On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, MBN hosted its latest MBN Speakers Series event. From Friendship Hall at the Capital Region International Airport, it was the 2023 Mobility & Talent Panel Discussion.
Click on the YouTube video below to watch, or re-watch (for those who attended), what went on during the very informative session with MICHauto, and MEDC:
Talent and Mobility are key issues in Michigan's business now and into the future. The MBN Speaker Series 2023 Mobility and Talent Luncheon continues a long line of events it covered mobility but was the first to also address one of the top issues concerning small business in Michigan. According to the Michigan Future Business Index survey, concerns about talent and the workforce have been at or near the top of the list consistently for over 3 years now.
This time around it brought in MICHauto's Glenn Stevens Jr. - MICHauto: Glenn is Executive Director, MICHauto; Vice President, Automotive and Mobility Initiatives, Detroit Regional Chamber
He is the executive director of MICHauto and serves as the Detroit Regional Chamber’s vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives. In his role, Stevens provides strategic direction and leadership to MICHauto in its role as the statewide industry association to promote, grow, and retain Michigan’s automotive and next-generation mobility industries. MICHauto is focused on developing the state’s automotive and mobility industry in the key areas of talent, advocacy, awareness, startup innovation, next-generation mobility, and the digital economy. His responsibilities are also centered on strategic fundraising in conjunction with investor engagement and retention.
Stevens has more than 30 years of management, strategy, and operations experience across the automotive, steel, specialty chemicals, and capital equipment industries. For the past 14 years, his career has been focused on serving membership-based organizations, communities, and economic development across Michigan.
Prior to joining the Chamber to build MICHauto, Stevens served as senior vice president of Membership and Sales with the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, where he was responsible for membership growth and retention, strategic partnerships, and automotive industry development with states across the nation. Additionally, his previous experience includes leadership positions with Blue Water Automotive Systems, Kolene Corp., and National Steel Corp.
Sharing the stage with him will be Kerry Ebersole Singh - MEDC :
CURRENT FOCUS
As the Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer, Kerry leads MEDC’s strategic focus of developing high-wage skills growth by working with businesses, higher education institutions, and communities to better attract, retain, and cultivate the talent critical to growing the state’s economy.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Prior to serving at MEDC, Kerry was Director of the Office of Sixty by 30 in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), where she established the office. During her time as Director, Kerry launched two instrumental programs, Futures for Frontliners and MI Reconnect, which aim to create a more talented workforce by providing a tuition-free path for Michiganders pursuing in-demand certificates or associate degrees. In this capacity, she also served as the Chair of the MI STEM Council, designed to improve and promote innovation and collaboration in STEM education and prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She also served as the lead staff supporting the state’s Workforce Development Board, helping to create a comprehensive, accessible, and successful workforce development system. In conjunction with Kerry's time at LEO, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 tapped her to lead the Protect Michigan Commission’s community engagement strategy, which aimed to educate residents on the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Before she returned to state government by leading the Be Counted 2020 Census effort on behalf of Gov. Whitmer, Kerry operated her own independent consulting firm, serving a variety of clients across business, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors. She has experience creating and developing strategy for a variety of national, state, and local government programs and advocacy campaigns, as well as nonprofit social organizations and causes.
Kerry began her career 25 years ago in Michigan’s competitive political and legislative arena. As a former chief of staff to Barbara Farrah, a legislative liaison for the Department of Information Technology, and constituent relations staff in the House of Representatives, Kerry has proved time and again to be a multisector professional adept at leading solutions around critical issues facing Michigan.
A popular portion of the MBN Speakers Series events is the Community Roundtable. This is where leaders from the area briefly share news and information about their companies and organizations, with the rest of the attendees. Here's that portion of the program:
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