Michigan Business Network

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Linda Little, President & CEO, NSO, Detroit’s Neighborhood Service Organization, Detroit, MI. Affordable housing is often discussed as a social issue, but it also has major economic implications. From a business perspective, why should employers, developers, and community leaders be paying close attention to this conversation? Detroit and Southeast Michigan continue to attract investment and redevelopment projects. How important is housing availability and affordability to sustaining that economic growth and attracting talent? The summit brings together developers, nonprofits, educators, policymakers, and business leaders. What are some of the most promising partnerships or collaborative approaches that can help increase housing supply while keeping it affordable? Many organizations are struggling with rising construction costs, financing challenges, and limited housing inventory. What practical solutions do you expect summit participants to discuss for overcoming those barriers? Looking ahead, what would success look like coming out of this summit, and what actions can the business community take to help create more housing opportunities across Detroit and Southeast 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/ WCCCD, NSO Hosting Hometown Summit: A Vision For Affordable Housing, July 1 in Detroit Featuring keynote from former HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, the free event brings together policymakers, developers, nonprofits, and community leaders to advance solutions for the future of housing in Detroit and beyond DETROIT, Mich. — Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) and Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) will host Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing on Wednesday, July 1, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at WCCCD’s Northwest Campus, 8200 Outer Drive West in Detroit. The event will bring together regional leaders to address one of Detroit’s most pressing challenges — ensuring access to safe, stable and affordable housing. The solutions-focused summit will feature keynote remarks from Marcia L. Fudge, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and will convene decision-makers from government, housing development, education, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector and community organizations to discuss practical strategies for expanding housing opportunities across the region. The summit will begin with welcome remarks from Little and Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, chancellor of Wayne County Community College District, followed by the keynote address from Secretary Fudge. Programming will include three panel discussions examining affordable housing from multiple perspectives: The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Event Details Hometown Summit: A Vision for Affordable Housing Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Time: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Lunch and networking begin at 11 a.m.) Location: Wayne County Community College District – Northwest Campus, 8200 Outer Drive West, Detroit, MI 48219 Cost: Free RSVP: For more information and to register, visit the event registration page. About Neighborhood Service Organization Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals and families achieve stability through housing, behavioral health, homelessness prevention, youth services and community-based support programs. About Wayne County Community College District Wayne County Community College District is Michigan’s largest urban community college district, providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities and workforce development programs that strengthen individuals, families and communities throughout Wayne County.

Originally uploaded June 16th, reloaded June 20th. Chris Holman welcomes back Tim Mroz, Senior Vice President of Community Development, The Right Place, Grand Rapids, MI. Welcome back Tim, quickly remind the Michigan business community about The Right Place? The report describes a mood of "cautious optimism" across Greater Grand Rapids. What factors are giving developers and business leaders confidence, and what challenges are still causing caution? Greater Grand Rapids is seeing major investments in projects like the Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Stadium, and airport expansion. How do projects of this scale translate into long-term economic growth and business opportunities for the region? Industrial vacancy remains well below the national average, while companies continue expanding. What does that tell us about the region's competitiveness for manufacturing, logistics, and business investment? Housing continues to be a major issue for employers trying to attract and retain talent. What did the report reveal about the balance between housing demand, affordability, and new development activity? Looking ahead, what should business owners, investors, and community leaders be watching most closely as Greater Grand Rapids works to sustain this momentum through 2026 and beyond? » 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/ The Right Place publishes 2026 Development Report highlighting cautious optimism, record-setting projects, and long-term investment across Greater Grand Rapids (GRAND RAPIDS, MI)— Greater Grand Rapids economic development organization The Right Place, Inc., has released its 2026 Development Report, a comprehensive analysis of the region’s industrial, office, retail, and housing sectors. The 28-page report combines firsthand intelligence and data from leading commercial real estate partners to provide a holistic view of the development ecosystem in Greater Grand Rapids. The full report was recently distributed to The Right Place investors and participants at Developer Day. It can be found on the Right Place website: www.rightplace.org/developmentreport Below are summaries of the key sectors identified in the report, along with a 2026 outlook: Industrial: Ongoing Demand with Extended Timelines Greater Grand Rapids’ industrial market enters 2026 slightly outperforming 2025. Industrial vacancy stood at 3.3% in Q1 2026—well below the national average of 7.1%—while inventory reached 125.58 million square feet. Demand is active, though decision timelines have extended as buyers take a more deliberate approach. Average asking rent reached $6.36/sq ft, remaining significantly below the national average of $10.42/sq ft, keeping the region cost-competitive for industrial users. A highlight project is Proper Beverage Co.’s $80–90 million expansion into 300,000 sq ft of new industrial space in Kentwood, boosting annual production capacity by more than 460%. # # # About The Right Place, Inc. The Right Place, Inc., is a regional nonprofit founded in 1985 with the mission to drive sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity for all in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. The Right Place works to achieve this mission by focusing on three core areas: People, Place, and Prosperity. The Right Place is an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) as designated by the International Economic Development Council. Find out more by visiting rightplace.org, liking us on Facebook, and following us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Originally uploaded June 12th, reloaded June 19th. Chris Holman welcomes Tekea Norwood, COO, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties. Tekea is joined by guests Marilyn Rodgers, Chairperson, Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, and Winston Williams, Jr., prominent civil rights advocate and longtime Executive Committee Member of the Lansing Branch NAACP. Welcome back, Tekea, share a bit about CAMW! and the need to be tied to community events? Marilyn, tell us about the Juneteenth Job and Community Resource Fair. Who is involved? Winston, this event has grown steadily since its founding. Why do you think that is? Tekea, what benefits do you see for businesses that participate in the fair? Marilyn, what are the details for this year's event? » 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/ Lansing Juneteenth Job and Community Resource Fair Upcoming Recruitment Events Location St. Joseph Park 2125 W. Hillsdale St. Lansing, MI 48915 Event Date Start: June 20, 2026 11:00 AM End: June 20, 2026 3:00 PM Contact Information Passion Fields Recruitment Analyst Join CAMW! at the Lansing Juneteenth Job and Community Resource Fair taking place at St. Joseph Park in Lansing, MI. Visit lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org to learn more.

Originally uploaded, June 11th, reloaded June 18th. Chris Holman welcomes back Dr. Tina A. Kerr, Executive Director, Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA), Lansing, MI. Welcome back Tina, remind the Michigan business community about MASA? Tell us about the ongoing budget process in Lansing? Share a bit about MASA Impact? Tell us about ways Superintendents and Administrators are working on the talent pipeline? » 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/ Additionally, Kerr was interested in speaking about: Budget Talent Pipeline for Admins "Trickle up" of teacher shortage to superintendency Turnover Relationships with Boards and a common understanding of expectations AI's Impact on all levels of the system Student Impact Personal/Staff Impact Mental Health Demands on staff and students are at an all-time high from the community/society Summer is a time to regroup Professional Learning & Conferences WIL's all-time high attendance New Programming & Innovations mixed with historically impactful Bonus #6 - leading in a time of polarized politics Board meeting battlegrounds Reminder that we teach to think and make your own decisions; we don't teach that one side is better.

Chris Holman welcomes Kelley Kuhn, President & CEO, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Saline, MI. Welcome Kelley, remind the Michigan business community about MNA? Many people think of nonprofits as service organizations, but this new report focuses on economic impact. What should Michigan business leaders understand about the nonprofit sector's role in the state's economy? Nonprofits often work alongside government and the private sector. How do strong public-private partnerships help communities grow while also supporting economic development and workforce needs? The report highlights concerns about government shifting responsibilities to nonprofits without fully funding them. What challenges does that create, and why should the business community care? Volunteerism, charitable giving, and civic engagement are major themes in your policy work. How do those activities contribute to stronger local economies and healthier business environments? Looking ahead, what policy changes or investments would have the greatest impact on helping Michigan's nonprofit sector continue serving communities while also strengthening the state's economic competitiveness? » 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/ The Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) and the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) asked Public Sector Consultants (PSC) to study and highlight the economic impact of nonprofits in Michigan. The new report finds that nonprofits play a key role in the state’s well-being by providing important services like health care, education, human services, and the arts. They exist to help people and communities, not to make a profit. In addition to these services, nonprofits also support the economy by creating jobs, buying goods and services, and bringing in outside funding. This report shares data that shows just how important nonprofits are to Michigan’s economy.

Originally uploaded May 8th, Reloaded June 6th. Thursday, April 9th, MBN was on the road to the LAFCU headquarters, West Lansing, MI. LAFCU was hosting a graduation ceremony recognizing individuals who have successfully completed its 2025–2026 Pathway to Financial Transformation course. Participants will receive certificates of completion and celebrate their achievements in caps and gowns, marking the culmination of an eight-month program focused on strengthening personal finance skills. The event recognizes the graduates’ commitment to enhancing their financial knowledge and reaching an important milestone in their financial journeys. WHERE: LAFCU Main Office Community Room 1 | 106 N. Marketplace Blvd., Lansing, MI 48917 WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. | Thursday, April 9 WHO: Graduates of LAFCU's 2025-2026 Pathway to Financial Transformation program, along with their families and friends. LAFCU representatives, including Robyn Howell, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer; and Shelia Scott, community financial education and business development officer (Pathway to Financial Transformation course leader) WHY: LAFCU is committed to helping individuals and families build stronger financial futures. Since launching in 2021, the Pathway to Financial Transformation program has provided participants with practical tools for budgeting, saving, and long-term financial planning. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to grow in reach and impact, offering free financial education to both members and nonmembers across Michigan and beyond.. LAFCU celebrates graduates of financial education program aimed at strengthening community financial stability LANSING, Mich. — For many participants, the Pathway to Financial Transformation program represents more than financial education — it’s a stepping stone to greater stability, confidence, and opportunity. Applause filled LAFCU’s community room as graduates of the 2025–26 Pathway to Financial Transformation program were recognized in caps and gowns, celebrating not only the completion of a course but the beginning of a new chapter. Surrounded by family, friends, and LAFCU staff, participants marked the culmination of months of learning, goal-setting, and personal growth. Each graduate carried a unique story, but all shared one common purpose: to build a stronger financial future and reclaim control over their lives. “This program isn’t just about teaching financial concepts — it’s about helping people believe in themselves again,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU’s community financial education and business development officer and program leader. “When someone realizes they can build savings, improve their credit score and take control of their future, it changes everything. Watching that transformation happen is why,.... About LAFCU Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members' financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. A three-time honoree as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For,’ LAFCU has also been recognized as a Best Place to Work for Women and an Inclusive Workplace, and is recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.

Chris Holman welcomes Patricia Hinojosa, Senior Foundation Program Manager, DTE Energy Foundation at DTE Energy, Detroit, Michigan. What is the 2026 Community Empowerment Awards: Critical Repairs Program? Tell the Michigan business community about the areas of focus, especially Housing Stability and Transportation Access? What is the DTE Foundation offering? Who has benefited in the past? How can interested organizations apply? The proposal submission window will open from May 25 through July 3, 2026. Organizations can go to empoweringmichigan.com/community-empowerment-awards/ » 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/ DTE Energy Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for 2026 Community Empowerment Awards Grant Program Advances Housing Stability and Transportation Access Through Critical Repairs DETROIT, May 2026 – The DTE Energy Foundation (Foundation) today announced it is inviting qualified nonprofit organizations to submit proposals for the 2026 Community Empowerment Awards: Critical Repairs Program, an initiative designed to support community members experiencing housing instability and transportation barriers across Michigan in DTE’s service territories. Through this open call, the Foundation works to promote safe, stable housing that honors individual dignity and to eliminate transportation barriers that impede access to basic human needs (including, but not limited to, employment, access to health care and other essential services). Awards of up to $30,000 per organization will be made in each focus area. “The DTE Foundation is committed to removing barriers that prevent individuals and families from living safely and with dignity,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “By supporting initiatives that address home safety and transportation limitations, we are helping nonprofits deliver solutions that create stability, open doors to opportunity, and strengthen the communities we live and serve.” In its third year, The Community Empowerment Awards has evolved into an impactful support program for organizations making a difference in their communities. To date, the community empowerment awards have supported 22 nonprofits with a total of $669,500 grant dollars given. The multi-step, open call process begins with an initial proposal submission. Organizations whose concepts best align with program goals will be invited to submit a formal application in a second round. Eligible applicants must be legally established 501(c)(3) public charities, located in and directly benefiting projects within the DTE service territory, and able to directly receive and manage grant funds. Organizations currently receiving DTE Foundation funding are not eligible to apply. Submitted projects must be non-energy related, demonstrate long-term sustainability, and align with the Foundation’s commitment to community-centered impact. Full program guidelines and proposal instructions. About the DTE Energy Foundation The DTE Energy Foundation (Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy (DTE) with a strong legacy of community support and involvement. In 2025, the Foundation provided $15.1 million in grant support to 445 nonprofit organizations in communities where the company has a business presence, with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change in priority giving areas: arts and culture, community transformation, economic progress, education and employment, environment, and human needs. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires to be the best in the world and the best for the world. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.

Originally uploaded May 21, reloaded May 26. Chris Holman welcomed Nick Chaffin, Program Compliance Officer; Amanda Johnson, Workforce Development Program Liaison, Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham, Eaton & Clinton Counties. What is Jobs for Michigan's Graduates, and how does it prepare youth for careers? Tell us about the recent Career Development Conference? How did students from Greater Lansing perform? How can employers get involved with JMG or interact with program participants? » 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/ Lansing-Area Youth Shine at Statewide Conference Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates honors LSD, Waverly students LANSING, Mich. — Students from the Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) program were honored at Youth Solutions' statewide Career Development Conference (CDC) on April 30, held at Saginaw Valley State University. The event brings young participants from the JMG program together to demonstrate the career and workforce development skills they have learned throughout the year. JMG is the flagship program of Youth Solutions, a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-connected learning and graduates with an actionable plan for postsecondary success. Among the attendees were about a dozen JMG students representing Lansing School District and Peckham Inc., which operate the JMG programming for CAMW!. These dedicated young individuals participated in a variety of career-based individual and team competitions, showcasing essential skills such as interviewing, problem-solving and teamwork. Collectively, this group of young people earned multiple awards to their local programs, including Leonardo Amador-Betancourt’s well-deserved recognition as Youth of the Year. “JMG taught me how to be professional. It helped me to build confidence and be successful,” Leonardo said. “My story shows that when students are given support and opportunity, they can rise above challenges. I’m honored to receive this award and to represent my community, my family and my country.” Local youth recognized with statewide and regional awards: Statewide Award — JMG Youth of the Year Awarded to two active JMG participants who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to both the program and their personal goals. Leonardo Amador-Betancourt, Lansing School District Statewide Award — Notable Alumni of the Year Awarded to a JMG alumni who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, personal and professional development, and has made notable contributions to JMG. August Doerr, Lansing School District Regional Award — JMG Exemplary Youth of the Year Recognizes one outstanding youth from each Prosperity Region. Salomon Shabani, Waverly High School Program-Level Awards — JMG Excellence in Youth Leadership Celebrating students who go above and beyond in leadership and commitment. Lex Braman, Clinton County Youth Services Sierra Johnson, Waverly High School The event was made possible with support from Saginaw Valley State University, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. ### ABOUT CAMW! Capital Area Michigan Works!, a proud partner of the American Job Center network, connects with businesses to develop recruiting and retention strategies and strengthens the local workforce by enhancing education and career opportunities for job seekers. For more information, call (517) 492-5500 or go to www.camw.org.

Originally uploaded May 21, reloaded May 26. Chris Holman welcomes back Kim Bode, Dog rescuer, community advocate, and proud Michigan business owner, 8THIRTY FOUR Integrated Communications, Grand Rapids, MI. Welcome back, Kim. You've been a regular guest on Michigan Business Beat, but can you reacquaint yourself with the Michigan business audience, your background, your business story, and some of your business passions? So, you are set to host a miniseries, 'Uncomfortable Conversations'. What will the show be about? Finally, why is this a topic that businesses need to know and understand? » 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/ Episode 1: Welcome to the Conversation Short Description: Chris welcomes Kim to the Michigan Business Network and introduces the new series with Kim. By the end of the episode, you know exactly what this series is, why it exists, and why the next six months of conversation are worth your time. Takeaways: ● Who Kim Bode is, what 8THIRTYFOUR is, and why she pivoted into schooling after nearly two decades in communications ● What she’s hearing from Michigan business owners right now, and why it keeps coming up ● A clear preview of what the series will cover and how each episode builds on the last. Format ● Six 6.5-minute segments of content to total 40 minutes for the full episode ● We will record the first two 6.5-minute segments on 5/14 ● The other four 6.5-minute segments Kim records on her own time (Maddie will put time on her calendar for this) Segment 1 (Records 5/14) ● Chris welcomes Kim Bode to the Michigan Business Network and conducts a full background review ● Kim establishes her credentials and expertise: ○ CEO of 8THIRTYFOUR ○ Founder of Skills Survival School ○ Nearly 20 years of building businesses and hiring people ● Kim explains what the series — Uncomfortable Conversations: The Hard Cost of Soft Skills — will cover across 7 episodes, June through December 2026 ● Kim makes the case for why this topic matters to Michigan business owners: ○ Replacing an employee costs 50–200% of their annual salary ○ Companies investing in skills development retain 58% more employees ○ The math isn't complicated — the conversation just hasn't happened yet

"Getting A Grip" is among the newer shows for Michigan Business Network, hosted by long-time MBN contributor Michael Maddox. In this weekly program, updated monthly, Mike focused on helping entrepreneurs end the chaos. Through the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) he highlights ways that business owners can clarify their vision, gain traction, and increase team health. Entrepreneur and Professional EOS Implementor, Mike Maddox, highlights the foundational tools of EOS, shares real-world examples, interviews fascinating guests, and will challenge your way of thinking. If you are ready to end the frustration and share a few laughs along the way, listen to Getting A Grip each week. For Episode 17: Guest Bio: Benoit Boudreau Director of Integration ESM Class of 2025 Benoit Boudreau serves as the Director of Integration for Encounter Ministries, where he helps turn vision into reality by building systems, teams, and structures that support sustainable growth. A former business owner from Canada, Benoit sold his company and moved to the United States with his family to follow God’s call into full-time ministry. He brings a unique blend of business acumen, strategic leadership, and deep faith to his work, ensuring that Encounter’s mission — to unleash the transforming power of the Holy Spirit into the world — is carried out with excellence and clarity. Outside of ministry, Benoit is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and mushroom foraging. He’s also a passionate hockey player, LEGO enthusiast, and proud husband and father of six. In addition to his leadership role, Benoit runs successful YouTube and TikTok channels where he shares stories of faith, family, and the power of God in everyday life. » 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/