Originally uploaded Oct. 3, 2023.

Chris Holman welcomes back Tico Duckett, President/CEO, Duckett Brothers Distributing, Lansing, MI

Remind the Michigan business community of your career path?

Discuss your company's services, products, and service territory?

You are marking a big anniversary tell us about that?

How have things changed over those years?

What else should we know, or do you have to share with the community?

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Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Carrie Rosingana, CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, AND Amirika Richardson, T3 Education Officer, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI.

THEME: Amirika Richardson’s Shining Star Award

Carrie discusses the Michigan Works! Association Shining Star Award.

Amirika discusses receiving the award at the MW!A Annual Conference.

TALKING POINTS:

● During the annual Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference in September, recipients from Michigan Works! agencies receive the Shining Star Award. Carrie tell us more?

○ According to the Michigan Works! Association, “The Shining Star Award celebrates Michigan Works! agency frontline staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personifies the Michigan Works! mission.”

■ Carrie, please add the importance of this award to the Michigan Works! Association?

○ This year, 16 agency staff accepted the awards, including Capital Area Michigan Works!’s very own, Amirika Richardson.

Carrie, What were some reasons that led to this nomination?

● Earlier this year, CAMW! submitted a nomination for Amirika, (here’s what the write-up included:)

○ Amirika has and continues to be a valued supporter of Michigan Works! since she began her journey in workforce development as a career coach in 2017.

○ Amirika embodies what it means to innovate and collaborate in workforce development in the Capital region not only with employers but also with educational partners.

■ Amirika, please add what this award means to you?

Carrie, please reflect on this year's Annual Conference, what did you take away from it?

Amirika, besides the award what were some highlights of the conference for you?

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Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Seniors Helping Seniors Owner Sheila Samples, & Director of Business Development and Training Howard Algeo.

Seniors Helping Seniors just celebrated the expansion of her senior care business Monday, September 25th?

tell us about that?

The brand’s newest location will now also serve (Where?) Farmington, Farmington Hills, Novi, Walled Lake and Wixom.

Tell us about the over two decades of experience of helping people in the health insurance industry?

Howard discuss growth opportunities across Michigan?

Sheila, along with husband, Joseph, tell us about that inspiration for caregiving?

What's that contact information? Open the mic up to both of you about anything else you believe the Michigan business community should know at this time?

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Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Alissa Roath, Executive Director, National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC), Ann Arbor, MI.

DAI OTA • The consortium, which is one of the oldest in the country, was recently awarded the Detroit Arsenal Innovation (DAI) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA).

o Describe the DAI OTA and its function.

o What does the DAI OTA mean for Michigan’s defense industry?

What about the defense industry as a whole?

o How will the DAI OTA expand NAMC’s capabilities and support of its members?

o What does the DAI OTA mean for NAMC members?

o How was NAMC selected for the DAI OTA?

o What are they DAI OTA’s key areas of focus?

o How does this agreement support NAMC’s long term goals?

o The agreement is managed by the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) located at the Detroit Arsenal.

o This award authorizes NAMC to facilitate prototype projects in a variety of capability areas through its expansive member base.

o Projects under the DAI OTA are focused on enhancing technology, systems, and materials for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States Armed Forces.

• As a leader in the advanced ground mobility area, NAMC is well-suited to serve its customers at the Detroit Arsenal.

• The US Government has awarded NAMC three other OTAs since 2008, such as the Ground Vehicle System (GVS) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), which expires in September and will be amended by the DAI OTA.

• These OTAs provide NAMC members, including small businesses, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and even non-traditional defense contractors, with access to competitive opportunities in the DAI OTA’s technology areas.

About the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) The National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) provides professional opportunities and connections that result in cutting-edge technology for the United States Military. As one of the longest-serving Department of Defense (DoD) consortiums and a non-profit organization, NAMC acts as a bridge between the DoD and the member organizations that can complete high priority government projects. NAMC exists to foster member-driven innovations that ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and victory for the US Military. For more information, visit www.NAMConsortium.org.

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Jeffrey Mosher welcomes, Gina Jacquart Thorson, Co-owner and President, CEO of Stormy Kromer, a division of Jacquart Fabric Products, Ironwood, MI

October 6th is the 13th Annual Worldwide Plaidurday Celebration. am I to understand Stormy Kromer is getting involved again?

Besides Ironwood, what other cities across Michigan will be celebrating that evening?

What could attendees expect to experience at the 13th annual Worldwide Plaidurday event?

Besides bringing the community together, I imagine Stormy Kromer will be featuring some specials?

How has the first year as CEO gone? Any other news to mention?

Michiganders, Midwesterners, and anyone who loves plaid are encouraged to embrace the Plaidurday holiday by joining community celebrations aiming to beat records.

Ironwood, Mich. (October 6, 2023) — Several Michigan cities will celebrate the world’s favorite pattern with gatherings planned in Ironwood, Marquette, and Keweenaw, MI, on October 6th. Attendees, or those celebrating from other parts of the world, are encouraged to wear their finest plaid for the 13th annual Worldwide Plaidurday holiday. Those in Ironwood will celebrate with games, live music, scavenger hunts, and giveaways at their Plaidurday celebration hosted by Stormy Kromer and the City of Ironwood. Stormy Kromer, the iconic outdoor brand located in Ironwood, is leading the festivities to bring the community together and will hold a sale in-store and online from October 6-8 to celebrate their iconic pattern.

"Plaidurday holds the status of a national holiday in our Ironwood community," said Gina Jaquart Thorsen, the CEO of Stormy Kromer. "Each year, when October arrives, we unfurl the plaid carpet, inviting hundreds dressed in plaid to join us for shopping, dining, and exploring, and of course, for the obligatory main street photo-op. This unique global celebration is a staple of our community and history."

In 2011, Justin “Bugsy” Sailor founded the celebration of plaid in Lansing, Michigan, when his friends pointed out he didn’t own any other pattern. Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, Bugsy declared the first Friday in October to be Plaidurday, and the celebration has since spread to multiple cities with Stormy Kromer spearheading the festivities in Ironwood, MI.

The Ironwood Plaidurday celebration will feature the following activities on October 6th:

October 6th:

Live Music by Liz Mathias (5:00 pm - 6:00 pm) & The Old Pine Road (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm)

Farmers market and craft vendors (3:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

A group photo for everyone wearing plaid (Aurora St., 6:00 pm)

Up-N-Smoke BBQ food truck

Weeniez on Wheelz Hot Dogz

Stormy Kromer’s Best of Downtown Plaid Scavenger Hunt Giveaway

Specials on local products

Shops open late, games, and more!

"Plaidurday couldn’t be a more perfect holiday for Stormy Kromer to celebrate,” said Thorsen. “What looks like a simple pattern represents the U.P., our traditions, and our community. We’re proud to represent plaid apparel and celebrate while doing it.”

Since 1903, the Stormy Kromer brand has been outfitting people with its signature Midwest outdoor gear and essentials. Most recently, the company launched Kromer Country, a community hub for adventurers to share their stories and their fall line, featuring new products and top-selling Stormy Kromer staples.

To find Stormy Kromer online, visit www.stormykromer.com or follow along on social media at @StormyKromerOfficial on Instagram and @StormyKromer on Facebook. Plaidurday event details can be found for Ironwood, Marquette, and Keweenaw events.

###

Chris Holman welcomes Larry Mann, Market Manager, SVP, Bank of America.

Their topic of discussion is what are the key findings of Bank of America’s first Mid-Sized Business Owner Report?

§ How are MSBOs fairing in a post-pandemic world?

§ What is the economic outlet over the next 12 months for MSBOs?

§ Are MSBOs planning to invest in their businesses?

§ How are MSBOs attracting and retaining top talent?

§ What new digital strategies are MSBOs adopting to optimize their businesses?

§ What other trends are you seeing for MSBOs in metro Detroit?

§ What are some of the challenges?

Here are some Key Takeaways from the Bank of America 2023 Mid-Sized Business Owner Report

§ Mid-Sized Business Owners (or MSBOs) maintain a positive outlook, as 75% plan to expand their business, and 67% expect the national economy to improve over the next 12 months.

§ Over the last 12 months, 90% of MSBOs have adopted digital strategies to further optimize their businesses and operations, with new digital tools helping them to save time (48%), increase customer satisfaction (43%), manage cash flow (43%), stay organized (41%) and reach new customers (37%).

§ Employees are the most valuable asset of any company, and current labor shortages have challenged business owners looking to attract and retain talent.

§ The Mid-Sized Business Owner Report found that many MSBOs struggle to find skilled, experienced employees.

§ To attract qualified candidates, many MSBOs are increasing salaries (43%), offering more PTO (40%), strengthening retirement benefits (36%), and introducing new employee training and resource groups (34%).

§ Inflation and supply chain issues persistently affect MSBOs, leading to operational adjustments and price increases. According to the bank’s findings, 94% of MSBOs confirm that inflation currently impacts their businesses, with 45% opting to raise prices, 37% reevaluating cash flow and spending, 35% increasing employee wages, and 33% reducing business costs.

§ 87% of businesses who have adopted digital strategies in the last 12 months plan to utilize automation/AI tools.

For Media Business Episode 59:

Tony Conley welcomes Bill Cosgrove, the Owner, President & CEO of Union Home Mortgage.

Guided by the vision and dedication of our President and CEO, Bill Cosgrove, we’ve built a world-class company where people come first. With a culture that stands out in the mortgage industry, you won’t find employees here – only Partners - who live by the shared values of our Code of Conduct. We respect one another, communicate openly and hold each other accountable.

Our commitment to delivering personal, world-class service has helped us expand our reach into 48 states + D.C. and grow our annual lending volume over $5 billion in responsible lending per year, and over $13 billion in 2021.

Questions -

-the mortgage business

-how the current White House staff does not have a member who focuses on the real estate and mortgage businesses

-the lack of a housing plan and affordable housing in the U.S.

-how realtors, builders, and mortgage lenders need a seat at the table at the national level.

Not many in the media are covering these talking points, but I'd like to with this interview.

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Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music

For Media Business Episode 58:

Tony Conley welcomes Joseph James Cella, who served as the Ambassador of the United States of America to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu from October 17, 2019 to January 20, 2021.

Cella and his family were the largest family to serve in an ambassadorial posting overseas in the history of the State Department.

He has over twenty-five years of experience in public service, the private sector, and non-profit work. He has advised Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, and served as a confidential advisor to various public officials, religious leaders, and business leaders.

He is the Founder and Principal of the Pontifex Group, a consulting firm whose practice areas include public policy, public relations, crisis management, and institutional launching and growth.

He is the founder of the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, which has welcomed presidents, chief justices, and other distinguished speakers and guests. He also helped to found and served on the boards of In Defense of Christians and Fidelis (Catholic Vote), and worked with over a dozen other nonprofit organizations, including Hillsdale College, where he earned his B.A.

Cella served as the Catholic Liaison for the 2016 Donald J. Trump for President Campaign and managed the campaign’s Catholic Advisory Group. He also served on the Presidential Transition Team.

He and his wife, Kristen, have seven children, four boys and three girls, ranging from 17 years to 4 years old.

The Cella Family live on a small farm in Michigan.

Questions -

Why is Michigan selling land to China?

Why is Ford partnering with a Chinese company to build battries?

Why did Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement allowing her to engage in closed-door discussions related to this project involving a Chinese green energy firm with state of Michigan officials?

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Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music

Jeffrey Mosher welcomed back Laurie Baumer Capital Region Community Foundation, President & CEO, Lansing, MI.

Play Michigan! All-Inclusive Playground is Open

Welcome back Laurie, could you please remind the Michigan business community on what it took to get to last Friday's ribbon cutting?

Dig a little deeper when we describe Play Michigan as an All-Inclusive Playground, what does that really mean for visitors?

$3.2 million, that doesn't happen alone, who were instrumental in making that unique park for the to the region?

You helped us understand its qualities and features. Where else in Michigan would someone have to go for these, or is this the only one?

500 W. Grand Avenue on the downtown Lansing riverfront. First, give listeners who are only slightly familiar with the capital city an idea where that is, and was the riverfront selected to tie in with other placemaking efforts for the area?

Will this be a seasonal Spring to Autum location or be used year around?

LANSING, MICH. —Play Michigan!, the region's first universally-accessible playground, is open after a ribbon cutting Friday, September 15.

Play Michigan! is designed to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities. The playground features wheelchair-accessible play equipment, specialty swings and ramps, sensory play areas, and other inclusive features, ensuring that children of all abilities can play side by side. The 10,000-square-foot playground is part of a 66,000-square-foot park, located at 500 W. Grand Avenue on the downtown Lansing riverfront. The park also includes a picnic deck, pavilion, and dedicated barrier-free parking. In addition, a wide boardwalk and dock allow every child to experience the waterfront. Feedback from the Autism community prompted the Foundation to add safety features to help prevent children from running to the water.

"As parents of children with disabilities, it can be so disheartening and such a struggle to find access to places and events that others attend without issue,” said parents Julia and Marlon Olivas. “We are so excited and grateful for such a beautiful, sensory-friendly playground that is so well thought out to consider the needs of all community members and be accommodating and inclusive to everyone regardless of ability, so kids like ours can have fun and enjoy themselves without barriers."

This innovative playground-park, designed to promote inclusivity and the well-being of children of all abilities, has become a reality thanks to generous sponsors and gifts from community supporters, all matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation. Major funders include AF Group, CASE Credit Union, University of Michigan Health, Mary Free Bed, Peckham, John and Jewel Bos, Eileen and Jerry Fhaner, and Linda and Joel Zylstra. Linda Zylstra initiated the concept as part of the Community Foundation’s vision for developing the downtown Lansing riverfront.

"After overcoming pandemic-related delays and permitting challenges, we are delighted to unveil Play Michigan! to the public," said Laurie Strauss Baumer, president & CEO of the Community Foundation. "The original estimate of $1.6 million doubled over time to $3.2 million, but the Foundation was wholly committed to this project so that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play in an inclusive environment. While the Foundation led the project and contributed most of the cost, we couldn’t have done it without our sponsors, donors, and partners – the City of Lansing, Wieland, Viridis Architects, Sinclair Recreation, and Disability Network."

The Community Foundation is passionate about creating vibrant, thriving communities throughout Michigan’s capital region. The Foundation serves donors to meet their unique charitable goals, supports area nonprofits with grants and coaching, and leads innovative projects that drive community growth.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Teri Sand, SHRM-CP, PHR, CBSP, CRP, Business Services Manager, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton, and Clinton Counties.

This time around she's on hand to discuss energy jobs, innovative programs like First STEP through the Lansing Board of Water and Light, inspired by the upcoming Careers in Energy Week.

Energy Jobs, innovative programs and Energy Week (Oct. 16 to 20).

According to the Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium, Michigan’s energy industry accounts for more than 116,000 energy-related careers with total demand projected to increase by 7.5 percent between 2020 and 2030.

○ Possible career paths include:

■ Lineworker.

■ Wind Turbine Service Technician.

■ Utility Technician.

■ Pipefitter.

■ Power Plant Operator.

■ Electrical Engineers.

● Programs throughout the state of Michigan address the current and future workforce issues that are crucial to building and sustaining Michigan’s energy industry.

○ Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC) is an industry-led partnership of more than 50 representatives of industry, workforce, education and

veterans.

○ The BWL's 1st STEP -- or the School to Training and Employment Program -- gives Lansing-area high school seniors a work-based learning experience and an opportunity to obtain the skills to enter the workforce.

■ Graduated over 150 students.

■ Hired more than 20 full-time employees.

■ Awarded over $225,000 in scholarships since 2008.

○ Teri, please provide any additional information about energy week and energy jobs in the Lansing region.

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