Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes Kevin Todd, CPA and Senior Manager, Maner Costerisan, Lansing, MI. Q1: For listeners who may not be familiar, can you share more about what the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is? A: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, is a sweeping, nearly 900-page piece of legislation that touches on everything from taxes and health care to energy policy. It makes many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent and introduces new tax rules—some temporary, some permanent—that will impact both individuals and businesses. While the goal was simplification and economic growth, the reality is that the law is complex, and its impact will vary depending on your situation. Q2: The law brings back something called “bonus depreciation” for businesses, can you explain what that is? A: Bonus depreciation allows businesses to write off the full cost of certain equipment or property in the year they buy it, instead of spreading out the deduction over time. By making th

Title: “When One Door Closes Another One Opens... But it’s Hell in the Hallway"! Vic Verchereau welcomes Mark Sauter, who is Founder and President of GTP Associates, Inc. In 2002, after a 22-year career with Dow Corning Corporation (Midland, MI), Mark established GTP Associates, Inc., Growth Through People, which helps organizations simultaneously improve performance, people, leadership, and cultural vitality. Mark has authored two books, available on Amazon.com: Bringing Meaning into Monday: A Sustainable Approach to Bottom Line Success (2009) and Finding Meaning in a Teeter Totter World (2013). Mark works closely with the Great Lakes Bay Region’s Conscious Capitalism movement, helping organizations put concepts into practice. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior (1980), earning degrees in Information Systems, Business Management and Chemistry. Mark currently resides in Midland, Michigan, but Leadership Lowdown host Vic Verchereau asked Mark to share his thoughts and challenge us to

Originally uploaded Aug. 19, reloaded Aug. 26th. Chris Holman welcomes back Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI, but serving statewide. Welcome back Ryan you have an annual conference coming up next month? Tell us about the different location each year, and some of the sponsors for the event? This year’s conference features speakers like Sharon Gai, Dr. Christopher Laney, and Dr. Sherene McHenry—what key themes or takeaways do you expect to emerge from their sessions? The inaugural Opening Reception at the Gilmore Car Museum is a new touch—how does Michigan Works! see networking events like this advancing workforce development collaboration? Looking at the diverse workshop schedule, what trends or challenges in Michigan’s workforce are driving the topics for 2025? For more information: https://www.michiganworks.org/conference-schedule » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www

Chris Holman welcomes Commercial Properties Retail Team - Carson Patten - Vice President, Retail Advisor Samantha Le - Senior Associate, Retail Advisor, both Martin Commercial Properties, Lansing, MI. Retail had a modest rebound despite closures from national chains. What’s behind that resilience? Can you talk about how the backfilling of large-format spaces—like Barnes & Noble and Dollar Tree—has helped buoy the market? What types of tenants are driving new demand—are we still seeing growth in experiential, dining, and fitness categories? How are older or underperforming centers being repositioned or redeveloped to meet current market needs? Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for retail landlords and investors ? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman speaks with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Industrial Team - Chris Miller, SIOR - Senior Vice President, Industrial/Investment Advisor with Martin Commercial Properties, Lansing, MI. The industrial market saw a notable drop in vacancy in H1 2025. What’s driving this demand across the Greater Lansing region? With limited inventory and increasing absorption, how is the market responding in terms of new development or speculative builds? How are large-scale investments like the Ultium Cells battery plant and Neogen's facility reshaping the region's industrial landscape? What role are logistics, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing playing in the industrial growth story right now? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Office team: Eric Rosekrans, CCIM, CPM - Executive Vice President, along with Tom Jamieson, SIOR - Senior Vice President, Office Advisor, both Martin Commercial Properties, Lansing, MI. The office market held relatively steady in H1 2025. What factors are contributing to that stabilization? We’ve seen landlords offering greater flexibility—how is this influencing tenant retention and lease negotiations? What should office investors be thinking about in terms of value, repositioning, or long-term risk? What are some national trends worth keeping an eye on? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Randy Shacka, President, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, East Lansing, MI. Randy, take us back to the beginning—how did TWO MEN AND A TRUCK grow from a local side hustle in Lansing to an international brand? How has the company diversified beyond traditional moving services into areas like storage, junk removal, and packing? You’ve built a leadership culture where many owners started on the frontlines—how has that shaped the business? After 40 years in business, what major shifts in customer needs or industry trends have stood out to you the most? TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is known for its community outreach—how do programs like Movers for Moms® reflect the company’s values today? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Fathy Shetiah, Founder, President & CEO, 7C Lingo, Lansing, MI, to the MBN studio at the Capital Region International Airport, Lansing, MI. Chris had several questions for Fathy to lead into these topics over a series of interviews for which this is the first. To kick things off, how would you explain Cultural Intelligence—and why is it more than just being culturally “aware”? You talk about CQ Drive and CQ Knowledge as foundational—what do those mean, and why do they matter in real-life interactions? Can someone develop Cultural Intelligence over time—or is it something you’re born with? How can someone deepen their cultural understanding without making assumptions or falling into stereotypes? What kind of impact do you see when Cultural Intelligence is strong—or missing—in a workplace or community setting? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Fo

Originally uploaded February 5th, reloaded July 30th. January 25th 2025, MBN was on the road to MSU Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI. This four part video will let you experience or relive the event experience from that evening. Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for well over 250 years as a means of commemorating Scotland's best loved bard. The ritual was started by close friends of Burns, a few years after his death, as a tribute to his memory. You can go back to see the Pre-Program performed by Celtic Jam in video 1. Videos 2,3,4 take you through the program elements focusing on podium and stage presentations. In the program MBN's Chris Holman serves as Master of Ceremonies. Presentations include those by Glen Erin Pipe Band P/M William Collins, Address to a Haggis by John Downing. The Selkirk Grace delivered by The Rev. Robet A. Higle. As the evening progressed Chef Angus Campbell delivers a Keynote. Entertainment continues with Highland Dancing by Lochanna Mora Highland Dance Compan

Originally uploaded February 4th, reloaded July 30th. January 25th 2025, MBN was on the road to MSU Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI. This four part video will let you experience or relive the event experience from that evening. Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for well over 250 years as a means of commemorating Scotland's best loved bard. The ritual was started by close friends of Burns, a few years after his death, as a tribute to his memory. You can go back to see the Pre-Program performed by Celtic Jam in video 1. Videos 2,3,4 take you through the program elements focusing on podium and stage presentations. In the program MBN's Chris Holman serves as Master of Ceremonies. Presentations include those by Glen Erin Pipe Band P/M William Collins, Address to a Haggis by John Downing. The Selkirk Grace delivered by The Rev. Robet A. Higle. As the evening progressed Chef Angus Campbell delivers a Keynote. Entertainment continues with Highland Dancing by Lochanna Mora Highland Dance Compan

Originally uploaded February 4th, reloaded July 30th. January 25th 2025, MBN was on the road to MSU Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI. This four part video will let you experience or relive the event experience from that evening. Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for well over 250 years as a means of commemorating Scotland's best loved bard. The ritual was started by close friends of Burns, a few years after his death, as a tribute to his memory. You can go back to see the Pre-Program performed by Celtic Jam in video 1. Videos 2,3,4 take you through the program elements focusing on podium and stage presentations. In the program MBN's Chris Holman serves as Master of Ceremonies. Presentations include those by Glen Erin Pipe Band P/M William Collins, Address to a Haggis by John Downing. The Selkirk Grace delivered by The Rev. Robet A. Higle. As the evening progressed Chef Angus Campbell delivers a Keynote. Entertainment continues with Highland Dancing by Lochanna Mora Highland Dance Compan

Originally uploaded February 3rd, reloaded July 30th. January 25th 2025, MBN was on the road to MSU Kellogg Center in East Lansing, MI. This four part video will let you experience or relive the event experience from that evening. Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for well over 250 years as a means of commemorating Scotland's best loved bard. The ritual was started by close friends of Burns, a few years after his death, as a tribute to his memory. You'll see the Pre-Program performed by Celtic Jam. Videos 2,3,4 will take you through the program elements focusing on podium and stage presentations. In the program MBN's Chris Holman serves as Master of Ceremonies. Presentations include those by Glen Erin Pipe Band P/M William Collins, Address to a Haggis by John Downing. The Selkirk Grace delivered by The Rev. Robet A. Higle. As the evening progressed Chef Angus Campbell delivers a Keynote. Entertainment continues with Highland Dancing by Lochanna Mora Highland Dance Company, punctuated by m

Chris Holman welcomes back Laketa L. Henderson, SBA Michigan District Director, Detroit, MI. SBA has had a busy July in Michigan. Tell us about the two visits by SBA leadership? SBA is very focused on supporting manufacturers with its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. What is the latest with this initiative? Share some highlights from 2025 so far for SBA? Besides the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, what other focus will keep you busy the rest of 2025? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ SBA Announces Made in America Manufacturing Initiative Effort will cut $100B in regulation, expand access to capital and create dedicated infrastructure to support blue-collar boom Published on March 10, 2025 WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes David Conn, VP of Business Development and Policy at Exceleron, Baltimore, MD. Jeffrey had several questions for David in their conversation: With Michigan facing significant rate hikes, (from the likes of DTE and Consumers), how can prepaid utility programs help consumers, and businesses better manage rising energy costs? From a utility’s perspective, how does a prepay model improve cash flow and reduce delinquency-related expenses? What have you seen in other markets that demonstrates the long-term business value of offering prepay options? How can prepaid programs drive business-customer engagement and satisfaction while also promoting energy efficiency? What barriers—technical, regulatory, or cultural—must utilities overcome to successfully implement prepay solutions? Exceleron, a platform that works with utilities to provide customers with a prepay program to stay ahead and lower their energy bill costs. Michigan consumers are facing significant increases in their energy b

Chris Holman welcomes Josh Burgett, Chief Sales Officer at HR Collaborative Grand Rapids, MI. Introductions I know you do a lot at HR Collaborative, but today you’re going to be talking more about your staffing services. Can you tell me more about that? That’s great. Why do you think fractional staffing works so well for companies? Tell me more about your talent community and why it’s a benefit? I know you’re headquartered in Grand Rapids, but where do you all typically do business? Who do you typically work with? Is it a particular industry or do you support many industries? What’s the best way to get started with HR Collaborative? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Jonathan Smith, Senior Chief Deputy Director for LEO, Michigan's Labor and Economic Opportunity Department. What is the Community Transition Playbook and why is it so important for Michigan right now? What does it mean for Michigan to be “in the driver’s seat” of our economic transition, and how does this playbook help us get there? How does this effort tie into Michigan’s clean energy and mobility transition? All of this falls under Michigan’s Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. Can you tell us a little bit about the office and its mission? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ State of Michigan receives $1.5M grant from Ballmer Group to create Community Transition Playbook Playbook will equip local leaders, workers and businesses with the tools to thr

Chris Holman welcomes back Nakia Mills, VP of Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy, Better Business Bureau®of Michigan Southfield, MI. Now that the Eastern and Western Michigan BBBs have merged, this is the first BBB of Michigan Torch Awards recognizing businesses throughout the entire state (besides the 3 counties near the border that are served by Toledo). Tell us about these awards? What are the Criteria, which are focused on 4 areas: character, culture, customers and community? Do leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character? Does the organization foster and inspire an ethical culture? How does the organization generate trust with customers? How does the organization interact with the community ? Are there other criteria? Must be in 80-county Michigan service area Don't have to be BBB Accredited For profit and 501c6 applicants must have a "B" rating or better Must have been in business at least 3 years Government agencies not eligible Winners from the past 3 years are not eligible How a

Chris Holman welcomes back Carrie Rosingana, CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties. There are discussions at the federal level to change how workforce development is funded to the states. What are some of the ways that CAMW!'s current service model benefits businesses and workers? One of the higher-profile proposals in Washington is to convert nearly all of our workforce development funding into a block grant formula. What would that mean for program delivery to CAMW!'s customers, both on the employer side and the employee side? News came out last week that administration of certain workforce development programs would move from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor. Can you provide some detail on that and what it means for Michigan from your perspective? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Fol

Originally loaded July 23rd, reloaded July 25th. Chris Holman welcomes Ed Duggan, Duggan for Governor Campaign Manager, Detroit, MI. Additionally fresh news from the morning of recording, July 17th, was that Mayor Duggan had picked up the endorsement of the Detroit Regional Chamber's PAC. The Detroit Regional Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) has announced its endorsement of Mike Duggan for the 2026 Michigan gubernatorial election. With a quorum of PAC members present, the decision to endorse Duggan was unanimous. Duggan, who is running in one of the nation’s most high-profile independent runs for office, has a proven track record of executive-level business experience prior to his time as mayor, as the leader who successfully transformed the then-challenged Detroit Medical Center, while he also served on the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors. “The Chamber and businesses across the state are growing increasingly concerned about the inability of our political parties to find common ground