The Michigan Opportunity

Hosted by Michigan Economic Development Corporation

BusinessInterviews guests

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Episodes

292

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 3532 min

S6 Ep.35 - Fareed Y. Shalhout, Senior Director of Strategic Global Engagement and Operations, Wayne State University and Marian Reich, President, Global Ties Detroit

The World Comes to Detroit—and Detroit Goes Out to the World On this episode we explore the powerful, often overlooked impact of citizen diplomacy and international exchange with Fareed Shalhout of Wayne State University and Marian Reich of Global Ties Detroit . They examine how international relationships and people-to-people exchanges strengthen the Detroit region . From students and educators to entrepreneurs and community leaders, international relationships can lead to greater understanding, collaboration, investment and long-term economic connections.

September 2, 2026Episode 3431 min

S6 Ep.34 - Sandy K. Baruah, President and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber

A Look to the Horizon: Michigan’s Economic Future Opportunities On this episode we sit down with Sandy K. Baruah , President and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber , for an important conversation about Michigan’s economic future—and what it will take to compete, grow, and prosper in the decades ahead. Sandy brings a candid perspective on Michigan’s economic-development challenges and opportunities, from attracting investment and talent to strengthening education, infrastructure, manufacturing , and more. Plus, an overview of the Mackinac Policy Conference.

August 26, 202634 min

S6 Ep.33 - Eric Lupher, President, Citizens Research Council of Michigan

Independent Research and Why it Matters to Michigan’s Economic Future We sit down with Eric Lupher , President of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan , to discuss the critical role that independent, nonpartisan research plays in strengthening Michigan. In an era of increasing polarization and competing narratives, Eric discusses how reliable research gives policymakers, business leaders, and citizens the facts they need to make better decisions. For more than a century, the Citizens Research Council has provided objective analysis on state and local government, taxes, education, economic development , and many more complex issues that shape our communities and our economy.

August 19, 2026Episode 3231 min

S6 Ep.32 - Dr. Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research, Michigan Technological University

From Research to Real World Impact: Michigan Technological University is Turning Ideas into Companies We sit down with Dr. Andrew Barnard , Vice President for Research at Michigan Technological University , to explore how Michigan Tech is transforming university research into economic opportunity by building stronger connections between researchers, entrepreneurs , investors, government, and industry. Michigan Tech is helping grow research from the laboratory into the marketplace through customer discovery, commercialization, venture capital , industry partnerships and more.

August 12, 202636 min

S6 Ep.31 - Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren, Michiganders for Civic Resilience

Civil Discourse, Trust, and Resilience: The Bedrock of Michigan’s Civic and Economic Infrastructure We are joined by Tonya Schuitmaker and Rebekah Warren of Michiganders for Civic Resilience , an organization dedicated to bridging divides and restoring civil discourse. Their conversation reveals why civic resilience is more than a discourse issue, it is an economic development issue. Tonya and Rebekah talk about the connection between strong communities and strong economies, and how where businesses invest – communities can prosper. From attracting talent and investment to building infrastructure, advancing innovation, and solving Michigan's biggest challenges, our ability to collaborate may be one of our greatest competitive advantages.

August 5, 2026Episode 3038 min

S6 Ep.30 - Dr. Jean Hardy, Associate Director, Quello Center at Michigan State University

The ABCs of Data Centers: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How Michigan Communities Can Prepare We talk with Dr. Jean Hardy , Associate Professor in Michigan State University's Department of Media & Information, Associate Director of the Quello Center at Michigan State University , and a leading researcher on the relationship between technology , economic development, and rural communities. Jean also discusses the Michigan Statewide Data Center Planning & Development Working Group, and how they bring public and private stakeholders together to help Michigan communities better understand and prepare for data-center development.

July 29, 202635 min

S6 Ep.29 - Paul Marin, U.S. Trade and Development Agency & Steven Hall, NOVI Energy

Reliable energy and strong international partnerships are essential to economic growth, national competitiveness, and the future of advanced manufacturing. Paul Marin , Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), discusses the agency's mission of connecting U.S. companies with infrastructure and development opportunities around the world. He explains how USTDA helps create American jobs by funding project planning, technical assistance, and partnerships that open new international markets for U.S. businesses while advancing high-quality, sustainable infrastructure in emerging economies. We also talk with Steven Hall , Director of Development and Engineering at NOVI Energy , one of Michigan's leading energy development firms. Steve shares how Novi Energy is helping meet the nation's growing demand for reliable, affordable, and sustainable power through innovative energy projects, strategic partnerships, and investments in next-generation energy infrastructure.

July 22, 202632 min

S6 Ep.28 - Chuck Lippstreu, President, Michigan Agri-Business Association

Growing Michigan's Future: How Agriculture Fuels Jobs, Innovation, and Economic Growth On this episode, we welcome Chuck Lippstreu , President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association , for an insightful conversation about one of Michigan's most important and often overlooked economic engine – agriculture. Chuck discusses the critical role Michigan's farmers, agribusinesses , food processors, and agricultural suppliers play in driving the state's economy. We also explore how innovation, sustainability, advanced technology , workforce development , and global exports are helping to position Michigan as a continuous agriculture success.

July 15, 2026Episode 2738 min

S6 Ep.27 - Steve Przesmitzki, President, United States Council for Automotive Research

Driving America's Next Manufacturing Revolution: How United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) is Shaping the Future of the U.S. Auto Industry Our guest is Steve Przesmitzki , President of USCAR , the collaborative research organization founded by Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. For more than three decades, USCAR has brought together automakers, suppliers and government partners to conduct pre-competitive research that advances manufacturing, electrification, propulsion systems, sustainability, and more that will define the next generation of transportation . Steve brings a remarkable career spanning industry, government, and research. A Professional Engineer with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT, Steve has devoted his career to advancing transportation technology, energy innovation, and American industrial competitiveness.

July 8, 202636 min

S6 Ep.26 - Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan

From Lab to Launch: How the University of Michigan is Powering the Next Generation of Innovation On this episode we're joined by Kelly Sexton , Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact at the University of Michigan (U of M) . Kelly leads one of the nation's premier university innovation ecosystems, transforming cutting-edge research into successful startup companies, breakthrough technologies, and real-world solutions that drive economic growth. Kelly shares her unique journey from scientist to nationally recognized innovation leader. She breaks down programs such as the Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N) and the new Michigan Innovation Alliance —a statewide collaboration among Michigan's leading research universities working together to increase commercialization, entrepreneurship , talent development , and investment across the state.