Michigan Business Network

Michigan Business Network

The Home of Business in Michigan. Get on-demand access to audio programs, articles and resources presented by savvy business leaders and industry experts.

  1. Michigan Business Beat | Paul Keifer, Bank of America,  Grand Rapids Knapp's Corner Expands

    20h ago

    Michigan Business Beat | Paul Keifer, Bank of America, Grand Rapids Knapp's Corner Expands

    Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Paul Keifer, President, Bank of America, Grand Rapids Opens Knapp’s Corner Financial Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Key Points New financial center, celebrated at grand opening event, demonstrates commitment to serving families and businesses in West Michigan BofA has invested nearly $7 million in Grand Rapids in past 10 years; plans to invest $7 million more over next three years. Nationally, Bank of America plans to open 150 financial centers by 2027 GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Bank of America opened the Knapp’s Corner Financial Center, at 2300 E. Beltline Ave. NE in Grand Rapids today. The opening of the bank’s newest financial center in Michigan demonstrates the bank’s commitment to serve the financial needs of the individuals, families and businesses of the Grand Rapids community. The opening builds on Bank of America’s more than $5 billion investment and the company’s plans to open 150 new financial centers in 2027. The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks from Holly O’Neill, president of Consumer, Retail and Preferred, and member of Bank of America’s executive management team. The Knapp’s Corner Financial Center is a continuation of Bank of America’s ongoing investments in the West Michigan region. Bank of America has invested almost $7 million in Grand Rapids over the past 10 years, and plans to invest $7 million more over the next three years. With the addition of Knapp’s Corner, BofA now serves clients through six financial centers in Grand Rapids “Our financial center network is core to our business and gives us a strategic advantage — today and going forward,” said Paul Keifer, President, Bank of America West Michigan. “Whether they want an in-person conversation about their retail banking, lending and small business needs, financial guidance from Merrill, or use digital banking capabilities, we will be able to serve West Michigan clients when, where and how they choose to manage their financial lives.” In addition to Keifer, Bank of America leadership attending the grand opening included: — Holly O’Neill, President of Consumer, Retail and Preferred at Bank of America — Wyatt Smith, Senior Managing Director, Global Commercial Banking — Brian Stanton, Managing Director, Consumer Midwest Division Executive The opening of the Knapp’s Corner Financial Center is helping to grow the local economy and strengthen the community. In September, Bank of America announced it raised its U.S. minimum hourly wage to $25 per hour for full-time and part-time employees, bringing the minimum annualized salary for full-time employees to more than $50,000. Bank of America also recently announced its commitment to increase military and community college hiring, creating 700 financial center jobs in new growth markets across the country. Clients in West Michigan also have access to Bank of America’s industry-leading digital capabilities which serve the banking, lending and investing needs of more than 59 million verified digital clients. The new financial centers showcase the latest technology, private offices to assist clients one-on-one, and on-site financial specialists who work as one team to understand a client’s unique priorities and goals, and to provide personalized guidance. Frequently Asked Questions Question: How does this new center help Grand Rapids small businesses grow? Answer: Local business owners can meet in person with dedicated Small Business specialist to access capital, commercial real estate loans and treasury services. Through Bank of America's Business Advantage solutions, entrepreneurs can get expert guidance on managing cash flow and employee benefits to help scale their operations. » 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/

    7 min
  2. Michigan Business Beat | Linda Little, NSO, Affordable Housing & Detroit's Future - Summit July 1st

    6d ago

    Michigan Business Beat | Linda Little, NSO, Affordable Housing & Detroit's Future - Summit July 1st

    Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Linda Little, President & CEO, NSO, Detroit’s Neighborhood Service Organization, Detroit, MI. Affordable housing is often discussed as a social issue, but it also has major economic implications. From a business perspective, why should employers, developers, and community leaders be paying close attention to this conversation? Detroit and Southeast Michigan continue to attract investment and redevelopment projects. How important is housing availability and affordability to sustaining that economic growth and attracting talent? The summit brings together developers, nonprofits, educators, policymakers, and business leaders. What are some of the most promising partnerships or collaborative approaches that can help increase housing supply while keeping it affordable? Many organizations are struggling with rising construction costs, financing challenges, and limited housing inventory. What practical solutions do you expect summit participants to discuss for overcoming those barriers? Looking ahead, what would success look like coming out of this summit, and what actions can the business community take to help create more housing opportunities across Detroit and Southeast Michigan? » 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/ WCCCD, NSO Hosting Hometown Summit: A Vision For Affordable Housing, July 1 in Detroit Featuring keynote from former HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, the free event brings together policymakers, developers, nonprofits, and community leaders to advance solutions for the future of housing in Detroit and beyond DETROIT, Mich. — Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) and Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) will host Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing on Wednesday, July 1, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at WCCCD’s Northwest Campus, 8200 Outer Drive West in Detroit. The event will bring together regional leaders to address one of Detroit’s most pressing challenges — ensuring access to safe, stable and affordable housing. The solutions-focused summit will feature keynote remarks from Marcia L. Fudge, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and will convene decision-makers from government, housing development, education, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector and community organizations to discuss practical strategies for expanding housing opportunities across the region. The summit will begin with welcome remarks from Little and Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, chancellor of Wayne County Community College District, followed by the keynote address from Secretary Fudge. Programming will include three panel discussions examining affordable housing from multiple perspectives: The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Event Details Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Lunch and networking begin at 11 a.m.) Location: Wayne County Community College District – Northwest Campus, 8200 Outer Drive West, Detroit, MI 48219 Cost: Free RSVP: For more information and to register, visit the event registration page. About Neighborhood Service Organization Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals and families achieve stability through housing, behavioral health, homelessness prevention, youth services and community-based support programs. About Wayne County Community College District Wayne County Community College District is Michigan’s largest urban community college district, providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and workforce development programs that strengthen individuals, families and communities throughout Wayne County.

    10 min
  3. Michigan Business Beat | Laketa Henderson, SBA Michigan, Supplier Matchmaking Expo Success

    6d ago

    Michigan Business Beat | Laketa Henderson, SBA Michigan, Supplier Matchmaking Expo Success

    Originally uploaded June 17th, reloaded June 21st. Chris Holman welcomes back Laketa Henderson, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)'s Michigan District Office, Detroit, MI. Welcome back Laketa, how did the 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo at Motor City Casino go Friday, June 5th? Dive down a bit, how was the feedback from the resource organizations, suppliers, and companies looking to make matches? This followed an Expo in North Carolina, and I understand Arizona could be next? We understand you had some news you wanted to share with us last week, but ran out of time, what are the details? » 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/ The Supplier Matchmaking Expo was a chance to meet domestic corporate partners from companies of all sizes that are looking for suppliers. This unique opportunity, hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) will bring together buyers and suppliers looking to strengthen the U.S. supply chain. The U.S. Small Business Administration, in collaboration with the New American Industrial Alliance, Michigan Economic Development Center, Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators, Michigan SBDC, and DTMB – Central Procurement Services, is excited to announce the 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo. What’s Included: One-on-one matchmaking services provided by Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators, Michigan Economic Development Council, and Michigan Small Business Development Center Exhibit hall with U.S. buyers and local, state, and federal organizations that support small manufacturers. Gain access to key industry players and discover fresh opportunities.

    7 min
  4. Michigan Business Beat | Tim Mroz, The Right Place, 2026 Development Report & Growth Outlook Recap

    6d ago

    Michigan Business Beat | Tim Mroz, The Right Place, 2026 Development Report & Growth Outlook Recap

    Originally uploaded June 16th, reloaded June 20th. Chris Holman welcomes back Tim Mroz, Senior Vice President of Community Development, The Right Place, Grand Rapids, MI. Welcome back Tim, quickly remind the Michigan business community about The Right Place? The report describes a mood of "cautious optimism" across Greater Grand Rapids. What factors are giving developers and business leaders confidence, and what challenges are still causing caution? Greater Grand Rapids is seeing major investments in projects like the Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Stadium, and airport expansion. How do projects of this scale translate into long-term economic growth and business opportunities for the region? Industrial vacancy remains well below the national average, while companies continue expanding. What does that tell us about the region's competitiveness for manufacturing, logistics, and business investment? Housing continues to be a major issue for employers trying to attract and retain talent. What did the report reveal about the balance between housing demand, affordability, and new development activity? Looking ahead, what should business owners, investors, and community leaders be watching most closely as Greater Grand Rapids works to sustain this momentum through 2026 and beyond? » 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/ The Right Place publishes 2026 Development Report highlighting cautious optimism, record-setting projects, and long-term investment across Greater Grand Rapids (GRAND RAPIDS, MI)— Greater Grand Rapids economic development organization The Right Place, Inc., has released its 2026 Development Report, a comprehensive analysis of the region’s industrial, office, retail, and housing sectors. The 28-page report combines firsthand intelligence and data from leading commercial real estate partners to provide a holistic view of the development ecosystem in Greater Grand Rapids. The full report was recently distributed to The Right Place investors and participants at Developer Day. It can be found on the Right Place website: www.rightplace.org/developmentreport Below are summaries of the key sectors identified in the report, along with a 2026 outlook: Industrial: Ongoing Demand with Extended Timelines Greater Grand Rapids’ industrial market enters 2026 slightly outperforming 2025. Industrial vacancy stood at 3.3% in Q1 2026—well below the national average of 7.1%—while inventory reached 125.58 million square feet. Demand is active, though decision timelines have extended as buyers take a more deliberate approach. Average asking rent reached $6.36/sq ft, remaining significantly below the national average of $10.42/sq ft, keeping the region cost-competitive for industrial users. A highlight project is Proper Beverage Co.’s $80–90 million expansion into 300,000 sq ft of new industrial space in Kentwood, boosting annual production capacity by more than 460%. # # # About The Right Place, Inc. The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 with the mission to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. The Right Place works to achieve this mission by focusing on three core areas: People, Place, and Prosperity. The Right Place is an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) as designated by the International Economic Development Council. Find out more by visiting rightplace.org, liking us on Facebook, and following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

    6 min
  5. Michigan Business Beat | Tekea Norwood, CAMW!, Juneteenth 2026 Job Fair Connects Talent & Resources

    Jun 23

    Michigan Business Beat | Tekea Norwood, CAMW!, Juneteenth 2026 Job Fair Connects Talent & Resources

    Originally uploaded June 12th, reloaded June 19th. Chris Holman welcomes Tekea Norwood, COO, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. Tekea is joined by guests Marilyn Rodgers, Chairperson, Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, and Winston Williams, Jr., prominent civil rights advocate and longtime Executive Committee Member of the Lansing Branch NAACP. Welcome back, Tekea, share a bit about CAMW! and the need to be tied to community events? Marilyn, tell us about the Juneteenth Job and Community Resource Fair. Who is involved? Winston, this event has grown steadily since its founding. Why do you think that is? Tekea, what benefits do you see for businesses that participate in the fair? Marilyn, what are the details for this year's event? » 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 Juneteenth Job and Community Resource Fair Upcoming Recruitment Events Location St. Joseph Park 2125 W. Hillsdale St. Lansing, MI 48915 Event Date Start: June 20, 2026 11:00 AM End: June 20, 2026 3:00 PM Contact Information Passion Fields Recruitment Analyst Join CAMW! at the Lansing Juneteenth Job and Community Resource Fair taking place at St. Joseph Park in Lansing, MI. Visit lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org to learn more.

    7 min
  6. MBN On The Road: CAR MBS #61: SAP & KPMG - Power Lunch: Sourcing and Procurement in Uncertain Times

    Jun 23

    MBN On The Road: CAR MBS #61: SAP & KPMG - Power Lunch: Sourcing and Procurement in Uncertain Times

    Tuesday, June 16, 2026, part of the MBN team was on the road to Ypsilanti, Michigan. We were on hand for the 61st Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars. Also known as CAR MBS. For over six decades, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) has hosted the industry’s most essential retreat. In 2026, we return to our roots in the heart of Michigan’s mobility corridor with a reimagined, two-day experience where policy, technology, and economic innovation intersect. Held for decades in Traverse City, last year at Michigan Central in Detroit, and this year split across sites in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. This video is roughly a dozen minutes with highlights from the lunch-hour session, which was at the Roy Wilbanks Ballroom of the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, Ypsilanti, MI. The session: SAP & KPMG - Power Lunch: Sourcing and Procurement in Uncertain Times Integrating engineering, AI, and sourcing strategies to navigate market volatility In today’s volatile market, business as usual is no longer sustainable for sourcing and procurement. Leading organizations are transforming their approach—embedding sourcing early in the product lifecycle and financial planning, connecting engineering directly to sourcing strategies, and harnessing AI to mitigate commodity price volatility. Join this industry panel to learn how to navigate “certain uncertainty” through proven best practices and cutting-edge research. The four in the video thumbnail and participating in the panel discussion were: Matt Blyth SAP Global Procurement COE Speaker Tushar Narsana KPMG Deal Advisory Speaker Servio De Araujo Ford Motor Company Speaker Bill Newman SAP America Speaker » 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/ One Conference. Two Venues. Total Industry Insight. Again this was DAY 2: The Research & Strategic Briefings Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | Marriott Eagle Crest Resort A return to the classic MBS format—a day of deep-dive strategy, networking, and expert analysis. Keynote Sessions: Industry titans share their vision for the next decade. CAR Research Presentations: Exclusive data and insights from our independent research teams. Executive Panels: Candid discussions on the global issues impacting North American automotive interests.

    12 min
  7. Michigan Business Beat | Dr. Tina Kerr, MASA, Michigan State Budget Priorities & the Talent Pipeline

    Jun 23

    Michigan Business Beat | Dr. Tina Kerr, MASA, Michigan State Budget Priorities & the Talent Pipeline

    Originally uploaded, June 11th, reloaded June 18th. Chris Holman welcomes back Dr. Tina A. Kerr, Executive Director, Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA), Lansing, MI. Welcome back Tina, remind the Michigan business community about MASA? Tell us about the ongoing budget process in Lansing? Share a bit about MASA Impact? Tell us about ways Superintendents and Administrators are working on the talent pipeline? » 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/ Additionally, Kerr was interested in speaking about: Budget Talent Pipeline for Admins "Trickle up" of teacher shortage to superintendency Turnover Relationships with Boards and a common understanding of expectations AI's Impact on all levels of the system Student Impact Personal/Staff Impact Mental Health Demands on staff and students are at an all-time high from the community/society Summer is a time to regroup Professional Learning & Conferences WIL's all-time high attendance New Programming & Innovations mixed with historically impactful Bonus #6 - leading in a time of polarized politics Board meeting battlegrounds Reminder that we teach to think and make your own decisions; we don't teach that one side is better.

    7 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
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4 Ratings

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The Home of Business in Michigan. Get on-demand access to audio programs, articles and resources presented by savvy business leaders and industry experts.