Ann Arbor Spark | CEO Podcast | Free Podcasts
Follow Ann Arbor SPARK's conversations with business leaders.
CEO Podcasts feature Ann Arbor SPARK's president and CEO, Paul Krutko, discussing business trends and the economy with private sector CEOs, elected and appointed public sector leaders and the executive leadership of key non-profit and academic institutions. CEO Podcasts offer best practices, lessons learned and an “in the trenches” view of Ann Arbor and regional economy.
Ann Arbor SPARK will release a new episode of CEO podcasts every two weeks through 2013.
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Release Date: 5/14/2013
Mario Sciberras
Duration: 14:13
(32.54 MB)
Mario Sciberras is the president and CEO of Saline Lectronics, a circuit board assembly house located in Saline.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Mario talks about the importance of programs like Pure Michigan Business Connect, and why the region has been the ideal location to grow his company. Mario also talks about how he has been able to hire and retain key talent at Saline Lectronics.
Release Date: 4/30/2013
Stewart Brannen
Duration: 10:24
(23.80 MB)
Stewart Brannen is Cleary University's faculty chair of entrepreneurship and leadership, and director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Stewart was instrumental in the creation of the Livingston Entrepreneur Group United for Prosperity (LEG-UP).
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Stewart talks about what makes Cleary University stand apart from other universities. He also talks about how to retain talent in Livingston County and increase business activity in the region.
Release Date: 4/16/2013
Jeff Williams
Duration: 11:04
(25.33 MB)
Jeff Williams is the chairman & CEO of Tangent Medical Technologies, Inc. & NeuMoDx Molecular, Inc. Jeff is considered by many as the "ultimate serial CEO".
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Jeff talks about what makes the Ann Arbor region a strong entrepreneurial community, and suggestions for improving on these assets. He also talks about why he and his family chose to move to Ann Arbor and his thoughts on the Michigan economy over the next three to five years.
Release Date: 4/2/2013
Chris Rizik
Duration: 15:57
(34.23 MB)
Chris Rizik is currently the CEO and fund manager of the Renaissance Venture Capital Fund. Previously, he was a founding partner in two of the region's largest venture capital funds. Chris is also founder and publisher of SoulTracks.com.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Chris explains the venture capital world, how he got his start, and where he sees the Michigan economy heading in the future.
Release Date: 3/20/2013
Michael Tidwell
Duration: 12:47
(26.96 MB)
Michael Tidwell is the Dean of the College of Business at Eastern Michigan University. Originally from California, Dr. Tidwell received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and holds two graduate degrees from Washington State University.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, Dr. Tidwell talks about why the EMU College of Business is described as innovative, applied, and global, and EMU's impact on the region. He also discusses the importance of engaging alumni and retaining students in the Ann Arbor region after graduation.
Release Date: 3/6/2013
Larry Freed
Duration: 12:25
(28.42 MB)
Larry Freed is the president and CEO of ForeSee. Founded in 2001, ForeSee has experienced exceptional growth, and was recently honored as a 6-year recipient of Ann Arbor SPARK's FastTrack award.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Larry talks about measuring and improving the customer experience, why he practices what he preaches, and why he considers Ann Arbor the jewel of the state. He also talks about what attributes ForeSee looks for in prospective employees.
Release Date: 2/20/2013
Verna McDaniel
Duration: 12:42
(29.08 MB)
Verna McDaniel is the County Administrator for Washtenaw County. As County Administrator, she serves as chief executive officer and controller for Washtenaw.
Verna has more than 35 years experience in the public service sector. She also sits on Ann Arbor SPARK's executive committee.
In her conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Verna talks about the county's accomplishments, key county initiatives, and offers advice for people who are considering a career in the public sector.
Release Date: 2/6/2013
Patrick Doyle
Duration: 16:41
(38.19 MB)
Patrick Doyle was appointed president and CEO of Domino's Pizza in 2010. Domino's Pizza is an international corporation which recently celebrated the opening of its 10,000th store in Istanbul, Turkey.
In addition to his role at Domino's, Patrick is heavily involved in Business Leaders for Michigan, an organization dedicated to making Michigan a "Top 10" state for job, economic, and personal income growth.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Patrick talks about why Ann Arbor is an ideal location for a global headquarters. He also discusses the Business Leaders for Michigan's goals to drive change in the state.
Release Date: 1/23/2013
Albert Berriz
Duration: 15:24
(35.26 MB)
Albert M. Berriz is president, CEO, board member and co-owner of McKinley Inc. Albert's simple, but powerful, philosophy is "I invest in people. That's more important than any investment you make in real estate."
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Albert talks about why McKinley focuses on people first then real estate and the culture and core values within his organization. He discusses the responsibilities of companies to give back and the strengths and challenges of Ann Arbor.
Release Date: 1/9/2013
Susan Pollay
Duration: 19:04
(43.65 MB)
For more than 16 years Susan Pollay has served as the Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority (DDA). In her role, Susan works with a 12-member board and oversees a wide variety of DDA projects and programs for the downtown Ann Arbor area.
In her conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Susan discusses what drew her to Ann Arbor and why she fell madly in love with the city. Susan also talks about the DDA's role in alternative transportation programs and what she feels are the greatest accomplishments of the DDA.
Release Date: 12/11/2012
Dr. Susan Martin
Duration: 11:26
(26.17 MB)
Dr. Susan Martin is Eastern Michigan University's first woman president. Prior to joining EMU, Dr. Martin served as provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and enjoyed an 18-year career at Grand Valley State University.
Dr. Martin earned a Ph.D. in business/accounting and MBA from Michigan State University, and a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University.
In her conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Dr. Martin discusses EMU's educational accomplishments, higher wage occupation opportunities, and advice for students and job seekers searching for employment in the county. She also talks about why she loves Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Release Date: 11/27/2012
Ken Nisbet
Duration: 15:17
(35.01 MB)
Ken Nisbet is the executive director of Tech Transfer at University of Michigan (U-M).
Under Ken's leadership, U-M has achieved substantial growth in tech transfer performance and established a reputation as one of the leading tech transfer offices in the nation.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Ken explains how U-M Tech Transfer works with inventors and how this collaboration resulted in a record-breaking 368 inventions in the last fiscal year. He also highlights the potential for turning inventions into new companies and gives advice on what it takes to start a company.
Release Date: 11/13/2012
Governor Rick Snyder
Duration: 7:21
(16.84 MB)
Rick Snyder was sworn in as Michigan's 48th governor on January 1, 2011. A Michigan native, Snyder has significant executive leadership experience, including serving as chairman and CEO of the computer company, Gateway. He also founded Ann Arbor-based venture capital and investment firms and an online health and wellness company.
He has been actively involved in economic development as well, having served as the first chair of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Governor Snyder, along with University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, co-founded Ann Arbor SPARK in 2005.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Governor Snyder discusses AnnArbor.com's Deals of the Year and three great Ann Arbor success stories, The Corner Brewery, Llamasoft and Barracuda Networks. The Governor also discusses the importance of Michigan talent and the quality of life and how the two benefit the state of Michigan. Hear how business, talent, and tourism connect with the Pure Michigan brand and boost the Michigan economy.
Release Date: 10/30/2012
Stephen Rapundalo
Duration: 21:55
(38.30 MB)
Dr. Stephen Rapundalo has broad experience in the life sciences with an extensive background in pharmaceutical research and development. Prior to his appointment to executive director of MichBio in April 2006, he spent almost 20 years as a senior research scientist, project manager, and group leader with Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research and then Pfizer, Inc., primarily in the area of cardiovascular drug discovery.
Dr. Rapundalo is a community advocate and civic leader. He formerly served as an elected member of the Ann Arbor City Council.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Rapundalo discusses the focus and impact of emerging bio companies. He also talks about the ecosystem of Ann Arbor after the closing of Pfizer, his thoughts on graduate engagement and retention, and why he thinks Ann Arbor is a great place to live and work.
Release Date: 10/16/2012
Dr. Rose Bellanca
Duration: 19:06
(34.99 MB)
Area employers have a high demand for talent; there are more than 200 jobs currently listed on SPARK's Talent Portal. Do you have the training & expertise it takes to land one of these jobs? Washtenaw Community College can help you learn the skills necessary for many of the region's most in-demand careers.
In her conversation with Donna Doleman, SPARK's VP of marketing, communications, and talent, Dr. Bellanca discusses the resources available to those who are seeking employment in growing industries.
Dr. Bellanca became the first woman president of Washtenaw Community College in August 2011. She comes to Washtenaw from Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Florida where she served as the provost and chief operating officer.
Release Date: 10/2/2012
Mark Sutter, CEO Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
Duration: 10:45
(22.35 MB)
Mark Sutter is the president and CEO of Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation, a global leader of products for the cardiac and vascular surgery marketplace. Mark has more 28 years experience within the healthcare industry.
Prior to Terumo, Mark also held executive management, product development, and sales and marketing positions at Pall Corporation, Gelman Sciences, and Baxter Healthcare.
In his conversation with Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, Mark discusses Terumo's quality policy, and how the company "helps save 1,000 lives a day". Mark also talks about the assets that make Ann Arbor an ideal location for a global headquarters, which include access to talent and quality of life.
Release Date: 9/18/2012
Dave Brandon, UM Athletic Director
University of Michigan
Duration: 16:32
(7.12 MB)
Michigan athletics is a global brand that draws in over 100,000 people to the area and generates around 15 million dollars in economic impact every home football game. David A. Brandon has been the leader of this major economic driver since March 2010. A U-M alumnus, Brandon, played football under Bo Schembechler and was a member of three Big Ten Championship teams. He received a B.A. degree in communications from U-M in 1974.
Prior to joining the athletic department, Brandon served as chairman and chief executive officer of Ann Arbor-based Domino's Pizza, Inc. for 11 years, leading the company to the largest IPO of a restaurant company in history. He continues to serve as non-executive chairman at Domino's.
In his conversation with Donna Doleman, VP Marketing, Communications and Talent, Dave discusses his role within the University Athletic Department, the history and relationship between the University and Ann Arbor SPARK, and how the athletic department serves as an economic driver to boost the economy of the Ann Arbor region.
Release Date: 9/4/2012
Mayor John Hieftje
Duration: 19:14
(44.03 MB)
Mayor John Hieftje has been a citizen of the Ann Arbor area for many years. Hieftje attended Ann Arbor Pioneer High School and Eastern Michigan University where he earned a B.S. in political science. Since 2000, Hieftje, who is a lecturer at the Ford School of Public Policy, has served as the Mayor of Ann Arbor.
Mayor Hieftje serves on many of the region’s non-profits, including Recycle Ann Arbor, Michigan Theatre, Huron River Watershed Council, and the Washtenaw Metro Alliance. He also serves on the board of directors for Ann Arbor SPARK.
In his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Mayor Hieftje discusses his vision for Ann Arbor’s future.
Release Date: 8/22/2012
Jeff Finkle
Duration: 17:01
(38.97 MB)
Jeff Finkle has been the president and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) since its creation in 2001. Finkle also acts as CEO of the National Association of Installation Developers and heads his own non-profit, the Bollinger Foundation, which supports children who have lost a parent who worked in the economic development profession.
Before the IEDC, Finkle served 15 years as the president and CEO of the Center for Urban Economic Development. He earned a B.S. in communications from Ohio University, and a master’s in business administration from Ohio State University.
In his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Finkle discusses the mission of the IEDC, as well as the evolution of the profession and field of economic development. The IEDC Spring Conference will be held in Ann Arbor on June 9-11, 2013.
Release Date: 8/7/2012
Mike Miller
Google
Duration: 23:04
(52.79 MB)
Mike Miller, head of the Google office in Ann Arbor, is a Michigan native. Miller earned a BA from the University of Michigan before his six years with Cisco Systems. In 2006, Miller moved to Mountain View, Calif., to begin his career with Google at their corporate headquarters.
Three years later, Miller returned to Ann Arbor to head the now five year-old Google AdWords division, as well as online sales for Canada. Mike Miller also serves as a Director of Business Leaders for Michigan.
In his conversation with CEO Paul Krutko, Mike Miller discusses the culture of the Google Ann Arbor office, what Google seeks in potential employees, and the reasons behind its opening in Ann Arbor.
Release Date: 7/24/2012
Bob Guenzel
Duration: 27:02
(24.74 MB)
Bob Guenzel devoted four decades of his life to serving Washtenaw County. Guenzel graduated from the University of Michigan and practiced labor law in Washtenaw County, beginning in 1973, before his election to the County Board. Guenzel served as the Washtenaw County Administrator for fifteen years (1995-2010).
Guenzel currently serves on the boards of the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, Washtenaw Health Plan, The Ark, and Ann Arbor SPARK.
In his podcast with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Guenzel discusses the Ann Arbor economy and community in the 1970s, and its growth over time. He also talks about his term as Washtenaw County Administrator and his approach to economic development through a time of technological change.
Release Date: 7/10/2012
Bill Milliken
Duration: 24:09
(22.12 MB)
Bill Milliken founded Milliken Realty, an award-winning real estate business, in 1996. An active business community participant and supporter, he has long been recognized for his leadership.
Bill is the former chair of the Washtenaw Development Council and is on Ann Arbor SPARK's business development committee. Bill is president-elect of the 24,000-member Michigan Association of Realtors and serves on the board of directors of New Detroit. Bill is also on the board of the CCIM Institute, the commercial real estate industry’s leading trade group. Previously, Bill was president of Michigan's Commercial Board of Realtors (CBOR) and named CBOR's Realtor of the Year (2006).
In his podcast with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Bill discusses Michigan’s turnaround from recession and its current real estate market. He also touches on his desire to make Michigan business more immigrant-friendly.
Release Date: 6/20/2012
Tim Marshall
Duration: 35:20
(79.78 MB)
The Bank of Ann Arbor has been a financial bastion in the region since it's founding in 1995. Through the economic boom of the early 2000s and the recession that followed, the Bank of Ann Arbor has been steady in its leadership and policies. This doesn't happen by accident - it takes a strong leader, like the Bank's President and CEO, Tim Marshall.
Tim, in addition to his leadership of the Bank of Ann Arbor, was recently approved by the Board of Governors of Federal Reserve Bank to serve as Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Community Depository Institution Advisory Council (CDIAC). Tim has also led many of the Bank of Ann Arbor's community outreach programs, like the weekly Thursday summer concert series, Sonic Lunch.
In his podcast with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Tim discusses the role the Bank of Ann Arbor plays in building the Ann Arbor region's economy - from it's financial activities to all the community outreach programs the Bank sponsors.
Release Date: 6/5/2012
Sean Heiney
Duration: 31:11
(71.36 MB)
Barracuda Networks is a great example of a company that has found success in the Ann Arbor region. Founded and headquartered in California, Barracuda Networks was looking to expand their company into new terroritory in 2006. Luckily, serial entrepreneur and Ann Arbor native Sean Heiney had also recently come on board at Barracuda. Sean helped pushed Barracuda towards Ann Arbor, and led the opening of their Ann Arbor Research and Development Center in 2006, pumping out new products for Barracuda Networks. .
In his podcast with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Sean discusses what it takes to build a startup into a successful company. The two also discuss what it takes to bring a company to Ann Arbor, what makes Ann Arbor an attractive place for business, and how Ann Arbor compares to Silicon Valley, among other things.
Release Date: 5/23/2012
Ora Pescovitz
Duration: 31:45
(70.38 MB)
The University of Michigan (U-M) Health System is one of the Ann Arbor region's biggest economic drivers. It is a huge regional employer, drives incredible breakthroughs in medicine and technology every year, and serves the entire Midwest with world-class healthcare.
On May 11, 2009, Dr. Ora Pescovitz became U-M’s first female Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and Health System Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Dr. Pescovitz is responsible for the leadership and management of the Health System, which includes the U-M Hospitals and Health Centers, the U-M Medical School, clinical services of the U-M School of Nursing and the Michigan Health Corp., the legal entity that allows the Health System to enter into partnerships, affiliations, joint ventures and other business activities. As CEO, Dr. Pescovitz is responsible for oversight of $3 billion in revenue and a Medical School with more than $445 million in NIH funding. She leads a number of major initiatives, including development of the 174-acre North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) and opening the new C.S. Mott Children’s and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.
During the course of her conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Dr. Pescovitz discusses many of the exciting new projects she is working on with the Health System. They discuss the economic impact the health system has on the broader Ann Arbor economy, how important to innovation and growth the NCRC is, and ways that SPARK and the Health System both help the regional economy grow.
To read more from Dr. Pescovitz, visit her blog on the University of Michigan website - Medicine That Speaks.
Release Date: 5/8/2012
Jan Garfinkle
Duration: 34:08
(78.13 MB)
Venture capitalism plays a huge role in creating an encouraging environment for entrepreneurship. Access to venture capital allows businesses to grow, take risks, and innovate.
Arboretum Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in the healthcare sector. They invest throughout the United States, but with a special interest in the Midwest. More than simply a financial resource, they are a collaborative, value-added investor actively engaging their companies in strategy, operations, recruiting, fundraising, and exit planning.
Jan Garfinkle founded the firm in 2002 and has been actively investing since. She utilizes her educational background in biomedical engineering, extensive medical device operating experience and industry connections to select and nurture outstanding companies. Jan led Arboretum's investment in HandyLab and served on the Board of Directors for five years until the company was acquired by Becton Dickinson. She has also led Arboretum's investments in CardioMEMS, Uptake Medical, BAROnova, Vasonova, Esperion, NXThera, Life Magnetics, Sonitus Medical and Cerêve, among others.
In the course of her CEO Podcast: Conversations on Economic Opportunity with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Jan discusses the impact that venture capital has had on the Ann Arbor economy. They discuss the positives surrounding the economic climate in the Midwest - including how much money can be saved by investing and keeping a company in Michigan, how much more bang for the buck venture capital firms can see by investing in Midwest companies, and the access to talent in the Ann Arbor region.
Release Date: 4/24/2012
Jeff Freyer
Duration: 16:42
(35.92 MB)
The Ann Arbor economy is driven by the incredible business infrastructure in the area. Without the backbone provided by the University of Michigan and the essential services provided by companies like Comcast, business wouldn't be possible in the Ann Arbor region. Infrastructure that just twenty years ago was considered a luxury is now a requisite for businesses at all levels. Comcast makes those services available to everyone.
Jeff Freyer is the Vice President of Business Services for Comcast Business Class's Heartland Region, based in Plymouth, Michigan. In this role, he is the senior leader responsible for developing, facilitating and implementing strategies aimed at growing Comcast business services across Indiana, Michigan, Arkansas and Central Kentucky. Freyer currently serves on the board of directors for Midwest Technology Leaders in Michigan and TechPoint in Indiana, and was named one of Crain's Detroit Business 2011 40 Under 40. Freyer has more than 15 years of experience in the telecommunications and cable sector.
In conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, the two discuss the growth of the Ann Arbor business world, from the explosion of start-ups to the investment and growth of large Fortune 500 companies in the region. They discuss the importance of regional collaboration and ensuring Michigan's continued economic growth through community outreach and business development programs.
Release Date: 4/10/2012
Stephen Forrest
Duration: 16:22
(37.49 MB)
The University of Michigan is one of the primary economic drivers of the Ann Arbor region. It invests over a billion dollars every year into research, spins out business start-ups through organizations like Tech Transfer and TechArb, and, probably most importantly, attracts leadership that seeks to drive the region forward in both the national and global economies. In 2010 alone, the University of Michigan invested $1.18 billion into research and development, leading all public universities in that category.
Leading that charge at the University of Michigan is Stephen R. Forrest, Vice President for Research, and Ann Arbor SPARK's board chair. Forrest, who has been with the University of Michigan since 2006, has a track record of innovation, having co-founded a handful of scientific companies. He also previously worked for Princeton and USC.
In his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Forrest discusses the importance of innovation and technology in education, as well as business growth indicators and what is working for the Ann Arbor region, including his vision for the future of Ann Arbor SPARK. Their conversation illuminates the role of the University of Michigan in the broader Ann Arbor region's economy, and how it helps continually push the region's economy forward.
Release Date: 3/28/2012
Aaron Crumm
Duration: 26:41
(58.78 MB)
Despite being home to countless business success stories and companies that do amazing things, there are still rock stars that stand out in Ann Arbor. Aaron Crumm is one of those rock stars.
Crumm is the co-founder and chief visionary officer of fuel cell manufacturer Ultra Electronics-AMI (formerly Adaptive Materials). Along with his wife, Michelle, Crumm grew Adaptive Materials from a small start up to the world's leading fuel cell company, whose partnerships include global powerhouses like Lockheed Martin. Although Adaptive Materials was acquired by UK-based Ultra Electronics Holdings in 2010, the company remains - and continues to grow - in Ann Arbor.
In his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Crumm discusses starting a business in Ann Arbor, taking a business from start-up to second stage to acquisition, what makes Ann Arbor such a great place to live and work, and what he thinks about the future of Michigan’s economy.
Release Date: 3/7/2012
Rich Sheridan Part Two
Duration: 18:40
(40.45 MB)
Ann Arbor is full of businesses that are leading Michigan's economic turnaround. Innovative businesses large and small have found success in Ann Arbor. Menlo Innovations, a custom software firm founded by Rich Sheridan in 2001, has helped lead the pack of IT businesses located and growing in Ann Arbor.
In his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Mr. Sheridan talks about bringing the joy back to one of the most unique endeavors in the history of man-kind: inventing software. He discusses the Ann Arbor region's business climate, the software industry, and the vibrant culture and community of the Ann Arbor region. He also details the innovation leadership techniques that ensure the company's continued success – techniques that helped the company emerge from the recession as a raging success story of the strength of the Ann Arbor business world.
Listen to their conversation and learn more about how business in the Ann Arbor region works in collaboration with the community, the University of Michigan, and the unique business climate here. This is part two of their conversation.
Release Date: 2/21/2012
Rich Sheridan Part One
Duration: 22:39
(49.55 MB)
Ann Arbor is full of businesses that are leading Michigan's economic turnaround. Innovative businesses large and small have found success in Ann Arbor. Menlo Innovations, a custom software firm founded by Rich Sheridan in 2001, has helped lead the pack of IT businesses located and growing in Ann Arbor.
In his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko, Mr. Sheridan talks about bringing the joy back to one of the most unique endeavors in the history of man-kind: inventing software. He discusses the Ann Arbor region's business climate, the software industry, and the vibrant culture and community of the Ann Arbor region. He also details the innovation leadership techniques that ensure the company's continued success – techniques that helped the company emerge from the recession as a raging success story of the strength of the Ann Arbor business world.
Listen to their conversation and learn more about how business in the Ann Arbor region works in collaboration with the community, the University of Michigan, and the unique business climate here. This is part one of their conversation.
Release Date: 2/7/2012
Ken Fischer Part Two
Duration: 19:25
(44.45 MB)
Part II
Ann Arbor is a town with a very robust arts community. It is an international cultural center, with a population that embraces the arts and also uses the arts to enhance its standing as a business community. The establishment of Ann Arbor as a cultural center is vital to its establishment as a business center and a worldwide hub of education.
Ken Fischer has been the President of the University Musical Society at the University of Michigan for over 24 years. During his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK's CEO Paul Krutko, he emphasizes the positive impact that arts can have on a community, and how they've touched and enhanced the Ann Arbor area. In Ken Fischer's conversation, he describes the strong collaboration with the arts through, among other highly successful initiatives, the Cultural Leaders Forum.
Mr. Fischer speaks about the keys to success for UMS: leadership and embracing diversity in the arts. He discusses his experience in music and the arts and emphasizes its economic impact on the Ann Arbor community.
Click below to listen to Part 2 of this exciting conversation with Ken Fischer!
Release Date: 1/31/2012
Ken Fischer
Duration: 19:32
(42.44 MB)
Part I
Ann Arbor is a town with a very robust arts community. It is an international cultural center, with a population that embraces the arts and also uses the arts to enhance its standing as a business community. The establishment of Ann Arbor as a cultural center is vital to its establishment as a business center and a worldwide hub of education.
Ken Fischer has been the President of the University Musical Society at the University of Michigan for over 24 years. During his conversation with Ann Arbor SPARK's CEO Paul Krutko, he emphasizes the positive impact that arts can have on a community, and how they've touched and enhanced the Ann Arbor area. In Ken Fischer's conversation, he describes the strong collaboration with the arts through, among other highly successful initiatives, the Cultural Leaders Forum.
Mr. Fischer speaks about the keys to success for UMS: leadership and embracing diversity in the arts. He discusses his experience in music and the arts and emphasizes its economic impact on the Ann Arbor community.
Be sure to listen to Part 2 of Ken Fischer's podcast, where he discusses how collaboration in the arts has brought new businesses to the Ann Arbor region and UMS' 2012 national programming.
Click below to listen to Part 1 of this exciting conversation with Ken Fischer! Part 2 will be released next Tuesday, February 7.
Release Date: 1/18/2012
President Mary Sue Coleman
Duration: 23:48
(49.89 MB)
Any discussion of the Ann Arbor region's economic future begins with University of Michigan. Many commentators, like Richard Florida and Tom Friedman, have highlighted that America's economic success in the 21st century is going to depend on the success of dynamic regional economies built around major universities. Ann Arbor is a leading example.
So there is no better way to kick off SPARK's Conversations on Economic Opportunity, then to have our inaugural CEO podcast with the visionary leader of the University of Michigan, President Mary Sue Coleman. President Coleman is the architect of an aggressive strategy to not only integrate the "gown" into the "town's" future economic success but to provide leadership in support of Ann Arbor's, the State of Michigan's and the nation's economic success in the face of intense global competition. President Coleman helped found SPARK, sensing that it was was absolutely necessary to "pull" innovative technologies and the entrepreneurs interested in commercializing them out of the University's rich academic research ecosystem, one of the most well funded in the United States.
Our conversation was wide ranging with President Coleman sharing her views on the importance of the University's involvement in the economic development and growth of our region....on creating a curriculum of entrepreneurship to unleash the power of students and facility...and the University's new program of venture investment.......to her involvement in National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the President's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership.
So sit back, and enjoy the thoughts and insights of one of America's most influential leaders, Mary Sue Coleman, President of the University of Michigan!
Ann Arbor SPARK's CEO Podcasts: Conversations on Economic Opportunity and Comcast Business Class's inaugural iPad2 contest has ended!
Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Paul Krutko randomly drew a winner from a bowl of eligible entrants on February 2 for an iPad2 from Comcast Business Class.
Krutko selected Liza Mundro of Ann Arbor! SPARK was proud to present Liza her iPad2, along with a representative of Comcast Business Class. Special thanks to all who listened to President Mary Sue Coleman's Podcast and entered the contest and especially Comcast Business Class for making it all possible. Check back soon for more information about another iPad contest!
