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
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.
Ron Hall, President and CEO of Bridgewater Interiors & Doug Del Grosso, President and CEO of Adient
Listen to Ron Hall of Bridgewater Interiors and Doug Del Grosso of Adient, as they explain their unique industry of manufacturing automotive interiors, how tiered suppliers work, the joint venture, supply chains issues and disrupters, and much more.
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.
Nathan Ohle, President & CEO, International Economic Development Council
Join Nathan Ohle, President & CEO, International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and host Ed Clemente as they discuss his intriguing path of taking over the helm of this critical organization that helps guide the worlds future development.
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.
Lindsey Rem, Vice President of Business Transformation – Barton Malow
Listen to Lindsey Rem, Vice President of Business Transformation at Barton Malow, and host Ed Clemente as she explains the digital revolution happening in the construction industry through new, innovative processes, Industry 4.0, 3D printing with cement and much more.
Matthew Asada, Public Diplomat in Residence at USC Center for Public Diplomacy
Listen to our guest Matthew Asada as tells us about his compelling story of world travel and assignments for the U.S. Department of State, and a firsthand account of his role as the former Deputy Commissioner General at USA Pavilion at World Expo 2020 Dubai.
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.
Jonathan Quarles, Founder and CEO – BTL Group & Quartz Water Source
Who is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, founder and CEO of two companies, author, global connector, and runs a foundation for entrepreneurial high school kids? Jonathon Quarles “JQ”, that's who!
James McBryde, President & CEO – Middle Michigan Development Corporation
Learn with Jim McBryde about the economic footprint of the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe, CMU, Yoplait Yogurt, and other important businesses in the 4 county stretch of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation. Also hear about Jim’s connection with Star Wars!
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.