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Build Smart. Lead Strong.

Build Smart. Lead Strong., hosted by Elizabeth Bernhard, highlights the innovative work being done by Michigan manufacturers. She talks with small manufacturers all across Michigan, in rural communities as well as urban that are building smart and leading strong. Industry experts share how they are supporting small manufacturers to innovate, pivot to capture new opportunities, and stay on a growth path.
Elizabeth also wishes to thank Jennifer Deamud, her predecessor in both the Executive Director's role and for her three years as host of this MBN program.

12:00 PM every Monday
Replay: 6:00 PM, Tues. 12:00 AM, 6:00 AM

Additionally a special thanks to Joseph Derrick Marshall-Mosley for providing the music for this program. You can find more of his work at Apple Music:


Recent Posts

Build Smart, Lead Strong | Ellington Ellis - Hydrogen and Electrification Economies & More

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
July 31, 2023 4:00 PM

In this third episode of the relaunched 'Build Smart, Lead Strong' by conducting a five-part interview with Ellington Ellis, who among several roles, is President, of Ovshinsky Innovation, Bloomfield Hills, MI.

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Build Smart, Lead Strong | Collen Killen-Roberts, Rodney Parkkonen - MANUFACTURERS COHORT

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
July 10, 2023 5:00 PM

In this second episode of the relaunched 'Build Smart, Lead Strong' by conducting a four-part interview with Collen Killen-Roberts, Vice President of Entrepreneurship with the Edward Lowe Foundation, and Rodney Parkkonen, Senior Small Business Manager with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

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ICYMI: Build Smart, Lead Strong | Elizabeth Bernhard Welcome and Steve Jackson Interview

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
June 20, 2023 7:00 AM

MBN is excited to announce the relaunch of a show on our network, Build Smart. Lead Strong. The show highlights the innovative work being done by Michigan manufacturers.

In this inaugural episode, Chris Holman welcomes to the network, show host and Executive Director of Manufacturing Growth Alliance, Elizabeth Bernhard, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Growth Alliance. She is also joined by Jennifer M. Deamud, of Kinnexus who preceded Elizabeth in leading MGA. Elizabeth then shares a five-part interview with Steve Jackson, COO of Eagle Technologies, and a board member with MGA.

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Build Smart, Lead Strong | Elizabeth Bernhard Welcome and Steve Jackson Interview

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
June 19, 2023 3:00 PM

MBN is excited to announce the relaunch of a show on our network, Build Smart. Lead Strong. The show highlights the innovative work being done by Michigan manufacturers.

In this inaugural episode, Chris Holman welcomes to the network, show host and Executive Director of Manufacturing Growth Alliance, Elizabeth Bernhard, Executive Director of the Manufacturing Growth Alliance. She is also joined by Jennifer M. Deamud, of Kinnexus who preceded Elizabeth in leading MGA. Elizabeth then shares a five-part interview with Steve Jackson, COO of Eagle Technologies, and a board member with MGA.

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Tax Credits and Guidance for Manufacturers

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
May 4, 2021 9:00 AM

More than a year into the pandemic, 2021 is shaping up to be another interesting and historic year with a slew of impactful federal and state legislative action, requirements, and guidelines. There’s no shortage of critical areas for businesses to navigate. In this episode, MGA talks with Rehmann as we discuss planning opportunities and critical considerations for manufacturers -- including the employee retention credit, research and development credit, and navigating state and local tax guidance.

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Protecting a Small Manufacturing Facility from a Cyber-Attack

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
April 29, 2021 8:00 AM

On this episode of Build Smart. Lead Strong. is Micro Visions Inc.'s President and Owner, Julie Lough, and Account Executive, Ben Knighton. Micro Visions Inc. is an IT solutions partner. They offer a wide variety of IT services, consulting, and project management expertise. Listen to the podcast to hear about how to prepare a manufacturing facility for a cyber-attack and the importance of protecting digital machinery.

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Expand Your Talent Pool by Offering a Second Chance to a Skilled Workforce

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
April 22, 2021 12:00 PM

Small manufacturers who need to expand their workforce have an opportunity to hear more about how Returning Citizens (those who have returned to the community after serving time) can be a great resource to alleviate workforce challenges. Returning citizens face many barriers as they return to the community from incarceration. Through the efforts of the Offender Employment & Opportunities Unit and the Offender Success Administrative Agencies, many of these barriers are reduced. Listen and learn how you can access a skilled workforce to support your manufacturing facility.

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Providing Mission Critical Infrastructure to Small Manufacturers

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
April 14, 2021 1:00 PM

JEM Tech Group has been in business for 42 years. They provide mission-critical infrastructure to a wide variety of businesses, including manufacturers. New procedures, technologies, and practices are being introduced on almost a daily basis, which makes the manufacturing industry among the most interesting and challenging. Listen to Jami Moore, President of JEM Tech Group share insights and trends impacting manufacturers.

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Maintenance Technicians available through Pro Services

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
February 23, 2021 10:00 AM

Michigan manufacturers need workforce solutions. MGA spoke with Roy Lemke, Director of Operations at Pro Services about their Full Maintenance Team resource. They provide a turnkey solution for manufacturers to consistently have the maintenance team. Listen to acquire a strategic approach to alleviating workforce challenges.

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MGA | Toffee Manufacturing Leads to Sweet Growth

Build Smart. Lead Strong.
February 2, 2021 10:00 AM

Build Smart. Lead Strong.

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