Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes back Trey Williams, CPA, President of Maner Costerisan, Lansing, MI, to discuss recent promotions at Maner Costerisan. LANSING, Mich. – Maner Costerisan has announced 11 staff promotions within its award-winning, full-service business consulting, wealth management, technology and public accounting firm. Ten team members have been promoted to manager and Kevin Todd, CPA, EA, USTCP, has been elevated to senior manager. Kevin Todd, CPA, EA, USTCP, was promoted from manager to senior manager in Maner’s tax department, where he will focus on tax planning and compliance for individual and for-profit business returns and provide support for federal and state controversy work. Ten team members across five departments received promotions to manager, including: Brendan Baker, CPA, joined Maner Costerisan in 2019 as an intern and started full-time in 2020. He works in the firm’s audit department, providing assurance services to Maner’s telecommunication, nonprofit and education clients. Kelly

Chris Holman welcomes back Eric Lupher, President of the Citizens Research Council, Livonia, with 4 branches across Michigan. Topic: New Citizens Research Council Report Analyzes Detroit’s Economic Development Efforts LIVONIA, Mich., February 2024 – The Citizens Research Council of Michigan released the first in a two-part series of reports assessing and analyzing the City of Detroit’s economic condition, economic development policies, opportunities for reform and alternative approaches to reliance on tax incentives. The reports were developed at the request of the Detroit City Council’s Legislative Policy Division and designed to help inform the debate over the city’s economic development policy. Click here for the full report: An Assessment of Detroit’s Economic Condition and a Critique of its Economic Development Efforts. Ten years after the City of Detroit declared bankruptcy, Detroit’s economy has improved substantially. That improvement has not changed the economics of business attraction caused by

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Christy Howden, CEO & co-Founder, of Wolverine Pickleball, Ann Arbor, MI, a 2024 50 Companies To Watch Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year and holding Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center. In the interview, they cover Christy's career path, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Jamie Jacobs, Deputy Director, MCAN, Michigan College Access Network, Lansing, MI, Remind our listeners about MCAN? What have been some highlights in recent months? What's MCAN's reaction to the Governor's State of the State, and recent budget announcements? Do you have other issues keeping you busy connected to the legislature in Lansing? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back Kurt J. Rankin vice president and senior economist for The PNC Financial Services Group, Pittsburgh, PA. PNC’s latest semi-annual survey of small- and mid-sized businesses, which concluded Feb. 2, results are out, tell us about them? Drill down on optimism for next 6 months? So that optimism is for the overall economy and their own businesses? How about profits? PNC’s latest semi-annual survey of small- and mid-sized businesses, which concluded Feb. 2, shows that business owner optimism about economic conditions over the next six months has reached a 22-year high amid lessening fears of a recession. Top-Level Findings PNC’s latest semi-annual survey of small and mid-sized businesses shows that business owner optimism about economic conditions over the next six months has reached a 22-year high amid lessening fears of a recession. A majority of those surveyed (55%) are highly optimistic about the national economy, rocketing up from 34% last fall and 26% a year ago. Four in 1

Chris Holman welcomes back Jeff Lobdell, president and founder of Restaurant Partners Management, LLC, headquartered Grand Rapids, MI, also serving as chair of the National Restaurant Association, What challenges are the restaurant industry facing as we enter 2024? As a pioneer in the restaurant industry for the past 35 years, what do you think are the main things needed for a successful food business? What can we expect from Restaurant Partners in 2024? Follow up on the Hawaii Wildfire Relief – how much was donated? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes Jane Mitchell, MAS, CEO/Owner Jungle Jane Promotions, Lansing, MI. Welcome Jane tell us about your career path? Tell us about your branding business Jungle Jane? What makes your story unique among entrepreneurs? How has your business evolved over three decades? Jane Mitchell - Owner/President I started Jungle Jane Promotions in 1994. I have taken great pride in working with so many people. People ask why would I use you when I can just search the internet? Well when you do that you take the risk that what you think your ordering is what your going to get. When you work with me you deal with me. I stand behind my business ethics. I care about each and every person that I deal with. I am a Master Advertising Specialist (MAS). I'm devoted to both my customers and the industry so I sought out and achieved this certification so that I can be a benefit to you. So what does this mean to you??? Well, I am a Consultant. I consult with businesses and organizations to develop a plan to pr

Chris Holman welcomes back Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI. This month they're discussing Integr8 Playbook #3: Additive Manufacturing Q. Thanks for coming back on our show to talk about Automation Alley’s series of Integr8 playbooks. Your next one is focused on additive manufacturing – and we will get into that – but remind us again what this series of playbooks is? · The 2024 Integr8 Roundtable Series offers invite-only roundtable sessions where leaders from industry, academia and government meet. · Each roundtable is focused on a different topic or challenge related to the Industry 4.0 and the transition to digital manufacturing · And then we publish a playbook from each roundtable that provides advice for manufacturers to help them overcome challenges · It all builds momentum towards the Integr8 Roundtable Summit, to be held Oct. 3 in Detroit Q. So, you just released the findings from your third roundtable. What was the focus? And can you tell us about your findings? · Our t

Originally uploaded March 5th re-edited March 18th, Chris Holman welcomes back Bo Garcia - Dean of Community Education & Workforce Development at Lansing Community College · and Executive Director, Business & Community Institute (BCI) at Lansing Community College. Welcome Bo, remind the Michigan business community about the BCI at LCC? Thank you for recently sponsoring the 2024 Economic Forecast Breakfast, what did you take away from that gathering? What were some of your highlights for 2023? What's your big project or upcoming event this semester? What are your overall objectives for 2024? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Marc Alexander, Founder & CEO, of Lite Raise, Mt. Clemens, MI, a 2024 Best Small Business Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year and holding Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center. In the interview, they cover Marc's career path, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

The popular Retreat returns this Spring! Welcome to their podcast, where they delve into the empowering world of the empowHER Leadership Retreat. In this recording, they have the privilege of speaking with four distinguished board members: Heather Shea, the Board Chair; Angela Michaels, the Mentor Co-Chair; Daniella Matlick, the Fundraising Co-Chair; and Kristine Kletke, the Host and Communications Chair. The empowHER Leadership Retreat is a transformative event designed for girls in 4th through 9th grades. It's a unique gathering that aims to empower, inspire, provide resilience, and foster a sense of community among young girls. Set against the backdrop of the Breslin Center on the scenic campus of Michigan State University, the retreat is scheduled to take place on April 20, 2024. Their board members will share their insights into the event's various aspects. They'll discuss what the retreat entails, the importance of participating, and the profound impact it can have on young girls. They'll also delve i

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Carrie Rosingana, , CEO, CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties. THEME: Carrie discusses the upcoming Rosie the Riveter Day held at the capitol on March 21. Question: Tell me more about the upcoming Rosie the Riveter Day? Rosie the Riveter Day, hosted by the Capital Area Manufacturing Council, is a day for the Lansing community to celebrate the storied history of women in manufacturing and the women who started it all, the real WWII Rosie the Riveters. Many attendees dress as Rosie, encouraged, but not mandatory. The event includes the following: Guest speakers from a variety of Michigan organizations. Meet and Greet with Rosies and Veterans. Flyover by Michigan Mentors T-34 Flight Team. Historic vehicles on display. Food trucks. Picture on the Capitol steps. Question: Tell me more about CAMW!’s involvement with Rosie the Riveter Day? Michigan has a rich history of manufacturing. Home to the big three: Ford

Chris Holman welcomes Payton Heins, President, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Boyne City, MI. There were several things Chris was looking to find out from Payton,... Who is Northern Lakes Economic Alliance? You recently started as president of NLEA in January – Can you share a little bit about yourself and what brought you to the organization? What excites you about the region NLEA serves? Any early plans you have in store for NLEA? Anything else you’d like to mention coming up this year for NLEA? Give opportunity to plug this year’s Northern Lakes Economic Symposium and Showcase. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded March 4th, re-edited March 14th. Chris Holman welcomes Kristina Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, Flint Genesee Group, Flint, MI. Welcome, Kristina. You serve as chief operating officer of the Flint & Genesee Group. For our listeners who might not be as familiar with your organization, what does the Group do? The Group’s annual meeting coming up. What can people expect from this year’s event? Attracting jobs and investments is a key part of economic development. What are some recent wins and how is the business attraction pipeline looking lately? Talent retention and attraction is a big priority for employers these days. What are you doing in that space? I read that GM and the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance are partnering again on another round of the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program. Can you talk about the impact of this program so far? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN

Originally uploaded Feb 23rd, re-edited March 13th. Chris Holman welcomes back Brian Peters, CEO, of MHA, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Lansing, MI. The governor provided her executive budget recommendation several weeks ago. What are some of the highlights of her proposal for your association? Addressing our state’s workforce challenges is an issue for all Michigan business owners. How would tuition-free community college pathways for Michiganders benefit hospitals? The state budget always includes annual funding pools for hospitals. Why are these important and how do they benefit the state? What can we expect moving forward with the state budget? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back Jeremiah Mostrom, Chief Revenue Officer at Axios HR, Grand Rapids, MI. February was Human Resources Month, and this is Part 2 to finish out the questions from last time. Chris had several points he wanted to find out from Jeremiah, including: How did the Great Resignation affect the workforce and employers, specifically small businesses? Businesses have had to adjust to work from home, hybrid and more. Should more be expected of employees or will employers need to continue to adapt? If so, how? What trends in work will we see in 2024? It looks like what started as the Great Resignation has become the Great Exhaustion. Workers are tired of meetings, brainstorms, expectations, dealing with people, and figuring out never-ending problems. How can employers manage this or compete? What strategies can employers employ to address employees' concerns and frustrations? Do you think creating a work-life balance has become more difficult in the age of at-home work? A new generation of

Originally uploaded Feb. 27th, re-edited Mar. 11. Chris Holman welcomes back Jeff Smith, Director of the University Corporate Research Park, East Lansing, MI. Welcome back Jeff, tell us about your role as Director? You're involved with the MARS Tech Hub project, let by the MSU Research Foundation, tell us about that? What makes East Lansing a good candidate as an (EDA) Tech Hub for advanced materials science? Will the FRIB come into play for some projects? What has it mean to have so many quality Letters of Consortium and Non-Consortium Commitment? Is this project a done deal or are you still competing against other regions? What else should we know about MARS? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI. Chris and Ryan cover several topics: What was a highlight of the 2023 Legislative Priorities? What are the 2024 state legislative priorities? Tell us about the upcoming Legislative Day, taking place on March 13. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back James McBryde, President & CEO, MMDC - the Mid Michigan Development Corporation, Mt. Pleasant, MI. Welcome back Jim, we had hoped to get you in January and missed connecting on one of the bad weather days. Remind the Michigan business community of the service territory for MMDC? What were your 2023 highlights? What are you looking forward to in 2024? Talent attraction and retention remains a challenge how is your area addressing this? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back Scott Hiipakka, CEO, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, Southfield, MI. Scott, could you remind the Michigan business community about the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, and your focus? The Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA) had a transformative year in 2023 share some of those highlights? You recently traveled to “The Startup Nation” tell us about that trip? A couple weeks ago MIBA hosted an event with experts from Reichman University and Iron Nation, what were the takeaways? Where do we go from here? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/