Chris Holman welcomes back Bill Burke, Author, Coach, Speaker, Former Michigan State University Quarterback.

Chris had several questions for Bill in this conversation:

Welcome Bill, tell us about your career and current ventures?

So, you've agreed to do a mini-series on MBN tell us about "The Business of

Breakthroughs"?

Many organizations invest heavily in training and skill development. Why do those efforts sometimes fail to produce real performance breakthroughs?

You talk about identity being a hidden driver of performance. In simple terms, what does “workplace identity” mean, and how does it influence how people show up at work?

When employees start seeing themselves differently in their role—perhaps as leaders or problem solvers—what changes do you typically see inside an organization?

For a business leader listening to this, what is one practical way they can help employees expand their sense of ownership and leadership within the company?

» 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/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Mike Sullivan, who is Co-Founder/CEO at Make The Turn and Cam Spraggins, who is Director of Golf Partnerships at Make The Turn.

Mike Sullivan, from Metro Detroit and Co-Founder/CEO of Make The Turn, introduces Cam Spraggins, a Michigan native from Genesee County. Cam spent much of his upbringing in Dover, Ohio, where he developed both his golf game and work ethic. He went on to play five years of collegiate golf at Heidelberg University, serving as team captain for four years while also excelling academically. Cam graduated summa cum laude in 2024 with degrees in History and a minor in English, and later earned his MBA in August 2025.

Recently named Director of Golf Partnerships at Make The Turn, Cam leads and expands marketing partnerships across the golf side of the business while playing a key role in the continued growth of Metro Detroit Golfers—now the largest golf community in Michigan with over 110,000 followers. His focus is on building meaningful relationships across the golf ecosystem, from course operators and PGA professionals to instructors, retailers, and industry partners.

Dust off those winter blues and talk leadership and golf with Mike Sullivan, Cam Spraggins and Leadership Lowdown host, Vic Verchereau! Get in the cart and let's go...we got a t-time!

» 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/

Originally uploaded March 26th, reloaded April 20th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Teri Sand, Business Services Manager, CAMW!, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. This discussion focused on the Subject: Going PRO Talent Fund awards, 2026 Cycle 1

Teri, As a refresher, what is the Going PRO Talent Fund, and what is CAMW!'s role in the process?

What were the results of the first round (i.e., Cycle 1) of awards this year?

How much did, and did not, reach businesses in Greater Lansing?

How can a business make itself more attractive for Going PRO? What does a successful application look like?

Where can interested businesses learn more?

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $25 million in the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 449 businesses to support the training of 12,822 Michigan workers, including $1.7 million to 73 businesses in the Lansing region. This regional investment will support the training of 583 new hires and 548 current employees in high-demand, skilled positions.

Including this grant cycle, the Going PRO Talent Fund has awarded $323.4 million to support 8,966 businesses since its launch in 2014, helping more than 241,600 Michigan workers train, upskill or advance in high-skill careers.

The Going PRO Talent Fund supports a range of employer-led training options, including classroom instruction, on-the-job training for new employees, and Registered Apprenticeships that lead to industry-recognized credentials.

Grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund are awarded in partnership with Michigan Works! Agencies. Employers are encouraged to work closely with their local Michigan Works! Service Center to identify key training needs and develop customized plans to fill workforce gaps. All training programs must result in industry-recognized credentials that enhance workforce mobility and flexibility.

“There are few investments that benefit both sides of the workforce development equation like Going PRO Talent Fund, which is why we are so proud to play a part in facilitating these grants,” said Capital Area Michigan Works! CEO Carrie Rosingana. “Businesses get a stronger workforce, workers get more skills and better pay, and communities in Greater Lansing and around the state get stronger local economies.”

A full list of Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle 1 grant recipients for the 2026 fiscal year is available online at Michigan.gov/TalentFund. Additional funding will be available through the second cycle of Talent Fund awards, which will open in Spring 2026.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund and its impact, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.

Originally uploaded April 3rd, reloaded April 19th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator of Field Operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Can you give us an overview of the SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and what it means for manufacturers?

You’re meeting with manufacturers across Michigan this week—what are you hearing directly from businesses about their biggest challenges?

The SBA recently introduced the Onshoring Portal—how does that help companies bring operations back to the U.S.?

Access to capital is always a key issue—how is the SBA helping manufacturers secure funding and support?

Can you explain the new MARC loan program and how it benefits manufacturers looking to grow or manage cash flow?

SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Manufacturing & Trade Lisa Shimkat was touring Michigan manufacturers and holding roundtables in Lansing, Flint, and Detroit at the end of March and early April.

Lisa Shimkat serves as the Associate Administrator of Field Operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where she oversees 68 District Offices and 10 Regional Offices across the country. In this role, she leads the SBA’s nationwide field network, ensuring that small businesses have access to vital capital, contracting assistance, and business development programs. She works in collaboration with SBA organizations to expand entrepreneurial support and economic growth in communities across the United States.

In addition to her Associate Administrator role in the Office of Field Operations, Lisa serves as the Acting Associate Administrator of the Office of Manufacturing and Trade (OMT). In her OMT role, she leads a team of high-level finance specialists dedicated to supporting small manufacturers and exporters by facilitating access to capital through partnerships with financial institutions. Additionally, she oversees OMT’s trade policy team, which advocates for small business interests in trade and international affairs.

Previously, Lisa was the State Director of America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Iowa, where she led a network of fifteen centers dedicated to providing business counseling and support to entrepreneurs across the state. Under her leadership, the Iowa SBDC played a pivotal role in fostering small business growth, disaster recovery efforts, and rural business development. She has extensive experience in economic development, having managed a multimillion-dollar revolving loan fund to assist rural entrepreneurs and manufacturers in expanding their businesses, as well as serving as a plant manager for an agricultural rebuilder.

Lisa earned her Associate of Arts degree from Iowa Central Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s and Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University. She has a long-standing commitment to small business advocacy, previously serving on the Securities and Exchange Commission Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies and held a seat on the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board from 2019 - 2024. Additionally, she served three terms on America’s Small Business Development Center, National Association Board and chair. She was an elected member of the Fort Dodge Community School Board of Education for over ten years showing a commitment to community and service.

Her contributions to economic development and entrepreneurship have earned her numerous accolades, including being recognized as a Distinguished Iowa Central Alum and Hall of Fame Inductee in 2022. In 2023, she was honored as a Woman of Influence in Iowa by the Des Moines Business Record.

Lisa is passionate about fostering small business success, ensuring equitable access to SBA programs, and strengthening the national support system for entrepreneurs to thrive and grow.

Recently, Lorri and Becky welcomed back Suzanne Greenberg:

Background:

Suzanne is a Nonprofit CEO | Executive Director with a strong background in leading all aspects for successful operations. Suzanne has a long list of accomplishments. She is currently the executive director of Children Trust Michigan in Lansing, MI. Suzanne has served on the boards of many nonprofits around Saginaw. Suzanne served as the second Executive Director then President CEO at the Child Abuse and Neglect Council of the Great Lakes Bay Region, being there for 24 years. She strategically grew the organization to reach 4 counties. Suzanne has been the executive director of Children Trust Michigan since 2019.

With hosts Becky Burtka & Lorri Rishar Jandron here's what you'll hear about in Episode 11:

Questions:

● For those unfamiliar, what is the core mission of Children Trust Michigan, and how does your team work to support children and families statewide?

● The annual Pam Posthumus Auction has become such a beloved and impactful event. For those who haven’t attended, how would you describe what makes it so special?

● Who was Pam Posthumus, and why is this event named in her honor?

● What are some of the traditions or signature elements that people look forward to each year?

● How does the auction directly support the work of Children Trust Michigan and the programs you fund across the state?

● Can you share a story or example that illustrates the real‑world impact of the dollars raised through this event?

● Why is community involvement, from donors to volunteers to attendees, so essential to the success of this mission?

● CAP Month is all about prevention and positive experiences. How does the spirit of CAP Month show up in the auction and in your work more broadly?

● What does HOPE look like to you in the context of child abuse prevention and family support?

● The Period of PURPLE Crying is a program many new parents encounter, but not everyone understands its purpose. How does PURPLE help reduce stress for parents and create safer, more stable environments for infants?

● What do you wish more employers understood about the needs of employees with newborns and how programs like PURPLE can actually support a healthier, more focused workforce?

● How can communities and workplaces better support parents during those early, high‑stress months to prevent burnout and promote long‑term family well‑being?

● As a leader, how do you stay grounded and energized in work that is both challenging and deeply meaningful?

Becky Burtka and Lorri Rishar Jandron talk with Suzanne Greenberg of Children Trust Michigan about Child Abuse Prevention Month, the impact of the Pam Posthumus Auction, and how programs like the Period of PURPLE Crying support families, prevent harm, and strengthen communities across Michigan.

Interested in attending or donating to the 24th Annual Pam Posthumus Auction on Tuesday, May 19? https://www.childrentrustmichigan.org/pam-posthumus-auction

Originally uploaded March 23rd, reloaded April 15th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Karley Abramson, Author and Lead analyst for health policy, Citizen Research Council of Michigan

Online sports betting has grown quickly in Michigan. From a policy and economic perspective, how big has this industry become in just the past few years?

Your research suggests problem gambling behaviors are increasing. What signs are policymakers and communities seeing that indicate the human costs are rising?

Many people view sports betting as entertainment. How can policymakers balance protecting consumers while still allowing a legal industry to operate?

You mention policy options to reduce harm. What are one or two practical steps states like Michigan could take to better protect people from gambling addiction?

With nearly a quarter of Americans having a sports betting account, what should business leaders, educators, or community organizations understand about the broader social and economic impacts of this trend?

» 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/

Policy Options to Hedge the Worsening Human Costs of Online Sports Betting

In a Nutshell:

Online sports betting has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry in Michigan over the last six years.

Problem gambling behaviors have increased due to ubiquitous sports betting apps, leading to financial harm, health issues, and safety concerns.

Policymakers have options to mitigate the harm caused by gambling addiction while also respecting people’s rights to engage with sports betting as an entertainment product.

Many states, including Michigan, have legalized online gambling and sports betting in the last decade, which has led to a proliferation of the industry and a significant economic impact, including tax revenues. Last month, Governor Whitmer presented her Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget recommendations, which included a series of revenue increases aimed at shoring up Medicaid in the wake of changes to federal funding. One of those proposed revenue increases included “updating the state’s internet gaming, sports betting, and online gaming tax structure” to raise approximately $190 million.

In the six years since online sports betting became legal in Michigan, the industry has grown substantially, providing entertainment to many people and tax revenue to support public services. While many people engage with online sports betting responsibly, a portion of the population is susceptible to problematic gambling behaviors that harm themselves and others.

The state has a variety of policy options to blunt some of the negative consequences of online sports betting without abolishing the market for everyone. Alone, or in conjunction with federal action, the state can regulate the industry to limit some of the more dangerous aspects of online sports betting, such as prop-bets and credit card deposits. It can also work toward better support for people with gambling addictions by opening up grants and insurance coverage for treatment, as well as working to coordinate between gaming regulation and health agencies.

Karley Abramson joined the Research Council in 2022 as a Research Associate focusing on health policy. Previously, Karley was a nonpartisan Research Analyst at the Michigan Legislative Service Bureau where she specialized in the policy areas of public health, human services, education, civil rights, and family law. Karley has worked as a research fellow for various state and national organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the ACLU of Michigan. She is a three-time Wolverine with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s of public health, and a juris doctor from the University of Michigan.

Originally uploaded February 26, reloaded April 6th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Yolanda Riley, MS HEP Business Resource Coach- Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton and Clinton Counties.

How might the Business Resource Network help decrease employee turnover?

What type of resources does the Business Resource Network provide?

Why should an employer join BRN?

How can employers find out more information?

» 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/

Originally loaded March 31, reloaded April 4th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Warren Call, President & CEO, Traverse Connect, Traverse City, MI.

What makes this year’s Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit especially relevant for businesses right now?

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in manufacturing that you expect to be discussed at the event?

How are topics like AI, workforce development, and supply chain resilience shaping the future of manufacturing in your region?

Beyond the sessions, what kind of value can attendees expect from networking and connecting with other industry leaders?

How do events like this—and broader initiatives from Traverse Connect—support business growth and economic development in Northern Michigan?

» 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/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Jamie Furbush, who is President and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Welcome to play time. Welcome to Christmastime all-year-long. Welcome to Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria, where we find all the things that make time together so meaningful. Heritage and hospitality are the heart, passion, and story of Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth is rooted in its Bavarian heritage as a community founded by German missionaries in 1845. Traditions and history are experienced through the community’s culture today in the Bavarian architecture, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming world-class hospitality.

Frankenmuth is a place of horse-drawn carriages and scenic bridges, of riverboat cruises and world famous chicken dinners, of larger-than-life waterparks and small town strolls. So when we need to simplify the agenda, and when we need to spend the whole day with our kids, stop by and feel the warm welcome of Frankenmuth; where you are sure to find the simple joys in each memorable moment of life.

Michigan Corner's host Vic Verchereau gets the latest from Jamie Furbush, the President and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

» 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/

Full Title: "A Jack of All Trades and a Master of None is Better Than a Master of One"

Vic Verchereau welcomes Dr. David McFadden, who is Chief Operations Officer of Bath City Chiropractic Clinic.

When asked Dr. McFadden says, "I'm a chiropractor and Chief Operations Officer of Bath City Chiropractic Clinic. Our mission at the Bath City Chiropractic Clinic is to provide timely, effective care to aid you in dealing with your health problems". But there's so much more to learn when you meet this doctor! He is a passionate community servant and a lifelong learner that shares his ideas on being more than you expected.

Doctor McFadden is the Chair of the Mt. Clemens Housing Commission and the Vice Chair of the Mt. Clemens School board. Learning, growing and sharing is the way this Mt. Clemens' city leader has found his way forward, and Vic Verchereau asked him to share his thoughts on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown. Now sit up straight and listen to this!

» 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/