Our friend and colleague, Gary Witzenburg, has been a racer, auto journalist, engineer, PR guy and now he is back to automotive journalism. Gary is one of the hardest working guys in the business. We spend some time talking about the Concours d’Elegance he founded at Michigan State University, and a variety of our shared auto media experiences. Then we talk about the Automotive Heritage Awards we will be presenting at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s in late July. Gary is managing the judging for the Automotive Heritage Journalism Competition that is part of the AHA. [Details at: www.autoheritageawards.com]

For over ten years, Keith Forton, physics teacher at Traverse City Central High School has been crafting an amazingly successful Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) program. Initially intended to serve students at his local high school, the effort rapidly expanded following exposure to other teachers. Student-led projects have emerged that incorporate advanced yet affordable technologies. This first of a two-part series looks at the origins and philosophies behind this highly impactful initiative. All “STEM-ing” from this amazing teacher and his students.

On the road to Grayling, Michigan, Karl caught-up with a team of Stockbridge High School students returning from a week of “Schools-Out” dives on shipwrecks in Lake Huron.

Prepping for their first expedition to the islands of Palau in the South Pacific next spring, these brilliant students share their thoughts about their impressions and responsibilities as underwater robotics scientists in their school and community. We have remarkable young talent in this state. Listen to their enthusiasm…as learners and leaders in our schools.

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• Mobility startups now have access to more than $1 million in grant funding.

• The PlanetM Startup grants enable mobility startups to deploy and test their technologies on Michigan’s roadways – within closed and real-world environments – with the goal of making transportation easier, safer and more affordable for Michigan residents.

• The two-part program includes: a PlanetM Pilot Grant and a PlanetM Testing Grant.

o PlanetM Pilot Grant –

 First company is Dubai/Detroit-based Derq, which develops software using patented artificial intelligence to predict and prevent car crashes.

o PlanetM Testing Grant

 Mcity is the first advanced testing facility partner on the Testing Grant program, which will provide startups with a discounted fee for testing at Mcity.

• These grants build on the momentum of other recent pilot grant programs, including the Detroit Mobility Innovation Initiative and the $8 Million Michigan Mobility Challenge.

How can the complex be made simple? You can learn a bit about how to communicate your business after listening to the professional tasked with building interest around and business within lightweight materials. Joe Steele is an experience communicator who offers advice based on his experience. Steele is with “LIFT” Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow in Detroit.

Matt Friedman finds this all out from Media Row at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference.

MICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens speaks to Chris Holman at the 2018 Michigan Policy Conference about Michigan"s Economic Future and Michigan's Automotive Future.

Nathan Marsden Managing Director, Bank of America Southeastern Michigan speaks with Jeffrey Mosher about the purpose of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch in your life at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference.

Eastern Michigan Universities President Jim Smith speaks with Chris Holman at the 2018 Michigan Policy Conference

Tammy Carnrike, Chief Operating Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce speaks to Chris Holman about the Conference which she and her team put 12 months into preparing up on the island every year.

Wrapping up an episode of MBN's Association Imapact, Cheryl Ronk continues her conversation with Terry Terry of MessageMakers, an Event AV, Video Production and Custom Training firm, has served as the catalyst for the revitalization of Lansing’s historic Old Town district. They have created Lansing JazzFest, the Michigan BluesFest, the Fish Rodeo and the UrbanBeat Event Center. They are now moving into partnerships such as the new one; the Detroit Motorcycle City on July 20-21.