Michigan Business Network

Vic Verchereau welcomes Paula Cunningham, who is the State Director for AARP Michigan. Paula Cunningham, says "I followed my heart to this job" "I have had a rich and rewarding career in education as President of Lansing Community College and in the business community as CEO of Capitol National Bank. Now I am honored in my encore career to be part of the leadership team at AARP, a phenomenal organization that works tirelessly on behalf of people age 50 and older to help them to live their best lives" With all of this experience and wisdom gathered over the years, Paula is a leader for the state and an advocate for those who are asking, "What's Next?" Vic Verchereau talks to Paula on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown and asks..."What's Next" and reminds us to "Keep Looking Forward”! Don't miss this energetic look at the possibilities offered to those headed for the 4th quarter! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Michiganbusinessnetwo

Originally uploaded June 19th, reedited July 17th. Elizabeth Bernhard welcomes her latest batch of guests in manufacturing for a great conversation. This episode's guests include: Aaron Vorwerk Egnyte AEC Practice Leader, Architects + Owners Aaron presently leads business development efforts for architects and owners at Egnyte. Throughout his career, Aaron has advised professionals across several industries on project lifecycle strategy and workflows through roles in practice, consulting, technical sales, and marketing. He holds advanced degrees in architecture and engineering; has wide-ranging experience across the AEC industry, and he has led digital transformation efforts in two design firms. Jim Ochu North American ContractorLink General Manager Jim established North American ContractorLink to serve the maintenance needs of industrial plants and facilities. Jim has over 25 years of experience in marketing & business development in construction/trades, financial services, technology, and healthc

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer for the State of Michigan, Detroit, MI. Could you remind the Michigan business community about the role of the Chief Growth Officer? We're just coming off this year's Mackinac Policy Conference, what were some highlights? While there, I understand that you were discussing the findings from a new national poll, could you share those with us? That led to your report Moving Motivations tell us about that? Finally many things came out of the early efforts of Growing Michigan Together, what should the business community know about that council's report?

Originally uploaded April 23, re-edited July 11th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Jordan Turner, Economic Development Coordinator, Grand Rapids SmartZone, Grand Rapids, MI. The Grand Rapids SmartZone and its partners at Start Garden and Spartan Innovations are empowering Grand Rapids’ high-tech, high-growth startup community. Last month, the Grand Rapids SmartZone attended South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, representing Michigan at Midwest House. Several Grand Rapids-based entrepreneurs and innovators attended with their startups, all under the Grand Rapids SmartZone banner. At the event, founders were able to network and connect with investors. The Grand Rapids SmartZone provides a wide range of services to companies, including access to funding, networking opportunities, incubation space and more. Jordan can provide examples of companies that the Grand Rapids SmartZone has supported. o Examples: Protein Pints, OPNR, Vetr and Peadbo.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Brian Shoaf, Director, Government Relations Director, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit, MI Discussing the federal proposal to terminate agreement between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico: There were several questions raised regarding Delta Air Lines & Aeromexico agreement at risk: Brian Shoaf, Government Relations Director with the Detroit Regional Chamber is here to talk today about a federal proposal involving Delta Airlines and Aeromexico that would impact the Michigan business community and consumers. The federal department action would disrupt seamless leisure and business travel between the U.S. and Mexico and would harm Michigan's economy. Welcome Brian. Tell us about the federal proposal to terminate a partnership between the two airlines and why the Detroit Chamber thinks the decision should be reconsidered? Brian: A federal proposal to terminate a vital partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico would put local flights and jobs in jeopardy. The U.S. Department of

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Alexander S. Rusek, Shareholder, Lansing, along with Bryan Cermak, Senior Attorney, Southfield, MI, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC When your child turns 18, they are legally independent. Now that they are leaving home for the first time, they are likely to face multiple situations on their own where making the wrong choice could have long lasting negative effects. What are some of the common legal pitfalls that college students, especially first year students, can run into? (Not obtaining consent, academic dishonesty such as using CHATGPT/AI to write a paper, alcohol and drug use, distracted driving etc.) What are some of the long-term repercussions that these pitfalls can have, not just on a student’s academic career but also on any future professional opportunities? If your young adult child is charged with a crime, why is it important to contact a criminal law attorney immediately? It is best to plan ahead for potential disasters before they can occur. Before they leave

Originally uploaded April 18th, reedited July 8th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes JV Anderton business attorney (now Shareholder) at Foster Swift and an Executive Committee Member for LEAP Why succession planning is important? I understand you have a program to tell us about? What will the program cover? Where is the program? LANSING, MI – Ingham County businesses will have access to succession planning assistance through an innovative training series this spring and summer. Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Ingham County, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Star Trust and Transworld Business Advisors are delivering four Succession Planning 101 courses and two Succession Planning 201 courses geared to provide business owners a “Layman’s Guide to Succession Planning.” “Succession planning is one of the most over-looked aspects of business lifecycle and yet, an effective succession strategy can make an enormous financial difference to the owner(s) and the community

Originally Uploaded April 15, Re-edited July 5th. Chris Holman welcomes Lou Glazer, President of Michigan Future, Inc. , Ann Arbor, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Lou in this interview: Lou, remind the Michigan business community about Michigan Future, Inc.? You recently had Impact Research do polling of likely 2024 voters in Michigan what was your focus? Why do you believe there is broad bipartisan support for a $1 billion tax cut for Michigan parents? What are the implications of such a tax cut? Do you see any impact to the business community, like increased labor participation if the cuts happen? $1 billion tax cut for Michigan parents has broad bipartisan support At a time of stark partisan divide an overwhelming majority of Michiganders unite in support of a significant tax cut for Michigan’s working parents. LANSING, Mich. – Recent polling of likely 2024 voters in Michigan, conducted by Impact Research for Michigan Future, Inc., finds strong support for a $1 billion

Chris Holman welcomes Alexander S. Rusek, Shareholder, Lansing, MI and Bryan Cermak, Senior Attorney, Southfield, MI, both with Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC. When your child turns 18, they are legally independent. Now that they are leaving home for the first time, they are likely to face multiple situations on their own where making the wrong choice could have long lasting negative effects. What are some of the common legal pitfalls that college students, especially first year students, can run into? (Not obtaining consent, academic dishonesty such as using CHATGPT/AI to write a paper, alcohol and drug use, distracted driving etc.) What are some of the long-term repercussions that these pitfalls can have, not just on a student’s academic career but also on any future professional opportunities? If your young adult child is charged with a crime, why is it important to contact a criminal law attorney immediately? It is best to plan ahead for potential disasters before they can occur. Before they leave

Chris Holman welcomes back Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Tom in this latest interview. Q. Before we get started, can you remind our listeners what Project DIAMOnD is? Q. Last month, you had the Governor at the Mackinac Policy Conference talking her desire to expand the program statewide and now, you have been mentioned in a national report that explores ways to improve U.S. competitiveness in advanced manufacturing. Can you tell us more about this report? Q. What does this mention mean to Automation Alley? Why is Project DIAMOnD essential to improving our country’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing? Q. And as I mentioned briefly earlier, this is the same program that the Governor talked about just a few weeks ago at the Mackinac Policy conference, right? Q. What is next for Project DIAMOnD? Q: How can manufacturers get involved with the project? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s Yo

Originally uploaded June 26th re-edited July 4th. Chris Holman welcomes Kevin M. Guskiewicz, MSU President, East Lansing, MI. Kevin M. Guskiewicz, a neuroscientist, academic leader and concussion researcher, began his tenure as MSU’s 22nd President on March 4, 2024. Guskiewicz joins MSU from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served on the faculty since 1995 and as chancellor since 2019. Welcome Kevin, please share your career path highlights up to now? Tell us about your time so far in East Lansing and Vision for MSU in 2024? Share how you plan to support the community and especially engage the business community of mid-Michigan? Tell us about your recent experience up on the Island, for the Mackinac Policy Conference as part of the University Research Corridor leadership? » 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

Originally uploaded April 15th, reedited June 27th. Chris Holman welcomes back Mark McDaniel, President & CEO, Cinnaire, Lansing, Michigan, serving multiple state of the Great Lakes and Mid Atlantic regions. Welcome back Mark, refresh our Michigan audience on Cinnaire's purpose and scope of services? Charity is a big part of Cinnaire and your life, how did Pancakepalooza 2024 go for you? Tell us about Cinnaire Support for CARH Scholarship Foundation? Cinnaire also stepped up again while Celebrating MLK Day with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan? Tell us about the Ubuntu Fund Secures $55 Million Investment from Prominent Financial Institutions to Create Pathways for Equitable Access? » 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/

Originally uploaded April 15th, reedited June 26th Chris Holman welcomes back Lorri Rishar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, who is joined this time by Sabrina Kelly, digital media intern, EDGE Partnerships, Marquette, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out: Welcome back Lorri, remind us about EDGE? Sabrina, tell us about yourself and how you discovered EDGE? What will you be doing as a digital media intern? Will your projects just be for Marquette or across the EDGE clients range? Have your Northern Michigan University classes prepared you to contribute? Lorri, what other ways have EDGE leveraged internships over the years? » 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/

Vic Verchereau welcomes David Ashcraft, who is the President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network. David Ashcraft serves as the President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network (GLN), an organization at the forefront of global leadership development and in pursuit to serve more pastors, equip more churches, and inspire more leaders. The signature event of the GLN is The Global Leadership Summit, an annual gathering that brings ministry and marketplace expertise together from over 120 countries and translated into over 60 languages. Previously, for 32 years David served as the Pastor of LCBC Church in Manheim, Pennsylvania. Under David’s leadership, LCBC grew from one location with a weekly attendance of 150 people to 19 locations across the state of Pennsylvania with a combined average weekly attendance of over 22,000. Vic Verchereau hosts David in a conversation about building leaders and transitions to new generations. This is a connected leader sharing powerful insights, don't miss this edition

Originally uploaded April 8th, re-edited July 3. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Michelle Beebe, Chief Revenue Officer of SBAM, the Small Business Association of Michigan, Lansing, Welcome Michelle, please share a bit of your career path that led to being the CRO for SBAM? The recent news we wanted you on to share about is that SBAM is set to launch new women-owned business certification through partnership with Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, tell us about that? SBAM also does small business certification, what does that entail? Michelle, I understand you manage all products and services for SBAM so could you speak to general benefits too - anything that comes with being a member? Didn't I read something about another recent offering – cybersecurity insurance?

Originally uploaded April 11, re-edited June 30th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Elaina Farnsworth, Speaker | Published Author | Agent for Change in Electrification & 21st Century Infrastructure, and since last summer Chief Executive Officer, SkillFusion, Rochester, MI. First of all, Elaina, welcome, I know along the way you've been recognized as a 2018 Top 10 Influencers for North American Automotive Suppliers, tell us a bit about your career path? Accelerating the shift to electric vehicles through policy and innovation? Debunking myths surrounding electric vehicle performance and range? Highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of EV adoption? Showcasing advancements in EV technology and infrastructure? » 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/

Originally uploaded April 15th, reedited June 28th. Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, SHRM-CP, PHR, CBSP, CRP, Business Services Manager, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton, and Clinton Counties [THEME: Teri discusses Employer of the Day events, Weekly Hot Jobs Report and solutions for businesses who are hiring.] Question: What are some opportunities CAMW! offers to employers who are currently hiring? Each week, CAMW! partners with local employers to host Employer of the Day events at our Lansing American Job Center locations. Employers who host Employer of the Day event are able to: On-site recruiting. On-site interviews. In-person resume collection. [ Teri, please feel free to add any additional benefits.] Question: Teri, Can't Employers can also request to post a job opening on your Weekly Hot Jobs Report? Yes, This report is a compiled list of new job postings in the Lansing and surrounding communities. Released every Tuesday, each job on the Hot Jobs Report

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes JT Weis, Managing Director, Rapid Line Incorporated, Grand Rapids, MI. 1. Could you give readers and listeners a brief overview of Studio Wise/Rapid Line and what both companies are bringing to the B2B sphere? 2. Who are Studio Wise and Rapid Line hoping to serve through this new partnership? 3. When it comes to modernizing B2B quoting and getting your products into the hands of your customers with more efficiency, what goals and upcoming initiatives will this partnership focus on? 4. How does Studio Wise hope to leverage its standing within the design industry to accelerate its growth in the upscale hospitality market? 5. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to diversify Rapid Line’s business to now include high-quality products, which will strengthen its model, can you explain the vision behind this? 6. What can Studio Wise and Rapid Line partners expect in the coming months? Rapid Line Incorporated Acquires Studio Wise Design  Major metal fabrication player ente

Chris Holman welcomes Director Phil Roos at EGLE, Lansing, MI. Phil, Remind the Michigan business community about EGLE? How is EGLE engaged with the business community? News from Mackinac Island included that EGLE is partnering with MSHDA and Gov. Whitmer, you made an announcement on the Island about the home energy rebate program? What are you hoping to see passed in the budget this year? Michigan increases housing goal and announces programs to lower home energy costs for 28,000 families, helping more Michiganders reach their dreams of owning a home LANSING, Mich.– At the Mackinac Policy Conference Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced significant strides in housing and energy initiatives, continuing Michigan’s national leadership in leveraging climate and clean energy-related federal funding. This includes raising the state’s five-year housing production goal by over 50% and investing federal funds to lower energy costs for 28,000 low-income households through the Solar for All and Home

Originally posted June 14th, reposted June 17th. Chris Holman welcomes back Carrie Rosingana, , CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties. Carrie discusses the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair. Question: What is the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair? When is it? This year, we are celebrating the 31st annual Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the Lansing NAACP Branch. As a part of the event, CAMW! is partnering to host the Job and Community Resource Fair, a job fair that will feature employers from a variety of industries in our region and a showcase of resources available through local organizations. Employers from the following industries will be available: Education Engineering Finance Government Healthcare Hospitality Human Services Manufacturing Transportation It is a casual event intended to be a “come as you are”. The resource fair will include nonprofits and