December 2014
Cover StorySponsored By:
JUNE PIERCE YOUATT
2014 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENT• LRCC Celebrates Election Success• President’s Message: 2014 Was A Very Good Year• MICapitalRegion.com Measures Regional Progress
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A Message From The President
Blue Cross Blue Shield .........................12
DBI ........................................................13
Fit Leader’s Program ............................15
Michigan.com ................................. 5 &19
Loomis Law Firm .............................10-11
MSUFCU ...............................................17
M3 Group ...............................................9
Mercantile Bank ......................Back Cover
WKAR ...................................................15
ADVERTISERS
2014 Board of Directors
OfficersBOARD CHAIR
Bill KimbleC2AE
PAST CHAIRPaula Cunningham
Capitol National Bank
CHAIR ELECTJohn Brown
Jackson National Life Insurance
LEGAL COUNSELJeff Hicks
Dart Container
TREASURERJeff Fineis
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
PRESIDENTTim Daman
Lansing Regional Chamber
Division DirectorsMARKETING & COMMUNICATION
Joe FordNetvantage Marketing
REGIONALISM INITIATIVES Mark Burnham
Michigan State University
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Deb Muchmore
Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Kevin McKinneyMcKinney & Associates
At-Large
FOCUSEDITORS
Ross Woodstock Michelle Rahl
DESIGN & PRINTINGSpartan Printing, Inc.
MAILINGBRD Mailing Incorporated
COVER PHOTOGRAPHYCourtesy: Trumpie Photography
INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHYFresh Image Design, LLC
David Baker Farm Bureau Insurance
Melanie Bergeron Two Men & A Truck
International
Leslie Brogan Comcast
Stella Cash Sparrow Health System
Patrick Dean Dean Transportation
Jenn Dubey EVOLVE Corporate Wellness
David Ferguson Ferguson Development
Tony Francavilla General Motors
Brian Gallagher Fraser, Trebilcock, Davis
& Dunlap, P.C.
Andre Hutson Conquest Fitness and Health
Brian Murty Meijer
Steve Reynolds Accident Fund Holdings
Patrick Salow Hayes Green Beach Hospital
Jason Sanders Fifth Third Bank
Tim Salisbury PNC Bank
HeatherShawa-DeCook
Shadawa LLC
Tom A. Stewart Commonwealth Enterprises
Bob Trezise LEAP, Inc.
Ryan Vartoogian Spartan Internet
Bill Woodbury Auto-Owners Insurance
Tim DamanPresident and CEO
Lansing Regional
Chamber of Commerce
It has been an honor to serve
our membership again in 2014 and
we look forward to working
with you in the next year as we
continue our collaborative
efforts to move Greater Lansing
forward.
2014: It’s Been a Very Good Year
It seems hard to believe that 2014 is rapidly drawing to a close. Looking back on the year, it feels good to report that not only was 2014 a highly successful year for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) – it has also been a year of continued economic growth in our region.
LRCC has been a leading voice in advancing the cause of regionalism. In the past year, we have supported the efforts of the City of Lansing’s Financial Health Team and its work in helping restore the city to a solid financial situation. We supported calls for regional representation on the Lansing Board of Water and Light Board of Commissioners, which was approved by voters in Lansing in November. We supported the millage renewal for the Lansing School District, also approved by voters, while at the same time urging the school district to take specific action to strengthen its fiscal standing. We were very proud to join with five other organizations in the region to produce CATALYST: Capital Region Prosperity Project, a public forum to help shape development of an economic prosperity blueprint for Greater Lansing.
Our government relations team really shined in 2014. Our endorsed candidates swept into office in races for the state legislature, Lansing Community College Board of Trustees, Lansing School Board and several county commission seats. LRCC was actively involved in several key policy discussions, especially in supporting and helping pass Governor Snyder’s higher education budget, and passage of Personal Property Tax reform through the Michigan Citizens for Strong and Safe Communities coalition – a measure that makes our state more attractive for new investment and jobs.
One of the “under the radar” success stories is the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), which is on a record setting pace in helping businesses secure government contracts. In the past seven years, PTAC has helped local businesses land an astounding $240 million in government contracts, which have been responsible for creating or retaining nearly 4,300 jobs!
Our events and networking efforts were as strong as ever, most notably Economic Club, which experienced record attendance in 2014, no doubt boosted by outstanding speakers including MSU President Lou Anna Simon, outgoing U of M President Mary Sue Coleman and highly respected CEOs including Patrick Doyle from Dominos and Mike Wells from Jackson National Life.
Our Celebration of Regional Growth (CORG) awards program recognized five more organizations who have contributed greatly to this region: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Hayes Green Beach/AL!VE, Hope Soccer Complex, Michigan Veneer and the MSU Bio Engineering Facility. Since 2006, CORG has recognized 51 organizations that have invested a total of more than $1.5 billion in the region.
It was especially rewarding for us to have more than 100 business leaders come together in September for a special membership event that netted the Chamber 140 new members. That show of support and community spirit was incredible. Let’s not stop there. As we look ahead to 2015, I encourage you to work with us to identify opportunities for innovative leadership that delivers services and value to our members as well as the Greater Lansing region.
It has been an honor to serve our membership again in 2014 and we look forward to working with you in the next year as we continue our collaborative efforts to move Greater Lansing forward. On behalf of your Lansing Regional Chamber team, we wish you a wonderful holiday season.
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News & Events
EVENT COST IS COMPLIMENTARY FOR THESE ENHANCED MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:
Bronze Silver Gold Platinum
2015 ANNUAL DINNERCELEBRATING OVER 100 YEARS
OF EXCELLENCETUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015
5:15 – 8:30 P.M.
KELLOGG HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: $85/MEMBERS, $140/NON-MEMBERS, $630/TABLE OF EIGHT
GREAT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3: DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing. The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues affecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Kristin Beltzer at [email protected].
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4: CHAMBER 360, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m., Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing. New, veteran and prospective members are encouraged to attend Chamber 360, sponsored by ASK, to learn about the full range of Chamber benefits and how to maximize your investment. Meet our staff and find out how we are working for you through business growth and advocacy initiatives, exclusive member benefit programs, member exposure, networking and educational event opportunities. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9: BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES - LEARN TO NETWORK LIKE A PRO, 3:30 - 4:45 p.m., Knapp’s Centre, 300 S. Washington Square, Lansing. Cost: $15/person (includes entry into the December Member Mixer immediately following program). Networking is a vital skill for any business owner, yet most of us make rookie mistakes every time we step into a mixer or crowded event. Becoming a great networker is an acquired skill, and the good news is anyone can learn to do it successfully - even introverts! In this program, you will learn techniques that top networkers use to connect easily authentically and memorably for building strong business relationships. Bring your business cards, your best handshake and willingness to meet new people. Immediately following this program, attendees will put their newly learned networking skills to work at the December Member Mixer at the Knapp’s Centre! Visit www.lansingchamber.org to register. Contact Travis Richardson for any questions at (517) 853-6463 or [email protected]. Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9: HOLIDAY MIXER CO-HOSTED BY THE EYDE COMPANY AND DEWPOINT, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Knapp’s Centre, 300 S. Washington Square, Lansing. Our annual holiday mixer is the best attended Mixer of the year and we are proud to have The Eyde Company and Dewpoint co-sponsor this year’s event at the newly renovated Knapp’s Centre! $10/member, $30/nonmember. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11: 2014 ATHENA AWARD PRESENTATION, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. The ATHENA Award celebrates the potential of all women as leaders of the community and honors those who strive towards the highest levels of professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community, and who pave paths for other women to follow. Dr. June Pierce Youatt, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Michigan State University (MSU), is the newest member of Lansing’s ATHENA Award legacy. $55/member, $75/nonmember, $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18: DECEMBER ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speakers: Rod Alberts, executive director, Detroit Auto Dealers Association and the North American International Auto Show, and Scott LaRiche, chairman, North American International Auto Show 2015 and immediate past president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. Sponsored by MSU International Business Center and the Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Tickets: $40/member, $55/nonmember, $300/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required and can be completed at www.lansingchamber.org.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7: DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 S. Creyts Road, Lansing. The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues affecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Kristin Beltzer at [email protected].
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13: MEMBER MIXER, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, 1146 South Washington Ave., Suite A, Lansing. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers is the world leader in computer training for small, medium and large organizations. $10/member, $30/non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22: ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: David Dombrowski, president, CEO and general manager for the Detroit Tigers. In his 34th season of professional baseball, Dombrowski enters his 11th season with the Tigers after being named team president in 2001 and assuming the role of general manager in 2002. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. $40/members, $55/non-members, $300/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
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Agate Software, Inc.
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
Beggars Banquet
Biggby Coffee #206
Building Twentyone
Canada Dry Bottling Co. of Lansing
Capital Honda
Capital Internal Medicine Associates, P.C.
Ciesa Design
Comcast
Comcast Spotlight
Core Technology Corp.
Cornerstone Wealth Partners
Dart, Papesh & Co., Inc.
Doty Mechanical, Inc.
EM Services, LLC
Encompass-EAP Work-Life & Well Being
English Inn, The
Fantastic Finds
Flooring America - Carpet Studio
Gillespie Group
Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan
Gordon Food Service Marketplace-Edgewood
Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS
Habitat for Humanity Lansing
Health Numeric
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Amerilodge Group)
Hospice Advantage
IDV Solutions
International Consulting & Contracting Services, Inc.
Lansing Community College Student Memberships
Lansing Community College Foundation & Alumni Assoc
Lansing Glass Co.
Lansing Urgent Care
Maloney Carpet Company
Management Resources Development
Mary Stucko Agency - Farm Bureau-Cynthia Eiseler
MBI International
Michigan Events
Michigan Legislative Consultants
Murawski’s Tax Service, Inc.
Nexcare Health Systems
Northwood University - University College
Okemos Auto Collection - BMW Mercedes Benz Porsche
Old Town General Store
Paradise Funeral Chapel Administrative Center
Pleune Service Company
Potter Park Zoological Society
Schultz, Inc.
Seelye Group Ltd.
Sewer Specialists First, Inc.
Shaklee
Siena Wealth Advisors
Signarama
Spartan Water & Coffee Service
Spring Arbor University
Stillwater Grill
Sycamore, LLC
SYMBIOSIS International
Teachout Security Services
Tee To Green Printing & Promotional Products
Telamon Corporation
TOC Logistics International
Wal-Mart Super Center
YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing
Zeeb Animal Hospital
Thank You Renewing Members
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BATTERY GIANT-EAST LANSING1306 E. Michigan AvenueEast Lansing, MI 48823 517-763-2737www.batterygiant.com
GRAND MERE’S ADULT DAY HEALTH CLUB1020 Eastbury DriveLansing, MI 48917 517-489-7107www.grandmeresclub.com
VEHICLE ACCESSORIES, INC.1029 E. Miller Rd.Lansing, MI 48911 517-272-5000www.4vehicleaccessories.com
BRIGHTDIGITPO Box 165 Dewitt, MI 48820517-325-3123www.brightdigit.com
CARING TRANSITIONS12445 Lawrence J Pkwy Lansing, MI 48917 517-489-3825www.caringtransitionslansing.com
GOVERNMENTAL CONSULTANT SERVICES INC.120 N. Washington Square, Ste 110 Lansing, MI 48933 517-484-6216www.gcsionline.com
AKT PEERLESS1000 S. Washington, Ste 101 Lansing, MI 48910517-648-2434www.aktpeerless.com
NERIUM 517-262-7465 kathyiocca.nerium.com
PAYCHEX625 Kenmoor Ave SE, Ste 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-940-8855www.paychex.com
SIR PIZZA OF MICHIGAN1818 S. Cedar Lansing, MI 48910 517-487-3733www.sirpizza-mi.com
HICKS BROTHERS REAL ESTATEP.O. Box 100 Laingsburg, MI 48848-0100 517-651-2700
INDEPENDENCE VILLAGE OF GRAND LEDGE/STORYPOINT LIVING477 S. Village Drive Grand Ledge, MI 48837 517-627-7585www.seniorvillages.com
RIVER FRONT BUSINESS CENTER410 S. Cedar St., Ste B Lansing, MI 48912 517-487-0059
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce members have
unparalleled access to their company and staff profiles on the LRCC
website. To access and update this information at any point,
visit www.lansingchamber.org and enter your username and password. If you have not yet logged into the site, please
follow the simple password reset instructions. Call (517) 487-6340
with any questions.
CORE TECHNOLOGY CORP. 25 years
DART, PAPESH & CO., INC. 20 years
WAL-MART SUPER CENTER 10 years
PLEUNE SERVICE COMPANY 5 years
Chamber Milestones
We’d like to offer a special salute to these great organizations that reached milestone anniversaries
as Chamber members this month. Thank you for your continued
support through the years!
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Membership Services
Healthcare of the Future
The October 30 Healthcare Forum – Greater Lansing: Leading Healthcare Innovation – focused on how the region is preparing for the healthcare system of the future through both talent development and redefining patient value. Dean Marsha Rappley from the Michigan
State University College of Human Medicine discussed the ways that the college is meeting the changing demands for healthcare professionals. Joseph Ruth, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Sparrow Health System, spoke to the need to move beyond a hospital-centric approach and the critical shift in thinking that the healthcare industry is currently undergoing.
The panel discussion focused on local healthcare innovators who are slowly helping position the Greater Lansing region as a pocket of healthcare innovation on par with other well-established areas around the state such as Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. Comprising our Innovators in Healthcare panel were Nevin Brittain, Health Numeric, Ryan Jankovic, TheraB Medical, Inc. and Enterprise Medical Products, and Gordon Maniere, Advanced Amputee Solutions. Together, they discussed the barriers to healthcare innovation and how the region can better support healthcare entrepreneurs.
Celebration of Regional Growth
Five area companies were recognized for their contributions to the region at the ninth annual Celebration of Regional Growth Awards on Thursday, November 20. Honorees were TWO MEN AND A TRUCK International, Hayes Green Beach Hospital/AL!IVE, Hope Soccer Complex, Michigan Veneer and the MSU Bio Engineering facility. Thanks to our great Co-Presenting Sponsors PNC Bank and Loomis Law Firm, and our Video Sponsor Consumers Energy. Pictured l-r: Tim Salisbury (PNC Bank), Ben Kramer (Michigan Veneer), Dean Leo Kempel (MSU College of Engineering), Julie Mullin (Hope Soccer Complex), Matt Rush (Hayes Green Beach Hospital), Mary Ellen Sheets (TWO MEN AND A TRUCK) and Jack Davis (Loomis Law Firm).
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Government RelationsLansing Regional Chamber Celebrates Election SuccessWINNING CANDIDATES URGED TO WORK TOGETHER TO MOVE MICHIGAN AND GREATER LANSING REGION FORWARD
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) celebrated a successful election night as key candidates endorsed by LRCC swept to victory. LRCC congratulated Governor Rick Snyder on his reelection and urged the Governor and state lawmakers to work together on
critical issues needed to move Michigan forward.
“The Governor certainly earned his reelection through his performance over the past four years, including major business tax reform, creating new jobs and expanding opportunities in education,” said Tim Daman, LRCC president and chief executive officer. “The Lansing Regional Chamber has come out strongly in support of proposals to fund new investment in our state’s infrastructure. It is our hope the Governor and state lawmakers will work together to pass an infrastructure plan before the end of the year.”
LRCC was pleased with the success of the candidates it endorsed for the state legislature, most notably Tom Barrett, who defeated incumbent Theresa Abed to win the state house seat in Delta Township/Eaton County. LRCC endorsed candidate Curtis Hertel won the 23rd District State Senate Seat while LRCC endorsed incumbent state representatives Sam Singh, Andy Schor and Tom Leonard also won reelection.
“We are certain that Tom Barrett will be a great representative for Eaton County and the business community,” said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC senior vice president for government relations & public policy. “We feel that the Greater Lansing region features an extremely strong legislative delegation, and we look forward to working closely with our Capitol Caucus in the coming months.”
In other election related news of importance:• LRCC also congratulated endorsed candidates Andrew Abood, who won
a spot on the Lansing Community College Board of Trustees, and Bryan Beverly, who successfully ran for a spot on the Lansing School Board;
• LRCC also supported a ballot proposal approved by voters that will allow for suburban representation on the Lansing Board of Water and Light;
• As a supporter of economic development and job creation, LRCC backed a proposal to allow the City of East Lansing to sell parking lots, however voters defeated the plan; and LRCC also expressed disappointment that Ingham County voters approved a tax increase to fund parks, even though Ingham County Commissioners had failed to develop a concrete plan for how it would spend new revenues generated by the millage.
“We emphasized from the beginning that we are not opposed to parks or quality of life initiatives by any means,” said Daman. “There needs to be stronger accountability on the part of the Ingham County Commission. Taxpayers deserve to see a thoughtfully developed plan for the parks funds in the very near future.”
BWL Applauds Passage of Charter Amendments
Lansing Board of Water & Light Chair David Price and General Manger J. Peter Lark issued the following statement applauding voter results that approved two BWL-related City of Lansing Charter amendments:
“We are pleased with the approval of Charter amendments that expand Board of Commissioners representation to our suburban communities and grant
the Mayor of Lansing emergency authority over the BWL during a crisis. We wholeheartedly support the results of the election, which ref lects Mayor Bernero’s vision of regionalism. This will make the BWL a stronger utility, and we will work diligently to welcome and include three new members to the Board of Commissioners.”
MICapitalRegion.com is Your Regional Dashboard
CATALYST SPURS PROSPERITY BENCHMARKING WEBSITE FOR COMMUNITY USE
The Regional Prosperity Initiative, a grant awarded from the State of Michigan, has yielded two amazing products so far—first the CATALYST: Regional Prosperity Project event that took the Lansing Center by storm on October 21, and now as a direct outcome, MICapitalRegion.com.
MICapitalRegion.com lays out the big picture for prosperity in our region, transcending the year end reports and measurables of specific organizations to encompass community progress as our own region understands it. Broken down into four pillars – Economic and Financial Health, Education and Talent, Health and Environment and Culture and Lifestyle – the information will challenge all agencies to think bigger about how we are working individually and together to move the needle on different things to become a better and more globally competitive region.
Six prominent organizations—Capital Area Michigan Works!, The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lansing Community College, Michigan State University and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission—joined forces in an effort to establish a five-year Economic Prosperity
Plan; to create the Greater Lansing Regional Prosperity Initiative. The website will be the home to our five-year Economic Prosperity Plan, expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
The Regional Prosperity Initiative team invited the community to participate in CATALYST, an event connecting entrepreneurs, business owners, young professionals and regional leaders from Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties to be a catalyst for positive, rapid, and sustained progress toward prosperity for our region. The event was a success with over 275 people in attendance, all of whom worked together on a prosperity work plan. Additionally, attendees got to see a sneak peak of MICapitalRegion.com and its prosperity-based regional data.
The website showcases the most important facets of our region’s prosperity and will be a resource the entire region can utilize. Please visit MICapitalRegion.com today to gauge where the Lansing community is and envision where you, as an important member of our community, would like to be in the future.
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Focus on Small Business
The Lansing Regional Chamber gets down to ‘SMALL BUSINESS’
LANSING PTAC PLAYS A ROLE IN FIRM’S GROWTH
Accountant Looking to Increase His Company’s“SCOPE AND SCALE”
In the 8th grade, Charles L. Moore operated one of the largest paper routes in his hometown of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. His operation was so large in fact, he even had employees. One day his profits didn’t add up. Those missing profits convinced him that he wanted to be an accountant.
Moore has been a Certified Public Accountant for 23 years who owns and operates his own accounting firm. C.L. Moore and Associates is one of the only minority-owned accounting firms in the Lansing area. In addition to his business, Moore has done work for the State of Michigan Banking Trust Division, as well as being the internal auditor for the Lansing School District.
C.L. Moore and Associates recently received an 8(a) certification from the Small Business Administration. The 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to aid economically or socially disadvantaged small business owners gain a foothold in government contracting. According to Moore, there are only 220 8(a) certified firms in Michigan. Moore is excited about the implications that being 8(a) certified could have for his business.
“As a small business, it’s sometimes hard to grow. You need opportunities to show you can grow. [The 8(a) program] helps you do that by securing government contracts. Once [we] grow, we can compete on a larger scale,” said Moore.
The Lansing Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), located at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, was instrumental in helping Moore obtain the 8(a) certification. PTAC helped him reorganize his business and complete the paperwork necessary for the 8(a) program. PTAC also assisted in the initial step of marketing his firm to agencies seeking to do business with 8(a) certified businesses.
Moore believes that businesses like his – small businesses that make less than $1.5 million dollars a year – are the backbone of job growth in America. He hopes his involvement in the 8(a) program will help his firm grow to the point where he can hire more people. With more people reducing the workload for Moore, he can focus on obtaining additional contracts and making plans for the future.
Overall, Moore’s goal for his company is to increase in both “scope and scale.” He hopes that the 8(a) certification will help him achieve that goal.
For the third year in a row, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce participated in the annual Small Business Saturday initiative. Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event that supports “shopping local” to promote the growth of small businesses.
Traditionally taking place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this year’s event occurred on Saturday, November 29th.
American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010. They hoped to create an event that would rally neighborhoods to help small businesses attract more customers and do more business.
This year, 25 participating Chamber members received a Shop Small kit that included a welcome mat, tote bags, pens, posters and stickers, and more. The
merchants also received a $25 gift card that he/she could give away to a customer in their store. These materials helped to better promote the event and get more businesses involved.
“This is a really great promotion for businesses in the Greater Lansing region, and for three years in a row, we have received great feedback from our members,” said Tim Daman, President and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber. “The attention put on these small businesses, through partnerships like the Small Business Saturday program, has brought in more customers and ultimately bettered the Lansing community.”
The Lansing Regional Chamber plans to continue their support to small businesses and encourages others to get involved as well. Look for the blue and white “Shop Small” brand to partake in Small Business Saturday again next year.
For more information about the 8(a) program or the Lansing PTAC office,
please contact Kim Langenberg at 517-835-6445 or [email protected].
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Economic Club
Cancer has been called the defining plague of our generation and is one of the top two killers in the United States. The head of the renowned Karmanos Cancer Hospital told the Lansing Regional Economic Club that new cases in Michigan continue to go up—some of which is related to the fact that
people are living longer.
“The older people are getting the more cancer cases we are seeing,” said Margaret Dimond, president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital.
Dimond told the Economic Club audience that better treatments are leading to better outcomes. She noted that screening and awareness of breast cancer, a leading killer of women, are the most critical steps.
Karmanos Cancer Institute recently brought advanced cancer care to Mid-Michigan as the result of a merger with McLaren Health System and its 12 hospitals, including McLaren Greater Lansing. The merger resulted in the largest cancer care network in Michigan. The network now offers service to 53 counties with a population of 6.8 million, and is now seeing 12,000 new cases a year. The Karmanos bone marrow transplant program is ranked in the top six in the nation.
Dimond, who received advanced degrees from both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, says she is a Spartan, and proudly notes that the relationship with McLaren Greater Lansing means world-class cancer care is available locally.
“If you have referrals, you don’t have to send them to maize and blue,” said Dimond. “We can give them great care right here in Lansing.”
Karmanos Cancer Institute Brings Its World-Class Care to Mid-Michigan
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An exceptional leader who leads with vision, grace and charm. Innovative. Outstanding professional. Passionate about her commitment to Michigan State University (MSU).
Those are just a handful of descriptions that colleagues and friends use to describe Dr. June Pierce Youatt, who was chosen by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce as the 2014 ATHENA Award recipient. Youatt, who serves as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at MSU, is widely acclaimed for her career achievements, community service and personal leadership in mentoring and encouraging women in their careers.
“Her leadership approach is a mirror of the person each of us wants and, indeed, needs as a colleague and friend,” said Lou Anna K. Simon, President of Michigan State University. “Simultaneously, June is passionate yet compassionate, strong yet humble, focused on goals yet open to new ideas, a determined leader yet a consensus builder, and unrelenting in the quest for quality yet always ready to lend a hand to those less fortunate, your worst critic and yet your best friend.”
Youatt considers it a privilege to be included on the prestigious list of names that have received the ATHENA Award since its inception in 1982, many of whom she says she has known and admired. At the same time, she feels a sense of responsibility to live up to what it means to be included in the company of so many great individuals.
“If this is the company I am keeping, then going forward, what are my responsibilities to this community and the people I serve and care about,” said Dr. Youatt. “What’s next?”
Youatt should be considered a “Spartan for life”. She has received all of her degrees from MSU, including her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Except for a six-year stint as a secondary teacher, Youatt has worked her entire career at MSU. She
recalls coming to MSU as a 17 year-old-undergrad and feeling overwhelmed. She connected to the university and its people and remembers thinking that it would be an amazing place to work.
“I wasn’t sure I belonged, but somewhere along the line, this place began to belong to me,” said Youatt. “It’s pretty hard to leave a place you believe that strongly about.”
JUNE PIERCE YOUATT
2014 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENT
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As a faculty member at MSU, Youatt became interested in the student’s transition to college. Under her leadership, the college developed, and was the first to require, a freshman seminar for all first-year students. Her focus on college transition and undergraduate education prepared her for her move into her next important role at MSU, Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Provost. During that period of her career, Youatt championed a university-wide program for undergraduate research, launched the freshman abroad seminar, and initiated work that resulted in a common set of undergraduate learning goals for all students.
After four years as undergraduate dean, Dr. Youatt was named Senior Associate Provost where she led an effort to develop a new model for undergraduate success known as the “Neighborhood Concept.” This model was a first-of-its-kind in the country to integrate student affairs, residential services and academic affairs.
Dr. Youatt was named Provost in April 2014. Her tenure has been noted for her continued emphasis on academic success—particularly for underrepresented students. Youatt says her career work with underrepresented students was influenced during her youth when she recalls watching television news and being exposed to the War on Poverty and the civil rights movement. She views education as a critical component in achieving social justice, equality, equity and social mobility. Youatt believes MSU is one of the best in the country in helping students who are talented and haven’t had opportunity be successful.
“If we can recognize that promise and create an environment where students can find support, encouragement and inspiration, it will change their lives, their families and communities,” said Dr. Youatt. “If there is a way to provide educational opportunities, you can change the world.”
Dr. Youatt’s community leadership and involvement is, in many ways, an extension of her professional interests and passions. Over the years, she has committed a significant amount of her time, talent and energy in servicing low income families. She has served as a parenting educator at Haven House in East Lansing, has worked with Lansing Christian Services on the Rotating Sanctuary project, and has served as an intake worker as well as the congregational coordinator of her own church. She has also worked with the Love Clothing Center by providing services to clients and in organizing local drives for contributions of new clothing. With the increased leadership demands of her professional role, “serving” rather than “leading” has taken on a new joy in her life.
“It renews you and reminds you that you do have the ability to make some small change,” said Dr. Youatt. “There’s a great benefit in stepping away from the front of the room and realizing who this is all about.”
Throughout her career, Youatt has prioritized and successfully mentored scores of women, which she continues to do today. Colleagues praise her for her high energy level and deep sense of caring for individuals.
“Dr. Youatt is a gifted, caring and selfless individual who supports, mentors, coaches and promotes inclusion in the workplace and in society,” said Dr. MaryLee Davis,
the very first ATHENA recipient in 1982 and nominator of Dr. Youatt. “Whether working for an educational cause, a local charity, her church or a professional group; June not only is involved in leadership roles, but frequently works behind the scenes helping make things happen.”
Youatt has three children and three grandchildren. She found out later in life that her kids used to joke that MSU was her “fourth and favorite child.” It gives her great pleasure now that two daughters are currently working on their Ph.D., and aspire to a university career for themselves. Youatt’s first husband and father of her children, passed away several years ago. She later married Charlie Ballard, a noted MSU economist.
For much of her life, June Youatt has been about changing the world, through education, personal leadership and community service; characteristics that are applauded by her friends, including her boss at MSU, President Lou Anna Simon.
“If a sequel to the movie, “Steel Magnolias” were made, June would be cast in the starring role,” said Dr. Simon. “June is a very special treasure for the University and the community.”
JUNE PIERCE YOUATT
2014 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENT
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Young Professionals Seek Culture, Transportation and Inclusiveness
As a native Michigander and Lansing enthusiast, I can share my love to travel and also how much I love to come home after every
trip. Despite the relief of returning home, the pitfalls are inevitable in realizing something you really liked about wherever you visited that you just can’t get at home. For me: it’s usually a taxi.
Greater Lansing has made enormous strides in recent years generating a nightlife and entertainment scene. As someone who enjoys those entertainment options regularly, planning safe and reliable transportation after 8 p.m. can truly be a challenge. A handful of cabs hover around hotspots on Washington Square and Albert Street with phone numbers posted visibly in their vehicles, meeting nowhere near the capacity of riders who are left waiting at or outside bars. Ask any young professional on a busy Friday night how many cab companies they have to call before someone answers. This is a major oversight in the region… and opportunity.
I couldn’t be more thrilled that the entertainment scene is on the rise, it’s one of the features that make me happy to come home. But if greater Lansing wants to continue to grow the lifestyle amenities that will appeal to the creative class and young professionals, the transportation scene needs to respond accordingly.
-ANDREA RAGAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CAPITAL AREA IT COUNCIL
When I imagined myself as a professional, I didn’t picture staying in Michigan, let alone Lansing. However, my Martin Waymire internship exposed me to the potential of Michigan’s capital city. With most millennials this isn’t the case. They pick the city before
the job. So, what does this mean for Lansing?
To become a premier destination, Lansing needs work in a few areas: providing a more diverse and welcoming culture, closer proximity to attractions and necessities and improved public transportation. Cities like San Francisco, New York City and even Ann Arbor offer amenities attracting millennials to their thriving metropolises.
Lansing lacks cultural draws (i.e. restaurants, concert venues, etc.) where young creatives gather because they want to, outside work.
It also doesn’t help if an abundance of millennials are commuting, as they’re more likely to visit attractions in their home city. Improved reliable and affordable public transportation connecting attractions and home helps solve this issue.
But these aren’t necessarily negatives, as more stepping stones. Young professionals with ambition to stay in Lansing and a vision to achieve a better Michigan (and hopefully national) destination will make the above possible.
-GREG ROKISKY, ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, MARTIN WAYMIRE
We need to become a welcoming city (and state) to the entire spectrum of young professionals and families
looking for a place to work and play. Speaking from the viewpoint of the LGBT community, it’s becoming increasingly hard to attract members of that populace to come to our state.
More and more, our generation is being recognized for its social consciousness, in the brands we choose to support, the musical artists that we download, and countless other arenas. If our state wants to attract creative young professionals and families with any semblance of diversity, our lawmakers must work to create a welcoming (and equal) environment for those new citizens.
-DUSTIN PETTY, ACADEMIC ADVISER, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Talent
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Loomis Lawyers Honored By Ingham County
www.dbiyes.com
Visit Our Working Showroom912 East Michigan Avenue, Downtown Lansing P 517.485.3200
The City of Lansing awarded five local arts and cultural organizations with grant funding totaling $120,000. The funding will go towards funding public programs that enhance the city’s placemaking efforts. The Sense of Place in the Arts program is administered by the Lansing Economic Area
Partnership (LEAP) and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.
The purpose of the Sense of Place in the Arts Program is to reward organizations that are building a sense of place related to arts and culture in the City of Lansing. The program will allow these organizations the opportunity to creatively design physical improvements and attractions that increase the visibility, access and celebration of the arts to customers, clients and the public while impacting the creation of “sense of place” in the city. Grant awards ranging from $5,000 - $75,000 have been made available for building a sense of place in the arts supporting excellence in a wide range of artistic and cultural disciplines.
“Promoting and enhancing arts and culture is part and parcel of our efforts to attract and retain talent by creating vibrant community spaces and activities – what economic developers call ‘sense of place’,” Mayor Bernero said. “We know that the arts are a vital ingredient in the redevelopment and revitalization of the city and region and today’s grant awards will support those efforts.”
The grantees awarded were: Lansing Art Gallery will implement Project Pop Up which will include activities to activate unexpected public or private spaces with a changing rotation of artful experiences; Michigan Energy Options will begin Healthy and Green for Everyone: Bike Rack Art, a program that will install metal sculpture bike rack and repair stations throughout Ingham County Health Center locations in South Lansing; R.E. Olds Transportation Museum will begin the Community Heart of REO mural project to be mounted in the historic REO Township district; Lansing Symphony Orchestra will create a program infusing the orchestra within the downtown; and Old Town Commercial Association will expand the Scrapfest event to include events geared towards youth by connecting with local partners and artists; “We believe that placemaking has a strong impact on economic development,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “As we work to develop and revitalize the City and community through economic development projects, we strive to support arts and culture and placemaking enhancements.”
“The Arts Council is pleased to work with the City of Lansing and LEAP in supporting arts and culture as a basis for quality of life, arts education and economic development within Lansing,” said Deborah E. Mikula, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. “Through these exciting and visible projects, Lansing residents will have access to high quality arts programs and educational opportunities.”
Bar Association
The Loomis Law Firm and the Lansing Regional Chamber would like to congratulate Jack Davis on his selection as the 2014 recipient of the Leo A. Farhat Outstanding Attorney Award, issued by the Ingham County Bar Association. Ken Beall was also selected as
the 2014 recipient of the Camille S. Abood Distinguished Volunteer Award. Mr. Davis and Mr. Beall received their awards at the 2014 Recipients 120th Annual Dinner, held on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the Lexington Lansing Hotel.
Membership ServicesCity of Lansing Announces “Sense of Place” Arts & Culture Grant Awards
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Chamber In Action
Thursday, October 16 was a great day to celebrate with a Chamber ribbon cutting the 1-year anniversary of Pro-Soil Site Services, located at 3323 N. East Street, Lansing. Pro-Soil is the largest temporary fencing company in the tri-county area and offers commercial and industrial fence services
throughout the Great Lakes states. Pictured from (L-R): Melissa Nay, WKAR-TV/Radio, Chamber Ambassador; Eric Fuentes, Flavored Threads; Jean Lodge, Vi-Salus, Chamber Ambassador; Juan Hernandez, Flavored Threads; Denny Hutton, Pro-Soil Site Services; Darren Tews, Owner, Pro-Soil Site Services; Kristin Dunn, Pro-Soil Site Services; Chad Munce, MLive Media Group, Chamber Ambassador; Brian Johnson, WorkSquared, Chamber Ambassador; and Michael Nordmann, Morrison, Nordmann and Associates, Chamber Ambassador.
The Lansing Regional Chamber was pleased to take part in Siena Wealth Advisors and Siena Accounting “Grand Opening Celebration” on October 17 to showcase their new home located at 11973 Sweetwater Dr., Suite A-1, Grand Ledge. This wonderful event drew many clients from across
the region and beyond. The individuals at Siena are leaders of an integrated Siena team and Siena’s advisors have extensive and relevant education, training and experience in the area of investment and financial management, tax and estate planning and more. Pictured from (L-R): Dan Wilkinson, Horizon Bank, Chamber Ambassador; Karen Benjamin, Siena; Colleen Rowland, Siena; Jean Lodge, ViSalus, Chamber Ambassador; Michelle Weinfeld, Siena; Susan Flynn, Siena; Rebecca Kanaby, Adams Outdoor Advertising, Chamber Ambassador; Stephen Hicks, Siena; Roger Millbrook, Siena; W. Joseph Irish, Siena; Benjamin Cwayna, Siena; Eric Bird, Siena; Todd Lake, Northwood University, Chamber Ambassador; Zackary Armstrong, Siena; Sue Quimby, New Horizon, Chamber Ambassador; and Melissa Nay, WKAR/MSU TV Radio, Chamber Ambassador.
On October 23, the Lansing Regional Chamber joined with Candlewood Suites Hotel Lansing to celebrate the August 29th completion of a multi-million dollar renovation of their facility at 3545 Forest Road, Lansing. The renovation included all 128 guest suites, including
newly renovated extended stay guest suites that offer a unique option for visitors to the area. Improvements are also being made to the hotel’s lobby and public areas. Attending the ribbon cutting (from L to R): Melissa Nay, McKenna Long, Calvin Boekhoven, William Cantrell, Kerri Brown, Barb Schram, Mike DeMartelaere, and Mike Nordmann.
The Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, located at 6380 Drumheller Road, Bath, was pleased to host a ribbon cutting on October 28 for renovations to the one-of-a-kind Bengel Wildlife Center. This facility offers many room rental options to accommodate your next business meeting, retreat or event
and is perfect for family functions and weddings. Other amenities include indoor and outdoor options with a beautiful view, four separate rooms accommodating 10 – 130 people, a patio area seating that seats 300+, and first-class facilities with elevator and handicap accessible. Visit them online at MIWildlife.org or call (517) 641-7677. Attending the ribbon cutting (L-R): Thomas Hamp, Advicoach, Chamber Ambassador; Chad Munce, MLive Media Group, Chamber Ambassador; Dan Wilkinson, Horizon Bank, Chamber Ambassador; Susan Hengesbach, Lansing Regional Chamber; Kim McKenzie, Michigan Wildlife Conservancy; John Ropp, President, Michigan Wildlife Conservancy; Charla Atherton, Michigan Wildlife Conservancy; Pat Rusz, Michigan Wildlife Conservancy; Jennifer Wagemann, Lansing Regional Chamber; Rich Howard, Lansing Regional Chamber; Travis Richardson, Lansing Regional Chamber; and Mike DeMartelaere, Comerica Bank, Chamber Ambassador.
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Classical, Folk and Jazz, News and Talk,Arts and Culture, Children and Families, PBS and NPR
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A full house was on hand for the October 30th grand opening celebration of “The Parts Place - NAPA”, located at 3503 W. St. Joe, Lansing. The evening including many giveaways, including the grand prize, a beautiful John Deere Gator! Pictured from (L-R): Thomas Hamp, Brian Warren,
Dave Fielder, Riley Henderson, David Beabe, Tom Hensley, Dick Seehase (with scissors), Owner, Larry Meirndorf, Cindy Meirndorf, Dewey Seehase, Bill Craddock - The Parts Place - NAPA, Rich Howard, and Sue Quimby.
November 3rd was a great day to open the third new Penn Station East Coast Subs location on the Westside in Delta Township, across from the Lansing Mall. The celebration at 5417 W. Saginaw Highway started off with a Chamber ribbon cutting and new employees showing off
their serving talents for the first time! Celebrating the day was owners Mark Kellogg (cutting ribbon), Cheryl Kellogg (not pictured Chris and Jeff Kellogg), Mark’s parents Wayne and Dorothy Kellogg (left of Mark), General Manager Tony Logalo (right of Mark) and additional friends and staff members.
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PEOPLE NEWSThe Lowe Law Firm, P.C., Okemos, Michigan, is pleased to announce that Christine M. Savage and Paul J. Cervenak have become shareholders of the firm.
Ken Lawless, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Clark Construction, has been inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame.
Phillip Hernandez, a recent graduate of Michigan State University, is a new project assistant at Public Policy Associates, Inc.
Foster Swift elder law attorney, Norman E. Richards (“Gene”), has launched a new Michigan Senior Law Blog that addresses common questions about the challenges of aging– from an elder law attorney’s perspective.
Signarama is pleased to announce Ashley Barbeau has been promoted to the position of sales & marketing manager for Signarama Lansing East, representing much of Mid-Michigan and all of the Greater Lansing Area.
Lawrence P. Nolan, president and founder of Eaton Rapids based law firm, Nolan, Thomsen & Villas, P.C., has been selected to be listed and recognized in the 2015 Edition of “Best Lawyers in America,” an Aiken S.C.-based Woodward/White Inc. Peer review publication. Western Michigan University Cooley Law School director of homeland security law programs and retired Brigadier General Michael C.H. McDaniel moderated two discussions at the Eighth Annual Homeland Security and Defense Education Summit in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Foster Swift Collins and Smith, PC is excited to announce its partnership with Runway Lansing, the area’s newest specialty industry incubator, by offering legal advice to entrepreneurs entering Michigan’s emerging fashion market. Attorney Deanna Swisher leads Fosterfashion, the firm’s fashion & design law team. Swisher has also launched a new blog addressing law and legal developments affecting the fashion industry. The Fosterfashion blog was designed as a resource for fashion designers, manufacturers, exporters, importers and retailers.
WMU-Cooley Law School student Porscha Brown was elected secretary of the National Black Law Student Association.
Attorneys Anthony Kogut, Michael Stephenson and John Yeager of Willingham & Coté, P.C., have been selected to the 2014 Michigan Super Lawyers list.
Former WKAR and The State News journalist Erin Smith has joined Lezotte Miller Public Relations Inc. as a media/marketing coordinator.
Logicalis is pleased to announce that Chris Brown has recently joined the Logicalis Okemos team as an account executive.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing is pleased to announce the appointment of several staff members to new positions within the organization, all effective October 1st: Todd Fisher, formerly the executive director of the Oak Park Branch, has been named district executive; Michelle Prinz has also been named district executive; Kelly King is now executive director of the Oak Park Branch; and Casey Thompson is assuming the role of executive director of the Downtown Wellness Center.
The Centennial Group & the Principal Financial Group announced Amanda Pavlat has joined the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Business Center as a financial advisor & Princor registered representative.
Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP Partner Eric J. Eggan has been elected as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Richard Bogard, senior software engineer at A.J. Boggs & Company, a Michigan-based software development company, recently became a Certified ScrumMaster.
The Christman Company has announced the recent promotion of four officer-level executive promotions. Donald V. Staley, LEED AP has been promoted to vice president / safety director. Anthony M. Bango, AVS, LEED AP has been promoted to vice president, project planning. Douglas J. Peters, P.E., has been promoted to executive vice president of CCI. Charles C. Mabe has been promoted to vice president for Rentenbach Constructors Incorporated.
McLaren Greater Lansing Healthcare Foundation welcomes Thomas W. Conroy, CCM, CCE, general manager and chief operating officer of the Country Club of Lansing, to its board of trustees.
Rehmann chairman & CEO Steven D. Kelly was honored by Accounting Today as one of the top 10 managing partners in the country.
Doctor’s Approach Dermatology announces the following staff additions: Michelle Lopez, RN as clinical supervisor, Brandi Ferguson as medical assistant, Jill Richardson for front desk, and Rebecca Fandel as medical assistant.
Tri-Star Trust Bank welcomes Katherine Johnson to its Midland office location. Johnson joins the Tri-Star team as an employee benefits assistant.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced David West has been named vice president of Travel Michigan. West, a Michigan native, will be responsible for heading up the state’s tourism branding, advertising and public relations efforts and overseeing the award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign.
Members On The Move
Phillip Hernandez
Lawrence P. Nolan
Deanna Swisher
Norman E. Richards
Erin Smith
Chris Brown
Katherine Johnson
Eric J. Eggan
Porscha Brown
Richard Bogard
Thomas W. Conroy
Ken Lawless
Ashley Barbeau
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Maner Costerisan is pleased to announce the addition of Brandon L. Kellogg and Fil Schwartz to its Business Solutions and Technology Team.
On Monday, Nov. 3, Susan Kornfield of Bodman PLC was the keynote speaker at WMU-Cooley Law School Lansing campus’ Integrity in Our Communities Speaker Series. Kornfield, the recipient of the 2014 State Bar of Michigan John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, spoke to students, faculty and those in the legal profession regarding the importance for attorneys to be involved in their communities and provide pro bono services to individuals who are less fortunate.
Jelaine “Jill” Tinsley has joined ASTI’s Site Redevelopment Services Group.
Longtime public relations expert John Bailey is coming out of retirement to join Truscott Rossman as its first business strategist. Bailey will be based in the Detroit office of the Lansing-based public relations firm. ASK has announced the following new hires: Dustin Bender as bookkeeper; Tom Wendling as technical consultant; and Tom Conway as account manager.
Susan Devon, Lansing Board of Water & Light chief administrative officer, was named the 2014 Outstanding Individual Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in association with the Capital Region Community Foundation.
Billie Kops Wimmer began her journey at the Association for Child Development in 2013 as the director of Michigan CACFP Affairs and became the chief executive officer on Friday, November 7, 2014.
The following Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood agents recently received the nationally recognized Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation: Lisa Fata, Kylie Fineis, Morgan Hutson, Terry Lasky, Wendy Mackey, Ben Magsig, Debbie McCarthy, Carrie Peters, Brandon Start and Julie Stevenson. The GRI program is offered through the National Association of REALTORS® and administered by the Michigan REALTORS®.
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Dustin Bender Tom Wendling Tom Conway
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Members On The Move
Chris Kushmaul, IDV Solutions’ director of supply chain solutions, has earned a Risk Management Education Certificate from the American Production and Inventory Control Society.
Grand River Connection, a young professional’s organization, has elected its 2014-2015 Board of Directors: president - Brian Gallagher is an attorney at Fraser Trebilcock.; secretary- Pete Brown is an attorney at The Gallagher Law Firm, PLC. Treasurer - Olivia Edgar is a CPA who works as a supervisor in the Finance Department at Accident Fund Holdings, Inc.; vice president and chair of networking programs - Rachael Ruis is the alumni relations coordinator at Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences; vice president and chair of special events - Andrea Ragan is the executive director of the Capital Area IT Council; chair of communications - Hannah Leibinger, the account strategist at Piper & Gold Public Relations; chair of sponsorship and finance - Tyler Dyke is a securities examiner for the State of Michigan.; chair of membership - Katherine Becsey is currently an account coordinator at Marketing Resource Group, Inc.; and chair of media - Andrea Kerbuski is the director of public relations for Olympia Group.
COMPANY NEWSCASE Credit Union announces its certification by the US Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund.
Huntington Bank is the nation’s largest lender in the number of 7(a) loans for the Small Business Administration (SBA) fiscal year that ended September 30, 2014. Huntington made 4,183 SBA loans in its six-state footprint, an increase of 37 percent over last year when the bank was the third largest lender in the country.
Doggy Daycare and Spa is pleased to announce that construction is commencing on a new location for Lansing’s Doggy Daycare and Spa in Okemos, Mich. Comprising of a new 7,000 square foot facility on the North West Corner of Grand River Ave and Cornell Road, this facility was developed to respond to the demand for Doggy Daycare and Spa’s services in the area. Doggy Daycare is pleased to be working with local construction management company Kincaid Henry Building Group. In the photo (from L to R): Ryan Kincaid, Kincaid Henry; Janice Milligan, Doggy Daycare and Spa; Chris Rau, Kincaid Henry; Ryan Henry, Kincaid Henry; Martha Wyatt, Meridian Township; Cindy Hamilton, Dart Bank; Dean Milligan, Doggy Daycare and Spa; and Milton Scales, Meridian Township.
A 63-foot blue spruce from the city of Kingsford has been chosen as the state’s 29th
Christmas tree. Selected by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the tree was delivered to the state Capitol on Saturday, Nov. 1.
IDV Solutions, LLC and Vanderbilt Industries today announced that the companies have formed a technical partnership and completed an integration of Vanderbilt’s SMS physical access control system with IDV Solutions’ Visual Command Center® enterprise risk visualization platform.
Recognizing the massive impact that small businesses have on the U.S. economy, AdviCoach has created an infographic titled “What’s Keeping You Up at Night?” exploring three obstacles businesses frequently face that likely impact success – time, team and money. The infographic can be found at http://advicoachblog.com/infographic-top-dangers-preventing-businesses-succeeding/.
Paramount Coffee has earned Level 2 certification from the Safe Quality Food Institute, establishing that the Lansing-based coffee roaster has effectively implemented rigorous food safety control systems.
A new documentary featuring dozens of business, labor, political, education and nonprofit leaders discussing the drive to keep General Motors in Lansing in the 1990s was screened at the 2014 East Lansing Film Festival on Monday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM, at Studio C in Okemos. The historical documentary reviews the difficulties and triumphs of the “Lansing Works! Keep GM” campaign that kept GM from withdrawing production from the Lansing area a decade ago.
ASK is proud to now offer Lenovo Ultrabooks, which are very lightweight for easy mobility, features very fast and solid-state hard drives for 7-second start up times, and has no moving parts for better reliability, extended battery life and enhanced security features.
IDV Solutions, LLC. and Salient Systems Corporation announced that the companies have formed a technical partnership to integrate Salient’s CompleteView™ Video Management System and IDV Solutions’ Visual Command Center Enterprise Risk Visualization software.
Area government, business and labor leaders helped LAFCU break ground for its new St. Johns branch office at 2317 S. U.S. Highway Business 127, also known as Old U.S. Highway 27, between Townsend Road and Parks Road. The branch is expected to open during the first quarter of 2015.
Port Lansing has launched a new redesigned website with a bold new look and enhanced navigation experience. The new website will keep pace with their rapidly growing organization by providing a more comprehensive overview of their services.
Small business owners rank Huntington Bank highest in overall customer satisfaction in the Midwest region in a study released today by J.D. Power.
According to an analysis of GlidePath, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s private health insurance exchange, employers and employees are benefitting from use of the private exchange by empowering employees as informed consumers of health care coverage. The analysis showed Glidepath increased employee cost awareness, encouraged employees to make effective cost choices to meet their needs, and strengthened knowledge and adoption of Health Savings Accounts.
MSU Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its support of Legacy Ideas, LLC., which has helped spur growth for their innovative new product, the Poochie Bowl, and helped them open their newly-opened store, We Love Kids n Dogs.
The YMCA of Lansing has received a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health to expand and enhance the Y’s work to teach children healthy habits and address childhood obesity through physical activity and before/after school and summer programming at six area locations.
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood has been recognized by Budge Huskey, president and CEO for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, as ranking #17 among the 972 Coldwell Banker companies in the United States and Canada, for total units sold to date in 2014.
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP has been ranked one of the “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Report.
More than 300 supporters filled the Country Club of Lansing on Saturday, November 1 to raise funds for McLaren Greater Lansing at its annual gala. The event, organized by McLaren Greater Lansing Healthcare Foundation and sponsored by PNC Bank, raised more than $200,000 for the hospital’s greatest needs.
Mayor Virg Bernero and Lansing Board of Water & Light General Manager J. Peter Lark announced that Lansing Fire Department Assistant Chief Trent Atkins will become the BWL’s first Emergency Operations Manager. Chief Atkins is a 24-year veteran of LFD who previously served as Chief of the department’s Emergency Management Division.
The Hatching pitch competition winner in November was “Mini Maker Space”, a retail maker space geared towards the region’s youth. The winner, Melissa Rabideau Allen comes from a family of innovators as she is part of the team that brought the Poochie Bowl to market in 2013.
On the Spot Engraving has launched a new website with many new items. Please visit www.applauseinc.com for more information.
MSU Federal Credit Union is excited to announce that it has been named as the top credit union on the Credit Union Journal’s 2014 Best Credit Unions to Work For list in the “Over $1 Billion in Assets” category.
The Lansing Board of Water & Light announced the launch of a new smart grid pilot project. Starting on November 24, 140 residential customers in East Lansing’s Bailey neighborhood will be upgraded to have a smart meter installed on their home. Customers included in the pilot have received a letter by mail sharing with them the details of this project.
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Students from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School recently collaborated with Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette to create the Michigan Guide to Military Family Law, a new resource for Michigan judges and attorneys.
Ring in the holidays for years to come by purchasing your 30th annual Silver Bells in the City commemorative ornament! This year’s one-of-a-kind, glow-in-the-dark ornament was once again designed by local artist and La Fille Gallery owner, Tiffany Klein. Ornaments are available now for purchase at www.silverbellsinthecity.org.
Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC has been included in the U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers® 2015 “Best Law Firm” rankings. Foster Swift was rated a Tier 1 law firm in 24 practice areas.
Yeo & Yeo has expanded and relocated its Ann Arbor office to accommodate the firm’s growth. The new office is located at 1450 Eisenhower Place, one mile from the former office.
LEAP’s Manager of Business Attraction, David Olson, recently visited Italy as part of the restructured LEAP business attraction program. Olson connected with business leaders and worked on developing relationships with Italian firms looking to expand or relocate into the Mid-Michigan region.
IDV Solutions, LLC announced it has attained Gold Application Development, Data Analytics, and Data Platform competencies, demonstrating a “best-in-class” ability and distinguishing itself within the top 1 percent of Microsoft’s partner ecosystem.
Okemos-based law firm Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC has been ranked by the U.S. News - Best Lawyers as a First Tier firm in the mid-Michigan metropolitan area.
T.A. Forsberg, Inc., in conjunction with the Greater Lansing Home Builders Association, held a fundraiser on October 31st in support of Toys for Tots. They hosted a reception where people dropped off a new, unwrapped toy and were provided Halloween themed snacks and beverages. In addition, they sold over 30 tickets to the Toys for Tots Holiday Dinner on December 9.
An upbeat office culture combined with generous employee benefits vaulted MSU Federal Credit Union to the No. 1 position in the 2014 Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces awards for large businesses
Providence Consulting announced it has been named to the CRN Next-Gen 250 list. The annual list honors up-and-coming technology solutions providers who have adapted their businesses in unique ways to meet market demands from emerging technologies such as unified communications, managed services, virtualization, and cloud computing.
During the holiday season, Candlewood Suites is recognizing those who have worked hard to ensure our freedom and safety. In appreciation of their service, all those on active military duty, reservists, retired military employees, their dependents, as well as all first responders such as police and sheriffs, firefighters EMTs, and American Red Cross employees/volunteers will enjoy a special rate of 50 percent off their best available rate for stays until December 31, 2014.
MSU Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that the Credit Union will beginconstruction on a second building on the headquarters campus in 2015.
Highfields, Inc. is excited to announce that its Lansing community services office has moved to a new location at the corner of Cedar and Cavanaugh. Highfields is a human services nonprofit, providing counseling and support services to 11 mid-Michigan counties. The new location will provide staff and clients with a more comfortable work environment. The new address is 4305 S. Cedar Street in Lansing.
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