Chris Holman welcomes Brent Forsberg, Developer, Lansing Growth Fund, Lansing, MI.

with Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI.

Welcome, Brent, tell us about Lansing Growth Fund?

Welcome, Kelli, tell us why you are supporting the Lansing Growth Fund and the project they are working on?

Brent, please share more details about the Holmes Pleasant Grove Project for Southwest Lansing?

Kelli, what will it mean for that portion of Lansing to have access to a LAFCU branch?

Brent, what are the next steps for this project?

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Chris Holman welcomes back Kristina Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at Flint & Genesee Group, Flint, MI.

The Flint & Genesee Group held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday. Tell us about this year's theme — Partnering with Purpose?

As that event looked back on 2025, what were some of your organization's biggest successes or achievements?

Who were some winners of the Group's award divisions?

How do these wins impact Genesee County's residents and small businesses?

You referenced some of the policy changes that happened both at the federal and state levels.

How did the Group work support businesses amidst those changes?

Dr. Bobby Mukkamala was your keynote. What were some of the key takeaways from his presentation?

As you look ahead, what opportunities or challenges should Flint & Genesee be preparing for in 2026?

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Flint & Genesee Group Reveals Honorees of 2025 Art of Achievement Awards

Highlights include $50.5M in private investment, group travel generating an estimated $18M of economic impact, and new/retained talent representing $2M in impact

(Flint, Mich., March 25, 2026) Today, the Flint & Genesee Group reported on its accomplishments in 2025 during the organization’s annual meeting – themed “Partnering with Purpose” – at the FIM Capitol Theatre.

As part of the presentation, CEO Tim Herman noted two central themes that emerged while developing the organization’s latest annual report: change and collaboration. He pointed to a shifting landscape shaped by a new federal administration, evolving state-level policies, and the continued growth of artificial intelligence, among other factors.

“Through all of this, the Flint & Genesee Group stayed focused on advancing the Forward Together vision of making Flint & Genesee a top-five county in Michigan by 2040,” said Herman. “And we did that by working together to improve outcomes in the spaces of jobs, talent, livability, and equity.”

Herman also emphasized the critical role of partnerships in driving these efforts forward.

“The work we do absolutely could not be done without others,” he said. “Strong, intentional partnerships are essential to achieving meaningful, long-term impact across our community.”

The annual report noted that — in addition to helping businesses understand and prepare for new laws that went into effect in 2025 — the Flint & Genesee Chamber established the Mid-Michigan Nonprofit Professionals. It also revitalized the Disability Works committee with support from partners at the Genesee Intermediate School District, The Disability Network, Peckham Industries, Genesee County Parks, and other leading organizations.

Additionally, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance closed on three major development deals that will result in $50.5 million of private investment and the creation of 317 new jobs for Genesee County. These included Fluid Cooling Systems, Custom Air Handling, and Miller Industries.

Finally, the Flint & Genesee Group advocated on behalf of the region’s business community, specifically around bills that pertained to work in business, talent, and place, such as the Earned Sick Time Act and the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act. It also celebrated being awarded a Top Workplaces honor by the Detroit Free Press for the third consecutive year.

Please note that the highlights included here just skim the surface of all that was accomplished in 2025. For a more thorough overview, visit AnnualReport.FlintandGenesee.org.

Chris Holman welcomes back Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI, for March 2026.

Welcome back Ryan, how has 2026 started off so far for the Michigan Works! Association?

Last week your association had Advocacy Day at the state capital, what were some highlights?

Does the current legislature seem in touch with the talent issues key to you and your Michigan Works! chapters across Michigan?

Before we know it, Michigan Works! Association has its annual Impact Awards tell us about that?

Impact Awards in recent years have shared valued, poignant stories of companies and employees across Michigan, can you preview any of this year's honorees?

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Chris Holman welcomes Cheryl Ward, CTA and Owner of Time To Travel, Lansing, MI.

Welcome Cheryl, tell us about your Time to Travel company in Lansing?

They went on to further discuss her business and its travel packages.

You have assisted Choose Lansing for several years as a CTA - Certified Tourism Ambassador, tell us about that service?

Earlier this month, you were honored by Choose Lansing as the CTA Star of the Year, tell us about that?

What are highlights of Lansing tourism or hidden jewels that many don't realize?

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Chris Holman welcomes Megan Spanitz, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit, MI.

Welcome Megan, remind the Michigan business community about the purpose and footprint of the Detroit Regional Chamber?

Share some more about your career up to now?

What have been some highlights since you took this role last summer?

Last week the chamber was celebrating how Women in Leadership Are Redefining Power, Progress, and Possibility with Women's Day, tell us about that?

Next week, you are hosting your State of the Region report?

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Chris Holman welcomes Brittany Goode, Operations Manager, Aldea Coffee, Grand Haven, MI.

Welcome, Brittany, tell us about Aldea Coffee?

(they got into a further conversation about the origins and evolution of the business).

We asked your team to review the most recent Michigan Future Business Index survey results. What were your impressions?

Do the M.F.B.I. findings match your business's experience?

What are Aldea Coffee's biggest optimism and biggest challenge?

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MBN was "On The Road" Friday, March 13th, for Michigan's Rosie the Riveter Day 2026.

In this special Faces of Manufacturing episode, The 40 minute video highlights the experience of the 4th Annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day—an inspiring celebration of Michigan’s manufacturing legacy and the women who helped shape it.

Hosted by the Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMC), Cindy Kangas - Faces of Manfacturing's Co-Host leads the session along with Emcee on the day Sherry Jones. This year’s event returned to the Capital Region International Airport. It brought together aerospace, agriculture, and industry in a powerful tribute to the original “Rosies”—including a new focus on “Rosies on the Farm.” The event honors the women whose work during World War II transformed the American workforce, while also recognizing today’s leaders and innovators across Michigan’s manufacturing sector.

The program features a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, industry leaders, and workforce advocates, along with the presentation of Rosie Awards celebrating outstanding women in manufacturing, education, and community impact.

Beyond the stage, the event offers a hands-on, multi-generational experience with interactive exhibits, robotics demonstrations, and historical tributes—from the Tuskegee Airmen to the “Doughnut Dollies.” It’s designed to inspire the next generation while connecting families to Michigan’s rich industrial heritage.

This episode explores how events like Michigan Rosie Day play a critical role in strengthening the talent pipeline, encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM and the skilled trades, and ensuring that Michigan’s manufacturing future remains strong, innovative, and inclusive.

Learn more or check out the information and experience at: mirosieday.org

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Chris Holman welcomes back Umar Tahir VP Marketing, Enterprise Innovation & Digital Assets, LAFCU, Lansing, MI.

Welcome back Umar, we have you or your team on frequently, but remind the Michigan business community about LAFCU?

What were the highlights of 2025? '

LAFCU (Michigan) is offering a limited-time promotion through March 31, 2026, featuring 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months with no balance transfer fees, designed to help consolidate high-interest debt. This promotion applies to LAFCU credit cards, with rates varying after the 12-month period?

You just did another recent event with Quality Dairy speak about the ongoing collaborations, and the two companies' milestones (90-years) you're both celebrating this year?

Anything to share about what 2026 holds for LAFCU?

Chris Holman welcomes back Trevor Tkach, president/ CEO, Traverse City Tourism, Traverse City, MI.

Welcome back, Trevor, remind the Michigan business community about Traverse City Tourism and your mission?

How was 2025?

Any big plans for 2026, such as, are the International Fireworks back this year?

Sleeping Bear Dunes being ranked one of the world’s top “one-of-a-kind beaches” by TripAdvisor is a big global recognition. What kind of impact can that kind of ranking have on tourism and local businesses in the Traverse City region?

TripAdvisor says fewer than 1% of the 8 million listings on its platform receive this recognition. How important are visitor reviews and online travel platforms today in shaping travel decisions and driving tourism growth?

With more international attention now on Sleeping Bear Dunes, what opportunities does this create for local hospitality, retail, and tourism-related businesses across northern Michigan?

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TripAdvisor Ranks Sleeping Bear as a Top Ten One-of-a-Kind Beach

Traverse City, Mich. — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named by TripAdvisor as one of the top beaches in the world. The online travel guidance platform unveiled a number of Travelers’ Choice Awards that included its “One-of-a-Kind Beaches.” The Sleeping Bear beaches came in at number four in the world.

With 80 million reviews and contributions, TripAdvisor is one of the largest travel resource in the world.

"Exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore truly is a magical experience,” said Trevor Tkach (tah-KACH), President of Traverse City Tourism. “The pure, fresh-water beaches are unlike any other shoreline in the world.”

TripAdvisor uses the awards to celebrate the highest level of excellence in travel. On their website, TripAdvisor says the recognition is “…awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of the 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”

More information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is available at www.TraverseCity.com.

###

About Traverse City Tourism

Traverse City Tourism is an independent, not-for-profit destination organization that promotes the greater Traverse City area as a leisure and business destination with an excellent quality-of-life. Through the impact of travel, Traverse City Tourism helps strengthen the local economy and supports a thriving entrepreneurial community. Details of the region's lodging, attractions and area events are available at www.TraverseCity.com

International Fireworks Championship Ticket Sales Start Next Week

Traverse City, Mich. — Tickets for the fourth annual International Fireworks Championship in Traverse City will go on sale starting next week.

Early ticket access will be available to previous years ticket buyers on Monday, March 16, followed by general ticket sales at 10 am on Tuesday, March 24.

While show details have yet to be announced, the format will remain consistent with the last few years, featuring six teams from around the world who have previously won fireworks competitions. “Audiences get to see the work of some of the world’s best pyrotechnicians here in Northern Michigan,” said Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach (tah-KACH). “The artistry and quality of the competitors, who bring their own cultural flair and expertise to the skies, creates a spectacular show.”

The two-day event will be held on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, at Turtle Creek Stadium. Each evening will feature three teams that will be given up to 15-minutes to dazzle the crowd

Chris Holman welcomes Robert Wolfe, founder of Zeck, based in Huntington Woods, Michigan. Robert was introduced through the Michigan Venture Capital Association and joins the Michigan Business Beat to discuss how his company is modernizing how boards and leadership teams work together.

In the conversation they cover:

Welcome Robert you were introduced to us by the M.V.C.A. - Michigan Venture Capital Association, tell us about Zeck?

You successfully built and exited a company before starting Zeck. What lessons from that first entrepreneurial journey shaped how you approached building this new venture?

Many organizations still run board meetings using long slide decks and static PDFs. What problems did you see with that traditional approach that convinced you there had to be a better way?

For business leaders who may not sit on a formal board, how can improving the way leadership teams share information and make decisions actually impact company performance?

Zeck is focused on modernizing governance and board collaboration. What trends are you seeing in how boards and executive teams want to work differently today compared to even five or ten years ago?

You’ve experienced both the founder grind and the exit. For entrepreneurs building companies today, what advice would you give about preparing a business not just to grow, but eventually to become an attractive exit opportunity?

Robert previously built and successfully exited a company before launching Zeck, a fast-growing technology platform designed to replace traditional board meeting slide decks and static PDFs with a dynamic collaboration experience for executives and board members.

In this conversation, Robert shares lessons from his first entrepreneurial journey, insights into building and scaling a technology startup, and the problems he saw in traditional board governance that inspired Zeck’s creation.

The discussion also explores how better communication and decision-making among leadership teams can directly improve company performance, along with trends Robert is seeing in how boards and executive teams want to operate differently today.

Robert also offers advice for founders and entrepreneurs about preparing companies not only for growth—but for building a business that can ultimately become an attractive exit opportunity.

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