Laurie Lonsdorf, Small Business Development Center

Dr. Charles Ballard, Michigan State University Economics Professor

Bo Garcia invites Dr. Charles Ballard into the studio to talk about the state of Michigan's economy in 2024; where we came from, where we are, and where we're heading. Dr. Ballard has been an MSU professor since 1983. In 2007, he won the Outstanding Teacher Award in MSU’s College of Social Science. From 2007 until 2020, he was Director of the State of the State Survey, in MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. He is Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Michigan League for Public Policy. He has served as a consultant with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Health & Human Services, and Treasury, and with research institutes in Australia, Denmark, and Finland. His books include Michigan at the Millennium [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/michigan-at-the-millennium-charles-ballard/1116240096] and Michigan’s Economic Future [https://msupress.org/9781609171285/michigans-economic-future/].

Susan Corbin, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity

Bo Garcia connects with Susan Corbin, Director for the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO). They explore why LEO was created, what its purpose, and how it has become a driving force in helping Michigan's economy reach its full potential. Website: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity [https://www.michigan.gov/leo]

Laurie Lonsdorf, Small Business Development Center

Bo Garcia connects with Laurie Lonsdorf, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They look at big picture of small business in the Capital City and across the state with an explanation of how the SBDC is able to assist entrepreneurs devise a business plan, locate funding, strategic planning, and more. Website: Small Business Development Center [https://www.lcc.edu/community/small-business-development-center.html]

Lee Gardner, LCC Job Training Center

Bo Garcia connects with Lee Gardner, Director of the Job Training Center (JTC) at Lansing Community College. Lee explains the goal of JTC, a relatively new department at LCC that is focused on helping people in our community gain the skills needed to obtain meaningful employment. Website: LCC Job Training Center [https://www.lcc.edu/community/job-training-center/]

Chad Borodychuk, Business & Community Institute

Bo Garcia interviews Chad Borodychuk, the Business & Community Institute's Director of Corporate Training and Continuing Education. Chad gives the details on the various programs, tactics, and approaches BCI utilizes to train individuals from smallest businesses to the largest corporations.  Website: Continuing Education [https://www.lcc.edu/community/continuing-education/]