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 Edition: Brian Calley, President & CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan
In this special edition join Brian Calley of Small Business Association of Michigan, as he discusses how important small businesses are to help communities and drive the state’s economy. As a former Michigan Lt. Governor, he shares about his career and helping small businesses and why Michigan Small Business Week is so important to the backbone of our economy.
Matt Johnson, Manager of ESG and External Affairs, Eagle Mine
Join Matt Johnson as he discusses the world renowned Eagle Mine, located in the Upper Peninsula. Learn how the world of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) is a growing effort; from countries and governments around the world visiting the remote mine, to how it is leading the way to find precious metals for battery manufacturing and electric vehicles.
David Wang, CEO & Founder, BEET
Hear from David Wang as he discusses his path to America and creating his successful software engineering firm. With over a decade of experience in the automation industry, BEET helps companies understand and address constraints in their manufacturing processes and has revolutionized plant floor visibility and the pathways to greater factory efficiency.
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.
Jim Saber, President & CEO NextEnergy
Listen to Jim Saber, President & CEO of NextEnergy, discuss the current and future use of energy. NextEnergy is based in Detroit’s growing innovation district with access to a microgrid, smart home, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and more, demonstrating and piloting technologies in real-world environments to gather data and diverse user-experiences.
Harry Moser, President & Founder, Reshoring Initiative
Listen to Harry Moser, President and Founder of the Reshoring Initiative, discuss the global movement of manufacturing and workforce. He also talks about the mission of the Reshoring Initiative as they bring good manufacturing jobs back to the United States, while shifting companies' collective thinking to building local.
Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder and CEO of Our Next Energy (ONE)
Listen to Mujeeb Ijaz, Founder & CEO of Our Next Energy (ONE), discuss the future of batteries at ONE and the company’s goals of doubling the range of electric vehicles. Also hear about his extensive career and how his company holds over 30 U.S. patents in the field of battery technology and energy management systems.
Ray Maczik, The Standing Company
Listen to Ray Maczik, Owner of The Standing Company, discuss their unique customized standing wheelchairs, how he personally delivers them to customers around the country, and his close partnership with the Veterans Administration. Also learn how Pure Michigan Business Connect identified a Michigan-based supplier of chromoly steel and facilitated a connection with the company to Boyer Steel in Warren.
Dr. Alec Gallimore, Dean of Engineering, University of Michigan
Hear Dr. Alec Gallimore, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan and Member of the National Academy of Engineering discuss complex topics such as Plasma Dynamics, the Electric Propulsion Laboratory and Vacuum Chambers, all of which are housed in the U of M Department of Aerospace Engineering. As well as talk about one of his proteges who started Orbion Space Technology, an aerospace company in Houghton.
Diana Páez is Senior Director, Energy & Mobility at the William Davidson Institute
Hear Diana Páez discuss the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan and the institute’s mission on growing the intersection of energy & mobility, helping innovators, entrepreneurs and more. Also hear about her work with the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification as well as her unique career path and globe-trotting history.
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.