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
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.
John DeMaio, President Graphex Group & CEO of Graphex Technologies
Listen to John DeMaio as he discusses Graphex’s recent expansion in the rapidly growing Michigan EV battery ecosystem. The company expects to leverage its processing of high-quality graphite anode material globally and now onshoring here to Michigan.
Faris Alami, Founder & CEO of International Strategic Management
Join Faris Alami as he discusses his unique background and career with ISM, Inc., while diving into their five practice areas: entrepreneurship, global leadership, community, technology, and education (with the goal of cultivating the next generation of culturally diverse global leaders and entrepreneurs).
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.
Casey Cowell, Principal, Owner, Boomerang Catapult
Join our guest Casey Cowell, Principal and Owner of Boomerang Catapult, as he discusses the rapidly changing business climate for the Traverse City Region and how the company brings talented individuals and their startups back to the Mitten State!
Chetan Koradia (CK), Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Transphere Inc. and Pranadhi Koradia, Chief Operating Officer & Owner, Transphere Inc.
Join guests Chetan and Pranadhi Koradia, a father and daughter team who manage Transphere Inc., as they discuss the interesting world of international trade through their 2nd generation minority and woman-owned freight-forwarding and logistics company.
Eric Shreffler, Sr. Vice President Market Development at MEDC and Kristin Dziczek, Automotive Policy Advisor, Detroit Branch - Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Hear Eric Shreffler of MEDC and Kristin Dziczek of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, as they discuss automotive microchips and learn how our state’s history of innovation and mobility and automotive manufacturing strength is helping with the global microchip and semiconductor shortage.
Ara Topouzian, Executive Director, Michigan Venture Capital Association
Join our guest Ara Topouzian of Michigan Venture Capital Association and host Ed Clemente, as they explore the complicated but fascinating world of Venture Capital, EDO's, Universities, tech transfer and more.
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.
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.