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
Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director - New Economy Initiative
13 foundations help fund the New Economy Initiative, find out how Wafa Dinaro’s international path has positioned her to be its new leader! Join our guest Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director for the New Economy Initiative, and host Ed Clemente as she explains this unique foundation and how its mission assists small businesses and much more.
The New Economy Initiative (NEI) is a philanthropic collaboration and special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan working to build a regional network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Their mission is to grow an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship in southeast Michigan that benefits all residents and strengthens the regional economy. Wafa has had an exciting career path from Dearborn, to the state legislature, to federal government, as well as international work and economic development with Wayne County Executive, Warren C. Evans.
Mike Piskur, Program Manager - Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
How the world’s largest system of freshwater is an integral part of the Canadian and U.S. responsibilities for a sustainable economy, and how Michigan is at the heart of this balance to live, work & play!
Join Mike Piskur, Program Manager, of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss how this international alliance grows the regional economy and protects the world’s largest system of surface fresh water. The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers unites the chief executives from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec and Wisconsin. The Governors and Premiers work as equal partners to grow the region’s $6 trillion economy and protect this ecosystem. See how local Michigan partners Pure Michigan, MSU, UM, MI-Tech, Northern MU, Green banks, DTE and many others fit in as integral parts of this enormous and vital initiative.
Brandee Cooke-Brown, Executive Director - 100K Ideas
Learn about this unique organization helping Flintstones and other to reach their full potential in innovation and entrepreneurship through a series of sector partnerships.
Join our guest Brandee Cooke-Brown who is the Executive Director of 100K Ideas, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss how to really assist innovation and entrepreneurship in Flint. 100K Ideas a non-profit with the mission to assist innovators and entrepreneurs move their ideas forward. They are a community of hobbyists, thinkers, and inventors with the mission of helping passionate innovators create products, services and startups of their own through mentorship. Learn about how they assist in: benchmarks, trademark, patent and domain searches, market trends/analytics, purchaser and end user information. Also learn a little about AmeriCorps and how its changing people’s lives, including Brandee's. You can also read the transcript from our conversation.
Michelle Bekkering, National Engagement Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
Hear how this national organization uses leadership and diplomacy to help keep the U.S. and Michigan economies humming in an ever-changing global market!
Join Michelle Bekkering, National Engagement Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the global marketplace and Michigan’s unique international position in that space. The USGLC brings together more than 500 businesses and non-profits from across the country with the core mission of investing in America’s tools of development and diplomacy. Hear how America’s diplomats and development workers are helping U.S. companies expand their exports, reach new markets, and create more jobs here in an effort to stay competitive in the global marketplace, ensure a level playing field for American businesses, and ultimately, reach more customers. Michelle has great credentials including the White House led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Security Council.
President Dr. David Eisler, President of Ferris State University
From leading Ferris State university, to national championships, to playing in the pep band, his legacy of two decades of leadership has made Ferris a real player in the new economy.
Join President Dr. David Eisler, President of Ferris State University and host Ed Clemente as they discuss where he thinks the future of careers will be. Dr. Eisler talks to Ferris' mission about preparing students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Through its many partnerships and its career-oriented and educational base, Ferris serves our rapidly changing global economy and society. Dr. Eisler has a rather non-traditional path to becoming one of the longest serving University Presidents in the state. Learn about the wide variety of unique degree programs at FSU, as well as the Kendall College of Art and Design in downtown Grand Rapids. Also, learn how Dr. Eisler playing the clarinet helped him pave the way to his presidency.
Lizabeth Ardisana, Chief Executive Officer - ASG Renaissance
Lizabeth Ardisana is a well-rounded business pioneer in the talent world and very passionate about giving back to community service organizations and boards.
Join Lizabeth Ardisana, Chief Executive Officer of ASG Renaissance and host Ed Clemente as they discuss the ever evolving competitive world of today's workforce and the shifting needs of employers and employees. ASG Renaissance is a leading certified woman- and minority-owned, public relations and marketing communications firm providing, event management, graphic design, social media, digital marketing and web design and development to clients across a wide range of industries. Liz also gives back the community by serving on multiple boards including Skillman Foundation, CS Mott Foundation, Kettering University, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, Focus: Hope, and others. Learn about her eclectic path in her journey to Michigan.
Denise Graves, University Relations Director at MEDC
Hear MEDC expert Denise Graves on entrepreneurship, innovation, university tech transfer and much more in this unique space driving Michigan forward for talent, higher education and business creation.
Join Denise Graves, University Relations Director at Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and host Ed Clemente as they dive into the complex but rewarding world of tech transfer. In her role, she interacts with Michigan’s 15 public universities, key entrepreneurial stakeholders and investors, to manage statewide programs that support collaboration and the commercialization of early-stage technology. She shares how university professors and the private sector work together for innovation. Learn about her recent appointment to a key group at Ferris State University.
Gary McDowell, Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
MDARD Director McDowell breaks down the complex ecosystem of agriculture and rural development across the State of Michigan.
Join Gary McDowell, Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, with host Ed Clemente as they discuss one of the biggest economic industries in Michigan. Gary grew up in the Upper Peninsula and has a family business of hay farming, as well as careers including being a county commissioner, a UPS driver, volunteer firefighter and EMT. He is passionate about the agriculture business and its future growth for talent and economy. Director McDowell also discusses the Office of Rural Development and how it works hand in glove with Michigan’s agriculture future.
Frank Muller, CEO - Exlterra
How do you fix Chernobyl? Exlterra has discovered the answer, plus additional sustainable ways to improve brownfield sites around the world!
Join Frank Muller, CEO of Exlterra, and host Ed Clemente and learn how Michigan-based Exlterra is remediating the brownfield world through their patented process. Discover how they develop, produce and commercialize sustainable technological solutions applied to the environment. They have made great progress at the Chernobyl radioactive site, and have operations in Poland, Japan and Switzerland, with the technology made right here in Michigan. Also learn about the interesting path co-founder and Polish-born U.S. inventor Andrew Niemczyk, CTO took to get to Michigan and America. Plus, learn about what its like to be the Michigan Honorary Consul for the Country of Switzerland.
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.