Michigan Business Network

Vic Verchereau welcomes Sarah Pierce, who is Founder and Owner of 517 Living. Looking to get more connected with Michigan’s Greater Lansing community? 517 Living was created for YOU. It was 2014 and Sarah Pierce was feeling a little lost. Having lived in the Lansing area for about 17 years she had virtually no connection with its community. Things just weren't clicking; she said, "I lived here, but it wasn't mine. I also noticed that it wasn't just me; I witnessed local friends, family, and business folks feeling disconnected and unimpressed." With this, 517 Living was born! She believes "building 517 Living helped me overcome my social anxiety, gave me a more purposeful life, and introduced me to the fascinating "behind the scenes" movers and shakers of our community who are much more "walk" than talk! 517 Living has enriched my life, and I hope it does the same for you." Join host Vic Verchereau as he hears all about what's going on in the 517 on this edition of Michigan Corners with this local amba

Vic Verchereau welcomes Sara Bush, who is Senior Director of Golf Relations for Folds of Honor. Sara Bush is Senior Director of Golf Relations for Folds of Honor. In that role, Sara and her team earn significant funds through the game of golf to provide academic scholarships for the families of fallen or disabled military and first responders. With Folds of Honor, she has been responsible for the continued growth of Patriot Golf Days, the nation’s largest grassroots golf fundraiser celebrated over Memorial Day weekend, as well as Folds of Honor HERO100 Golf Marathons, tournaments, and securing significant corporate partners. Sara shares her journey with Leadership Lowdown Host Vic Verchereau. Get ready because there is nothing but the fairway ahead of you on this round of the Leadership Lowdown! » 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/

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Julie Thomasma, CEO of Child and Family Charities, Lansing, MI. Strategic Vision – What inspired the creation of the Nonprofit HUB, and how does it fit into Child and Family Charities’ long-term mission and growth strategy? Collaborative Model – From a business perspective, how does resource sharing among nonprofits at the HUB lower overhead costs and increase operational efficiency? Impact Metrics – With projections of serving up to 77% more people annually, what key performance indicators will you track to measure the Hub’s success? Partnership Development – How did you attract and align partners like Big Brothers Big Sisters, NAMI Lansing, and United Way, and what does it take to sustain these collaborations? Sustainability & Expansion – What lessons from the HUB’s launch can be applied to ensure long-term financial sustainability, and do you see potential for similar models in other regions? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTu

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Aaron Johnson, President, AIAM, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, who had been on an MBN on the Road video from late July 2025. For new listeners - Michigan isn’t traditionally thought of as an aerospace state – can you tell me a bit about the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, and how it got started? Why should Michigan businesses consider working in the aerospace industry? Does AIAM have any programs or resources to help companies start working in the aerospace industry? I see that you have a conference coming up in Grand Rapids next week, can you share a bit more 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/

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Krista Johnson, Deputy Director for Workforce Development at Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Let’s start with the basics: what is adult education? Can you talk a little bit about the adult education programs the state offers and some of your community partners? What steps is LEO taking to ensure Michigan’s education and training programs are aligned with the skills employers across the state are looking for?
 Can you share how the state’s adult education programs are creating opportunities for Michiganders seeking rewarding jobs and for businesses seeking a strong pipeline of talent?
 How can Michigan residents get information about adult education resources and opportunities in their communities? » 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/mibizn

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Everett M. Woodel, Jr. , SBA - Great Lakes Regional Administrator, headquartered in Chicago, but he serves from Ohio. Tell me about SBA Administrator Loeffler’s recent visit to Michigan. Administrator Loeffler visited Michigan and others states across the U.S. to highlight the One Big Beautiful Bill. Tell us about how the OBBB benefits small businesses. SBA just announced that the 2026 National Small Business Week will be held May 3 -9, 2026. Tell us about the nomination process for some of the big small business awards that are given out that week? Regional Priorities – As Great Lakes Regional Administrator, what are the most pressing small business challenges you see across Michigan and neighboring Great Lakes states? What national issues for small business are getting your attention here in the region? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork »

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Amerika Richardson, T3 Education Officer, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties Welcome back Amerika, tell us about your Career Education Advisory Council Role? I serve as the facilitator of the Career Education Advisory Council, also known as T3 (Teach. Talent. Thrive.). The council brings together educators, employers, postsecondary institutions, and community partners to align career education opportunities with regional workforce needs. A key part of our work is ensuring that career readiness and exploration are embedded throughout the K-16 pipeline, so students graduate prepared for both college and careers. We operate under Michigan’s Open Meetings Act and Workforce Development Board guidelines, which emphasizes transparency, equity, and community engagement in decision-making. Does it involve STEM Youth Engagement? I help design and support large-scale STEM exploration events, such as MiCareerQuest Capital Area, which i

Chris Holman welcomes back Paul Krutko, President & CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK, Ann Arbor, MI. Ann Arbor SPARK hosted the rollout of these Top 10 priorities please share the details of that economic development announcement? Innovation and entrepreneurship are central to Ann Arbor’s economy. How would doubling Michigan’s R&D tax credit directly benefit startups and tech companies here? SPARK works closely with both large employers and small startups. How do these priorities balance supporting established industries while fostering emerging ones? Community revitalization is a statewide focus — what examples from the Ann Arbor region showcase how placemaking and redevelopment drive business growth? Looking ahead, how does SPARK plan to collaborate with other EDLM members to ensure these priorities are not just announced but actually implemented? Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Unveil Top 10 Priorities for Statewide Growth and Prosperity

Chris Holman welcomes back BENJAMIN A. BAKKEN, CFP®, CEPA®, Senior VP, Lansing Market Director, Tri-Star Trust Bank, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Ben, remind the Michigan business community about Tri-Star Trust Bank? Tri-Star emphasizes highly personalized wealth management and trust administration—how does that bespoke approach benefit business owners preparing for succession or sale? Tri-Star serves as corporate or successor trustee—what are the advantages of naming a trust bank versus an individual when planning a business succession? Successful succession involves alignment across financial planning, tax strategy, and fiduciary administration. How does Tri-Star coordinate these elements for smooth transitions? Beyond just continuity, many owners want their businesses to thrive after they step down. What strategies does Tri-Star recommend to business owners to preserve legacy while empowering the next generation? We'll have to have you back for more,... » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.

Chris Holman welcomes back Kim Bode, Dog rescuer, community advocate, and proud Michigan business owner, 8THIRTY FOUR Integrated Communications, Grand Rapids, MI. Welcome back Kim, the fellowship you shared about a couple times in the past year is back for a second, tell us about it? SBAM designed the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship specifically for second-stage businesses—why is this growth stage such a critical point for women entrepreneurs? Access to capital remains a major barrier, with women receiving significantly smaller loans and less venture funding—how does the fellowship help bridge that gap? The program emphasizes customized mentorship and peer networking. What measurable impacts did you see from the first cohort, and how will those lessons shape this next one? Michigan women own over 44% of small businesses—how does the fellowship leverage SBAM’s statewide network to amplify their economic impact? For companies generating $500,000–$1 million in revenue, what key challenges are you seeing

Chris Holman welcomes back Bob Trezise, President & CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing's REO Town, MI. A unified list of Top 10 priorities for statewide growth has just been released — which of these do you believe will have the most immediate economic impact in Michigan, and why? EDLM regions represent 84% of Michigan’s GDP. How does this collective voice help shape statewide policy compared to regional efforts acting alone? Talent attraction and retention continues to be a major issue for employers. Can you explain how the proposed Regional Talent Attraction and Retention Fund would work in practice? EDLM is calling to double the R&D tax credit to $200 million. How critical is innovation funding to keeping Michigan competitive nationally and globally? Many of these priorities involve revitalization, placemaking, and community development. How does investing in vibrant local communities directly influence business attraction and economic growth? » Visit MBN website: www.michig

Chris Holman welcomes Steven F. Roznowski, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Christman Company, Lansing, MI. Welcome Steve, remind the Michigan business community about The Christman Company? Can you speak to how the current interest rate climate impacts construction management, general contracting, design-build and more? What about national and state policies, is it conducive for your projects? If not, which ones are challenges? Talent continues to be a big concern in many business sectors, is Christman able to attract and retain the talent it needs? Is the aging workforce an issue for you? How about costs and supply chains, is that volatile or has it settled down for your industry? » 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 back Jonathan Smith, Senior Chief Deputy Director for LEO, Michigan's Labor and Economic Opportunity Department. Chris had several questions for Jonathan in this conversation: What is the Community Growth Academy and why is it so important for Michigan right now? How will the program help make Michigan’s communities more resilient to future economic shifts? How does this effort tie into Michigan’s clean energy and mobility transition? When’s the deadline to apply and how can people learn more? 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/ Application for Community Growth Academy now open Peer learning cohort program to provide

Chris Holman welcomes back Todd McCracken, President & CEO, NSBA, National Small Business Association, Washington D.C.. Chris had several questions for Todd in this conversation. Remind the Michigan business community about NSBA? What have been the big issues supporting Small Business that you've tackled this year? What's the current hot topic? Different year, different administration, how has that gone for an organization like NSBA? You're coming back to Lansing for the MBN Speakers Series, in October, what are some points attendees might find out about? » 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 back Carrie Rosingana, CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties. What is Jobs for Michigan's Graduates, and how are CAMW! and its partner organizations involved? Tell us about the most recent Summer Summit and how the CAMW! program performed? What is of interest to the Michigan business community about JMG? and how can businesses get involved? » 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/

Wednesday, July 30th MBN stepped outside it's studio at the Capital Region International Airport, and attended an encouraging event for Mid-Michigan's future. BETA Technologies, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC_, and Capital Region International Airport (LAN) gathered with invitees to see the future of aviation in Michigan. Building on its leadership in transportation, Michigan made a landmark investment to support the development and deployment of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology and infrastructure. Vermont-based Aerospace company. BETA Technologies, a recipient of that funding, has come to Lansing, Michigan in order to showcase its electric aircraft and commission a charger — the first electric aviation charger to be installed in the state of Michigan. This features remarks from LAN, MDOT, MEDC, and BETA about this technology, and the many ways in which it will benefit local residents, businesses, and economies across the state. You'll a

Wednesday July 30th, Jeffrey Mosher dropped by the Friendship Hall at Capital Region International Airport. AIAM’s Aerospace Industry Luncheon took place as attendees gathered at the Lansing Airport for an engaging discussion on some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today, as well as exciting growth sectors in the industry. Featuring presentations from Prescott on Navigating CMMC Compliance, the University of Michigan Aerospace Engineering Program on updates in propulsion research & technology, and BETA Technologies on the future of electric aircraft and critical infrastructure requirements - this an event you won’t want to miss. They were able to connect, learn, and grow within the rapidly expanding global aerospace industry. Prior to the AIAM Lunch, BETA Technologies were at the Lansing Airport for a separate, special event featuring a live electric aircraft flyover, landing, and ribbon cutting at Michigan’s newest charging station for electric aircraft. MBN will be sharing video foota

Chris Holman welcomes back Nicole Noll-Williams, president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Nicole, another busy month for the airport, share a bit about the demonstration, and ribbon cutting celebration, as a BETA electric charger has been installed at the airport? Cargo flights could soon involve electric planes? Do announcements like BETA align with the Master Plan and its progress as of mid-2025? Talk about Florida flights with Breeze Airways? » 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 Ed Siaje, President, Bank of America Detroit, 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 speaks with Ned Staebler, VP EconDev & Pres/CEO, TechTown Detroit, 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/