Michigan Business Network

Vic Verchereau welcomes Scott Corder, who is the Owner, Producer, and Director at Scott Corder, Inc. Scott is a classically trained message-strategist, film-maker and story-teller with college degrees in Graphic Design, Photography and Architecture. These complimentary skills mean the client's message will always be clearly articulated and visually stimulating. Scott has been successfully informing, motivating, and delighting audiences for 40 years. Throughout that time, Scott’s efforts have regularly been awarded top honors in nearly every major national and international competition in the production industry. His experience has given him great insight and he shares those lessons with host Vic Vercereau on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown! Lights, camera, action; the show is about to begin! » 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/ »

Vic Verchereau welcomes Tony McCaul, who is the Executive Director at Critter Barn. Before joining Critter Barn, Tony McCaul worked with the Ottawa County ISD for 14 years as an Ag Tech teacher. Tony is a graduate of Michigan State University and Colorado State University with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Agriscience, Agriculture Education, and Biology. As the Executive Director of the Critter Barn, Tony says, "we serve children and youth from all walks of life and engage them in activities on our farm. We celebrate our farming heritage and share stories of days gone by. We teach that agriculture is a gift of nature and give people of all ages the opportunity to witness the wonder of new life. Together we study the impact of the seasons and the role that plants, animals and the environment play in our sustainability." With 36 Acres and thousands of visitors, Tony is busy leading and setting the course for his team. Vic Verchereau, goes down on the farm to hear all about this story on the Leadership Lowd

Originally uploaded December 17th, re-edited May 17th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Amirika Richardson, T3 Education Officer. Question: How would you summarize the overall experience of MiCareerQuest Capital Area this year, and what were the key takeaways in terms of engagement and the industries showcased? This year, over 2,000 students attended our morning sessions from area schools and over X people joined us for our first public session in the event's history. our first public session in the event's history. The majority of students are from our local communities in Eaton, Ingham and Clinton counties, which allows them to see the opportunities right in their back yard. Over 70 local businesses highlighted their industries through hands-on exhibits at MiCareerQuest Capital Area. Amirika, please feel free to add additional information. Question: How did students respond to the exhibitors at MiCareerQuest Capital Area? Were there any exhibits that particularly stood out to students or any me

Vic Verchereau welcomes Sarah Kwilinski, who is the President and Founder of Sundial Classical Farmstead. Sundial Classical Farmstead’s President and founder, Sarah Kwilinski, used her 20+ years as a special education teacher and consultant to identify structural and systemic barriers to learning found in modern educational practices. A certified special education teacher with a Masters of Arts in Classical Teaching from the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University. Her interest in high-quality pedagogy and curricula led her to the classical education renewal movement Sarah says, our mission is to form virtuous people by savoring beauty, cultivating gifts, pursuing knowledge, loving wisdom and truth, and practicing hospitality together. Vic Verchereau gets the update on all that is going on at this new "Non-Traditional" School on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown! Listen and learn! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Michiganbusi

Originally uploaded April 24th, reloaded May 15th. Chris Holman welcomes back T. Rann Paynter, President & CEO, Michigan Bankers Association, Lansing, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Rann in this conversation: Welcome back Rann, remind the Michigan business community about the Michigan Bankers Association? Briefly what were some highlights from 2024 that we should be aware of? MBA was busy in Lansing working on the Paid Sick Leave issue, share some details? MBA Announced 2025 Banker of the Year William B. Kessel, President and CEO, Independent Bank? 18 Banks in the Michigan Area Won the MBA Financial Literacy Award tell us about that? » 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/

Chris Holman welcomes Troy Baker, VP of Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion, Better Business Bureau® of Michigan, Southfield, MI. Talk briefly about the merging of the BBBs of Eastern and Western Michigan? What inspired the creation of the BBB Trades Scholarship, and how does it align with BBB’s broader mission? Can you walk us through the eligibility criteria and application process for this year’s scholarship? How does the scholarship benefit both young workers and the BBB Accredited Businesses that employ them? What impact have you seen from last year’s scholarship awards, and can you share any success stories? Why is investing in skilled trades so critical to Michigan’s economy and workforce development right now? Troy Baker, is the person who created this scholarship he stepped up for this interview since it's something he has worked on from inception. Invest in Your Future — BBB® Trades Scholarship Now Accepting Applications MICHIGAN (May 2025) - The Better Business Bureau® of Michi

Originally uploaded July 30th, reloaded May 14th. Chris Holman welcomes Jonathan Smith, Senior Chief Deputy Director for LEO - Labor & Economic Opportunity - Michigan, East Lansing. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Jonathan in this conversation: Can you provide an overview of the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office and the primary goals of the office? How are state and West Michigan leaders collaborating to create a strategy for Michiganders and businesses to benefit from clean energy jobs? How will this new office contribute to Michigan’s economy and the creation of good paying, middle-class jobs? What are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in this transition to clean energy? How is the Community & Worker Economic Transition Office engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their needs and concerns are addressed? What role will educational, and training programs play in preparing Michigan’s workforce for the demands of clean energy and hig

Originally uploaded July 12, re-edited May 12. Chris Holman welcomes back Eric A Schertzing, Consultant, Michigan Land Bank Association, who is joined for this conversation by Michelle Thompson, New Executive Director, Michigan Land Bank Association. So Michelle, you were added new in March what was your background before this? Michelle, I understand you have a great story to tell from Benzie County and the Land Bank laying the foundation for 22 housing units? (Business needs employees, and employees need housing!) Eric you've been working for years on these issues in Ingham County bring us up to speed - something about Condo Developments? Can either of you share about Private and public housing projects that are being enabled by Land Banks around the State? Michelle has a great story to tell from Benzie County and the Land Bank laying the foundation for 22 housing units. Business needs employees, and employees need housing! Eric's perspective are the years of work to have housing ready parcels in a co

Originally uploaded March 6th, reloaded May 3rd. Chris Holman welcomes back Nick Chaffin, Program Compliance Officer, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties. THEME: Capital Area Michigan Works! reviews the Rapid Response program and its role in supporting employers and employees through a layoff. Question: What is the Rapid Response program and how does it support businesses facing layoffs or closures? The Rapid Response Program aims to respond to downsizing and closures that impact our region’s workforce, enabling those affected to return to work as soon as possible. The program's benefits are two-fold: supporting employees impacted by job loss and benefiting businesses as they navigate business changes. We know that layoffs are a difficult decision for employers to make. By working with our Rapid Response Team, employers can implement strategies before a layoff to prevent downsizing or ensure their employees are supported and connected to other a

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Teri Sand, SHRM-CP, PHR, CBSP, CRP, Business Services Manager, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton, and Clinton Counties Theme: Teri talks about the fourth annual DHHS Job Fair, which took place the previous day, and previews the upcoming Juneteenth Job Fair. Question 1: Yesterday was the fourth annual MDHHS Spring Job Fair. Can you tell us about this event, how many employers and job-seekers attended, and how it’s changed over the years? The annual DHHS job fair is quickly becoming one of the signature events on the Capital Area’s workforce development calendar. MDHHS partnered with Capital Area Michigan Works!; Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton & Clinton Counties; and the Lansing Police Department for this year’s event. It started in the parking lot of the Ingham County Health Department in 2022, coming out of the pandemic, and featured 20 or so employers, including local government agencies. This year, we had more than 40 employers and [[

Chris Holman welcomes back Lorri Rishar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago. Welcome back Lorri, remind the Michigan business community about EDGE? We celebrated with you at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala last week, tell us about your award? {A Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year}. Was this your first MCSB Gala? No, previously won A Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award. What does it mean to be named among the ten Woman-Owned Small Businesses of the Year? Does this inspire you and your team going forward? » 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/ MCSB: Woman-Owned Small Businesses of the Year 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications – Grand Rapids The Aroma Labs – Kalamazoo Bundled – West Bloomfield Capital Steel & Wire – DeWitt Concetti – Detroit Edge Pa

Originally uploaded April 15, reloaded April 28th. Chris Holman welcomes back Anthony Dalimonte, Associate, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Southfield, MI, one of Foster Swift's 6 branches across Michigan. Chris and Tony's Topic for this conversation: N.I.L. What is the NCAA House settlement and why is it such a big deal for college athletics? What is the status of the House case? Has the settlement been approved? Do you think it will be approved? What does this mean for athletes in non-revenue sports? What does this mean for name, image, and likeness agreements (NIL) going forward? Wrap – plug Foster Swift Sports Law group – representing athletes and organizations to navigate NIL deals. As a four-year member of the University of Michigan football team, Tony brings to the growing world of complex NIL business issues personal knowledge, a unique perspective, and a work ethic honed as a team member. Tony was instrumental in forming the firm's NIL Law Team to counsel student-athletes, businesses/organi

Originally uploaded January 29, reloaded April 26th. Chris Holman welcomes Dave Lee, President & CEO, BRD Printing, Lansing, MI. Welcome Dave, share your company's history/story? What were the highlights for 2024? What do you expect for 2025? Can you share more about one of your service lines or new machines? How does BRD handle the talent issue? » 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 April 11th, reloaded April 25th. Chris Holman welcomes Jeran Culina, Manager, Business Leaders United at National Skills Coalition, Middleville, MI. Welcome Jeran, tell us about Business Leaders United? What is your role at National Skills Coalition and how are you currently connected in the state of Michigan? What is the current state of workforce at the federal level? Why is this important for business to be connected into? How can a business get involved in your work? » 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 BLU Business Leaders United for Workforce Partnerships (BLU) is comprised of employers from a range of industries across the nation who are concerned about our nation’s skills mismatch, who are working with local partners to train and hire community residents fo

Chris Holman welcomes Bill Hufnagel, President & CEO Dart Bank, Mason, MI. Dart Bank marked a significant milestone on Friday, March 21, tell us about that? Share the story of Rollin C. Dart and his son, Doc Campbell Dart, in 1925? Talk about the growth and your footprint across Michigan at this point? So, I'm hearing trust, innovation, and a deep dedication to the communities, go deeper into those innovations? Michigan Bankers Association was on hand for your celebration, share how they help Dart Bank? Where is Dart Bank headed at 100 years? » 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/ Since 1925, Dart Bank has been more than just a financial institution to our communities. They’ve been a trusted life-long financial partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses reach their goals. For the

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Suzanne Greenberg, Executive Director from Children Trust Michigan, Lansing, MI: 23rd Annual Pam Posthumus Signature Auction coming up! Welcome back Suzanne, remind the Michigan business community about Children Trust Michigan that rebranded from the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund in 2022? What inspired this year’s focus on child abuse prevention for the live auction’s Mission Moment? How does CTM partner with communities to deliver these prevention education programs? Can you explain how donations directly impact local efforts to prevent child sexual abuse? What are some success stories or feedback from communities already using the program? How can the Michigan business community support the $100,000 goal, even if they can't attend the auction in person? » 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 Inst

Vic Verchereau welcomes Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, who is the Owner and Vice President at Bavarian Inn Lodge. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Cass River, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is a world-class resort destination for families and couples. Unique in theme, experience a trip to “Little Bavaria” in Frankenmuth, Michigan! A great vacation spot for families and couples alike. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge and Frankenmuth River Place Shops have everything for a perfect vacation... and just around the corner! In this edition of Michigan Corners, host Vic Verchereau catches up with 4th generation owner and Vice President, Martha Zehnder Kaczynski for all the details of the new multi-million dollar expansion of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. So much to do and to know about this Michigan Gem! Tune in and get ready to pack! An old world experience is waiting only an hour away from Lasing! It's a Bavarian Blast! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Karen Mead, Co-Owner of Farmgirl Flea Market, Hudsonville, MI He had several questions for Karen in this conversation: 1. Tell us a bit about Farmgirl Flea’s Spring Market? 2. What can people find at this year’s market? 3. What’s the importance of shopping locally? 4. What sets Farmgirl apart from other flea markets? 5. How can people learn more about this market and the others you have coming up? ● Spring Market Details ○ May 16 from 4-8 p.m. ○ May 17 from 9-4 p.m. ○ Featuring more than 150 makers at Hudsonville Fairgrounds ○ 9th annual market has live music, drinks, & food trucks ○ Discover artisan and thrift goods, antiques, vintages, handmade items, boutique clothing, baked goods, and more. ● Ticket Info ○ $15 for a full weekend ticket, Friday and Saturday, only available online ○ $10 Friday general admission ○ $7 Saturday general admission ○ Kids 12 and under and veterans and active military members are free ○ Tickets can be purchased at www.farmgirlflea.com or at th

Lorri Rishar, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI. Co-Hosts of the new MBN show "BOLD LeadHERS" Following tradition for Michigan Business Network, the pair of hosts, spend their first two segments of the first episode with Chris Holman founder and CEO of MBN. He interviewed them in Segment 1 Lorri, Becky welcome, and congratulations on your new show, start us off by sharing each of your backgrounds? Those are great careers, tell me about the new show "BOLD LeadHERS"? Who is a typical guest we can expect from the show? Please stick around, in segment two you're going to step into the host job, and interview me (part 2) Chris turned the show over to Lorri and Becky: Lorri, Becky you have some questions for me? Chris, you've had quite a career, you heard the premise of our show, what was the state of women leaders and women in business when you began your career? What changes have you seen over the years?

Vic Verchereau welcomes J.T. Mestdaugh, who is the Founder of the J.T. Mestdaugh Foundation. In J.T. Mestdaugh's words “I want to share my story so people who feel alone and discouraged might feel, well...less alone and more confident.” By the time J.T. Mestdaugh was three years old, he had spent 250 days in the hospital, and he endured sixteen major surgeries before he was sixteen. Diagnosed with VATER Syndrome, a rare combination of several birth defects. J.T.’s life was anything but easy. On top of his physical challenges, he suffered dyslexia and short-term memory loss, which made learning nearly impossible for him. Yet J.T. pushed past his physical and educational roadblocks to achieve what many people told him he would never do—learn to read, graduate from high school, attend college, and become a successful motivational speaker, influential podcast host, and bestselling author. Join Leadership Lowdown host Vic Verchereau as he invites J.T. Mestdaugh to share his compelling and inspiring story.