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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. 219: Local Accounting Firm Wins National Accolades
Many companies are clamoring for enough talent to meet their production goals. One strategy is to develop a reputation as a great employer - nationally if possible. Joining Chris to discuss what makes one mid-Michigan based accounting firm a special place to work is Strategy and Innovation Driver for Maner Costerisan, Sarah Jennings!
21:0529/11/2022
Ep. 218: Commercial Real Estate During the Late Pandemic
The pandemic has put just about everything on its heels. One hot topic being reported on is the future of commercial real estate, most notably the fate of retail storefronts and restaurants. Joining Chris to share some wisdom on the matter are the Retail Advisors for Martin Commercial Properties, Carson Patten and Samantha Le!
18:2422/11/2022
Ep. 217: Tapping Renewable Natural Gas to Benefit our Environment
Climate change has been studied, discussed and debated for decades now. But it’s now becoming more widely accepted as a time sensitive, and urgent call to action. Joining Chris to share what Renewable Natural Gas is and how it can be part of the solution is the Senior Environmental Scientist from Barr Engineering, Jason Linkimer!
21:1115/11/2022
Ep. 216: TA Forsberg President Educates Self & Advocates for More Housing
Michigan is fighting hard to recover from the pandemic and attract population growth after years of shrinking. Many are worried that a lack of housing options might slow Michigan’s quest for new residents. Joining Chris to talk about his personal journey for knowledge and his collaboration in compiling data is the President of TA Forsberg, Brent Forsberg!
18:5208/11/2022
Ep. 215: The Vision for Michigan’s Avenue
On the heels of two robust reports surrounding the Michigan Avenue corridor through the Lansing Region, the Tri County Regional Planning Commission is seeking final input before redesigning this important conduit. Joining Chris to talk about the project is the Deputy Director of the Tri County Regional Planning Commission, Nicole Baumer!
20:3401/11/2022
Ep. 214: MSU Museum Utilizes CoLab Studio to Drive Community Learning Experiences
Most museums deliver interesting and thought provoking content - it’s what makes visiting a museum worthwhile. Michigan State University has taken participant engagement to a new level, utilizing what’s called a CoLab Studio. Joining Chris to tell us more is the Education & Learning Manager of the MSU Museum’s CoLab Studio, Caroline White!
16:3525/10/2022
Ep. 213: Mid-Michigan Based Merit Labs is a Leader in PFAS Detection
On Michigan Reimagined we discuss a variety of topics - from making Michigan an attractive and clean place to live, to celebrating and highlighting small business. Today we get to discuss both. Joining Chris to share the valuable & quality work of a Michigan based environmental testing lab is the CEO and Technical Director of Merit Labs in East Lansing, Maya Murshak!
19:3511/10/2022
Ep. 212: Legacy Development Firm Shifts to New Generation and Branding
If you’ve spent any time in mid-Michigan, you’re likely familiar with the Eyde family name and the many redevelopment projects and buildings they own, operate and invest in. You may also know that we lost the patriarch, George F Eyde, in 2017. Joining Chris to discuss the new generation of Eydes at the helm and what their focus is these days is a Principle of Eyde Development, Nathaniel Eyde!
21:5104/10/2022
Ep. 211: Strike Out Baseball Expanding to Lansing
In July 2021, we introduced a concept being discussed called Strikeout Baseball, and the plan to establish a facility here in Lansing. A little more than a year 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 Director of Operations, Vic Verchereau!
14:0427/09/2022
Ep. 210: Grand Haven Wraps Another Summer Season with the Help of it’s DDA
One of the BEST parts of Michigan are the Lake Michigan coastal towns; they are all unique and beautiful. One of Chris's favorites is Grand Haven and in this episode he chats with the Executive Director of the Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Authority, Jeremy Swiftney
18:5420/09/2022
Ep. 209: Michigan State University Museum Brings Cultural Experiences Since 1857
Every quality community has quality cultural offerings, and mid-Michigan is no different. Joining Chris to discuss the long history and current offerings of the Michigan State Museum and Science Gallery is its Director, Devon Akmon!
14:1913/09/2022
Ep. 208: Capital Area Housing Partnership Reaches 30-Year Milestone
Finding affordable housing is a crisis for many. Luckily there are resources working to increase supply and assist those in need, and one of those resources has reached a significant anniversary in 2022. Joining Chris to discuss the mission of the Capital Area Housing Partnership is Executive Director, Rawley Van Fossen!
17:2806/09/2022
Ep. 207: MSU Leads Sustainability & Innovation via MassTimber
Sustainability has become more than a buzzword, it is driving innovation in all industries including some you may have never considered. Joining Chris to teach us more about a revolutionary construction process called Mass Timber is the Director of MassTimber at Michigan State University, Sandra Lupien!
18:5330/08/2022
Ep. 206: One Companies Path Through Cannabis Entrepreneurship
Michigan legalized medical marijuana back in 2008, but in December 2019 recreational adult use was also legalized along with a massive revamp of how cannabis is to be grown, tested, transported and sold. Joining Chris to share their entrepreneurial story in this progressive industry are Sarah Birney and Bryan Madle, co-founders of Blooming Botanicals!
16:3523/08/2022
Ep. 205: Michigan State University Providing Real “Name, Image & Likeness” Education for Student Athletes
Anyone who follows college sports understands that student athletes and the work they perform on the court or field is big business, and it’s been contested that these athletes should get paid beyond the scholarships many receive for their work. Well - Name, Image and Likeness revenue has been approved recently. Joining Chris to discuss what that means, how it works, and how one local university is helping student athletes navigate this process is the Director of Player Relations & Program Advancement for MSU Football, Darien Harris and the President of Capitol National, Ed Harden.
21:1316/08/2022
Ep. 204: A New Approach to Healthcare Gathering Momentum
Healthcare is a hotly discussed topic. Some ask, how do we encourage affordability and truly drive wellness in our population? Joining Chris to share an update on HealthBar, is the Founder & CEO Nathan Baar!
18:4109/08/2022
Ep. 203: All of the Above Hip Hop Academy Host Hip Hop Week in August
In August 2021, Hip Hop Appreciation month became a state holiday. One year after this important milestone, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy (AOTA) will be hosting its first annual AOTA Hip Hop week. To kick off the celebration, AOTA partnered with Lansing Parks and Recreation to offer a 5-day camp concluding with a breaking competition called the "Cap City Jam." Joining Chris to share and discuss the rundown of events is the Executive Director of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, Ozay Moore!
19:0602/08/2022
Ep. 202: Rooted Reverence Arts Festival Exceeds Expectations
Rooted Reverence took place in Mason, MI this June and exceeded expectations, and taught everyone a thing or two about arts promotion. To talk about all this and more, Chris welcomes back a friend of the show - the Owner & Director of Opportunity Arts, Mike Marriott!
19:5526/07/2022
Ep. 201: Lansing 5:01 - 2022 Calendar of Events for Summer Networking
Summer is in full swing, and calendars are filling up. In this episode Chris welcomes back a good friend of the show, Chris Sell - the Executive Director of Lansing 5:01, to discuss their summer calendar!
19:0919/07/2022
Ep. 200: Manufacturing Industry Update
It’s been a year since the Capital Area Manufacturing Council hired its new Executive Director. We had her on soon after her appointment, now it’s time for an update! Joining Chris to discuss the progress of CAMC is their Executive Director, Cindy Kangas!
16:5912/07/2022
Ep. 199: The Pandemic Effects on Non-Profits
The pandemic has changed the world, in virtually every way. One group caught in the fallout are the non-profits. Joining Chris to share the story of how not-for-profit organizations have navigated their way through these troubling times are Rich Howard - the VP of Fund Development for the Davies Project, Nada Charara - Director of Development for American Red Cross, Carmen Turner - President/CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, and Demphna Krikorian - Senior Director of Development for Child and Families Charites!
27:3728/06/2022
Ep. 198: Cyber Insurance - A Necessity for ALL Business Owners
I’ve hosted shows highlighting IT firms who help business owners navigate their cybersecurity needs. If you’ve listened to them you’ve heard them all say it’s not a matter of if, but when, you’ll fall victim. Today we’ll be discussing what insurance companies know, have to say, and what they can offer to business owners. Joining Chris is Commercial Lines Producer from Cedar River Insurance, Katie Krick!
19:3121/06/2022
Ep. 197: Former Professional Athlete Gives Back to Community in a Major Way
Lansing has produced a lot of talented people, and talented people are often lured away to chase their dreams elsewhere. However, 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 basketball star and current candidate for State Representative in the 77th District and owner of Blue Print Athletes, Jon Horford!
23:0914/06/2022
Ep. 196: New Senior Housing Offering Coming Online
When it comes to creating a vibrant and sustainable community, a component in the discussion is often the variety of housing options available. Joining Chris to share the story of a new housing opportunity coming to Mid-Michigan is the Vice President of Operations for Traditions Management, Rose Siddle!
14:4007/06/2022
Ep. 195: The Davies Project - A Non-profit Providing Transportation Services
Mr. Rogers famously stated “look for the helpers. You will always find people trying to help” and our next guests are clearly fit that billing. Joining Chris to share the story of the Davies Project is the Executive Director, Pam Miklavcic, the VP Fund Development, Rich Howard, and Board of Director, Mikhail Murshak!
20:2531/05/2022
Ep. 194: Scrapfest 12 is Coming Soon!
If you’re in mid-Michigan, you know ScrapFest 12 is coming this summer, led by Friedland Industries. Joining Chris to share the ScrapFest story and to highlight the upcoming event is the Vice President of Friedland Insustries, Joel Conn!
18:2524/05/2022
Ep. 193: Origami Rehabilitation Achieves 25 Years of Serving Those in Need
Michigan is made up of many special organizations serving our communities and joining Chris to help highlight one such organization called "Origami Rehabilitation" is their President and CEO, Tammy Hannah!
23:3317/05/2022
Ep. 192: The Fledge Continues to Offer Wide Range Support for Small Business
The Fledge is a space best described by their self-written summary which reads “We are in this together, there is no they. The Fledge is value driven. We value ourselves, each other and our environment. We value a diverse community filled with gifts. We are radically inclusive striving to allow everyone to pursue their own happiness. We work hard to have a zero barrier to entry. We want you to come to the Fledge with all the gifts you have to offer the community, and we want to make available to you all of the gifts our community has. We thrive on diversity, we thrive on synchronicity, and we thrive on our many symbiotic relationships.” Joining Chris to discuss this amazing space is the founder, Jerry Norris!
27:0310/05/2022
Ep. 191: SBDC Provides Robust Support for Small Business
Running a business is monumentally difficult. Luckily, there are several resources out there to help you along the way. Joining Chris to discuss those resources - made available by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - is the organization's Capital Area Regional Director, Laurie Lonsdorf!
16:4803/05/2022
Ep. 190: LEAP & PNC Launch “Elevate” in Support of Black Entrepreneurs
Michigan offers a tremendous amount of support for entrepreneurs in this great. Joining Chris to discuss the newest program to engage in called "Elevate" is the Chief Equity and Development Officer of LEAP - the Lansing Economic Area Partnership - Tony Willis & the Director of Client and Community Relations at PNC Bank, Jen Sturdy!
18:0226/04/2022
Ep. 189: The Great Reassessment and Certified B Corporations
Whether you call it the Great Resignation or the Great Reassessment, if you talk to an employer chances are they are seeking new talent and are having trouble finding them. The pandemic has forced some of the workforce to change the way they work, and others have simply decided they want to work differently. Joining Chris from a company offering assistance during this Great Reassessment is the Managing Director of Atomic Object, Brittany Hunter!
21:1819/04/2022
Ep. 188: Michigan Education Trust Assists Families in Saving For Higher Education
Paying for higher education, and the rising student loan debt is a hot topic these days. There is a resource to assist with your long term planning to fund higher education that you may not be familiar with. Joining Chris to discuss the value the Michigan Education Trust brings is their Executive Director, Diane Brewer!
16:5812/04/2022
Ep. 187: Minor League Baseball Ramps Back Up After Pandemic-Affected Season
Michiganders have pretty solid access to quality baseball. Most are loyal to their beloved Detroit Tigers, but if you roam around the state you can find serious baseball in many cities. Joining Chris to discuss the kick-off to what we hope is a normal, non-pandemic affected, season is the GM of the Lansing Lugnuts, Tyler Parsons!
17:0907/04/2022
Ep. 186: Film Festival Goes Live After Hiatus and Hybrid
As the world opens back up on the heels of the Coronavirus pandemic, social activities are resuming. Concerts, festivals and travel are returning swiftly. Joining Chris to discuss an annual event that had to hit pause then go into hybrid mode are three founding members of the Capital City Film Festival - Cameron Gnass, Nicole Szymczak, and Payal Ravani!
22:4205/04/2022
Ep. 185: Local Physical Therapy Firm Broadens Affiliations & Programs
A little more than a year ago, Chris interviewed a local company that was growing by leaps and bounds. In this episode, we get to visit again with Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists - a mid-Michigan physical therapy firm - and learn about many of their new endeavors from the Chief Executive Officer of ORS, Kevin Barclay!
19:0429/03/2022
Ep. 184: The Ovation Music & Arts Venue is Unveiled
If you’re like Chris, you enjoy live music, great art, and community events. Sadly, he usually must travel out of mid-Michigan to Grand Rapids or Detroit to see some of those things he's interested in. Joining Chris to share the newly announced Ovation music and arts center coming to Lansing is the Director of the Lansing Public Media Center, Dominic Cochran!
21:3722/03/2022
Ep. 183: Lansing Pharaohs Basketball Launches Inaugural Season
Last fall Chris introduced this episode's guest, and at the time there was major excitement, but also more questions than answers. In case you missed it, Lansing is getting its own professional basketball team and they tip off their inaugural season on March 18th. Here to discuss the launch of the Lansing Pharaoh’s is Founder & President, Chris Jackson!
18:3115/03/2022
Ep. 182: Michigan Developer Proposes Unique Project in East Lansing
The City of East Lansing has been undergoing quite a renaissance over the past 4 years with a series of new mixed-use development projects, most with an emphasis on student living. Joining Chris to discuss a very different type of development proposed in the city is the Director of Development for River Caddis, John McGraw!
21:5008/03/2022
Ep. 181: Local BBQ Team Expands Into Pizza Business
The pandemic has disrupted virtually all forms of business, but the restaurant industry has been particularly hard hit. However, there are some amazing stories of resilience and even expansion. Joining Chris to discuss how one brand has navigated the past few years are the co-owners of Saddleback BBQ, and newly formed Slice by Saddleback, Travis Stoliker and Matt Gillett!
24:3501/03/2022
Ep. 180: Community Development Project at Pleasant Grove & Holmes, Lansing
There is a new development project coming to the intersection of Pleasant Grove and Holmes in South Lansing. Joining Chris to discuss why that location is significant and what features this dynamic project will contain is the Executive Project Manager of Ferguson Development, Christopher Stralkowski!
18:2722/02/2022
Ep. 179: General Motors Makes Historic Investment in Michigan
The promise of electric motor vehicles has prompted significant investment from auto manufacturers. Joining Chris to discuss the newest and massive investment announcement, and what it means to Michigan, is the President & CEO of LEAP, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, Bob Trezise!
21:2515/02/2022
Ep. 178: “Red Bike” Puts A New Spin On Delivery In Lansing
The pandemic has reduced society's willingness to dine in restaurants or frequent busy stores. Delivery has become king. Today we have a guest that has a unique spin on Delivery in greater Lansing. Joining Chris is the Founder of Red Bike Delivery, Jeremy Hurt!
16:3708/02/2022
Ep. 177: Financial Technology Relocates to Vibrant Downtown East Lansing
Decades ago, businesses fled the downtowns and evolved in the suburbs. Today we are seeing more businesses valuing being back in the thick of it all. Joining Chris to give us the story of a company relocating into a downtown setting is the Vice President of Financial Technology of East Lansing, Sara Frank-Hepfer!
18:0801/02/2022
Ep. 176: Good Fruit Video Founder Delivers in Many Ways
Our great state is made up of amazing people who bring many talents to our communities. Today we get to speak with a great local businessman who has a unique second organization as well. In this episode, Chris is joined by the Co-Founder and Visionary for Good Fruit Video and Founder of Beyond Our Barriers, Justin Caine!
19:0025/01/2022
Ep. 175: Michigan Firm Launches New Venture to Eradicate PFAS
On Michigan Reimagined we discuss a variety of topics - making Michigan an attractive and clean place to live and great start-up companies among them. Today we get to discuss both! Joining Chris to introduce a new Michigan-based company whose mission is to permanently eradicate PFAS risks to human health and ecosystems are the Director of Venture Creation for Spartan Innovations, Brad Fingland and Co-Founder and CEO of Enspired Solutions, Dr. Denise Kay!
24:2118/01/2022
Ep. 174: MEDC Competes to Win on Economic Development in Michigan
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s spearhead when it comes to economic development in Michigan. Joining Chris to discuss a new look on 2022 initiatives and strategies is the Executive Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer for the MEDC, Josh Hundt!
19:3111/01/2022
Ep. 173: MSU Professors Open Book Store, Cafe & Wine Bar
We are knee deep in a long-term pandemic which has upended businesses of all kinds. Even before the pandemic, retail shopping was being revolutionized by the advent of on-line shopping. But some business owners - and industries - are forging ahead nonetheless. Joining Chris to share a great new business about to hit mid-Michigan are the Co-Owners of Hooked, Matt Grossman & Sarah Reckhow!
17:2304/01/2022
Ep. 172: Lansing Art Gallery Relocates Downtown
Every quality community has a quality art gallery, and Lansing is no different. Joining Chris to give us an update on our Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center and some big news about their facility, is the Executive Director, Barb Whitney!
17:0228/12/2021
Ep. 171: LEAP’s One and All Entrepreneur Assistance Program
Support for entrepreneurship in Michigan can be found in a lot of places - and in Mid-Michigan, you will often find LEAP - the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, leading the charge. Joining Chris to discuss the newest class of the One and All program are our friends from LEAP. The Chief Equity and Development Officer, Tony Willis, and Director of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development, Katlyn Cardoso!
19:5921/12/2021
Ep. 170: It's the Holiday Season for Opportunity Arts
The winter holidays are upon us, and many people think about attending community events & sharing culture this time of year. In this episode Chris welcomes back the Owner & Director of Opportunity Arts, Mike Marriott, to discuss the upcoming "12 Days of Christmas" Art Event Series hitting Lansing this year!
17:4314/12/2021