The Michigan Opportunity Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Cross Border Expert Talks Canada Border Relationship: Windsor-Detroit Corridor Handles 1/3 of Canada-U.S. Trade, Valued at $1.3 Trillion Annually 
Laurie A. Tannous is a Cross-Border Attorney and a renowned speaker at many trade and industry forums globally. She provides public policy counsel to government officials and industry leaders on matters relating to: Business Immigration Law, Public-Private Partnerships and Economic Development Initiatives and more. As President of Canada United States Business Association (CUSBA), Laurie works in Cross Border E-Mobility, Customs/Trade, and Cross Border Management and Security. She is also closely associated with Farrow and the University of Windsor.  

1,500 Michigan Leaders gather to discuss our future at the Detroit Regional Chambers Mackinac Policy Conference, hear a sneak preview of what was discussed.

Tammy J. Carnrike is the Chief Operating Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber. She has many responsibilities including the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference, being on the Advisory Council for the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM); and a member of United State Global Leadership Coalition. The Chamber is the voice for business in the 11-county Southeast Michigan Region. The Chamber also executes the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MICHauto, including a comprehensive education and talent strategy in the state.

Artificial intelligence, and it’s role in creating an inclusive society.

Charles Elwood's mission with SolisMatica is to harness the transformative power of AI to create inclusive tools that empower communication and foster an inclusive society. With a background in electrical engineering and an MBA, alongside a rich cultural heritage as a second-generation Asian American, Charles work in breaking down communication barriers, particularly for those with medical conditions, through pioneering work in neural voice synthesis. Recognized as one of only 16 Microsoft MVPs in AI across the United States and the sole recipient in Michigan, he brings to the table a direct line to Microsoft's R&D team. The company’s strategic initiatives focus on enhancing talent attraction and retention within Michigan's post-secondary institutions while targeting the potential of international students. His and efforts are aligned with the vision to make Michigan a nexus for technological advancement and a prime destination for global AI-driven education.

East and West Coast mobility expert is now on the freshwater coast, with the sky as no limit.

As Senior Vice President & Chief Mobility Officer, Justine Johnson leads the state’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification in working across state government, academia and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging mobility technologies and businesses. Justine plays a critical role in driving a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Department of Transportation, Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the Governor's Office.

Family owned and operated, Michigan Fastener produces high-quality fasteners for large and small companies alike. Their nails are made in Michigan from 100% American melted and formed wire. 
Hear Jon Will share the story of how he and his family built the business, from garage to a successful family owned, innovative entrepreneurial asset to Michigan. Michigan Fastener truly embraces the methodology of Making it in Michigan. The company produces a wide variety of Michigan-made nails and fasteners out of there shop in North Branch.  Enjoy the great story of growth and commitment.

Deep in Copper Country, advanced manufacturing company Calumet Electronics engineers and develops microchip circuit boards for a broad list of industries.
Hear from Todd Brassard, Vice President/Chief Operations Officer, and Dr. Meredith LaBeau, Chief Technology Officer, about the company’s award-winning research, design, engineering, and manufacturing specializing in high-quality printed circuit boards. The organization fuels collaboration with distinguished suppliers and customers to advance production of leading-edge electronics in the United States. Calumet is recognized for industry thought-leadership and the rapid advancement and commercialization of ground-breaking engineering and manufacturing processes, including advanced HDI and HDBU, RF & microwave, and IC substrates. Calumet Electronics is 100% American owned and operated with zero offshoring or outsourcing. It is America’s only HUBZone certified PCB supplier.