The Michigan Opportunity

Discover three counterintuitive Michigan destinations featured among 100 global spots in the new travel book Here Not There.

Award-winning travel writer and educator, Andrew Nelson, discusses his new book Here Not There. Published by National Geographic, the book explores counterintuitive destinations and places that provide iconic memories without the high tourist levels and rising prices. He also teaches a course on placemaking and strategic narrative guiding students to become masterful storytellers at the College of Charleston. His works have appeared in USA TODAY, Nat Geo Tours and The Wall Street Journal. 

With 16,000+ Dining establishments and 1,400+ lodging facilities, hear how Michigan’s hospitality businesses contribute over $28 billion to the state's economy while supporting 650,000 jobs.

Join us as we discuss Michigan's hospitality industry with Justin Winslow and Emily Daunt of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) and hear how the MRLA provides essential services to its members. The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) was originally founded in 1921 to serve, enhance and nurture the growth and development of Michigan's food service industry. In 2018, the MRA expanded its reach to become the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association to advance the entire hospitality industry. 

What do Stanford University, The University of Texas at Austin, university of Michigan, Howard University, Michigan State University, Emory University and Middlebury College all have in common? Join us for this week’s podcast to find out.

Listen to Michigan-based Robert S. Li, CO-Founder and Owner of University FM & Professors.fm, explain this great concept in podcasting. With so much media vying for our attention, it can be hard for institutions to communicate stories. However, podcast storytelling has the power to cultivate deeper relationships within communities and share compelling and authentic stories. Professors.fm is the podcast network helping you make sense of the world with top scholars. It is a collection of scholar-hosted shows that bring insights from research and make them relevant to today's world.

Thanks to Michigan's Independent and Family-Owned Beer & Wine Distributors, Michigan Ranks Among the Top 5 in Beer Production with 300+ Breweries and 140+ Wineries, Employing Nearly 5,000 People

Join Spencer Nevins, President of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) and MBWWA Services, Inc., as he unpacks this unique ecosystem and industry. A beer and wine distributor is a critical link in the Three-Tier System for alcohol distribution. Nevins walks us through the process of purchasing alcoholic beverages from suppliers (breweries, wineries, etc.) and distributing them to licensed retailers, such as grocery stores, bars, and restaurants. Also, how they help new brands get to market, ensuring consumers have a wide variety of options.

Join experts discussing the unique nature of synergies companies and its role in community and economic development with the MEDC

We hear from Aileen Bovan of the MEDC discuss leading the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies of the organization and overseeing capital projects to align with the MEDC’s mission and vision. 

Also Geoffrey Crawley, Chief Marketing Officer at Synergies Companies, explains how this Detroit-based company has been a premier staffing and HR supplier since 2008, offering comprehensive solutions for Fortune 500 clients nationwide. 

“Housing is foundational”, Amy Hovey of MSHDA talks affordable housing, community development, and homelessness solutions

Listen to Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as she discusses her career background and the unique organization she leads. Established in 1966, MSHDA provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.

For generations, Cranbrook has fostered creative and critical thinking skills in their students while preparing them to excel in college and in life. 

Listen to Pascale Bauer, Dean of International Enrollment of Cranbrook Schools, as she shares her insights on this unique place. Cranbrook is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprising a Graduate Academy of Art, Contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House & Gardens, natural history museum and Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of local and international visitors and students to its campus each year. 

Future of Health: World-class campus emerging in Detroit, Michigan. The complex and futuristic vision is happening now.

Check out this special edition podcast: Marc Corriveau of Henry Ford Health and Dr. Norman Beauchamp of Michigan State University team up to discuss how their organizations’ innovative partnership is helping elevate Detroit as a world-class destination for health, research, tech transfer, training and so much more. A must-listen on all of the facets and opportunities this partnership is bringing to the city.

From South Sudan to the University of Michigan, A Must-Listen Journey in International Diplomacy and Law

Ambassador Susan D. Page has a fantastic story of international diplomacy, peaking with her appointment as the first US Ambassador to South Sudan. Her illustrious career at the US Department of State includes significant roles in Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Botswana, Rwanda, and more. She has worked directly with the African Union and served as Acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Additionally, her intriguing personal story from experiences growing up in America and the influence of her mother, adds a compelling dimension to her distinguished career as an asset to U of M and the State of Michigan.  

Join our host Ed Clemente for a special Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from very interesting guests including Hilary Doe of MEDC; Ruthanne (Ruthie) Sudderth of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association; Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer; Ferris State University President Bill Pink; Grand Hotel President David Jurcak; Lawrence Technological University President Tarek Sobh; Claude Molinari & Christopher Moyer of Visit Detroit; Naheed Huq of SEMCOG & Khalil Rahal of DTE Energy.