Michigan Business Network

Vic Verchereau welcomes Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, who is the Owner and Vice President at Bavarian Inn Lodge. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Cass River, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is a world-class resort destination for families and couples. Unique in theme, experience a trip to “Little Bavaria” in Frankenmuth, Michigan! A great vacation spot for families and couples alike. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge and Frankenmuth River Place Shops have everything for a perfect vacation... and just around the corner! In this edition of Michigan Corners, host Vic Verchereau catches up with 4th generation owner and Vice President, Martha Zehnder Kaczynski for all the details of the new multi-million dollar expansion of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. So much to do and to know about this Michigan Gem! Tune in and get ready to pack! An old world experience is waiting only an hour away from Lasing! It's a Bavarian Blast! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Karen Mead, Co-Owner of Farmgirl Flea Market, Hudsonville, MI He had several questions for Karen in this conversation: 1. Tell us a bit about Farmgirl Flea’s Spring Market? 2. What can people find at this year’s market? 3. What’s the importance of shopping locally? 4. What sets Farmgirl apart from other flea markets? 5. How can people learn more about this market and the others you have coming up? ● Spring Market Details ○ May 16 from 4-8 p.m. ○ May 17 from 9-4 p.m. ○ Featuring more than 150 makers at Hudsonville Fairgrounds ○ 9th annual market has live music, drinks, & food trucks ○ Discover artisan and thrift goods, antiques, vintages, handmade items, boutique clothing, baked goods, and more. ● Ticket Info ○ $15 for a full weekend ticket, Friday and Saturday, only available online ○ $10 Friday general admission ○ $7 Saturday general admission ○ Kids 12 and under and veterans and active military members are free ○ Tickets can be purchased at www.farmgirlflea.com or at th

Lorri Rishar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI. Co-Hosts of the new MBN show "BOLD LeadHERS" Following tradition for Michigan Business Network, the pair of hosts, spend their first two segments of the first episode with Chris Holman founder and CEO of MBN. He interviewed them in Segment 1 Lorri, Becky welcome, and congratulations on your new show, start us off by sharing each of your backgrounds? Those are great careers, tell me about the new show "BOLD LeadHERS"? Who is a typical guest we can expect from the show? Please stick around, in segment two you're going to step into the host job, and interview me (part 2) Chris turned the show over to Lorri and Becky: Lorri, Becky you have some questions for me? Chris, you've had quite a career, you heard the premise of our show, what was the state of women leaders and women in business when you began your career? What changes have you seen over the years?

Vic Verchereau welcomes J.T. Mestdaugh, who is the Founder of the J.T. Mestdaugh Foundation. In J.T. Mestdaugh's words “I want to share my story so people who feel alone and discouraged might feel, well...less alone and more confident.” By the time J.T. Mestdaugh was three years old, he had spent 250 days in the hospital, and he endured sixteen major surgeries before he was sixteen. Diagnosed with VATER Syndrome, a rare combination of several birth defects. J.T.’s life was anything but easy. On top of his physical challenges, he suffered dyslexia and short-term memory loss, which made learning nearly impossible for him. Yet J.T. pushed past his physical and educational roadblocks to achieve what many people told him he would never do—learn to read, graduate from high school, attend college, and become a successful motivational speaker, influential podcast host, and bestselling author. Join Leadership Lowdown host Vic Verchereau as he invites J.T. Mestdaugh to share his compelling and inspiring story.

Chris Holman welcomes Mike McFall, Co-Founder/Co-CEO, Biggby Coffee, East Lansing, MI There were several things Chris wanted to find our during their conversation: Mike welcome, remind the Michigan business community about Biggby Coffee's history? Big news right now is BIGGBY COFFEE celebrating 30 years of growth, customer loyalty, and specialty coffee innovation, tell us about that? What have been some of the highlights over those 3 decades? BIGGBY COFFEE has been known for fostering enduring relationships with vendors, speak to that for business success? Your roasters are now processing 100 times as much from your early days, speak to the consistency? How is the company planning for its future, at 30 years it's also evolved into a multi-generational business, speak to that? The high-energy coffee franchise is celebrating three decades of growth with a nationwide party and looking forward to its continued impact as it supports people in building lives they love. EAST LANSING, MI, March 2025 -- BIGGB

Originally uploaded April 7, re-edited April 21st. Chris Holman welcomes back Zac Clark, General Manager, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing, MI. Athletics affiliation is at an interesting time, tell us about Sacramento? So Zach your season is just underway, remind Michigan about the Crosstown Rivalry with MSU? What sort of economic impact for Mid-Michigan should we expect from this season? What are the other sneak previews you can give for 2025? Can you speak to your ties with local companies like LAFCU, Jackson, and the associated philanthropy that comes out of this? » 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 back Dick Peffley, General Manager, Lansing Board of Water & Light, Lansing, MI. Lansing BWL jumped into action after the recent Thunderstorm damage March 30th and then has shared crews up north to help after the Ice Storms? Tell us about LBWL's commitment to Earth Month? Your annual Water Quality Report is out, tell us a bit about that? A public favorite, what's the status of your Falcons at Erickson Station? How did the recent semi-annual Resource Fair go? Give a plug to your Recycle-RAMA on April 26th? Share LBWL's perspective on the new Tower On Grand project from New Vision Lansing? » 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 back Noel Nevshehir, Director, International Business Services and Global Strategic Partnerships, Automation Alley, Troy, MI. Welcome back Noel, remind the Michigan business community about Automation Alley's International Business Services and Global Strategic Partnerships? Many of those are tied in through MEDC? Tell us about your upcoming Automation Alley Trade Mission to SE Asia? MI-Step plays a role in these as well, tell us about that? Without giving away corporate brands can you share business sectors that have stepped forward to attend these in Indonesia and Malaysia, and possibly Singapore? Can you preview where the next international trade mission might be headed? » 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 11th, reloaded April 18th. Chris Holman welcomes back Kimberly Way, CXO, Chief Experience Officer, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Kimberly, remind us about Michigan Works! Association? You have your annual Impact Awards, near the state Capitol April 24th, tell us more? Last year was a memorable experience, do you have any general stories you can share about the upcoming honorees? These events don't happen in a silo, are there any sponsors to thank? What talent issues are now at the forefront for Michigan Works! Association in Lansing, or Washington? » 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/ About Impact Awards Impact Awards honor those who have contributed to strengthening Michigan’s economy by actively creating jobs and developing fresh talent in

Chris Holman welcomes Katherine Japinga to the MBN studio for this month's conversation. Katherine is the Director of Marketing, Capital Region Airport Authority, Lansing, MI. We understand you're wrapping up our international season for 2025 – 15th year with apple vacations/international service? Not much to say here since we don’t have final numbers for the season and we don’t have next year’s destinations, but just a general talking point since we are wrapping up service. Tell us about other service updates? BREEZE: Seasonal service with Breeze to Fort Myers – Breeze just announced Fort Myers service will be back at LAN starting Oct. 3 (it currently runs through April, and then will take a break from May-September) Flights are available to book now from Oct. 3 through Jan. 5 (for Fort Myers). Will continue to be twice/week, and will be on Fridays and Mondays Flights to Orlando with Breeze are still available year-round, twice/week. You can officially book through Jan. 3 AMERICAN: Starting this mon

Originally uploaded March 14th, reloaded April 13th. Chris Holman welcomes back Julie Pingston, President & CEO, Choose Lansing, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Julie, you've just wrapped up your Annual Meeting, tell us about that, and about its focus? And in that meeting you celebrated some record-breaking numbers please share those? One of Choose Lansing and the area's strengths are its CTAs tell us about those and some of them who were recognized yesterday? A feature of your meetings has been to observe anniversaries of some key businesses and organizations, who was honored this year? You alluded to the future in your January interview, tell us about "THE LIST"? “The industry continues to gain positive momentum, ending 2024 with a record-breaking 1,112,196 rooms consumed,” said Julie Pingston, Choose Lansing® President and CEO. “The hotel occupancy rate landed at 54.2%, surpassing 2023’s occupancy rate, both of which are offset by the addition of 800 hotel rooms to the overall inventory since 2019. We’re al

Chris Holman welcomes Ann Marie Creed, Newly named president of University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing, Lansing, MI. Welcome Ann, can you share your career background? We understand you start this new role May 19th? Your roles in healthcare have prepared you well for this new position? What drew you to UMH Sparrow as they underwent their search? Are there any committees or boards you will keep ties with now in this new role? Experienced health care leader Ann Marie Creed named president of University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing LANSING, Mich. – Ann Marie Creed, MHSA, BA, who has extensive experience in health care leadership roles, has been named president of University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing. She will begin her new job on May 19. Creed has been a vice president of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit since 2012, overseeing surgical services, operations and currently as leader of system capacity command and patient logistics. In the latter role, she oversees all admissions,

Chris Holman welcomes Mark McDaniel, President & CEO, Cinnaire, headquartered in Lansing, MI, serving 9 states. He is joined on this interview by,... Jennifer Calery, Strategic Communications Specialist, Cinnaire, Alpena, MI, assisting her local Boys and Girls Club. Mike Daust, Mark's brother-in-law, Plant Manager, Albie's Food Products, LLC, Gaylord, MI. Welcome back Mark share the scope of the issues folks have endured "up north"? You have a couple of folks with you can you please introduce them? Jennifer I understand you're assisting shelters? You met with Governor Whitmer last week, tell us more? Electricity is coming back on but share about the Alpena storm damage? Mike, share about the storm's impact on Gaylord, and your workforce? » 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 March 6th, reedited April 10th Chris Holman welcomes Rowan Leo, Account Manager & Head of Digital Department, 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications Welcome Rowan, remind the Michigan business community about 8ThirtyFour? What makes 8THIRTYFOUR's approach to website development unique? How does 8THIRTYFOUR balance aesthetic design with functional user experience when developing websites? How do you ensure that a website truly represents a company's brand identity and messaging? How do you help clients understand the ROI of investing in quality website development? With the increasing importance of mobile experiences, how does your team approach responsive design? Once a website launches, what ongoing support does 8THIRTYFOUR provide? How does 8THIRTYFOUR integrate SEO strategy into website development? How can businesses connect with you and 8THIRTYFOUR to learn more about your website development services? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s Y

Chris Holman welcomes back Susan Corbin, Director, LEO - Michigan's Department of Labor, Economic Opportunity, Lansing, MI. What is the Going PRO Talent Fund, and what kind of support does it offer to Michigan businesses and workers? How does the fund help strengthen Michigan’s workforce and support employers looking to grow and retain skilled talent? Since the program’s launch, Going PRO has supported more than 225,000 workers and awarded $302 million in grants to 7,480 businesses. What kinds of outcomes are you seeing, and what does that mean for Michigan’s workforce and economy long-term? Going PRO is part of LEO’s All-Access Michigan approach. Can you talk about how the program is helping remove barriers and create more equitable pathways to good-paying, secure jobs across the state? » 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:

Vic Verchereau welcomes Anthony Byson and Stephanie Byson, who are owners of Equip the Leader. Lead with Confidence – Know exactly how to communicate and make decisions that inspire action. Unlock Hidden Strengths – Discover the powerful traits you already possess but haven’t fully leveraged. Eliminate Barriers to Success – Identify and overcome the unseen obstacles keeping you stuck. Maximize Your Influence – Learn how to build deeper connections and drive meaningful results. Those are just a few of the outcomes you can expect from the coaches at Equip the Leader. Stephanie and Anthony Byson have brought their business experience and insight to the Leadership Lowdown. They share their winning management philosophies and proven coaching styles with Vic Verchereau. They want you to know, "you’re not failing, you’re just doing too much alone. You don’t need more hustle—you need more clarity, and you deserve a community that lifts you while you lead". Dial up this edition of the Leadership Lowdown and learn

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Shelia Scott, Community Financial Education and Business Development Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. RE: LAFCU's Pathway to Financial Transformation Graduation Ceremony, and an upcoming deadline. Q1: Welcome back Shelia, for those who aren’t familiar, what is the Pathway to Financial Transformation program, and who is it designed for? A: The Pathway to Financial Transformation program is LAFCU’s free, eight-month financial education program open to anyone—members or not. It’s an online class that meets every other week. We cover everything from budgeting and credit to long-term financial planning. It’s designed to be supportive, judgment-free, and accessible, whether someone is just starting out, trying to recover from setbacks, or planning for the future. Q2: You recently held a graduation ceremony for this year’s participants. Can you tell us more about that and what it meant to the graduates? A: Yes—we just celebrated our most recent group of graduates, and it was a truly inspiri

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Lindsay Gainor, VP of HR and Talent Management, Two Men And A Truck, Lansing, MI. What makes this year’s Career Move Season different from previous years? How has TWO MEN AND A TRUCK adapted its hiring strategy to attract and retain talent? What career advancement opportunities are available for new hires? Can you share a success story of someone who grew from an entry-level role into leadership? How is the Lansing headquarters supporting local franchise growth and job creation in Michigan?" » 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 July 11th, re-edited April 22nd. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Elissa Sangalli, President/CEO, Northern Initiatives, Marquette, MI. Questions 1. Can you explain the significance of Michigan having the largest state-supported CDFI program in the nation? 2. How will the $19 million awarded in this second round of MEDC funding specifically impact Michigan communities? 3. How has MEDC’s MI CDFI Fund impacted Northern Initiatives and other members of the coalition's ability to support underserved communities? 4. The FY2025 state of Michigan budget recently passed and the MI CDFI Fund was allotted $5M in funding. What specific initiatives or projects are expected to benefit most from this increased funding? 5. What role do you see CDFIs playing in the broader economic development of Michigan? $19 Million Awarded to 38 CDFIs to Support Underserved Borrowers Michigan Hosts the Nation’s Largest State CDFI Fund, Granting Support for Underserved Consumers, Small Businesses, Affordable Housi

Vic Verchereau welcomes Rick Ruble, who is the Summit Point Leader for the Global Leadership Summit's Lansing area site. Rick Ruble has joined the effort to bring a worldwide event to the Mid-Michigan area. The Global Leadership Summit event reaches over 300,000 people in excess of 500 locations across the globe. As the Summit Point Leader for the Lansing area site, Rick embraces the vision and mission of the Global Leadership Network. When you see the possibilities for something bigger than yourself… when you understand your place in making a better world… when you get the tools and guidance you need to grow… when you’re encouraged and energized to take that next step in your journey… you’ll be ready to embrace the call to be a true leader. You’ll show the way forward and bring others along with you, and you’ll create moments and movements that make tangible, meaningful differences in the lives around you. That’s leadership with a higher purpose. That’s the vision! Hear all about this innovative progra