WCCCD's Critical Conversations Podcast with host Ed Clemente

During this podcast, Vicki Selva, executive director of the Michigan Defense Center and Senior Strategic Advisor for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, shares information about the Michigan Defense Center, its impact on the economy and future projects.

Tune into our latest podcast featuring Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel of Michigan, to learn about Pure Michigan’s tourism initiatives, how COVID-19 has impacted the state’s tourism industry and trends for future travel.  

WCCCD’s Critical Conversations Podcast team welcomed the Executive Director of Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Kathleen Lomako. SEMCOG supports local planning through its technical, data, and intergovernmental resources. In this podcast, Ms. Lomako provides insight into how the organization works to improve the quality of the region's water, make the transportation system safer and more efficient, revitalize communities, and spur economic development.

In this podcast, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of the Michigan’s University Research Corridor (URC), shares information about the URC, an alliance of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. One of the nation's top university innovation clusters, the URC is focused on increasing economic prosperity and connecting Michigan to the world.

This special edition of WCCCD’s Critical Conversations Podcast features the Consul General of Canada, Mr. Joseph Comartin.  Listeners will learn about current initiatives and the value of maintaining a good-standing relationship between the United States and Canada. 

In this episode, guest Ron Kagan, CEO of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), talks about the mission of the DZS, the organization’s efforts towards wildlife conservation and animal welfare and its commitment to progressive resource management and environmental leadership.

WCCCD’s Critical Conversation Podcast was pleased to have guest Lou Fintor, who serves as the Diplomat-in-Residence for Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, share his work experiences while abroad and provide tips for listeners who may be interested in pursuing a career in the foreign and civil service office with the U.S. Department of State.

In this podcast, Shawn Pomaville-Size, executive director of the MotorCities National Heritage Partnership Inc., provides insight into the value of preserving, interpreting and promoting the automotive and labor heritage of the State of Michigan.

Learn about the benefits of connectivity, smart cities and the future of mobility in this podcast featuring guest Eric Gannaway who serves as the Mobility Division Intelligent Traffic Systems Senior Sales Executive for SIEMENS.

During this podcast, founder and CEO of the BTL Group, Jonathan Quarles talks about his experiences as a successful entrepreneur, angel investor and global citizen diplomat.  He also offers advice on how others can pursue their dreams.