Using innovation to attract urban talent to sustainable cities including: NYC, LA County, and Detroit (plus a touch of London and Italy)! CIV:LAB was born out of a need for more coordination and collaboration between the various stakeholders that work to make cities more sustainable. We sit down with Founder and Executive Director, Simon Sylvester-Chaudhuri, and Chief of Staff, Allison Lucas, to learn more about CIV:LAB’s mission and vision. CIV:LAB's work in Michigan began with working with Wayne State University, TechTown and Next Energy, helping secure a $1m grant from the Economic Developm ..read more

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is filled with exceptional views and exceptional talent. From Ironwood to Sault Ste. Marie, the UP is home to three state universities, several manufacturing companies, and many national outdoor recreation events a year.  We welcome back InvestUP CEO, Marty Fittante, to discuss the current projects happening in the U.P. Fittante talks about the Upper Peninsula’s unique impact in the aerospace and defense industry, shares the various housing and seed fund projects to help tackle population challenges, as well as give insight into the Soo Locks project that ..read more

From work commutes to connecting people with destinations across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, SMART has been Southeast Michigan’s trusted transit provider since 1967. As the General Manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), Dwight A. Ferrell oversees a complex organization that provides essential public transit and paratransit services to the residents of Southeast Michigan. Ferrell has more than 35 years of experience in the public sector, managing large-scale operations, budgets, programs, and projects for some of the nation's most prominent trans ..read more

Around the World in 30 Minutes: Insights from the Executive Director of Grand Rapids’ 75+ Year-Old World Affairs Council This week we talk with Michael Van Denend, Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. He discusses how the World Affairs Council is dedicated to educating people in western Michigan about other countries, cultures, and regions of the world and provides a forum for discussing critical foreign policy issues facing the country. The Council is best known for sponsoring its award-winning Great Decisions Global Discussion Series. Michael came to the World ..read more

Uniting the Voices of Chambers and Economic Leaders Across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula On this episode we chat with Haley Bennett, Director of Government Relations for Traverse Connect and the Norther Michigan Chamber Alliance, about how Traverse Connect is supporting area businesses through a combination of business attraction and retention strategies, talent development efforts, and strategic coordination among partner agencies.  Bennett also serves as the Director of Government Relations for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, a coalition of 18 chambers and economic d ..read more

Michigan’s University Research Corridor (URC) works with Michigan’s three leading research institutions: Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University, on a growing interest in technology based economic development.  We welcome back Michigan’s URC Executive Director, Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine, as she discusses the future of R&D in their four main initiatives (Life and Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence). She also dives into how the researchers are not only working with universities, but businesses and ind ..read more

What do Terry Crews, Rumer Willis, Josh Groban, Norah Jones and many more artists have in common? They all attended Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts! Listen to Interlochen President, Trey Devey, describe Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. This world-renowned nonprofit institution was founded in 1928 and has nurtured some of the industry’s most talented artists, musicians, actors, and performers. Its prestigious art programs and education institutions include the Interlochen Arts Camp, Interlochen Arts Academy and more. This international gem has produced alumni who have gon ..read more

Michigan’s Economic story and what’s next for the state. We begin our fifth season by connecting with longtime podcast supporter and returning guest, Quentin Messer Jr., Chief Executive & Economic Competitiveness Officer at MEDC. In this episode he discusses the Make it in Michigan strategy, gives us a preview of what is to come for the state, and he shares a Detroit Lions metaphor you won’t forget.  ..read more

Whirlpool Corporation, headquartered in Michigan, is behind iconic brands like Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Amana. Hear from one of their top designers! Jessica McConnell, Director of CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) & Graphic Design at Whirlpool Corporation, navigates a fascinating path in designing and forecasting products that shape daily life. Whirlpool Corporation, an American multinational Fortune 500 company headquartered in Benton Charter Township, Michigan and stands as a leader in the home appliance industry. In 2023, Whirlpool reported approximately $19 billion in annual rev ..read more

Step Into the Future of Innovation: The New Integr8 Series with Automation Alley. Thomas Kelly joins as we explore AI, 3D printing, mass customization, Industry 4.0, and beyond. We chat with returning guest, Tom Kelly of Automation Alley. Automation Alley is a nonprofit technology business association and digital transformation insight center that helps manufacturers in Michigan understand new technology including AI, 3D printing, robotics, Industry 4.0 and more. Tom also takes us through Integr8, a series of round table dialogs bringing Michigan’s forward-thinkers in manufacturing and techno ..read more