Chris Holman welcomes John J. Walsh, President & CEO, MMA, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Lansing, MI.

Welcome back John, breifly remind the listeners about MMA?

How do the Manufacturing Excellence Awards strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem and foster collaboration among industry leaders statewide?

With new categories like the Sustainability Award, how is MMA recognizing companies driving both profitability and environmental responsibility?

What economic or workforce trends stand out among this year’s award finalists, and what do they reveal about the future of Michigan manufacturing?

How does public engagement in the “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” competition help promote brand visibility and pride for local manufacturers?

In what ways is the MMA adapting its support and advocacy to help Michigan’s 12,000+ manufacturers stay globally competitive in 2025 and beyond?

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Michigan Manufacturers Association Announces Winners and Finalists of 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards

Opportunity to Speak Directly with Groundbreaking Manufacturing Executives

LANSING (Oct. 16, 2025) — The Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) each year shines a light on the individuals, organizations and products that drive Michigan’s economy and improve our daily lives. MMA’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards is a one-of-a-kind program that recognizes what makes Michigan manufacturing the best in the world.

MMA is hosting a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at MMA’s Headquarters in Lansing to announce individual winners and company and product finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

During the press conference, members of the media will get a chance to speak directly with nearly a dozen manufacturing executives who are recipients of the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards.

To view a full list of finalists and winners, please visit mimfg.org/excellence.

WHAT: A press conference hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association that will celebrate and announce winners and finalists for the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards program

WHO:

Zack Bishop, President, 4 Flutes Machining

George Cook, Vice President, TARUS

Brian Cooper, President, Wire Wizard Welding Products

Bill Dobbins, President, Caster Concepts

Ryan Gingery, President, Armor Protective Packaging

Nate Holstege, Owner, Preferred Machine, LLC

Chelsea Jensen, Business Operations Manager, Llink Tech

Inez Kaleto, CEO, Robinson Industries

Bill Kerfin, President, Amsted Automotive

Tyler Kring, Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar Company

Steven London, President and COO, Bekum America

Jim Miller, Director of Government and Legislative Affairs, Nexteer Automotive

Olivia Ostrander, Parts Sales Specialist, Powell

Paul Patrash, CEO, Elite Mold & Engineering, Inc

Alyssa Tracey, Director of International Trade, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

John Walsh, President & CEO, Michigan Manufacturers Association

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

WHERE: MMA Headquarters

620 S. Capitol Ave

Lansing, MI 48933

Chris Holman welcomes Paul King, President ROI Insight, but for this occasion; a Detroit area Crooner, and Nico Gatzaros, Owner, iconic London Chop House, Detroit, MI.

Welcome Paul, our viewers know you from the Michigan Future Business Index, but you do more than surveys, and it's in entertainment?

Nico share some highlights about London Chop House and your other restaurants?

So you are teaming up for an event coming up soon on October 24th?

How does hosting live entertainment like “Strictly Sinatra” align with London Chop House’s broader business and brand strategy in Detroit’s downtown revival?

What economic or community benefits come from partnering with local venues like the International Banquet & Conference Center for cultural events?

How does blending fine dining with live jazz experiences enhance customer loyalty and differentiate your business in a competitive hospitality market?

Anything else we should know?

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DETROIT, MI — October, 2025 — The London Chop House invites guests to relive the golden age of jazz with Strictly Sinatra, an unforgettable night celebrating Frank Sinatra’s timeless classics from Hoboken to Vegas. The event takes place Friday, October 24, from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m. at the International Banquet & Conference Center in downtown Detroit, promising a stylish evening of music, fine dining, and nostalgia.

Headlining the evening is renowned vocalist Mark Randisi, whose voice captures the essence of Sinatra so authentically that even Andrea Bocelli mistook him for “Ol’ Blue Eyes” himself. Joining Randisi are Detroit jazz greats Paul King, Cary Kocher, and Paul Keller, each bringing their own signature flair and deep musical roots to the stage. The performance will transport guests to the swingin’ 60s, where Sinatra ruled the Vegas Strip and every note told a story.

From soulful ballads to toe-tapping big band favorites, Strictly Sinatra offers more than a concert—it’s a full-sensory experience that blends Detroit’s love of live music with the timeless sophistication of Sinatra’s sound. Tickets start at $55.20 and can be purchased through Eventbrite. Dress to impress, enjoy the atmosphere, and let the music carry you back to the Rat Pack era.

Chris Holman welcomes Paul Keifer, President of Bank of America Grand Rapids.

Welcome Paul, new to your role since May this year, remind the Michigan business community about Bank of America?

The Bank of America 2025 Workplace Benefits Report was recently released, and it includes some interesting findings. Before we dive into the findings, can you please share a little about what the report actually is?

What’s your biggest takeaway from the report?

Are you seeing any changes or trends in workplace benefits specifically around financial wellness?

What barriers exist for companies and their employees?

How does this impact the Grand Rapids area?

How can Bank of America help make a difference in Grand Rapids?

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The future of workplace benefits is evolving, and new data from Bank of America’s recently released report, 2025 Workplace Benefits Report, provides a detailed look at today’s workforce.

Now in its 15th year, the report is based on nationwide surveys of employees and employers, analyzing financial well-being, retirement preparedness, evolving benefits, and generational trends.

Key findings include:

Debt pressures intensify: 85% of employees carry personal debt. For the first time in recent years, credit card debt surpassed mortgage debt.

Caregiving challenges: Nearly 6 in 10 employees are caregivers. They want benefits like flexible schedules, leave options, and financial wellness programs to help balance responsibilities.

Financial wellness gap: 8 in 10 employers say financial wellness drives job satisfaction and culture, yet less than half offer such programs. Employee confidence in employer responsibility for financial wellness has declined.

Generational differences: Nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z and Millennials carry debt (58% credit card debt). Gen X reports the highest burnout, while Boomers are the most financially optimistic, though 1 in 4 say they aren’t on track for retirement.

Retirement regrets: 70% of employees prioritize retirement savings, but nearly half nearing retirement wish they had started earlier or taken full advantage of employer 401(k) matches.

Evolving benefits: Employees increasingly want support for student loan repayment, wellness reimbursements, emergency loans, and even nontraditional offerings like addiction support, grandparent leave, and pet insurance.

BofA Grand Rapids President Paul Keifer joined us to provide local perspective and expert commentary on how employees are managing debt, caregiving responsibilities, and long-term financial goals in today’s economy.

Originally uploaded April 25th, reloaded October 16th.

Chris Holman welcomes Lisa Frohnapfel, President & CEO, Better Business Bureau of Michigan, Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids, MI

What does this merger mean for BBB?

Are there changes for businesses?

Are there changes for consumers?

Why is this merger important?

Why should businesses and consumers care?

What does this merger mean for the BBB's educational foundation?

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Here are a few key facts to know about the merger and the new BBB of Michigan:

With this merger, BBB of Michigan is now one of the largest bureaus out of the nearly 100 offices across North America.

BBB of Michigan will retain staff members from both offices and has reorganized departments and positions to improve efficiencies and customer service.

Lisa Frohnapfel, who took the reins of BBB Serving Western Michigan in 2021, now expands her leadership role to cover the entire combined service area as the President and CEO of the newly formed BBB of Michigan.

BBB of Michigan will continue operations at both of its offices, located in Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids.

The merger will help amplify the organization’s overall community impact and provide more convenient access to BBB services and resources, including Accredited Business benefits, consumer education initiatives, scholarships, special events and more.

The Better Business Bureau® (BBB) is proud to announce an important milestone for businesses and consumers across the state. BBB of Detroit and Eastern Michigan and BBB of Western Michigan have merged to become the Better Business Bureau® of Michigan, impacting thousands of Michigan businesses and approximately 10 million Michigan consumers.

With this merger, BBB of Michigan is now one of the largest bureaus in North America.

This strategic unification will allow BBB to provide enhanced programs, expanded resources, and a stronger network of support for businesses and consumers throughout the state. By combining forces, BBB of Michigan will streamline operations, increase accessibility, and continue its mission of fostering marketplace trust and integrity. The merger will also allow the BBB Educational Foundation to expand programs and educate more businesses and consumers.

Lisa Frohnapfel, who took the reins of BBB Serving Western Michigan in 2021, now expands her leadership role to cover the entire combined service area as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed BBB of Michigan.

“Our goal is to provide a more efficient and effective BBB experience for all of Michigan,” says Lisa Frohnapfel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau of Michigan. “By uniting our efforts, we will be better positioned to support businesses, educate consumers, and promote trust throughout the state.”

What This Means for Michigan

Greater Statewide Support – Businesses and consumers will have access to a unified BBB, ensuring more seamless assistance across Michigan.

Expanded Programs & Services – BBB will continue to offer accreditation, dispute resolution, scam tracking, and business and consumer education while enhancing its reach.

Stronger Marketplace Trust – The merger reinforces BBB’s commitment to ethical business practices, consumer protection, and community engagement.

BBB of Michigan will continue operations at both of its offices, located in Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids.

As this transition unfolds, Michigan businesses and consumers will continue to receive the same trusted services with additional benefits and resources.

Visit BBB.org/mi to discover what the new BBB of Michigan can do for you.

Originally uploaded December 2, reloaded December 5th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Reuben Levinsohn, Partner, Wealth Advisor, Nicholas Pope, CFP®, CEPA™, AEP®. Partner, Wealth Advisor Washington Avenue Advisors, REO Town, Lansing, MI.

Welcome to the Michigan Business Beat, share a bit about Washington Avenue Advisors?

Washington Avenue Advisors clearly supports business owners with exit planning and succession strategy — how do you balance the needs of founders who want growth now with planning for their eventual exit?

Your Services page highlights tax planning, acquisitions, and business efficiency — how does your team help small to mid-sized entrepreneurs build a financially scalable business?

For business owners worried about legacy — how does your “estate & legacy planning” practice integrate with ownership transition to ensure both the business and their personal assets are protected?

As a Lansing-based firm serving entrepreneurs and business owners nationwide, what competitive advantage does Washington Avenue Advisors bring, and how do you align your investment and risk-management advice with the unique challenges of owner-led companies?

Your firm hosted Leadership talks last year, what did you and your gatherings take away from those events?

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Washington Avenue Advisors was founded in 2016 by the original partners, Nick and Reuben, with a belief that the world is full of visionary leaders trying to bring their best ideas to fruition. They wanted to build an organization that would help entrepreneurs move from their imaginations into a physical space. There was no better location to call home than REO Town, Lansing, MI, a historical place where innovation meets entrepreneurship.​

REO Town in Lansing, Michigan, was named after Ransom Eli Olds, founder of the Oldsmobile and REO Motor Car Company, and was a major center for the American automobile industry from 1905 to 1975.​

At Washington Avenue Advisors, we believe financial advising is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about people, families, and the legacies they build.​

Our mission is to help business owners actualize their legacy. Along the way, WAA has grown into a trusted partner for those navigating every stage of wealth and business. From startup to exit, from first investment to legacy planning, we walk alongside our clients through each step of the journey.​

Connecting Life and Wealth

​

We know that life and wealth are inseparable. That’s why our discovery process doesn’t begin with money — it begins with you. We ask about your goals, values, and vision for the future, and then design strategies that align with who you are and what matters most.​

Our work spans:​

Wealth Planning & Investment Management — building portfolios and strategies tailored to long-term success.

Business & Exit Planning — helping entrepreneurs grow, protect, and exit their companies on their terms.

Estate & Legacy Planning — ensuring the values you live by are the ones you pass on.

Accounting & Financial Clarity — empowering businesses with day-to-day accuracy for their accounting needs, serving as an outsourced controller or fractional CFO.

Vic Verchereau welcomes Zac Clark, who is General Manager at Lansing Lugnuts.

Games have been going in Lansing since they broke ground for the Capital Building in 1872, but 30 years ago, a new game was brought to downtown Lansing... minor league baseball! Business deals and family memories have been made ever since! The Lansing Lugnuts franchise is among the nation's most successful, and 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of baseball on Michigan Avenue.

After joining the Lugnuts as Assistant General Manager, Dansville Michigan native, Zac Clark, moved up to General Manager in January 2023. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and his master’s degree from East Tennessee State University before entering the baseball world as an intern with the Martinsville Mustangs. As the Lansing Lugnuts General Manager his duties go well beyond baseball with his role in helping people enjoy the ballpark in many creative ways.

The 2026 season planning is well under way, and there is a lot to do and enjoy before the first pitch! Come on down to the corner and listen in to Host Vic Verchereau and Zac Clark as they bring in some warmer weather and opportunities to enjoy this Central Michigan gem! This is Michigan Corners... C'mon down!

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Originally uploaded November 22, reloaded December 5th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Archie Williams, entrepreneur, Owner TruBlue Home Service Ally, Detroit, MI.

Welcome Archie tell us a bit about your entrepreneurial path?

Please fill us in on TruBlue Home Service Ally Detroit?

Given that about one in six adults in Metro Detroit is age 65 or older, what market opportunity did you identify that led you to launch TruBlue Home Service Ally Detroit to serve the aging-in-place demographic?

What are the most common home safety and maintenance challenges you’ve seen seniors face, and how does your system of home modifications and ongoing maintenance address these from a business-model perspective?

In what ways does focusing on the “senior-centric business” model change your marketing, operational strategy, or customer service compared to a general handyman business?

As the senior population continues to grow in Michigan, what business risks and scalability challenges have you encountered when expanding services or territories to meet rising demand?

What role does technology, partnerships, or non-traditional revenue streams (for example, maintenance subscriptions) play in differentiating your business and sustaining long-term growth in the senior market?

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Archie Williams, a local Detroit entrepreneur, discusses the growing trend of senior-centric businesses opening throughout the community to cater to the growing senior population. About one in six adults across Metro Detroit is age 65 or older, including 17.9% in Oakland County, 17.8% in Macomb County, and 16.2% in Wayne County.

Williams also discusses the growing demand for senior-centric businesses like his own -- TruBlue Home Service Ally, which prioritizes helping seniors age in place by modifying their homes -- and why we will see an increase in senior-centric businesses continue to open throughout Michigan with the senior population projected to continue to grow rapidly.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Mike Musheinesh, CEO, Detroit Axel, Detroit, MI.

Mike, you’ve described the 2025 tariff rollout as a shock to Michigan’s business community. Can you walk us through how the sudden policy changes first hit Detroit Axle and the broader automotive aftermarket?

Detroit Axle has taken the rare step of filing a federal court challenge against the tariffs. What led you to pursue legal action, and what outcome are you hoping the case will set for Michigan businesses?

You’ve emphasized that despite the disruptions, Detroit Axle has preserved jobs and remained open for business. How were you able to adapt and stay stable while other companies struggled or closed?

What are the real-world impacts you're seeing for customers, now that tariffs have driven up prices for essential auto parts?

You’ve called on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to rethink its approach to supporting established businesses. What specific changes would you like to see at MEDC to ensure homegrown companies can compete and grow?

Detroit Axle had plans for a 350,000-square-foot expansion in Ferndale that are now on hold. Can you explain how the tariffs forced that pause and how the company is adjusting its growth strategy in global markets?

As you await clarity on global trade policy, what message do you want to send to policymakers about the stakes for Michigan’s economy and immigrant-founded companies like Detroit Axle?

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Vic Verchereau welcomes Brian Babiasz, who is Executive Director at The Reading People.

Brian Babiasz has been with The Reading People since 2022 and Executive Director since 2025. Brian works to expand literacy access; especially for new Americans and adult learners. He credits the staff’s dedication as the heart of the organization’s impact. From his early experiences in growing plants to his new role in helping people grow to pursue their goals, Brian brings an energy and passion that is rare among many leaders.

Vic Verchereau spends time learning about all the great things The Reading People are doing for the Mid-Michigan area on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown.

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Chris Holman speaks with Stephen Rapundalo, President & CEO, MichBIO, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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