Michigan Business Network

Originally uploaded April 23, 2021, Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA), and Chris Holman cover the association's annual research report. The 2021 MVCA Annual Report indicates that strong Michigan venture firms are a critical factor in the success of Michigan startups. With Michigan venture investors backing nearly every Michigan venture-funded startup, the health of our state’s entrepreneurial economy hinges on our ability to provide capital to our high-growth, high-potential companies.

» 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/

Originally uploaded April 23, 2021. Chris Holman welcomes back Michael Maddox, President, CEO, EOS Visionary of ASK to talk about ASK's recent merger with Convergence Networks / Grade A. In this conversation, they talk about the importance of company culture and the #1 reason why mergers fail -- company culture.

» 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/

Originally uploaded April 16, 2021. Application Specialist Kompany (ASK), a Lansing-based managed IT services and cybersecurity provider, yesterday announced that it will join forces with Convergence Networks / Grade A. The merger will be done in partnership with private equity firm Riverside Partners and will see the companies combine their leadership teams and staff. The merger will bring ASK together with leading MSPs in their respective markets and formalize a long and fruitful relationship between like-minded peers.

President/CEO and EOS Visionary of ASK, Michael Maddox, talks with Chris Holman about merging with Convergence Networks / Grade A.

» 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 speaks with Adam McFarlin, Founder/CEO, Kalamazoo Candle Company, Kalamazoo, MI, a 50 Companies to Watch award winner for 2021.

In the interview, they cover Adam's career path, the company's history, focus of the company in 2021, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them.

» 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 speaks with Sarah Christensen, GM, GreenTree Cooperative Grocery, a 50 Companies to Watch award winner for 2021.

In the interview, they cover Sarah's career path, the company's history, focus of the company in 2021, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them.

» 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 Josh Hundt, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to give an update on MEDC Projects. Projects include Michigan Build Ready Sites, Pure Michigan Business Connect programs, and management of the Michigan Defense Center.

» Visit MBN website: https://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX…

» Like MBN: https://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork

» Follow MBN: https://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/

» MBN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Eric Hassberger, President of AJ Capital Partners, joins the Michigan Business Network to share the status of the upcoming Graduate Hotel located in East Lansing, MI. In the interview, Eric covers details of the project, his involvement, and what will differentiate the Graduate Hotel for East 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/

» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Megyn Forest has done some great things in her career, but making an impact is the one word that describes the rich pattern of success she brings! She was recently named as the Executive Director of the Big Brother Big Sister Michigan Capital Region. In this show, we chat with Megyn about her commitment to the mission of the organization and some of the powerful mentorship that has shaped her career and the lives of the children they serve.

It has been said, “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” The power of mentoring is on full display in this issue of the Leadership Lowdown!

» Visit MBN website: https://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX…

» Like MBN: https://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork

» Follow MBN: https://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/

» MBN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Tekea Norwood, COO, and Equal Opportunity Officer for CAMW! Their discussion covers her role at the Capital Area Michigan Works specifically as Equal Opportunity Officer.

The questions cover:

What is the role of an Equal Opportunity Officer?

What responsibilities does the role of EO Officer include?

What does equal opportunity mean for CAMW!?

Does the CAMW! definition or protection differ from other legal definitions?

Why is the EO Officer role important?

What impact does the EO Officer have?

» 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 speaks with Shamar Herron, Executive Director, Michigan Works! Southeast on behalf of the Michigan Works! Association to discuss how June is Youth Employment Month.

Questions covered include:

I understand June is Youth Employment Month. Why is it important to call attention to this topic?

Why are youth employment programs so important?

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity recently awarded Young Professionals grants to Michigan Works! agencies across the state. What are these grants for?

I know Michigan Works! Southeast participates in a youth employment program called SummerWorks. Can you tell me more about this program?

How can our listeners learn more about Michigan Works! 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/