Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes back Clifford {Cliff} Hammond, Shareholder, Employment & Labor Lawyer, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, Southfield and Lansing - Foster Swift, with a half dozen locations across Michigan. Chris had several questions about the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act for this conversation: Welcome back Cliff as of mid-March 2025, where do we stand with Michigan's ESTA? What were the key points of the legislative compromise recently signed by the Governor? Who must comply at this point? What are the deadlines? Any other changes anticipated at this point? Are there any major blind spots in the law that employers need to be aware of? Does Foster Swift have a resource to help businesses navigate this issue? » 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/

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Shibani Putatunda, Economic Specialist, with the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, within DTMB - the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget for the State of MI What is going on in Michigan’s labor market this month? How did Michigan’s labor market compare with the U.S. workforce in February? What industries saw the greatest change in number of jobs in February? What would you say is the key takeaway for Michigan’s labor market during February? 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/

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] Chris Holman welcomes Christy Howden; owner of Wolverine Pickleball, Ann Arbor, MI. This is the third of four interviews in a series. There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Christy: Welcome Christy, tell us about your business? Pickleball is a growing industry and community, what have you faced in trying to introduce not only your business, but the sport itself, to audiences? What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner? How did you learn about the fellowship? Why did you decide to apply? How did you feel when you heard you were accepted? What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts? Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses LANSING, Mich. – The SBA

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] Chris Holman welcomes Lillian Werbin, CEO/Co-Owner, Elderly Instruments, East Lansing, MI. This is the fourth of five interviews in a series. There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Lillian: About Your Business ● Welcome back Lillian, remind the Michigan business community about your business? ● What is the importance of engaging and strengthening the community along with your business? ● How have your past experiences helped you grow your company? Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship ● How did you learn about the fellowship? ● How did you feel when you heard you were accepted? Impact ● What are the biggest things you learned from the fellowship? ● How has being a part of the fellowship impacted you and your business? ● What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts? Small Business Association of Michigan F

Originally uploaded February 7th, re-edited March 14th. Chris Holman welcomes Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI, but serving statewide. Remind Michigan business community about Michigan Works! Association? What were some highlights of 2024? Beyond those MW!A serves as the advocate for the 16 statewide branches, what issues did you tackle in 2024? What Lansing, or Washington issues are on the forefront for 2025? Any 2025 calendar highlights we should be watching for? {include April 24th's Annual Impact Awards}.

Chris Holman welcomes Todd Gustafson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kinexus, Benton Harbor, MI. Welcome back Todd, (share about you and your experience that has led you here)? Tell me more about Kinexus Group and how you are structured (our purpose, how many nonprofit organizations we have, our newly acquired for profit, our charter school, and how many staff we have around the state)? Who do you serve at Kinexus Group? Can you share some of Kinexus Group’s goals for 2025?

Originally uploaded February 11, re-edited March 16th. Chris Holman welcomes Lisa Brown, SHRM-CP, VP, Client Services, HR Collaborative, Grand Rapids, MI. Welcome Lisa, remind us about HR Collaborative? New rules for Earned Sick Time takes effect in Michigan soon, what's the latest? What are the other big HR issues in early 2025? How is your company helping clients with these issues? How can folks get in contact 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/

Originally uploaded February 6, re-edited March 17th. Chris Holman welcomes Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Kelli, first remind the Michigan business community about LAFCU? What were your highlights for 2024? Recent headlines from LAFCU have included a dramatic reduction of Overdraft and Non-Sufficient Funds Fees, tell us about that? You continue to be with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, can you share some about LAFCU's support of the group and their annual celebration? We often hear about staff promotion at LAFCU, how impactful is the talent issue at your credit union?

Chris Holman welcomes Jim Benedict, a managing director at PNC Private Bank and an expert on business succession and transitions. [Up to speed notes from PNC: Most people are surprised to learn that more than 27% of U.S. companies are family owned. In fact, family-owned businesses contribute $5.9 trillion — or about 64% — to total U.S. GDP. Despite being a major driver of the U.S. and local economies, it’s not uncommon for family businesses to cease operations after the first generation exits the business. And, unfortunately, about 50% of business transitions occur involuntarily due to what has been coined by the Exit Planning Institute as “the Five Ds:” Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress.] Q. Jim, I understand that more than a quarter of all U.S. companies are family owned. Despite the huge impact family businesses make on the economy, a large percentage of them don’t survive after the first generation exits the business. Why is this? Q. Obviously every family-owned business wi

Chris Holman welcomes back Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, Lansing, MI. Congratulations, The Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE) has honored you with the 2024 Airport Manager of the Year Award, tell us about that? Your facility is hosting a special event at the end of next week with CAMC and their Rosie the Riveter Day, what can you share? The Capital Region International Airport continues to serve a vital role in mid Michigan economic development, tell us about that? » 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/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Tony McCaul, who is the Executive Director at Critter Barn. The story began in 1984. The founder of the Critter Barn, Mary Rottschafer, explained "With the excitement of moving out in the country, came the hope of a larger garden and a do-it-yourself lifestyle. A surprise party planned by a group of friends changed the course of our lives forever. With a freshly painted barn and a few animals, our farm experience began unexpectedly. In just six years children from area schools were on our farm for school field trips, and today our educational farm is a West Michigan attraction to over 100,000 people. Today a dedicated leader continues the learning and fun! Before joining Critter Barn, Tony McCaul worked with the Ottawa County ISD for 14 years as an Ag Tech teacher. Tony is a graduate of Michigan State University and Colorado State University with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Agriscience, Agriculture Education, and Biology. In this edition of Michigan Corners, host Vic Verc

Vic Verchereau welcomes Mark Whitacre, who is Vice President, Culture & Care at Coca-Cola Consolidated. Mark Whitacre is an Ivy League Ph.D. and the highest-ranked executive of any Fortune 500 company to become a whistleblower in US history, and is responsible for uncovering the ADM price-fixing scandal in the early 1990's. Mark Whitacre wore a wire for the FBI every day for three years. His wife, Ginger, forced him to turn himself into the FBI, which then started the ADM price-fixing case. Mark Whitacre currently serves as Vice President, Culture and Care at Coca-Cola Consolidated. Mark offers one-of-a-kind insight into corporate ethics, corporate greed, and the warning signs of a flawed corporate leadership to audiences across America and vital leadership to the Coca-Cola Consolidated team. After completing B.S. and M.S. degrees at Ohio State University, Mark then earned his PhD. degree at Cornell University in Biochemistry. Mark then worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies including Ralston Purina,

Faces of Manufacturing is a new show to Michigan Business Network. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, Michigan, co-hosts with Joy Wagner, HR Manager of Granger Waste Services, also Lansing. Cindy and Joy strive to share the corporate culture, personal stories, and unique personalities of those making a living in manufacturing today, in Michigan. With that in mind, this month they connected with Original Rosie The Riveters and Michigan Rosies Organization Jeannette Guiterrez - Founder and Director Delphine Klaput - Rosie Diana - Her Daughter Virginia Rusch - Rosie Early Life and Family: Could you share a bit about your childhood and the community you grew up in? What were some of your favorite activities or hobbies when you were young? How did your family influence your values and work ethic? Joining the Workforce: What inspired you to join the workforce during World War II? How did you hear about the opportunities for women to work in manufacturing? Can y

[Kim Bode spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Diane Arnold, owner of Neuco Furniture & Upholstery, Traverse City, MI. This is the second of four interviews in a series. There were several things he wanted to find out in this conversation: What have been some successes/challenges you’ve faced in your business? What’s the best thing about having a business in Michigan? How did you learn about the SBAM fellowship? Why did you decide to apply? How did you feel when you heard you were accepted? How has being a part of the fellowship impacted you and your business? Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 b

Originally uploaded October 3rd, re-edited February 20. Chris Holman welcomes Dennis Shaver, Product Development Program Director, Centropolis Accelerator @ Lawrence Technological University. Remind Michigan business community about the Centropolis Accelerator? What is your connection with this year's recent Michigan Inventors Coalition's Annual Expo? Tell us about your "Idea-to-Product Program"? Dig deeper on what happens in the Six On-line Sessions (Weekly on Tuesdays), how many are participating? Tell us about the Pitch Competition with Awards* @ The Start Garden? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded January 28, re-edited February 21st. Chris Holman welcomes back Kellie Dean, CEO, Dean Transportation, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Kellie, remind the Michigan business community about Dean Transportation and all your services? Please share some of your history? What were some highlights for 2024? What is the focus for 2025? As they wrap up the conversation Chris alludes to Dean Transportation's supporting philanthropy like the Lansing Promise, so watch for an upcoming future interview on more of Kellie's legacy and efforts. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back Kinexus / HR Collaborative spotlight guest Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions, Benton Harbor, MI. There were several questions Chris wanted to find out Tell me more about Youth Solutions and what you all do? Roger, MBN has known you in many roles review that? How many youth do you typically impact each year? (As in how many youth impacted, and number of programs we have and how many cities the program is working in) What are some highlights from 2024, as far as your tracked metrics and outcomes? What are your goals for 2025, especially in unique ones important for Michigan's businesses and economy? About Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions. I am incredibly excited and honored to lead a talented and dedicated team at Youth Solutions. Together, we will create lasting and meaningful change and opportunities for Michigan and our youth. We are committed to providing every youth in Michigan high-quality, career-focused education so that each one gra

Originally uploaded January 28, re-edited March 3rd. Chris Holman welcomes back Julie Pingston, President & CEO, Choose Lansing, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Julie remind the Michigan business community about Choose Lansing? What were some highlights from 2024? What is your organization looking forward to in 2025? You recently gave a report at our Mid-Michigan Economic Forecast Breakfast, what were your takeaways from that day? Meanwhile they're also excited for the upcoming Annual Meeting: WHO: Choose Lansing® staff, Board of Directors, as well as area hospitality industry staff and other regional community leaders. WHAT: Executive leadership of Choose Lansing® will share how the Greater Lansing hospitality and tourism industry welcomes 6.7 million visitors each year, generating $732 million dollars in economic impact for the region. It will also celebrate the CTA Star of the Year, recognize longstanding local businesses and share a look into 2025 initiatives. WHERE: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center Big

Chris Holman welcomes Paula Macpherson, Executive Director, Velocity, Macomb County, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Paula in this conversation: 1.Velocity has been a driving force in supporting startups in Macomb County for over 11 years. Can you share some of the key challenges and opportunities you've seen in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in this region? 2. You’ve had impressive success in helping businesses grow, such as helping start 31 new companies and attracting $19.2M in investments last year. What do you believe sets Velocity apart from other incubators and accelerators in Michigan? 3. You offer essential services like grant support and entrepreneur guidance. What is the most common type of support that startups seek when they first come to Velocity, and how do you tailor your approach to meet their needs? 4. As one of Michigan’s 21 MEDC SmartZones, how does Velocity contribute to the broader economic development goals of the state, and what role do you envision

Chris Holman welcomes Chris Miller, SIOR, Senior Vice President, Martin Commercial Properties, Lansing, MI. This discussion is the first of three with Martin Commercial Properties team, and focuses on Industrial and Investment Advisory. These were the questions they cover in this conversation: With industrial vacancy rates holding steady, what factors are driving demand in the market, and how do you see this trend evolving in 2025? How are companies in the industrial sector adapting to supply chain challenges, and what role does location selection play in mitigating these risks? With major investments from companies like GM, Neogen, and Gestamp, how do these large-scale projects impact industrial property development and investor confidence? These interviews grow out of a series of three recent reports recently released by the company. You can access them at: https://martincommercial.com/marketinsights/ . Industrial '24 Market Insights: "INDUSTRIAL ‘24 Market Insights Greater Lansing Area, Michigan | H