Michigan Business Network

Tony Conley wraps up his twelfth episode with a three-part interview of Michael J. (Mike) Nichols is one of the leading trial attorneys in the State of Michigan. He also co-authored a chapter update for the West Publication ‘‘Inside the Minds’’ with Dr. Andreas Stolz, Ph.D., and Ted Vosk called ‘‘DUI Mathematics.’’ Mike and attorney Jeremy Brehmer, Esq. then collaborated with Dr. Stolz on measurement uncertainty, limits of detection, and validation for the same publication. Mike has presented several times at national conferences for the National College for DUI Defense, the DUI Defense Lawyers of America, and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. The “West OWI Handbook” is now in its second decade!

Mike Nichols is an adjunct professor at Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley law school’s Lansing campus, focusing on DUI Law and Practice and Forensic Evidence in Criminal Law.

Mike Nichols is an active trial lawyer focusing on defending those accused of driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. His recent successful cases include defending a man charged with 2nd Degree Murder for his second fatal accident in which he was driving and alcohol was in his system along with marijuana and other drugs (People v Hawk Berning). He secured a not guilty verdict in 30 seconds in a case involving a .14 breath alcohol content in East Lansing, teaming with retired contractor Dale Haverdink. Mr. Haverdink was the 120-day service technician for National Patent Analytical Systems (NPAS), the original manufacturer of the Datmaster DMT breath test device and he now consults with the Nichols Law Firm, PLLC. Mike successfully defended State Representative Cindy Gamrat, who was exonerated when District Court Judge Hugh B. Clarke (ret) dismissed all charges against her filed by former Attorney General Bill Schuette (this was a non-DUI case that the NLF took on because, as Mike told the press “this was a political stunt”).

He also focuses on complex forensic issues and other limited litigation matters. For example, Mike Nichols defended the driver accused in what is believed to be the first-ever black box vehicular homicide case and won a not guilty in People v Wood. He is a founding member of the Nichols Law Firm, PLLC in East Lansing. The firm was launched by Mike and Wendy Schiller-Nichols in 2006 while Mike was co-counsel that year on one of the most notorious murder trials in Michigan history, People v Holland.

Mike is an active member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM) since 2000, serving on the Rules and Laws (legislative committee). He was a CDAM Trial College Faculty member in 2010 and 2011. Mike helped launch the Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys (MIAOWIA) in 2012. Mike and Wendy live in East Lansing and are practicing Catholics and members of St. Thomas Aquinas/St. John Student Center Parish. They have 2 kids (Lauren and Christian) in college and a 3rd daughter, Morgan, still at home. He is a proud graduate of Michigan State University and was thrilled to give Cassius Winston, one of the greatest Spartans of all time, his first job “my best lawyering was convincing him to go into something other than the law.”

Why are we still guessing?

» 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/

Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music open.spotify.com/track/7y23KC54uZ…fPSoq_BrEnoS9kUw

As the world speeds-up faster and faster, organizations and their people try to keep up. This pressure to do more with less has reached epidemic levels of concern and organizations are panicking on how to recruit, retain, and attract the best talent for the future. When organizations realize these truths, they make the call to Chris Johnson.

Chris Johnson is an international speaker, thought leader and best-selling author. He is on a mission to inspire people to take small steps to healthy living through his signature REST EAT MOVE system. Chris is the founder and CEO of On Target Living, a global health and performance company. Chris travels the world teaching organizations and their people how to feel their best. These organizations, leaders and teams, have benefited from his unique approach, which flies in the face of convention by showing us how to unleash human potential and create transformation from the inside out. Chris loves to spend time and play with his five grandchildren. He lives in Michigan with his wife Paula and dog Floyd and he took some time to join us on 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/

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Robert Sheehan, CEO of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, based in Lansing, Mich, but serving statewide.

Robert shares the details about a new poll finds two out of three likely Michigan voters and more than 100 Michigan-based groups prefer public-led mental health system

A new poll commissioned by the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan found that Michigan voters prefer a public-led mental health system. In this podcast we have Robert Sheehan, CEO of CMHA. Bob, tell us more about this poll.

It comes at a critical time as communities across Michigan face a growing need for mental health support. Governor Whitmer also prioritized mental health funding in her State of the State address this past January, proposing $361 million to open school-based clinics and fund mental health professionals inside schools, and increase access to mental health screenings. Why are concerns about privatizing Michigan’s behavioral health care services present now?

What are other key data points from this poll?

Some of the findings also cover private, for-profit health plans and their track record of treating patients. Tell us more about this.

Anything else you’d like to add?

» 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/

Jeffrey Mosher has a discussion with Robert McCann, Executive Director, The K-12 Alliance of Michigan.

In this interview, they focus on Governor Whitmer’s budget Recommendations.

The questions cover:

What is the K-12 Alliance of Michigan's response to Governor Whitmer's budget recommendations?

Do you think her recommendations will have an impact on teacher shortages? What else can be done to address shortages?

We've heard you talk about education funding before and the need to shift to an SFRC-based model. Can you talk a little more about that?

» 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/

Tony Conley kicks off his twelfth episode with a three-part interview of Hondo Carpenter, -Publisher Sports Illustrated's Las Vegas Raiders Maven & Spartan Nation. Co-host Morning Tailgate on Raider Nation Radio PFWA FWAA USBWA.

They discuss his career covering Michigan State and now covering the NFL's Raiders, along with his perspective on the industry.

» 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/

Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music open.spotify.com/track/7y23KC54uZ…fPSoq_BrEnoS9kUw

Tony spends some time with James (Jim) Holcomb.

Jim started his tenure as President & CEO in January of 2022 as part of a two-year strategic Executive Leadership Transition Plan announced by the Michigan Chamber Board of Directors in early 2020.

Jim first joined the Michigan Chamber in 2008 to lead its Business Advocacy Team where he designed, coordinated and implemented strategies to enact the Chamber’s legislative agenda and advance policies to strengthen Michigan’s business climate and economic competitiveness. From there, he jumped to Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Jim also directed the Chamber’s political action activities and the Michigan Chamber Litigation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing important precedent issues before the highest courts in Michigan and nationally. His work has helped the Chamber consistently earn top honors as the “Most Effective Association” in a biennial survey of Michigan capital insiders.

» 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/

Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music open.spotify.com/track/7y23KC54uZ…fPSoq_BrEnoS9kUw

Ken Glickman has been a leader in the executive recruiting and consulting field for over thirty years. He has consulted with manufacturing companies, financial institutions, associations, non-profit organizations, technology firms, governmental agencies, and health care systems throughout Michigan and the United States.

He held leadership roles with the global executive search firm Gilbert Tweed Associates, Harvey Hohauser and Associates, Right Management Consulting, Michigan State University and Management Recruiters.

Known for his insightful analysis of leadership issues, Ken is a probing interviewer who searches for the truth. The Leadership Lowdown team caught up with Ken to get his take on the changing landscape of the current work environment. It's a workforce revolution and it's here on the Michigan Business Network!

» 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/

How refreshing it is to find someone in the Financial services world that is all about talking to you straight and keeping it real! David Norris is the Founder and CEO of Castle Financial Partners. He likes to say "We aren’t your father’s financial advisory firm". Castle Financial Partners was founded with the goal of changing the financial planning experience. They deliver a passionately different process rooted by their core values of Honesty, Transparency, Accountability and Compassion. The foundation of this success is the people. They have built a culture of family where not one person is more important than the other.

David shares the key elements of what he has built and offers some really great insight on how culture is crafted and nourished. He says "We all win together and share in the excitement of success"! Listen to this edition of the Leadership Lowdown and celebrate some winning ideas on leadership from David Norris!

» 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/

In this episode of the Bottom Line IT podcast, Mike Maddox is joined by John Stephens, Director of Security Consulting and Assessment and Security Engineer and Josh Gembala, Security Operations Team Leader for Convergence Networks. The three of them discuss what the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is, what it means to Michigan manufacturers, and the latest changes.

» 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/

Jeffrey Mosher spends time with Tyler Rossmaessler, Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance’s executive director.

Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group, has a new resource in its business attraction and retention toolbelt. DevelopFlintandGenesee.org is a dedicated website for marketing Genesee County to companies – locally, nationally and internationally – as an ideal place to invest and grow their businesses.

Economic Alliance, Genesee County’s lead economic development organization, markets the county’s locations, buildings, sites, talent and other assets to companies looking to expand operations. It works to spur job growth and capital investment by established businesses based in Flint and Genesee County that are eyeing expansion as well as companies outside the region that have identified opportunities here.

“DevelopFlintandGenesee.org helps make the case in a beautiful and compelling way for why a business should consider an investment in Flint and Genesee County,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, Economic Alliance’s executive director. “Additionally, for those companies and their representatives not from here or unfamiliar with our county’s assets, the website provides an excellent primer as well as a tool for more detailed conversations, whether they occur in-person, on the phone or on Zoom.”

Among its features, DevelopFlintandGenesee.org allows visitors to conduct an online search of more than 500 available commercial and industrial properties in Genesee County. It includes a 3-D rendering tool to help site selectors visualize how a new facility might fit on a vacant lot. A data center provides the latest information on the county’s population, industry and workforce. The website also includes information on a variety of quality-of-life factors that influence companies’ investment decisions, such community profiles, housing costs, education, health care and recreational options.

Local small business owners and entrepreneurs, and businesses interested in and engaged in government contracting will also find much to like about DevelopFlintandGenesee.org, Rossmaessler said. Resources for those business audiences are housed under tabs “Small Business Help Desk” and “PTAC” (Procurement Technical Assistance Center), respectively.

DevelopFlintandGenesee.org broadens the Economic Alliance’s identity as Genesee County’s economic development organization, following the Flint & Genesee Group’s rebranding efforts unveiled in April 2021.

“The website really helps refine our outreach and communications with current and prospective clients,” said Rossmaessler. “It’s a great addition to our retention and attraction efforts.”

» 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/