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Chris Buck
Michigan Reimagined tells the stories of people and organizations who are driving Michigan’s economic sustainability. Chris believes that Michigan residents often lead with an apology for the shortcomings of this fabulous state, and he thinks that is unnecessary. Every city has its perks and problems. Instead of complaining about what we don’t have, healthier behavior is finding those doing great work and giving them a platform to share their results. Whether it’s new restaurants, housing stock, talent retention, transportation innovation, tourism, development incentives, placemaking or arts – this state is full of passionate people in action. Hear their stories in 15 minute, deep-dive interviews on Michigan Reimagined.
Ep. 269: Return to Office - A Furniture Company’s Perspective
There’s been a lot of prognostication and chatter about return to office protocols as the pandemic fades further away. Joining Chris to give us the unique perspective from the Office Furniture industry is the Vice President of Sales for MarxModa, Brian Johnson!
21:1805/12/2023
Ep. 268: Child & Family Charities Makes Dramatic Change to Facilities
Nonprofits are vital to the overall well being of any community, and it’s important to have dynamic leaders with long term vision in place to ensure they remain effective and relevant. Joining Chris to share the work of Child & Family Charities in mid-Michigan is their CEO, Julie Thomasma!
22:3928/11/2023
Ep. 267: Convention & Visitors Bureau Evolves to Choose Lansing
The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives in countless ways. But imagine if your job - your mission - was to sell and orchestrate conventions and tourism for your region, how do you pivot? And how do you find a new gear now that things are pretty much back to a new normal? Joining Chris to discuss the work of Choose Lansing - the organization formally known as the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau - is President and CEO, Julie Pinkston.
21:2721/11/2023
Ep. 266: The Fledge Continues to Offer Wide Range Support for Community Members
The Fledge has become a Lansing institution steeped in helping others, and whose newsletter touts the slogan “fostering genius and cultivating community." Joining Chris to discuss this amazing space and its newest initiatives is the founder, Jerry Norris!
19:1514/11/2023
Ep. 265: Local Musician Re-enters the Scene Post Pandemic
I’ve always said the arts play a major role in driving community and vibrancy. Chris makes a point to spend time with the local arts scene and in this episode we get to meet a musician playing around the state. Joining Chris to discuss the music scene and what it’s like post-pandemic is Singer/Songwriter & Musician, Sean Anthony Sullivan!
21:3807/11/2023
Ep. 264: West Michigan Agency Donates Services on Giving Tuesday
There are a lot of people and organizations in our communities that can use a bit of help. Luckily there are charities and some do-gooders who offer to assist. Joining Chris to discuss a unique approach to helping others out is the CEO of Revel Marketing in Muskegon, Jason Piasecki!
20:5731/10/2023
Ep. 263: Local Entrepreneur Participates in Parapan American Games
Our great state is made up of amazing people who bring many talents to our communities. Today we speak with a great local businessman who has a unique opportunity to represent Michigan in an upcoming event. Joining Chris is the Co-Founder and Visionary of Good Fruit Video, Justin Caine!
16:5124/10/2023
Ep. 262: Unique Restaurant Concept - Macotta Club - Opening in Lansing
Downtowns, no matter where you are, tend to have the same general make-up: housing, offices, retail shopping, and of course restaurants. Downtown Lansing recently announced the opening of a unique dining hall called the Macotta Club. Joining Chris to explain what it is and why it’s unique is the Director of Downtown Community Development for Downtown Lansing, Inc, Julie Reinhardt and Founder/Owner of Mr. Leslie's Cheesecake, Marcus Leslie Sr.
20:3417/10/2023
Ep. 261: Expert Discusses How the Arts are Evolving Post Pandemic
The Coronavirus Pandemic disrupted everything you can possibly think of, including the arts in our community. Joining Chris to discuss how the industry is rebounding and changing, is good friend and the Owner & Director of Opportunity Arts, Mike Marriott!
23:1710/10/2023
Ep. 260: Michigan Firm Working to Eradicate PFAS is Growing into New Space
More than a year ago, Chris introduced you to a start-up company that discovered a process to remediate PFAS in our environment. Today we’ll get an update on their important work, and hear more about a new facility they’ll be operating out of soon. Joining Chris is teh Co-Founder and CEO of Enspired Solutions, Dr. Denise Kay, and the Director for Michigan Rise, Prem Bogotala!
19:2203/10/2023
Ep. 259: Freedom Construction Provides a Fresh Solution to Contractor Services
Construction Companies and General Contractors arguably have a rough-and-tumble, male-dominated, my-way-or-the-highway reputation. Joining Chris to give us a different take on this industry is the CEO of West Michigan’s Freedom Construction, Carrie Wilson!
17:0526/09/2023
Ep. 258: Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Makes Impact For 40 Years
Volunteerism is a huge contributor to making our communities the homes we love so much. Habitat for Humanity has long been an organization coordinating residents to local housing need opportunities & education. Joining Chris to share the work of the Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is the Executive Director, Beverly Thiel!
21:1619/09/2023
Ep. 257: The Importance of Affordability of Housing for Economic Growth
We’ve talked regularly about the housing needs in Michigan, but what about the true affordability of housing and how it drives economic growth. Joining Chris to talk about the effects of housing affordability is the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg!
18:2612/09/2023
Ep. 256: Strike Out Baseball Lansing Project Update
In July 2021 we introduced a concept being discussed called Strikeout Baseball, and the plan to establish a facility here in Lansing. Two years - and lots of hard work later - the team is back to give us a status update. Joining Chris to discuss an exciting concept planned for our region is the Founder of Strikeout Baseball, Jeff Lazaros and Member of the Board of Directors, Ben Bakken!
22:4905/09/2023
Ep. 255: New Italian Restaurant coming to Red Cedar East Lansing
As a native Philadelphian, Chris is often on the lookout for quality Italian food. Joining Chris to discuss the offerings from Toscana Restaurant and Wine Market, is General Manager, Eric Weber, and Director of sales for Concord Hospitality, Corri Harvey!
17:3230/08/2023
Ep. 254: Community Foundation Builds Region’s First Universally Accessible Playground
Lansing has been incrementally activating it’s downtown riverfront - first with Rotary Park, and now with a massive playground that goes well beyond the traditional. Joining Chris to discuss the details of this amazing space is the President & CEO of the Capital Region Community Foundation, Laurie Baumer!
18:4522/08/2023
Ep. 253: Insurance Industry Plays a Major Role in Michigan’s Economy
When people think of Michigan’s economy, they immediately think of automotive, and honestly that’s not incorrect. But the state clearly has many industries driving it - like engineering, life sciences, medical devices, furniture, agriculture, tourism, AND insurance. Joining to discuss the impact of the insurance industry in Michigan is the Executive Director of LIAM - the Life Insurance Association of Michigan, Traci Riehl!
24:2115/08/2023
Ep. 252: Photographer and Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker Captures Detroit Heart and Soul
Chris is blessed to have a lifestyle that allows him to travel this great state to meet fantastic people and companies. Their stories inspire him enough to host this podcast, and today’s guest is a perfect example of Michigan passion. In this episode, we get to hear the story of photographer and emmy-award winning filmmaker, Stephen McGee!
28:5408/08/2023
Ep. 251: Tragic Life Experience Shapes High Quality Local Builder’s Business Formula
Non-profit leaders and small business owners are aruably the most passionate people in our community - you just need to ask them about their “why” and let them speak and you’ll be amazed at what you hear. Joining Chris to share his journey and how it has shaped his small business company culture is the Owner/CEO of Custom Built Design & Remodel, Michael Flory!
29:3901/08/2023
Ep. 250: Former Professional Athlete and Budding Politician Engages With Lansing Public Schools
Lansing has produced a lot of talented people, and talented people are often lured away to chase their dreams elsewhere. Every now and then we get a star to return home. Joining Chris to share his journey, and a few of the ways he’s currently giving back to his community, is former local basketball star turned businessman/lobbyist, Jon Horford!
26:1325/07/2023
Ep. 249: Artificial Intelligence - What Do We Need to Know?
Artificial Intelligence is here in a real and accessible way for the masses. Joining Chris to share with us how to navigate this and what we need to consider as AI becomes a larger part of our day-to-day lives is the Founder of Artificial Intelligence Consulting, David Silva Smith!
22:4718/07/2023
Ep. 248: Policy and Investment Required to Solve the Housing Crisis in Michigan
Housing continues to be a concern when it comes to attracting new residents for much needed population growth in our state. Joining Chris to talk about attainable & workforce housing, pricing trends, and what solutions are needed to allow for more residential development is the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg!
19:3211/07/2023
Ep. 247: Lansing Built-to-Last Competition Winner Announced
Chris has shared the story of the Lansing Built To Last competition in the past, and today we get to discuss the recently named winner of this wonderfully collaborative competition. Joining Chris to discuss the Lansing Built-To-Last competition is the Vice President of Community Outreach and Customer Operations for Techsmith, Michelle Massey, and this year’s winner - Founder & Director of OurSpace 51, Michael Austin!
22:5527/06/2023
Ep. 246: Grand Rapids Brewery Breaks Several Barriers
Grand Rapids has dozens of high quality breweries, but Brewery Nyx does things quite a bit differently. Joining Chris to discuss the vision of Brewery Nyx and how it’s going is the Founder, Ms. Jessica Stricklen!
22:1920/06/2023
Ep. 245: Downtown Lansing Gets New Event Space - Hall 224
Downtown Lansing has been reinventing itself before, during and after the pandemic. One venue type that people have been clamoring for is event space. Joining Chris to discuss a new endeavor - Grewal Hall at 224 - is a partner, Scott Bell!
17:0213/06/2023
Ep. 244: Artificial Intelligence - What it Means For Business & How To Incorporate It
Technology has taken the world by storm in recent decades and it's latest and greatest emergence is that of Artificial Intelligence. But the million dollar question remains: how will it impact our businesses and economy? Joining Chris to answer that and more is the Managing Partner for Waggoner Financial, Eric Waggoner!
21:4206/06/2023
Ep. 243: The Davies Project Host Max’s Race Fundraiser
There are many non-profits out there delivering services to people who need it, and many host fundraising events to keep their mission moving forward. Joining Chris to share the story of the Davies Project, and their upcoming installment of Max’s Race is the Executive Director, Pam Miklavcic and two members of the race committee, Jann Nestell and Mike Murshak!
20:1630/05/2023
Ep. 242: Associated General Contractors of Michigan Serves the Construction Professionals for Over 100 Years
The skilled trades and the construction industry built this country. For more than 100 years, the Associated General Contractors of Michigan has served this industry in many ways. Joining Chris to tell us more about the AGC is their Director of Workforce Development, Anne Brown!
19:3423/05/2023
Ep. 241: Capital Region Airport Authority Announces Major Projects
Michigan has a powerful network of airports throughout the state that make significant contributions to the regional economy. Joining Chris to discuss the Capital Region Airport Authority’s recent exciting activity is their President & CEO, Nicole Noll-WIlliams!
19:4916/05/2023
Ep. 240: Haslett Gets Major Facelift & Connectivity in Meridian Township
Haslett was recently named the 23rd best place to live in Michigan by Niche magazine, and it sounds like they’re just getting warmed up. Joining Chris to discuss some new developments is the Neighborhoods and Economic Development Director for Meridian Township, Amber Clark!
20:3009/05/2023
Ep. 239: Tri County Regional Planning Commission Housing Study Results Are In
Michigan is working tirelessly to attract new companies, and with it - jobs by the thousands. As a state with a flat population base in recent decades, the conversation has turned to housing. Most agree we need more, and a wider variety - but how many of what kind do we actually need? Joining Chris to talk about a recently completed study for Mid-Michigan is the Deputy Director of the Tri County Regional Planning Commission, Nicole Baumer.
18:3702/05/2023
Ep. 238: The Childcare Crisis and How It Affects the Workforce
Whether you’re a consumer receiving slow customer service, or a business leader struggling to reach the output levels you’re used to - you may notice there aren’t as many people on the team as there were pre-pandemic. Joining Chris to share why childcare is a significant driver to our staffing levels is the Co-Executive Director of Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, Kathy Szenda Wilson!
22:2625/04/2023
Ep. 237: Grand Rapids Organization Hosts State of the Child Discussion re: Mental Health
Mental health has become a significant concern for many, and there’s a certain sense of urgency needed when it comes to helping our children navigate life’s challenges. Joining Chris to share one Grand Rapids-based organization's efforts in this space is the President & CEO of Wedgwood Christian Services, Dr. Daniel Gowdy.
20:1918/04/2023
Ep. 236: Leaving Corporate America for Entrepreneurship Endeavor
Whether it’s workforce participation statistics or what’s called the Great Resignation, people are certainly considering how and why they work. Joining Chris to share her personal journey and decision making process is former insurance industry worker-turned entrepreneur, Katie Krick!
17:4511/04/2023
Ep. 235: ScrapFest 13 is Coming this Summer!
More and more we're reminded that “Michigan makes things”, and the recent news talks quite a bit about companies coming to Michigan to bolster our mission to continue to make things, but in this episode we’re talking about making things from the arts perspective. Joining to share why you don’t want to miss ScrapFest 13 are its Executive Director, Mike Baass and the President of Friedland Industries, Joel Conn!
17:5704/04/2023
Ep. 234: Ovation Music & Arts Venue Progresses in Downtown Lansing
Having local and convenient access to the arts is a major component of driving a vibrant community. You may have heard that Lansing is in the process of getting a new downtown music and arts venue called The Ovation. Joining Chris to tell us the progress of this exciting attraction is the Director of the Lansing Public Media Center, Dominic Cochran!
18:5328/03/2023
Ep. 233: High Caliber Karting Continues to Downshift
Just before the pandemic, a local group of entrepreneurs opened a high energy entertainment venue. Little did they know we’d all need to blow off steam in new and creative ways. Joining Chris to discuss the newest evolution of High Caliber Karting & Entertainment is it’s Marketing Director, Jacki Krumnow!
16:5821/03/2023
Ep. 232: The Bridge - Spartan Innovations Launches New Incubator Space in Grand Rapids
In early March, Spartan Innovations hosted a grand opening for a highly-anticipated incubator space called the Bridge. Joining Chris to share what the Bridge is and why it’s important are the Director of Health Innovations, Kyle McGregor, and the Executive Director for Spartan Innovations, Jeff Wesley!
19:0915/03/2023
Ep. 231: Local Entrepreneur Advocates for Equity and Sustainability
Michigan is filled with creative & inspiring individuals and Chris loves helping them share their stories. Joining him to discuss his path of education, fashion and sustainability is the Founder of Grow the Earth Coffee, J. Moore!
15:3007/03/2023
Ep. 230: The Capital City Film Festival
As the world returns to closer to normal from the pandemic, social activities are resuming. Joining Chris to discuss the 2023 installation of the Capital City Film Festival are Board Members Nicole Szymczak and Samantha Le as well as Festival Manager Emma Selby!
18:5328/02/2023
Ep. 229: Recent Grad Hosts Youth Centered Conversation Series
Chris loves discovering new talent in and around Michigan, and he was grateful to have a friend show me the press release for our next guest. Joining him to discuss her series of "Conscious Conversations" is the host and recent MSU graduate, Abrielle Mason!
17:1721/02/2023
Ep. 228: Mid-Michigan Public Transit Takes Collaborative Steps Forward
Efficient and affordable public transportation is discussed wherever I learn about keys to a successful and vibrant community. Joining Chris to help us learn more about mid-Michigan’s transit system and its efforts to progress is Brad Funkhouser, CEO/Executive Director of the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s (CATA).
20:3914/02/2023
Ep. 227: Capital Area Manufacturing Council Celebrates Women via Rosie the Riveter Event
Michigan is a state that “makes stuff” and we’re hell bent to keep it that way. Michigan has announced billions of new investment and thousands of new jobs in manufacturing, and we need the talent to fill these positions! Joining Chris to discuss the work the Capital Area Manufacturing Council is doing, and an upcoming event, is the Executive Director of CAMC, Cindy Kangas!
15:3210/02/2023
Ep. 226: MSU Health Sciences Announces Partnership with Henry Ford Health
Healthcare has historically been an important topic, but even more so as we navigate our way out of a global pandemic. Joining Chris to talk about one local university’s endeavors is the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences at Michigan State University, Dr. Norm Beauchamp!
20:3131/01/2023
Ep. 225: Managing Your Finances Late Pandemic & What’s Ahead
After the great recession of 2008 through the early teens, the US economy had a historic stretch of prosperity, until the pandemic in 2020. Joining Chris to discuss where we’ve been and where we are likely headed as an economy is the Managing Partner for Waggoner Financial, Eric Waggoner!
21:1824/01/2023
Ep. 224: Meridian Township Sets Sights on the Future
Chris talks quite a bit about vibrancy and modernization of our communities on this show. Business development and attraction is a big part of that endeavor, but Community Development - the infrastructure to support these jobs - is just as important in the formula. Joining Chris to discuss one municipalities strategy on this front is the Neighborhoods and Economic Development Director for Meridian Township, Amber Clark!
25:1417/01/2023
Ep. 223: Making Sure You’re Protected During Volatile Economic Times
It’s been a chaotic 15 years, spanning from the great recession, to the longest stretch of prosperity we’ve seen, to a global pandemic. One thing is for sure, it’s prudent to protect what you’ve built - what you’ve worked so hard for. Joining Chris to discuss some best practices and things to really think about as we move forward, is the Owner of the Great Lakes State Insurance Agency, Pam Lambropoulos!
26:0110/01/2023
Ep. 222: Start Up Grind Lansing Gathers New Momentum
The entrepreneur ecosystem is alive and well and there are many places where business start-ups can go to pitch their ideas and earn some funding. Joining Chris to discuss how Lansing’s StartUp Grind has evolved is the Principal Strategist and Owner of mConnexions, Julie Holton!
18:5103/01/2023
Ep. 221: Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber Makes a Comeback
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a hot topic and many organizations are making a real impact in this area. Joining Chris to discuss the recent resurgence of the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber are Matt Thornton, Owner of Scheme Team Consulting and Brent Forsberg, President of TA Forsberg!
23:2220/12/2022
Ep. 220: Downtown Lansing Prepares for Holidays and Beyond
As we all recover from the Coronavirus pandemic and the fallout it has caused, there’s a local group working tirelessly to get Downtown Lansing back on its feet. Chris is joined by Downtown Lansing, Inc's Executive Director Cathleen Edgerly and Events and Market Manager Jazmin Anderson to discuss their plans for the holiday season, the year that’s passed, and what lies ahead.
19:5713/12/2022