Mike Yum of Quizzo! Trivia

In the Coronavirus pandemic, more attention is being paid to the psychological affects of kids not being able to get physical activity and interact with each other.  Since before COVID, Playworks has been helping kids to stay active and build valuable life skills through play.  And like all of us, they've had to adapt in 2020.

Matt Matthews of Playworks Michigan joins us to explain the importance of play for kids, and the ways that Playworks has pivoted, offering opportunities for physical interaction and play for students in person, as well as those in front of a screen.

More: https://www.playworks.org/playathome

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

Michelle Wein is the director of research and regional initiatives at WIN, Michigan's Workforce Intelligence Network.  

She explains the research that WIN does, and the numbers they've looked at before and during the pandemic.   How has the labor market in Michigan been hit, and where do we stand now? Are these jobs coming back?

Michelle talks about the value of the Michigan Works program to help job seekers find new employment, as well as the ways WIN helps employers think about hiring decisions.

We look to the future - where are the job opportunities now, heading into 2021, and beyond?

What's her best advice for those seeking employment, and those seeking employees?

Finally, we look at COVID-19's immediate impact on the workforce, and dispel the myth that opening the economy and controlling the pandemic are mutually exclusive.

Resources:

Michigan Workforce Intelligence Network: https://winintelligence.org/

Michigan Works! https://www.michiganworks.org/

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

The Cystic Fibrosis community has been "social distancing" since before the term even existed.  Having a genetic disease that causes chronic and fatal lung infections causes a need for CF patients to remain six feet apart from one another.

Laura Bonnell has two daughters with CF, and that motivated her to create The Bonnell Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis.  This September 26th, they will be hosting their annual Night of Hope.  Like many organizations, the event has gone virtual.  In this case, however, this format allows much more flexibility and inclusion among the CF community.

Today, we preview the Night of Hope, with its numerous musicians, artists, and prizes available for attendees.

We also take a look at what the medical community has learned from Cystic Fibrosis, and how those lessons have informed the battle against COVID-19.  Mask wearing, social distancing, and accelerated clinical trials have a lot in common with Cystic Fibrosis treatment.

Resources:

Night of Hope: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/event/night-of-hope-celebration/

The Bonnell Foundation Website: https://thebonnellfoundation.org/

Laura's Podcast, Living with Cystic Fibrosis: https://livingwithcysticfibrosis.simplecast.com/

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

The DuMouchelle’s auction house is a Detroit institution. 

Since 1927, the family business has handled auctions for rare antiques and art and established a reputation as one of the best businesses of its kind in the country. Located on Jefferson Avenue across from the Renaissance Center, DuMouchelle’s has hosted auctions in its gallery for decades, as well as online. Collectors around the world trust DuMouchelle’s to appraise works and handle all parts of auctions. But when the pandemic hit, everything had to move online.  

When you're on a Zoom call, a fraction-of-a-second delay may be a slight annoyance. In the context of a live auction, however, every moment is crucial.  Bob explains how the team had to evaluate different platforms for both functionality and security.

Of course, the pandemic has necessitated adjustments in all areas of DuMochelle's business.  Appraisals are done over FaceTime, items are often left in windows of the facility for prospective buyers to evaluate, and some customers opt to wait until it is safe to visit in person.

One positive that Bob sees: the ability to work from home and research pieces that they learn about.  He explains a unique collection that they've been able to take a deep dive into.

Resources:

DuMochelle's Website: https://www.dumoart.com/

DuMochelle's on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DuMouchellesArtAuctions

DuMochelle's on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DuMouchelleArt

DuMochelle's on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dumouchellesartauctions/

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

"ChadTough" started as a rallying cry for 5 year-old Chad Carr. His grandfather Lloyd was the National Championship football coach at Michigan. His dad, Jason, was a Michigan quarterback. His mom, Tammi, began her career as a hospital fundraiser. After Chad passed away from a pediatric brain cancer known as DIPG, his family made sure his name and spirit became a mission, with the ChadTough Foundation. They have raised millions – but much more work is to be done. 

Tammi is our guest today, and she explains how the ChadTough Foundation has adapted its fundraising and events calendar in light of the pandemic. We cover the delicate balance between not seeming insensitive to COVID-19 while simultaneously not slowing the efforts against DIPG.

The Foundation's April event went virtual, continued to benefit from sponsors, and even creating ChadTough branded masks.

The annual  “RunTough” event on Chad's birthday will still happen this fall, with in person and online components. As always, there will be an auction for some incredible experiences with well-known friends of the Foundation.  In our climate of social distancing, those experiences may be different, but can actually be an easier request of those famous faces.

Finally, Tammi discusses the battle against the disease that took  her 5 year-old son.  While they were disheartened by the lack of progress over the last several decades, they are proud of the work that's been done in just the last five years.

Link:

ChadTough Foundation Website: https://www.chadtough.org/

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

The Detroit Economic Club was founded in 1934, during the Great Depression. It intended to bring Detroit business together, and it also brought some of the country's brightest business and policy minds to Michigan to share their ideas.

Steve Grigorian, President and CEO of the DEC, is our guest today. He illustrates the parallels between 1934 and 2020, and he takes us through the transition to digital keynotes and networking groups.

Since Michigan's Stay at Home order went into effect, the Detroit Economic Club has brought in some of the biggest names in the financial, medical and education worlds to discuss various aspects of the pandemic with members.

Steve and Jon also delve into the conflicting points of view around working from home. Some employees love it, but others can't wait to get back to the office. Some employers will need far less office space and some will need to invest in more.

Finally, Steve talks about what makes him hopeful going forward.  Will we find better work-life balances? Will we finally address the connectivity gap?

Resources:

Detroit Economic Club Website: http://www.econclub.org/

Phone number: 313-963-8547

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

In March and April this year, Gleaners Community Food Bank saw their food distribution rise from 7.5 million pounds to 10.8 million pounds, a stunning 45% year over year increase.

Today we are joined by Rachelle Bonelli, Gleaners' Vice President of Programs. She explains how they saw the pandemic coming, and what steps they took in their supply chain to ensure they could meet the increasing food needs of those living in Southeast Michigan..

This included providing meals for kids who were all of a sudden out of school in March instead of June. Gleaners also expanded their partnerships with  health departments, the National Guard, and other organizations in the 5 counties they serve.

Each one of Gleaners' 70 sites serves approximately 300 households, opening on a bi-weekly basis, and providing healthy food in a safe, non-contact way.  They've also been providing shelf-stable food boxes to those who can't - or shouldn't - leave home.

Resources:
Gleaners Community Food Bank Website: https://www.gcfb.org/

Gleaners Phone Number: 313-923-3535.

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

June is Men's Health Month, and usually, that means large in-person events to raise money and awareness.  In the case of the MIU Mens' Health Foundation, Dr. Michael Lutz and his team had to re-work three signature fundraising events.

Cogs and Kegs will now be virtual, with $20 raised by bikers for every 20 miles they ride on their own, with an online leader board. Each $20 will cover the cost of a men's health screening this fall. Griffin Claw Brewing Company will be adding in gift cards as well.

Typically, "Blue Monday" kicks off Men's Health Week.  This June 15th, instead of dressing the city of Detroit in blue a free event Downtown, the Foundation is asking people everywhere to wear blue and display it on social media with the hashtag #BlueMonday2020. The idea is to start a conversation about getting men healthy.

Instead of taking place at the Detroit Zoo, this year's Run For The Ribbon 5K will be virtual on Father's Day, running close to home, wherever they would like.  Registrants can sign up online and download all materials from the raise, all in an effort to raise awareness for prostate cancer and other men's health issues.

Statistically, men are far less likely than women to visit health care providers.  Dr. Lutz explains why many men go to the doctor not for prevention, but as a reaction.  A goal of the MIU Men's Health Foundation is to educate and persuade men to be more proactive about their health.

Dr. Lutz previews this year's Ford Field event (link below) in September. It's a non-invasive health screening that helps men get checked out in all areas. This year, they are also hoping to add jobs resources in the wake of COVID-19.

Finally, Dr. Lutz explains the areas of health that men need to check on as they enter each new decade of their lives, and he catches us up on some of the theories on why Coronavirus seems to affect men disproportionately.

Resources:

MIU Mens Health Foundation Website: https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/

Cogs and Kegs: www.cogsandkegs.org

Run For The Ribbon 5k: www.MIURunfortheRibbon.org

Blue Monday: www.BlueMondayMensHealth.org

Ford Field Men's Health Event: https://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/mens-health-event

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

Rochester Community Schools were among the first districts in the state to switch to distance learning.  This was no easy task. Dr. Robert Shaner explains the complex thought process that preceded the move.  This included getting input from state and local officials, as well as a task force comprised of many different types of voices.

The district was quick to dismantle computer labs and buy mobile hot spots, to make sure as many kids as possible had the tools they needed to continue their education.  The course work wasn't the first priority though. Dr. Shaner walks us through the steps taken by his team to make sure that the kids themselves were taken care of.  After all, this is a trauma informed situation.

Preparation was key - from having enough hot spots to donate to other communities, to partnering with the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities to offering resources to kids and professional development for staff.

Moving forward, Dr. Shaner talks about his most pressing issues, and we discuss what school could look like if we return in the fall.  Social distancing would be difficult - and expensive - to maintain in classrooms. And there are a number of variables that most folks haven't even considered.

If you find it challenging to manage your job and your kids at the same time, imagine what teachers are going through.  Dr. Shaner explains how emotional it can be for the educators who really miss their kids.

Finally, we cover some of the leadership lessons Robert learned in his time in the Marine Corps and as a police officer, and how that informs his style managing his team. And we close with his message to the educators, parents, and students in his district.

Resources:

Rochester Community School District Website: https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/

Josh Baker is owner of Cinderella's Wedding DJs, based in Waterford.  We've all heard stories of restaurants closing, folks losing their jobs, and more.  But imagine planning your wedding - and then having to postpone it.

First, Josh explained some of the conversations he's had to have with clients since the shutdown began in March - and the idea of planning, not panicking.

Some couples are opting for smaller weddings and making other changes, but most have a new sense of perspective as they re-plan their big day.

We talk about some of the logistics of re-booking DJs, and how far out rebookings are happening, and the potential backlog of weddings as we look ahead to 2021.

Josh also discusses the struggles of being a small business owner, and how he considers himself lucky to be working out of his home.

Finally, we cover some of the ways that Cinderella's Wedding DJs is trying to help - having conversations with clients and non-clients alike, just trying to offer help and support as brides and grooms-to-be navigate this tough situation. 

Contact info:

Cinderellas Website: http://cinderellasweddingdjs.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwdjs

Via Phone: 248-618-3211

Michigan Motors Forward is produced by JAG in Detroit Podcasts in collaboration with Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

https://jagindetroit.com/

https://tannerfriedman.com/