Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes Nicole Noll-Williams back for March 2026 from the MBN studio at the Capital Region International Airport. Nicole is president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, Lansing, MI. How has the international flight season gone this year for the airport? The economic impact by the airport is still often overlooked? Road work in three stages begins soon around the airport. How will this impact things? » 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/

Chris Holman welcomes Brent Forsberg, Developer, Lansing Growth Fund, Lansing, MI. with Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Welcome, Brent, tell us about Lansing Growth Fund? Welcome, Kelli, tell us why you are supporting the Lansing Growth Fund and the project they are working on? Brent, please share more details about the Holmes Pleasant Grove Project for Southwest Lansing? Kelli, what will it mean for that portion of Lansing to have access to a LAFCU branch? Brent, what are the next steps for this project? » 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/

Chris Holman welcomes back Kristina Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at Flint & Genesee Group, Flint, MI. The Flint & Genesee Group held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday. Tell us about this year's theme — Partnering with Purpose? As that event looked back on 2025, what were some of your organization's biggest successes or achievements? Who were some winners of the Group's award divisions? How do these wins impact Genesee County's residents and small businesses? You referenced some of the policy changes that happened both at the federal and state levels. How did the Group work support businesses amidst those changes? Dr. Bobby Mukkamala was your keynote. What were some of the key takeaways from his presentation? As you look ahead, what opportunities or challenges should Flint & Genesee be preparing for in 2026? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBiz

Chris Holman welcomes back Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI, for March 2026. Welcome back Ryan, how has 2026 started off so far for the Michigan Works! Association? Last week your association had Advocacy Day at the state capital, what were some highlights? Does the current legislature seem in touch with the talent issues key to you and your Michigan Works! chapters across Michigan? Before we know it, Michigan Works! Association has its annual Impact Awards tell us about that? Impact Awards in recent years have shared valued, poignant stories of companies and employees across Michigan, can you preview any of this year's honorees? » 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/

Chris Holman welcomes Cheryl Ward, CTA and Owner of Time To Travel, Lansing, MI. Welcome Cheryl, tell us about your Time to Travel company in Lansing? They went on to further discuss her business and its travel packages. You have assisted Choose Lansing for several years as a CTA - Certified Tourism Ambassador, tell us about that service? Earlier this month, you were honored by Choose Lansing as the CTA Star of the Year, tell us about that? What are highlights of Lansing tourism or hidden jewels that many don't realize? » 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/

Chris Holman welcomes Megan Spanitz, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit, MI. Welcome Megan, remind the Michigan business community about the purpose and footprint of the Detroit Regional Chamber? Share some more about your career up to now? What have been some highlights since you took this role last summer? Last week the chamber was celebrating how Women in Leadership Are Redefining Power, Progress, and Possibility with Women's Day, tell us about that? Next week, you are hosting your State of the Region report? » 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/

Chris Holman welcomes Brittany Goode, Operations Manager, Aldea Coffee, Grand Haven, MI. Welcome, Brittany, tell us about Aldea Coffee? (they got into a further conversation about the origins and evolution of the business). We asked your team to review the most recent Michigan Future Business Index survey results. What were your impressions? Do the M.F.B.I. findings match your business's experience? What are Aldea Coffee's biggest optimism and biggest challenge? » 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/

MBN was "On The Road" Friday, March 13th, for Michigan's Rosie the Riveter Day 2026. In this special Faces of Manufacturing episode, The 40 minute video highlights the experience of the 4th Annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day—an inspiring celebration of Michigan’s manufacturing legacy and the women who helped shape it. Hosted by the Capital Area Manufacturing Council (CAMC), Cindy Kangas - Faces of Manfacturing's Co-Host leads the session along with Emcee on the day Sherry Jones. This year’s event returned to the Capital Region International Airport. It brought together aerospace, agriculture, and industry in a powerful tribute to the original “Rosies”—including a new focus on “Rosies on the Farm.” The event honors the women whose work during World War II transformed the American workforce, while also recognizing today’s leaders and innovators across Michigan’s manufacturing sector. The program features a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, industry leaders, and workforce advo

Chris Holman welcomes back Umar Tahir VP Marketing, Enterprise Innovation & Digital Assets, LAFCU, Lansing, MI. Welcome back Umar, we have you or your team on frequently, but remind the Michigan business community about LAFCU? What were the highlights of 2025? ' LAFCU (Michigan) is offering a limited-time promotion through March 31, 2026, featuring 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months with no balance transfer fees, designed to help consolidate high-interest debt. This promotion applies to LAFCU credit cards, with rates varying after the 12-month period? You just did another recent event with Quality Dairy speak about the ongoing collaborations, and the two companies' milestones (90-years) you're both celebrating this year? Anything to share about what 2026 holds for LAFCU?

Chris Holman welcomes back Trevor Tkach, president/ CEO, Traverse City Tourism, Traverse City, MI. Welcome back, Trevor, remind the Michigan business community about Traverse City Tourism and your mission? How was 2025? Any big plans for 2026, such as, are the International Fireworks back this year? Sleeping Bear Dunes being ranked one of the world’s top “one-of-a-kind beaches” by TripAdvisor is a big global recognition. What kind of impact can that kind of ranking have on tourism and local businesses in the Traverse City region? TripAdvisor says fewer than 1% of the 8 million listings on its platform receive this recognition. How important are visitor reviews and online travel platforms today in shaping travel decisions and driving tourism growth? With more international attention now on Sleeping Bear Dunes, what opportunities does this create for local hospitality, retail, and tourism-related businesses across northern Michigan? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN

Chris Holman welcomes Robert Wolfe, founder of Zeck, based in Huntington Woods, Michigan. Robert was introduced through the Michigan Venture Capital Association and joins the Michigan Business Beat to discuss how his company is modernizing how boards and leadership teams work together. In the conversation they cover: Welcome Robert you were introduced to us by the M.V.C.A. - Michigan Venture Capital Association, tell us about Zeck? You successfully built and exited a company before starting Zeck. What lessons from that first entrepreneurial journey shaped how you approached building this new venture? Many organizations still run board meetings using long slide decks and static PDFs. What problems did you see with that traditional approach that convinced you there had to be a better way? For business leaders who may not sit on a formal board, how can improving the way leadership teams share information and make decisions actually impact company performance? Zeck is focused on modernizing governance a

Chris Holman welcomes back Bill Burke, Author, Coach, Speaker, Former Michigan State University Quarterback. Chris had several questions for Bill in this conversation: Welcome Bill, tell us about your career and current ventures? So, you've agreed to do a mini-series on MBN tell us about "The Business of Breakthroughs"? Many organizations invest heavily in training and skill development. Why do those efforts sometimes fail to produce real performance breakthroughs? You talk about identity being a hidden driver of performance. In simple terms, what does “workplace identity” mean, and how does it influence how people show up at work? When employees start seeing themselves differently in their role—perhaps as leaders or problem solvers—what changes do you typically see inside an organization? For a business leader listening to this, what is one practical way they can help employees expand their sense of ownership and leadership within the company? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » S

Vic Verchereau welcomes Mike Sullivan, who is Co-Founder/CEO at Make The Turn and Cam Spraggins, who is Director of Golf Partnerships at Make The Turn. Mike Sullivan, from Metro Detroit and Co-Founder/CEO of Make The Turn, introduces Cam Spraggins, a Michigan native from Genesee County. Cam spent much of his upbringing in Dover, Ohio, where he developed both his golf game and work ethic. He went on to play five years of collegiate golf at Heidelberg University, serving as team captain for four years while also excelling academically. Cam graduated summa cum laude in 2024 with degrees in History and a minor in English, and later earned his MBA in August 2025. Recently named Director of Golf Partnerships at Make The Turn, Cam leads and expands marketing partnerships across the golf side of the business while playing a key role in the continued growth of Metro Detroit Golfers—now the largest golf community in Michigan with over 110,000 followers. His focus is on building meaningful relationships across the gol

Originally uploaded March 26th, reloaded April 20th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Teri Sand, Business Services Manager, CAMW!, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. This discussion focused on the Subject: Going PRO Talent Fund awards, 2026 Cycle 1 Teri, As a refresher, what is the Going PRO Talent Fund, and what is CAMW!'s role in the process? What were the results of the first round (i.e., Cycle 1) of awards this year? How much did, and did not, reach businesses in Greater Lansing? How can a business make itself more attractive for Going PRO? What does a successful application look like? Where can interested businesses learn more? LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has awarded $25 million in the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 449 businesses to support the training of 12,822 Michigan workers, including $1.7 million to 73 businesses in the Lansing region. This regional investment will support the t

Originally uploaded April 3rd, reloaded April 19th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator of Field Operations for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Can you give us an overview of the SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and what it means for manufacturers? You’re meeting with manufacturers across Michigan this week—what are you hearing directly from businesses about their biggest challenges? The SBA recently introduced the Onshoring Portal—how does that help companies bring operations back to the U.S.? Access to capital is always a key issue—how is the SBA helping manufacturers secure funding and support? Can you explain the new MARC loan program and how it benefits manufacturers looking to grow or manage cash flow? SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Manufacturing & Trade Lisa Shimkat was touring Michigan manufacturers and holding roundtables in Lansing, Flint, and Detroit at the end of March and early April. Lisa Shimkat serves as the Associate A

Recently, Lorri and Becky welcomed back Suzanne Greenberg: Background: Suzanne is a Nonprofit CEO | Executive Director with a strong background in leading all aspects for successful operations. Suzanne has a long list of accomplishments. She is currently the executive director of Children Trust Michigan in Lansing, MI. Suzanne has served on the boards of many nonprofits around Saginaw. Suzanne served as the second Executive Director then President CEO at the Child Abuse and Neglect Council of the Great Lakes Bay Region, being there for 24 years. She strategically grew the organization to reach 4 counties. Suzanne has been the executive director of Children Trust Michigan since 2019. With hosts Becky Burtka & Lorri Rishar Jandron here's what you'll hear about in Episode 11: Questions: ● For those unfamiliar, what is the core mission of Children Trust Michigan, and how does your team work to support children and families statewide? ● The annual Pam Posthumus Auction has become such a beloved and impactful e

Originally uploaded March 23rd, reloaded April 15th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Karley Abramson, Author and Lead analyst for health policy, Citizen Research Council of Michigan Online sports betting has grown quickly in Michigan. From a policy and economic perspective, how big has this industry become in just the past few years? Your research suggests problem gambling behaviors are increasing. What signs are policymakers and communities seeing that indicate the human costs are rising? Many people view sports betting as entertainment. How can policymakers balance protecting consumers while still allowing a legal industry to operate? You mention policy options to reduce harm. What are one or two practical steps states like Michigan could take to better protect people from gambling addiction? With nearly a quarter of Americans having a sports betting account, what should business leaders, educators, or community organizations understand about the broader social and economic impacts of this trend? » Visit

Originally uploaded February 26, reloaded April 6th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Yolanda Riley, MS HEP Business Resource Coach- Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton and Clinton Counties. How might the Business Resource Network help decrease employee turnover? What type of resources does the Business Resource Network provide? Why should an employer join BRN? How can employers find out more information?

Originally loaded March 31, reloaded April 4th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Warren Call, President & CEO, Traverse Connect, Traverse City, MI. What makes this year’s Northern Michigan Manufacturing Summit especially relevant for businesses right now? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in manufacturing that you expect to be discussed at the event? How are topics like AI, workforce development, and supply chain resilience shaping the future of manufacturing in your region? Beyond the sessions, what kind of value can attendees expect from networking and connecting with other industry leaders? How do events like this—and broader initiatives from Traverse Connect—support business growth and economic development in Northern 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/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Jamie Furbush, who is President and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. Welcome to play time. Welcome to Christmastime all-year-long. Welcome to Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria, where we find all the things that make time together so meaningful. Heritage and hospitality are the heart, passion, and story of Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth is rooted in its Bavarian heritage as a community founded by German missionaries in 1845. Traditions and history are experienced through the community’s culture today in the Bavarian architecture, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming world-class hospitality. Frankenmuth is a place of horse-drawn carriages and scenic bridges, of riverboat cruises and world famous chicken dinners, of larger-than-life waterparks and small town strolls. So when we need to simplify the agenda, and when we need to spend the whole day with our kids, stop by and feel the warm welcome of Frankenmuth; where you are sure to find the sim