Chris Holman speaks with David Egner, President and CEO, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2025 - David Egner - #MPC25

Chris Holman speaks with Tony Stamas, President and CEO, Midland Business Alliance, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2025 - Tony Stamas - #MPC25

Chris Holman speaks with Brian Calley, President and CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2025 - Brian Calley - #MPC25

Chris Holman speaks with Garlin Gilchrist II, Lieutenant Governor, State of Michigan, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2025 - Garlin Gilchrist II - #MPC25

Chris Holman speaks with Marcie Hillary, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, NorthStar Pallative Care, and Patrick Miller, President and CEO, NorthStar Pallative Care, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2025- Marcie Hillary and Patrick Miller - #MPC25

Chris Holman speaks with Stephen Rapundalo, President & CEO, MichBIO, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference.

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Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2025 - Stephen Rapundalo - #MPC25

Chris Holman welcomes back Becky Burtka, VP of Member Engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI.

Welcome back Becky, remind us about the Michigan Chamber, and then tell us about National Civics Bee?

Let's dig in on the purpose of National Civics Bee and the reason the state chamber got involved?

How successful has Michigan been with the program?

What does 2026 look like?

What impact have you seen in the students that competed in 2024 and 2025?

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Michigan Business Beat | Becky Burtka, Michigan Chamber - Civics Bee Impact & Future Vision

Chris Holman welcomes back Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., President, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

Tell us about the recently developed MSU Green and White Council?

How did the Council determine its three recommended initiatives?

Why is "AI-Ready Spartans" on that list?

How important is experiential learning (i.e. internship, study abroad, etc.) in helping to prepare graduates for the workforce?

Why is MSU uniquely positioned to drive these initiatives forward? 

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Green and White Council
Michigan State University’s specially appointed Green and White Council includes some of Michigan’s foremost business, industry and civic leaders. In April 2025, President Guskiewicz launched the Council to champion bold initiatives that will amplify MSU’s role as Michigan’s state university and address the state’s biggest challenges.  

Harnessing MSU’s distinctive assets and the unparalleled expertise of its members while focusing on what matters most for Michigan, the Council guides initiatives designed to:  

Develop talent for in-demand jobs across the state and equip Spartans with the skills of the future.
Connect Spartans to great companies and careers in Michigan.
Leverage MSU’s cutting-edge research and intellectual property to propel Michigan’s economy.  
Co-chaired by university alumnus Matt Elliott and Eli Broad College of Business Dean Emeritus and Professor Sanjay Gupta, the council’s partnership with MSU helps align education, research, and industry to current workforce needs, identification of future skills, and guidance toward initiatives that prepare Spartans for a rapidly evolving economy.  

The Council has designed three transformational initiatives that drive this work:  

AI-Ready Spartans: Builds digital competencies across the undergraduate experience by prioritizing AI through an industry-backed, employer-informed approach, ensuring every graduate can use AI effectively and responsibly.
Career-Connected Spartans: Ensures every undergraduate gains access to career exploration and real-world experiences, building the skills, confidence, and clarity needed to launch successfully into the workforce.
Spartan Catalyst: Accelerates collaboration between MSU researchers and industry to translate discovery into innovation and economic impact by tackling their most pressing challenges.  
Looking Ahead

University leadership, in coordination with the Green and White Council, is currently working to integrate the initiatives across colleges and units at MSU.  

The university invites companies and industry leaders to partner on applied AI and digital competency curriculum, career exploration and experiential learning opportunities, and applied research collaborations. Employers play a pivotal role in preparing the future workforce, and MSU welcomes partners ready to build alongside and help power the innovation economy.  More information and the opportunity to engage with the council’s initiatives is available here.

A $5 million seed gift from an Eli Broad College of Business alumnus will help launch the council’s initiatives and advance the university’s continued incorporation of artificial intelligence, experiential learning and applied research as part of the undergraduate experience at MSU. The council anticipates additional philanthropic investments to expand opportunities for students and partners nationwide.

Michigan Business Beat | Kevin Guskiewicz, MSU, Green & White Council Vision, AI-Ready Spartans + +

Recording Date: February 18, 2026
Location: Capital Region International Airport (LAN)

Ben Bakken - Senior VP, Lansing Market Director at Tri-Star Trust

Ben Bakken is an experienced and knowledgeable financial professional who understands the ‘ins and outs’ of strategy, analysis, relationship building, and leadership. Ben brings more than a decade of experience in the banking industry, in addition to nearly 5 years of experience in C-Suite roles responsible for finance, operations, accounting, real estate, information technology, business development, and human resources. He acquired his MBA from Northwood University and has a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. Community involvement and volunteerism are pillars of what motivates Ben. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee, Board Member for the Lansing Regional SmartZone / Local Development Financing Authority, co-founder and organizer for 5 Minutes Tops student shark-tank contest, Treasurer for the Holt Education Foundation, member of the Lansing Promise Business Council, Vice Chairperson for the Lansing Community College Foundation, and President for Holt Junior Rams Basketball. He also enjoys fundraising for Special Olympics Michigan’s Polar Plunge, Women Working Wonders / Sparrow Foundation’s Dapper Dads, Carefree Medical’s Dancing with the Local Stars, and Children’s Ballet Theatre Nutcracker performance as ‘Mother Ginger’. Ben was the HEF recipient of the 2022 Community Person of the Year award, as well as the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce 2011 ’10 Over The Next Ten’ award.

For information about Ben Bakken go to: https://www.tristartrust.com/team/

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MBN Speaker Series | Ben Bakken - Senior VP, Lansing Market Director at Tri-Star Trust

Chris Holman welcomes back Faces of Manufacturing show Co-Host Cindy Kangas, Executive Director, CAMC, Capital Area Manufacturing Council, Lansing, MI.

What's happening in Manufacturing and CAMC at this time?

Tell me about the event you have coming up?

Why is it important to celebrate Rosies?

What activities and speakers will be attending?

How does this support women in STEM careers and young ladies in the talent pipeline?

Where can people find more information?

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(LANSING, MI) — Michigan’s manufacturing and agricultural legacies will unite on Friday, March 13, 2026, as the 4th Annual Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day arrives at the Capital Region International Airport. This year’s celebration marks a major expansion for the event, bridging the worlds of aerospace and industry with a first-of-its-kind tribute to Michigan’s wartime “Rosies on the Farm.” The gathering honors the women who redefined the American workforce during WWII and the trailblazers leading Michigan’s industries today.

Emceed by Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame inductee Sheri Jones, the afternoon is a vibrant, multi-generational celebration featuring a breathtaking vintage aircraft flyover and a veteran pin ceremony led by Retired Col. Frank J. Walker. A robust lineup of keynote speakers will address the crowd, including Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and leaders from UAW Region 1, Jiffy Mix, and the Michigan Department of Corrections Vocational Village. The program will also feature the presentation of ten Rosie Awards, honoring outstanding women in industry from across the state, Rosie families in memoriam, and educators dedicated to empowering their students with the Rosie spirit of grit and innovation.

“Michigan Rosie Day honors the women whose skill and resolve kept Michigan moving during wartime,” said Cindy Kangas, Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council. “We hope their example inspires today’s women in STEM and the skilled trades to pursue bold careers, and that these stories continue to shape how we teach, recruit, and remember.”

“Seeing my grandmother’s story honored alongside these incredible women is more than just a history lesson—it’s a homecoming. For our family, this day is about ensuring that her courage and hard work aren’t just remembered, but are used to fuel the dreams of her great-grandchildren,” said Madelyn Taylor, daughter of Clara.

“The women who built planes in the 1940s share the same spirit as the people in our shops and on our farms today. By honoring the ‘Rosies on the Farm’ alongside our manufacturing pioneers, we’re showing the next generation that there is a place for everyone in Michigan’s workforce,” said Tanya Blehm, event coordinator.

Experience Hands-On History 

The airport event space will serve as a hands-on history hub where Michigan’s legacy comes to life. Featuring interactive exhibits from Impression 5 Science Center, local robotics teams, and Jiffy Mix, the event is designed for kids and grandparents to explore side-by-side. In a tribute to the legendary “Doughnut Dollies,” the American Red Cross of Michigan will be in attendance dressed in historic character to share the story of the brave women who served on the front lines during WWII. From the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and the REOlds Transportation Museum to the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan and the League of Enchantment, there is something to spark curiosity in every generation.

Grab your favorite red polka-dot scarf, throw on some denim, and help Michigan keep history alive!

EVENT DETAILS
WHEN: Friday, March 13, 2026

TIME: 4:00 PM

WHERE: Capital Region International Airport (4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI)

WEBSITE: Visit mirosieday.org 

Michigan Business Beat | Cindy Kangas, CAMC, Presenting Michigan Rosie the Riveter Day 2026 and More

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