(GRAND RAPIDS, MI.) – Thursday February 12th, The Right Place, Inc. announced the launch of its new three-year strategic plan. The Right Place’s mission is to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. This plan carries the organization’s mission forward with clarity, purpose, and momentum.

Developed in partnership with over 550 community stakeholders, the plan outlines a strategic framework and a three-year roadmap to advance a bold vision: positioning Greater Grand Rapids as the most resilient, productive, and equitable regional economy in the nation.

Progress toward the plan’s goals will be achieved through continued commitment to the organization’s core pillars: People, Place, and Prosperity.

Initiatives include:

Expanding employer engagement with K-12, higher ed institutions, and workforce development organizations; positioning the region as a premier destination for talent; and serving as a central resource to build robust talent pipelines.

Supporting the creation and activation of build-ready sites; driving investment into vibrant public spaces; collaborating and supporting municipal partners; and working with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to expand and increase nonstop service.

Supporting existing businesses with outreach and programming to ensure growth in our region; conducting extensive and proactive business attraction campaigns focusing on key industries; and supporting manufacturers in diversification, adopting new tech, and expanding expertise.

MBN: TRP 2628 Key MetricsThe Right Place will measure the plan’s impact via the following metrics:

4,500 jobs retained and created by the end of 2028

$30 per hour average wage by the end of 2028*

$700M in capital investment by the end of 2028

$200M in community development investment by the end of 2028

100 industry education partnerships by the end of 2028

MBN: 2023 Plan-ResultsThe Right Place completed its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan at the end of last year and surpassed its key metrics:

4,153 new and retained jobs on a goal of 4,000

$844.2M in new capital investment on a goal of $550M

$487.2M in community development investment on a goal of $100M

$30.90 average wage on a goal of $26.50*

MBN: The Right Place Randy Thelen“Greater Grand Rapids has moved up a weight class,” said Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place (left). “We are now competing with larger, more established regions across the country. That speaks to how far we’ve come—but it also challenges us to think and act bigger than ever before.

This strategic plan was shaped by hundreds of community leaders, partners, and stakeholders. It reflects a shared understanding that our future will be built together. We’ve made tremendous progress, but there is more work ahead if we want to lead at the next level.”

View The Right Place’s 2026-2026 Strategic Plan here.

Chris Holman welcomes back Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., President, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

Tell us about the recently developed MSU Green and White Council?

How did the Council determine its three recommended initiatives?

Why is "AI-Ready Spartans" on that list?

How important is experiential learning (i.e. internship, study abroad, etc.) in helping to prepare graduates for the workforce?

Why is MSU uniquely positioned to drive these initiatives forward?

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Green and White Council

Michigan State University’s specially appointed Green and White Council includes some of Michigan’s foremost business, industry and civic leaders. In April 2025, President Guskiewicz launched the Council to champion bold initiatives that will amplify MSU’s role as Michigan’s state university and address the state’s biggest challenges.

Harnessing MSU’s distinctive assets and the unparalleled expertise of its members while focusing on what matters most for Michigan, the Council guides initiatives designed to:

Develop talent for in-demand jobs across the state and equip Spartans with the skills of the future.

Connect Spartans to great companies and careers in Michigan.

Leverage MSU’s cutting-edge research and intellectual property to propel Michigan’s economy.

Co-chaired by university alumnus Matt Elliott and Eli Broad College of Business Dean Emeritus and Professor Sanjay Gupta, the council’s partnership with MSU helps align education, research, and industry to current workforce needs, identification of future skills, and guidance toward initiatives that prepare Spartans for a rapidly evolving economy.

The Council has designed three transformational initiatives that drive this work:

AI-Ready Spartans: Builds digital competencies across the undergraduate experience by prioritizing AI through an industry-backed, employer-informed approach, ensuring every graduate can use AI effectively and responsibly.

Career-Connected Spartans: Ensures every undergraduate gains access to career exploration and real-world experiences, building the skills, confidence, and clarity needed to launch successfully into the workforce.

Spartan Catalyst: Accelerates collaboration between MSU researchers and industry to translate discovery into innovation and economic impact by tackling their most pressing challenges.

Looking Ahead

University leadership, in coordination with the Green and White Council, is currently working to integrate the initiatives across colleges and units at MSU.

The university invites companies and industry leaders to partner on applied AI and digital competency curriculum, career exploration and experiential learning opportunities, and applied research collaborations. Employers play a pivotal role in preparing the future workforce, and MSU welcomes partners ready to build alongside and help power the innovation economy. More information and the opportunity to engage with the council’s initiatives is available here.

A $5 million seed gift from an Eli Broad College of Business alumnus will help launch the council’s initiatives and advance the university’s continued incorporation of artificial intelligence, experiential learning and applied research as part of the undergraduate experience at MSU. The council anticipates additional philanthropic investments to expand opportunities for students and partners nationwide.

Chris Holman welcomes back Krista Johson, Director, Deputy Director for Workforce Development for LEO (Labor and Economic Opportunity), Lansing, MI.

● What is Career and Technical Education?

● In what ways do you believe these programs are fundamentally changing the lives of Michigan residents across the state?

● How does this initiative fit into the overall long-term vision for the future of Michigan’s workforce and economy?

● Many parents still believe a four-year degree is the only path to success. How are programs bridging the gap between vocational training and postsecondary degrees?

● We see a record-breaking number of program 'completers' this year. Why is this happening and how are you continuing this progress?

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Gov. Whitmer highlights pathways for student success during Career and Technical Education Month

CTE offers high school and college students hands-on learning experiences that can be applied to real-world training and career pathways

LANSING, Mich. — To shine a spotlight on the power of hands-on learning that prepares Michiganders for in-demand, good-paying careers, Gov. Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in proclaiming February as Career and Technical Education Month.

With nearly 500,000 job openings projected in Michigan each year through 2032, Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers high school and college students hands-on learning experiences that can be applied to real-world training and career pathways. Throughout the month of February, individuals of all ages, including students and those seeking new career opportunities, are encouraged to explore programs that prepare them for successful career entry, advancement and/or continuing education.

“Career and Technical Education programs offer Michiganders tangible skills they can use to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in growing fields and trades like plumbing, welding, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made through ongoing investments in Career and Technical Education and the Going PRO Talent fund, as well as our efforts to create 23,000 apprenticeships. But we’re just getting started. This Career and Technical Education Month, let’s keep working together to create opportunity, grow our economy, and help more people ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Michigan also offers Early Middle Colleges (EMCs), an MDE approved five-year program of study, who work closely with post-secondary partners to provide students with an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following: 60 transferable college credits, an associate degree, a professional certification, the Michigan Early Middle College Association technical certificate and/or participation in a Registered Apprenticeship.

“With CTE programs, Michigan schools put students first by preparing them for high-wage and high-skills careers or postsecondary education,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “During the last three years, the number of CTE completers has increased by almost 10,800 students, or 24%, to more than 55,000 students, the highest number in Michigan history. CTE contributes to several goals in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan – including expanding secondary learning opportunities for all students, increasing the percentage of all students who graduate from high school and increasing the percentage of adults with a postsecondary credential.”

Chris Holman welcomes back Alyssa Troub, Title: Digital Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist, LAFCU, Lansing, MI.

Q1: For listeners who may not be familiar, what is LAFCU’s Write to Educate Essay Contest?

Q2: What is this year’s essay topic, and why did LAFCU choose a community-focused prompt?

Q3: How does the Write to Educate Contest impact students beyond financial support?

Q4: What kind of impact has this program had over the years?

Q5: Why is supporting higher education so important to the community as a whole?

Q6: Where can students and families go to learn more or apply?

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Call for Entries: LAFCU’s 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest

$20K in college scholarships available for Michigan high school seniors

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is once again turning student voices into opportunity, inviting Michigan high school seniors to share their perspectives through its 2026 Write to Educate Essay Contest, awarding $20,000 in college scholarships and supporting local nonprofits across the state. Applications will be accepted through March 31.

This year’s essay topic asks students to think critically about their surroundings: “Describe a problem facing your community and explain how you would help address or solve it. Discuss the impact your solution could have on others.” By sharing their unique perspectives, participants highlight the diverse experiences that shape and strengthen Michigan communities.

“The Write to Educate Essay Contest gives students a meaningful platform to share their stories, perspectives and creativity,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU’s chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer. “Education plays a vital role in helping individuals discover their potential and shape their futures. By eliminating barriers such as GPA requirements or financial need, LAFCU is proud to offer an opportunity that welcomes students from all backgrounds and encourages them to confidently express their ideas and aspirations.”

The contest is open to all Michigan high school seniors, with no restrictions based on GPA, financial need or LAFCU membership. Participants are encouraged to submit a one-page, 500-word essay addressing this year’s topic. Essays must be typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, single-spaced, with one-inch margins. Essays shorter than 500 words or longer than one page will not be scored.

The 2025 winners include Aubree Moore (Woodhaven High School); Kennedy Mullens (Alma High School); Kelcie Pung (Fowler High School); and Nolan Sanders (St. Johns High School).

Winning essays will be featured in the Lansing State Journal, the contest’s community sponsor. For full contest details and to submit an entry, visit lafcu.com/writetoeducate.

About LAFCU

Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members' financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. A three-time honoree as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For,’ named a Best Place to Work for Women, and recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, LAFCU stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.

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Chris Holman welcomes back Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, President and CEO, MichBio, Ann Arbor, MI.

Welcome back Stephen, remind the Michigan business community about MichBio?

What were some highlights for 2025?

You have a big event coming up next month at LCC West Campus, a BioTalent Summit, tell us more?

From an employer perspective, where is the biggest talent gap in Michigan’s bioscience sector right now, and what practical steps can businesses take to help close it?

How can companies, colleges, and workforce organizations work together to not just train talent—but keep skilled bioscience workers in Michigan long-term?

BioMixers, you're in Grand Rapids tomorrow, when & where for the many others this year?

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Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, MBN was on the road at The Department at Hudson’s in downtown Detroit, for this year's Detroit Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The event centered on the "New Leadership Era," featuring discussions on the city's future, economic development, and regional policy.

This interview was the "Media Scrum" with former Mayor of Detroit, and current Michigan Independent Gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan. The Mayor discusses data centers, his independent candidacy, and Detroit's handling of contaminated soil at development projects.

The 2026 conference, was a sold-out event. The conference brought together approximately 1300 regional leaders to address crucial economic and community challenges in the Detroit region. Speaking at the Department at Hudson’s, Duggan outlined a vision for state-level economic growth, including proposed standards for data center approvals to protect local communities.

Role Transition: Duggan addressed the conference in his new capacity as a 2026 Michigan gubernatorial candidate.

Keynote Focus: He discussed economic development on a broader scale, focusing on balancing growth with equity and setting state-level standards for large-scale development projects like data centers.

Conference Theme: The 2026 conference focused on "A New Leadership Era," exploring leadership transitions in the region.

Duggan’s participation highlighted the shift in his focus from municipal leadership to state-level governance, emphasizing the need for proactive state-level policies rather than relying on local, township-by-township decisions.

This is a breakout video from the full event one. It showcases the Cinnaire portion with Mark McDaniel and LAFCU with Kelli Ellsworth-Etchison.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan receives $197,500 in donations at check presentation Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. MBN was on the road joining to observe this occasion.

To kick off the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration activities, local businesses and community partners will present donations to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan to support the Commission’s ongoing work to promote equality, justice and opportunity throughout the Mid-Michigan region.

Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48823.

On hand were - Lansing Mayor Andy Schor

- East Lansing City Manager Robert Belleman - Elaine Hardy, chair, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan

- Commissioners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan

- Representatives from donor organizations:

§ Cinnaire - $50,000

§ MacDonald Broadcasting - $50,000

§ Jackson - $20,000

§ Michigan State University Federal Credit Union - $20,000

§ LAFCU - $15,000

§ Lake Trust Credit Union - $12,500

§ CASE Credit Union - $10,000

§ Dean Transportation - $10,000

§ City of East Lansing - $10,000

About the 2026 Day of Celebration

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan hosts the nation’s largest MLK luncheon event each year in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event brings together more than 1,600 community members to honor the life, legacy and ongoing work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring inspiring speakers, musical performances, and the announcement of student essay and scholarship winners.

About the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan

Dedicated to advancing the principles and ideals of Dr. King, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan is the nation’s longest-running, continuously operating MLK commission. For more than four decades, it has been at the forefront of advancing Dr. King’s principles of equality, justice, and nonviolence. The Commission’s annual Day of Celebration is the nation’s largest MLK Day luncheon event, drawing people together in reflection, unity, and action. The Commission’s focus is on addressing pressing issues such as literacy, youth violence, hunger, mentoring, education, and community enrichment. Through a variety of impactful programs, initiatives, and events, the MLK Commission fosters positive social change and inspires individuals and communities to work toward a more just and equitable society. For more information, visit mlkmidmichigan.com or follow the MLK Commission on Facebook and Twitter.

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Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, MBN was on the road at the Hudson's site in Detroit, for this year's Detroit Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The event centered on the "New Leadership Era," featuring discussions on the city's future, economic development, and regional policy.

This interview was with Glenn Stevens, head of MichAuto, and Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber catching us up on things since we were together at CAR's MBS in September, also in Detroit.

MichAuto’s 2025 State of Automobility report underscores Michigan’s continued leadership in automotive and mobility — yet warns that global competitors, especially China, are gaining ground. Michigan must innovate to maintain its edge in EVs and advanced mobility technologies.

MichAuto is calling for urgent, coordinated action to keep Michigan competitive as the auto and mobility industry faces tech disruption, trade uncertainty, and shifting consumer demands. A December convening of industry leaders reinforced the need to innovate now. MichAuto released its new State of Automobility report, urging diversification into AI, automation, and advanced tech. The group is actively advocating for USMCA stability, welcomed updated fuel economy standards for planning certainty, and elevated Michigan’s voice nationally and globally through policy, media, and leadership roles.

The 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, which focused on the region's new leadership era, economic growth, and cross-sector collaboration.

The conference brought together approximately 1300 regional leaders to address crucial economic and community challenges in the Detroit region.

Recording Date: February 18, 2026

Location: Capital Region International Airport (LAN)

Ben Bakken - Senior VP, Lansing Market Director at Tri-Star Trust

Ben Bakken is an experienced and knowledgeable financial professional who understands the ‘ins and outs’ of strategy, analysis, relationship building, and leadership. Ben brings more than a decade of experience in the banking industry, in addition to nearly 5 years of experience in C-Suite roles responsible for finance, operations, accounting, real estate, information technology, business development, and human resources. He acquired his MBA from Northwood University and has a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. Community involvement and volunteerism are pillars of what motivates Ben. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee, Board Member for the Lansing Regional SmartZone / Local Development Financing Authority, co-founder and organizer for 5 Minutes Tops student shark-tank contest, Treasurer for the Holt Education Foundation, member of the Lansing Promise Business Council, Vice Chairperson for the Lansing Community College Foundation, and President for Holt Junior Rams Basketball. He also enjoys fundraising for Special Olympics Michigan’s Polar Plunge, Women Working Wonders / Sparrow Foundation’s Dapper Dads, Carefree Medical’s Dancing with the Local Stars, and Children’s Ballet Theatre Nutcracker performance as ‘Mother Ginger’. Ben was the HEF recipient of the 2022 Community Person of the Year award, as well as the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce 2011 ’10 Over The Next Ten’ award.

For information about Ben Bakken go to: https://www.tristartrust.com/team/

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Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, MBN was on the road at the Hudson's site in Detroit, for this year's Detroit Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The event centered on the "New Leadership Era," featuring discussions on the city's future, economic development, and regional policy.

This interview was with Lisa Frohnapfel, President and CEO of the unified Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Michigan, actively shapes the state's business landscape by promoting ethical standards and trust. Following a major 2025 merger, she leads initiatives focused on AI-driven training, consumer protection, and supporting small businesses through educational, data-driven resources. She also discusses what she hoped to get out of the conference that day #DPC26.

Key 2025-2026 Activities and Initiatives

Statewide Merger Leadership: In April 2025, Frohnapfel took the lead of the combined BBB of Michigan, uniting the Eastern and Western branches to improve efficiency and service across the state, including the Upper Peninsula.

AI and Tech Integration: She announced the launch of new AI-driven training sessions to help Michigan businesses stay competitive, with plans for the first-ever BBB AI Summit to be held soon.

Focus on Ethics and Security: At the Torch Awards for Ethics, she emphasized that the organization's focus is on building trust in the marketplace and protecting consumers from financial fraud.

Small Business Support: She spoke at the 11th Annual Small Business Workshop in May 2025, focusing on "Thriving through Uncertainty" and providing actionable insights for business owners.

Background

Before joining the BBB in 2021, Frohnapfel had a 25-year career in the financial services sector, including serving as CEO of a multi-branch credit union in West Michigan.