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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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?

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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!

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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.