Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes back John J. Walsh, President & CEO, MMA, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Lansing, MI. Welcome back John, remind the Michigan business community about MMA? What are you big issues in 2024? Are you getting the talent you need? We ran into you at the Rosie the Riveter Day at the MI State Capital recently. What do women in the workforce mean for MMA? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Originally uploaded April 9th, re-edited May 15th. Chris Holman welcomes back T. Rann Paynter, President & CEO Michigan Bankers Association (Driving and on phone only) along with Alyssa A. Bouchard, Vice President, Communications, Michigan Bankers Association, Lansing, MI. Chris had several things he wanted to find out from T. Rann and Alyssa: The Michigan Bankers Association recently announced 2024 Banker of the Year - tell us about them? MBA Awards 20 Banks the Financial Literacy Award, who were among the banks honored there? Michigan Banks Encourage Businesses in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula to Contact Their Bank, Why? What else should we know from MBA or banking in general as of April 2024? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Chris Holman welcomes back Anthony M. Dalimonte, Attorney, Southfield, MI Foster Swift, serving a half dozen offices statewide. There were several things Chris was looking to find out from Anthony in this conversation: Tell us about the new FTC rule banning non-competes? · FTC voted April 23, 2024 3-2 to publish its final rule banning all non-compete agreements. · The rule states that non-compete agreements violate Section 5 of the FTC Act. All non-compete agreements signed after the effective date will be illegal and violate federal law. · FTC defines “non-compete clause” as a term or condition of employment that either “prohibits” a worker from, “penalizes” a worker for, or “functions to prevent” a worker from (A) seeking or accepting work in the United States with a different person where such work would begin after the conclusion of the employment that includes the term or condition; or (B) operating a business in the United States after the conclusion of the employment that includes the term or condition. · Effective date is 120 days after the rule is published in the federal register, which has not happened yet so sometime in September. · All non-compete agreements signed BEFORE the effective date are also unenforceable EXCEPT for non-competes that were signed by “Senior Executives”. What led to the FTC to vote to approve the final rule 3-2? · The FTC commissioners voted along party lines, so we knew this was going to be passed. The dissenting republican commissioners sort of previewed the basis for the challenge – that the FTC does not have the authority to make sweeping law changes. Does the FTC tell us who a senior executive is? · Senior executive is someone who makes over $151,164 and are in a “policy-making” position. · FTC says that less than 1% of employees fall into this category. Theory, according to the FTC, is that non-competes are typically less coercive with “senior executives” because more likely to be negotiated and often with the assistance of a lawyer. If an employee signed a non-compete and they aren’t a senior executive, what happens? · Non-compete is unenforceable AND employers have to give notice to employees that states they will not enforce any non-compete clause against you. · FTC provided model language that basically says you may seek to accept a job with any company or person, even if they compete with the company. You may run your own business, even if it competes with X company. And you may compete with X company following your employment with that employer. Are there any exceptions? · This rule does not apply where a person enters into a bona fide sale of a business entity. · This is a change from the proposed rule that came out last year where the FTC said you have to be selling at least 25% of business. Is this limited to only non-compete clauses? · In general, yes. · BUT the FTC says that if other overly broad clauses that prohibit or penalize a worker or “functions to prevent” a worker from working with someone else or starting their own business after they leave their job could be considered a “non-compete” clause. · So the FTC says Non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality agreements, non-solicitation agreements are still enforceable. Unless they are so broad and onerous that it acts as a “functional non-compete”. The FTC basically says this is a case by case basis. Is this going to be challenged? · Yes, it was challenged almost immediately in the Eastern District of Texas by one business group.. The US Chamber of Commerce also filed a lawsuit, and the Court is likely to join these two lawsuits together. So we will be watching this closely. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Vic Verchereau welcomes Kath Usitalo, who is a Communications Professional specializing in travel and tourism. Kath Usitalo spent most of her career involved in some way with the travel and tourism industry, beginning with a summer job while pursuing a Communication Studies degree at the University of Detroit. Kath says she "learned about the hospitality business—and how to use an antique switchboard—while working behind the front desk at the Botsford Inn, a stagecoach stop that was a day’s drive northwest of Detroit when it was built in 1836. From these early days she has traveled and learned many great things, and on this edition of Michigan Corners she shares the 100 things to do in the Upper Peninsula in a review of her book of the same title. Listen in as Vic Verchereau helps find the hidden gems of this great state! » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Troy M. Morris, Co-Founder / CEO, of Kall Morris Inc, Marquette, MI, a 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year and holding Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center. In the interview, they cover Troy's career paths, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them. Kall Morris Inc focuses on Aerospace » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Jami M Moore, President, of JEM Tech Group, Clinton Township, MI, a 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year and holding Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center. In the interview, they cover Jami's career paths, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them. JEM Tech Group focuses on Mission Critical IT Power and Cooling Infrastructure. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher speaks with Jim Voss, Director of Sales, of Hydro - Chem Systems, Caledonia, Kent County, MI, near Grand Rapids a 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Awardee winner for this year's cycle of Michigan Celebrates Small Business. In its twentieth year and holding Gala Celebration May 21st in East Lansing, MI, at the Breslin Center. In the interview, they cover Jim's career paths, the company's history, the focus of the company in 2024, what winning this award means for the company, additional information, and how to contact them. Hydro - Chem Systems focuses on Cleaning solutions for the fleet washing industry. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Karen Mead, antique lovers and flea market shopper, Co-Owner, Farmgirl Flea Spring Market, Hudsonville, MI ● This is the 9th annual Spring Market. Can you give us a little background on how you got here? ● In your opinion, what’s causing the growth of flea markets in recent years? ● What makes this market unique? ● How do shoppers support the vendors? ● You have an array of vendors. How do you ensure that the market supports the development of small businesses? About Farmgirl Flea: Farmgirl Flea offers an array of handmade and curated goods by local vendors for local consumers. With its three main flea markets and markets held throughout the year, Farmgirl Flea is recognized nationwide for its signature farmhouse aesthetic and wide range of selections. Located in Hudsonville, Michigan Farmgirl Flea services the West Michigan area. For more information, visit www.farmgirlflea.com.

100 % Hustle Podcast 6 – Series of Guests Host: Vicki Hamilton, Senior Executive with International consulting experience. Founder & CEO of Executive Ideation Topic: Buying and Selling Businesses Guest: Jessica Starks, Owner of Transworld Business Advisors and Exit Factor of Grand Rapids and Lansing in Michigan. Guest Bio: Jessica Starks is an Exit Strategist and Owner of Transworld Business Advisors and Exit Factor of Grand Rapids and Lansing. Transworld Business Advisors is the world leader in the confidential marketing and sales of businesses and franchises. Exit Factor helps businesses prepare for their sale by increasing profitability, time and freedom, making their business worth more when they are ready to sell, while enjoying the benefits now. From exit planning to business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions, we are the business exit specialists. Jessica received her Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance. Before starting her own business, Jessica gained experience at a public accounting firm, sales with a payroll company, followed by 10 years in business banking. As her banking career advanced, Jessica was financing buyers acquiring businesses. Realizing that there was a need in the market, Jessica wanted to help business owners exit their business. She found that baby boomers did not know where to turn when wanting to retire. Although she thought of mostly baby boomers, she realized that other business owners needed to exit their business as well. They have built something great, reinvested a lot of their money back into the business and care about their customers and employees. Jessica wanted to give them an outlet to transition what they had worked so hard to create while leaving a legacy. Jessica is married to Brad and has two sons, Carter, 17 and Grant, 14. You are likely to find them boating, at a football stadium or basketball court. Blog Summary: Jessica is an Exit Strategist and Owner of Transworld Business Advisors and Exit Factor of Grand Rapids and Lansing in Michigan. Jessica shares the important details of buying and selling businesses. If you are thinking of buying or selling your business, tune in and listen, then call Jessica for further information. Contact info: LinkedIn – Jessica Starks Facebook – Transworld Business Advisors Grand Rapids and Lansing Facebook – Exit Factor Exit Factor Website https://exitfactor.com/offices/grand-rapids-and-lansing Transworld Website https://www.tworld.com/locations/grand-rapids-and-lansing/ » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

For Media Business Episode 72: Tony Conley has a three-part conversation welcoming Charles Gleeson II, Owner, CE GLEESON CONSTRUCTORS. For this conversation they cover several questions including: -How is the construction business doing in the U.S. and especially Michigan? -How do interest rates affect your business? -How do Fed./State/Local zoning challenges affect your business? What could they do to help the construction business? -Is it challenging to find skilled workers? What could be done to encourage young people in high school to consider skilled work as a career. -What are your thoughts when you see building collapse/failures in the news? -What's the best thing about your business? -What's the most challenging thing about your business? -Rate how we in the media cover the news in the construction industry? -How can we in the media be better at covering the construction industry? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music