The Michigan Opportunity

Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • 4.7 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

An economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan.

  1. 1D AGO

    S5 Ep. 49 - Kasey Wierzba, Executive Winemaker & General Manager, Shady Lane Cellars

    From field to bottle, Shady Lane Cellars is leveraging Michigan’s agriculture in their vineyard and wine selling business As the Executive Winemaker and General Manager of Shady Lane Cellars, Kasey Wierzba is guiding the winery’s vision and award-winning craftsmanship. Shady Lane Cellars is a boutique, estate winery at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula near Suttons Bay, Michigan, known for its 100% estate-grown, sustainably certified wines crafted from cool-climate varietals. She also discusses Michigan’s unique agribusiness industry and the state’s various grape vine species.

    33 min

  2. 5D AGO

    S5 Ep. 48 - Nick Roe, Cybersecurity and Compliance Manager, Brightline Technologies Inc.

    Managed IT, cybersecurity, compliance and more—all from one Michigan-based tech company Hear from Nick Roe, Manager of Cybersecurity and Compliance at Brightline Technologies, a Brighton-based IT services firm that delivers comprehensive solutions that optimize infrastructure, strengthens security, ensures compliance and more. In this episode we discuss safe security practices and cybersecurity awareness. Nick also breaks down how Brightline IT is working with the Department of Defense on compliance training and assessments.

    36 min

  3. DEC 15

    S5 Ep.47 - John Nunneley, Senior Vice President Engineering and IT, Astemo Americas, Inc.

    From electrification to motorcycle systems, Astemo Ltd.’s new Michigan headquarters anchors the future of mobility! We sit down with John Nunneley of Astemo Americas, Inc. as he shares how the tier 1 automotive supplier is shaping the future of mobility. Astemo’s world-leading solutions in electrification, autonomous driving, sustainable technologies, and advanced chassis and motorcycle systems are advancing a cleaner, smarter, and more connected world.

    33 min

  4. DEC 10

    S5 Ep.46 - Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit

    City of Detroit's Mayor Mike Duggan talks through the economic developments during his tenure.  As the second-longest serving Mayor in Detroit history, Mike Duggan’s economic and business development strategies have centered around attracting major investments, accelerating small business growth and creating a business-friendly climate.  He discusses several projects including investing in talent with the University of Michigan Center for Innovation, bringing back manufacturing jobs with automotive factories, bringing the Lions back to Downtown Detroit with Ford Field, and more.

    30 min

  5. DEC 3

    S5 Ep.45 - Kara Wood, Executive Director, Grand Action 2.0

    Grand Rapids Developments: Spotlight on Amway Stadium and Acrisure Amphitheater Projects with Grand Action 2.0 We join Grand Action 2.0’s Executive Director, Kara Wood, as she discusses plans for Grand Rapids. Grand Action 2.0 is a powerhouse not-for-profit economic development organization. Through bold leadership and public-private partnerships, they are actively identifying and funding the next wave of downtown building and transformational projects that make the city of Grand Rapids unique.

    24 min

  6. NOV 24

    S5 Ep. 44 - Ned Staebler, VP for Economic Development at Wayne State University and President and CEO of TechTown

    From entrepreneurship to innovative workspace and the creation of 2,340 jobs, Wayne State University’s TechTown Detroit is driving impact across Michigan’s future economy. From supporting startups and emerging companies, to establishing firms, TechTown Detroit is Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub helping entrepreneurs develop, launch, and grow. Ned Staebler’s dynamic international economic development background spans both the private and public sectors. In this episode, he talks with us about how this incubator and accelerator offers a full suite of programs for tech ventures and neighborhood small businesses.

    32 min

  7. NOV 19

    S5 Ep. 43 - Trevor Friedeberg, President & CEO, Greater Muskegon Economic Development

    Aerospace, Defense, Agribusiness, Tourism and more, make up the story of the Greater Muskegon Economic Development. Hear Trevor Friedeberg describe the rich Muskegon community and history on the east side of Lake Michigan, as he breaks down the tools and resources the Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) offers. Founded in 1999, the GMED is a county-wide economic development agency dedicated to supporting local business. Their focus is to leverage public and private investment to accelerate business growth and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities in Muskegon County.

    28 min

  8. NOV 12

    S5 Ep.42 - Alison Todak, VP of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, MEDC and Pete Martin, Director of Portfolio Management, MSU Research Foundation

    PitchMI crowns 4 winners: smarter hospital beds, powered campsites, satellite tech, and in-game ads—highlighting Michigan’s dynamic startup ecosystem. Join our two startup experts — Alison Todak of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Pete Martin of the MSU Research Foundation — as they share how their organizations are helping to drive Michigan’s startup momentum. They give us insight into their collaboration on the PitchMI startup competition, highlight the four winning innovations for 2025, and explore the state’s thriving entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

    32 min
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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

An economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan.

Information

  • Creator
    Michigan Economic Development Corporation
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    257
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Michigan Opportunity
  • Show Website
    The Michigan Opportunity

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