The Michigan Opportunity

In this episode, we explore the collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory—one of the 17 national labs under the U.S. Department of Energy—and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). 

Listen to Don Hillebrand (native Michigander), Division Director at Argonne National Laboratory, as he walks us through mobility, drones, advanced energy, batteries and much more. Argonne's largest research division - focused on Energy, Transportation, Fuels, and Manufacturing Process Technology. These labs are at the forefront of scientific innovation in the United States, addressing some of the world's most challenging scientific problems. Also references to the Oppenheimer Movie and his love for Oakland University!

From Japan with Johnson’s Baby products to the UK with Kellogg’s, Jane has a wealth of experience to showcase the unique charms of Kalamazoo County.

Listen to Jane Ghosh, President & CEO, Discover Kalamazoo, discuss her unique path to this important position, and the love she has for the region.  Discover Kalamazoo works to provide the resources, platforms and opportunities for local businesses to market their services and products to a variety of travel audiences, including leisure tourists, convention planners and meeting/trade show attendees. As a result of their collaborative efforts, the Kalamazoo area continues to see an increase in overnight spending from visitors, which leads to direct economic prosperity for our local community. Visit Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Gilmore Car Museum, Historic Charlton Park and much more in beautiful Kalamazoo.

Michigan is a Defense and Aerospace Powerhouse: With 4,000 defense and 900 aerospace businesses, these industries contribute over 166,000 jobs and $30 billion to Michigan's economy. Learn more from the Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation (ODAI).

Hear Executive Director, Colonel John T. Gutierrez, share his mission to bolster the state’s defense and aerospace sectors. ODAI collaborates with government, industry, and academia to forge a future rooted in the legacy of the Arsenal of Democracy — a legacy where Michigan leads in defense and aerospace markets. John discusses how the Office is dedicated to strengthening the state’s defense and aerospace sectors by attracting, retaining, and expanding investments.

Carla Walker-Miller's 24-year-old Michigan-based business is one of the largest African American and woman-owned energy waste reduction companies in the country.

Walker-Miller Energy Services is a B Corp certified company dedicated to changing lives through energy. The firm focuses on energy efficiency and clean energy, aiming to reduce energy burdens for local families and businesses, create sustainable jobs, diversify the local energy workforce, and empower small business owners to become sustainable suppliers in the clean energy economy. Walker-Miller has grown into the largest African American and woman-owned energy waste reduction companies in the country. Hear her share her story of the companies ongoing successes.

With Over 37 years of experience in automotive market analysis, forecasting, and supplier strategy, Michael shares with us his insights and forecasts on a vital industry to Michigan.

Michael Robinet joined S&P Global as a Consulting Executive Director for his valued insight on forecasts, commercial transition strategies and market dynamics. He is a Director for the Automotive Hall of Fame, a Trustee for the SAE Foundation and a board member for the Canada Unites States Business Association. For several years he has penned a monthly column for SAE Automotive Magazine called ‘Supplier Eye’.

Join Quentin as he delves into the competitive and ever-evolving landscape of global economic development and the history of The Michigan Opportunity through the voice of the show’s host, Ed Clemente.

Discover the latest initiatives at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as Quentin Messer discusses how Michigan is positioning itself in the arenas of talent, mobility, economic growth, defense, aerospace, innovation, and more. In the latter half of the show, Quentin turns the tables on host Ed Clemente, diving into the podcast's 4-year journey, exploring the value of long-form listening, public value, emerging trends, unique guests, and much more.

Capital Group, one of the world's oldest and largest investment management firms, manages over $2.6 trillion in assets. 

Listen to Michigander Thomas Cooney, Vice President and International Policy Advisor at Capital Group, discuss his organization's investments in Michigan and globally, along with his unique path to this role. With nearly 30 years of experience in government relations, strategic planning and leadership, Tom is a former U.S. Department of State executive, an expert in Asia-Pacific and Latin American affairs, fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, and has served in senior roles including Interim Ambassador to Argentina and Deputy Chief of Mission. He also held a key international role at General Motors and is a Proud Graduate of Royal Oak Shrine Catholic High School.

With President Siegle at the helm of Walsh College, innovation is accelerating with a focus on AI, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and more!

Dr. Suzy Siegle, President & CEO Walsh College, is a high-octane president, author, coach and much more. She discusses her books on high performance leadership and how a journey in business, law and higher education got her to lead an entrepreneurial college. Since 1922, Walsh College has combined theory and application to prepare students for successful careers. Becoming more than a business school, it’s now an accelerator, a think tank, and incubator for ideas.

A Serendipitous Path: How Black Tech Saturdays in Detroit became a nationally focused organization                                                     

Listen to Johnnie Turnage, Co-Founder of Black Tech Saturdays, share his journey on creating a unique career path along with his wife, Alexa. Starting as a project community organizer for Moses and UCFW Labor, he was inspired in 2020 to begin working with tech professionals. Johnnie and Alexa’s vision is to empower black tech communities nationwide, while closing racial wealth gap through tech-focused initiatives, drive economic growth, and foster diversity within the industry to ensure prosperity for all. 

Welcome to Grand Rapids-based Windquest Group. With over 1,400 team members and operations in 28 states, this privately held enterprise and investment management firm engages in diversified projects, including: performance technology, sustainability solutions, consumer goods, manufacturing, craft alcohol and nonprofit solutions. 

Hear from Jennifer Gonzalez, Chief Talent Officer at Windquest Group, as she discusses the evolution of the workforce and how companies and their leaders can adapt to the changing times. She also dives into how Windquest Group is shifting into a more innovative workspace including piloting unlimited time off/holiday concept, opening a restaurant and encouraging a more positive impact on the world.