Register for the 2026 Innovate Michigan! Summit



June 2026

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Podcast Series: Transforming Tomorrow Together Today, Building Circular Economic Systems for Tomorrow's Communities


Host

Mary ZumBrunnen

CCED Assistant Director

Guests

John L. Knott, Jr.

Founder & Board Chair, CityCraft Foundation

Melissa Hall

Systems & Operations Strategist

Brent Forsberg

Michigan-Based Development

25+ Years in Real Estate & Community Revitalization


On this episode of Transforming Tomorrow Together Today, Mary ZumBrunnen interviews CityCraft Foundation Founder and Board Chair, John L. Knott, Jr., as well as Melissa Ms. Hall, systems and operations strategist, and Brent Forsberg, a Michigan-based development leader with over 25 years of experience in real estate investment and community revitalization about the Southwest Lansing Regenerative Roadmap, the Lansing Growth Fund and what's next for circular economic systems co-creation. This episode is part one of a three-part series with Knott, Hall and Forsberg discussing community ownership and the value created today leaving a legacy for those generations of tomorrow. CityCraft champions sustainable development and regenerative communities with over 20 years of experience building healthier, more resilient place, the Foundation has grown from a local initiative into a national force for change.

 

Innovate Michigan! Summit: Register Today!

You are invited to register for the 15th Annual Innovate Michigan! Summit - where academics, economic developers, entrepreneurs, local government leaders, students, nonprofits, and community partners from across the state gather to explore innovative economic development approaches and learn from this past years’ projects shaping Michigan’s future.


Dr. Qian Chunqi will present on his Co-Learning Plan project examining whether Low-Power-Wide-Area-Network (LPWAN) technology can bridge connectivity gaps in rural Michigan communities where broadband access is limited. Using AI-assisted analysis of field-based communication performance, the project evaluates how affordable communication devices can improve delivery of direct care services for older adults and agricultural workers while creating new employment opportunities in rural communities in healthcare delivery, technical support, and community-based service coordination.


Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the co-located Michigan Inventors Summit at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center. The event features inventors from across Michigan showcasing products and innovations, educational sessions, keynote speakers, and a pitch competition designed to help entrepreneurs advance and elevate their inventions.


Engage in conversations around REI’s evolving strategic direction and future priorities as it continues supporting Michigan’s most economically vulnerable communities. Additional details, including the full agenda and additional speakers can be found, here. Please share the Summit invitation with your networks. Thank you again for your continued partnership and support!


Questions? Contact Jenan Jondy at jondyjen@msu.edu

We hope to see you there!



 

Support this work in our communities - Give to the MSU Community Partnership and Innovation Fund

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