The Michigan Opportunity

Join our host Ed Clemente for a special Michigan Opportunity Podcast live from the Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Hear from our very interesting guests including Jeff Donofrio, President & CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan; Adrian Lewis, CEO of Forgotten Harvest; CEO Charl van Niekerk & Chief Relations Officer Heather Grondin, of the WDBA-APWD-Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority; President Santa Ono of University of Michigan & President Kevin Guskiewicz of Michigan State University; Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership; Jazmine Danci, Economic Development Administrator for the Downriver Community Conference - MI Works Community Conference; & Michigan’s Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.

“All Companies Will Become Software Companies; Business Trends Moving East to West; You Are Not Moving Fast Enough.”

Founder and Managing Director of Sino Auto Insights, Tu Le, brings an abundance of experience from both the high-tech and automotive sectors having spent time living & working in Detroit, Silicon Valley, and China. He is passionate about helping companies that want to be difference-makers in the mobility space. Tu is recognized as an automotive & mobility expert in Asia by respected media outlets such as The Economist, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, BBC, Reuters, Nikkei Asia Review as well as Wired and Technode. Tu contributes his insights that is a must-listen for investors & industry folks alike who are interested in what’s going on in this space.

The Engineering Society of Detroit believes that the country in the midst of a technological revolution--the engineering field is projected to have employment growth of nearly 140,000 new jobs over the next decade.

The Engineering Society of Detroit’s mission is to ensure Michigan maintains its position as a global hub for engineering and engineering leaders in private, public and higher education sectors. Founded in 1895, ESD is one of the nation's largest and oldest engineering societies, representing over 3,000 engineers and 140 companies in Michigan. Hear Robert Magee discuss how the society promotes and celebrates excellence, talent, innovation, cooperation, professional growth and fellowship in the engineering and allied professions.

ProsperUs Detroit supports entrepreneurs with opportunities and capital needed to build businesses, generational wealth, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Hear Paul Jones as he discusses ProsperUs Detroit, a community organization that strives to help build equity, knowledge, and healthy communities in Detroit. The Training program teaches general business skills and offers individualized feedback. To date, there have been over 1,500 program graduates. Programs support small businesses with grant money for specific projects and to ensure funding is available to people who may not qualify for a traditional loan. 

Helping people understand and appreciate where they live and work.

Since 2005, City Institute has used experiential learning and non-traditional tours to help more than 150,000 locals and newcomers in Detroit. Jeanette Pierce has presented at more than 200 events, including Atlantic Business Magazine’s CityLab Conference, Governor’s Economic Summit, Downtown Las Vegas Annual Meeting, and the Oregon Main Street Conference. Within Detroit, City Institute works with companies & organizations to help their teams have a deeper understanding and connection to Detroit. Their belief is that the only way to equitably engage in Detroit is to understand the bigger picture - to understand Detroit in context.  Through private tours & learning journeys, the organization provides a deeper contextual understanding by connecting the dots between the city’s past and present, and providing the tools to better equip residents & stakeholders to play an active role in shaping its future.

Cross Border Expert Talks Canada Border Relationship: Windsor-Detroit Corridor Handles 1/3 of Canada-U.S. Trade, Valued at $1.3 Trillion Annually 

Laurie A. Tannous is a Cross-Border Attorney and a renowned speaker at many trade and industry forums globally. She provides public policy counsel to government officials and industry leaders on matters relating to: Business Immigration Law, Public-Private Partnerships and Economic Development Initiatives and more. As President of Canada United States Business Association (CUSBA), Laurie works in Cross Border E-Mobility, Customs/Trade, and Cross Border Management and Security. She is also closely associated with Farrow and the University of Windsor.  

1,500 Michigan Leaders gather to discuss our future at the Detroit Regional Chambers Mackinac Policy Conference, hear a sneak preview of what was discussed.

Tammy J. Carnrike is the Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber. She has many responsibilities including the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference, being on the Advisory Council for the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM); and a member of United State Global Leadership Coalition. The Chamber is the voice for business in the 11-county Southeast Michigan Region. The Chamber also executes the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MICHauto, including a comprehensive education and talent strategy in the state.

Artificial intelligence, and it’s role in creating an inclusive society.

Charles Elwood's mission with SolisMatica is to harness the transformative power of AI to create inclusive tools that empower communication and foster an inclusive society. With a background in electrical engineering and an MBA, alongside a rich cultural heritage as a second-generation Asian American, Charles work in breaking down communication barriers, particularly for those with medical conditions, through pioneering work in neural voice synthesis. Recognized as one of only 16 Microsoft MVPs in AI across the United States and the sole recipient in Michigan, he brings to the table a direct line to Microsoft's R&D team. The company’s strategic initiatives focus on enhancing talent attraction and retention within Michigan's post-secondary institutions while targeting the potential of international students. His and efforts are aligned with the vision to make Michigan a nexus for technological advancement and a prime destination for global AI-driven education.

East and West Coast mobility expert is now on the freshwater coast, with the sky as no limit.

As Senior Vice President & Chief Mobility Officer, Justine Johnson leads the state’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification in working across state government, academia and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging mobility technologies and businesses. Justine plays a critical role in driving a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Department of Transportation, Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the Governor's Office.

Family owned and operated, Michigan Fastener produces high-quality fasteners for large and small companies alike. Their nails are made in Michigan from 100% American melted and formed wire. 

Hear Jon Will share the story of how he and his family built the business, from garage to a successful family owned, innovative entrepreneurial asset to Michigan. Michigan Fastener truly embraces the methodology of Making it in Michigan. The company produces a wide variety of Michigan-made nails and fasteners out of there shop in North Branch.  Enjoy the great story of growth and commitment.