Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 - Tony Stamas, M.B.A. - #MPC26

Chris Holman speaks with Tony Stamas, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference. Tony Stamas, head of the Midland Business Alliance, discussed how the organization has evolved over the past decade into a regional collaborative, working closely with chamber and economic development partners across the Great Lakes Bay region on shared challenges like housing, childcare, and broadband connectivity. Midland's economy has remained strong following Dow's corporate restructuring, with spinoff companies like Corteva and DuPont continuing to invest heavily in the area, alongside anchors like Hemlock Semiconductor and Corning. Key priorities include expanding workforce housing through the "Housing Forward" initiative and closing broadband gaps in rural townships, with federal funding expected to accelerate progress in the coming years. Stamas also noted growing community interest in potential data center development, emphasizing the need for informed, fact-based public discussion before any decisions are made. » Visit MBN website: http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: http://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: http://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/