Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes back Mayor Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mike Duggan endorsement graphicDuggan, 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 and move Michigan forward,”

Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Chris Holman welcomes guests, conducts a community roundtable. Paul King describes the Michigan Future Business Index, while Mike Witt of Cinnaire then debuts the MFBI results. Paul and Chris reply to Q&A. Nakia Mills of the BBB of Michigan shares services and information, and Tim Daman of the Lansing Regional Chamber shares details of what's been going on in the Lansing region so far in 2025, and what will be coming up the rest of the year, and peaks at 2026. Brought to you by: Michigan Business Network Underwritten by: Cinnaire Produced by: ROI Insight Tour Sponsored by: Better Business Bureau Event Sponsored by: Dean Transportation Shaheen Chevrolet | Shaheen Cadillac LAFCU Credit Union Capital Region International Airport | Fly Lansing Michigan Future Business Index What drives Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses? Find out with the Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) Survey. This in-depth, semi-annual report organizes valuable insights and trends about Michigan bu

Thursday, July 17th MBN was on the road to LAFCU's corporate headquarters to join in celebrating the winners of LAFCU's 2025 Pathway to Financial Transformation Essay Contest. The noon-hour event included a brief program where the winners share their inspiring story, and how this opportunity is helping them take steps toward financial stability. . LAFCU to award $10K to essay contest winners to support debt reduction and financial goals Check presentation takes place Thursday, July 17 at LAFCU Headquarters LAFCU celebrates the winners of its 2025 Pathway to Financial Transformation Essay Contest during a special event Thursday, July 17. The Michigan-based credit union awarded a total of $10,000 to four individuals whose essays were selected from entries across the state. One on this video with the others to receive theirs when available. In addition to receiving $2,500 checks, winner shares their personal stories and speak about their financial journeys. LAFCU staff, including Shelia Scott, communit

Chris Holman welcomes Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, Lansing, MI. Chris had several questions for Nicole in this month's conversation: We understand the airport will play host to a couple of events (closed to the public) July 30th, tell us more? {AIAM, the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, has a luncheon, same day as announcement of electric plane charging units}. Apple Vacations is changing things up for 2026? Breeze Airways, Tampa and Fort Meyers, tell us about those routes? » 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/

Thursday, July 10th, Jeffrey Mosher was on the road to UM Health-Sparrow Lansing, 1215 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, Michigan. The celebration was regarding University of Michigan Health-Sparrow just completing its 500th ION robotic bronchoscopy, an innovative procedure that allows clinicians to maneuver a robotic-assisted catheter into the lungs to target hard-to-reach nodules. It means we’re able to reach small or remote nodules that may contain the first signs of lung cancer and then address the cancer before it spreads. UM Health-Sparrow was the first hospital in the region to use ION and we’re ready to celebrate our 500th milestone. A patient whose cancer was detected at an early stage will be available to discuss how ION changed his life, plus physicians will talk about the impact of the procedure. For this video, you see the room with procedures, interviews with Dr. Mohanad M. Saleh, MD Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care Medicine, Interventional Pulmonology and then patient Dan, an example of one of the 5

Chris Holman welcomes Jessica Rollins, Multi-Unit Owner, Sylvan Learning Centers, Jackson, MI, TOPIC: Jessica will discuss Sylvan’s 35-year impact on the Jackson community, her 11 Sylvan Learning Centers across the state, and her recent MCSB award. Jessica, remind the Michigan business community about Sylvan Learning Centers? What does it mean for you and your team to win a Michigan Celebrates Small Business award? When students fall behind in school, the ramifications go beyond the academic space. For children, school is a place to develop socially, emotionally and behaviorally while building their confidence in their skillset. When students don’t understand what is going on, they will likely become frustrated and even act out. All of these circumstances come in addition to any academic reflections. As a previous classroom teacher, what made you transition to Sylvan, and how do you encourage partnership with a student’s school teacher? You’ve had some quick growth (from 3 centers in 2017 to 11 centers

Originally uploaded June 13th, reloaded July 6th. Chris Holman welcomes back Eric Olmscheid, Executive Director, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, East Lansing, MI. Welcome back Eric, remind the Michigan business community about the Wharton Center? We spoke to you early last autumn, what turned out to be the highlights of the 2024-2025 season? So, the audience is ready to hear about the 2025–2026 Broadway and Performing Arts Season, what can we expect? Eric, tell us about your deep passion for the arts and the vital role they play in our lives? Remind us about the Wharton Center’s behind-the-scenes initiatives—especially our education and community engagement programs? Eric, I understand there's an important reminder about online ticketing? » 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/ www.wharto

Vic Verchereau welcomes Madeline Fabiano Blair, who is the Owner Emeritus at Fabiano's Candies. In 1924, 14-year-old Michael Fabiano of Holland told his father the family's ice cream parlor would be the perfect place to make and sell top-quality homemade candy. Convinced by his son's enthusiasm and determination, Charles Fabiano bought a local candy operation and moved it to their ice cream parlor. It was an instant success! Eleven years later, Michael married Jane Coscarelli and moved to Lansing. Here, Mike taught Jane how to make candy using only the finest ingredients, without shortcuts, to get the very best results. Together, they passed the art on to their children and grandchildren. Today, Fabiano's Candies is a fixture in Michigan's capital city. Its enduring tradition of quality and service lives on through daughter, Madeline Fabiano Blair and grandson, Steven Blair. Take in this sweet edition of the Leadership Lowdown when host Vic Verchereau gets the family story right from Madeline Fabiano Blai

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Shelia Scott, Community Financial Education & Business Development Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Starting it off can you share about a timely event Back to School Extravaganza. We understand It's almost time to get back to school and we know how important it is for students to have the items they need to start the school year off right. {Event Sunday, August 17th, see LAFCU website}. We were together recently for a celebration of some individuals as LAFCU Awarded $10K to Essay Contest Winners, Support Debt Reduction Financial Goals, remind the business community about that? This course is now in its fifth year—what inspired LAFCU to create the Pathway to Financial Transformation program, and how has it evolved since 2020? The program has helped participants improve credit scores, pay off debt, and build savings. Can you share a success story that really stands out to you? Why is it important that the course be free and open to all Michigan residents, regardless of credit unio

Originally uploaded July 24th, reloaded August 14th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Phil Roos, Director of EGLE, Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes And Energy, Lansing, MI The EGLE team recently visited Kalamazoo to tour brownfield sites. Before we get into the specifics, what is brownfield redevelopment and why does it matter? You toured the Harrison Circle site and River's Edge site. Can you talk about what makes each of these special? EGLE works with more communities than just Kalamazoo on brownfield development. Can you talk about the impact the program is having statewide? Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer released her FY 26 budget recommendations. How do her recommendations support brownfield redevelopment as well as environmental sustainability and economic development? » 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 Inst

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Charlene Bush, local marketing lead for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and the newly launched TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK in Southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Questions 1. Can you start by telling us a little about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and its presence in Southeast Michigan? (Years in the region, locations served like Ann Arbor, reputation for customer service, moving expertise, locally owned/operated.) 2. Now there’s a new service in the mix. TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK. What inspired this expansion? (Alan Oversmith’s journey from manager to multi-brand owner, growing need for reliable junk removal, natural extension of moving services.) 3. For listeners who might not be familiar, what kinds of things does TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK help remove? And how does the service work? (Furniture, appliances, yard waste, curbside pickup, full-service haul-away- easy booking and no heavy lifting for the customer.) 4. Sustainability is a big focus. Can you talk about how the team keeps usable items out

Chris Holman welcomes back Keith Lambert, COO of LEAP, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Lansing, Michigan serving mid-Michigan. Welcome back, remind the business community about LEAP? Bob, completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities, tell us about that? A big win last month, IONETIX set to invests $25.75M in Delta Township Facility, Creating 53 High-Tech Jobs and Advancing Lansing’s MedTech Leadership, what else should we know about this? What have been some other highlights from the first half of 2025, perhaps the recent Benchmarking report? What else is on the horizon for the Lansing area? » 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/ Completion of LEAP’s Small Town Enhancement Grant Program Delivered Big Wins for Rural Communities Progra

Chris Holman welcomes back Shibani Putatunda, Economic Specialist, with the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics What is going on in Michigan’s labor market this month? How did Michigan’s unemployment rate compare with the U.S. and other states in May? Which industries saw the greatest change in number of jobs during May? What happened in the Michigan regions this month? What would you say is the key takeaway for Michigan’s labor market this month? Where can we find more information on Michigan’s labor market? » 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/ LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate edged down by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 5.4 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment w

Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, Business Services Manager and Joe Winkiel, Business Services Officer CAMW!, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. What is the Job Finders Group? How does JFG connect candidates to local employers? What are some examples of JFG success stories? How could a Lansing area employer get involved with JFG? » 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 Jeff Metts, President, Dowding Industries, Eaton Rapids, MI. Remind the Michigan business community about Dowding Industries? Tell us about your company's 60th Anniversary? How has the company evolved over those 6 decades? Where are things going in the next few years? Are you finding the talent you need? » 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 Katie Nida, Operations Coordinator Velocity business incubator in Sterling Heights, MI. Welcome Katie, remind the Michigan business community about Velocity? Let’s start with the basics—what is SizeUp Sterling Heights, and what inspired Velocity to bring this platform to local businesses? Also, one of the big selling points is that this service is completely free. How are you able to offer something this valuable at no cost to local entrepreneurs? What specific types of data and insights can businesses access through SizeUp? Can you give a few real-world examples of how this might impact decision-making? How does SizeUp Sterling Heights help level the playing field between small businesses and larger, well-resourced companies? How does SizeUp integrate with the resources and services already offered through Velocity and the Sterling Innovation District? Looking ahead, how do you see SizeUp contributing to the long-term economic development of Sterling Heights and Macomb County?

Originally uploaded July 1st, reloaded July 10th. Chris Holman welcomes Amanda Johnson, Business Resource Coach, CAMW!, Lansing, MI. Question: What is the Business Resource Network? Capital Area Michigan Works!’ Business Resource Network (or BRN as we typically call it) is a novel retention strategy that focuses on preventing employees from quitting or getting fired. The long-term goal is to improve employee retention for BRN member employers, which will boost productivity along with growth opportunities within their organization. Targeted services to employer members working with a BRN Success Coach aim to successfully remove barriers to employees that may affect retention while providing pathways for those facing obstacles to employment success. Question: How does the Business Resource Network assist employees? Employees meet with a BRN Success Coach and identify areas of improvement. The coach works with each employee individually working to connect them with area resources or provide soft skills trai

Originally uploaded July 1st, reloaded July 7th, Chris Holman welcomes Kate Litwin, Community Development Director at DLI (Downtown Lansing Incorporated). Can you talk about what Middle Village is? How did this program get started? How does Middle Village support Lansing’s business community? What types of stores can be found in Middle Village? Can you talk about Middle Village’s space? Where can listeners go for more information? » 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/ Middle Village to Celebrate 2025 Cohort with Grand Opening on June 25, Featuring New and Returning Shops New shops offer a great addition to the Downtown Lansing shopping scene LANSING, Mich. (June 20, 2025) - Middle Village, a retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust, an

Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, Business Services Manager, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing serving Ingham Eaton and Clinton Counties Topic: Going PRO Talent Fund 1. What exactly is the Going PRO Talent Fund, and what’s the goal of it? State of MI legislature determines $ Competitive application…private sector…reimbursed Ers upskill workers, train new hires 2. What sorts of things can the Talent Fund pay for, either for employers or employees? Onsite training of FT new hires Classroom training of current workers or new hires; results in certificate of completion, certification, license or academic credit Eligible classroom training topics updated each year; not soft skills, continuing ed credits, conferences, or workshops Reimburse only for the cost of the training itself (NOT materials, equipment, travel, etc.) Max reimbursement is $2,000 per person; $3,500 USDOL RA 3. As the Business Services Manager for Capital Area Michigan Works!, what is the Business Services Team’s role in t

Chris Holman welcomes back Stephanie Beckhorn, Director, Employment & Training, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Topic: New Report: Michigan is #3 in the Nation for Helping Residents Get Employed! Can you tell us a little bit about LEO’s Office of Employment and Training? The Office of Employment & Training released its annual report this week. What are some of the key findings from that report? What are the key programs making the findings in this report possible? Just last year, LEO unveiled the state’s first-ever Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. How does the work of the Office of Employment and Training support this plan? » 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/ Michigan ranks #1 nationally in adult credential attainment and serves more job seekers than any other