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November 3, 202645 min
Leadership Lowdown | Karin Hurt - A Human Centered Future With A.I.
Vic Verchereau welcomes Karin Hurt, who is CEO at Let’s Grow Leaders. Karin inspires courage, confidence, and innovation. A former Verizon Wireless executive, she’s known for growing courageous leaders, building great cultures, and inspiring high-performance teams. She’s the award-winning author of five books. She inspires and guides leaders with leadership development programs, a weekly blog, and Asking For a Friend show. A familiar guest to the Leadership Lowdown show and host Vic Verchereau asked her to return for a visit on the A.I. topic for business and leaders! Don't miss this edition! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
October 30, 202637 min
Faces of Manufacturing | Episode 22 – AI, ERP & Workforce Readiness with Dechen Consulting Group
Faces of Manufacturing is a newer show to Michigan Business Network. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, Michigan, co-hosts with Joy Wagner, HR Manager of Granger Waste Services, also Lansing. Cindy and Joy strive to share the corporate culture, personal stories, and unique personalities of those making a living in manufacturing today, in Michigan. With that in mind, this month they connected with several team members of Granger Waste Services. How can manufacturers move beyond the hype of artificial intelligence and put it to work in ways that improve operations and support their people? On this episode of Faces of Manufacturing, hosts Cindy Kangas and Joy Wagner welcome Rajesh Hariharan, Chief Delivery Officer, and Daniel Vachoo, Director of Commercial Operations, of Dechen Consulting Group, an IT consulting firm based in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Together, they explore what it takes to connect AI with the realities of manufacturing: aging ERP systems, fragmented data, production constraints, employee concerns, and the valuable knowledge experienced workers carry with them. The conversation examines how AI can complement—not simply replace—existing enterprise systems. Rajesh outlines a four-stage progression from visibility and prediction to recommendations and action, with governance and human oversight guiding implementation. Cindy and Joy also ask what manufacturers should expect when beginning an AI initiative. The guests discuss data cleansing, integration, process redesign, realistic implementation timelines, and the importance of starting small, validating results, and building alongside the people who will use the technology. A central theme is preserving shop-floor knowledge. How can manufacturers capture not only information, but also the business context and human judgment behind everyday decisions? The discussion explores turning individual experience into organizational knowledge while building employee trust. Topics include: • AI opportunities and practical applications in manufacturing • ERP modernization and production planning • Data quality, integration, and organizational readiness • Moving from visibility to prediction, recommendation, and action • Implementation timelines and the work beyond software licensing • Capturing experienced employees’ operational knowledge • Change management, workforce adoption, and fears about job displacement • Human oversight, accountability, and measuring business value The takeaway: successful AI adoption requires more than new technology. It requires trusted data, thoughtful processes, and people who understand and help shape the change. Faces of Manufacturing highlights the people, leadership, and workplace cultures shaping Michigan’s manufacturing sector. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council, co-hosts with Joy Wagner. Learn more about Dechen Consulting Group: https://dechen.com/ » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
October 29, 20265 min
Michigan Business Beat | Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN | MI College Match Results
Originally uploaded October 13, reloaded October 29th. Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Executive Director, MCAN - Michigan College Access Network, Lansing, MI. The first MI College Match offers went out Monday, and the numbers are already eye-boggling. Ryan, more than 25,000 college admission offers went out in the first round. What does that number tell you about the demand for this kind of approach to college access? Students received an average of 14 offers each, and every participating student received at least one. What do you think changes for a student when colleges are reaching out to them instead of waiting for the student to apply? More than $1.27 billion in scholarship opportunities were included with these offers. How important is it to put the conversation about affordability right alongside the admission opportunity? From a Michigan workforce and economic development perspective, what could this program mean if more students who might not otherwise pursue college ultimately earn a credential or degree? This is only the first round, with students able to create profiles through June and additional offers going out each month. What are you watching next to determine whether MI College Match is truly changing the college-going pipeline in Michigan? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Michigan Students Receive More Than 25,000 College Admission Offers Through MI College Match LANSING, Mich. — Michigan students participating in MI College Match have now received 25,252 college admission offers and more than $1.274 billion in scholarship opportunities, providing thousands of students with unprecedented access to college options without having to complete a single college application. The statewide direct-admission initiative connects Michigan high school students with participating colleges and universities based on their academic achievements, interests, preferences and other information provided through the MI College Match platform. On average, participating students have received 14 college offers, and all have received at least one offer of admission, giving students and their families the opportunity to explore a broad range of postsecondary options and compare admission and scholarship opportunities. MI COLLEGE MATCH BY THE NUMBERS ● 25,252 — college admission offers sent ● $1.274 billion — total scholarship opportunities offered ● 14 — average number of offers per student ● 26 — participating Michigan colleges and universities ● 350+ — Michigan high schools connected through College Bound Michigan MI College Match is a partnership between Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), EAB and participating Michigan higher education institutions. “These numbers demonstrate what is possible when we rethink the way students experience the college-going process,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network. For more information about MI College Match, visit micollegematch.com. About Michigan College Access Network Since our founding in 2010, Michigan College Access Network has engaged with partners across the state to improve college access and success for all students. Our data-driven approach is focused on providing support where it is needed the most, particularly among students from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first in their family to graduate college, and students of color. We believe in the power of higher education to improve individual lives, with positive effects that ripple out into their communities. We are committed to Michiganʼs Sixty by 30 attainment goal — 60% of residents earning a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030
October 27, 202642 min
Leadership Lowdown | Brian Johnson - Trust is the Currency of the Leader
Vic Verchereau welcomes Rev. Dr. Brian Johnson, who is Regional Executive Minister at Mission Driven Churches, the American Baptist Churches of Michigan. Rev. Dr. Brian Johnson was born and raised in Momence, IL. He holds an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education as well as graduate degrees in Divinity and Organizational Leadership. He is currently the Regional Executive Minister of Mission Driven Churches, the American Baptist Churches of Michigan. As an association it is a network of churches committed to helping one another. Brian offers a great perspective on building organization and navigating the leadership challenges across the state. Listen to this edition of the Leadership Lowdown with host Vic Verchereau as he learns Brian's thoughts on "trust as the currency of the leader"! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
October 26, 20266 min
Michigan Business Beat | Allen Parent, Rustic Creations | Square Away Software
Originally uploaded October 23, reloaded October 26th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Allen Parent, Rustic Creations, Rochester Hills, MI Square Away You're a woodworker. Why did you end up building software? What was eating your evenings in the shop before Square Away? What does Square Away actually do for a small trade shop, day to day? How are you picking the beta shops, and what are they telling you? What's your advice for a Michigan trade owner who's stuck doing paperwork at night? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Allen Parent of Rustic Creations in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is bringing a woodworker’s perspective to software development with Square Away, a tool designed to help small trade businesses manage their day-to-day operations. In this Michigan Business Beat interview, Parent discusses what led him to build Square Away, the administrative tasks that were eating into his evenings, and how the software helps small shops organize their work. He also shares how he is selecting beta-testing businesses, what he is learning from their feedback, and his advice for Michigan trade owners spending too much time on paperwork after hours. Discover how practical, industry-driven software can help small businesses streamline operations and focus more time on their craft.
October 26, 20267 min
Michigan Business Beat | Ed Siaje, Bank of America Detroit | $1.5M Detroit Workforce Investment
Originally uploaded October 23, reloaded October 26th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Ed Siaje, President, Bank of America Detroit Why is workforce development such an important priority for Bank of America in Metro Detroit right now? Bank of America is investing more than $1.5 million in Metro Detroit this year. What do you want these investments to accomplish for employers, workers, and the regional economy? The Healthcare Talent Collaborative is receiving a $75,000 grant. What made this partnership and the healthcare talent pipeline an important area for Bank of America to support? The region is working to connect people with better career opportunities while also helping employers find the talent they need. What are you seeing in the workforce today that makes this approach so important? Looking ahead, what would success look like for Bank of America and its community partners as these workforce investments begin to make an impact across Metro Detroit? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Bank of America Invests More Than $1.5 Million in Metro Detroit for Workforce Development in 2026 Key points · Grants to more than 20 Detroit-area partners over the past two years supported programs that helped create new jobs and develop leadership skills · BofA's local investment of nearly $2.9M over the past two years included grants to key partners, including the Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation, Grow Detroit's Young Talent, YearUp, The Greening of Detroit, SER Metro-Detroit, NPower Inc. Michigan, and Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit · Nationally, BofA has invested roughly $40M in workforce development, partnering with more than 100 universities and community colleges and over 600 nonprofit partners across all U.S. markets DETROIT, MI — September is Workforce Development Month and in recognition Bank of America is highlighting its nearly $2M investment over the past two years in workforce development programs in Metro Detroit, including its recent grant to the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Healthcare Talent Collaborative to help grow the region’s healthcare workforce and talent pipeline. The bank awarded a $75K grant to support the Healthcare Talent Collaborative’s Chamber’s TalentEd program, an employer-led initiative with a network of leading health systems, including Henry Ford Health, Corewell Health, and Trinity Health, alongside partners in education, workforce development, and community organizations working to educate residents about and connect them to high-quality healthcare careers. This grant is among more than $1.4M in grants awarded to 27 local partners in support of programs that create new jobs and develop leadership skills in Metro Detroit over the past two years: · The Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation grant will help support a new Henry Ford Health Respiratory Therapy Training program that is expected to launch in January 2027; · Grow Detroit’s Young Talent and SER Metro-Detroit each received $75K grants, supporting education, job training and job placement programs; · The Greening of Detroit received a $50K grant, supporting workforce training and employment opportunities for more than 200 participants. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,500 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59M verified digital users.
October 23, 202643 min
Michigan Corners | Zac Clark - Go Nuts...Going Nuts...Gone Nuts!
Vic Verchereau welcomes Zac Clark, who is General Manager at Lansing Lugnuts. From one season to another, the Lansing Lugnut team gets ready for the off season! A time to host stadium events, plan the highlights for next season and get the glitter trimmings out for the holiday season! General Manager, Zac Clark recalls the summer fun and tells us all about some new things planned for the coming year. The Downtown Lansing Stadium District is a beacon of fun and excitement for the city, and Zac shares his enthusiasm and a few laughs with Michigan Corners host, Vic Verchereau! Come on down to the corner, and share in the fun! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
October 19, 20267 min
Michigan Business Beat | Chris Andrews, Música Tequila | Award-Winning Releases & Grand Reserva
Originally uploaded October 13th, reloaded October 19th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Chris Andrews, co-founder of Música Tequila, with Geri, his wife, out of Northville, MI, and splits time in Fort Meyers, celebrating major industry recognition and preparing to launch a highly limited 36-month Grand Reserva Extra Añejo (ah-NYEH-hoh) Chris, Música has had a lot of momentum recently, from Double Gold awards to strong Wine Enthusiast scores. What does that recognition mean for the business and the brand as you look to grow? You’re preparing to launch the 36-month Grand Reserva Extra Añejo.(ah-NYEH-hoh). What does this new release represent for Música as you move further into the premium and collector market? Música has built its identity around bringing together tequila and music. How does that differentiation help you compete in an increasingly crowded premium spirits market? You’re a family-owned Michigan company producing tequila in Jalisco and now gaining recognition beyond Michigan. What have you learned about building a national brand while staying connected to your roots? With Grand Reserva coming in November and more than 40 industry awards and accolades already behind the brand, what are the next business milestones you’re focused on for Música? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Música Tequila Strikes a Chord: World’s First Music-Driven Tequila House Builds Momentum with Award-Winning Releases, Top Industry Recognition and New Grand Reserva Two Double Golds honors, standout Wine Enthusiast scores and an upcoming 36-month Extra Añejo mark a significant milestone for the premium craft tequila brand NORTHVILLE, MICH. — September 28, 2026 — Música Tequila is hitting a new note in the young brand's growth. The family-owned, premium craft tequila brand is celebrating a wave of momentum driven by critical acclaim, stellar industry ratings and the highly anticipated drop of its most exclusive spirit yet — a highly limited 36-month Grand Reserva Extra Añejo. Founded by Chris and Geri Andrews, the world’s first music-driven tequila house is rapidly capturing national attention through a series of major milestones: A new collector’s expression. Música is preparing to introduce its first Grand Reserva Extra Añejo, a highly limited 36-month expression representing the brand’s most exclusive release to date. Double Gold recognition. Música’s Rock Reposado High Proof Reserva has earned Double Gold honors, adding to the brand’s growing collection of awards. “For us, what makes this especially meaningful is seeing all the pieces of Música coming together,” said Geri Andrews, co-founder and owner of Music Spirits. “From the beginning, we wanted to build something authentic that brought together exceptional tequila, our lifelong connection to music and a commitment to supporting music education and independent musicians. Música Introduces Its First Grand Reserva Extra Añejo Looking ahead, Música is preparing to introduce the pinnacle of its collection: its first Grand Reserva Extra Añejo, a highly limited collector's expression aged for at least 36 months. About Música Tequila Música Tequila is a family-owned Premium Craft tequila house founded by Chris and Geri Andrews with Agaves from Amatitán (Lowlands, Zona Valles,) and produced in Tequila, Jalisco, México. Made from 100% Blue Weber agave, Música combines authentic tequila craftsmanship with music through its proprietary Música Audio Infusion System. Working alongside Maestro Tequilero Hugo Yerenas Domínguez, Música produces an award-winning core collection, highly limited genre-inspired Reservas and its Grand Reserva collection.
October 13, 202644 min
Leadership Lowdown | Delois Leaphart - A Family Forever
Vic Verchereau welcomes Delois Leaphart, who is President and CEO at Adoption Option Inc. “A child reached is a child saved” is the guiding belief behind Adoption Option Inc., a Michigan nonprofit child-placing agency. Founded to serve children in the foster care system and provide free information about helping those children, the organization now also offers adoption, foster home licensing, foster care services, two types of parent education services and mentoring services. Today, founder Delois Leapheart serves as the organization’s president and CEO. Leadership Lowdown host Vic Verchereau explores the agency’s history and the passion that emerges when a leader chooses to get involved and make a difference. Listen in to discover why everyone deserves a forever family. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
October 9, 202636 min
Faces of Manufacturing | Episode 21 - Detroit Manufacturing, People & Growth with EW Grobbel
Faces of Manufacturing is a newer show to Michigan Business Network. Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, Michigan, co-hosts with Joy Wagner, HR Manager of Granger Waste Services, also Lansing. Cindy and Joy strive to share the corporate culture, personal stories, and unique personalities of those making a living in manufacturing today, in Michigan. With that in mind, this month they connected with several team members of Granger Waste Services. What does it take to keep a Detroit manufacturing company growing for more than 140 years? Jason Grobbel, fourth-generation president of EW Grobbel, joins Faces of Manufacturing to discuss the people, workplace culture, and workforce strategies behind one of Michigan’s longstanding food manufacturers. Founded in Detroit’s Eastern Market in 1883, EW Grobbel produces 22 million to 25 million pounds of corned beef annually and operates a portfolio of brands that includes Grobbel’s, Sy Ginsberg’s, Freirich Foods, Topor’s Pickle Company, and Ba-Tampte. Grobbel discusses building a strong workplace culture in a physically demanding industry, developing employees into long-term team members, retaining skilled workers, and preparing for expansion into a third Michigan facility in St. Clair Shores. The conversation explores how manufacturers can compete for talent, invest in employee development, and preserve their culture while growing. It’s a look at the people behind Michigan manufacturing and the workforce that keeps production moving. Faces of Manufacturing highlights the people, leadership, and workplace cultures shaping Michigan’s manufacturing sector. Segment 2: Company Overview, 140+ Years of Detroit Manufacturing Segment 3: Team Culture, Leading a Physical, High Turnover Workforce Segment 4: Workforce Growth, Expanding into a Third Michigan Facility Segment 5: Employee Retention, Keeping Skilled Trades Staffed and Engaged
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