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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. 119: "10 Over the Next 10" Winners
Every year the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce announces a list titled “10 over the next 10”, and this year's winners were recently announced.Chris is joined by two of the ten winners for this year, Katie Krick, Commercial Lines Producer at Cedar River Insurance, and Joe Lewis II, Project Manager at C2AE, to discuss what that award means, how it’s earned, and why it’s important!
16:0112/10/2020
Ep. 118: The Future of the Office Post-Covid
The CoronaVirus pandemic of 2020 (and hopefully not beyond) has wreaked havoc on virtually all aspects of life. One facet of fallout that has been the future of the office workspace.Joining Chris to give us an expert perspective on this topic is Senior VP and Office Associate for Martin Commercial Properties, Eric Rosekrans!
15:5628/09/2020
Ep. 117: The Growth of Farmers Markets
This next discussion checks a lot of boxes - vibrancy, revitalization, nutrition, small business development among others. Joining Chris to discuss farmers markets as a whole, and the new Marketplace on the Green in Meridian Township is the Director of Meridian Township Parks and Recreation, LuAnne Maisner.
16:0321/09/2020
Ep. 116: LEAP's One&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 newly unveiled One&All program - a brand new series of resources, targeted at a specific group of people - are our friends from LEAP: VP of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Tony Willis, and VP of Marketing and Communications, Victoria Meadows!
16:0314/09/2020
Ep. 115: New Funding Mechanism for Start-ups
Entrepreneurs and small business drive a significant percentage of our economy. On Michigan Reimagined, we have highlighted dozens of initiatives meant to assist start-ups. Today, we’ll hear about a brand new pre-seed fund offered through the Michigan State University Foundation called Michigan Rise. Joining Chris to tell us more is Michigan Rise Executive Director, Jeff Wesley, and Director Prem Bodagala!
16:0107/09/2020
Ep. 114: The Arts Navigate the Pandemic
The Corona-virus pandemic has devastated countless lives, and ground virtually all normalcy including schools, sports, jobs and the economy in general. Unless you’re connected directly, you may have undervalued the effects it has had on the arts. Joining Chris to discuss how the arts are navigating the pandemic is the Owner & Director of Opportunity Arts, Mike Marriott.
16:0124/08/2020
Ep. 113: TA Forsberg Makes Tiny Homes Come To Life
A wider variety of housing options is something communities clamor for to remain competitive to attract new residents and to drive their economy. One housing variety that is becoming a bigger deal, is tiny homes. Joining Chris to talk about a new neighborhood exclusively made up of Tiny Homes is the President of TA Forsberg, Mr. Brent Forsberg!
16:0517/08/2020
Ep. 112: Small Business Achieves Massive Growth
In this episode we learn more about Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists - a mid-Michigan physical therapy firm providing a wide variety of services. And to discuss the success ORS has been achieving, Chris is joined by CEO, Kevin Barclay.
16:3610/08/2020
Ep. 111: "Ngage" - MI Top 50 Companies To Watch
Each year the Michigan Celebrates Small Business organization - or MCSB - publishes their “Michigan Top 50 Companies to Watch”. Ngage Management of Okemos was selected for one of the coveted positions from a state-wide pool of candidates.In this episode, Chris is joined by Tobi Lyon, CEO of Ngage Management, to discuss what makes Ngage such a special small business!
16:0603/08/2020
Ep. 110: Chamber Supports Business Despite Work-From-Home
The Chamber of Commerce is known to be a resource for and a connector of businesses. You think of seminars, meetings and mixers. But what do you do as a Chamber when businesses are closed and everyone is staying at home? You adjust!To discuss how one chamber adjusted, Chris is joined by Michelle Rahl, VP of Member Engagment for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce!
16:0815/07/2020
Ep. 109: Public Transit Adjust For Pandemic
Public transportation is something many communities and its citizens rely on. But how do you manage transit during a pandemic that has many staying at home, or social distancing?To share one organization’s path, Chris is joined by Brad Funkhouser, CEO of CATA - Capital Area Transportation Authority!
15:5613/07/2020
Ep. 108: Small Business Assistance During Coronovirus
Economic Development Agencies have been on a roll revitalizing our state through recruiting, advocacy, policy and funding. Then, the Corona-virus hit.To help discuss how Economic Development Agencies pivot during these disruptive times, Chris is joined by Keith Lambert, VP of Business Attraction at LEAP - the Lansing Economic Area Partnership!
15:5906/07/2020
Ep. 107: Marketing Strategies in the New Normal
The changing landscape for marketing and business development due to the Coronavirus is undeniable. Advertising, Networking, Tradeshows and Client Meetings all have been disrupted and businesses who expect to survive during the new normal must remain nimble.In this episode, Chris is joined by Julie Holton, Principal Strategist & Owner of MConnexions, to discuss how companies have been adjusting to the “new normal”.
15:5629/06/2020
Ep. 106: Downtown Organizations Stay Strong Amid Adversity
Michigan has seen strong results in efforts to revitalize aging downtowns. Then the pandemic hit, followed by protests and riots amid outrage over police killings of minorities. Many "downtowns" across the country experienced damage to storefronts, vacant due to the Stay Home, Stay Safe order. How much momentum has been lost and where do we go from here?In this episode, Chris is joined by Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of Downtown Lansing, to discuss all that and more!
17:0922/06/2020
Ep. 105: Resources for Student Education at Home
School aged children, from K-12 and from colleges and universities, were abruptly sent home and the world shifted to online learning during the pandemic of Covid-19. Most educators, students and parents were ill equipped for the change.In this episode, Chris is joined by Jessica Rollins, Owner & Executive Director, Sylvan Learning Centers of Mid-Michigan, to discuss the challenges, and more importantly some resources, for learning at home.
15:5601/06/2020
Ep. 103: Navigating Human Resources During a Pandemic
Human Resources can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes during normal times. Navigating a pandemic, and balancing business survival and employee accommodations, makes things 1000 times harder.In this episode, Chris is joined by Jodi Schafer, Principal of Human Resource Management Services, to discuss these challenges and offer some strategies to cope.
15:5618/05/2020
Ep. 102: MEDC Assists Small Business During Pandemic
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the states spearhead when it comes to driving support for our businesses. The global pandemic of Covid-19 impacted Michigan greatly and the MEDC has been here to help.In this episode, Chris is joined by Josh Hundt, Executive VP & Chief Business Development Officer for Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to discuss the many resources made available to our business community.
15:5611/05/2020
Ep. 101: Chamber Acknowledges Strong Businesses
The concept of the Chamber of Commerce is pretty well known to most. I've lived in a lot of places and have been a member of dozens of Chambers, but I can honestly say, when I joined the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, I was blown away with the programs, support and connections they provided to me as a new resident and business leader.In this episode, I am joined by Steve Japinga, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Chamber, to talk about two specific programs the Chamber stewards!
15:5606/04/2020
Ep. 100: MEDC Announces Updated Stratgetic Plan
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the states spearhead when it comes to driving sustainability of our state. Like any good group of leaders, they occasionally pause, review the data and reset the trajectory and priorities of their mission.In this episode, Chris is joined by Josh Hundt, Executive Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer for MEDC, to discuss their new strategic plan!
15:5630/03/2020
Ep. 99: Allen Neighborhood Center Drives Development
Lansing's Eastside neighborhood has been an especially proud part of mid-Michigan for years.In this episode, Chris is joined by Joan Nelson, Director of the Allen Neighborhood Center, to help educate us on where that pride comes from and where it's going!
16:0623/03/2020
Ep. 98: Art Council Names New Executive Director
The Arts Council of Greater Lansing has been a leader in the advocacy, education and celebration of the arts culture in mid-Michigan for years.In this episode, Chris is joined by Meghan Martin, the Council's recently appointed Executive Director!
15:5616/03/2020
Ep. 97: Public Transit Funding Needs
CATA - Capital Area Transportation Authority - has been providing bus transportation for Ingham County since 1972. For almost 50 years, residents have been able to jump on a CATA bus and travel throughout the cities of Lansing and East Lansing and Delhi, Lansing and Meridian Townships.In this episode, Chris is joined by Lolo Robison, Director of Marketing/Customer Experience for CATA, to talk about the upcoming funding request!
15:5609/03/2020
Ep. 96: General Motors Invests $2 Billion Into Michigan
General Motors recently announced a $2.2 Billion dollar investment into its Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant, creating more than 2200 manufacturing jobs.Here to unpack this announcement is the Executive Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Josh Hundt.
15:5602/03/2020
Ep. 95: New Incentive For Downtown Businesses
Downtown Lansing Inc. is dedicated to making Lansing a place where people want to be - by encouraging its businesses, neighborhoods, and stakeholders to build a dynamic culture known for its vibrancy, sustainable growth, and business friendly environment.In this epside, Chris is joined by Downtown Lansing's Executive Director, Cathleen Edgerly and it's Marketing and Design Specialist, Siso Dhladhla.
15:5624/02/2020
Ep. 94: New Platform For Artists
Art plays a major role in driving vibrancy in Michigan, and subsequently attracting talent for the great jobs we have.In this episode, Chris is joined by Jeremy Hurt, co-founder for The Artist's Umbrella.
15:5617/02/2020
Ep. 93: New Corridor Improvement Authority Districts
The City of Lansing has enjoyed impressive progress on its revitalization efforts. The Stadium District, Lansing’s East Side, and Waterfront among many other sites have seen major projects in recent years, demonstrating that “Lansing’s Time is Now”.
15:5610/02/2020
Ep. 92: Independent Consulting Assists Small Business
There is a tremendous amount of energy being deployed to incubate start-up companies. The most undeserved group in our business communities are our established small businesses and they too are getting more and more support from outsiders.Joining Chris to discuss the small business consulting world is the President of Supplemental CEO, Teena Rairigh.
15:5503/02/2020
Ep. 91: Defeat-the-Breach: Cyber-security Initiative
Cyber-security, data breaches, identity theft and ransomware hackers are making the news at a frightening pace. As we review the headlines, most readers still don’t get it and even if they do, they don’t likely know how to change their behaviors.Here to unpack this daunting topic are three experts who have recently created a coalition for this cause called Defeat the Breach:Jeff Detlof, President of Providence ConsultingThad Morgan, Attorney at Fraser TrebilcockBarb Holland, Director at Truscott Rossman PR
15:5527/01/2020
Ep. 90: Michigan State Innovation Ecosystem
Michigan State University’s business start-up and support is second to none and we’ve highlighted their works a number of times on this show.In this episode, Chris is joined by Paul Jaques and Ken Szymusiak of The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to talk about their new roles within this ecosystem.
15:5620/01/2020
Ep. 89: Real Estate Market Index Study
This show centers around the vibrancy and economic sustainability of #Michigan and if you’re going to do these things right, you have to understand how real estate works in your region.In this episode, Chris is joined by Van Martin, President and CEO of Martin Commercial Properties.
15:5613/01/2020
Ep. 88: Women's Center of Greater Lansing
Excerpts of the Women's Center of Greater Lansing mission include: “A commitment to providing valuable, innovative resources and service” and “we want every woman who enters our center to develop intellectual, social, economic, and emotional strength”.In this episode, Chris is joined by Melina Brann, Executive Director of Women's Center of Greater Lansing, to discuss all this and more
15:5606/01/2020
Ep. 87: Community Engagement From Millennial Entrepreneurs
Every now and then you'll stumble across a citizen doing something unique and special to drive the region’s vibrancy.In this episode, Chris showcases three such individuals who have joined forces for the public good, despite being competitors in the corporate world:Katie Krick, Liberty Mutual Insurance AgentJustine Bell, Commercial Lines Producer at Cedar River Insurance Agency, Inc.Kirk Byrens State Farm Insurance Agency
15:5630/12/2019
Ep. 86: Advocating for Downtown Vibrancy
Downtown Lansing Inc. is dedicated to making Lansing a place where people want to be - by encouraging its businesses, neighborhoods, and stakeholders to build a dynamic culture known for its vibrancy, sustainable growth, and business friendly environment.In this episode, Chris is joined by Executive Director, Cathleen Edgerly to unpack how Downtown Lansing Inc operates to achieve results.
15:5623/12/2019
Ep. 85: Advocacy For Local Merchants
The advent of on-line shopping has changed the way we purchase virtually everything we need, and the fate of retail shopping is being played out as we speak.However, there is a long standing advocacy group here in Michigan working hard to assist the merchants in our communities who are so vital to our economy.In this episode, Chris is joined by Meegan Holland, VP of Communications and Marketing for the Michigan Retailers Association.
15:5616/12/2019
Ep. 84: Impressive Regional Development Funnel
This whole show revolves around highlighting people and organizations driving Michigan’s vibrancy and economic sustainability. The sum of these stories appears to be paying off.In this episode, Chris is joined by Vice President of Business Attraction at LEAP, Keith Lambert.
15:5609/12/2019
Ep. 83: Lansing Rotary Park Update
Lansing unveiled a major improvement to its riverfront in late August/early September 2019 - called Rotary Park. Here to discuss what’s been done, and what comes next is the Executive Vice President of the Capital Region Community Foundation, Laurie Baumer.
13:5602/12/2019
Ep. 82: Marijuana In Michigan
While Michigan has allowed medical Marijuana for year, and voted to allow recreational use in 2018, municipalities are navigating their way through ordinances to allow marijuana - both medical and recreational. Many say the economic impact is undeniable. Here to discuss how this industry is establishing itself in Michigan is the Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Business Development from Green Peak Innovations, Joe Neller.
15:5625/11/2019
Ep. 81: Transportation Improvement Plan, 2020-2023
The Tri County Regional Planning Commission recently published its Transportation Improvement Plan, or TIP, and here to talk about it the Deputy Director of the Tri County Regional Planning Commission, Nicole Baumer.
15:5618/11/2019
Ep. 80: Energy Developments Limited Invests In Michigan
Michigan puts a lot of resources into courting out-of-state and out-of-country companies to invest in Michigan. At the same time, the world is keenly aware of the need for renewable and efficient energy to fuel our lives. In this episode, I'm joined by Jim Grant, CEO of North America for Energy Developments Limited, to discuss all this and more!
15:5511/11/2019
Ep. 79: Placemaking and EPA Grants
A tremendous amount of effort has gone into improving the aesthetic of our communities AND the preparation of potential development sites that have known contamination. In this episode, I am joined by Dillon Rush, Tri-County Development and Placemaking Manager for LEAP, to discuss two separate initiatives to improve the vibrancy of the community.
15:5504/11/2019
Ep. 78: Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship
Universities are primarily designed to give education to students and prepare them for careers after college. However, there is a huge subculture of innovation at many universities helping students and professors to create companies WHILE they’re in school. In this episode, I am joined by Aaryn Richard, Communications manager for the MSU Foundation and subsidiaries, AND Josh Cooper, CEO and founder of Skoop Inc, to talk about Michigan State University’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship
15:5728/10/2019
Ep. 77: Michigan Made Holiday Art Exhibition
Every year we run the holiday gauntlet which tends to begin with Halloween and end after New Years. Shopping is a large part of this season , and so is local music and art. In this episode, I am joined by Barb Whitney, Executive Director of the Lansing Art Gallery, to talk about a special event that mixes shopping and art!
15:5721/10/2019
Ep. 76: Lansing 5:01 Capital Comeback
The need for talent retention and attraction is well known, especially in Michigan where vibrancy and economic development is only limited by is desperate need for population growth. In this episode, I am joined by Chris Sell, Executive Director of Lansing 5:01, to talk about an interactive effort to retain the talent through a special seasonal event.
15:5721/10/2019
Ep. 75: Meridian Mall 50th Anniversary
The traditional indoor mall phenomenon of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s has been the focus of attention recently. The advent of e-commerce and online shopping has threatened these multi-acre, million square foot institutions often located in the heart of a community's central business district. In this episode, I'm joined by Stephon Lebovitz and Shawn Dunham to talk about an impressive milestone anniversary and outlook of a local shopping mall.Guest: Stephen Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties Shawn Dunham, Senior Specialty Leasing Manager for Meridian Mall/CBL Properties
15:5614/10/2019
Ep. 74: Employment Agencies Driving Talent Acquisition
Unemployment is low. Employers are desperate for talent. Michigan has mobilized numerous initiatives to retain talent. Well, we’re all aware that talent agencies exist, but do we really understand the role they play and how they can help the talent concerns in Michigan? In this episode, I am joined by Pamela Drake and Daniel Shinaver, co-owners of Drake-Shinaver Employment Services, to discuss the role of talent agencies in this climate.
15:5614/10/2019
Ep. 73: Pentacle - Infrastructure Support for the Arts
The phrase “starving artist” has been around a long time, and unless you’re an actual artist, this concept seems more like a metaphor than a reality. There is an impressive amount of effort being put into eradicating the phrase and helping art become a more mainstream and feasible career choice. In this episode, I am joined by Mike Marriott, Owner & Director of Opportunity Arts, to discuss a new-to-Michigan support system working to this end.
15:5614/10/2019
Ep. 72: Impression 5 Science Center SMASH Exhibit
STEAM education - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math - is proving not to be just fashion, but rather incorporated in a wide variety of locales, including a growing wave of hands-on museums. Recently the Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing unveiled a new exhibit called SMASH. In this episode, I am joined by Executive Director, Erik Larson and Board of Directors member, Wendy Hamilton to discuss the exhibit.
15:5626/09/2019
Ep. 71: The Legal Need for Website Accessibility
Raise your hand if your organization has a website. Ok, raise your hand if you KNOW that your website is optimized for accessibility as mandated by federal law? I imagine not so many. In this episode, I am joined by Ash Harris, the Managing Partner of Akea Accessibility Partners, to discuss what web accessibility is, and why many companies, nonprofits and municipalities are vulnerable to lawsuits due to non-compliance.
15:5620/09/2019
Ep. 70: The Evolution of Regional Transit
In this episode, Chris breaks down the evolution of regional transit and why its significant.
15:5612/09/2019
Ep. 69: The Fledge - 1 Year Later
Guest: Jerry Norris, Founder of The Fledge
15:5605/09/2019