Originally uploaded December 18th, reloaded Dec. 23rd.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Jon Baker, director of laboratories at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Lansing, MI.

Welcome Jon, yesterday UM Health-Sparrow installed a first-of-its-kind lab automation to speed patient results, tell us about the event?

"We hear a lot about automation in manufacturing, but in a hospital lab? Can you explain in simple terms what this FlexLab X machine actually does?"

"For our listeners who might get blood work done, what does this mean for them personally? How will they notice a difference?"

"This is called a 'first-of-its-kind' system. What makes it so unique and groundbreaking compared to how labs have traditionally operated?"

"With a machine handling more tasks, what's the impact on the lab scientists and technicians? Does this change their jobs?"

"Looking ahead, how does an investment like this fit into the bigger picture for UM Health-Sparrow and the care available to our community in the future?"

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UM Health-Sparrow installs first-of-its-kind lab automation to speed patient results

LANSING, Mich. – The University of Michigan Health-Sparrow activated a new, laboratory automation system that boasts drastically shorter turnaround times for lab tests. The system is among the first of its kind in the nation.

The shortened turnaround times enable quicker diagnosis and treatment. The automated processes minimize manual handling errors and strenuous manual tasks for staff, enhancing overall testing quality and consistency, and contribute to shorter hospital stays.

"This investment is about getting critical results to our physicians faster," said Jon Baker, director of laboratories at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow.

The FlexLab X is a fully integrated automation line that manages sample tubes from check-in through final output. Representatives from Siemens-Healthineers, manufacturer of the FlexLab X, joined hospital leadership for the event.

"We look forward to building upon our relationship with this new technology to support University of Michigan Health-Sparrow’s goals in driving greater efficiency in their lab and delivering faster results for patients," said Jennifer Murphy, senior vice president of national strategic accounts at Siemens-Healthineers.

The U-M Health Sparrow Laboratories is among the busiest hospital labs in the country, receiving lab results from throughout the state. The lab distinguished itself during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first hospital to develop an inpatient COVID test and opening a drive-thru testing site at a former Sears Automotive Center.

For more information on laboratory services, visit UofMHealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/all-departments/laboratories.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Gina Skibo, CPA. Partner, the manufacturing, retail and distribution industry leader, Wipfli Advisory LLC, Milwaukee, WI.

There were several questions he wanted to find out from her in this interview.

Welcome Gina, for our Michigan business community please introduce yourself and Wipfli Advisory LLC?

You were in Michigan a couple of months ago to celebrate the anniversary of Wipfli’s presence there (which includes its MRD operations), briefly describe that?

Many Michigan manufacturers might describe the current moment as a “transitional stage”, considering slowing demand, low visibility, and a lot of uncertainty. What challenges are you hearing most from mid-market companies right now?

Despite margin pressure, companies are holding onto skilled workers because they know how hard they are to replace. How is that hesitation to reduce labor shaping conversations around efficiency, AI, and automation?

You’ve noted that a surprising amount of equipment is underutilized. Why are so many manufacturers not getting full value out of the equipment they already own, and what steps help improve utilization?

Many firms are overwhelmed by too many siloed software tools and disconnected data. How should manufacturers think about simplifying their tech stack or modernizing ERP systems so technology creates clarity rather than complexity?

With growth slowing, some manufacturers are realizing they’ve never had a true sales strategy. Where are you seeing companies become more intentional about finding new customers and driving the top line?

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Lorri Rishar Jandron, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, along with

Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI.

Co-Hosts of the new MBN show "BOLD LeadHERS" now into Episode 7.

In this episode of Bold LeadHERS, they recently interviewed Deb Muchmore and Gina Thorson.

Deb Muchmore: Background:

For nearly three decades, Deb Muchmore has been a trusted advisor to business leaders across Michigan and the Midwest, guiding them through public affairs, crisis situations, and complex regulatory challenges. Her work spans diverse industries, including economic development, energy, natural resources, environmental stewardship, food processing and safety, and health insurance, making her one of the region’s most versatile and respected communications strategists.

Deb is the owner of Deb Muchmore Consulting, LLC, but before she went off on her own she spent multiple years in the marketing business in and around Lansing after her graduation from Michigan State University.

Questions:

1. As incoming chair of the MI Chamber, what is part of your vision & priorities for Michigan’s business community?

2. What are some of your regrets and what did they teach you?

3. You’ve expressed that you don’t see yourself as being a risk taker. How does that limit opportunities for you?

4. You’ve been called the “fixer” when trouble arrives. What’s the most memorable moment when you had to step in and turn things around?

Gina Thorson: Background:

Leadership Role: Gina Thorsen serves as President and CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, the parent company of Stormy Kromer. She is the third generation of her family to lead the business and the first woman to hold the position in the brand’s 120‑year history.

Stormy Kromer Brand: Stormy Kromer is best known for its original wool cap. Under Gina’s leadership, the company has grown into a full lifestyle brand offering outerwear, apparel, and accessories. More than 80% of the product line is manufactured in the U.S. and sold in over 800 retailers nationwide.

Family Legacy: Jacquart Fabric Products was founded in 1958 by her grandfather, Robert R. Jacquart, originally making bank deposit bags in his basement. The company acquired Stormy Kromer in 2001, and Gina has carried forward the legacy while modernizing the brand for today’s market

Questions:

1. You’re the first woman to lead Stormy Kromer in its 120‑year history. What did that mean to you personally?

2. What’s the boldest leadership decision you’ve made since becoming CEO?

3. Stormy Kromer is iconic for its wool cap. How do you keep a heritage product fresh and relevant for new generations?

4. What’s one challenge small businesses face today that you think doesn’t get enough attention?

Originally uploaded December 12, reloaded Dec. 19th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Tonyie Andrews-Johnson, DNP, RN, C-EFM, HN-BC, Director of Women's & Pediatric Services, University of Michigan - Sparrow, Lansing, MI

Welcome Tonyie, please share a bit about UMH Sparrow, the Women's & Pediatric Services department and your role?

Process & Team: This award evaluates hard data like C-section rates and breastfeeding success. What specific changes or initiatives did your team implement over the last few years that you believe directly led to these improved outcomes?

Patient Impact: For an expecting parent reading about this 'High Performing' designation, what does that actually mean for their experience and safety at UM Health-Sparrow, from prenatal care to going home with their newborn?

Community Role: U.S. News also highlights hospitals that serve as critical access points in 'maternity care deserts.' How does this national recognition reinforce UM Health-Sparrow's role and responsibility to the broader mid-Michigan community?

Staff Culture: Awards like this are ultimately about people. How have you seen your staff's dedication and teamwork manifest in daily practice, and how do you plan to celebrate and sustain this culture of excellence?

Future Focus: With this as a benchmark, what are the next goals for your women's and pediatric services? Where is there still room to grow or innovate in maternity care?

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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow earns national recognition for maternity care

LANSING, Mich. – The stork is flying in with an award: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow has been recognized as a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, placing it among the nation’s top hospitals for labor and delivery services.

The "High Performing" designation is the highest award level and is based on excellence across multiple quality measures. These include C-section rates, newborn complication rates, breastfeeding support, episiotomy rates and adherence to federal "birthing-friendly" practices.

“This national recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our entire team, our physicians, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants and support staff, who provide compassionate, evidence-based care to every family we serve,” said Tonyie Andrews-Johnson, director of women’s and pediatric services at UM Health-Sparrow. “Our focus is always on ensuring the safest and most supportive birth experience.”

The U.S. News Best Hospitals for Maternity Care ratings are designed to help expectant parents make informed decisions. A record 899 hospitals nationwide participated in the annual survey.

“Achieving this distinction reflects our health system’s system-wide commitment to clinical excellence and continuous improvement in women’s health,” Andrews-Johnson said. “We are honored to be trusted by our community and proud to be recognized on a national stage.”

UM Health-Sparrow is the leading birthing center in Mid-Michigan, with over 3,500 births annually. UM Health-Sparrow Lansing also boasts the region’s only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for our smallest patients.

The 2026 ratings are published on Health.UsNews.Com/Best-Hospitals/Area/Mi/Sparrow-Hospital-6441595/Maternity. For more information on maternity services at UM Health-Sparrow, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org/departments-conditions/all-departments/labor-delivery.

Chris Holman welcomes back Mikhail Murshak, Senior Attorney, Foster Swift, Lansing, MI, 5 offices across Michigan. This is part 1 of 2 for a discussion on Intellectual Property and where things stand in late 2025.

You help both startups and established firms build IP portfolios — what are the most common mistakes you see early-stage companies make when they first think about patents or trademarks?

Your experience spans industries from medical devices to aerospace to consumer products. How does IP strategy differ when you’re working across such diverse sectors, and what universal principles apply in all cases?

With the recent launch of your “IP Monday” blog and changing rules at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, what trends should business owners watch now to avoid costly IP pitfalls?

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Chris Holman welcomes back Fathy Shetiah, Founder, President & CEO, 7C Lingo, Lansing, MI.

(Parts 1, and 2 of an introductory preview ahead of an upcoming Mini-Series on MBN) CQ Drive & CQ Knowledge (Motivation + foundational understanding).

(Part 3) CQ Strategy & CQ Action (Planning + execution) all in one podcast for your convivence.

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Chris Holman welcomes back Scott Weaver, President, and Co-Owner of Douglas J Companies, Okemos, East Lansing, across Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Nebraska.

Welcome back Scott, remind the Michigan business community about Douglas J.?

Last time we spoke, Douglas J Institutes were ending a 30+ year exclusive Aveda partnership, how has the rebrand gone?

How does introducing multiple product lines better prepare students for the realities of today’s salon and spa industry?

Last time we also mentioned "Back of Bottle and Color Space," how has that been going?

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Chris Holman welcomes back Mark McDaniel, President & CEO, Cinnaire, Lansing, MI.

Welcome back Mark, remind the Michigan business community about Cinnaire?

Tell us about Cinnaire Earning 2025 Top Workplace Award from the Detroit Free Press?

Cinnaire is bringing 211 New Units of Affordable & Permanent Supportive Housing to Brush Park, MI?

$5.9 Million AHP Award Will Support Affordable Housing Developments?

You're supporting Haven House Pancake Palooza again, remind the business community so they can Save the Date?

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Cinnaire Earns 2025 Top Workplace Award from the Detroit Free Press

November 26, 2025

Cinnaire has been named a 2025 Detroit Free Press Top Workplace, an honor based entirely on feedback from our employees. The award recognizes organizations that foster a culture where people feel supported, connected, and aligned with their mission – values ...

Bringing 211 New Units of Affordable & Permanent Supportive Housing to Brush Park MI.

November 20, 2025

The City of Detroit joined partners MHT Housing, Inc., Kirsten’s Touch, Inc. lead by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, and Cinnaire to break ground on four new buildings that will bring 211 units of new affordable and permanent supportive housing ...

Mark will be returning as a Star Server for the 2026 Haven House Pancake Palooza.

For more than a decade, this event has held a special place in my heart. Together, we've raised over $282,000 to help families facing homelessness find safety, stability, and a path forward.

Save the date

Saturday, February 28, 2026

8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

2|42 Community Church, Okemos

Haven House's mission to guide families from crisis to stable homes reminds us of what truly matters, especially during this season of gratitude. At Cinnaire, we believe everyone deserves a place to call home, and we're proud to support Haven House as they provide emergency shelter, supportive services, and long-term housing solutions.

As we prepare for this year's event, I would be grateful for your support once again. If you feel inspired to help families on their path to stability, click here to make a contribution.

I will be serving up pancakes, and together, we can serve up hope for families who need us most. Thank you for being part of this work and for all you do to strengthen our community.

Chris Holman welcomes back Everett Woodel, Jr., SBA’s Great Lakes Regional Administrator, Ohio.

The nomination deadline for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 National Small Business Week awards has been extended?

(to Dec. 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET.)

For more than 60 years, the SBA has celebrated National Small Business Week, tell us about that?

(highlighting the vital contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.)

That next National Small Business Week will be held May 3-9, 2026, what's planned?

Tell us about Award categories for Michigan businesses?

(Small Business Person of the Year

Small Business Exporter of the Year

8 (a) Graduate of the Year

Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery

Small Business Manufacturer of the Year (District Award)

Rural Small Business of the Year (District Award)

Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year (District Award))

Where can folks get more information?

(visit: SBA.gov/NSBW)

Remind us about that great story of a Michigan business that got recognized last time?

(In 2025, the owners of Sterling Heights, Mich.,-based NTL Industries won Michigan Small Business Persons of the Year and went on to win the national title of Small Business Person of the Year.)

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WASHINGTON — This week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) extended the 2026 National Small Business Week awards nominations deadline to 2 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses – which make up 99% of all businesses in America, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ about half of America’s workforce.

National Small Business Week will take place May 3 – 9, 2026. National awards will be presented during this week at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. A business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam will be selected for State Small Business Person of the Year awards. State award winners will compete for the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year title, SBA’s signature award.

To nominate a small business in your area, download related forms, and to view criteria, and guidelines and the full list of awards, visit sba.gov/nsbw.

# # #

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Wednesday, December 3rd, MBN was on the road to Capital Area Michigan Works! headquarters on Cedar St., Lansing, MI.

Following an end-of-year joint board meeting for CAMW! They gathered with staff, board members and community partners for an Open House. At the occasion CAMW! CEO Carrie Rosingana announced several award winners. Individuals who were either hitting milestones, or being acknowledge for impact while engaging with CAMW!'s services, along with some who will be moving on to their next roles in life.

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