s strategic focus of developing high-wage skills growth by working with businesses, higher education institutions and communities to better attract, retain and cultivate the talent critical to growing the state’s economy.
Dr. Thomas Glasmacher, FRIB Laboratory Director (Facility for Rare Isotope Beams) - Michigan State University
What has 1,600 users, 620 employees, 124 colleges and universities, 52 countries, & 13 National Labs, all working under one Michigan State University facility? The FRIB.
Heather Lanier, Chief Operating Officer & Shareholder - NBS Commercial Interiors
The future of work. Heather Lanier of NBS Commercial Interiors, a Steelcase premier partner, explains how the hybrid workplace is now more of a “destination than a directive” with the assist of technology!
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.