ABOUT THE SPEAKERS SERIES

The Michigan Business Network Speaker Series connects some of the most influential business and thought leaders with the Michigan business community. Industry experts share their stories, expertise, and advice covering a variety of business topics. Sponsorship support and generosity allow MBN to offer the series six times per year.

Corporate Transparency Act Panel Discussion

Michigan Business Network found out about The Corporate Transparency Act, in late July 2022, and on October 13th we shared the important details in an event to educate the business community about this topic!

Todd McCracken, current president of the National Small Business Association shares the stage with Foster Swift Attorney Robert Hamor for a panel discussion led by MBN's Chris Holman to cover a crucial topic for small businesses:

MBN Speaker Series | Special Panel Discussion, this took place Thursday, October 13th • 12:30 Noonhour at the Michigan Room, the campus of Lansing Community College.

Michigan's Mobility Panel Discussion (virtual event)

Chris Holman was joined, Wednesday, September 8, 2021, by a pair of engaging and knowledgeable panelists, to discuss and learn what is going on right now across our state in this sector. Carla Bailo is the President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and is a leader in engineering and vehicle program management with 35 years of experience in the automotive industry. Glenn Stevens Jr. is the executive director of MICHauto and serves as the Detroit Regional Chamber’s vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives. In this role, Stevens provides strategic direction and leadership to the MICHauto program in its efforts to promote, grow and retain Michigan’s automotive and next-generation mobility industries. -- A supplement with intended panelist Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer MI Office of Mobility and Future Electrification, will be recorded soon.

Thank you very much for the generous support of our event sponsors

Michigan Future Business Index Release (virtual event)

Ryan T. Robinson, CPA​, Executive Vice President, Operations & Corporate Risk Management of Cinnaire stepped in for their CEO Mark McDaniel, Tuesday, July 20, 2021, presenting the results of the recent economic survey.  The MFBI release was accompanied by a series of mid-year reviews and forecasts from leaders across the varied geography of Michigan. With reports coming in from the Upper Peninsula, upper Mitten, Mid-Michigan, Western Michigan, and Southeastern Michigan, their insights remarkably echoed each other and the findings of the MFBI. Watch the video above, or check out the Michigan Future Business Index page.

Thank you very much for the generous support of our event sponsors

BILL BEEKMAN (virtual event)

The MBN Speaker Series continued virtually with a special Business + Sports event featuring the MSU Athletic Director, Bill Beekman! Bill is responsible for oversight of MSU’s varsity sports teams as well as the care of more than 700 Spartan student-athletes. He provides leadership in the areas of sports management, game operations, financial administration, personnel, advancement, corporate interaction, facility management, marketing, and communication. 

Full Bio: Bill Beekman Bio.pdf

EVENT SPONSORS

DR. ROBERT McMAHAN (virtual event)

Dr. Robert K. McMahan speaks at MBN Speaker Series

The Michigan Business Network welcomed Dr. Robert K. McMahan to speak at the 2021 MBN Speaker Series. Dr. McMahan is President of Kettering University, one of the nation’s premier engineering, science, business universities, and is a national leader in preparing STEM and business entrepreneurs and innovators.

Full Bio: Dr. McMahan Bio.pdf

EVENT SPONSORS

TOM KELLY (virtual event)

The MBN Speaker Series continued virtually with Automation Alley’s Tom Kelly. Tom is a globally recognized expert on Industry 4.0 and its impact on business. As executive director and CEO of Automation Alley, Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, Kelly oversees strategic planning and all ongoing activities for the organization, including programs and services designed to help businesses increase revenue, reduce costs and make strategic decisions during a time of rapid technological change.

Special thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the event! 

Full Bio: Tom Kelly Bio.pdf

SPONSORED BY

MBN 2021 ECONOMIC FORECAST (Statewide)

The Michigan Business Network held a 2021 Statewide Economic Forecast on Wednesday, December 16th. Industry experts from around our state will review regional, state, and national trends as they relate to Michigan.

program download: 2021 Statewide Economic Forecast.pdf

PRESENTATIONS:

• Paul King, ROI Insight, presenting the Michigan Future Business Index (video)
• Amy Clickner, CEO of Lake Superior Community Partnership (Slides)
• Warren Call, President & CEO of Traverse City Connect (video)
• James McBryde, President & CEO of Middle Michigan Development Corp. (no slides) 
• Birgit Klohs, President & CEO of the Right Place Inc. (video)
• Jim Robey, Director of Regional Economic Planning Services, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research (video)
• Ron Kitchens, Senior Partner & CEO of Southwest Michigan First (no slides)
• Bob Trezise, President & CEO of Lansing Economic Area Partnership (slides)
• Tom Kelly, Executive Director & CEO of Automation Alley (video)

MBN 2021 ECONOMIC FORECAST (Mid-Michigan)

Thank you for joining the Michigan Business Network and community leaders for the annual 2021 Economic Forecast. The 2021 Economic Forecast for Mid-Michigan is one of the most anticipated economic forecast events in our community. 

Industry experts reviewed regional, state, and national trends as they relate to Mid-Michigan, providing an overall economic forecast for our area. 

program download: 2021 Economic Forecast for Mid-Michigan.pdf

PRESENTATIONS BY:

• Paul King, ROI Insight
• Jade Sims, International Business Center at MSU
• Julie Pingston, Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
  
• Tim Daman, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
  
• Bob Trezise, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)
  
• Dr. Charles Ballard, Michigan State University Economic Dept.

2020 BUSINESS SPORTS EVENT | TOM IZZO

The MBN Speaker Series continues virtually with a special Business + Sports event featuring the MSU Men's Head Basketball Coach, Tom Izzo! 

Thank You To Our Sponsors!   

SANDY BARUAH (virtual event)

MBN Speaker Series continued virtually on Wednesday, September 16th with speaker Sandy K. Baruah. Sandy is president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, the third largest chamber of commerce in the nation. The Chamber represents the business interests of a region comprising 5.4 million residents and 11 Fortune 500 companies. The Chamber also executes the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MICHauto, and hosts the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference.

Download Full Speaker Bio: Sandy Baruah Bio        

EVENT SPONSORS!  

PAST EVENTS

JACQUELINE M. BAKER

Thank you to everyone who came out to our MBN Speaker Series with AARP's Director of Innovation Programming Jacqueline M. Baker on Thursday, Feb.20th 2020 at the MSU U-Club. Jacqueline gave a wonderful presentation on innovation within the workplace.

A special thank you to our event sponsors: AARP Michigan, Cinnaire, Tri-Star Trust Bank, Dean Trailways, Capital Region International Airport, Shaheen Chevrolet, James B. Henry Center, University Club of MSU, and WLNS Ch.6.

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MICHIGAN ECONOMIC FORECAST SERIES (2019)

Michigan Business Network held their annual Michigan Economic Forecast Series breakfast on Dec.12th. The breakfast includes an economic forecast of the mid-Michigan area for 2020.

This year's panel includes:
Chris Holman - Michigan Business Network
Jade Sims - International Business Center at MSU
Mike Maurer - Accident Fund Insurance of America
Jack Schripsema - Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tim Damen - Lansing Regional Chamber
Bob Trezise - Lansing Economic Area Partnership
Dr. Charles Ballard - Michigan State University

Part of the breakfast included the release of the Michigan Future Business Index Survey. The latest Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) data show more than eight-in-ten (82 percent) of statewide business leaders representing small- to mid-sized businesses remain satisfied with the overall economy. Satisfaction is strongest in West Michigan (88 percent) and Metro Detroit (82 percent). . Link to 2019 Fall MFBI Survey: FALL 2019 MFBI REPORT (pdf)

Review a detailed summary of the year-end 2019 Michigan Future Business Index at  http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/michigan-future-business-index-1

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TOM DICKSON

Sports Entrepreneur, Tom Dickson speaks at the Michigan Business Network's semi-annual Business Sports Luncheon on October 30th at the MSU U-Club.

ABOUT TOM
Tom Dickson has been one of the chief entrepreneurs in the business of sports, launching his first professional sports team in 1996 - the Class-A baseball team Lansing Lugnuts - and spearheading the team's home, Cooley Law Stadium. The Lugnuts have been one of the most successful minor league baseball teams in history. In 2007, Tom founded Professional Sports Catering - a foodservice company specializing in operating MiLB ballparks around the country.

The Michigan Business Network Speaker Series connects some of the most influential business and thought leaders with the Michigan business community. Industry experts share their stories, expertise and advice covering a variety of business topics. Sponsorship support and generosity allow MBN to offer the series six times per year.

Special Thanks to Event Sponsors!
Dean Transportation
Shaheen Chevrolet
Lansing Sports Authority
Cinnaire
WLNS Channel 6
Capital Region International Airport
James B. Henry Center
MSU International Business Center
MSU University Club

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DENNIS ARCHER JR.

Dennis Archer Jr. (CEO, Ignition Media Group), Chris Holman (Founder, Michigan Business Network) PHOTO: Trumpie Photography

The Michigan Business Network would like to thank everyone who came out to our hugely successful Speaker Series event on September 4th featuring Dennis Archer Jr.  We are most thankful to our sponsors that made this event possible: Cinnaire, Dean Transportation, DTE, Shaheen Chevrolet, Fly Lansing, University Club of MSU, WLNS-TV, Broad College of Business, James B Henry Center for Executive Development, and especially Delta Dental of Michigan for suggesting Mr. Archer.  Finally, we thank Dennis for making the time to share his story and insights in his fascinating and engaging presentation.

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CRIS GARDNER

Thank you to everyone that joined us for our MBN Speaker Series June 13th featuring Cris Gardner. Cris is VP, Futurecasting at AARP where she is responsible for helping AARP make sense of and respond to emergent future trends and disruptive forces. Watch Cris give information rich presentation about the quickly changing landscape of today's workplace. 

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ROCKY ROE

Thank you to everyone who came out to our 2019 Sports Business Luncheon with former Major League Baseball Umpire Rocky Roe! The Former MLB umpire recently spoke at the 2019 Sports Business Luncheon on Tuesday, April 9th at the University Club of MSU! Rocky was first brought up to the American League after the 1979 umpires' strike. He worked the 1990 World Series, 1994 All-Star Game and 1999 World Series most notably, in addition to four Division Series and three League Championship Series.

PAUL TRAUB

On February 21st 2019 MBN had their 2019 International Business Luncheon with guest economist Paul Traub. Paul focuses on Michigan's current economy plus perspective of economic issues from around world.

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TERRY COLLINS  

Recently retired manager of the New York Mets spoke at the 2018 Sports Business Luncheon on October 30th at the University Club of MSU. As a MLB manager he won 481 games with the New York Mets (third­ most in team history) and managed more games than any other manager in team history. Terry is Midland, MI native and Eastern Michigan University graduate. He played all four seasons of baseball at EMU and was inducted into EMU's Hall of Fame in 1995. 

Thanks to our sponsors and everyone who came out to our Sports Business Luncheon! 

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 HUEI PENG

The Michigan Business Network held its Mobility Luncheon on September 4th, 2018 where Director of Mcity, Huei Peng Ph.D gave a keynote speech on the current status of the mobility industry.

Thanks to everyone that attended the Mobility Luncheon September 4th with speaker Huei Peng Ph.D Executive Director of M |City.  

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CLAES FORNELL

CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO

On June 14th, 2018 Claes Fornell chairman of CFI Group spoke on customer satisfaction at MBN's International Business Luncheon. Thank you to our sponsors and all that attended the luncheon.

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 ANDRE HUTSON