Max Loves Midland

In this episode, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Mike Williams, the Midland Market President for Isabella Bank. Mike shares his passion for community banking and Isabella Bank's important role in supporting the community. You'll learn about Isabella Bank's support of the revitalization of Midland's Center City District, Mike's involvement with Midland Noon Rotary Club's annual Pancake Dinner (February 20), and Mike's journey of getting connected in Midland after moving here in 2002. Mike also reflects on the milestones of raising his daughters in the Midland Public School system and the sports moments that have stuck with him over the years. Hear how Mike has embraced the "citizen, not just resident" mindset, and get inspired to find your own ways to get involved. 

Welcome to Season Two of the Max Loves Midland Show! In this inspiring episode, tour guide Kevin LaDuke sits down with Jessica Chai, a Dow High School senior who exemplifies leadership, resilience, and a passion for fostering inclusivity in her community. Jessica shares her journey as an active member of several impactful organizations, including the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition, Midland Area Youth Inclusivity Committee, Midland Area Youth Action Council, and as Co-Chair of Midland Lunar New Year celebrations.

Jessica reflects on her busy senior year, her excitement for the future as she prepares for college, and her passion for learning and building connections. She opens up about her experiences growing up as the child of first-generation Chinese immigrants in Midland, the challenges of navigating microaggressions, and how her family’s traditions and values inspired her to embrace her cultural heritage.
Discover how Jessica turned her early performance experiences into a lifelong commitment to celebrating diversity, creating belonging, and empowering others. She also discusses the origins of the Midland Lunar New Year event at Dow Diamond, its mission to bring people of all ages together, and how young people can make a powerful impact in their communities.
This heartfelt conversation offers a glimpse into the remarkable impact youth can have when they are given a voice and a platform to shine. Jessica’s story will leave you inspired to celebrate culture, foster inclusivity, and support the next generation of leaders.

“People want a sense of purpose, significance, & impact in both workplace & community. Having one and not the other isn't enough. People want both.” - Jason Story.
In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, Host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Jason Story, the Director of Talent and Small Business Initiatives for the Midland Business Alliance. They dive deep into a comprehensive framework for the retention, attraction, and development of talents (RAD TALENT, Y'ALL) in the Midland area. The discussion covers the key stages of the framework - attraction, acquisition, integration, equipment, development, retention, and sustentation - and how this model can be applied in the workplace and the broader community. Kevin and Jason explore the importance of building emotional connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and empowering individuals to find their roles and contributions to their community. This conversation expands beyond Midland, Michigan, and offers valuable insights for any community seeking to attract, develop, and retain top talent while strengthening community ties.

"Are you telling me I'm not living if I'm at work?!?"
Jason Story discusses his journey to Midland, Michigan and his work in talent development and community initiatives. Jason shares his background growing up in Oakland County and his experiences living and working in various places around the country, including New York, California, and the Caribbean. He reflects on the importance of finding environments that resonate with his values and energy.

In this episode of the Max Loves Midland Show, host Kevin LaDuke sits down with Skylyr Zink, a career and college access adviser serving students in the communities of Coleman and Meridian. Skylyr shares his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of postsecondary education, the challenges and opportunities of working in small-town America, and his passion for supporting the next generation. From his own rural upbringing to his collegiate football career and current role, Skylyr provides a compelling look at the importance of bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. He emphasizes the power of collective action, resource-sharing, and community-wide support in helping all students achieve their goals.

This Max Loves Midland Show episode features an in-depth conversation with Katie Trzaska-Miller, a community leader and arts advocate. Katie shares her diverse career journey, from working as a young theater executive to her current Midland Area Community Foundation role. The discussion covers Katie's passion for civic engagement, her work to promote equity and inclusion in the community, and her insights on the power of art to facilitate meaningful conversations. Listeners and watchers will gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant community initiatives happening in Midland, as well as Katie's motivations and the valuable lessons she's learned throughout her career. Whether you're a Midland resident or simply interested in community impact stories, this episode provides a compelling look at the people and projects shaping Midland, Michigan. 
Timestamps: 0:00 - 10:00 - Introduction to Katie Trzaska-Miller and her diverse roles in the Midland community. 10:00 - 20:00 - Katie's journey from Massachusetts to Michigan and early career experiences. 20:00 - 30:00 - Challenges and lessons learned from managing a small theater as a young professional. 30:00 - 40:00 - Katie's transition to Interlochen Center for the Arts and her experiences working with high-profile artists. 40:00 - 50:00 - Katie's move to Midland and her role at the Midland Center for the Arts. 50:00 - 1:00:00 - Katie's involvement in local community initiatives, including the Midland County Inclusion Alliance and the Juneteenth Block Party. 1:00:00 - 1:10:00 - Katie's reflections on community engagement and the importance of civic involvement. 1:10:00 - 1:20:00 - A discussion of favorite podcasts and the role of media in shaping perspectives. 1:20:00 - 1:30:00 - Final thoughts. 

This episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the vital role of local government communications and the power of community engagement. Meet Katie Guyer, Communications Coordinator for the City of Midland. Katie discusses her wide-ranging responsibilities, from managing the city's social media to overseeing community engagement initiatives. She shares insights into her personal journey to Midland, her passion for public service, and the City's efforts to enhance livability and community development. The discussion covers topics such as the City's innovative social media strategy, the impact of major events that took place in 2020, and Katie's vision for Midland's future.
 
Timestamps:
0-10 minutes:
Introduction of Katie Guyer, the Communications Coordinator for the city of Midland
Discussion of Katie's wide-ranging responsibilities, including social media, media interviews, press releases, and community engagement
Katie's emphasis on bringing a human element to the City's communications and her passion for transparency
10-20 minutes:
Katie's background and journey to Midland, including her transition from corporate marketing to local government communications
Challenges and rewards of Katie's role, especially during 2020
Importance of human-to-human interaction and giving residents the opportunity to connect with their local government
20-30 minutes:
Katie's first impressions of Midland and the City's key amenities, such as the Tridge, Dow Gardens, and the Midland Center for the Arts
The process of selecting photos for the City's annual calendar and the community-sourced nature of the content
Katie's role in supporting residents during the pandemic and dam failure events, and the collaboration with other City departments
30-40 minutes:
The role of city government in promoting livability and community development
Efforts to create a walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly community, including the pedestrian plaza
Importance of community engagement and residents' involvement in shaping the City's future
40-50 minutes:
Discussion of favorite social media accounts and the importance of engaging content
Katie's admiration for the Utah Department of Transportation's creative approach and the impact of Wendy's Twitter account
Emphasis on authenticity and the power of humor in social media marketing
50-60 minutes:
Katie's hopes for Midland's continued momentum and the importance of community involvement
Encouragement for residents to engage in master planning processes and local meetings
Reflections on the personal and professional impact of Katie's work in Midland