Chris Holman welcomes back Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, State of Michigan, Lansing, MI.

Tell us about your role as Chief Growth Officer (the nation's first and only chief growth officer).

Can you talk about some of the population trends you've seen in Michigan and across the country?

Governor Whitmer recently announced working groups for the Growing Michigan Together Council. Can you talk about their roles and how their feedback will drive the state's population work?

The Growing Michigan Together Listening Tour kicked off recently with the first stop in the UP. What can Michiganders expect from the tour stops and how their voices will shape the council's report?

For more details on the Growing Michigan Together Listening Tour, check out the details in this release:

Statewide Growing Michigan Together Listening Tour Kicks Off In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The listening tour will draw feedback from across the state to inform Growing Michigan

Together Council’s population report

ESCANABA, Mich., Aug. 2023—The Growing Michigan Together Listening Tour kicked off August 17th in Escanaba and will make its way across the state to collect feedback from Michiganders about what can be done to attract and retain talent. This feedback will inform the Growing Michigan Together Council’s formal report that must be submitted by December 1, 2023.

“We’re excited to work side-by-side with Michiganders to grow our state,” said Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe, “From now until the end of November we’ll travel across Michigan to hear directly from communities about what we can do to make our state an even more thriving, vibrant and exciting place to live and work.”

The Growing Michigan Together Tour will include stops at community events and regional forums designed to discuss local challenges and growth opportunities in communities across the state. Many events will focus on collecting additional input from young people—at work, on campus, and online. The tour will also meet college students where they are—on campus—convening both traditional students and adult learners with stops at universities, colleges, and community colleges. Engagements will include move-ins, on-campus listening events, homecomings, and other youth-focused events across the State.

“We look forward to hearing input from Michiganders across our great state,” said Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr., chair of the Growing Michigan Together Council. “The Council includes Michiganders from every age group and walk of life. We are diligently working to provide bipartisan recommendations that will create a clear and informed path forward.”

Gov. Whitmer established the bipartisan Growing Michigan Together Council to develop a statewide strategy to attract talent, improve education, modernize infrastructure, and continue Michigan’s economic momentum. The Council is tasked with preparing and submitting a report to the governor and legislature on ways the state can grow its population. Gov. Whitmer recently announced workgroups for the council. Focus areas include Infrastructure, Jobs, Talent and Economy, Prek-12 Education, and Higher Education.

“The Growing Michigan Together Tour is a vital part of our process and reaffirms our commitment to gathering feedback directly from Michiganders in every part of the state,” said Chair and Wayne State University Governor Shirley Stancato. “What we hear from communities will directly impact the report the Council is developing. We encourage Michiganders to participate in their local events to make their voices heard and play a role in shaping the future of our state.”

To learn more about Growing Michigan or to submit feedback, please visit Growing Michigan Together.

» 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 Doug Fleming, executive director of the Lansing Housing Commission, Lansing, MI.

Welcome Doug, please let the Michigan business community know about the Lansing Housing Commission, your scope, and purpose?

We understand you have big news regarding a tax credit to expand affordable housing?

The Riverview 220 Project,... please go deeper into that, especially about the businesses that it could attract?

So, the Governor and MSHDA announced $13M across the state, what are some of the other communities impacted besides Lansing?

This seems like one of several positive stories concerning living space in the capital, what does your commission see for the future?

Up to speed:

Lansing Housing Commission awarded

$1.5M tax credit to expand affordable housing

Paves way for 1st downtown mixed-use family units

LANSING, MI – More affordable housing units are planned for downtown thanks to tax credits that support a $22.5 million project spearheaded by the Lansing Housing Commission (LHC).

The tax credits are earmarked for LHC’s $22.5 million Riverview 220 project. The property is situated on the south side of East Kalamazoo Street between South Grand Avenue and Cherry Street.

“Everyone deserves safe, clean, and affordable housing,” said Doug Fleming, LHC executive director. “We have invested to expand and improve affordable housing options throughout the region. These tax credits will continue our mission as the leader in affordable housing throughout the capital region.”

The project, downtown Lansing’s first mixed-used housing building with affordable units, market-rate units, and commercial/retail space, will feature:

56 affordable units

7 market-rate units

2- and 3-bedroom units to meet the needs of larger families

Retail and commercial space

The $1.5 million tax credit is part of $13 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits recently announced by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The funds will support the development or rehabilitation of 500 future homes across 10 affordable housing projects throughout Michigan.

“Located in the heart of downtown Lansing, Riverview 220 will provide easy access to public transportation, local resources, and the best of city living. Most important, it expands affordable housing options and makes Lansing a more welcoming city,” said Fleming.

Construction on Riverview 220 is expected to begin the second quarter of 2024 after completion of MSHDA closing requirements with leasing in early 2026.

For more information, visit www.lanshc.org.

###

The Lansing Housing Commission (LHC) is a public housing agency with a mission to compassionately deliver healthy, affordable, safe, quality housing options without discrimination with exceptional customer service while meeting high-performance standards. LHC provides rental housing units and rental assistance through 830 units throughout the city and more than 1,600 housing choice vouchers in Lansing and surrounding communities.

» 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 Van W. Martin, SIOR, CCIM, and CRE. President & Chief Executive Officer, Martin Commercial Properties, Lansing, MI.

Van, welcome back, it's quite possibly been just over 4 years since we had you on! Please remind the Michigan business community about the comprehensive commercial real estate services Martin Commercial Properties provides? (This part of the discussion is meant to define all the lines of service and Van will cover that in his response)

Early this month Martin Commercial Properties released its extensive First Half 2023 Report Showing A Robust Retail Market, tell us about that?

What are the major takeaways from the industrial and office sectors?

Your Greater Lansing Area reports are broken into the same 3 sectors your team specializes in – Industrial, Office, and Retail – does the Martin team assist clients outside of Greater Lansing?

What do you anticipate in the last half of the year?

» 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/

100 % Hustle Podcast 5 – Series of Guests

Host: Vicki Hamilton, Senior Executive with International consulting experience. Founder & CEO of Executive Ideation

Topic: Business Start-up – Thinking ‘Inside’ the Box

Guest: Sarah Russell, owner of The Joyful Juniper Company - Corporate & Custom Gifting

Guest Bio:

The Joyful Juniper Company offers a full-service corporate or custom gifting experience for elevated gifts for a variety of occasions to include real estate closings, employee appreciation, weddings, and large-scale custom/branded gift boxes. These handcrafted and ready-to-ship gift boxes take the guesswork out of gifting. Designed to bring JOY to those who mean the most to us, each expertly curated gift will surely hit the mark. Each product is carefully selected from unique brands and vendors both locally, and all over the country. Give JOY with a JUNIE!

Instagram: @thejuniebox The Joyful Juniper Co. (@thejuniebox) • Instagram Facebook: The Joyful Juniper Co. | Facebook LinkedIn: The Joyful Juniper Co.: Overview | LinkedIn

Blog Summary:

Sarah Russell, owner of The Joyful Juniper Company - Corporate & Custom Gifting discusses her unique business that provides custom gifting services. Russell’s start-up helps business owners to recognize and reward their staff, and clients alike, with Joy through carefully curated gifts. The Junie Boxes feature products from various artisans and small businesses across the country. Russell discusses the inspiration and motivation behind her business. If you are planning your strategy for employee and customer appreciation, contact The Joyful Juniper Co. and send Joy with a Junie!

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

THEME: Job opportunities and challenges in transportation and auto manufacturing.

Teri, welcome back, please discuss challenges in finding bus drivers, CATA hiring, and auto supplier demand in anticipation of MBN’s September 12th Mobility & Talent panel featuring MICHauto?

● Many transportation companies in the Lansing region and beyond are seeking employees. ○ Companies are unable to keep up with the demand for truck drivers as they’re unable to recruit, hire, and train fast enough. ■ Xavier Express and Willow Creek Farms Trucking have both been searching for Truck Drivers. ○ CATA (Capital Area Transportation Authority) has especially taken a hit to the bus driver, mechanic, and office worker shortages. ○ Dean Transportation recruiting for School Bus Drivers.

■ Teri, please discuss any recent trends you have been seeing in these industries along with how job seekers can find jobs with our Weekly Hot Jobs Report?

● Research supports that the auto manufacturing industry has fallen short of meeting demands. ○ According to Michigan State University supply chain faculty (No. 1 ranked supply chain department in the nation) the industry is struggling to keep up with demands due to the fact that the automotive industry operates on a just-in-time inventory management model.

■ Just-in-time inventory management model, How is that impacting this sector?

Parts arrive hours or even minutes before they're put on the assembly line. Hence the name, parts arrive just-in-time to be used. ■ There are 30,000 parts in the average car. If you’re missing one or a few of those parts, you can't build a car. ■ If you're not producing vehicles, which is what drives your revenue, you're eating into your profitability. Plus, you suddenly have inventory piling up that you don’t have space for. ○ The problem with this model is that it has to function exactly as you designed it to. When these models start to break and fall apart, the repercussions are huge. (low supply, high demand) ○ Just-in-time inventory by its very nature also affects staff. Workers at the various automotive manufacturing suppliers must regularly adjust their schedules. The suppliers and their staff often get very little notice when a production is going to run late. That makes childcare, transportation, and basic work/life balance challenging.

The UAW contracts, how does that fit into all this?

○ We won’t know for a few months whether the UAW contract negotiations this Fall could impact any of this.

Thanks, Teri, and thank you for getting our audience primed for the upcoming Speakers Series event

● Stay tuned for more information regarding MBN’s September 12 Mobility Panel featuring MICHauto & MEDC, Time: 11:00 am to 1:30 pm ○ Location: Friendship Hall, Capital Region International Airport.

» 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 Paul Gentilozzi, Owner, Gentilozzi Real Estate, & Principal of New Vision Lansing, and John Gentilozzi, Vice President, Development, Gentilozzi Real Estate, East Lansing, MI,

Welcome Paul, John, first of all, bring our Michigan business community up to speed on Gentilozzi Real Estate?

A really big development for the Lansing area was announced last week, can you share that with us?

(if not mentioned) What prompted the project?

There are lots of moving parts in this transformational project dive deeper into Tower on Grand:?

Capitol Tower:?

Washington Square:?

Projects of this scale don't happen alone, what other companies and organizations are involved?

Lansing-Based Real Estate Development Team Debuts $215 Million in Landmark Development Projects set to Transform Lansing’s Skyline and Central Business District into an Attractive Commercial and Residential Community for Workforce Talent

§ Capitol cityscape to be anchored by a 25-story skyline-raising mixed-use tower, elevating the region and reigniting Lansing’s central business district

§ Three developments incorporate up to 450 residential units, parking, retail, office space, entertainment, and an acre of outdoor amenity and green spaces

§ Development team includes Gentilozzi Real Estate, JFK Investments, architects Hobbs & Black, along with highly respected Christman Company construction management firm, utilizing local professional skilled tradespeople

§ Projects hailed as latest sparks to ignite workforce housing and talent growth in mid-Michigan

LANSING, MI – Redefining what it means to live and work in Michigan’s capital city, Gentilozzi Real Estate, a family-owned real estate development firm located in Lansing, in partnership with family-owned Detroit real estate developer and manager JFK Investments, today are pleased to unveil New Vision Lansing, a trio of new and redeveloped downtown Lansing development projects designed to set Lansing’s course toward becoming a dynamic residential city.

Joining the Gentilozzi and Kosik families alongside Lansing Mayor Andy Schor in making the announcement were Lansing-based Christman Company, one of the nation’s foremost construction management firms, along with leaders representing area labor, business, and community interests. Capital area legislators and Lansing City Council members also took part in welcoming the announcement that all agree is timely for the city’s continued success.

New Vision Lansing will include three property developments to be located west of the Grand River in proximity to state government and legislative offices: Capitol Tower at the corner of Capital Avenue and Ottawa Street; Tower on Grand at Grand Avenue overlooking the Grand River and connecting to the existing historic Atrium Building that fronts Washington Square; and Washington Square at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Washington Square at the southwest corner of the roundabout.

“Our family is proud to be part of Lansing’s history and these new developments are vital toward making Lansing the place to be for future generations,” said Paul Gentilozzi, owner of Gentilozzi Real Estate and principal of New Vision Lansing. “Whether you want to live, work, dine, entertain, or simply share in the iconic views of Lansing, these developments will have something for everyone to enjoy.”

Part of the financing for the redevelopment and ground up projects is provided through a state budget approved $40 million investment which will be dedicated to workforce and talent housing through New Vision Lansing.

» 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/

Chris Holman welcomes back Jacob Schroeder, International Trade Development Manager at MEDC, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Lansing, MI.

Welcome back Jake, we understand that due to a tremendous response from Michigan exporters, MEDC has utilized 100% of its FY2023 MI-STEP funds in record time! Tell us about that?

The next round of MI-STEP Grants will be available on October 1st?

What could interested companies do until then, I imagine it might involve International Trade Managers in their regions across Michigan?

Back to the $1.86M awarded, are there any specific cases of company success you can share? Or any generalized company story or circumstance that can be mentioned as a great example of this program in action?

Does your group still make international trips? Any coming up that we should be aware of?

MI-STEP Grants Available October 1

Due to a tremendous response from Michigan exporters, MEDC has utilized 100% of its FY2023 MI-STEP funds in record time! intl-trade.gif

Between October 2022 and July 2023, more than $1.86 million was awarded to our state’s makers and innovators pursuing business development opportunities in foreign markets. Applications for MI-STEP grants are currently closed, but we look forward to serving you with FY2024 funding when it’s available starting Oct. 1.

Until then, Jake (see below), encourages you to connect with the International Trade Manager in your region to see what other services are available to amplify your company’s international efforts, such as B2B matchmaking, worldwide credit reports, customized market research, and so much more. Whether it’s online tools like localized website management, support in any of the 130+ global markets our trade centers represent, or early-stage assistance to get your product export-ready, we’ve got you covered.

NOTE: We are in the midst of hiring our new International Trade Manager for Southeast Michigan, so companies in Oakland and Wayne counties may email [email protected] to work with our team for your export-related needs until a new ITM is announced.

» 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 Joe Finkler, President, MIC - Michigan Inventors Coalition, Grand Rapids metro, MI.

11th MIC Annual Expo, which nearly parallels MBN's dozen-year history, congratulations!

But let's start off by reminding the Michigan business community about the MIC?

What are some features or highlights of this year's expo?

10 featured speakers, a book signing, an afternoon pitch competition, and much more sounds like a jam-packed day, any other highlights you'd care to draw attention to?

That's this Thursday running nearly all day, what's the location and times again?

Where can people go for more information?

It’s time for the 11th Annual Michigan Inventors Coalition Statewide Expo!

Sign up today to lock in our early bird rates of $10 per ticket and $25 for your own booth! Secure your discounted registration for this huge 1-day event before it expires soon! Limited booths for only $25.00! We have over 11 speakers this year! Action-packed day!

Our Expo is expanding due to our record-setting event last year! This year's Expo will be taking place on Thursday, August 17th, 2023, starting at 9 am. Join us for a day of networking, pitches, and education! The 11th Annual Michigan Inventors Expo will allow you to showcase your product, participate in the Spin, Pitch & Sell contest, and takeaway helpful tips for further developing your invention.

Also, be sure to check out our expert tables all day! We will have 11 of the most in-demand experts from the categories below sitting at different tables answering questions from local inventors. If you are not comfortable asking questions, you are welcome to listen in and learn more about these fascinating people.

1. Amazon Sales

2. Strategic Planning & Financial Organization

3. Team Building, Hiring Talent

4. Marketing Strategies

5. Productivity Tools

6. Patents, Legal Services

7. Free Resources

8. Grants/Funding, Business Plan Assistance

9. Successful Inventors

10. Packaging, Direct Sales

11. eBay, Helpful Internet Websites

Feature this year is selling on Amazon!

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available as well. To obtain information, please contact John Hopkins at [email protected] or Frank Z at [email protected] to see how your company can support this event and be showcased.

We hope to see you on August 17th for a day of networking, inventing, and community building!

Find tickets on our Betterunite page and find us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for more information.

» 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 Joel Schultz, CEO, of Sault Tribe Incorporated, Sault Saint Marie, Michigan.

Joel, welcome back! You've stepped into yet another role in the Upper Peninsula since we last recorded with you?

Tell us more about Sault Tribe Incorporated?

Share a bit about the economic impact?

Do you work with or synergize with any of the organizations you've previously served over the years?

How is the talent issue in your part of the UP?

What other strengths or challenges do you have at this time?

» 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/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Jeff Dettloff, who is the President of Providence Consulting.

Jeff Dettloff, President of Providence Consulting in Lansing, says “If you manage a small business and are searching for simpler, less expensive ways to operate, you are not alone. Many small business owners once believed that technology was the answer, but became disillusioned when it never quite fulfilled its promise of greater productivity. We are experts at increasing your productivity, making your life easier, reducing your costs, and helping you put more money in the bank! We employ service-oriented individuals who are not only certified IT professionals; they are also certifiably friendly and helpful.”

Vic Verchereau discusses the challenges of getting the technology and the people right! Jeff offers several important observations for leaders who are seeking to navigate technology and find the right path in this competitive world. Jeff offers a great reminder of lessons learned from Dale Carnegie and the principle of "Don't criticize, condemn or complain”...AND don"t miss this edition of the Leadership Lowdown!

» 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/