The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) recently introduced LEAP Thrive, a program that partners with developers to facilitate community-oriented development projects. Joining Chris to explain more is LEAP Thrive Board President & COO of LEAP, Keith Lambert and Thrive Board Member and Executive Director of the Ingham County Land Bank, Roxanne Case!

Society is clamoring for health care reform, along with a fundamental shift from Sick Care to truly affordable Health Care. Joining Chris to discuss an upcoming event called ‘HEALTH’CARE 2026 is the Founder & CEO of Health Bar, Nathan Baar!

Seemingly out of nowhere Data Centers have been proposing new facilities in many Michigan communities. Most are being met with strong opposition, but it’s hard to keep up with what the concerns are, what the rebuttals have been - and ultimately what the truth is. Joining Chris to discuss the topic on a broader scale, as well as some details on the proposed Lansing-based project, is the Vice President of Strategy and Operations for Deep Green, Luke Gavin!

Insurance is something most people would rather not think about. After all, people and businesses pay money in the hopes of never having to use the services they’re paying for. Many think that getting the cheapest policy, and foregoing a live Agent, is the best path. Joining Chris to shed some light on why NOT having a live expert advising you is State Farm agent, Kirk Byrens!

Michigan Community Action is the state association for the 27 designated Community Action Agencies in Michigan. They are also part of a national network of over 1,000 local organizations that help people move from poverty to economic stability and self-sufficiency. Joining Chris to discuss more programming information and the impact on Michigan is the Community Action Executive Director, Brian McGrain!

Outdoor recreation checks a lot of boxes when it comes to things that bring value to our lives. It drives our health and wellness, and it drives our economy. Joining Chris to discuss the details and impact of the annual Michigan Ice Fest is the Festival Organizer and Co-owner of Down Wind Sports, Bill Thompson, and the Executive Director of the Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Brad Garmon!

In this episode, we’re talking about legacy, leadership and impact. The Commission is preparing for its 41st annual Day of Celebration, one of the largest MLK Day events in the country — but its work extends far beyond a single day. Joining Chris to share how the Commission continues to carry forward Dr. King’s vision through education, youth leadership and community action is Chair of the Dr. MLK Jr Commission of Mid-Michigan, Elaine Hardy!

Many of us cheer at ribbon cuttings, or even groundbreakings, and are excited about a new endeavor in our communities. Those behind the scenes realize it takes amazing partnerships and collaboration months - even years - in advance to get a project underway. My next guests are here to share some of the behind-the-scenes work that leads up with projects materializing or not. - and they are Brownfield Consultant for Triterra, Connor Zook, and Project Liaison for Revitalize, Reece Burton!

Vulnerable populations suffer in a variety of ways. One way is having a lack of access to financial services - either lacking transportation, or awareness that services exist. Joining Chris to discuss a new mobile tax service provided by the United Way of South Central Michigan, is their Senior Director of Community Impact & Programs, Bethany Stutzman and CEDAM Member, Quill Stellaris!

For decades businesses have been chasing SEO - Search Engine Optimization - for their websites. AI is changing things, and it likely will require a new strategy to get discovered as a business. Joining Chris to share how Güd Marketing is learning and sharing their findings are Principal and President Debbie Horak and Director of Special Projects, Joel Newport!