Monday, September 8th, MBN was on the road to the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Kalamazoo, MI.

This was day 2 of 2025's Michigan Works! Association's Annual Conference.

In this video Chris Holman welcomes Todd Gustafson, President  & Chief Executive Officer, Kinexus, Benton Harbor, MI.

They discuss the services, and challenges facing his Michigan Works! chapter, along with what he's experiencing with the Michigan Works! Annual Conference.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
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Michigan Works! Association Wraps Up 2025 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo

The Michigan Works! Association successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Conference September 7–9 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo. The three-day event brought together workforce development professionals, employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore solutions for Michigan’s most pressing talent and employment challenges.

The conference opened Sunday with workshops, the Association’s annual meeting, and a networking reception at the Gilmore Car Museum, providing an engaging start for attendees to connect with peers and partners.

On Monday, the agenda featured keynote presentations from Sharon Gai and Dr. Christopher Laney, who offered insights into global workforce trends, leadership, and the future of employment. Attendees engaged in a variety of workshops covering workforce readiness, training strategies, and employer engagement. The Exhibit Hall was a focal point for building connections between businesses, service providers, and Michigan Works! agencies,  (and also where MBN recorded its interviews from). While networking opportunities such as the Dessert Break & Headshot Lounge further fostered collaboration.

The conference concluded Tuesday with workshops and a dynamic closing keynote from Dr. Sherene McHenry, emphasizing leadership, communication, and strategies to strengthen Michigan’s workforce ecosystem. An invitation-only Executive Breakfast also gave business and policy leaders an opportunity to exchange ideas in a more focused setting.

Across the three days, the conference highlighted the critical role of employment in economic development. Employers learned about the tangible costs of workforce gaps, explored innovative approaches to upskilling, and built partnerships to address talent shortages. The emphasis on collaboration positioned Michigan Works! as a vital connector between business needs and workforce solutions.

By drawing together leaders from across the state, the 2025 Annual Conference underscored Michigan’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy through workforce innovation, business engagement, and talent development.

Michigan Business Beat on the Road | Todd Gustafson, Kinexus Takeaways from the MW!A Conference!

Monday, September 8th, MBN was on the road to the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Kalamazoo, MI.

This was day 2 of 2025's Michigan Works! Association's Annual Conference.

In this video Chris Holman welcomes Carrie Rosingana, CEO at Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing, serving Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties

They discuss the services, and challenges facing his Michigan Works! chapter, along with what he's experiencing with the Michigan Works! Annual Conference.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Michigan Works! Association Wraps Up 2025 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo

The Michigan Works! Association successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Conference September 7–9 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo. The three-day event brought together workforce development professionals, employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore solutions for Michigan’s most pressing talent and employment challenges.

The conference opened Sunday with workshops, the Association’s annual meeting, and a networking reception at the Gilmore Car Museum, providing an engaging start for attendees to connect with peers and partners.

On Monday, the agenda featured keynote presentations from Sharon Gai and Dr. Christopher Laney, who offered insights into global workforce trends, leadership, and the future of employment. Attendees engaged in a variety of workshops covering workforce readiness, training strategies, and employer engagement. The Exhibit Hall was a focal point for building connections between businesses, service providers, and Michigan Works! agencies,  (and also where MBN recorded its interviews from). While networking opportunities such as the Dessert Break & Headshot Lounge further fostered collaboration.

The conference concluded Tuesday with workshops and a dynamic closing keynote from Dr. Sherene McHenry, emphasizing leadership, communication, and strategies to strengthen Michigan’s workforce ecosystem. An invitation-only Executive Breakfast also gave business and policy leaders an opportunity to exchange ideas in a more focused setting.

Across the three days, the conference highlighted the critical role of employment in economic development. Employers learned about the tangible costs of workforce gaps, explored innovative approaches to upskilling, and built partnerships to address talent shortages. The emphasis on collaboration positioned Michigan Works! as a vital connector between business needs and workforce solutions.

By drawing together leaders from across the state, the 2025 Annual Conference underscored Michigan’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy through workforce innovation, business engagement, and talent development.

Michigan Business Beat on the Road | Carrie Rosingana, CAMW! - Key Takeaways from MW!A Conference!

Monday, September 8th, MBN was on the road to the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Kalamazoo, MI.

This was day 2 of 2025's Michigan Works! Association's Annual Conference.

In this video Chris Holman welcomes Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, but serving statewide in Michigan.

They discuss the services, and challenges facing his Michigan Works! chapter, along with what he's experiencing with the Michigan Works! Annual Conference.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Michigan Works! Association Wraps Up 2025 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo

The Michigan Works! Association successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Conference September 7–9 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo. The three-day event brought together workforce development professionals, employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore solutions for Michigan’s most pressing talent and employment challenges.

The conference opened Sunday with workshops, the Association’s annual meeting, and a networking reception at the Gilmore Car Museum, providing an engaging start for attendees to connect with peers and partners.

On Monday, the agenda featured keynote presentations from Sharon Gai and Dr. Christopher Laney, who offered insights into global workforce trends, leadership, and the future of employment. Attendees engaged in a variety of workshops covering workforce readiness, training strategies, and employer engagement. The Exhibit Hall was a focal point for building connections between businesses, service providers, and Michigan Works! agencies,  (and also where MBN recorded its interviews from). While networking opportunities such as the Dessert Break & Headshot Lounge further fostered collaboration.

The conference concluded Tuesday with workshops and a dynamic closing keynote from Dr. Sherene McHenry, emphasizing leadership, communication, and strategies to strengthen Michigan’s workforce ecosystem. An invitation-only Executive Breakfast also gave business and policy leaders an opportunity to exchange ideas in a more focused setting.

Across the three days, the conference highlighted the critical role of employment in economic development. Employers learned about the tangible costs of workforce gaps, explored innovative approaches to upskilling, and built partnerships to address talent shortages. The emphasis on collaboration positioned Michigan Works! as a vital connector between business needs and workforce solutions.

By drawing together leaders from across the state, the 2025 Annual Conference underscored Michigan’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy through workforce innovation, business engagement, and talent development.

Michigan Business Beat on the Road | Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association Hosts MW!A Conference!

Monday, September 8th, MBN was on the road to the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Kalamazoo, MI.

This was day 2 of 2025's Michigan Works! Association's Annual Conference.

In this video Chris Holman welcomes Jessica Topp, CEO,  Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.

They discuss the services, and challenges facing his Michigan Works! chapter, along with what he's experiencing with the Michigan Works! Annual Conference.

» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Michigan Works! Association Wraps Up 2025 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo

The Michigan Works! Association successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Conference September 7–9 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in Kalamazoo. The three-day event brought together workforce development professionals, employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore solutions for Michigan’s most pressing talent and employment challenges.

The conference opened Sunday with workshops, the Association’s annual meeting, and a networking reception at the Gilmore Car Museum, providing an engaging start for attendees to connect with peers and partners.

On Monday, the agenda featured keynote presentations from Sharon Gai and Dr. Christopher Laney, who offered insights into global workforce trends, leadership, and the future of employment. Attendees engaged in a variety of workshops covering workforce readiness, training strategies, and employer engagement. The Exhibit Hall was a focal point for building connections between businesses, service providers, and Michigan Works! agencies,  (and also where MBN recorded its interviews from). While networking opportunities such as the Dessert Break & Headshot Lounge further fostered collaboration.

The conference concluded Tuesday with workshops and a dynamic closing keynote from Dr. Sherene McHenry, emphasizing leadership, communication, and strategies to strengthen Michigan’s workforce ecosystem. An invitation-only Executive Breakfast also gave business and policy leaders an opportunity to exchange ideas in a more focused setting.

Across the three days, the conference highlighted the critical role of employment in economic development. Employers learned about the tangible costs of workforce gaps, explored innovative approaches to upskilling, and built partnerships to address talent shortages. The emphasis on collaboration positioned Michigan Works! as a vital connector between business needs and workforce solutions.

By drawing together leaders from across the state, the 2025 Annual Conference underscored Michigan’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy through workforce innovation, business engagement, and talent development.

Michigan Business Beat on the Road | Jessica Topp,  Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium MW!A Conf.

While countries came together in the late 80s to fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism, technology and the advent of virtual currencies have further complicated the tracking of illicit financial flows across borders. Over $51 billion in cryptocurrency was used by criminals last year to circumvent traditional banking regulations. Chady El Khoury is an assistant general counsel and heads the Financial Integrity Group at the IMF. In this podcast, El Khoury says the anonymity of virtual currency transactions is supercharging the ability for criminals to grow their empires. 

Transcript: https://bit.ly/3KOjzeA

Chady El Khoury on the Virtual Reality of Financial Crime

This week, we discuss the details of the “Accra Reset,” an effort to declare an end to the era of development-as-usual and to push for the creation of new governance, business, and financing models. With traditional donors cutting foreign assistance, African nations and others are using the initiative to jointly invest, design, and create solutions with external partners.

With official development assistance plummeting, governments are under pressure to make up their global health funding shortfall through taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages.  However, these levies may not be a financial panacea.

During the conversation, we also look back at how U.S. objections stalled the long-negotiated United Nations declaration on noncommunicable diseases, sending it to a full General Assembly vote this month, and look ahead to the World Health Summit.

To dig into these stories and others, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Senior Reporter Sara Jerving and contributing reporter Andrew Green for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. 

Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters:
https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This Week in Global Dev: #115: Could taxes fix the global health funding crisis?

Ever-changing and developing patterns of arpeggiating piano and light orchestral arrangement. Busy, progressing, developing, seeking out new directions, ever in flux and moving on. (Stem files available.)

For licensing, contact
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Buy/License

Emerging Development

Welcome to Off Script with Sam Monk. This fortnightly podcast is about having an off script conversation with Sam Monk on faith, leadership and culture. 

Sam Monk is National Leader of Acts Churches New Zealand and the Senior Leader of Equippers Churches. Equippers Church has over 50 Churches located around the world in: New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Australia, Philippines, India, Italy, South Africa, Ghana, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Hungry, USA and Mexico. One thing we believe is that significant ministry flows from significant relationships. Whether you have been called to education, healthcare, business, arts, media, government, family or church, we want to equip you to extend the Kingdom of God in your world. Connect with Sam Monk 

Website: https://sammonk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.monk1 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammonk/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OffScriptWithSamMonk 

Equippers Church Website: https://www.equipperschurch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equipperschurch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equipperschurch
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/equipperschurch

Off-Script Podcast Episode 52 - Men & Discipleship Part 1

The expectation for kids to start writing is getting earlier and earlier all of the time. However, the youngest children don’t have the physical development needed to use the small muscles in their fingers and hands to hold and control a pencil.

1. Strengthen Big Muscles First:
For a person to write successfully, they need to be able to stabilize their upper arm. If the movement comes from their shoulder joint when they write, they will get tired out quickly. Use play to strengthen the upper body. Wheelbarrow walking, crawling, and animal walks all work well for this.

2. Get vertical:
Tape a piece of paper to a wall or find an easel with a chalkboard or blackboard. Let the child color to their heart’s content. Kids enjoy the novelty of this activity, and it allows for practice with grasp and getting the wrist into the correct position for writing. If this feels tricky, tape a sheet of paper to the wall and let them place stickers on it for a similar effect. 

3. Draw:
Creating simple drawings is a great way to work on visual-motor integrations skills. Sometimes referred to as hand-eye coordination, visual-motor integration involves using coordinated movements to make marks with intention. Start with easy drawings and work your way up. An excellent progression could be drawing a smiley face, then a person, then a teddy bear. First, demonstrate how to make it so that your child can copy you. For ideas and inspiration, check YouTube or your local library for drawing guides. 

4. Letter Recognition:
Letter recognition is a part of learning to write. Point out letters in books, on signs, blocks, and in their name. Focus on capital letters, to begin with since those are the first letters they will most likely learn to write. Alphabet magnets are a popular exploration item.

5. Write… But Not On Paper:
Practice creating letters in new and different ways! Try rolling out play-doh letters, making letters with sticks, lines and curves cut out of paper, Legos, and anything else you have handy. You can make a sensory tray with a box lid and fill it with rice or salt to trace letters.

6. Kid-Size Tools:
When the concepts and skills are coming together, and your child is ready to start writing letters, use child-sized writing utensils. This promotes the development of a mature grasp. Start with bits of chalk and broken crayons. For older kids, try golf pencils. 

Learn more: 
https://cbstherapy.com/getting-ready-to-write-6-activities-to-help-children-prepare-for-writing/

Getting Ready to Write 6 Activities to Help Children Prepare for Writing

Discover why partnering with a Shopify Plus Development Agency like Heseven is vital for high-growth brands seeking scalability, performance, and global success.
 Visit now:- https://www.heseven.com/pages/shopify-plus-development-agency

Shopify_Plus_Development_Agency_

Welcome to Off Script with Sam Monk. This podcast is about having an off script conversation with Sam Monk on faith, leadership and culture. 

Sam Monk is National Leader of Acts Churches New Zealand and the Senior Leader of Equippers Churches. Equippers Church has 48 Churches located around the world in: New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Philippines, India, Italy, Ghana, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Hungry, USA, Mexico and Brazil. 

One thing we believe is that significant ministry flows from significant relationships. Whether you have been called to education, healthcare, business, arts, media, government, family or church, we want to equip you to extend the Kingdom of God in your world.

CBS Therapy is the premier provider of school-based and pediatric special education staffing services in the Northeast. We work with special education directors, program directors and special education program administrators to deliver highly qualified therapists and educators to address the diverse needs of the students they serve. Our therapy clinics provide pediatric speech-language, occupational and physical therapies.

Discover why Shopify is the top choice for ecommerce website development—scalable, secure, SEO-friendly, and perfect for brands ready to grow online.

Lynne Publishing is a music label representing a library of high-quality, carefully developed and curated production music, available to license for use in your own media.We develop our own music with contracted professional composers, both young and exciting talents and experienced film- and TV composers.

All our music is available for easy licensing for use in media creations, such as videos, films, games, TV, online, social media, corporate use, etc. To obtain a Master Synchronization license for any of music, contact us via www.LynnePublishing.com

The Home of Business in Michigan. Get on-demand access to audio programs, articles and resources presented by savvy business leaders and industry experts.

Listen to IMF economists and other experts discuss key economic and financial issues of the day.

We're the world’s leading independent news organization covering global development.

New tracks tagged #development