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Originally uploaded October 23rd, reloaded November 6th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Clifford L. Hammond, Shareholder, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC Attorneys, Southfield and Lansing of their 5 offices across Michigan. As employers head toward the end of 2026, what are some of the employment-law housekeeping items you think businesses should be addressing now rather than waiting until January? Michigan has changes coming to the rules for employing minors, including work-permit requirements. What do employers need to understand about those changes, and what should businesses be doing now to make sure their hiring practices are ready? Non-compete agreements continue to be an evolving area for employers. Where does Michigan law stand today, and what should a business be thinking about when reviewing its existing non-compete or non-solicitation agreements? The end of the year is also a natural time to review employee handbooks and workplace policies. What are some of the policies employers should be looking at, and what are the signs that a handbook may be out of date? Looking ahead to 2027, how should employers connect their employment-law planning with their business budgeting — particularly when it comes to wages, staffing, benefits, training, and the potential cost of compliance? When you work with business owners, what is one employment issue they often overlook until it becomes a problem, and what simple step can they take now to get ahead of it? » 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/ Cliff was among those who took part in a Foster Swift 2nd Wednesday Webinar recently: It was October 14, 2026 Foster Swift Educational Events Event Sponsor: Foster Swift Second Wednesday Sessions Critical Employment Law Updates Before 2027 There are significant changes on the horizon, and a number of employment law issues are still evolving. Now is the time to understand what may affect your workforce, policies, and compliance obligations heading into 2027. Foster Swift's October 2nd Wednesday had Paul Millenbach as moderator who welcomed labor & employment law attorneys Tony Dalimonte and Cliff Hammond. That was October 14, from 12:00-12:30 pm If you'd like to see the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/rks6wDYkwU0?list=PL6x18GEAq2f9Ag94Rot0PsPL8XE37Pq-r Tony and Cliff provided a very brief overview of some of today's most pressing developments and what employers should be watching as year-end approaches. Topics were expected to include: Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) Updates: With major work permit changes scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026, there are potential compliance implications for businesses employing minors. Are there steps employers should take now while awaiting further guidance? Year-End Employment Compliance Checkup: Is it time to update your employee handbook and workplace policies? We will briefly review hiring, leave, wage and workplace conduct policies along with budgeting considerations for 2027. Legislative Watch: Bills Back in Play: Legislation that was previously vetoed by Governor Whitmer has resurfaced. What should employers be monitoring? Wages, Noncompetes & Workplace Planning: Latest developments regarding Michigan's minimum wage requirements along with current status of employee noncompete agreements.

Recently, Lorri and Becky welcomed two dynamic women to Bold LeadHERs. Michelle Gilbert and Ashlee Willis share the experiences and lessons that shaped their professional journeys. From finding the confidence to communicate your value to building a business through persistence, relationships and adaptability, both guests offer practical perspectives on what it takes to lead boldly. Michelle Gilbert | Founder, Purple Engine Coaching & Consulting Michelle Gilbert brings more than 30 years of corporate communications experience, including leadership roles with Fortune 50 companies, to her work as an ICF-certified executive coach. Through Purple Engine Coaching & Consulting, she helps professionals strengthen executive presence, build confidence, navigate difficult conversations and communicate with clarity and impact. Michelle reflects on her path from public relations and corporate leadership to entrepreneurship and executive coaching. She explains why self-advocacy can be challenging for women who hesitate to speak about their accomplishments or worry that doing so sounds like bragging. She reframes self-advocacy as sharing the facts about your contributions and value. The conversation explores communicating intentionally, avoiding overexplaining and trusting your message. Michelle discusses allowing a pause, separating facts from assumptions driven by self-doubt, and recognizing when hesitation is holding you back. You do not have to wait until you feel completely prepared or perfectly confident to take the next step. Contact Michelle: [email protected] Ashlee Willis | Founder & CEO, Michigan Premier Events Ashlee Willis leads Michigan Premier Events, an award-winning event management company serving corporate, association, government and community clients throughout Michigan. With more than a decade of experience, she is also a community leader. She co-founded Lansing Lift Up Local and has held leadership roles with ATHENA WIN and the Delta Township Economic Advisory Board. Her honors include Entrepreneur on the Move and Ten Over Next Ten. Ashlee shares the winding career journey that brought her to event management. After studying nursing and exploring her interest in the arts, she met her husband at Michigan State University, built a career in banking and later stayed home with her children. A floral arrangement business became an important starting point for the company she leads today, demonstrating how interests and skills from different chapters of life can come together. She discusses building a business when the path is not always easy. Persistence after rejection, word-of-mouth referrals, strong relationships and consistently delivering quality work helped Michigan Premier Events grow. For managing high-pressure events, Ashlee emphasizes staying calm, preparing carefully, having a backup plan and giving yourself and others grace. A dependable support team makes a difference, too. Ashlee encourages women to seek mentors, build their networks and step outside their comfort zones. Her experience shows how a nontraditional path can become a strength when you remain open to opportunities and keep moving forward. Learn more: www.MichiganPremierEvents.com Follow Michigan Premier Events on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn: @MichiganPremierEvents Michelle and Ashlee bring different professional backgrounds but share important leadership lessons: recognize your strengths, communicate your value, invest in relationships and keep going when the path changes. Their stories offer encouragement and practical ideas for women building confidence, careers, businesses and communities. » 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/

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/

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/

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

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/

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.

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.

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/

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.

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/

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

Thursday, October 1st, MBN was on the Road for Michigan's Largest MFG Day - Press Conference at LCC West Campus. The Capital Area Manufacturing Council kicked off Manufacturing Day 2026 with a press conference at Lansing Community College West Campus on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The event launched a week of student tours and hands-on experiences designed to showcase today’s manufacturing careers. This video of the press conference includes LCC President Steve Robinson, CAMC Executive Director Cindy Kangas, and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. Watch the video for additional lineup. “We want students to see a future they can be part of,” said CAMC Executive Director Cindy Kangas. “You can’t be what you can’t see, and MFG Day helps bring that future into focus. Students will get to walk the shop floor, see robots and advanced technology in action, watch products being made, and try hands-on activities. They’ll meet the people behind the work—from engineers and welders to quality experts and automation technicians—and learn about career pathways they may not have even known existed. That’s what makes this so exciting: today’s manufacturing is innovative, high-tech, creative, and full of opportunity.” For many, manufacturing carries an outdated image of being dirty, dark, dingy, and dangerous. Step inside a modern manufacturing facility, and that picture changes quickly. Today’s manufacturers are powered by robotics, automation, engineering, data, and advanced technology, with opportunities that go far beyond the shop floor. Manufacturing needs people with skills in everything from engineering and automation to marketing, accounting, biology, and supply chain management. “We drive past these facilities every day, often unaware of the incredible work and economic activity happening inside,” said Kangas. “Michigan manufacturers are creators, problem-solvers, and innovators. We want students to see that for themselves—and recognize that there may be a place for their talents in manufacturing.” “Manufacturing Day opens students’ eyes to the wide range of opportunities available in today’s advanced manufacturing industry,” said Shon’ta Dwyer, Dean of Technical Careers at Lansing Community College. “By visiting LCC’s West Campus, students gain hands-on exposure to innovative technology, connect with industry professionals, and discover career paths they may not have considered before. We are proud to help students turn their interests into rewarding careers while developing the talented workforce Michigan manufacturers need to succeed.” Maya Taylor, LCC Student, said, “I’ve always liked figuring out how things work, so robotics and automation just made sense to me. What surprised me is how much goes into modern manufacturing and how many different careers are connected to it. I’m learning skills here that I can see myself using in a career.” Michigan’s manufacturing future depends on people—and there are thousands of opportunities waiting for the next generation. Michigan is projected to have nearly 518,300 professional-trades jobs through 2032, with approximately 40,600 job openings expected each year. In the Lansing-East Lansing region alone, manufacturing employs about 20,000 people, from skilled trades and technicians to engineers, designers, and business professionals. Following the press conference, guests will have the opportunity to see that future up close with tours of LCC West Campus, technology demonstrations, and hands-on activities. We invite members of the press, educators, community leaders, manufacturers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the people and technology shaping Michigan’s manufacturing future to join us. When Thu Oct 1, 2026 9am – 10am Eastern Time - Detroit Where Lansing Community College West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Dr, Lansing, MI 48917, USA.

Chris Holman welcomes Nolan Spencer, incoming President of Wolverine Construction, Grand Rapids, MI. Topics include Spencer's transition from CFO to president since joining in 2024, his focus on bringing clarity to priorities and consistent execution across a 200+ employee company, how his role will work alongside CEO Curt Mulder, balancing national growth with Wolverine's 87-year legacy and culture, and where he sees the biggest opportunities for the company's next chapter. Wolverine Construction Names Nolan Spencer President Curt Mulder remains CEO as the 87-year-old firm continues expanding nationally and regionally Grand Rapids, Mich. – Wolverine Construction, one of West Michigan's oldest construction firms, has announced Nolan Spencer as president, while Curt Mulder will continue as CEO. Spencer joined Wolverine as chief financial officer in 2024, overseeing finance, accounting, risk management, human resources, and information technology. As president, he will lead day-to-day operations and advance the company's strategic priorities. Mulder will focus his time as CEO on strategic direction, client relationships, business growth, and major opportunities. "The best teams put people where they can do their best work," Mulder said. "With Nolan as president driving operational excellence across each of our business lines, I can focus as CEO on new markets, new opportunities, and what's next for Wolverine. It's about multiplying our leadership capacity." Founded in 1939 as Wolverine Tile Company, Wolverine is now a $272 million construction firm licensed in over 30 states, delivering more than $7 billion in construction across 11 markets, with offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Brighton. "Wolverine has an experienced team, a strong reputation and a lot of opportunity ahead," Spencer said. "As president, I'll bring clarity to our priorities, preserve the culture that makes Wolverine special and help our teams execute consistently." Spencer brings 25 years of experience in corporate finance, private equity, and operating leadership to the role. He spent nearly 10 years at a private equity-backed agriculture company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, including eight years as CFO, during which the company completed several acquisitions, tripled in size, and was ultimately acquired by a billion-dollar cooperative headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. The leadership transition follows Wolverine's "Built for What's Next" campaign earlier this year, which introduced the Wolverine Construction name after the company retired the Wolverine Building Group brand, reflecting Wolverine's evolution while preserving the values that have guided the company from the beginning. About Wolverine Construction: Founded in 1939, Wolverine Construction is one of Michigan's most experienced and enduring construction firms. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, with offices in Lansing and Brighton, Wolverine's team of more than 200 professionals provides construction management, design-build, general contracting, preconstruction, and building service solutions across a broad range of markets. FMI: wolverineconstruction.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/

Chris Holman welcomes back Scott Weaver, President and Co-Owner of Douglas J Companies, Okemos, East Lansing, across Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, Nebraska. What has allowed the company to keep growing and changing while holding on to that family-business culture? We're about a year past moving on from the long-term Aveda connection; was the transition smooth, and what might businesses learn from your company's experience? Douglas J now has salons, a MedSpa, education, and product distribution as parts of the business. How do those different pieces work together, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth? Finding and developing good people is a major challenge for many businesses. How important is your education model to building the next generation of professionals, and what are you hearing from young people entering the beauty and wellness industry? » 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/