Michigan Business Network Michigan Business Network

Originally Uploaded April 5th, reloaded April 24th.
For Media Business Episode 70:
Tony Conley has a three-part conversation welcoming back James David Dickson Managing Editor of Michigan Capitol Confidential.

In their conversation Tony covered several topics with James including:

When it comes to covering the news, where at you at?

Are you free and comfortable in publishing opinion?

Discuss Free Market story publishing?

Discuss limited government?

Discuss security for the State of Michigan?

Is there a border issue in Michigan?

How to deal with refugees?

Some job sectors and career lines are facing expanding hours of training for certification?

What House/Senate Bills are concerning this Spring?

Reflections on the HIRE Michigan Fund?

Impacts of decisions including budgetary on Office of Auditor General?

A Home School registry in Michigan?

How do you address success in Michigan's educational system?

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Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music

Vic Verchereau welcomes Monica Schafer, who is the Owner of Schafer Raspberries and Ingham County Commissioner.

Lessons learned as a parent showing the kids the value of work while serving the community are the results of a small dream that has helped one of her children make it to Harvard. Monica Schafer joins Vic Verchereau on this edition of the Leadership Lowdown. Monica and her husband Jim, a physician for over 30 years, are the proud owners of Schafer Raspberries. This family-friendly U-Pick farm is located in Williamston, MI. Growing and developing Schafer Raspberries has been a labor of love for the past seven years. Through this business venture, Monica and Jim have taught their children the value of working hard to accomplish a goal together. The small business is a great example of Agritourism and it has benefited the local economy as well.

Monica shares her story and takes us picking raspberries and leadership tips on this show! Listen in and join the fun!

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Originally uploaded, March 29th, Re-edited April 20th.
Chris Holman welcomes Palencia Mobley, P.E., founder and CEO of Mode Collective, Detroit area. She's the former deputy director and chief engineer of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and has been appointed as chair of the Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC).

Chris had several questions for Palencia:
Can you explain what the Michigan Infrastructure Council does and its role in the state?

How will your past experience in infrastructure contribute to your role as chair of the MIC?

What is asset management and why is it important?

How does MIC work with local communities to address their infrastructure needs?

What impact does MIC hope to have on Michigan's infrastructure in the coming years?

There was also a news release at the time of her appointment:
New Appointments Will Help Drive Michigan's Collaborative and Interconnected Infrastructure Systems to Create a Thriving, Sustainable and Prosperous State

Palencia Mobley, P.E.LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) today announced it has appointed Palencia Mobley, P.E., founder and CEO of Mode Collective, as chair. In this role, Mobley will lead the MIC in fostering greater collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders to develop innovative solutions, secure funding for critical projects, and ensure Michigan’s infrastructure remains resilient and sustainable for future generations. Mobley was appointed to the MIC by Governor Whitmer in 2018 and will serve as chair through Dec. 31, 2026.

“As a firm believer in the power of infrastructure to drive economic growth and enhance quality of life, I am honored to lead MIC in addressing the critical challenges facing our communities,” Mobley said. “With a focus on equity, innovation, and collaboration, I am committed to advancing our mission and ensuring that Michigan is a place where people can live, work and raise a family today and tomorrow. I am eager to leverage my experience and expertise to lead the organization in addressing the complex challenges of our state’s infrastructure.”

Mobley will oversee and implement an asset management strategy for the state's infrastructure systems. Her strategic vision, combined with her deep understanding of infrastructure, will drive positive change and pave the way for a safer, more sustainable and equitable Michigan.

“Palencia brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in infrastructure asset management that will be instrumental in leading MIC as we work to improve the state’s asset management system,” said MIC Executive Director Ryan Laruwe. “Her commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in infrastructure planning and development is commendable, and we believe her visionary leadership will drive meaningful progress in addressing disparities and ensuring access to essential infrastructure services for all Michiganders.”

The MIC is comprised of nine appointed voting members who are representative of one or more of the following: (1) asset management experts from the public and private sectors with knowledge of and expertise in the areas of planning, design, construction, management, operations and maintenance for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, energy, and communications, (2) financial and procurement experts from the public or private sector, and (3) experts in regional asset management planning across jurisdictions and infrastructure sectors.

To learn more information about the Michigan Infrastructure Council, please visit www.michigan.gov/mic.

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Originally uploaded April 1st, Re-edited April 20th.
Chris Holman welcomes back Ned Staebler, VP Economic Development Wayne St. University and President / CEO TechTown Detroit , Detroit, MI.

Ned talks about key data points, equitable impact, growth.

Ned talks about Hatch Detroit contest, our involvement in NFL Draft prep, Small Business Support Hubs expansion ... and end with a nod to "and tech entrepreneurship is equally important – MedHealth summit, SXSW founders, etc."

Ned references the investiture and how TechTown fits into the prosperity agenda, talk about GS10KSB success, the economic impact strategy, the innovation district

Ned provides an entrepreneur call-to-action (strategy session) and a broader call-to-action (come check out our space and some of our entrepreneurs at the upcoming Hatch events)

The 20th Anniversary logo marries TechTown and Wayne State branding elements into the design. TechTown Detroit’s blue logo is embedded in the zero of “20” above the word “years” and the launch and anniversary dates. This is then encircled by a gold ring with inner green ring and Wayne State’s “W” shield centered at the bottom.

“TechTown’s 20th anniversary represents a significant milestone in Wayne State’s efforts to drive economic prosperity and foster innovation in Detroit,” said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. “Guided by the pillars of our Prosperity Agenda, which prioritizes accelerating mobility for our students and fueling innovation for our competitiveness, TechTown is Wayne State’s innovation hub for 21st century commerce that will continue to be transformative for our students and community.”

Originally founded by Wayne State University, Henry Ford Health and General Motors to support tech-based spinoffs from the university, TechTown expanded its incubation and acceleration strategies to strengthen small businesses and tech entrepreneurs across Wayne County.

Since its inception, TechTown has supported more than 6,000 businesses in and around Detroit. These businesses have created more than 2,300 jobs and raised more than $408 million in startup and growth capital. In 2023 alone, TechTown supported more than 900 businesses and 1,000 entrepreneurs, who raised more than $23 million in startup and growth capital and started 26 new businesses. Moreover, TechTown is committed to uplifting and embracing the diversity of Detroit and the region. Of the 1,000-plus entrepreneurs supported last year, 63% identified as Black or African American, 65% used she/her pronouns and 11% were immigrants to the U.S.

TechTown collaborates closely with Wayne State’s Office of Economic Development (OED) to elevate local businesses and catalyze business growth across the Detroit region. An example of this aligned work is the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program (GS10KSB). Team members from both TechTown and OED mentor and support entrepreneurs during each cohort of GS10KSB and after they graduate.

“TechTown is incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to strengthen Detroit’s neighborhood small businesses and commercial corridors over the last 20 years. And with President Kimberly Andrews Espy at the helm of Wayne State University, we know that our shared mission of driving equitable economic impact in the city is stronger than ever,” says Ned Staebler, vice president for economic development at Wayne State University and president and CEO of TechTown Detroit. “This new anniversary badge is a way for us to visually celebrate the alignment between TechTown and Wayne State, and we look forward to many more milestones acknowledging our collective work.”

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Originally uploaded March 26, re-edited April 15th.
Chris Holman welcomes back Steve Klaver, Co-Owner, DBI, Lansing, MI.

Big news, I understand, there's an anniversary to discuss and DBI Business Interiors is proud to announce its recent accolade as a recipient of Haworth's esteemed Best In Class award? tell us more?

How many in your field get this honor, and how many years has DBI been recognized?

Tell us more about Haworth, what exactly do they provide for your service lines?

Workplace interior design has been a focus for DBI, remind the Michigan business community how that's evolved in the past 4-5 years?

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Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Ryan Fewins-Bliss executive director MCAN - Michigan College Access Network.

Topic: FAFSA Week of Action - April 15-19

In their discussion they cover several points including:
Objective: MCAN supports school counselors and college advisers as their students and families navigate
shortened FAFSA timelines. MCAN actions:
● Compiled an Evolving FAFSA spreadsheet that tracks institutional changes in enrollment deadlines
● Offered Certified FAFSA Specialist Training for select school counselors, educators, and others who
work directly with students ○ This training is offered at no cost to the participants ○ All training sessions
are recorded and available to the public ○ A list of Certified FAFSA Specialists is available to support people
who work with students. This is not for students and families. Contact Jeneen Hatoum for details
● Hosting a variety of webinars to keep school counselors and other professionals up to date on FAFSA changes
and offer strategies for dealing with this year’s shortened timeline ○ School counselors and educators can earn
State Continuing Education Clock Hours for attending live webinars or by watching recorded webinars and completing a quiz
○ Webinars are offered at no cost to the participants
● Maintaining an up-to-date resource hub for schools participating in our College Bound Michigan initiative
○ While designed to be used in the context of CBMI, all resources are public and available to anyone
● Using our network of college advisers serving in AdviseMI and MSU College Advising Corps to disseminate
accurate information in schools across the state
● Worked with a coalition of higher education institutions to create a student/parent letter encouraging students
to continue completing college-going steps despite unexpected delays
● Using social media to celebrate high schools who are making good progress in FAFSA submissions
● Using our email and social media channels to share valuable updates on the FAFSA process with our network
of school counselors, community-based organizations, higher education admissions staff, and other
college access professionals
● Maintaining a Google Group for school counselors to discuss FAFSA hurdles and work collaboratively
to find solutions
● Advocating with both state and congressional legislators to increase funding for FAFSA completion efforts
and improve accountability around this year’s delayed and rocky FAFSA launch
● Offering guidance on the effective use of the Department of Education’s FAFSA Challenge Grants
● Created a comprehensive FAFSA Action Plan to help schools and organizations strategically plan their
FAFSA completion efforts.

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