Michigan Business Network

Bob Trezise, President & CEO of Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) joins Chris Holman and the Michigan Business Network to share some exciting news! In the interview, Bob talks about how LEAP is handling the "back to the office" transition, being identified as a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the U.S., and how McKesson will be expanding into Delhi Twp.

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Cliff Hammond, Shareholder, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, joins Chris Holman to talking about what businesses need to know about safely getting back to work in the office. Cliff is a member of Foster Swift's Employers Services practice group in the Southfield and Lansing offices where he focuses his practice on employment and labor law counsel and litigation. In the interview, they cover how should employers deal with employees who have a medical issue working in the office, letting go of workers, specific COVID rules that are still enforced, and expected changes in the workplace from the State.

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Kim Hafley, Director of Marketing and Recruitment, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, joins Chris Holman to talk about what businesses and employers need to focus on as we get back to in-person work. Now that the state has reached the 55% vaccination threshold, MIOSHA has removed the requirement that employers must create a "Policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely."

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Stormy Kromer is based in Ironwood, Michigan, and headed by the Jacquart family — Bob and Denise, and daughters Gina and KJ. The roots go deep in Ironwood. In fact, several of their ancestors were among the pioneers who settled the town. The family has opened and grown businesses here since the early 1900s.

The fabric production can be traced back to 1958, when Bob’s dad, Robert R. Jacquart, began making bank deposit bags in his home basement under the name Jacquart Manufacturing. In 1970, Bob joined his dad, and in 1983, he bought the company, changed the name, and transitioned it from a small custom cut and sew operation to a more formal production shop.

Building the company was a true family endeavor. As kids, KJ and Gina spent Saturday mornings at the shop helping customers and making changes. Denise served as a bookkeeper – and came up with the original idea for the best-selling Petal Pusher cap. Bob Sr. even stayed part-time until he was 92 years old.

Today, Gina as president is helping lead the way as the family continues to grow the iconic brand, Stormy Kromer. An American success story, right here in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Snap your ear flaps in the up position and listen to this edition of the Leadership Lowdown!

Mike Szukhent, President and CEO at Michigan Festivals & Events Association (MFEA) talks with Chris Holman about the current status of festivals in Michigan. In the interview, they cover how COVID1-9 has impacted the sector, how things are looking for 2021, and the popular publication '2021 Michigan Fun Magazine of Festivals'.

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Bill Mayer, Vice President of Entrepreneurial Services for Ann Arbor SPARK sits down with Chris Holman to discuss a statewide internship program for STEM students.

For the past month or so, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has been partnering with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level. SPARK has run the program on a local level through the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone with a decade of positive results.

In scaling the program up, MEDC will work in partnership with SPARK to place 425-450 STEM students currently attending Michigan colleges annually into STEM-focused internships throughout Michigan. With the support of a $1.5 million grant approved today by the MSF Board, SPARK will contribute to 50 percent of the interns’ pay, and participating companies will pay the remaining 50 percent. SPARK will track the employment status of the interns for at least 12 months to measure their retention in Michigan as well as those remaining in those knowledge positions.

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Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Vice President for Customer Experience with Consumers Energy (CE) talks with Chris Holman about the organization's service lines, sponsorship for Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) this year, and why it is an important effort for CE to support entrepreneurial individuals across Michigan.

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Sandi Frost Steensma, President and CEO of, Kennari Consulting, joins the Michigan Business Network to talk about what it takes to successfully guide over 100 non-profit organizations through the COVID pandemic. In the interview, Sandi covers the various services of Kennari which include annual giving, campaigns, grant writing, program and project development, and fundkits.

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Tom Shemanski, Principal - CFO Services, with Rehmann, based out of Jackson, MI. They cover the topic of ERP software selection and implementation.

First of all, what is exactly is ERP software and what is the role it plays in everyday business happenings?

What are the main differences between newer ERP software and old – why should businesses consider upgrading or choosing new software?

What are the most important things to consider when a business is looking to choose new ERP software?

What are some of the main issues businesses run into when implementing new ERP software, what can go wrong?

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Jeffrey Mosher catches back up with Carrie Rosingana, CEO, Capital Area Michigan Works! to discuss their topic for May 2021; Making mental health of your employees a priority.

Their discussion covers;

Why is it important for businesses to prioritize their employees’ mental health?

How can employers prioritize their employees’ mental health?

What are some additional steps employers can take to make sure employees receive proper mental health care and support?

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