The Amalgamation Project Returns, Highlighting the Michigan Music Scene
Music festivals - highlighting multiple artists at a single event - are all the rage. Lansing’s college radio station Impact 89FM referred to the last installment of the show we’re about to discuss as “A collection of talent sought to destroy the boundaries of genre, to make a new statement on the beauty of local music, and to testify to the joy and benefits of artistic collaboration.” That intrigued Chris enough to discuss the upcoming Amalgamation Project II with drummer and show promoter, Bryan Knickerbocker!
Endurium Provides Full Circle Business Solutions
We talk quite a bit here on Michigan Reimagined about small and medium business support. It’s tough to find harder working and more passionate people than business owners, yet many spin their wheels and struggle to get the returns they feel they deserve. Joining Chris to discuss the services provided by Endurium Advisors are its Founding Partner, Eric Gerdes and their Automation Architect, Matt Downs!
TriTerra Assists New Development With Environmental Services
There are several what I would call behind-the-scenes industries when it comes to the revitalization of Michigan. One is environmental consulting. One Lansing-area firm has been growing, winning awards. Joining Chris to share the story of Triterra is the Director of Economic Development, Dave VanHaaren!
Güd Marketing Supports Organizations That Create Strong, Healthy Communities
Building your company’s brand to drive new business & awareness is one of the most important things an organization can do. If you’re not good at doing this yourself, you hire an expert. Joining Chris to share the story and the services of Güd Marketing in Old Town Lansing is its Principal and President, Debbie Horak and the Strategic Planning Director, Jill Holden!
Calvin University Partners with Educators and Students to Address Lagging Test Scores
Michigan has deployed a tremendous amount of resources to change the world's narrative of Michigan for the better. One area of our state resources that has come under fire is the quality of our K-12 education system. Joining Chris to share some statistics, and what’s being done to make Michigan a more credible developer of talent, is the Program Director for the School of Education at Calvin University, Erek Kooyman!
Sleepwalker Brewery Provides Unique Flavor to Lansing’s REO Town
The US microbrewery revolution is nearly 30 years old now, and Michigan is a nationally renowned “beer state”. Chris loves the experiences and the opportunities to hear the backstory of these artisans. Joining Chris to share the story of Sleepwalker Spirits And Ale in Lansing’s REO Town is Owner and Brewer, Jeremy Sprague!
Stephen McGee To Launch Resurgo, a 20-Year Detroit Film Project
Chris loves getting to meet fantastic people and companies throughout Michigan, especially those who advocate for the Michigan brand. This episode's guest is a perfect example of Michigan passion. Joining Chris is photographer and emmy-award winning filmmaker Mr. Stephen McGee!
Exit Factor Helps Business Owners Increase Their Company’s Value
Business Owners are often too engrossed in operating their business to deliberately drive the value of their company up as they prepare to exit. Joining Chris to explain the offerings of an outsourced service called Exit Factor, are Exit Strategists Jessica Starks and Tom Donaldson!
Local Remodeling Company Earns Top 50 Companies to Watch
Each year the Michigan Celebrates Small Business organization - or MCSB - publishes their “Michigan Top 50 Companies to Watch”. Custom Built Design & Remodeling of Okemos was selected for one of the coveted positions from a state-wide pool of candidates. Joining Chris to discuss what makes Custom Built a special small business is Owner, CEO, and Visionary Michael Flory!
Dégagé Ministries Provides Services to the Unhoused and Impoverished in Grand Rapids
Dégagé Ministries provides Emergency, Empowerment, and Engagement services to people experiencing homelessness or poverty in Grand Rapids. Joining Chris to discuss the services provided by Dégagé and a new housing program is its Executive Director Thelma Ensink!
MSU Foundation Hosts First Fintech Cohort
Spartan Innovations is committed to assisting technology start-ups here in Michigan. Joining Chris to share the story of a recent cohort and why it’s important is the Director of Venture Programming, Tom Stewart!
Kinetix IT Solutions Business Offers Unique Scholarship Opportunities
Businesses today rely on technology more and more, and there are many outsourced IT firms assisting businesses large and small. Joining Chris to discuss the services provided - and a unique scholarship program - by Kinetix LLC are its Director of Marketing, Jeremy Johnson and Director of Technology, Mike Warmbier!
The Davies Project Hosts annual Max's Race Fundraiser
There are many non-profits out there delivering services to people who need it, and many host fundraising events to keep their mission moving forward. Joining Chris to share the story of The Davies Project for Mid-Michigan Children, and their upcoming installment of Max's Race is the Executive Director Pam Miklavcic as well as other members of her team!
Strike Out Baseball Lansing - Project Update
In July 2021 we introduced a concept being discussed called Strikeout Baseball. Three years - and lots of hard work later - the team is back to give us a status update. Joining Chris to discuss an exciting concept planned for our region is the Founder of Strikeout Baseball Jeff Lazaros, President Jeff Burke, Community Ambassador & Board Member Ashlee Willis, and Major League Baseball Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz!
MCM Communities Manufactures Unique Solution To Housing Shortage
Today we have a returning guest where we’ll dive deeper into the prospect of owning a new home in this time of limited availability and challenged affordability. Joining Chris to talk about his company’s process for home ownership is the Founder and Owner of MCM Communities, Amin C. Khoury!
LEPFA Reinvests in Downtown Lansing Event Spaces
Most cities have community gathering places like convention centers, ballparks, festivals. Did you ever wonder how they’re operated and managed? Joining to discuss the work of the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority is President and CEO, Scott Keith!
The Importance of Housing for Economic Growth (part 2)
Affordable housing is crucial for attracting and retaining a growing workforce, yet affordability is declining nationwide. Joining Chris to discuss part two of this housing conversation is an impressive panel of experts - including the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg, the Chief Operating Officer for LEAP, Keith Lambert, the Secretary Treasurer at the Michigan Laborers District Council, Alex Zurek, and Vice President of Investor Relations, Mike Ibarra!
The Importance of Housing for Economic Growth (part 1)
Affordable housing is crucial for attracting and retaining a growing workforce, yet affordability is declining nationwide. Michigan is taking action to address this challenge. Joining Chris to talk about the state's first-ever statewide housing plan - in a TWO-PART SERIES - are the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg, the Chief Operating Officer for LEAP, Keith Lambert, the Secretary Treasurer at the Michigan Laborers District Council, Alex Zurek, and the Vice President of Investor Relations, Mike Ibarra!
Capital City Film Festival Returns for 2024
We’re on the cusp of the newest season of the award winning Capital City Film Festival! Joining Chris to share this year’s details as we know them at this time are Festival Director Emma Selby, Co-Program Director Jason Gabriel and Board of Director Member & Secretary Samantha Le!
Justine Bell Starts Own Firm - Wins Athena Award
It’s refreshing to meet young business people taking risks, finding success and winning awards. Today, we get to meet a local success story - the Principal of BeneGuides, Justine Bell!
