The Michigan Opportunity

From the US Army to BAE Systems: How Michigan’s Sterling Heights hub powers the future of military ground vehicles as a prime original equipment integrator 

Hear from Michael Zahuranic, Director of Business Development at BAE Systems, as he talks about how their Sterling Heights campus serves as a key hub for engineering, program management, and prototyping of military ground vehicles. BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace leader delivering advanced military vehicles, systems, and technologies to the U.S. Department of Defense and international partners. Michael also discusses his more than 21 years of US Army experience and why his family chose Michigan to call home. 

A Conversation with Quentin Messer: Michigan’s Competitive Position and the Mechanics of Economic Development

Quentin L. Messer, Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer and Economic Competitiveness Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) where he leads statewide efforts to attract business investment, create jobs, support community development, and enhance Michigan’s economic brand. In his role, Messer champions business attraction and expansion, small business support, access to capital, and equitable economic growth that benefits all Michiganders. Under his leadership, MEDC has secured more than $13 billion in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing investments and nearly 13,000 good-paying jobs for Michigan families. 

Messer’s career spans public-sector economic leadership, private consulting, and entrepreneurship, and he has been widely recognized for his contribution to economic development, including honors from Crain’s Detroit Business, Financial Times, and other national organizations. He holds degrees from Princeton University and Columbia University.

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) bridges state agencies and private industry to cement Michigan as the world’s transportation proving ground.

Recently recognized as a Leader in TIME100’s Climate 2025 list, Justine Johnson shares how the OFME is driving a total transformation of the state's workforce and high-tech transit ecosystem across land, water and air. She also discusses industry changes during her 2 years as Chief Mobility Officer, highlights top projects and more.

Business Leaders for Michigan launches “Michigan in a New Era,” featuring two experts working to shape the state’s next economy

On this episode we’re diving into research-driven, fact-based strategies designed to strengthen Michigan’s economy with Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM) CEO, Jeff Donofrio and Rachel Stewart, Gardner White Furniture & Mattress CEO and BLM Board member. They discuss the organization’s strategy plan “Michigan in a New Era”. By illuminating critical insights and connecting diverse perspectives, BLM’s proposals are grounded in Michigan’s current economic realities and aimed at accelerating growth, competitiveness, and long-term vitality statewide.

From field to bottle, Shady Lane Cellars is leveraging Michigan’s agriculture in their vineyard and wine selling business

As the Executive Winemaker and General Manager of Shady Lane Cellars, Kasey Wierzba is guiding the winery’s vision and award-winning craftsmanship. Shady Lane Cellars is a boutique, estate winery at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula near Suttons Bay, Michigan, known for its 100% estate-grown, sustainably certified wines crafted from cool-climate varietals. She also discusses Michigan’s unique agribusiness industry and the state’s various grape vine species.

Managed IT, cybersecurity, compliance and more—all from one Michigan-based tech company

Hear from Nick Roe, Manager of Cybersecurity and Compliance at Brightline Technologies, a Brighton-based IT services firm that delivers comprehensive solutions that optimize infrastructure, strengthens security, ensures compliance and more. In this episode we discuss safe security practices and cybersecurity awareness. Nick also breaks down how Brightline IT is working with the Department of Defense on compliance training and assessments. 

From electrification to motorcycle systems, Astemo Ltd.’s new Michigan headquarters anchors the future of mobility!

We sit down with John Nunneley of Astemo Americas, Inc. as he shares how the tier 1 automotive supplier is shaping the future of mobility. Astemo’s world-leading solutions in electrification, autonomous driving, sustainable technologies, and advanced chassis and motorcycle systems are advancing a cleaner, smarter, and more connected world.

City of Detroit's Mayor Mike Duggan talks through the economic developments during his tenure. 

As the second-longest serving Mayor in Detroit history, Mike Duggan’s economic and business development strategies have centered around attracting major investments, accelerating small business growth and creating a business-friendly climate. 

He discusses several projects including investing in talent with the University of Michigan Center for Innovation, bringing back manufacturing jobs with automotive factories, bringing the Lions back to Downtown Detroit with Ford Field, and more. 

Grand Rapids Developments: Spotlight on Amway Stadium and Acrisure Amphitheater Projects with Grand Action 2.0

We join Grand Action 2.0’s Executive Director, Kara Wood, as she discusses plans for Grand Rapids. Grand Action 2.0 is a powerhouse not-for-profit economic development organization. Through bold leadership and public-private partnerships, they are actively identifying and funding the next wave of downtown building and transformational projects that make the city of Grand Rapids unique. 

From entrepreneurship to innovative workspace and the creation of 2,340 jobs, Wayne State University’s TechTown Detroit is driving impact across Michigan’s future economy.

From supporting startups and emerging companies, to establishing firms, TechTown Detroit is Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub helping entrepreneurs develop, launch, and grow. Ned Staebler’s dynamic international economic development background spans both the private and public sectors. In this episode, he talks with us about how this incubator and accelerator offers a full suite of programs for tech ventures and neighborhood small businesses.