Michigan Business Network

Originally uploaded March 12, re-edited April 5th. Chris Holman welcomes back Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI. Integr8 2025 discussion: Integr8 is your annual event series and Automation Alley changed its format for Integr8 last year from a single-day event to a multi-event roundtable series with corresponding industry playbooks. How did it go? Did people like the new format? Automation Alley recently announced its 2025 Integr8 Roundtable Series focused on Industry 4.0’s most pressing challenges. Can you tell us more about it? The 2025 series will feature five focused roundtables, with corresponding playbooks capturing key insights and strategies from each discussion. Can you walk us through what attendees can expect at each roundtable? Can you also tell us more about the playbooks and how people can access them? Let's take a step back -- it seems like there isn't a day that goes by that we don't hear about China and it's ability to make products at lower costs. And that's just one

Originally uploaded March 11th, re-edited April 4th. Chris Holman welcomes back the Honorable Sandy K. Baruah, president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Welcome back Sandy, we value our periodic discussions for you, one last look at 2024 what was its big highlight? You recently hosted your Detroit Policy Conference, can you review what came out of it? How has the Chamber been dealing with the business issues like ESTA, Corporate Transparency and other talent/human resource topics? Anything we can share with the business community about the Mackinac Policy Conference in just under 3 months from now? Thursday, Jan. 23, the Detroit Policy Conference: Driving the Innovation Economy focused on how to capitalize on recent momentum to secure our competitive position as the world innovates and develops new technologies with increasing speed. The Conference feature keynote addresses from Song Foundation’s Dug Song, Oakland County Executive David Coulter, and the City of Detroit‘s May

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] Chris Holman welcomes back Jane Mitchell, MAS, CEO/Owner Jungle Jane Promotions, Lansing, MI. This is the fifth of five interviews in a series. There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Jane: ● What makes your business unique? ● What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner? ● What have been some successes/challenges you’ve faced in your business? ● Speak about being part of the Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. T

Chris Holman welcomes back Scott Weaver, President, and Co-Owner of Douglas J Companies, Okemos, East Lansing, across Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Nebraska. There were several things Chris wanted to find out in this conversation; Scott, welcome back briefly review the array of services and products with Douglas J. Companies? Med Spa has been important among your services in recent years, how is that going? On the Institute/school side; how are the schools? and have Promise Scholarships for students in Michigan made a difference? Any highlights for 2025? Tell us more about services in Nebraska, any other targeted states? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back Paul Gentilozzi, Owner, of Gentilozzi Real Estate, & Principal of New Vision Lansing, East Lansing, MI. The pair discuss Paul's entrepreneurial life; CEO's Diverse Career in Motorsports Paul Gentilozzi, CEO of New Vision Lansing, LLC, discusses his diverse career spanning real estate development and motorsports. He mentions his family's history in Lansing's construction industry, including his father's work for Michigan National Bank, and his own start in commercial development in 1971. Gentilozzi also touches on his current involvement in motorsports, with his son Tony running their racing team. Lansing's $180 Million Tower Project Paul Gentilozzi discusses his upcoming groundbreaking event on April 7th for a new 28-story, 320-foot tower in Lansing. The $180 million project will include 300 apartments and a parking ramp, aiming to bring a big-city feel to the area. Chris Holman expresses interest in the project, noting that the top floors will have views of MSU's football stadi

Originally uploaded October 1st, re-edited March 30th. Chris Holman welcomes Zac Clark, General Manager, Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing, MI. So Zach your season just wrapped up, how did it go, and remind the Michigan business community about your overall baseball affiliation as a minor league team? What sort of economic impact for Mid-Michigan are we seeing from this season? Can you speak to your ties with local companies like LAFCU, Jackson, and the associated philanthropy that comes out of this? The ballpark doesn't go entirely unused from mid-September until next April, remind us of the multi-use for the complex/property? Are there any sneak previews you can give for 2025? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Erin Wright, Chief People Officer at Kinexus Group, Benton Harbor, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Erin in this conversation: I understand Kinexus Group helps individuals of all ages with a number of things and that you serve the business community around the state of Michigan. Do you mind telling me more about the family of organizations? Are all five of your subsidiaries located in southwest Michigan? What types of positions are you hiring for and where are they located? What are some reasons why folks may be interested in applying at Kinexus Group or one of your other organizations? That’s awesome! If I’m someone who is interested, where can I apply? Anything else you’d like to add? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded February 26th, re-edited March 27th. Chris Holman welcomes Bill Burke, Author, Coach, Speaker, Former Michigan State University Quarterback. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Bill in this conversation: Welcome Bill, tell us about your career and current ventures? We understand you just wrote a book 'Victory Outside the Arena' tell us about that? How does this align with your messages in coaching and doing keynotes? You played under Nick Saban at Michigan State. How did Saban's coaching philosophy influence your approach to leadership and optimism in your post-football career? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Dr. Eleanore Kue, who is the Founder of 100 Families Initiative. Dr. Eleanore Kue is on a Journey and the destination is yet to be determined. She shares that she is "deeply passionate about bringing hope and healing to those in need." Born in Cameroon, Africa, she began her journey of service at a young age. She says, "I moved to France as a teenager to pursue my dream of becoming a physician and later came to the United States, where I’ve spent over three decades working tirelessly to serve the under-served." Dr. Kue is bringing a new concept to the Mid Michigan area called 100 Families Initiative. 100 Families Initiative is a collaborative, community-driven effort dedicated to helping families move from crisis to stability. Rooted in faith and fueled by compassion, the initiative aims to address the root causes of poverty and provide families with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. By connecting families with churches, organizations, and advocates, the 100

Originally uploaded July 29th, fixed static glitches reuploaded April 11th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Nakia Mills, Director of Marketing Better Business Bureau®, Serving Eastern Michigan & the Upper Peninsula in Southfield, Michigan. Their discussion covered BBB Torch Awards Our Torch Awards are coming up on October 23rd. Nominations will begin being accepted at the end of this month. The Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics recognize companies that display an outstanding level of ethics and integrity in all of their business dealings. Learn more at BBB.org/Detroit. Value of Accreditation We surveyed our Accredited Businesses and asked them to shed some light on the value of their BBB Accreditation. Thirteen thousand responded. These are some of the res: Nearly 90% of responding Accredited Businesses said the BBB Seal adds value to their business. Reputation, trust, and integrity are the top three driving forces behind BBB Accreditation. When asked about their top reasons for being BBB

Originally uploaded April 4th, reloaded April 10th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Pavan Muzumdar, CEO of Project DIAMOnD, by Automation Alley, Troy, MI, with Edward Moffett, creator of The Moon Ring, Rochester, MI. Pavan remind the Michigan business community about Project DIAMOnD? ( a 3D initiative created by Automation Alley and funded by Oakland County, is helping businesses across various industries save thousands of dollars each year. By providing access to cutting-edge 3D printing technology, the program enables businesses to reduce their reliance on overseas support and bring production in-house, ultimately keeping manufacturing in the USA. One great example of this is The Moon Ring, a popular gag gift that was featured on the Bachelorette.) Ed, as the owner and creator of The Moon Ring, can you tell us a little bit about your product and tell us about the challenges your business faced prior to becoming a Project DIAMOnD participant? Talking Points: · Give high-level, quick explanation of the product/busin

Vic Verchereau welcomes Dara Mayhoe, who is an Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker & Author. Dara Mayhoe is a Lansing entrepreneur, an employer and an author with an inspiring story. Her book, “A Wonderful Change,” shares her life that started in poverty and real struggle. Writing the book she hoped would bring redemption and healing, but it has proven to be a story to inspire others and challenge the true vision of bringing hope to those who have struggled in their own life. Mayhoe says, “After overcoming so much adversity in my life, I knew I had to share how God turned my life around. I was also encouraged to write a book by people who were always inspired by my testimony. Every time I would tell my life story people would always say, 'Oh, my goodness, you need to write a book!'" In this edition of the Leadership Lowdown, Vic Verchereau sits down with Dara and hears all about her journey of hope and Finding Grace. Don't miss it! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe t

Originally Uploaded February 4th, reloaded April 6th For Media Business Episode 83: Tony Conley has a three-part conversation with Bob Trezise has been President & CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) since 2011, representing the Lansing, Michigan region (Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties) with an MSA population of over half a million. During Bob’s tenure with LEAP, the tri-county Lansing regional economy welcomed private sector investment projects totaling over $3 billion, along with more than 6,400 direct-private jobs. This economic development success grew LEAP into a nationally recognized top 20 economic development organization (Site Selection Magazine, 2021 MacConway Award Winner). Beyond LEAP, Bob has been leading or guiding the city of Lansing’s economic development efforts since 2006, having served as president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) from 2006-2011 and leading LEAP’s contract for economic development services with the city of Lansing since 201

Originally Uploaded January 29th, reloaded March 29th For Media Business Episode 83: Tony Conley has a three-part conversation with Nicole Noll-Williams, the President and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority. In their conversation Tony covered several topics with Nicole: -Breeze Airways, American, Delta Apple Vacation flights. -TSA Pre-Check Enrollment -The next Aviation Technology Graduation Class -2025 new flying rules & regulations -Winter & Spring Travel Tips -New airport news Nicole brings over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry to her leadership role at CRAA, with a background that includes air service development, airline management, and contract management. She also served nearly three years as the Mid-Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Senator Gary C. Peters. In her previous role with the Airport Authority, she was the Director of Marketing and Passenger Development, where she spearheaded development, marketing, advertising, and public relations eff

Chris Holman welcomes back Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, MI. What's happening in Manufacturing today? Tell me about the event you have coming up? Why is it important to celebrate Rosies? What activities and speakers will be attending? How does this support women in STEM careers and young ladies in the talent pipeline? Where can people find more information? _______ » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded March 14, re-edited March 20th. Chris Holman welcomes back Amanda J. Dernovshek, Shareholder, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Lansing, MI with 6 offices across the state. There were several things Chris Holman wanted to find out from Amanda in this conversation: What is the latest update regarding the Corporate Transparency Act? Smith case in Texas – Nationwide ban stayed on February 18 FinCEN Notice on February 19 instituting a March 21, 2025 deadline to comply. i. Notably, FinCEN said it would use the 30 day period to assess its options for further modification of the deadlines and will “prioritize reporting of those entities that pose the most significant national security risks” US Department of Treasury issued a statement March 2, 2025 i. No penalties or fines will be issued for noncompliance ii. Treasury Department will further be issuing a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. Simultaneously, there are sev

Chris Holman welcomes back Clifford {Cliff} Hammond, Shareholder, Employment & Labor Lawyer, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, Southfield and Lansing - Foster Swift, with a half dozen locations across Michigan. Chris had several questions about the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act for this conversation: Welcome back Cliff as of mid-March 2025, where do we stand with Michigan's ESTA? What were the key points of the legislative compromise recently signed by the Governor? Who must comply at this point? What are the deadlines? Any other changes anticipated at this point? Are there any major blind spots in the law that employers need to be aware of? Does Foster Swift have a resource to help businesses navigate this issue? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Shibani Putatunda, Economic Specialist, with the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, within DTMB - the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget for the State of MI What is going on in Michigan’s labor market this month? How did Michigan’s labor market compare with the U.S. workforce in February? What industries saw the greatest change in number of jobs in February? What would you say is the key takeaway for Michigan’s labor market during February? Where can we find more information on Michigan’s labor market? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] Chris Holman welcomes Christy Howden; owner of Wolverine Pickleball, Ann Arbor, MI. This is the third of four interviews in a series. There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Christy: Welcome Christy, tell us about your business? Pickleball is a growing industry and community, what have you faced in trying to introduce not only your business, but the sport itself, to audiences? What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner? How did you learn about the fellowship? Why did you decide to apply? How did you feel when you heard you were accepted? What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts? Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses LANSING, Mich. – The SBA

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] Chris Holman welcomes Lillian Werbin, CEO/Co-Owner, Elderly Instruments, East Lansing, MI. This is the fourth of five interviews in a series. There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Lillian: About Your Business ● Welcome back Lillian, remind the Michigan business community about your business? ● What is the importance of engaging and strengthening the community along with your business? ● How have your past experiences helped you grow your company? Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship ● How did you learn about the fellowship? ● How did you feel when you heard you were accepted? Impact ● What are the biggest things you learned from the fellowship? ● How has being a part of the fellowship impacted you and your business? ● What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts? Small Business Association of Michigan F