DECEMBER 2016

DR. JOAN JACKSON JOHNSON 2016 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

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A Message From The President

Blue Cross Blue Shield .........................20

Capital Area Michigan Works! ..............11

CASE Credit Union ...............................11

Central Michigan University..................11

Dean Transportation .............................10

Horizon Bank ........................................17

M3 Group .............................................15

Mercantile Bank ......................Back Cover

Michigan.com .......................................21

MSUFCU .................................................3

NAI/TMN ..............................................19

Ross Woodstock .....................................9

Sparrow ................................................23

WKAR ...................................................14

ADVERTISERS

CELEBRATING ATHENA2016

Board of DirectorsOfficersBoard Chair

Joe FordNetvantage Marketing

Past ChairJohn Brown

Jackson National Life Insurance Co.

Chair ElectDeb Muchmore

Kandler, Reed, Khoury & Muchmore

Legal CounselSteve Owen

Foster Swift Collins & Smith P C

TreasurerJeff Fineis

Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC

PresidentTim Daman

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

Division DirectorsMarketing and Communications

April ClobesMSU Federal Credit Union

Regionalism InitiativesMark Burnham

Michigan State University

Membership ServicesPatrick Dean

Dean Transportation

Government RelationsMatt Resch

Resch Strategies

At-Large

FOCUSEDITORS

Ross Woodstock Eric Dimoff

DESIGN & PRINTINGSpartan Printing, Inc.

MAILINGBRD Mailing Incorporated

PHOTOGRAPHYHanna VonAchen

COVER STORY PHOTOGRAPHYTrumpie Photography

Lauren Aitch Our Own Products

David Baker Farm Bureau Insurance Co.

Stella Cash Sparrow Health System

Denise Droscha TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

International

Jenn Dubey University Club

David Ferguson Ferguson Development

Tricia Foster CBRE | Martin

Brian Gallagher Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap

Teri Hull Dart Container

Tom Mee McLaren Greater Lansing

Steve Reynolds Accident Fund Holdings, Inc.

Patrick Salow Hayes Green Beach Hospital

Tim Salisbury PNC Bank

Heather Shawa-DeCook

Lansing Board of Water & Light

Fathy Shetiah 7C Lingo

Tom A. Stewart Common Wealth Enterprises

Bob Tresize LEAP

Mike Trevorrow General Motors

Bill Woodbury Auto-Owners Insurance

t is with understandable pride that those of us in the Lansing region point to the roots of the ATHENA award and the importance it plays in advancing professional excellence in women. After all, it was right here that ATHENA

was started in 1982 by former Lansing Regional Chamber board member Martha Mertz. Through the years ATHENA has achieved numerous noteworthy milestones, and locally the program has honored amazing individuals whose legacy will endure for years.

The growth and impact of ATHENA was never more evident than it has been during this past year. It was most fitting for ATHENA International to observe its 35th anniversary by returning to where it began in Lansing, Michigan. The ATHENA Ignite event was truly an amazing experience that served to energize working professionals throughout the region and the country. Congratulations to Sarah Jennings, a past ATHENA award recipient, and the entire ATHENA WIN board for their efforts in making this great event such a success.

In November we announced the recipient of the 2016 ATHENA award. As detailed in this month’s cover story in FOCUS, Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson is the epitome of what ATHENA is all about. Dr. Johnson gave up a successful private practice to dedicate herself to public and community service. She is a tireless advocate for those in need, a mentor and a friend to many and role model to those who aspire to a life of serving others. Congratulations to “Triple J” on her well-deserved ATHENA selection.

It has been equally exciting to witness the growth of the ATHENA PowerLink (APL) program in our region. APL is a national mentoring program that connects women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. Nationally, the outcomes have been phenomenal, with APL recipients realizing an 88.5 percent increase in sales, a 37.6 percent increase in business net income and significant increases in the number of full and part-time employees.

Locally, after struggling under the radar for a few years, several APL advocates led an effort to regroup and redefine the program. The results are already benefitting women business owners that are experiencing personal growth and improved business operations after being connected to their dedicated advisory panel of skilled experts. Kudos to APL governing body co-chairs Kristin St. Marie and Shelley Lowe for their leadership in revitalizing ATHENA PowerLink. Congratulations to Barb Krejcik for completing the 2016 program and to Courtney Lane Maki for her selection as the 2017 recipient.

The common thread that exists between all the outstanding ATHENA programs is the emphasis on recognizing and cultivating great talent in our region. We’d like to thank Two Men And A Truck and Tri-Star Trust Bank for their leadership and ongoing support of the ATHENA program. ATHENA is promoting the growth of women leaders in business and enhancing job creation and investment!

Finally, I would like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your efforts to make 2016 an amazing year in the Greater Lansing region. I wish you happiness and good health during the holidays. I look forward to working together towards an even better year in 2017.

Tim DamanPresident and CEO

Lansing Regional

Chamber of Commerce

The common thread that exists between all the outstanding

ATHENA programs is the emphasis on recognizing

and cultivating great talent in our region.”

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TRANSPORTATION

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This year has been a year of action in Greater Lansing. With the support of our members and local business and community leaders, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has been able to make significant progress on many important issues facing our region.

As the voice of business, the LRCC is focused on leading advocacy efforts to support the overall business climate in our community. And that mission is simple: Keep you connected and advocate on your behalf. LRCC’s advocacy efforts have made significant headway in 2016.

Michigan Avenue The transformation of Michigan Avenue took an important step forward in October when the City of Lansing invested $300,000 in much needed road repairs, which repaved the stretch of road from Sparrow Hospital to Charles Street. The road repairs were completed a couple of weeks after LRCC and more than 120 businesses and community leaders sent a letter urging Mayor Virg Bernero and Lansing City Council to take immediate action along the corridor.

Greater Lansing businesses are making significant investments in our region by building businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth. With more than $300 million in current, completed and planned development along the Michigan Avenue corridor, continued investment in infrastructure is crucial to support economic prosperity.

Medical Marijuana RegulationWith the increase of unregulated medical marijuana provisioning throughout the City of Lansing, the LRCC led the call for a moratorium on new provisioning centers until commonsense regulations could be put in place to provide safe access for patients, quality

assurance, strong enforcement, zoning, application process and testing of the products and appropriate fees. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero agreed and implemented the moratorium in May of 2016. Currently, the Lansing City Council is working to update the city’s medical marijuana ordinance in order to comply with state law.

Reliable and Affordable Clean EnergyThe LRCC has focused on legislative efforts at the local and state levels to pursue energy policy that provides reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy for all of Michigan’s businesses and residents, while maintaining a flexible, fair and reasonable regulatory climate.

The LRCC was instrumental in advocating for the new Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) substation that is critical for the energy needs of downtown Lansing businesses and residents due to the retirement of the Eckert Power Plant. The substation is part of the overall plan by the BWL to provide more reliable and affordable future energy. The LRCC has also been working closely with Consumers Energy on state legislation that will improve our economic competitiveness and provide access to safe and reliable power for all users.

2017 OutlookMoving forward in 2017, there will be plenty of opportunities for our members and the business community to get involved and advocate on behalf of the Greater Lansing region. A few of the key issues that the LRCC will focus on include addressing unfunded liabilities, such as pension and retiree health care costs, as well as ways to continue to cut down on unnecessary regulations that hinder economic growth and job creation.

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#LoveLansing

ATHENAPOWERLINK BOOSTS WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

APL EXPERIENCE PROVIDED LONG-TERM BENEFITSRunning a business takes owners in many directions, often times in ways they never expected. Life as the 2016 ATHENAPowerLink (APL) recipient has been rewarding for Barb Krejcik, and not always in ways she anticipated. Krejcik, owner of North Winds Heating and Cooling says her experience working with her APL panel of consultants helped her adapt successfully to unexpected shifts in her business.

“I started with key items I wanted to work on in my business and then new fires popped up along the way as they do when you own a business,” said Krejcik. “With the

help of my Power Team, I was able to quickly navigate around new business stressors. They offered quick and helpful solutions.”

The Power Team or APL advisory panel met regularly with Krejcik to review and adjust her goals. She credits the team with helping her achieve her marketing goals and to strategize new ways to recruit team members and improve HR processes. She says APL panel coordinator Tom Hamp was instrumental in keeping her team organized and on task.

“For a lot of business owners, it is a real eye opener to learn they can let go of some tasks and turn them over to others,” said Thomas Hamp, APL governing board member and advisory panel coordinator. “Eventually, they start to understand that there are people that can help and they don’t have to shoulder everything on their own.”

“The amount of care and concern shown to me and my business through the entire process will leave me forever changed,” said Krejcik. “I feel strongly that the worth of the PowerLink program cannot be measured in a year alone, since I am confident the value will continue long after the year is over.”

Among the many things she says she gained, Krejcik cites the measurable growth in her leadership skills as something about which she is most excited. She also looks forward to working with future APL recipients in the years ahead.

“I see more clearly the large impact we can make in our communities by supporting, honoring and growing programs such as ATHENAPowerLink,” said Krejcik. “I am beyond eager to pay it forward by offering support to other recipients in the future.”

Since 2006, the ATHENAPowerLink® (APL) has helped women business owners in Greater Lansing grow their sales, business and personal net income, the number of employees in their business, and enhance their leadership and management skills. APL is a national business mentoring program connecting women-owned businesses with a skilled advisory panel that provides strategic consultation services for one year. The consulting services are valued at over $30,000.

“It’s like having your own little executive board to help you with your objective for growth,” said Kristin St. Marie, who serves as co-chair of the APL governing board. “It is an opportunity for the recipient to get out of the business and work on the business.”

Previous recipients that have benefitted from the program include: Barb Krejcik, North Winds Heating and Cooling (2016); Jill Marlan, Peak Performance Physical Therapy (2013); Jane Mitchell, Jungle Jane Promotions (2012); Heidi Brumbach, Technish Creative (2011) ; Rochelle Rizzi, Rizzi Designs (2010); Linda Hundt, Sweetie-licious Bakery Café (2009);Angelia McGarry, Carolan & McGarry (2008); Dr. Sue Maurer, Care Connections/ Dr. Marcy Street, Doctor’s Approach (2007); and Kathy Valentine, The Plant Professionals (2006)

Women business owners seeking mentoring support through APL program must meet the following criteria: • 51% of the business is owned and actively managed by a woman or women; • At least two years in operation; • At least two full-time employees, including the applicant; • At least $250,000 in annual gross revenues for manufacturing or retail business; or at least $150,000 in annual gross revenues for a service business; and • Clearly defined business objectives and specific reasons for seeking an Advisory Panel.

APL applications are reviewed by a governing board that oversees the program and works with the recipients to set goals, monitor progress during the year, and evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

“ATHENAPowerLink is not for start-ups,” said Shelly Lowe, who serves as co-chair of the APL governing board. “It’s for established businesses that want to move to the next level.”

Once a person is selected as the APL recipient, a panel of experts is selected to meet regularly with the business owner. The advisory panel is a group of business professionals who volunteer their time to work one-on-one with the business owner for one year. This group of experts assists in the development and implementation of the entrepreneur’s business plan and strategic goals. A panel coordinator is selected to lead and manage the advisory panel. The coordinator is responsible for leading meetings, reviewing the progress of the program and compiling results. The panel is customized depending on individual needs, though there are standard areas representing legal, human resources, technical, marketing and insurance/financial planning.

“The experience stretches them,” said Lowe. “It forces them to think about their business in different ways and consider some other best practices.”

Even though only one recipient is chosen each year, applicants not selected can reapply and are regularly connected with resources to assist them in their personal growth and/or improving their business operations. APL board members would like to see more qualified women apply for the program.

“To have access to leaders in our community that can help your business grow at no charge for a year is invaluable” said St. Marie. “We hope to see great success from all of our recipients that have participated and will be giving back to the community in the years ahead.”

Women business owners that meet the criteria for the program are encouraged to apply by contacting the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce at www.lansingchamber.org.

Barb Krejcik

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COURTNEY LANE MAKI 2017 ATHENAPOWERLINK RECIPIENT

CAPITAL REGION AIRPORT AUTHORITY NAMES WAYNE G. SIELOFF NEW CEO

Courtney Lane Maki, the founder and managing director of Glow Social Media in Lansing, has been named the recipient of the 2017 ATHENAPowerLink® (APL) award. As the 2017 APL recipient, Maki will work with a panel of advisors that will work with her to set and achieve business goals, improve her operations and develop her leadership skills. Maki says she was honored and humbled at being selected as the APL recipient.

“I thought back to the women that have been chosen before me and how successful they have become,” said Maki. “I hope to continue the legacy they have established in the community.”

Maki founded Glow Social Media in 2012 to give small businesses the access to digital media usually reserved for Fortune 500 companies. The company works with clients to create and develop a complete strategy and social media plan. The company uses what is known as content marketing to help clients showcase their expertise through blogging, videos and web sites.

“We help clients focus their expertise by using social media to position them as thought leaders,” said Maki.

Maki looks forward to engaging with her advisory panel over the next year and expects the experience to help her grow as a leader and a business owner, particularly in the context of being a woman.

“If the success of the past recipients is an indicator, this experience will have a huge impact on the success of my business over the next five to 10 years and beyond,” said Maki.

“Courtney has set the world on fire, particularly when it comes to her ability to network,” said Thomas Hamp, APL governing board member who also serves as advisory panel coordinator for APL recipients. “This is really going to give her some insight into different parts of her business.”

“I want to thank the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the APL governing board for their belief in this program and for deeming me a worthy candidate for the 2017 ATHENAPowerLink award,” said Maki.

The Capital Region Airport Authority (CRAA) announced that it has named Wayne G. Sieloff, a longtime leader with the Wayne County Airport Authority, as its new chief executive officer.

Sieloff, who will begin his new position on December 5, succeeds Robert F. Selig, who retired in August after 14 years at the helm of CRAA.

“We’re delighted to welcome someone of Wayne Sieloff ’s caliber to Lansing,” said CRAA Chairman Chris Holman.

“He has a clear vision for building on Capital Region International Airport’s assets and ensuring it serves the Greater Lansing community to its fullest capabilities.”

Sieloff has served as vice president since 2012 for the Wayne County Airport Authority, which operates the Detroit Metro and Willow Run airports. In that position, he was part of the senior leadership team that identifies and develops strategic plans, business plans, annual operational goals and capital initiatives for the two airport campuses, which combined have more than 600 employees, 8,500 acres of land and operating budgets totaling over $300 million.

In his new job, Sieloff will oversee all operations of Capital Region International Airport (LAN), including the Port Lansing logistics and cargo services. The Lansing airport employs 38 workers and operates with an annual $13 million budget.

“I’m excited about joining the Capital Region International Airport family. These are amazing times for the Lansing area, and I look forward to building on the momentum that recent airport successes have created,” said Sieloff, citing this summer’s addition of direct American Airlines flights between LAN and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport; an Apple Vacations winter getaway schedule that includes 90 flights to three topical destinations, versus 17 to a

single locale in 2015-16, and a record 48.5 million pounds of cargo handled at Port Lansing in 2015.

Sieloff said his initial plans include meeting with Greater Lansing residents, leaders and airport stakeholders to gather ideas on how the airport can best meet the community’s needs.

“My primary focus is going to be on building and strengthening relationships,” he said. “I want LAN to always be the airport of choice within the region, and I aim to discover in my discussions with community members the ways we can better serve them and increase airport utilization.”

Sieloff holds bachelors and master’s degrees in architecture from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.

He worked in the private sector architectural industry until 1997, when he joined Wayne County as a project architect. He held increasingly responsible positions for Wayne County and its airport authority before joining Lansing.

In addition to his professional service, Sieloff also is active in the community, having served in several appointed and elected positions, including mayor of Trenton and president of the Trenton Public Schools Board of Education.

Sieloff and his wife, Lori, have three children ages 11 through 17.

Courtney Lane Maki

Wayne Sieloff

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The Arts Council of Greater Lansing has announced grant funding totaling more than $35,000 to be distributed to area artists and arts organizations. Funding support is provided through the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Minigrant Program, Young Creatives and Artists in the Community Grants.

Awards were announced at the Arts Council’s fall grant ceremony at the Allen Market Place in Lansing’s Eastside Neighborhood. Grantees and their projects were presented by Arts Council executive director, Deborah E. Mikula and program manager, Josh Holliday with honorary guest, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs programs manager, Alison Watson.

The Arts Council is proud to administer these grants to our area artists and arts organizations.

“These grant dollars are so important for our area artists and arts organizations,” says executive director, Deborah E. Mikula. “The funds assist in covering costs for project needs, conferences and other support that helps them grow and give back to the community and strengthen our creative economy.”

Grants were awarded through each of the following program initiatives:

MCACA Minigrant funding totaling $19,501 for 2016 was awarded to the following recipients: Holt Community Arts Council, Lansing Area Print-makers Collective, Lansing Art Gallery, Lansing Concert Band, Meridian Community Band, Michigan State University College of Music Running Start Program, Native American Arts and Crafts Council and the Williamston Theatre.

Young Creatives Grant funding totaling $7,500 for 2016 was awarded to the following recipients: Lansing Art Gallery, MSU Community Music School, Native American Arts and Crafts Council, REACH Studio Art Center, Red Cedar Writing Project and Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Artists in the Community Grant funding totaling $8,000 for 2016 was awarded to the following recipients: Catherine Tonning-Popowich, Clara Martinez and Kenneth Hunter.

For further information and detailed descriptions regarding the grant programs, please find information attached or contact Joshua Holliday, program manager at 517-853-7582 or josh@lansingarts.org.

LifeTech Academy has formed a new strategic partnership with Dean Transportation. As a partner, Dean Transportation is now one of nearly 20 businesses and non-profits that LifeTech Learners can choose from, as a part of their real-world, hands-on, project-based learning experience.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Kellie and Patrick Dean on this innovative and valuable program. It gets right to the core of our main

objective with LifeTech Academy, which is to make education interesting and relevant, and focused on our Learners passions,” said Matthew D. Anderson, chief brand officer of Engaged Education, the company that supports LifeTech Academy.

The Diesel Maintenance Technology Program is the result of two years of planning and development. The nine-week long program runs from mid-October through late December and will award each Learner with a half credit in Integrated Science. Throughout the program, Learners will engage in classroom sessions, as well as observational and hands-on experiences. The program will enlighten them to the world of diesel mechanics and will lay a foundation for more advanced courses that are already in the planning phase. “We want to support these Learners in their high school education and hopefully have them come back to Dean once they graduate to be valuable members of

our team,” said Patrick Dean, vice president Business Development of Dean Transportation.

Topics that are covered in the program include: gas and diesel engine systems, inventory and parts controls, technology in vehicle repairs, designing, 3D printing, and presenting on engine functions, and USDOT inspections, among others.

The need for diesel mechanics is high, and Dean Transportation sees this as a great opportunity to introduce young people to opportunities they may not otherwise be aware of, while also providing young people with a unique and valuable educational experience.

“Based on the success of this program, we would like to open this opportunity up to students at other schools, through our partnership with Engaged Education. The need is there,” said Dean.

LifeTech Academy offers its Learners the unique opportunity to experience learning in ways that are interesting and relevant to them, by forming strategic partnerships with businesses and non-profits. This gives Learners real-world, hands-on experiences in internship and apprentice-style environments, while simultaneously earning credit towards their high school diploma. For more information on the opportunities to become a strategic partner, contact Matthew D. Anderson at517-290-3274 or matthew@engageded.net, or visit www.lifetechacademy.org.

TRANSPORTATION

ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER LANSING ANNOUNCES 2017 GRANT RECIPIENTS

LIFETECH ACADEMY ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH DEAN TRANSPORTATION TO LAUNCH NEW DIESEL MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

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The education group Schools.com set out to determine the best community colleges in Michigan. After crunching data taken primarily from the U.S. Department of Education and the Michigan Center for Educational Performance and Information, the group’s conclusion is that Lansing Community College takes the top spot. Here is what Schools.com had to say about LCC:

“Multiple efforts to create avenues to student access contributed to Lansing Community College taking the top spot in our rankings. Not only does it hit the trifecta of traditional flexibility metrics with on-campus day care, evening and weekend degree programs and available course credit for life experience, but the Lansing school also ranked No. 2 among the best community colleges in Michigan for its online student participation rate. Distance education students made up about 46 percent of the student body at LCC in 2014 — a total count of nearly 7,500 students taking courses or earning entire degrees online.”

The Michigan State University Foundation (MSUF) has announced the formation of its new, $5 million venture investing subsidiary, Red Cedar Ventures. Its newest program features both a pre-seed fund and an opportunity fund focused on helping Michigan State University-based startups and technologies overcome critical funding gaps, accelerate growth, and provide follow-on, growth-stage capital.

“We have been working hard to put together a campus-wide ecosystem for entrepreneurs that embraces all of the creative talents across the university,” MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said. “The creation of these programs addresses a critical capital gap for our own startup companies. Through Red Cedar Ventures, we can make sure the groundbreaking ideas created by Spartans reach those who need them most.”

In the last four years, MSUF has deployed over $2 million in pre-seed funding to more than twenty companies. Red Cedar Ventures will continue this kind of pre-seed investment. Additionally, the Red Cedar Opportunity Fund allocates $5 million to participate in select, follow-on investment rounds that are led by professional venture firms.

“Many of our Michigan State University startups are working on breakthrough ideas and solutions that could greatly benefit the public,” said Randolph Cowen, chair of the MSUF Board of Directors, “however, because early-stage private investment capital is not broadly available in East Lansing, these ideas struggle to get translated into commercial success.” Cowen went on to say that Red Cedar Ventures will help unlock the potential of these young companies, getting their products into the hands of businesses and consumers.

Both Red Cedar Ventures Pre-Seed and Opportunity Funds will be overseen by a Board of Directors composed of members from MSUF’s own Board of Directors. MSUF’s executive management team will oversee the day-to-day fund operations. An advisory board will be established and will draw on the expertise of leading venture capitalists from across the nation, as well as student venture analysts from Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business.

“The Greater Lansing area is fast becoming an attractive place for inventors and entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses,” said David Washburn, executive director of the Michigan State University Foundation. “Red Cedar Ventures signals the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the health and growth of our area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE RANKED NUMBER ONE IN MICHIGAN

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION LAUNCHES $5 MILLION VENTURE FUND, RED CEDAR VENTURES LLCNEWEST SUBSIDIARY DEDICATES PRE-SEED AND FOLLOW-ON FUNDING TO MSU-BASED STARTUPS, TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION

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LRCC EXPANDS MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS, PARTNERS WITH TOWNSQUARE MEDIA

Members Get More

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) is proud to announce that we’ve partnered with Townsquare Media to add additional value to our exclusive Member Benefit Programs. Pump up your volume and reach thousands of people by having a live action, on-site remote broadcast from one of Townsquare Media’s heritage radio stations including 94.9 WMMQ , WITL 100.7, 97.5 Now FM, 99.1 WFMK and The Game 730 AM. A live remote broadcast with Townsquare Media is a great way to promote your special event or ribbon cutting! TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION TOOLS

• FOX 47: One complimentary three minute segment on the “Morning Blend” filmed at WSYM TV studios. • Michigan Business Rap: Entrepreneur Friday radio program that airs on The Team 92.1 FM on the second Friday of each month featuring business expertsand insights to help you grow your business. • Townsquare Media: Chamber members qualify for a 25 percent discount on live remote broadcasts and a FREE one minute entrepreneur feature.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT• Davenport University: Community Leader Scholarship available to all Chamber member employees worth up to $1,500 per year based on the number of credits taken. • Olivet Nazarene University: Great online programs for busy adults at the graduate level. All Chamber members receive a 20 percent tuition discount onBachelor/Master level programs and a 10 percent tuition discount on the Educational Doctorate in Ethical Leadership. There is no application fee forChamber members. • Cornerstone University: Chamber members qualify for a 10 percent discount on tuition for professional and graduate studies programs, application fee is waived,and up to four complimentary education and financial aid workshops per year.

• Spring Arbor University: Chamber members are eligible for up to a $4,000 discount on online and one-night-a-week adult programs in Lansing (the scholarship may be applied to Associate, Bachelor, or Master in Business, Nursing, Social Work, or Counseling degrees).

INSURANCE SAVINGS• Accident Fund Insurance: Five percent discount on workers compensation premiums and opportunity to qualify for a dividend check based on groupsperformance. • Auto-Owners Insurance: Discounts of up to 12 percent on business, home, personal umbrella, and personal automobile insurance. • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan: LRCC exclusively endorses Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, offering businesses a wide variety of choices for traditional coverage, free direct billing and administrative assistance, saving you time and money.

OFFICE PRODUCTS• DBI We Do Office:Up to 60 percent off all your business needsSupplies (janitorial, cleaning, bathroom and furniture)Price match guaranteeFree next day delivery (no minimum order) Easy online purchasingLocal dedicated customer service representativeAnalysis of expenditures for optimal savings

INTERESTED IN OUR MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS?

Our Member Benefit Programs are designed to deliver value and the resources our members need to

successfully enhance and grow their business. For more information or to learn how your business can partner

with the Chamber, contact Hanna VonAchen at 517-853-6466 or hvonachen@lansingchamber.org.

Your success is our business!

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Members Get More

FIVE EXECUTIVES WELCOMED TO THE GREATER LANSING REGIONFive executives were officially welcomed to the Greater Lansing region at an Executive Welcome hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). The event took place on Tuesday, November 1 at UrbanBeat Event Center, 1213 Turner Street, Lansing. LRCC members attending the event had an opportunity to network with the new executives and learn a bit about them during the formal program. Executives featured at the event included: Steve Notar Donato (General Motors), Marcos Purty (General Motors), Rebecca Poynter (Lansing State Journal), Bryan Bogardus (AF Group) and Rick Brenner (Michigan International Speedway).

Steve Notar Donato is plant manager at the Lansing Grand River location. The LGR plant manufactures the Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillacs, including the CTS and ATS. Notar Donato previously worked in manufacturing operations and engineering positions, including time in Flint, Michigan. He served as plant manager at GM’s Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio and the Marion Metal Center in Indiana.

Marcos Purty is the GM plant manager at the Lansing Delta Township assembly plant. Marcos has successfully led GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand through a period of transition, where he right-sized the business to focus on Chevrolet’s core strengths in trucks and SUVs. Marcos held a variety of manufacturing engineering and manufacturing operations positions of increasing responsibility in the U.S., Canada, Australia and Indonesia.

Rebecca Poynter is president of the Lansing State Journal. She oversees Gannett Mid-Michigan, USA Today Network which includes the Lansing State Journal, Port Huron Times Herald,Battle Creek Enquirer, Livingston Press & Argus, Observer & Eccentric and Northville Record. Her career path took her to Gannett Co. Inc.’s Army Times Publishing Co., USA TODAY, and to the Lexington Herald Leader. She returned to Detroit in 2007 as vice president of vertical sales and was named senior vice president of advertising in 2008.

Bryan Bogardus is executive vice president and COO for AF Group leading the claims, service center, underwriting, marketing and communications functions. Bogardus has 26 years of experience in the insurance industry. As president of CompWest Insurance until 2016, he was responsible for establishing the strategies required to build a profitable, innovative business in the western territories. Prior to this, Bogardus worked for SeaBright Insurance Company for four years in a variety of capacities, including senior resident vice president, Western Region.

Rick Brenner Rick Brenner is President of Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, which annually hosts, among other events, two weekends of premier NASCAR races. Brenner made the move to NASCAR from Minor League Baseball (MiLB) in September 2016. Brenner most recently served as President of DSF Sports and Entertainment, the company that currently owns the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and previously owned the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

LRCC EXPANDS MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS, PARTNERS WITH TOWNSQUARE MEDIA

Ross WoodstockExecutive and Professional CoachingKolt Communications

Helping PEOPLE Succeed. Helping ORGANIZATIONS Grow.

Ross@Koltpr.com | 517-706-0001

www.ROSSWOOdSTOck.com

SAVE THE DATELansing Economic ClubThursday January 19, 2016

KELLOGG HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTERSpeaker: Jim Trebilcock, VP & CCO

Dr. Pepper Snapple GroupRegister at www.lansingchamber.org

trichardson@lansingchamber.org

517-853-6463

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On October 20, the Lansing Regional Chamber was pleased to host a ribbon cutting celebration for Chamber member Go Greener as they completed a build out for a new Wayne Dalton facility in the Greater Lansing region. The new facility, located at 16400 Felton Road, Lansing, is 25,000-square feet and gives the company the ability to distribute product throughout Michigan, the Upper Peninsula and northern Indiana . The expanded space allows Wayne Dalton to remain a leader in the garage door industry, as they have been since 1954. Cutting the ribbon is Tom Rokosz, General Manager of Wayne Dalton.

It was a grand day in East Lansing on October 25 as the Chamber was pleased to host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Newby Teas, an international luxury tea company based out of London. The event celebrated the opening of their Chitra & Newby Tea Education Room (C&NTER), which will act as a tea resource and education center for the community by offering workshops and seminars on the various aspects of tea including the manufacturing, history and cooking with tea. This is the first North American office for Newby Teas and is run by MSU alumna Raji Singh (left, holding scissors). Founder Nirmal Sethia was present for the ribbon cutting (center) and was joined by City of East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows (right, holding scissors). Photo credit: M3 Group

The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce and Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce provided a ribbon cutting on October 27 to celebrate the grand opening of Dart Bank’s new headquarters building located at 368 S. Park Street in downtown Mason. Assisting Dart Bank president Peter Kubacki are many of the associates, employees, community leaders, friends, and family members who attended the event. A grand opening for the public took place the following day. MACC Courtesy Photo.

Chamber In Action

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FOLLOW YOUR

FOLLOW YOUR

PERSONAL PATH

to

FOLLOW YOUR

PERSONAL PATH

PERSONAL PATH

successFOLLOW YOUR

PERSONAL PATH

successsuccess

PERSONAL PATH

successPERSONAL PATH

AT CMU IN EAST LANSING

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he refers to herself as the “voice for the voiceless.” Colleagues and friends refer to her as a person of great integrity, compassionate, an extraordinary employee with

genuine humility and as a person living an exemplary life that is manifested with dedication and commitment which is highly beyond her and in the belief of being a living sacrifice.

Many of the thousands of people she has served in the community simply call her “Mom.”

Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson, director of human relations and community services for the City of Lansing, has been named the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. She is being recognized for her years of dedicated community service to the under privileged in our community, her community and personal leadership, and her commitment to mentoring others. When notified of her award, she reacted with her typical humility.

“I received this call and I was kind of shocked,” said Jackson Johnson. “I thought – ME?”

Those who know Joan often call her “Triple J.” They are much more willing to heap well-deserved praise on her.

“Her altruism to humanity is beyond measure and something that can’t be communicated in a format that has been so eloquently articulated through action,” said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. “Dr. Johnson’s accomplishments and generous demeanor have served her and the community well. She is truly one in a million and worthy of this recognition.”

“There is no one that I can think of in our community who has done more with their own time, money and resources to help those less fortunate than Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson,” said Paula Cunningham, a past ATHENA recipient. “She encapsulates all of the ATHENA leadership traits: authentic self, giving back, collaboration, courageous actions, learning, fierce advocacy, celebrations and joy.”

Joan’s lifelong commitment to fighting injustice and empowering others through her service had its roots in her impoverished upbringing in a large family in Florida. Her single mom and nine brothers and sisters lived on welfare. Despite being what Joan calls “dirt poor” her mother always believed in sharing what little food they had with friends and neighbors. Her mother always told her that ‘God would make a way,” a faith-based approach to life that Joan has embraced ever since.

S

DR. JOAN JACKSON JOHNSON 2016 ATHENA LEADERSHIP

AWARD RECIPIENT

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“It made me strong as a person and gave me some direction in my life,” said Jackson Johnson. “I knew I had to do better than what I was presented with.”

Joan chose to enter Michigan State University because MSU offered her $22 a month more than other universities she considered, money she promptly sent back home each month. Joan has been a resident of greater Lansing ever since.

Joan eventually received a PhD in Psychology and entered what became a very successful private practice. Though, by her own admission, she made a lot more money in private practice and could have stayed on that path — the call to serving others was too great. She has spent the past 35 years as a visible advocate trying to bridge the disparity gap.

Dr. Jackson joined the City of Lansing as director of human relations and community services in 2006. She credits Mayor Bernero for his commitment to building a great city and giving Joan and her team the latitude to pursue initiatives they felt could make a difference. Some of the many noteworthy programs that have been launched in the past decade include:

• Mobile Food Pantry – which helps feed the hungry meeting a gap that can’t be filled by welfare

• One Church One Family – working with the faith-based community to provide mentoring and other support to help families with chronic homeless problems

• Connect for Kids - designed to provide food for children when there is no other free food in the community

• Community Connect – tailored after a similar program in California• Pre-Prevention Program – working with the Lansing Housing Commission

to help people struggling to make rent payments remain in their homes• Mobile Health Clinic – a pilot project in the Baker Donor neighborhood

launched earlier this year partnering with Sparrow, Ingham County Health Department and Dean Transportation

• Feed the Babies, Keep Them Dry – providing formula and other basic necessities for young children

Jackson Johnson says the success of many of these programs is rooted in a spirt of helping one another that exists in the Lansing region.

“It’s neighbors helping neighbors. People helping people,” said Jackson Johnson. “I can say I need certain things and people will come out. I am overwhelmed by the generosity.”

Triple J is widely known as a very charitable person. She has personally hosted an annual fundraiser that raises money for several shelters and ministries. The first event in 1989 raised $8,000, a number that has grown steadily through the years, with the most recent event raising more than $100,000.

“I always think of Joan Jackson Johnson as the “Mother Teresa” of our area,” said Eva Evans, a former ATHENA recipient. “There is no place in Greater Lansing where Joan has not gone and served if people are hungry, or in need of basic human services and lent a hand to people who are just human beings.”

Joan does not seek recognition for her life of dedicated community services, however recognition has often come her way through the years. Among the many honors she has received are: Mother Seaton Service Award, KFC Family of the Year, Advent House Volunteer of the Year, State of Michigan Volunteer Family of the Year, Father MAC (Lansing Diocese) Award for Community Service, Modern Woodman Community Service Award and the NAACP Citizen of the Year award.

Joan shares her life’s work with her husband of 46 years, Vern, who also grew up poor in a very large family and is often seen working side-by-side with Joan in one of her numerous community activities. The couple of has five children, three of which are adopted.

Joan Jackson Johnson has pulled from her past to shape her life mission and her commitment to service. For Triple J, it is a journey that knows no end.

“I can’t solve all the problems, but what I can do is educate, reach out and look at things that need to change so that all of our brothers and sisters are protected,” said Jackson Johnson.

There is no one that I can think of in our community who has done more with

their own time, money and resources to help those

less fortunate than Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson.”

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A church: somewhere one can go to worship; find solace; escape the world and…move a business into? For M3 Group, that is exactly the case.

M3 Group is a full-service branding and publications agency created in 2002 by CEO Tiffany Dowling. The company provides integrated services in marketing, public relations and advertising to businesses in the Lansing area and beyond, while also publishing Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine, Greater Lansing Business Monthly and ing Magazine.

“We started out as ‘Motion Marketing & Media,’…I wanted to have ‘motion’ in the name because it’s all about moving forward. It’s about pushing businesses toward reaching their goals,” said Dowling.

Dowling created this business 14 years ago during her transition from working in state government. Many suggested that she start her own business, but she didn’t have much interest at first. The more she researched, however, the more she started to like the idea.

“From the beginning, it was really about, ‘Is there a market for the types of services I wanted to provide?’ and, I found that there was,” said Dowling, “…we started out really small — just me and a business partner — and we’ve grown from there, based on what it is that businesses need.”

Dowling started her business in Downtown Lansing, renting space for three to four years between there and East Lansing before deciding she wanted to purchase her own building. From East Lansing, she went back to Downtown Lansing, noting that that was where her heart really was.

“Lansing has been great to me. I’m not originally from the Lansing area, so when I came here there certainly was a possibility that as an outsider, or an organization that didn’t originate from the Lansing area, we might not have been accepted,” Dowling said. “But, that really wasn’t the case. And, honestly, I feel like the Lansing region is the biggest small town. There are so many wonderful people and they’ve always been accepting and encouraging, so I couldn’t imagine my business being anywhere else.”

She found a location on Seymour Avenue and has been there for almost 10 years. More recently, Dowling had to purchase a second location on Seymour Avenue to accommodate for business growth. Now, with 25 employees separated between the two buildings, and the potential growth of her company in the near future, Dowling decided to buy a larger space to fit the entire company under one roof. This is where the church comes into the equation.

When searching for the new location, Dowling knew that she wanted to stay downtown. Located on the corner of Seymour Avenue and Saginaw Street, she found exactly what she was looking for in the now vacant, former Methodist church.

“I did look at a lot of different properties in this area and the church building was obviously very convenient to my current locations, but also, it’s just a really beautiful building. I’ve had a crush on that building for years,” said Dowling. “So, I’m excited that it worked out for me to purchase that building and get all of us in one facility because I think it’s going to be beautiful. It’s a great fit for what we’re trying to do. It will be the juxtaposition of something that looks very historical, yet we’re going to put very modern and creative furnishings and fixtures, and of course people, in the place. So, it’ll be great.”

Currently finalizing architectural plans, renovations will be made from electric and plumbing, to the layout of the building. The church, currently 6,900 square feet, will be closer to 8,000 square feet when completed. It will have room for 50 employees, allowing for growth within the organization.

“I want to make sure that we are going into a facility that we won’t have to leave,” said Dowling. “I don’t anticipate ever moving out of the building or growing over the size that it will accommodate.”

With four buildings in a row on Seymour, the other three (one being a part of the church purchase) will be leased out commercially to other businesses in the area. As for the church, Dowling feels that the new open and airy environment will improve her employees’ workplace morale and creativity.

“I think, that for creative people we build on each other. It’s important for people to be able to collaborate easily and of course if they really like their space and they’re in a really great environment, it just makes them more creative,” said Dowling. “It’s going to be the perfect place to get creative work done.”

Focus on Small Business

M3 GROUP: MAKING MOVES

Tiffany Dowling, President and CEO

CONNECTING MID-MICHIGAN TO

Personal GrowthPositive ChangePowerful IdeasExploration

You make it happen for YOUR COMMUNITY with a year-end gift of support to WKAR.

MAKE YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT NOWwkar.org • (517) 884-4747WKAR • 404 Wilson Road Room 212 East Lansing MI 48824To qualify for 2016 tax benefits: Online gifts must be made by midnight Dec. 31; mail postmarked by Dec. 31. In-person gifts can be delivered weekdays during business hours throughout December, plus special office hours Dec. 30, 10am-2pm.

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Mark Your Calendar

DECEMBERTUESDAY, DECEMBER 6: BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES: LEARN TO NETWORK LIKE A PRO, 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m., Lansing Brewing Company, 518 E. Shiawassee Street, Lansing. Networking is a vital skill for any business owner, yet most of us make rookie mistakes every time we step into a mixer or a 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 some 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! Presenter: Laurie Lonsdorf, Small Business Development Center. Programs are sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, P.C. No cost to attend for Chamber members. To register for this program, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6: HOLIDAY MEMBER MIXER, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Lansing Brewing Company, 518 E. Shiawassee Street, Lansing. No cost to attend for members ($15/non-members). Includes hors d’oeuvres. RSVP at www.lansingchamber.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7: DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., Delta Township Libraray, 5130 Davenport Drive, 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 Steve Japinga at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8: 2016 ATHENA AWARD PRESENTATION, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing. Recipient: Joan Jackson Johnson, Director, Human Relations and Community Service Department, City of 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. Join us as we welcome the newest member of the ATHENA Award legacy! $55/member, $75/nonmember, $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). To register for this event, visit www.lansingchamber.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15: ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Stephen Moore, Economist, The Heritage Foundation. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration and networking. $55/member ticket, $75/non-member ticket or $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required. Register at www.lansingchamber.org. For additional information, please contact Travis Richardson at 517-853-6463 or trichardson@lansingchamber.org.

JANUARYWEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4: DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8:00 a.m. – 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 Steve Japinga at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10: MEMBER MIXER, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, 547 E. Circle Dr., East Lansing. No cost to attend for members ($15/non-members). Includes hors d’oeuvres. RSVP atwww.lansingchamber.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19: ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Jim Trebilcock, Executive VP & CCO, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration and networking. $55/member ticket, $75/non-member ticket or $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required. Register at www.lansingchamber.org. For additional information, please contact Travis Richardson at 517-853-6463 or trichardson@lansingchamber.org.

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• Gain awareness through earned media • Stay top of mind with your target audience • Manage your reputation

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BRAND FORWARD WITH PUBLIC RELATIONS

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Beggars Banquet

Biddle City Project

Biggby Coffee #206

C.L. Moore Associates

Capital Honda

Capital Steel & Wire, Inc.

Capitol Research Services, Inc.

Cardinal Staffing

Child and Family Charities

Country Creek Property Preservation

Country Creek Reception Hall

Created to C

Cypress Home Care, Inc.

Dart, Papesh & Co., Inc.

DFCU Financial - Lake Lansing

Doctors Company, The

Dusty’s Cellar

Engaged Education

Exchange of Lansing, The

Fairfield Inn by Marriott East Lansing/Okemos

Flooring America - Carpet Studio

Great Lakes Christian Homes

H & H Inc.

Habitat for Humanity Capital Region

Lansing United

Maloney Carpet Company

MAPS Business Training

Meat Southern BBQ Carnivore Cuisine

Midwest Communications

River Front Business Center

Sewer Specialists First, Inc.

Special Olympics Michigan - Area 8

State Farm Insurance-Greg Lemanski

Staybridge Suites Lansing - Okemos

Susan Maples, DDS

Swan Electric Company, Inc.

T.H. Eifert, LLC Mechanical Contractors

Union Home Mortgage

University Quality Inn

Wolverine Water Treatment Systems/Michigan Soft Water

YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing

Zeeb Animal Hospital

Thank You Renewing Members

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.

FOSTER, SWIFT, COLLINS & SMITH, P.C.

40 years

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS

25 years

MURAWSKI’S TAX SERVICE, INC. 20 years

CIESA DESIGN 10 years

SHAKLEE 10 years

SEELYE GROUP LTD. 10 years

LANSING MALL 5 years

REDHEAD DESIGN STUDIO 5 years

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

(AMERILODGE GROUP) 5 years

PORTNOY & TU, DDS, PC.

FAMILY DENTISTRY 5 years

Chamber MilestonesWe’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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ART VAN PURESLEEP1595 W Lake Lansing Road East Lansing, MI 48823 517.512.6054 BIDDLE CITY DRONES1724 Stirling Ave Lansing, MI 48910 CENTURION MEDICAL PRODUCTS CORPORATION100 Centurion Way Williamston, MI 48895 517.545.1145 COMMERCIAL BANK301 N. State Street Alma, MI 48801989.560.6000

COMPASS SELF STORAGE4200 Hunsaker Street East Lansing, MI 48823 517.351.2500

COMPREHENSIVE SLEEP CENTER3515 Coolidge Road, Ste. A East Lansing, MI 48823 517.755.6888

FAMILY HERITAGE INSURANCE4169 Legacy Parkway Lansing, MI 48910 440.922.5200

FRONTLINE APPRAISAL, INC.2180 Commons Parkway Okemos, MI 48864 517.203.5372

LJ ROSS ASSOCIATES1607 E Kalamazoo St Lansing, MI 48912 517.333.3528

HAPPENDANCE EXCHANGE LANSING (HXL)P.O. Box 1755Owosso, MI 48867989.413.0049

HOT CHICKEN KITCHEN123 Washington Sq Lansing, MI 48933 517.203.5176

KRONZEK & CRONKRIGHT LAW FIRM420 S. Waverly Rd. #100 Lansing, MI 48917 866.766.5245

OUTLET CREATIVE GROUP1837 Wandering Creek Dr. Jackson, MI 49201 517.879.9940

THE PEABODY GROUP4740 Marsh Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 517.349.0902

SWAGATH FOODS & INDIAN CUISINE1060 Trowbridge Rd., Suite 1 East Lansing, MI 48823 517.333.6536

VMD & ASSOCIATES, PLLC2162 Commons Parkway Okemos, MI 48864 517.347.9931

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Members On The MovePEOPLE NEWSOrigami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center welcomes two new board members, Marilyn Tarrant, executive director of internal audit, Michigan State University and Nate VanderLaan, director of facilities, Peckham, Inc.

Robert F. Flora, M.D., MBA, MPH, has been appointed chief academic officer/designated institutional officer (CAO/DIO) for McLaren Health Care Corp., effective Oct. 17, 2016. With a career that spans more than 20 years in health care, Flora comes to McLaren from Providence-Providence Park Hospital in Southfield and in Novi, where he served as director of medical education and DIO. Currently, he holds the position of professor and associate chair for education of obstetrics and gynecology at Michigan State

University College of Human Medicine.

McLaren Greater Lansing is pleased to announce the appoint-ment of Casey Kandow, MS, MBA as chief operating officer. Kandow had served in a number of roles within the McLaren Health Care system, most recently as the Director for Laboratory Operations for McLaren Medical Laboratory where he administered the general operations of 10 acute care hospital laboratories.

Tom Judd, service manager at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilita-tion Center has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC). He has served on the MBIPC Government Relations Committee for the past few years and he’ll continue those responsibilities along with his new appointment to MBIPC leadership.

COMPANY NEWSKuntzsch Solutions is joining forces with Public Sector Consultants (PSC), representing an extraordinary coupling of two firms driven by the same charge to make Michigan a better place. This merging of two firms with a shared vision for Michigan; complementary services and cultures; and experienced, committed team members will enable us to collectively drive greater impact for our clients. The two firms will operate as one company, PSC. All Kuntzsch Solutions’ staff are transitioning to comparable roles at PSC. Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants received the Leading Edge Alliance’s (LEA) prestigious Outstanding Diversity & Innovation Initiative award for its Women Leaders marketing campaign. The award was announced at the LEA’s 2016 Global Con-ference held in Houston, Texas.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing is offering life-changing experiences to breast cancer patients and survivors through their Turning Point Program. The Turning Point Program, founded in 2008 through funding provided by Susan G. Komen Michigan, has served 156 women during this grant cycle with plans to serve 200 more by March 2017. The program supports breast cancer survivors once they have been diagnosed and throughout their lives to improve their emotional and physical health as well as their overall quality of life.

CW Leadership now offers a Youth Leadership Academy to cultivate bright and in-novative leaders for our future. Our programs are designed to empower young men and women, ages 14-18, by providing fitness and leadership skills to get the most out of themselves and those they influence. This three-month course is limited to 15 participants per course. Contact Chrisstew07@yahoo.com or 517.641.4345.

Huntington Bank is the nation’s second largest lender of Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans during SBA fiscal year 2016, maintaining its ranking for total 7(a) loans nationwide, and ranking as the top 7(a) lender for total loans and dollars lent within its six-state core footprint. Huntington has ranked as a top three national SBA 7(a) lender since 2011 and the premier 7(a) lender in its core footprint since 2008.

Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants has been selected as one of Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness for the third consecutive year. The program highlights compa-nies, schools, faith-based groups and organizations that promote a culture of wellness, as well as those that plan, implement and evaluate efforts in employee wellness to make their business and their community a healthier place to live and work.

NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial is pleased to announce the sale of 815 W. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI. This 29,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse property is the former office of CASS Polymers INC. The new Owner has yet to decide what the future use of the property will be. Jim Salkiewicz represented both the Buyer and Seller in this transaction.

McLaren Greater Lansing has made a $1.5 million gift to Michigan State Univer-sity to establish the College of Nursing’s first endowed chair position. The donation is the second largest gift ever given to the nursing college. Endowed chair and professorship positions provide top scholars with stable support to actively engage in leading-edge work. The support from an endowment provides a dependable, perpetual source of funding to sustain the position, as well as the ability to conduct research and scholarship as new op-portunities arise.

Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance has been selected to be part of an elite group of independent insur-ance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group. Only 254 independent agencies throughout the U.S. qualified for inclusion in the 2016 Best Practices Study.

Davenport University conducted an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) State-ment of Support Signing Ceremony at their Lan-sing Campus on Septem-ber 30th, solidifying their support of those employ-ees who are members of the National Guard and Reserves.

Triterra, a Lansing-based Environmental Consulting Firm, has outgrown their office space in Old Town. They have moved into a larger office space in REO Town. The new address is 1375 South Washington Avenue, Suite 300, Lansing, MI 48910. All phone numbers remain the same.

NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial is pleased to announce the sale of 1514 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI. This 2,900 sq. ft. medical/office building will be con-verted to general office space. Nick Vlahakis represented the Seller in this transaction.

Flora

Judd

Kandow

(L to R) Vannessa Bessa, DU Veterans Bachelor of Science in Nursing Senior | US Army Reserves; Mayor Virg Bernero, City of Lansing; (Behind) Jason Bos, DU Admissions Representative, Military and Veteran Services; Mel Bauman, Michigan State Chair - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; (Behind) Benjamin Larson, DU Admissions Representative, Military and Veteran Services; Jerred Johnson, DU Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Senior | Michigan Army National Guard; and Dave Veneklase, DU Executive Vice President of Organizational Development.

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Members On The Move

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Small business owners rank Huntington Bank highest in overall customer satisfaction in the Midwest region according to the 2016 J.D. Power U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study(SM). Huntington, which tops the list for the third time in the last five years, had the highest satisfaction nationally and received high marks for product offer-ings, facility, fees, and account information.

To further aid the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing in their mission of helping women realize their potential and achieve economic self-sufficiency, Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine (CAWLM) production director and M3 Group vice president of marketing and communications, Kelly Mazurkiewicz, presented a $5,000 check to the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing’s Director Cindy Alwood at a ceremony held at the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing’s administration office. On Thursday, Sept. 8, more than 125 women enjoyed a round of golf at the Hawk Hollow Golf Club in East Lansing for the 10th anniversary of the CAWLM Lady Classic, presented by Independent Bank. The money raised for the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing will help support the ser-vices they provide to women in our community like career counseling, support for those going through divorce, healing from sexual assault or other soul-crushing events, assertive-ness training and more.

(L to R) Cindy Alwood, Director of Women’s Cen-ter of Greater Lansing accepts a $5,000 dona-tion from Kelly Mazurkie-wicz, CAWLM Production Director and M3 Group Vice President of Market-ing and Communications.

The Carson Foundation stepped up to assist the Central Montcalm Elementary 100 Mile Club with a donation that will finance fitness incentives to participating students. Participation in the 100 Mile Club improves school readiness to learn, creates better educational outcomes, builds self-esteem, and improves overall health. The donation of $360 to the 100 Mile Club will provide each child with incentives for every 25 miles they complete. Each day, students can run, jog, or walk before school and during recess, and their laps will be recorded. Students will receive a free T-shirt after completing the first 25 miles, pencils for 50 miles, a wristband for 75 miles, and a certificate of achievement along with a gold medal for completing 100 miles.

Central Montcalm Elementary students are eager to start recording their fitness records for the school’s 100 Mile Club. The students are (back row, left to right) Erin Minikey, Emily Putnam, and Kyla McKeown, and in the front row, Graham Coston, Durwood Kirby, and Jacob Spohr

NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial is pleased to announce the leasing of 3681 Okemos Road, Okemos MI. The 3,000 sq. ft. suite is the new location of Senior Helpers. Jeff Shapiro represented the building Owner and Tenant in this transaction.

The Carson Foundation, in its mission to enhance the health and wellness of the region, has donated $2,000 to Ithaca High School’s Athletic Department in order to help student athletes improve their performance and aid in rehabilitation from injuries. The donation will allow the purchase of a Vertimax Platform Training System, a vertical jump and speed system with eight built-in adjustable resistance bands. Vertimax will be used to help improve vertical jumping abilities and speed in a variety of sports, such as basketball, volleyball, track, and football.

Ithaca High School students Brayden Shaw (left) and Seth Hess-brook use the new Ver-timax Platform Training System, funded through a donation from the Carson Foundation.

Highfields received a Dart Foundation grant that matches all new donations to High-fields. The matching grant of $25,000 is a dollar for dollar match from now until the end of 2016. Highfields’ Strengthening Families Breakfast took place on October 27th at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Thanks to donations from supporters and community members, Highfields achieved the $25,000 Dart Foundation match in less than one hour!

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Located in the Meridian Mall, TinkrLAB is designed to offer a space for kids, teens and adults alike to come make, invent, tinker, work on projects and grow as they utilize technology from wooden trucks to 3D printers. TinkrLAB offers retail products that align with STEM concepts, such as robotics, engineering kits that are toys. TinkrLAB also of-fers a makerspace area called the tinkrZONE to work in. Offering classes and workshops that you can sign up with your kids to learn together, or on their own in an informal set-ting with a hands-on and project based approach; everything from simple construction to 3D Printing to computer coding and robotics. Everyone can benefit from tinkrLAB

Nearly 400 donors and friends of McLaren Greater Lansing Healthcare Foundation “toured the world” on Saturday, November 5 at the Country Club of Lansing during the 2016 Annual Gala Passport to the World. With the help of sponsors like DeGarA PLLC, PNC Bank, The Wendorf Family, Capital Area Anesthesia PC, and MSU Federal Credit Union the world travel-themed event raised more than $200,000 in cash and in kind donations for the Emergency Department, Oncology Services, and areas of greatest need at McLaren Greater Lansing.

(L to R) Dr. J. Wesley Mesko, Dr. Linda Peterson, Dr. Renuka Gera, Dr. C. Mohan Gera, Diane Dabich, Dr. George Kleiber, Dr. Michael Hourani, Jane Hourani

Loomis, Ewert, Parsley Davis & Gotting P.C. has been named a Tier 1 firm in Lan-sing for various practices by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2017.

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) sponsored 5 Minutes Tops on Nov. 3 2016 at Holt High School. 5 Minutes Tops is a “Shark Tank”-esque competition in which students prepare and present business ideas to local business owners for a chance to win cash prizes and assistance in their endeavor. Students have five minutes to convince a panel of judges to buy into their idea. The winning idea was presented by, Sophomore, Katie Ostrowski from Holt High School. Ostrowski’s winning idea was a design for a backpack that not only made carrying heavy books easier, but also protected and orga-nized the contents of the bag.

The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women and providing relief programs for breast cancer patients and survivors, held its 8th Annual In Her Cups Bras for a Cause Art Auction on Friday, November 4. Selected bra art was put up for bid during the live auction, while others were placed in a silent auction, with winning bids ranging from $40-$400. With over 30 bras auctioned off, the fundraiser generated nearly $3,000.

CBRE|Martin is pleased to announce the sale of the 1096 Highview Drive property, an industrial building situated on 2.1 acres in Webberville, Mich. close to the I-96 inter-change. Applegate Home Comfort sold the 8,432 SF building to 4 Tech Electronics, Inc. The new owner plans to relocate their business from their current Detroit location to Webberville. CBRE|Martin senior associate and retail advisor, Todd Kosta, represented the seller and CBRE|Martin senior associate and industrial advisor, Julie O’Brien, repre-sented the buyer in the transaction.

Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center today proudly announced that it has been recognized by the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its work helping local families recover from brain injuries. Origami earned a 3 year re-accreditation from CARF for programs including Origami’s residential, outpatient, and community based programs as well as vocational services offered to brain injury survivors. Origami received an exemplary status, a status granted for exceptional service, for its recent expansion and renovation.

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Economic Club

Chamber News

Eric Schneidewind, president of AARP and a resident of Lansing, Michigan, was the keynote speaker during the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’ October Economic Club Lun-cheon. Schneidewind addressed several key topics of concern to the AARP including the importance of legislation with better assist family caregivers. Schneidewind was elected by the AARP Board of Directors to serve as AARP’s President from June 2016 to June 2018. The

President’s role is filled by an AARP volunteer who is also a member of the all-volunteer AARP Board of Directors. The primary duty of the President is to act as the principal national volunteer spokesperson, helping to articulate the positions and views of AARP to its members, volunteers and the public.

Four organizations were honored for their investments in and commitments to the Greater Lansing Region at the annual Celebration of Regional Growth Awards, held on Thurs-day, November 19, 2015. Left to right: Josh Block, President, Block Imaging; Tom Bres, Senior VP, CAO, CIO, Sparrow Health System; April Clobes, President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union; and Dr. Brent Knight, President, Lansing Community College. Many thanks for our sponsors PNC Bank and Loomis Law for making this great cel-ebration possible.

The Greater Lansing region is thriving and growing – so is the team at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). The Chamber announced the addition of Alexis Akers along with the promotions of Hanna VonAchen and Mandy Emmert.

Akers, who was hired in September, serves as the Administrative and Communications Coordinator – providing executive, administrative and communication support to the Chamber staff and departments, while managing the Chamber’s office needs. Akers graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication. Born and raised in Holt, she is enthusiastic about helping the Lansing region grow.

“Growing up in the Greater Lansing region, I’m passionate about our community,” said Akers. “I look forward to working with our members and the business community to promote and enhance our region.”

To boost membership value and services, the Chamber also announced internal changes. LRCC has named VonAchen as Small Business and Member Engagement Coordinator and Emmert as Accounting and Membership Data Coordinator.

VonAchen manages the Chamber’s Member Benefit Programs, which include member-only discounts, exclusive advertising and networking opportunities, technology and communications tools, continuing education and talent development resources, insurance savings and discounts on office products.

“The Chamber team works relentlessly to deliver value to each and every member,” said VonAchen. “Our Member Benefit Programs provide invaluable tools and resources designed to help our members succeed and grow.”

Emmert manages daily accounting tasks and membership data maintenance – ensuring accurate maintenance of member information and Chamber business. She is a lifelong Lansing resident and proud Spartan, graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Anthropology.

“Working with the local businesses that I grew up around has been a rewarding experience,” said Emmert. “Our region has a close knit business community and it’s truly inspiring to see local businesses working together to move Greater Lansing forward.”

Akers EmmertVonAchen

CHAMBER EXPANDS AND PROMOTES STAFF

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Celebrating diversityembracing inclusionTo learn more about diversity at Sparrow, visit Sparrow.org/Careers-Diversity-Inclusion

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The Stadium District500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200Lansing, MI 48912Ph. 517.487.6340lansingchamber.org

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