Wrap up 2011, Outlook for 2012

Guest:
Jim Nicholson, incoming BLM chair, President & CEO of PVS Chemical, Inc.

Hear about the progress made to advance the Michigan Turnaround Plan.  Find out what’s been accomplished and what still needs to be done to put Michigan on the right track. Learn how Michigan can once again be a “Top Ten” state for job, economic and personal income growth. And what that means in real terms to Michigan residents and families.

Wrap up 2011, Outlook for 2012

UM, MSU & WSU Presidents speak about importance of higher education in growing Michigan's economy

Guests:
MSU President Lou Anna Simon
UM President Mary Sue Coleman
WSU President Allan Gilmour

Listen as the presidents of Michigan's three public research universities: Michigan State, University of Michigan and Wayne State discuss how we can leverage the intellectual capital of our universities to help create a vibrant economy. Learn how they are not only educating our students, but are driving advancements in virtually every sector through their robust R&D efforts. Find out how in lean budget times, our top institutions have streamlined their operations just like businesses have - to get a better value for every dollar spent.

Importance of Higher Education in Growing Michigan's Economy

How Michigan businesses are serving as dynamic catalysts for our state and in our communities

Guests:
Chuck Podowski - President & CEO, The Auto Club Group
Jeff Noel - Corp. Vice President, Whirlpool Corporation

• Learn from two companies with a 100-year history in Michigan how they "give back" in their communities and it pays great dividends.
• Find out how they determine where and when to invest in a community.
• Hear surprising facts on how Michigan stacks up to other states in resources, educational attainment and innovation.

How Michigan businesses are serving as dynamic catalysts for our state and in our communities

The impact that business investment can have in Michigan's communities

Guests:
Doug DeVos - President & CEO, Amway
Mike Jandernoa - Director at Perrigo. 

• Hear why these global companies chose Michigan for their headquarters when they could locate anywhere in the world.
• Learn why private sector leadership critical to Michigan's future success in terms of business investment and community investment.
• Find out how business investment can serve as a catalyst for growth in a region.
• Get the facts about the short- and long-term benefits of solid partnerships between communities and private sector.

The impact that business investment can have in Michigan's communities

Accelerating Michigan's Job Growth and Business Investment

Guests:
Jeff Mason – Executive Director, Michigan’s University Research Corridor
Chris Rizik – Chief Executive Officer and Fund Manager, Renaissance Venture Capital Fund

• Learn what the Business Leaders for Michigan and its partners are doing to make sure that the “next big thing” is developed and stays right here in Michigan. 
• Hear what efforts are underway to help entrepreneurs get started, find the capital to grow their businesses and keep the momentum going.  
• Find out how the private sector is driving a lot of growth in Michigan’s economy.

Accelerating Michigan's Job Growth and Business Investment

Driving Job Creation and Investment in Michigan

Guests:
Mike Finney – President & CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
John Rakolta – Chairman & CEO, Walbridge

• Get to know the new Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
• From economic gardening to supporting entrepreneurs, hear about MEDC’s strategies for maintaining and attracting businesses and jobs to Michigan.
• Find out how Michigan can best leverage its assets (talent, resources, location etc.) to become a global leader in job creation.

Driving Job Creation and Investment in Michigan

Getting Michigan Competitive

Guests:
Mark Murray – President, Meijer
Rick Russell – President & CEO, Amerisure
Ron Starner – General Manager, Site Selection Magazine & Conway Inc.

• Get the facts about how Michigan stacks up against the nation in business attraction.
• How does Michigan compare to the “Top Ten” states for job and economic growth?
• Hear about BLM’s 2011 Economic Competitiveness Benchmarking Report.
• Learn how to register for the June 20th Leadership Summit: Getting Michigan Competitive.

Getting Michigan Competitive

How Michigan's Tax Policies Impact Its Ability To Compete For Jobs

Guests:
Patrick Anderson – Founder, Principal & CEO, Anderson Economic Group
Daniel Howes – Business Columnist and Associate Business Editor, Detroit News

Ever wonder why some businesses decide to locate in Michigan and some do not?  This show will address the true cost of doing business and why taxes (costs) are an important business location factor.

• What needs to be done to the tax system to make Michigan more competitive? 
• Where does Michigan stand now in terms of its tax policy? 
• The legislature recently changed the tax structure in Michigan. Who benefits? 
• What are other states doing to maintain or improve their competitive advantage?
• What else we can do to rebuild Michigan and make it a ‘top ten’ state again?

How Michigan's Tax Policies Impact Its Ability To Compete For Jobs

How Businesses are Helping our Communities

Guests:
Cindy Pasky – Founder, President & CEO, Strategic Staffing Solutions
Tricia Keith – Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Services, Blue Cross/Blue Shield

How Businesses are Helping our Communities

Wrap-up 2010, Outlook for 2011

On-air: December 21, 2010 
Guests: Michael Jandernoa, Board of Directors, Perrigo Company & BLM Board member

Wrap-up 2010, Outlook for 2011