Insider Intelligence

While talking with friends recently, I realized how much time we spend discussing topics related only to our work.  My friend in finance talks about the markets, my friend in advertising talks about marketing and social media trends, and of course I talk politics.  While our conversations can be highly insightful (especially to those who […]

This week, Sir Kim Darroch KCMG, the British Ambassador to the United States, met with Governor Rick Snyder. The meeting focused on ways Michigan and the United Kingdom can work together to develop and promote electric vehicle technologies.  Earlier this year, Governor Snyder signed a  Memorandum of Understanding with Minister Richard Harrington of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom […]

This week, Governor Rick Snyder and the Honorable Amarjeet Sohi, Canadian minister of Infrastructure and Communities, participated in an event marking the Michigan construction groundbreaking for the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The new six-lane, cable stayed international bridge will provide direct connectivity to existing highway networks in Windsor and Detroit. It will feature modern border […]

This week, members of the House Democratic caucus unveiled their proposal to create good jobs and foster neighborhood business growth. Named the “Neighborhood Businesses, Neighborhood Growth” initiative, the plan would: Create a small business and entrepreneurship services office to facilitate the creation and retention of small business jobs in the state. Urge the governor and […]

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gordon Wenk will lead the next trade mission to Beijing and Guangzhou, China, on September 17-21. The goal of the mission is to allow Michigan food and agricultural companies to be immersed into the local food industry, while connecting with qualified Chinese buyers. The mission will include […]

Wrapping up his eight-day investment mission to Europe, Governor Rick Snyder and Secretary Mona Keijzer, State Secretary of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of The Netherlands, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The goal of the MOU is to strengthen bilateral cooperation across Michigan and The Netherlands’ respective automotive and technology sectors to support growth […]

During the beginning of this week, Governor Rick Snyder spent three days in Silicon Valley meeting with large tech companies, start-ups, and investors. Along with representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, he met with new mobility, advanced technology, agriculture and manufacturing companies, participated in roundtables with technology experts, venture capitalists and CEOs. Additionally, the […]

Economic Development is an adrenaline business and agencies seem to be operating out of a major fishing tournament marketing playbook.  Let’s stop and think about this a moment.  They identify the species they intend to pursue (business sectors), draw the best fishermen (business development managers), offer new, colorful, and enticing lures (big incentives), cast a […]