Originally uploaded April 15th, reedited June 26th

Chris Holman welcomes back Lorri Rishar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, who is joined this time by Sabrina Kelly, digital media intern, EDGE Partnerships, Marquette, MI.

There were several things Chris wanted to find out:

Welcome back Lorri, remind us about EDGE?

Sabrina, tell us about yourself and how you discovered EDGE?

What will you be doing as a digital media intern?

Will your projects just be for Marquette or across the EDGE clients range?

Have your Northern Michigan University classes prepared you to contribute?

Lorri, what other ways have EDGE leveraged internships over the years?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN

» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork

» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/

» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Vic Verchereau welcomes David Ashcraft, who is the President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network.

David Ashcraft serves as the President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network (GLN), an organization at the forefront of global leadership development and in pursuit to serve more pastors, equip more churches, and inspire more leaders. The signature event of the GLN is The Global Leadership Summit, an annual gathering that brings ministry and marketplace expertise together from over 120 countries and translated into over 60 languages.

Previously, for 32 years David served as the Pastor of LCBC Church in Manheim, Pennsylvania. Under David’s leadership, LCBC grew from one location with a weekly attendance of 150 people to 19 locations across the state of Pennsylvania with a combined average weekly attendance of over 22,000.

Vic Verchereau hosts David in a conversation about building leaders and transitions to new generations. This is a connected leader sharing powerful insights, don't miss this edition of the leadership Lowdown!

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN

» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork

» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/

» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded April 8th, re-edited July 3.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Michelle Beebe, Chief Revenue Officer of SBAM, the Small Business Association of Michigan, Lansing,

Welcome Michelle, please share a bit of your career path that led to being the CRO for SBAM?

The recent news we wanted you on to share about is that SBAM is set to launch new women-owned business certification

through partnership with Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, tell us about that?

SBAM also does small business certification, what does that entail?

Michelle, I understand you manage all products and services for SBAM so could you speak to general benefits too - anything that comes with being a member?

Didn't I read something about another recent offering – cybersecurity insurance?

Originally uploaded April 11, re-edited June 30th.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Elaina Farnsworth, Speaker | Published Author | Agent for Change in Electrification & 21st Century Infrastructure, and since last summer Chief Executive Officer, SkillFusion, Rochester, MI.

First of all, Elaina, welcome, I know along the way you've been recognized as a 2018 Top 10 Influencers for North American Automotive Suppliers, tell us a bit about your career path?

Accelerating the shift to electric vehicles through policy and innovation?

Debunking myths surrounding electric vehicle performance and range?

Highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of EV adoption?

Showcasing advancements in EV technology and infrastructure?

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN

» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork

» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/

» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded April 15th, reedited June 28th.

Chris Holman welcomes back Teri Sand, SHRM-CP, PHR, CBSP, CRP, Business Services Manager, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI,

but serving Ingham Eaton, and Clinton Counties

[THEME: Teri discusses Employer of the Day events, Weekly Hot Jobs Report and solutions for businesses who are hiring.]

Question: What are some opportunities CAMW! offers to employers who are currently hiring?

Each week, CAMW! partners with local employers to host Employer of the Day events at our Lansing American Job Center locations.

Employers who host Employer of the Day event are able to:

On-site recruiting.

On-site interviews.

In-person resume collection. [ Teri, please feel free to add any additional benefits.]

Question: Teri, Can't Employers can also request to post a job opening on your Weekly Hot Jobs Report?

Yes, This report is a compiled list of new job postings in the Lansing and surrounding communities.

Released every Tuesday, each job on the Hot Jobs Report is placed into one of the following categories:

Business.

Healthcare.

Trades & transportation.

Information Technology.

Manufacturing.

Miscellaneous.

This report is shared across many channels to allow employers to connect with a wider audience across the region, including:

CAMW!’s social media.

CAMW!’s internal newsletter.

Employers can use the following link to request recruitment through an Employer of the Day event: https://www.camw.org/employers/promote-open-jobs

Question: What other employer resources does CAMW! offer for those looking to fill positions?

Employers who have a position they need to fill can search the candidate profiles on the www.mitalent.org site.

This allows employers to find individuals who meet the specific job requirements.

Pure Michigan Talent Connect, is a “tool connecting Michigan’s job seekers and employers and serves as a central hub linking all public and private stakeholders who support Michigan’s workforce.” Many of the job opportunities on the Weekly Hot Jobs report are listed here as well.

Employers can also consider joining local job search groups on Facebook.

Employers are encouraged to share job openings through these groups to target and reach a wider audience.

Employers can receive recruitment and hiring help by visiting the CAMW! website at: https://www.camw.org/employers/business-services-team

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes JT Weis, Managing Director, Rapid Line Incorporated, Grand Rapids, MI.

1. Could you give readers and listeners a brief overview of Studio Wise/Rapid Line and what both companies are bringing to the B2B sphere?

2. Who are Studio Wise and Rapid Line hoping to serve through this new partnership?

3. When it comes to modernizing B2B quoting and getting your products into the hands of your customers with more efficiency, what goals and upcoming initiatives will this partnership focus on?

4. How does Studio Wise hope to leverage its standing within the design industry to accelerate its growth in the upscale hospitality market?

5. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to diversify Rapid Line’s business to now include high-quality products, which will strengthen its model, can you explain the vision behind this?

6. What can Studio Wise and Rapid Line partners expect in the coming months?

Rapid Line Incorporated Acquires Studio Wise Design 

Major metal fabrication player enters upscale hospitality table market.

[Grand Rapids, MI, March 25, 2024]: Rapid Line Incorporated, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and recognized as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), has announced its acquisition of Studio Wise Design, also based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Rapid Line is a prominent Midwest metal component manufacturer operating across various sectors, including office furniture, outdoor furniture, all-terrain vehicles, and medical equipment.

“The Studio Wise product lines are of high design and quality. We intend to leverage this and accelerate Studio Wise’s growth in the upscale hospitality market,” states Rick Van Dis, Rapid Line President & CEO. 

The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to diversify Rapid Line’s business to now include high-quality products, which will strengthen its model. Van Dis continues, “Rapid Line has a strong foundation and reputation of on-time service and high quality. Our recent plant automation and equipment investments will support the Studio Wise growth plan.”  

Studio Wise is the designer table of choice in many well-known culinary destinations and resorts, including Gordon Ramsay restaurants, Sunda Asian, Marriott Hotels, Hard Rock Resorts, and several other luxury destinations.    

“Studio Wise has produced beautifully designed, high-quality products. Over the past couple of years, we’ve been focused on modernizing B2B quoting and get our products into the hands of our customers more efficiently. Our new platform disrupts the way manufacturers and the architecture & design community quote and specify furniture. This acquisition by Rapid Line will allow us to go much further and truly grow our business to the level we know we can achieve,” Troy Bosworth, Studio Wise founder.

Troy Bosworth intends to remain on board to provide consultation and support for the company's vision, with a primary focus on product design and bolstering the implementation of aggressive growth strategies.

###

Rapid Line Incorporated is a full-service metal fabrication and contract manufacturer headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI.  More than just metal fabricators, Rapid-Line integrates plastics, wood, fabric, cork, and glass into custom-finished products. Rapid-Line was founded in 1926 and expanded manufacturing space three times with a current capacity of 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space and approximately 100 employees.

Chris Holman welcomes Director Phil Roos at EGLE, Lansing, MI.

Phil, Remind the Michigan business community about EGLE?

How is EGLE engaged with the business community?

News from Mackinac Island included that EGLE is partnering with MSHDA and Gov. Whitmer, you made an announcement on the Island about the home energy rebate program?

What are you hoping to see passed in the budget this year?

Michigan increases housing goal and announces programs to lower home energy costs for 28,000 families, helping more Michiganders reach their dreams of owning a home

LANSING, Mich.– At the Mackinac Policy Conference Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced significant strides in housing and energy initiatives, continuing Michigan’s national leadership in leveraging climate and clean energy-related federal funding.

This includes raising the state’s five-year housing production goal by over 50% and investing federal funds to lower energy costs for 28,000 low-income households through the Solar for All and Home Energy Rebate Programs. The initiatives will lower housing and utility costs for Michiganders and will put the state closer to achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. The initiatives will lower housing and utility costs for Michiganders and will put the state closer to achieving the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

“Together, we’re going to lower housing and energy costs for Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “By raising our statewide housing goal to 115,000 units, we will build more housing to drive down costs and ensure every Michigander has a safe, affordable place to call home. Thanks to our partners in the Biden-Harris administration, we have federal resources headed our way to lower energy costs for Michigan families by helping them upgrade to more energy efficient home appliances and install solar panels on their homes or in their community to save them money on their utilities. These upgrades will keep families cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and improve their quality of life. Let’s keep taking action to lower costs on housing and energy, two fundamental issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Governor Raises State's Five-Year Housing Production Goal by Over 50% 

Since Governor Whitmer office, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has invested twice as much compared to the last administration to build, rehab, or finance 34,000 homes, supporting 20,000 jobs. At the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference, the governor set a goal of permitting, building, or rehabbing 75,000 additional units in five years—by September 2026. Currently, Michigan is ahead of schedule with nearly 50,000 units built, rehabbed, or permitted. Today, the governor raised Michigan’s five-year statewide housing target to 115,000—a 53% increase. This pushes Michigan closer to the goal of ensuring everyone has access to the middle class, starting with homes and utilities they can afford.

"We are celebrating our hard work in funding $1.23 billion to finance, build, and rehab thousands of homes in the last year while recognizing that we need to raise the bar higher to end the housing crisis for Michigan families," said Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA. "We're committed to listening to our local and regional partners, moving quickly with creative solutions, and working hard to make communities and neighborhoods better." 

In addition to investing unprecedented new resources, MSHDA has been implementing the Statewide Housing Plan in partnership with the members of the Statewide Housing Partnership and the local and regional leaders of each of the Regional Housing Partnerships. That work has led to new investments from the state legislature, solutions that eliminate unnecessary burdens and red tape on developers and local governments, and collaboration in support of making neighborhoods and communities stronger. 

www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

Originally posted June 14th, reposted June 17th.

Chris Holman welcomes back Carrie Rosingana, , CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties.

Carrie discusses the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair.

Question: What is the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair? When is it?

This year, we are celebrating the 31st annual Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the Lansing NAACP Branch.

As a part of the event, CAMW! is partnering to host the Job and Community Resource Fair, a job fair that will feature employers from a variety of industries in our region and a showcase of resources available through local organizations.

Employers from the following industries will be available:

Education

Engineering

Finance

Government

Healthcare

Hospitality

Human Services

Manufacturing

Transportation

It is a casual event intended to be a “come as you are”.

The resource fair will include nonprofits and various community organizations.

Black Diamonds Coed Softball Team

Capital Area Community Services (CACS) Head Start

Capital Area District Libraries

Capital Area Michigan Works!

CATA

Community Mental Health Clinton, Eaton and Ingham County

Michigan Public Service Commission

NAACP Health Committee

Nation Outside

Peckham

Phi Beta Sigma

South Side Community Coalition

Strike Out Baseball

Voters not Politicians

It is an opportunity for candidates to network with local organizations, learn more about available positions in the community that fit their interests and needs and learn more about resources available.

Activities are happening throughout the week with the job fair running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 15 at St. Joseph Park, 2125 W Hillsdale St., Lansing.

Question: How can attendees prepare for the job fair?

There is no need for attendees to formally prepare.

This is a casual event – there is no dress code or need to prepare resume materials.

We do recommend participants be ready to ask questions they may have about companies and industries and be ready to have conversations with employers.

It is a rain-or-shine event, so prepare accordingly.

After the job fair, if job seekers are looking for additional materials to prepare for upcoming interviews they can visit Capital Area Michigan Works!. We offer a variety of workshops including:

Interview Tips and one-on-one preparation

Introduction to computers and basic programs like Microsoft Word

Resume Basics

Job Finders Group

To learn more about workshops at Capital Area Michigan Works!, you can visit our website at camw.org/about-us/events.

Question: Where can people find more details for the Lansing Juneteenth/NAACP Lansing Branch Job and Community Resource Fair and the services provided at CAMW!?

You can find more details about the job fair by visiting lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org.

Jobseekers who are looking for additional support in their job search can contact CAMW! At 1-800-285-WORK (9675) or email us at [email protected].

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Mark Burzych, President, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, Okemos, MI, a 2024 Michigan 50 Companies To Watch Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year held its Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center.

In the interview, they cover Mark's career path, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them.

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes focuses on Legal Services for Business/Franchise/Corporate/Municipal/Labor & Emp.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN

» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork

» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/

» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Liz Hilton, Founder, KNITit, Holland, MI, a 2024 SmartZone Best Small Business Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year held its Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center.

In the interview, they cover Liz's career path, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them.

KNITit focuses on the global need for customized 3D knit innovation without the production commitment.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/

» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN

» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork

» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/

» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/