Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes back Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI. Q. Thanks for coming back to talk about Project DIAMOnD. We’ve had you on several times this year to talk about Project DIAMOnD but we understand that you got some very good news related to additional federal funding last week – can you tell us more about that? Yes -- Project DIAMOnD just received $1.9 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was allocated to us by the state of Michigan. The funding was announced last week by the Michigan Infrastructure Office. In addition, to that, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. announced that it would contribute $475,000 in new funding and Automation Alley will also contribute $125,000 in new funding. So, in total, that’s an additional $2.5 million. Q. That’s great news. Can you tell us how you are going to use this additional funding? Until now, we have been funded by Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties – but our goal is to expand our network of connected 3D printers to co

Originally uploaded November 28th, re-edited December 18th. Chris Holman 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 unemployment rate compare with the U.S. and other states in October? What industries saw the greatest change in number of jobs in October? What happened in the Michigan regions this month? What would you say is the key takeaway for Michigan’s labor market for October? 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/ Chris Holman interviewed Shibani Putatunda, the economic specialist with the Michigan

Originally uploaded October 8th, re-edited December 17th. Chris Holman welcomes back Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., President, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Welcome back you just had your Investiture on Sunday, share what that is, with the Michigan business community? During that you had a speech covering several things; tell us about a New merit based scholarship ? Share about Expanding transfer student programs for those transferring from community colleges to MSU? What is the Native American Tuition Advantage program? Tell us about Creation of a Green and White Council ? We hear you will have a Spartan Bus Tour going around Michigan for 3 days, what's that all about? » 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/ Michigan State University students, faculty, staff, alumni and dignitari

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Brad DeLange, who along with brother Todd currently are Jimmy Johns franchisees, with a new venture for the Ann Arbor region, with another partner Doug. TOPIC: Jimmy Johns Owners to Bring Michigan’s FIRST Full-Service Slim Chickens to Ann Arbor January 6th Here were the questions of that conversation: 1. What did you do before Slim Chickens? Tell us more about your franchise journey. 2. What made you choose Slim Chickens? 3. What are your growth plans after your opening in Ann Arbor? 4. Why did you choose Ann Arbor for your first location? 5. What advice would you give others looking to break into the franchise world? ABOUT SLIM CHICKENS Slim Chickens opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with a focus on fresh, delicious food with a southern flair in a fast-casual setting. Guests can always expect fresh chicken tenders and wings cooked to order and served with housemade dipping sauces. With more than 250 locations opened and a fanatical following in 34 U.S. states, as well as i

Faces of Manufacturing is a new show to Michigan Business Network. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, Michigan, co-hosts with Joy Wagner, HR Manager of Granger Waste Services, also Lansing. Cindy and Joy strive to share the corporate culture, personal stories, and unique personalities of those making a living in manufacturing today, in Michigan. With that in mind, this month they connected with several members of the​ Laingsburg Red Thunder Robotics team. The members on this interview include students: Claire Dhaseleer – lead fabricator, awards presenter Jordan Taylor – 2nd year fabricator and graphic designer Kiel Dhaseleer - 2nd year software developer Sophia Hughes – Dean’s List winner for Michigan, software developer » Visit MBN website: 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/m

Vic Verchereau welcomes John Smoltz, who is an American Baseball Pitcher, Broadcaster, and Speaker. The National Baseball Hall of Fame features the story of John Smoltz.... "Dealt to the Braves when he was only a minor league prospect, John Smoltz soon established himself as a workhorse right-handed hurler for a young team on the verge of turning the corner. In the midst of this prolonged success, a troublesome elbow forced Smoltz the starter to become Smoltz the closer for three-and-a-half years. But Smoltz would emerge from this uncharted path to become the only player in big league history with at least 200 career wins and 150 saves". John said, "I literally gave everything I had every single time I went out there." To many in the Lansing area, we marveled at his career and his amazing work ethic. Today, Lansing, Michigan's famous son is a national broadcaster and highly sought speaker for leading companies across America. Vic Verchereau, catches up with John Smoltz to get his insight on what is need

Originally uploaded July 3rd, reloaded December 31st. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Steve Merritt, New Divisional Commander of the Great Lakes Division, of the Salvation Army, Southfield, MI. There were several things Jeffrey wanted to find out from Col. Merritt in their conversation: Tell me about the mission of The Salvation Army? How does The Salvation Army work with local businesses to further this mission? Talk about how the mission of corporate partners intertwines with your mission? Does there have to be overlap? Why are corporate partnerships so important to furthering The Salvation Army’s mission? How can local businesses get involved with The Salvation Army? Is the nonprofit’s operations more focused on fundraising, volunteering, collaboration, or something else? Can you share any examples of corporate partnerships (what businesses you work with locally and what their involvement looks like)? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtu

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Amanda Agati, who is Chief Investment Officer for PNC’s Asset Management Group. Amanda is a great interview and PNC's resident CPI expert, enjoy this podcast! Amanda welcome to the Michigan Business Beat, we understand PNC’s annual Christmas Price Index® (CPI) is coming in significantly higher than the U.S. Consumer Price Index, please share some details? As you were saying Now in its 41st year, the PNC CPI rose 5.4% — doubling last year’s 2.7% increase and surpassing the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (BLS CPI) October year-over-year reading of 2.6%. what does it say when this bundle is double CPI and over double the Christmas set of last year? What's the fastest and slowest price rise gifts in the dozen set? A 12 gifts that comprise the PNC CPI increased to a tree-topping $49,263 overall - any surprises? How long has this popular holiday measurement been conducted? (Started in 1984 by a PNC predecessor bank in Philadelphia, PNC CPI has become a popular story

Vic Verchereau welcomes Janet Korn, who is the Sr. Vice President for Experience Grand Rapids. "Grand Rapids is No. 8 on the list (of America's Best Towns to Visit) thanks to its vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation". - CNN Inaugural List of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024 Experience Grand Rapids is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the area. They are the only community resource devoted to marketing the destination brand by raising visitor awareness of the region’s product. As a tourism and convention destination, the organization helps visitors and meeting planners discover the many exciting events and treasured locations of the area, Vic Verchereau catches up with a very busy ambassador for the city! Janet Korn is the Sr. Vice President for Experience Grand Rapids. Grab your calendar, and make some plans to go Grand! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Michiganbusinessnetw

Originally uploaded June 28th, re-edited Dec. 21st. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Niveen Shatara, Senior Vice President / Small Business Banking Manager with Bank of America. He had several questions for her in that conversation: --What is the Business Owner Report and how is it different this year? --What are its key findings? --What stood out to you? --Why are half the mid-sized business owners planning to apply for bank loans this year? --Are you finding business owners are actively seeking advice from bank experts like yourself? Bank of America recently released its 2024 Business Owner Report which surveys business owners about their specific business and economic outlooks, while also exploring other topics including inflation, digital tools, customer engagement and sustainability. 2024 Business Owner Report: This year’s survey explores the perspectives, aspirations and outlooks of small and mid-sized business owners across the U.S. institute.bankofamerica.com Key high-level findings from the su

Vic Verchereau welcomes Gene Pickelman, who is the Co-Founder and former CEO of Tri-Star Trust Bank. Gene Pickelman, Co-Founder and former CEO of Tri-Star Trust Bank makes another appearance on the Leadership Lowdown to discuss one of his passions, Conscious Capitalism. The movement combines four key elements: Higher Purpose, Stakeholder Orientation, Conscious Leadership, and Conscious Culture. Together, these pillars form the bedrock for sustainable, ethical enterprises that drive financial success by creating value for all its stakeholders. From the boardroom to the front desk, this concept is the key to a new way of doing business, one that intertwines profit and purpose to create a world where freedom, prosperity, and compassion take center stage. Gene takes our host, Vic Verchereau, on a great journey to discover the power of doing things through Conscious Capitalism and what it has meant to his work in building Tri-Star Trust Bank. This is a powerful edition of the Leadership Lowdown! Listen in!

Originally uploaded October 24th, re-edited Dec. 15th. Chris Holman welcomes Susan Corbin, Director, LEO, Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Lansing, MI. Michigan has deep roots in manufacturing, and today, we have over 600,000 manufacturing jobs. Can you talk about Michigan’s leadership in manufacturing? Michigan's focus on exposing students to manufacturing careers is essential for retaining talent in the state. What programs and partnerships does LEO offer to support young people looking to get into the industry? How has the manufacturing industry in Michigan evolved in recent years, particularly with the rise of new technologies like automation and clean energy? And how is the state working to make sure businesses and Michiganders are prepared for this evolution? Looking ahead, how do you see Michigan’s manufacturing sector contributing to the state’s long-term economic growth and sustainability goals? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube:

Originally uploaded November 7th, re-edited Dec. 14th. Chris Holman welcomes back Cindy Hales, Ed.D., Vice President of Community Investment with the Capital Region Community Foundation Welcome back Cindy, can you remind the Michigan business community about the Capital Region Community Foundation Tell us about the new Al and Jan Granger “Beacon of Hope Grant,”? Is this a one-time or will it be given annually? Who were the recipients? How else is the Community Foundation interacting with the mid-Michigan business community? » 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/ LANSING, MICH. — The Capital Region Community Foundation is delighted to announce the new Al and Jan Granger “Beacon of Hope Grant,” a $100,000 award to one nonprofit selected each year. The grant will be awarded annually, in perpetui

Originally uploaded November 28, edited December 7th. Chris Holman welcomes back Amanda J. Dernovshek, Associate, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Lansing, MI with 6 offices across the state. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Amanda in this interview: What is the CTA and who does it impact? (Corporate Transparency Act) What is a beneficial owner? What are the filing deadlines? How do I file? Are there penalties if I do not file? Who can help me with this process? » 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 Jeffrey Scott, Plant Manager Alpena Cement Plant at Holcim US, INC. Alpena, Michigan. Chris had several things he wanted to find out in the conversation: Welcome Jeff, remind the Michigan business community about Alpena Cement Plant at Holcim? How long have you served with the company, and what's changed over those years? So you recently won the 2024 Inaugural Manufacturing Sustainability Award Winner powered by Consumers Energy from MMA, the Michigan Manufacturers Association tell us about that? How is your company keeping up with and innovating manufacturing? How do you leverage the services of MMA during the year? » 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/ About the Manufacturing Excellence Awards For more than a century, the manufacturing industry has propelled Michigan f

Originally uploaded November 7th, Fixed glitch December 5th. Chris Holman welcomes Becky Puckett-Wood, VP, Corporate & Member Engagement, Inforum Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI along with Ilhiana Rojas Saldana, ACC, CDVC, Founder | Keynote Speaker | People & Culture Expert | Executive & Leadership Coach, Boston MA Area Becky welcome back, Ilhiana, welcome to the Michigan Business Beat. To start off remind the Michigan business community about Inforum Michigan? Ilhiana, tell us about your company? Becky, Why is the Capstone dinner a significant event in West Michigan? Ilhiana what role will you play in the upcoming Inforum Capstone Dinner? Becky, what can you tell us about its history and this year's theme? Ilhiana, can you share a preview of that keynote message? Becky, who can attend and how do they register? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNe

Originally uploaded November 7th, re-edited Dec. 2nd. Chris Holman welcomes Reyna Masko, Founder and CEO of Aurora International Foods, Aurora International Foods , Grand Haven, MI. PRODUCT: Reyna's Michelada Mix TOPIC: Reyna's Michelada Mix is now available at 46 new Meijer stores across Metro Detroit per Meijer's "Local Favorites" program. Their discussion covered several things including; What's the story behind your company, Aurora International Foods? Why did you choose Reyna's Michelada Mix as your first product? What does this expanded product reach mean for your company? You were recently selected as Start Garden's top ten recipient, awarding you $20k toward your business. How has that impacted operations? What do you hope to come out of this expansion/partnership with Meijer? Women-led startup selected for ”Local Favorites” program. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., October 30, 2024 – Aurora International Foods, creator of high-quality, all-natural products at the intersection of Latin American fl

Originally uploaded October 29th, re-edited December 2nd. Chris Holman welcomes Jason Cords, Executive Manager, Shaheen Chevrolet, Shaheen Cadillac, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Jason, how did the summer go for Shaheen Chevrolet & Cadillac, after June's cyber-attack? Has the transition over to EVs continued? Is infrastructure coming along as needed? Are there more Hybrids? Any hot 2025 models to alert us to, for Cadillac or Chevrolet? Your service department and parts distribution, can you remind us about those groups? » 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 Christine Sermak, COO of Total Security Solutions and the winner of the 2024 Manufacturing Talent Champion Award. Welcome Chirstine, remind the Michigan business community about Total Security Solutions? How long have you served with the company, and what's changed over those years? So you recently won the 2024 Manufacturing Talent Champion Award from MMA, the Michigan Manufacturers Association tell us about that? How is your company keeping up with and innovating manufacturing? How do you leverage the services of MMA during the year? » 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/

Originally uploaded June 11th video glitch fixed November 29. Chris Holman welcomes back Brian Peters, CEO, of MHA, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Lansing, MI. The latest Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report was released last week. What is that report and what is it showing? What is the important relationship between healthcare and our state’s economy? What types of businesses are hospitals looking towards to provide staffing and workforce solutions? The MHA is about to conclude your program year. Was it successful and what areas did your association focus on? » 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/