Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes back Amirika Richardson, T3 Education Officer, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI. Their discussion covers the T3 Council Tell us about your journey at Capital Area Michigan Works!. (Different positions you've held, etc.) Tell us about your current position as T3 Education Liaison. How have you seen CAMW! impact our community? Why is it important for employers to connect with T3? » 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 Jose L. Flores, CEO, of Ancor Automotive, Troy, MI Welcome Jose, you were recently a panelist at the MICHauto Summit can you share a bit about your company with the Michigan business community? At the Summit, you were among three leaders participating in the Table Talk: "Why I Choose Michigan" tell us about that discussion. What were your impressions and takeaways from that recent summit? How is Ancor Automotive doing when it comes to attracting and retaining talent? Anything else we should know regarding talent, mobility or the summit? » 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 Jessica Jones, Event Community Specialist in the Marketing Team, Eventeny, Chesterfield, MI How Michigan Event Planners are Using Technology in 2023 to Increase Revenue, Enhance the Attendee Experience, & Simplify Their Life! Welcome Jessica, I met your team at the recent Michigan Festivals & Events Convention in Port Huron, can you share with the Michigan business community about your company? How are you seeing planners utilize technology to increase revenue? What types of digital resources are being used to enhance the on-site experience for eventgoers? Event planning is a stressful job - in fact, it's 5th most stressful job in the world. Are you seeing any improvement-of-life benefits for planners as a result of harnessing event tech? Are there any under-utilized resources you think event planners should be aware of that could help them improve their processes? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Lik

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Brendan Rogers, Scott Emerick, co-owners of Kickstand Brewing Company & Cleo & Co. Mixers. In their conversation they cover the newer product line of Cleo & Co. Mixers ● The house-crafted, small-batch, locally sourced collection of cocktail mixers are available in five flavors: Rendezvous, Tuller, Sinister, Zozzled, and Appleseed ● Cleo & Co. Mixers are made by Kickstand Brewing Company in Commerce Township and are a “natural progression” of the brewery’s portfolio which includes handcrafted wines, spirits and craft beers. ● Kickstand set out to create classic and unique mixers with a Michigan focus, that also ties back to an important time in the industry’s history ● Gertrude ‘Cleo’ Lythgoe gave us a lot of inspiration, she wasn’t afraid to take risks or to do things her way and above all else she valued a quality product ● Each of the mixer names is an ode to Cleo’s story. ● Fans of Cleo & Co. can join the Cleo Club to earn points and discounts towards mixers. Club members can

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Robert McCann Executive Director, The K-12 Alliance of Michigan. This time around they catch up on the K-12 Alliance of Michigan and focus on the expansion to include Monroe County Schools Their discussion covers: The K-12 Alliance of Michigan recently expanded to include Monroe County Schools. What does this mean for your organization? With the addition of Monroe County, how many districts and students does the K-12 Alliance of Michigan now represent? The K-12 Alliance also recently released its 2023 legislative priorities. Can you tell us more about those priorities and how they will support students and educators? » 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 welcomes Maura Rylander, Scholarship Director for Women in Defense Michigan. Statewide Defense Organization Awards College Scholarships to Five Michigan Women Women in Defense Michigan’s Horizon Scholarship has awarded over $150,000 to women pursuing careers in national security and defense since its 2009 inception Detroit, Mich. - Established in 2009, the Horizon College Scholarship was created in order to provide support for women pursuing careers related to the national security and defense interests of the United States, and to provide development opportunities to women already working in these fields. Corporate and individual donations as well as Women in Defense Michigan (WID) fundraising efforts provide the amounts each year to support the scholarship program. “National defense is a noble calling, yet is not always considered by young women across the United States,” said WID-MI Scholarship Director and project manager for Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Fuel Cell Technology tea

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Becky Puckett-Wood, Vice President, Corporate & Member Engagement Rhonda Maxwell, Scholarship Subcommittee Co-Chair. Inforum They dicuss the Inforum Scholarship Program ● Inforum launched a new West Michigan scholarship program to help reduce the financial burden for women in the workforce seeking skill development. The scholarship is significant for women, especially women of color, who continue to be overlooked for leadership positions. ● The scholarship will be funded in part by Inforum as well as local businesses and individuals committed to gender balance in corporate leadership. ● Applicants are asked to write a 250-300 word essay describing their goals, leadership style, and how they believe the program will benefit them. ● Applications will be reviewed for fall and spring 2023 leadership programs. Scholarships will cover the majority of the program. The number of scholarships provided will be based upon funding available. ● Businesses can donate and applicants can now ap

Vic Verchereau welcomes Karin Hurt and David Dye, who are the founders of Let's Grow Leaders. "The truth is neither one of us set out to rid the world of cynical, dehumanizing leadership. We both just hit a point of such utter frustration that we started to blog". That's how Karin and David came together and they have been making a huge impact in the management/leadership world ever since! Long time friends of the show and after several appearances we got both together for a great round-table on basic tips and brilliant leadership concepts. They said, "We had witnessed too many examples of executives and managers destroying themselves and their teams with a win-at-all-cost mentality. Others were so focused on being liked by their teams (or pleasing their bosses) that they failed to speak up or hold people accountable". This is the leadership team you want to hear from and follow their concepts on creating extraordinary teams and business outcomes! Some of their articles are turning heads! (How to Build

Vic Verchereau welcomes Dean Rusch, who is the founder and owner of Rusch Entertainment. Dean Rusch brings years of industry experience—he’s hosted more than 1,500 corporate events—and puts exciting twists on classic shows to maximize audience engagement. Take the dueling pianos show, for instance. The show is a hybrid of pianos as well as keyboards, drums, vocals and saxophones. Guests are invited to sing along and jump in with the band, Ceyx, which has been together since 1971. But there is so much more with this story! Dean has created Rusch Entertainment and helps connect business events and talented entertainers to make memories and fun creations! Dean has decades of experience and fun stories to share, listen in as Vic Verchereau and Dean review the business of fun and smiles. A real Mid-Michigan success and a story worth hearing! Turn up the volume and start tapping your feet! Dean Rusch is in the house! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.you

Tony Conley welcomes back Doug Adler, AAMS®, WMS, a Senior Vice President of Investments at Adler Wealth Management of Raymond James & Associates, with a three-part interview. Doug strives to ensure that all of his clients receive the best possible experience throughout the financial planning process. With over 25 years of industry experience, Doug has been appointed as Managing Director while also being a Branch Manager. Drawing on his many years of experience, he assists his clients with the unique financial challenges they face as they approach and during retirement. Focusing on overall financial management and the creation and protection of wealth, Doug assists business owners, managers, successful individuals and certain qualifying retirees with unique financial and retirement planning strategies. He is recognized as a skilled, reliable and caring financial professional. With his intelligent, discerning style, he is someone people are comfortable with and with whom they can share their concerns. Doug has

Vic Verchereau welcomes Dr. Jihad Mustapha, who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Cardiac & Vascular Centers. This is one of the more amazing stories we have ever shared on the leadership Lowdown. This is inspiring! Jihad Mustapha, MD, FACC, FSCAI, has held many academic and professional titles throughout his career, but the one he’s most proud of is the simplest: “The Leg Saver.” A board-certified interventional cardiologist, Dr. Jihad Mustapha developed the notion early in his practice that a device to unblock arteries leading to the heart might be used to perform the same thing for legs. Dr. Jihad Mustapha performed his first peripheral vascular limb-salvage treatment more than a dozen years ago, preventing the amputation of the leg of a 52-year-old woman suffering from severe peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Today, Dr. Jihad Mustapha is recognized throughout the world as a pioneer for his groundbreaking work in critical limb ischemia, or CLI, which is marked by the severe obst

Tony Conley welcomes Kerry Ebersole Singh EVP, Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer, for MEDC, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Their discussions revolve around talent and solutions for that issue in Michigan. CURRENT FOCUS As the Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer, Kerry leads MEDC’s strategic focus of developing high-wage skills growth by working with businesses, higher education institutions and communities to better attract, retain and cultivate the talent critical to growing the state’s economy. PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND Prior to serving at MEDC, Kerry was Director of the Office of Sixty by 30 in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), where she established the office. During her time as Director, Kerry launched two instrumental programs, Futures for Frontliners and MI Reconnect, which aim to create a more talented workforce by providing a tuition-free path for Michiganders pursuing in-demand certificates or associate degrees. In this capacity, she also ser

Tony Conley welcomes Michael Van Beek, who is director of research for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. He joined the Mackinac Center in June 2009 as director of education policy. He has authored several studies for the Center as well as analysis and commentaries that have been published in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, The Hill, The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, and elsewhere. Van Beek obtained his graduate degree in history from Purdue University and his undergraduate degree from Hope College. He lives in Midland, Mich., with his wife and three children. His favorite color is orange. » 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/ Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Alexander S. Rusek, Senior Attorney, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, Lansing, MI, to the 'Michigan Business Beat'. An article he just did: Expungement Process for Convictions in Michigan | Six Steps to a Fresh Start: Foster Swift What is “expunging” or “setting aside” a conviction? Why is it important for an individual to have a criminal conviction expunged? What kind of convictions are expungable and how can I find out if I am eligible to have a criminal conviction expunged? What are some of the steps to the expungement process? What resources are available and where can I find more information? » 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/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Neal Check, who is the founder of SoundCheck Inc. Vic also welcomes Dawn Check, who is the business manager and integrator for SoundCheck Inc. SoundCheck Inc. was founded by Neal Check after twenty-five years in the low voltage industry. The goal at SoundCheck is to make the confusing world of consumer electronics, easy to understand, and affordable to everyone. They specialize in seamless integration of audio, video, lighting, temperature, shading, and security. His wife Dawn plays a vital role as the business Manager and Integrator for the business. They both join the Leadership Lowdown and share the triumphs and challenges of building this dynamic organization. Technology changes rapidly so it is important to consider a company that understands the constantly evolving world of consumer electronics and how to tailor installations to meet present and future needs. This innovative and cutting edge organization has some great experienced leaders at the helm and they share some amaz

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes David Haddad Chair, MiFIA = Michigan Film Industry Association, David and the Association is the EDGE Partnerships November 2022 Spotlight Interview of the Month. Where are you based out of, and please tell us about your mission? Have you been able to serve as a strong collective voice to address common issues in business circles and government offices? Speaking of government offices, the main reason we are having you on today is that we found out The Bipartisan Michigan Film Incentive bills are now in House and Senate committees in Lansing, tell us about those? How can your members and the broader concerned or connected business community help get the bills passed? How do they TAKE ACTION? Is there a website? They have legislation in the state House and Senate they hope to move after Election. Pro-jobs, pro-economy bills to create a film incentive in MI. 40+ other states have them, and MI is losing talent and money by not doing so yet/currently. » Visit MBN website: www.michiga

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE, Principal, Director, Community Engagement Director, Maner Costerisan, Lansing, MI. Sarah, please tell the Michigan business community about Maner Costerisan, including its footprint, services provided, industries served, etc. What distinguishes Maner Costerisan from other Michigan-based accounting firms, particularly “The Big Four”? As part of Maner Costerisan’s annual Day of Impact, Maner team members recently volunteered at the Lansing Area Food Bank, in Bath, MI. Tell us a little more about the annual Maner Costerisan Cares Day of Impact and why the firm does it every year. Where else did Maner team members volunteer on Nov. 3? How were those nonprofits chosen? Do they vary from year to year? Is this event, as well as the philanthropic component, part of your overall corporate culture? What have been some recent highlights for Maner Costerisan? Is there anything the business community should know about before the end of this year? » Visit M

Tony Conley welcomes Todd McCracken, President, and CEO, NSBA, the National Small Business Association. In this 3 part episode, Todd covers business issues that the NSBA is watching out for in Washington DC, He focuses on the Corporate Transparency Act. Todd McCracken currently serves as President of NSBA, directing all activities of the advocacy-oriented association since 1997, previously serving as vice president of government affairs since he joined our staff in 1988. Todd represents NSBA before the U.S. Congress and myriad other settings. As director of its government affairs arm, he plays a key role in developing NSBA’s policies on issues and the strategies in implementing them. Since coming to the association, Todd has testified before Congress numerous times about issues ranging from fundamental health care reform, to restructuring the tax code. Todd also is a frequent commentator in the media, having appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and NBC Nightly News as well as in the Financ

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Becky Puckett-Wood, Vice President, Corporate & Member Engagement, Inforum Michigan. This time she's focused on Inforum's Capstone Event • Inforum will host its annual Capstone dinner on Thursday, November 10th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the JW Marriott. • This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Michelle Li, award-winning anchor and reporter for NBC affiliate KSDK in St. Louis and co-founder of the Very Asian Foundation. o Li has appeared on CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, and in The Washington Post. o In 2022, she was a guest on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” after a viewer asked her to “keep her Korean to herself” which Li has since used as an opportunity to foster conversations around cultural diversity on a national level. • Jennifer Pascua, Marketing Director at Broadway Grand Rapids, will moderate the discussion. • Inforum’s annual Capstone event highlights female leaders and provides the opportunity to build and strengthen professional networks. • Amway is Premier Sponsor for the eve

Vic Verchereau welcomes Greg Kampe, who is the men's basketball head coach at Oakland University. Greg Kampe enters his 39th season at the helm of Oakland's men's basketball program. In the 2020-21 season, Kampe led the Golden Grizzlies to the No. 3 seed in the Horizon League tournament and their first-ever trip to the championship game since joining the conference in 2014. Under Kampe's tutelage, junior point guard Jalen Moore became the seventh Golden Grizzly since 2009 to lead the nation in a statistical category with 8.4 assists per game. Oakland came away with 10 League victories in an unprecedented year of collegiate sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which marked the 13th time in the last 15 seasons with double-digit wins in conference play, the best among Michigan Division I schools. It was a milestone year for Kampe in 2017-18 as he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 15, 2017. Among the 2017 class included Jalen Rose, Jim Leyland, Dennis Rodman and Andre Rison. He also e