GLBM August 2014: Brent Knight: Building a Better LCC

BUSINESS MONTHLY GR E ATE R LANS ING

AUGUST 2014

Brent Knight: Building a Better LCC

In this issue •

AREA MALLS EVOLVE TO MEET DEMANDS

•

NEW DISTILLERY OPENS IN LANSING

•

M3 GROUP PUBLISHING REACH EXTENDS

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

i

ii

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

Front Row Left to Right: Nazneen Syed JD, LL.M, Barbara Bialko JD, Bill Jaconette, Nancy Johnson MBA, Al Yambor, Peggy Klopf, Pat Hopp Back Row Left to Right: Colleen Foster, Dianne Thurston, Steve Peters JD, CTFA, Sherrie Armstrong, Jim Schmelter MBA, Carolee Buckey, Karla Ter Haar CTFA, Ryan Munson, Jennifer Bolle │ Not pictured: Larry Crockett CFA, MBA

We recognize the importance of strong relationships and dedication.

Your local PNC Advisors have an average of over twenty years of experience providing relevant solutions and exceptional services to families and individuals in Mid Michigan.

WEALTH PLANNING

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PRIVATE BANKING TRUST AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

517-334-5291 888-347-7805 120 N. Washington Square, Suite 650 Lansing, MI 48933 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) uses the service marks “PNC Wealth Management”, PNC Institutional Investments” and “Hawthorn PNC Family Wealth” to provide investment and wealth management, fiduciary services, FDIC-insured banking products and services and lending and borrowing of funds through its subsidiary, PNC Bank, National Association, which is a Member FDIC, and uses the service marks “PNC Wealth Management and “Hawthorn PNC Family Wealth” to provide certain fiduciary and agency services through its subsidiary, PNC Delaware Trust Company. PNC does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. ©2014 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Bank deposit products and services provided by PNC Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

1

AUGUST 2014

G R E AT E R

L A N S I N G

BUSINESS MONTHLY

BUSINESS MONTHLY G RE ATER L A N S I N G

AUGUST 2014

News New American Distillery Set to Begin Production This Summer in Lansing ................. 6 Reno’s Brand Grows with Northside Addition ............................................................................ 8 M3 Group Expands Publishing Reach with Purchase of Student Magazine ..............10 Lansing Area Malls Evolve to Meet Demands ...........................................................................12

Features Brent Knight: Building a Better LCC

LCC’s ‘Build Forward’ Initiative Transforms Downtown Campus ..................................14 In this issue •

AREA MALLS EVOLVE TO MEET DEMANDS

•

NEW DISTILLERY OPENS IN LANSING

•

M3 GROUP PUBLISHING REACH EXTENDS

Personal Touch is Key to International Success for Local Gallery ................................... 20 Roundup: Greater Lansing Area Theater ...................................................................................22 Connections and Coffee .....................................................................................................................28

Cover photography by Mark Warner

The Greater Lansing Business Monthly (Volume 27, Issue 8) The Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. USPS number 020w807.

Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years.

Call (517) 203—0123 or visit www.lansingbusinessnew. com to subscribe.

Departments Commentary.................................................................................................................................................. 4 She Said, She Said ....................................................................................................................................30 Man on the Street .................................................................................................................................. 32 GLBM List ................................................................................................................................................... 34 Accounting................................................................................................................................................... 36

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, 614 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Send additional subscription requests and address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc., 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933.

Copyright © 2014 The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved.

Collectibles.................................................................................................................................................. 38

Editorial Office: 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933 www.lansingbusinessmonthly.com

Notable News ...........................................................................................................................................46

2

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

Investments ................................................................................................................................................ 40 Real Estate .................................................................................................................................................42 Calender ......................................................................................................................................................44

AUGUST 2014

HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

“HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AMONG AUTO INSURERS IN THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION”

Shinberg Insurance is your local independent insurance agency representing Auto-Owners.

For all your life, home, car and business insurance needs, contact us today.

East Lansing • 517-337-8415 www.shinberginsurance.com

Auto-Owners Insurance received the highest numerical score among auto insurance providers in the North Central Region in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Auto Insurance StudySM. Study based on 44,661 total responses measuring 17 providers in the North Central Region (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI) and measures opinions of consumers with their auto insurance provider. experiences w wProprietary w . L a n study s i n results g B u are s i based n e s on s N e w s . cand o m perceptions of consumers surveyed March-April 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

3

C O M M E N TA R Y

G R E AT E R

L A N S I N G

BUSINESS MONTHLY Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Editor: Emily Caswell emily@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Media Specialist: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Katie Brown Manny Garcia

Employers Need to Engage in Education

E

mployers are frustrated. Educators are frustrated. So are students — our future employees.

It’s not enough to sit on the sidelines as an employer and lament that education isn’t keeping pace with the ever-changing needs of the marketplace. It isn’t enough to know that there are factors sometimes out of our control limiting what we can make happen in a short time span. The future of learning is everyone’s responsibility.

It’s easy to say that the current system isn’t working and place blame on one area or another. However, the system — our system — will never be all it can be without input from all involved. As an employer, I can’t wait for someone else to solve my problems in my day-to-day activities. If finding a qualified, up-to-speed, knowledgeable workforce is important to me, then I have to be part of the solution.

Production Director: Kelly Ritter Art Director: Brooke Erwin Graphic Artist: Mike France Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty

GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes - Executive Vice President, MSU Federal Credit Union Trish Foster - Senior Managing Director & COO, CBRE|Martin Lisa Parker - Director of Alumni Career and Business Services, Michigan State University Alumni Association Deb Muchmore - Vice President of Public Affairs, Marketing Resource Group Tom Ruis - Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Doug Klein - Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Mark Hooper - Partner, Andrews Hopper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes - Legislative Director for State Senator Coleman Young, II

Years ago when I was part of the Michigan Department of Career Development, schools were introduced to Career Pathways. This system of helping students connect education and careers was an amazing start to getting students engaged with industry sectors and keeping them motivated to learn more about careers that interested them. In order for any system to work, there has to be dialogue. Educators can’t possibly know what employers need without hearing from us.

To me, the future of education looks bright when you have top-notch visionaries like Dr. Brent Knight, president of Lansing Community College, working to connect all the dots when preparing students for the future. He’s working to update and modernize buildings, technology and the campus and has engaged the community to understand the needs here and beyond.

I would like to encourage businesses to get involved with education. Depending on your field, there are many ways to constructively voice your opinion about the needs of the workforce.

Last month, we had our third quarter Connections and Coffee networking event. It was an amazing group of people coming together to share information and hear from our speakers, April Clobes, COO of MSU Federal Credit Union and Mark and Krysta McGee, owners of Mark’s Gourmet Dogs.

We hope that you’ve noticed some of the changes we’ve made to GLBM over the last year and are enjoying our new look and content. As we continue to invest in the business publication and strive to offer more digital options, resources and news coverage, the GLBM team has opted to institute a subscription for the printed version of the magazine. We have valued your partnership this year and will continue to bring business news and updates to our community. We hope you consider GLBM an important resource for staying connected.

Be dynamic in all you do,

Tiffany Dowling | Publisher 4

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

Siena Heights University Offers Master of Arts degrees in: • Clinical Mental Health Counseling • Teacher Education • Organizational Leadership • Higher Education Leadership • Health Care Leadership • Educational Leadership: Principal

Unleash Your Potential WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT…

“My classes are fabulous at Siena Heights University. We learn from our peers and share our experiences with one another.

We can bounce ideas off each other and put practical ideas to work right away! If you are considering the Graduate College at Siena Heights University, I would definitely pursue it!

— Jenna Borck Organizational Leadership Student

Specialist of Arts degree in: • Educational Leadership Why Siena?

• Courses designed for working adults • Evening and weekend courses • Small class sizes • Individualized academic advising • Blended and online courses

NEW CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING PROGRAM…

“If you want to explore cutting-edge understandings from counseling, neuroscience and spirituality on how to help ALL human beings access mental health regardless of what they have been through or are going through, then Siena’s new Clinical Mental Health Program will be perfect for you. We keep a passionate focus on releasing the resilient spirit in humanity.”

— Dr. Linda Pettit, Ed.D, Counseling Psychologist Dean of the Graduate College and Director of Counselor Education

Now accepting new students!

CONTACT US TODAY! 877.438.1596 or graduatecollege@sienaheights.edu www.sienaheights.edu/graduate w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

5

NEWS

New American Distillery Set to Begin Production This Summer in Lansing

BY MICKEY HIRTEN

D

oes America really need another brand of whiskey or gin?

Apparently it does. According to Rick Wyble, there is room in the crowded spirits market for the right products with the right ingredients. And for his new venture — American Fifth Spirits — it’s Michigan’s agriculture, its farmers, that will make his company successful.

P H OTO B Y M A R K WA R N E R

His distillery and tasting room is shaping up on Larch Street in downtown Lansing. Located opposite the ballpark and between Paramount Coffee and Rum Runners, he has ordered and is waiting for delivery of a distiller, tanks and other equipment. Wyble plans to begin production by the end of the summer: his goal is 3,500 to 4,700 cases of liquor annually. American Fifth Spirits’ flagship brands will be Capital Gin, Hue Vodka and Fat Five Whiskey, Michigan made in every sense.

To sustain his new venture’s niche in a market with hundreds of liquor brands, American Fifth requires quality ingredients: corn, wheat, rye and botanicals like juniper, lavender, pepper and ginger. The company hopes to get as many flavoring ingredients as possible from urban gardeners. The grains will come from regional farms.

“We need consistency. And we find it everywhere we go,” said Mike Bird, who handles American Fifth’s marketing, among other tasks. The company searched out farmers interested in supplying high quality products for its distillery, particularly corn and wheat. “The response was overwhelming,” Wyble said, although he is still looking for barley, rye and buckwheat suppliers.

American Fifth joins a growing field of small boutique distillers in Michigan, which has lowered licensing costs and simplified rules and regulations to encourage this craft industry. They specialize in small batch, high quality products.

Future site of American Distillery on Larch Street and screen shot of website, americanfifthspirits.com chemical engineering at Michigan State University, Red Cedar has the capacity to produce 50,000 cases of liquor a year. It’s affiliated with the MSU distillery program and operates under a license owned by Uncle John’s Fruithouse Winery in St. Johns.

“It’s confusing,” Berglund said of the organization’s structure, which navigates a thicket of state regulations, MSU existing liquor licenses and academic training programs.

Sanctuary Spirits now operates in Grand Ledge, an extension of the Red Salamander home-brewing business. The state’s largest distillery, Red Cedar Spirits, is based in East Lansing and in many ways has led the way for others in the business.

The distillery is housed in the former East Lansing Public Works building on Merritt Road and has recently opened a a tasting room with a bar and tables for seating 47. The Red Cedar line features apple brandy, rye whiskey, corn whiskey, gin and bourbon whiskey.

It also distills vodka, a product it will sell to American Fifth, which will flavor it and distribute under its Capital Gin label.

Founded by Kris Berglund, a professor of food science and

The two distillers have complementary relationships. Red Cedar has

6

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

NEWS

more than 10 times the production capacity of American Fifth and can produce higher alcohol content liquor like vodka with its larger — literally taller — 800-liter distiller. Also, Berglund, who has overseen MSU’s artisan distilling program for more than 15 years, provides technical and practical experience to fledgling distillers throughout the state.

Wyble’s strength is distribution; his background is beer and wine and liquor sales.

Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor. He has been executive editor of the Lansing State Journal, the Burlington Free Press in Vermont, and was the financial editor and a columnist for the Baltimore Evening Sun. He is the current president of the Michigan Press Association.

His wife, Maureen Hirten, is director of the Capital Area District Library.

“I know what to expect — the relationship with wholesalers,” he said. “I can call them up. I know the gatekeepers who order for the bars and stores.”

Successful distilleries eventually must put their goods on shelves. But the first phase, certainly for Michigan’s distillers, is building their brands in their tasting rooms and bars. Liquor is available by the glass or by the bottle. Some whiskey and brandy requires aging, but liquors like vodka and gin are drinkable immediately.

The industry trade name “artisan distillers” reflects the creativity that operations like Red Cedar, Sanctuary and American Spirit believe sets them apart from the large liquor manufacturers.

“It’s a very different experience from walking into a grocery store,” said Berglund.

“The guys tending bar are the guys in the back making stuff.”

American Fifth, with a start-up budget of about $650,000, will have seating for 80 at its Larch Street facility. It will use the first floor, about 4,500 square feet, for production, bottling, aging, a bar, seating area and, next year, a restaurant. Wyble, who is the principal in the venture’s partnership, hasn’t decided what to do with the second floor. He believes American Fifth will provide Lansing with a different drinking experience, tailored to those seeking special blends and personality in a tasting experience.

“Lansing doesn’t have much going for it when it comes to beer and spirits,” Wyble said. His goal is to change the way people drink in Lansing. “I hope people in the city will take ownership with us.”

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

7

NEWS

Reno’s Brand Grows with Northside Addition

BY MICKEY HIRTEN

A

s an Michigan State University college student studying accounting, Jessie Stipcak wanted part-time work and found it at Reno’s in East Lansing. It was 1996.

In a region packed with restaurants and bars, Reno’s, with its three locations, has established a brand that competes successfully with larger regional and national chain operations. Buddies and Leo’s has also had comparable success.

Buddies, owned by Tammy Black and her sister, Terilynn Cook, has restaurants in Okemos, along Grand Avenue, East Lansing off Lake Lansing Road, and Holt at the intersection of Aurelius and Holt Roads. Leo’s, with two locations in Lansing — one on Pennsylvania Avenue, near 496, the other by Jolly and Dunkle Roads, and a third in Okemos, at the corner of Okemos Road and Grand River Avenue declined to identify its owners. Leo’s General Manager Wendy Duggan said only that they want to remain silent.

The restaurants for all three regionally-owned companies are large — 8,000 to 10,000 square feet, with capacity of 300 or more, large bars and seating enough to handle sports crowds and teams after their games.

What makes it all work? “I think it’s because we are locally owned.

We do business with people in the community.” Stipcak said. Black also cites local ownership. “We’re all involved in our communities, helping them do good things.” Their local focus is a common theme and applies to customers, business relationships, even charities. In mid-July, for example, Leo’s organized a golf outing to benefit Old Newsboys of Greater Lansing, which provides shoes and boots for children. It’s a well-supported annual event.

Operating from three locations is the current threshold for these restaurants. Buddies opened its third location in Holt in August 2007. Leo’s in Okemos replaced a wings-themed restaurant operated by the failed Bennigan’s chain for its third restaurant.

Reno’s acquisition of Rookies will be completed shortly and Stipcak is proposing significant renovations.

“The plans started small but became pretty elaborate. With the 8

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

PH OTO B Y MA RK WA RNE R

The job was waiting tables, and according to Stipcak, it was fascinating. The restaurant business meshed with her accounting studies. Reno’s owner at the time was a gracious boss who welcomed academic case studies of his restaurant’s operations — things like menu analysis — and before long Stipcak had switched to MSU’s hospitality management program. She was hooked, and now owns Reno’s East, Reno’s West and is adding a north location with the purchase of Rookies on North Cedar Street.

Jessie in front of the East Lansing location. architects we came up with more ideas,” Stipcak said. Her inspiration is the bar scene in Florida. The new Reno’s will include a 6,000 square-foot patio, beach volleyball courts, an outdoor fireplace with heaters and light. “People want fresh air and daylight. We want to bring the outdoors inside,” she said. She is undecided on what to do with the go-cart racking track behind the restaurant and laughing, worries that her sons, Drake, 5, Barrettt, 7, and daughter Sidney, 14, will want her to keep it.

Together the three Reno’s restaurants will employ about 160 full and part-time workers. “We’re not run by a chain. It’s a group effort.

We make decisions together,” Stipcak said. She speaks of workers at Reno’s as a family and certainly some of the relationships are longlasting. Reno’s general manager Jen Mattlin has been with Stipcak for 15 years, so has marketing director, Helen Wiedner.

“One of the big reasons to expand to a third location was that I wanted the opportunity to do new projects and for my staff to be able to move up,” Stipcak said. Her company provides incentive packages with insurance and benefits for the staff. She said this encourages long-term careers.

Similar camaraderie exists at Buddies. “Maria Garcia is my manager. She’s been with me for 15 years, from server, to bartender to management,” Black said. “There is such a sense of family.” The Buddies restaurants employ more than 100 workers.

Because they are grounded in their communities, the three restaurants are able to reflect local dining and drinking habits.

“One of the things that has made us successful is offering Michigan craft beer selections. I feel good buying from these local breweries.

AUGUST 2014

Many of the owners of these small breweries come in and meet with myself and our staff. We hear their stories and sell their products,” Stipcak said.

But the selection can be daunting. “Craft beer is the big trend,” Black said. “There are so many and I still have only eight taps in East Lansing … This means regular rotation of beer selections, knowing what customers like.”

Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

He has been executive editor of the Lansing State Journal, the Burlington Free Press in Vermont, and was the financial editor and a columnist for the Baltimore Evening Sun. He is the current president of the Michigan Press Association. His wife, Maureen Hirten, is director of the Capital Area District Library.

Business Owners, ready to grow with CONFIDENCE? Mastermind Group with fellow business owners now forming! Discuss specific business goals, current obstacles and devise an action plan to ensure lasting success.

•

Focused 8 month program – meet monthly as a team (2.5 hours) and individually with your coach/facilitator between group sessions (1 hour) to concentrate on your business.

•

Includes all materials, unlimited phone/email support

•

Only $495/month with a 100% money back guarantee

Call or visit our website today!

120 N. Washington, Suite 805 Lansing, MI 48933 P:517.853.2570 I F:517.482.9006

www.theexecutiveinfluence.com

in the your of

Greater

Lansing ü Venues & Rates For Every Budget ü Central Location Boosts Attendance ü Dedicated CVB & Complimentary Services 800.648.6630 | www.lansing.org

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

9

NEWS

M3 Group Expands Publishing Reach with Purchase of Student Magazine

BY E M ILY CAS WEL L

T

iffany Dowling, President and CEO of M3 Group, a Lansing-based branding agency, recently announced the purchase of the student publication, ing Magazine.

Covering student life, arts and entertainment, ing Magazine has a circulation of 6,000 and is distributed throughout campus and in select locations on Grand River. Dowling plans to increase distribution and page count as well as adjust the design and content in the coming months.

“We are excited to announce that we are once again growing our publishing department with the addition of the Michigan State Universitybased magazine, ing,” said Dowling.

Published seven times a year, ing Magazine will be primarily run by students at MSU, who will work to produce content, photos and design the publication. The publication offers an opportunity for both students registered in the class and freelance writers and photographers to experience an authentic publishing process, resulting in resume-building skills and portfolio pieces.

“EXPANDING OUR PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT WITH THE ADDITION OF ING IS A WIN-WIN. IT’S A TERRIFIC WAY FOR US TO LEND

M3 Group will sell ad space and assist with the production process. Emily Caswell, M3 Group Publications Director and MSU Journalism School alumni, will serve as a resource for the class, spending one-on-one time with students in the classroom to bring a real-world point of view to the learning process. Spartan Printing will continue to print the publication.

OUR EXPERTISE TO A GROUP OF BUDDING PUBLICATION PROFESSIONALS AND A VALUABLE PRODUCT FOR OUR SALES TEAM TO OFFER TO THE

Founded 12 years ago, M3 Group is a full-service branding agency. Dowling started Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine more than six years ago and purchased the Greater Lansing Business Monthly a year ago.

BUSINESS COMMUNITY.” — TIFFANY DOWLING Founded by MSU student Adam Grant in 2007, ing Magazine was most recently owned by Spartan Printing, which acquired the publication from Grant in 2011.

“Niche publications are thriving,” said Dowling. “Expanding our publishing department with the addition of ing is a win-win. It’s a terrific way for us to lend our expertise to a group of budding publication professionals and a valuable product for our sales team to offer to the business community.”

What started as a student club, will now be run in a more official capacity through a class taught by Kathyrn Houghton, Assistant Professor at MSU in the department of Writing Rhetoric and American Cultures.

10

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

“ing Magazine is a great resource for our community and, most of all, the student community in East Lansing,” said Dowling. “We look forward to lending our expertise to the publication and making it the best it can be.”

Emily Caswell is the Publications Director at M3 Group where she serves as managing editor of Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine and editor of the Greater Lansing Business Monthly.

AUGUST 2014

NEWS

Federally insured by the NCUA

A Reliable Connection Wherever You Are

Manage your business account 24/7 with online banking, MSUFCU’s mobile app, or by using your phone with MoneyLine.

• Transfer funds between accounts • Make loan payments • Review transaction history • Check account balances Make sure your money is where it needs to be, even if you’re not.

And, if your company needs to borrow money, MSUFCU has a variety of lending options that will fit your needs.

Contact MSUFCU today.

Branch Locations East Lansing • 3777 West Rd. MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd., Rm. #108 523 E. Grand River Ave. 4825 E. Mt. Hope Rd.

Lansing • 104 S. Washington Sq. 200 E. Jolly Rd. 653 Migaldi Ln. Sparrow Professional Bldg., Ste. 300

Haslett • 16861 Marsh Rd.

Okemos • 1775 Central Park Dr. Charlotte • 180 High St. Auburn Hills • 3265 Five Points Dr.

www.msufcu.org/business 517-333-2365 • 800-678-4968

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

11

NEWS

Lansing Area Malls Evolve to Meet Customer Demands

BY MICKEY HIRTEN

T

wo of Lansing’s malls have emerged from the Great Recession with a burst of construction and commitment to a shopping experience that addresses rapidly changing consumer tastes.

“We’ve undergone a vast transformation and lots of progress and plans for the mall to create a vibrant shopping center,” said Paige Moreau, general manager at Lansing Mall. Particularly notable is the opening of the Regal Cinema, a 12-screen, 50,000 square foot theater, built on the site of the closed Mervin’s department store.

Across town, at Meridian Mall, Claudia Bleil, regional marketing specialist for CBL & Associate Properties, Inc. is equally upbeat. “We’ve had a tremendous amount of growth. H&M, the Swedish retailer, opened in April. In January we opened Planet Fitness. And we have more.”

Renovations have begun for the addition of a 50,000 square foot Gordmans department store, set to open in 2015.

Located in the J.C. Penney’s wing, the rapidly growing company has opened Michigan stores in Wyoming and Saginaw this summer. It already has a store in Muskegon.

The trend at both area malls is a broadening of the customer base, a shift from a traditional and predictable shopping experience. The recent additions to Meridian Mall are large: H&M, Planet Fitness, Shoe Carnival and 12

the Studio C movie/bar/ bistro complex. There are more destination venues and more stores with entrances from the parking lot. “You see fewer small stores selling shoes,” Bleil said.

Lansing Mall also has a new Shoe Carnival and later this year will open The Regal Cinema is a 12-screen, 50,000 square foot Toby Keith’s I Love This theater located in the Lansing mall.

Bar and Grill, adjacent to the movie theater. It will be the second Toby Keith’s in Michigan They spend more time shopping in stores and features dancing and live music. A new — 54 minutes per visit — than online, and Longhorn Steakhouse opened on Saginaw make more visits, spend more money and Highway next door to the mall and there still want to try on or touch merchandise are plans to open a children’s play space. before they make a purchase.

“We want to make sure the experience is well rounded,” Moreau said.

As e-commerce continues to encroach upon the traditional shopping experience, While there has been tremendous growth the goal of retailers is actually to work in online commerce, shopping malls have with, rather than against, this trend. Shop retained their allure. A national study Visible’s surveys find that consumers are

by Shop Visible, which tracks retail, B2B blurring the lines between online and incommerce and technology trends, found store purchases. What they prefer is “omnithat 78 percent of shoppers prefer the channel’ retailing. traditional brick and mortar experience.

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

PH OTO S B Y M A R K WA R N E R

It hasn’t been easy. The collapse of the residential housing market, unemployment and the growth of e-commerce challenged shopping centers throughout the nation. But they have rebounded by renovating, expanding and accommodating.

NEWS

and sustainable market. Rouse Properties, in fact, identifies the Lansing region as one of the fastest growing trade areas in the state. “We are very optimistic about the retail market and where it’s going,” Moreau said.

The Longhorn Steakhouse restaurant is part of the newly-developed Lansing Mall area.

“We are much more digital and social media focused. We have just launched a Facebook page and we have a new website,” Bleil said.

The Internet has changed the way shoppers interact with retailers, she explained, adding that 50 percent of Meridian Mall shoppers use smart phones to interact with stores or the mall.

From the east side and the west side, both malls project increased population growth and higher household incomes in the Lansing region. And they cite continued investment in their facilities and low vacancy rates, both reflections of a strong

Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

He has been executive editor of the Lansing State Journal, the Burlington Free Press in Vermont, and was the financial editor and a columnist for the Baltimore Evening Sun. He is the current president of the Michigan Press Association. His wife, Maureen Hirten, is director of the Capital Area District Library.

Meridian Mall’s new website features fashion tips, job opportunities, store hours, dining locations and other shopperfriendly information that is easily accessed from smart phones. Lansing Mall’s website has similar features, though less complete.

Both malls offer buoyant assessments of the markets they serve. At nearly one million square feet, Meridian Mall, which opened in 1969, is the larger property. It defines its trade area as Ingham, Clinton, Eaton and Shiawassee counties — 392,430 people — based on its 2011 estimate, with an average household income of $60,187.

Its main tenants are Macy’s, Younkers (with two stores), J.C. Penney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond and Schuler Books & Music. Flanking these anchors are 125 specialty stores.

Lansing Mall, which is owned by Rouse Properties, features Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Younkers and T.J. Maxx; more than 75 stores altogether. The 837,960 square foot mall, which also opened in 1969, identifies a 2014 trade area with 366,569 people and an average household income of $56,941.

FOSTERSWIFT.COM

Keep your organization running smoothly Legal counsel that moves with you A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO:

517.371.8100

» » » » » » » » »

Business/Corporate Creditors Rights Employee Benefits Intellectual Property International Labor & Employment Litigation/Trial Real Estate Succession Planning

LANSING | FARMINGTON HILLS | GRAND RAPIDS | DETROIT | MARQUETTE | HOLLAND

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

13

Brent Knight in front of the soon-to-be completed Gannon Building.

A

LONG GRAND AVENUE, THE LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS SUDDENLY LOOKS DIFFERENT, MODERN, IN

FACT. A SWEEPING WALL OF ANGLED GLASS NOW DEFINES THE GANNON BUILDING, A CHANGE IN CHARACTER THAT IS BOTH EXCITING AND INVITING, ATTRIBUTES THAT REFLECT PRESIDENT BRENT KNIGHT’S VISION FOR THE SCHOOL.

The renovated Gannon Building is the most visible of the transformations underway at LCC, which is engaged in a $67 million, 30-month long project it calls “Build Forward,” an initiative the college believes will transform teaching and learning.

It is the project that will define LCC president Brent Knight’s tenure, and long overdue. Gannon, along with the Arts & 14

Sciences Building, are at the heart of the 48-acre downtown campus; both were dated and institutional.

shop, study rooms and other resources to support learning goals. Renovations were budgeted at $18.3 million.

LCC describes Gannon with this motto: “Life Happens Here.” It is where students find core services like admissions, registration, advising, financial aid and counseling. It serves as the college’s student union with a food court, coffee

The Arts & Sciences Building renovated in the fall of 2013, is the center for general education and the sciences. It incorporates a learning commons for studying and tutoring, a writing center and conference room. The writing center, the Ernest

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

COVER

LCC’s ‘Build Forward’ Initiative TRANSFORMS DOWNTOWN CAMPUS P H OTO B Y M A R K WA R N ER

B Y M I CK EY HIRTEN

Hemingway Conference Room and science facilities are what the college bills as the “best labs for freshmen and sophomores in the nation.” Renovations for this building were budgeted at $31 million.

The improvements to the buildings reflect a maturing, through modernization, of the college.

“Over the past year, Lansing Community College has been in the midst of a broad initiative that will transform teaching and learning on campus for decades to come,” said Larry Meyer, chairman of the LCC Board of Trustees. He credits

Knight with championing a mission that strengthens the school’s focus on students and education.

“OVER THE PAST YEAR, LANSING

But the “Build Forward” initiative extends beyond the campus.

BEEN IN THE MIDST OF A

“This is part of the message we send in our city,” said Joan Bauer, who is working with Knight to promote the college’s programs.

“It sends a powerful message — the buildings and the way they look.”

COMMUNITY COLLEGE HAS

BROAD INITIATIVE THAT WILL TRANSFORM TEACHING AND LEARNING ON CAMPUS FOR DECADES TO COME,”

A former state legislator, Lansing Council member and teacher, Bauer can look at LCC from the campus outward or the city inward.

— LARRY MEYER

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

15

COVER

“I hope LCC can serve as an example that shows that the way something looks, matters,” she said. “It’s an entry point to the city, a major gateway. It’s one of the reasons why the college is burying the utilities and planting trees. Three or four doors down is our historic Capitol.” “ WE HAVE AN ENLIGHTENED SELF-INTEREST IN THE APPEARANCE OF THE COLLEGE, WHEN PARENTS AND STUDENTS VISIT A COLLEGE. IF THEY DRIVE INTO THE PARKING LOT AND IT’S A MESS, YOU ARE NOT INDUCED TO WANT TO STAY.” — BRENT KNIGHT Like Meyer, she credits Knight with a new vision for LCC and the will to make it happen. “This is his legacy,” she said. “It is a different era than when we founded the college. Our community college is always changing and evolving. This is part of that and thank goodness it is. Would a dated old structure meet the needs of the student?”

The newly renovated Arts & Sciences building.

Not according to Knight. He became LCC’s sixth president on July 1, 2008. He was president of Morton College in Cicero, Ill., before that, and also served as president of Pierce College in Tacoma, Wash., and Triton College in River Grove, Ill. He cites research that demonstrates how a campus looks often determines whether or not a student selects a college.

“We have an enlightened self-interest in the appearance of the college,” he said.

“When parents and students visit a college, if they drive into the parking lot and it’s a mess, you are not induced to want to stay.”

Additional green space is part of the “Build Forward” plan.

16

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

COVER

LCC was built in 1957, and even with periodic makeovers was in need of a substantial renovation.

The school began the $67 million renovation during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 using a bond issue, internal funds, external funds and a State of Michigan outlay appropriation. Like many community colleges, LCC’s education base is broad. It partitions its offerings into four categories: career and workforce development, general education, developmental education and personal enrichment. It plays a significant role in the Lansing region as both an employer and educator. The “Build Forward” project alone created nearly 900 construction jobs with an economic impact that the college estimated at between $350 and $490 million.

PH OTOS BY MA R K WA R N ER

Enrollment is currently about 18,000 students and has been as high as 20,000, Knight said.

“Our industry — community colleges — is counter cyclical. At the depths of the recession

Artistic touches in the Arts & Sciences building.

our enrollment peaked. As the economy recovered, enrollment has declined, but that is to be expected.”

Nonetheless, LCC has one of the highest per capita enrollment levels among the 28 community colleges in Michigan. It is the state’s third largest community college.

The budget for the 2014-2015 fiscal year is $124.6 million, much of which covers payroll for the 628 non-teaching full and part-time staff and the 1,764 full and part-time faculty members. Knight has orchestrated a workable balance between education quality and fiscal Seating inside the Gannon Building.

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

17

COVER

control. LCC notes and promotes that it is the only community college in Michigan to receive both the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.

The financial discipline translates into some of the lowest tuition costs in the state. In district students — those from the 15 school districts in the greater Lansing region — pay $85 per semester hour. “There are other neighboring colleges that are $30 an hour higher,” Knight said.

Leadership at LCC is acutely aware of the cost of education and the need to provide value to students.

It’s the complete package that is important: the quality of the course work, the campus environment, finances and even parking.

RE N DE RINGS PROVIDE D

“Having a strong community college is extremely important,” Bauer said. “It allows our people in the region an affordable and accessible way to further their education. It is increasingly important to have a community college where people, students, have the choice to go first and then go on to a four-year college.”

Artist renderings of the completed Gannon Building.

18

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

Knight is unabashedly excited about the changes taking place at LCC. His approach to the presidency is generally low key and business-like, but his enthusiasm for the “Build Forward” initiative is infectious.

“It will all come together as a campus in the coming months, putting all of the final pieces into place,” Knight said. “The community will be very proud of their community college.”

Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

He has been executive editor of the Lansing State Journal, the Burlington Free Press in Vermont, and was the financial editor and a columnist for the Baltimore Evening Sun. He is the current president of the Michigan Press Association. His wife, Maureen Hirten, is director of the Capital Area District Library.

FOCUSED ON YOUR AUDIENCE MUSIC

NEWS

SPORTS

DRAMA Our viewers and listeners are Your community is tuned to WKAR

Sept. 26, 2014 The Shop Michigan Expo:

Register, sign-up for a workshop or secure your booth today!

Celebrating Diversity! Connecting Consumers! is designed with businesses, people and communities in mind. Sign up today to network with other businesses, connect with consumers attend informative workshops and a networking business breakfast or lunch.

There will be door prizes, entertainment, business 2 business opportunities and business 2 consumer connections. All this is happening in Michigan’s Capital City at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Avenue.

Consumer Registration is only $5 and exhibitor booths are $250.00.

shopmichiganexpo.com

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

19

F E AT U R E

Personal Touch is Key to International Success for Local Gallery

BY MICKEY HIRTEN

I

t’s 12:45 in the morning and Roy Saper is sitting by his computer, signed on to his gallery’s website. Why? Because it’s 2:45 p.m. in Australia and that’s where his customers are. Or they’re in Japan or Spain or anywhere else in the world where Saper’s eclectic collection creates interest . . . and sales.

His inventory includes 1,500 original items drawn from a roster of 150 artists. There are works by masters such as Rembrandt etchings and Picasso lithographs. He has modern works by popular artists like Peter Max, Norman Rockwell, Fabienne Delacroix and Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. There are glass vases, sculpted ceramics and cocobolo wood bowls from Costa Rica.

“I buy them all for only one reason,” Saper said. “Because I like them. What I don’t do is buy what other people are selling.”

Unlike other galleries, he says he doesn’t require artists to deal exclusively with him or set their prices. “I ask only what they would like for their art.”

His lower-cost location in East Lansing offers pricing advantages that benefit artists and customers. “They’re not paying the premium that they would at a big city gallery.” But for the right works, they can still pay handsomely. There is art in his studio priced as high as $140,000.

But that isn’t what sustains his base of 7,000 active customers. “A great gallery doesn’t have to be expensive,” Saper said.

20

PH OTO S B Y M A R K WA R N E R

Saper Galleries and Custom Framing, from its tucked-away corner of Albert Avenue. and Division Street. in East Lansing, navigates the international art market in ways that reflect Saper’s personal approach to his artists and customers.

Roy Saper opened his gallery in 1978.

Some of his art sells for as little as $20. It is the mix of works, styles and price points that Saper says account for the 10,000 transactions he’s made since opening for business in 1978. He cited revenues over that time of “eight figures” or, more broadly, “a million dollars a year over 36 years.”

It’s the personal touch, the attention to customer needs, that has made him successful. Saper manages his gallery as if it were his home; customers are welcomed as guests and they often leave as friends.

Saper started his gallery business in his first home on Bailey Street before moving to Albert Avenue. in 1986. He designed the gallery, which is recognized for its creative use of lights and space. It reflects his artistic side, music, most notably.

While a student at MSU, Saper played viola in the school’s chamber orchestra

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

and symphony and later sat with the Lansing, Saginaw and Flint Symphonies.

His academic studies have a harder edge — computer science, engineering and economics. Together, these create a very savvy business persona.

And no, Saper does not paint or sculpt.

“There is no need for me to ever attempt it,” he said. “I’d rather enjoy what others are doing.”

What Saper has been able to do is translate a passion for customer service to his website which, while not particularly sophisticated, is functional, friendly and informative.

“There’s not a lot of flash” he said. “This is what people want: see it quick, see what it costs and communicate with the seller.”

“The website cost us zero to build,” added

F E AT U R E

Saper. “A large percentage of the people will have a good experience and will come back. And then the next week they come back and order something else. It’s the basics: show people what you have, respond quickly. We respond so quickly people can’t believe it.”

“Roy, I just wanted to quickly touch base and let you know that my son absolutely loved the Jeff Margolin sculpture that we got for him for graduation. This special occasion was made even more so by this unique art piece, and I have you to thank for making that all possible.”

Customers praise Saper the gallery website. There are dozens of testimonials from across the globe — a power sales tool, according to Saper.

Closer to home, from Lansing, Bill wrote “Thanks for your enthusiasm and knowledge of the contemporary art scene and for helping us put together a collection, which we are very happy with.

I love visiting your gallery and feasting on the artists’ work you represent.”

Nagisa from Wakayama, Japan writes “Hi Roy, actually, that was such quick delivery, so I was surprised. Delivery was perfect. The art works are splendid.

Thank you.”

Or from Lynn, in Calgary, Alberta Canada

The flow of conversation is continuous.

Saper Galleries’ website tracks communications with a live feed feature, which highlights minute-by-

minute testaments. It adds immediacy, credibility and trust to his operation.

“It’s opened up a world that we never really knew existed,” Saper said. “We communicate with people overseas like we are talking with people next door.”

And sometimes it happens at 12.45 in the morning.

Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

He has been executive editor of the Lansing State Journal, the Burlington Free Press in Vermont, and was the financial editor and a columnist for the Baltimore Evening Sun. He is the current president of the Michigan Press Association. His wife, Maureen Hirten, is director of the Capital Area District Library.

Saper Galleries is located on Albert Avenue in East Lansing.

The gallery displays artwork from a large range of artists. w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

21

F E AT U R E

Roundup: Greater Lansing Area Theater COMP IL ED BY ANN H . KA MME R E R

Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part feature describing the area’s theater community.

P

rofessional groups, community players, education-based ensembles and improvisational troupes are among the playhouses, theaters and performing arts centers calling Greater Lansing home.

rebuilt, state-of-the-art, LEED green theater. The theater hosts a variety of performing arts and attracts volunteer actors from seven surrounding counties on a regular basis.

Mid-Michigan theater lovers can’t help but embrace the enriching options that run on seasonal and year-round schedules. Check out the list and set aside time in your calendar to enjoy the talent our region offers. And for an ever-evolving list of theater and groups in the area, check out Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre at www. greaterlansingtheatre.net.

PEPPERMINT CREEK THEATRE COMPANY MILLER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 6025 CURRY LANE LANSING, MI 48911 517-927-3016 WWW.PEPPERMINTCREEK.ORG CHAD BADGERO, FOUNDER

OWOSSO COMMUNITY PLAYERS 114 E. MAIN STREET OWOSSO, MI 48867 989-723-4003 WWW.OWOSSOPLAYERS.COM RYAN BLADZIK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Peppermint Creek Theatre Company produces contemporary theater that addresses vital issues in society, raises awareness and encourages dialogue while entertaining. The company was originally named the Peppermint Creek Players and performed one play a summer.

The Owosso Community Players exists to enrich people’s lives by providing quality theater arts experiences. The group performs at the newly rebuilt Shiawassee Center for the Performing Arts.

Founded: 1950 — but there have been community theater performances discovered that date back to the 1930s.

Sponsors and supporters: The Owosso Community Players is a nonprofit organization with numerous sponsors and supporters in the Owosso, Shiawassee County and mid-Michigan area.

Season: September to August

Number of shows: Six stage productions, a holiday specialty show, and other one-off performances.

Annual ticket sales: The projected patronage for the 2014-2015 season is 15,000.

Funding sources: Includes ticket and concession revenue, grants, donations and sponsorships

From 1995-2000, Peppermint Creek grew into a fresh and vital performing arts group. In 2003, the group became a nonprofit organization with a full season of shows. Peppermint Creek performances have consistently been recognized by critics, and have brought some of the finest actors to the stage from Lansing, Chicago, New York and beyond.

Founded: 1995; 2003 as a nonprofit Sponsors and supporters: N/A Season: August through May Number of shows: Five, plus a production included in the Renegade Theatre Festival in August.

Annual ticket sales: N/A Funding sources: Donations, season and production sponsors, ticket sales Number of employees: Zero; completely volunteer-driven

Number of employees: Four

Volunteers: 100-plus

Volunteers: Dozens

Unique features: Peppermint Creek produces plays and musicals that are driven by current issues, and works hard to create productions that encourage community dialog. Productions are new

Unique features: The Owosso Community Players has a newly 22

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

F E AT U R E

plays that have been written in the past five years.

Other: The theater is now in a space dedicated solely to the company.

RENEGADE THEATRE FESTIVAL OLD TOWN LANSING, MI 48906 517-927-3016 WWW.RENEGADETHEATREFESTIVAL. ORG KATIE DOYLE, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

The Renegade Theatre Festival offers a free theater festival that creates opportunities for artists of all experience levels to present a wide The Riverwalk Theatre is one of the only amateur community theaters that owns its own spectrum of theater with varying performing space. techniques, production values and styles. Genres include musical, comedy, Michigan, and possibly the only free theater festival in Michigan drama, experimental pieces, world premieres and puppet shows. that offers extensive programming. The festival features area theater The festival also features the Renegade N.O.W. (New Original companies doing experimental or development style works they Works) series that offers the opportunity for new plays to be read might not present during their regular season. The Renegade main and produced for the first time. Works with children’s themes are stage is increasingly becoming home to independent producers performed on Saturday through Renegade Kids. who write, direct and produce their own original works. Since 2012, Renegade NOW has provided support for new playwrites and Founded: 2005 in East Lansing. Moved to Old Town in 2008. new plays.

Sponsors and supporters: Founding sponsors include Ciesa Design, Cooley Law School, Lansing City Pulse, Lansing Community College and the Old Town Commercial Association. Location sponsors include Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art (MICA), Absolute Gallery, Red Cedar Friends and the Old Town General Store.

Season: Three nights and one day in August Number of shows: 12 to 16 main stage, four to six children’s, 12 original works Annual ticket sales: Free festival, with donations accepted Funding sources: Renegade is a free festival run by a volunteer board, with no admission charged. Most sponsors provide in-kind support, with about $1,000 to $2,000 from small sponsorships and donations.

Other: Performances take place in traditional and non-traditional spaces. In between shows, local musicians perform in Turner Park, and local shops, galleries and restaurants are typically open.

RIVERWALK THEATRE 228 MUSEUM DRIVE LANSING, MI 48933 517-482-5700 WWW.RIVERWALKTHEATRE.COM TOM FERRIS, BOARD PRESIDENT

The Riverwalk Theatre provides the community with a total theatrical experience through the presentation of dramas, comedies, musicals and children’s shows. The theatre strives to develop and explore associated performing and creative arts.

Volunteers: Five-member volunteer board, two volunteer interns, about a dozen seasonal volunteers

The Riverwalk Theatre is the business name and current home for the Community Circle Players. A troupe of Lansing theater lovers started the all-volunteer organization more than 55 years ago, and set the stage for the respected community theater that has played an important role in the revitalization of downtown Lansing.

Unique features: Renegade is the only theater festival in mid-

Founded: The Community Circle Players was founded in July of 1958.

Number of employees: 0

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

23

F E AT U R E

Sponsors and supporters: The CCP is a nonprofit organization run by a 21-member board of directors. The CCP has 400 members, 350 volunteers and area business support from many local businesses.

Founded: 1991

Season: July 1 to June 30

Season: Year-round

Number of shows: An average of eight stage productions, three black box productions, three original play readings and about four fundraising events per season. The Riverwalk also has three split box office shows a year with other local theater organizations.

Number of shows: Three to Six; occasional community workshops and performances.

Sponsors and supporters: N/A

T I M D A NE O

Annual ticket sales: About $3,918 per show (not performance) based on the past two seasons.

Funding sources: Donations make up 35 percent of total income, grants 5 percent, sponsors 5 percent, ticket sales 30 percent, and season tickets and concessions 25 percent Number of employees: One full-time manager, One part-time custodian/maintenance person Volunteers: 350 to 500

Unique features: Riverwalk is the only amateur community theater that owns its own performing space. The company has a rich history with more than $1 million invested in the theater. Riverwalk is “director-driven” which means they solicit directors each year to submit shows for the season.

Other: The Community Circle Players was originally led by Adrian and Rose Marie Robinson and began in a little warehouse on Sheridan Street — now Oakland Avenue. The group moved into the Okemos Barn Theatre in 1964 and stayed there for 22 years.

In 1989, the group renovated and moved into a warehouse on the Grand River in downtown Lansing and became the current day Riverwalk Theatre.

Funding sources: Ticket prices range from $8 to $15. Ruhala is a for-profit, self-sustaining theater.

Number of employees: Ruhala has a small professional staff that includes directors, instructors, musical and technical directors and an office manager.

Volunteers: N/A Unique features: Ruhala’s focus on training ensures that performers don’t go on stage without being trained and prepared, and ensures continuity of performance styles. Performers study acting, dance, voice and singing as they prepare for the stage.

Other: Artistic Director Mark Ruhala is a Broadway veteran with international experience. He is a Lansing area native.

STARLIGHT DINNER THEATRE WAVERLY EAST INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 3131 W. MICHIGAN AVE. LANSING, MI 48917 517-243-6040 WWW.STARLIGHTDINNERTHEATRE.COM LINDA GRANGER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

ADMIT ONE

RUHALA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 1846 HASLETT ROAD EAST LANSING, MI 48824 517-337-0464 WWW.RUHALACENTER.COM MARK AND CELINA RUHALA, CO-OWNERS AND CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

The Ruhala Performing Arts Center has been recognized as one of the most prestigious and rewarding Performing Arts Studios in the Midwest. Artistic Director Mark Ruhala pulls from his many years of experience as a professional entertainer, director, choreographer, and dance teacher to offer today’s students an educational experience of the highest quality through his classes, workshops, private lessons and coaching. Ruhala serves as a training center and a performing company, working with ages 3 to adult. Career track training is available.

24

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

The Starlight Dinner Theatre produces high-quality, live theater in the Waverly area. The theater strives to provide an outstanding evening of family theater complete with a pleasant dining experience.

Starlight partners with Waverly Schools, area dance studios and local theaters and donates hundreds of dollars worth of complimentary dinner and show tickets to various organizations in support of fundraising efforts.

Founded: 2005

Sponsors and supporters: The Starlight is a nonprofit organization Season: Fall to spring

Number of shows: Two shows per season next year Annual ticket sales: The Starlight averages 680 audience members per shows that take place over four nights. Ticket sales include dinner.

AUGUST 2014

F E AT U R E

Funding sources: Ticket sales and donations Number of employees: Two Volunteers: About 25 behind-the-scenes volunteers and board members. The number does not include volunteer actors who perform in Starlight shows and varies from show to show.

Unique features: The Starlight has a core group of staff members who work each show as a team. Family members are also encouraged to work on productions.

Other: The Starlight has produced 31 main stage productions since opening. All but one of the shows had someone new in the Starlight cast, reflecting the theater’s goal to bring new people, new talent and new faces to the stage.

WILLIAMSTON THEATRE 122 S. PUTNAM STREET WILLIAMSTON, MI 48895 517-655-SHOW (7469) WWW.WILLIAMSTONTHEATRE.COM CHRIS PURCHIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR

The Williamston Theatre produces professional theater that excites and engages audiences while challenging people to explore their lives. The theater is founded on the principle that theater can enrich lives and make a positive cultural and economic difference in the community. The theater strives to create moving, entertaining, professional theater for, by and about the Midwest.

Founded: Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2004; found performance space in 2005; first production in the summer of 2006.

Sponsors and supporters: Individual and corporate sponsors Season: September through mid-August Number of shows: Six per season Annual ticket sales: In eight seasons, attendance has gone from more than 5,000 patrons a year to about 9,600. Yearly ticket revenue has increased from about $9,000 a year to about $171,000. This year, attendance is around 1,500 patrons per production.

Funding sources: Ticket sales and fundraising. The majority of unearned income — about 81 percent — comes from private individual donors. The remainder comes from a mixture of state and local grants, special events and corporate sponsors.

Number of employees: Six, plus stage managers, actors, directors and designers hired for each production Volunteers: The theater relies on volunteers to usher performances,

help with mailings, help strike sets and distribute posters to area businesses.

Unique features: The Williamston Theatre is the only professional resident theater in the greater Lansing area. The theater operates year-round and doesn’t go on summer hiatus.

WHARTON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 750 EAST WEST SHAW LANE EAST LANSING, MI 48824 517-353-1982 WWW.WHARTONCENTER.COM BOB HOFFMAN, PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

Wharton Center is Michigan’s largest performing arts venue with four unique stages (the Cobb Great Hall, Pasant Theatre, MSU Concert Auditorium and Fairchild Theatre). Wharton Center brings Broadway blockbusters, classical musicians, dance companies, jazz ensembles and an A-list of high profile performers to mid-Michigan.

With more than 100 performances each season, the Wharton is the leading presenting venue among Big 10 institutions and has the largest programming schedule of any independent performing arts center affiliated with a university in the country.

Founded: The site for Wharton was selected in 1974, and a benefit concert given by Lena Horne and Tony Bennett in 1975. The opening night Gala performance on September 25, 1982 featured the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Birgitt Nilsson.

Sponsors and supporters: The Wharton Center has close to 50 corporate partners and 2,000 patrons who are also individual donors.

Roughly two-thirds of the $1.5 million raised annually comes from individual support with the remaining from corporate sponsors.

Season: September through June, with some add-on shows throughout the year Number of employees: 31 full-time; several part-time students Volunteers: The Wharton Center has two volunteer organizations.

The Advisory Council consists of business and community leaders in mid-Michigan who focus on enhancing the region’s quality of life through the arts. The Inner Circle is made up of more than 300 members who help with membership events, school shows, ticket office, community outreach and newsletters and other engagement activities.

Other: As a nonprofit performing arts center, the Wharton Center serves as an advocate, industry leader and partner in strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of Michigan.

Ann Kammerer is a freelance writer living in East Lansing.

She has written extensively about business people, educators, artists and every day people doing good things in greater Lansing for a couple decades. w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

25

26

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

First

Choice,

LCC

Great

Choice.

A College Like No Other Lansing Community College has been in the midst of a broad initiative that will transform teaching and learning on campus for decades to come. Our vision was sweeping and grounded in the practical needs of our students as we purposefully designed settings and facilities that enable them to optimize their educational and professional goals.

These investments position LCC as a national leader in community college education, and reflect our commitment to Greater Lansing by creating an environment that will serve as a destination years to come.

Visit our downtown Lansing campus to see how we’re improving the community at our college.

Life Happens Here. w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

27

NEC T ON

CO FE F

D

On Tuesday July 22, The Greater Lansing Business Monthly and The University Club held their third quarter Connections and Coffee event with presenting sponsors, MSU Federal Credit Union and Mark’s Gourmet Dogs. The morning was spent networking while enjoying a light breakfast and listening to a short presentation. The next Connections and Coffee event is scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 18, 2014.

Laurie Lonsdorf and Monica Michael

Attendees checking in.

Kelly, Virg and Virginia Bernero

Dorothea Sharon and Todd Lake

The crowd enjoys networking and coffee during the July 22 event.

Susan Hengesbach, Dan Wilkinson and Melissa Nay

28

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

E

COMP IL ED BY K YL E D O W L I N G

AN

CONNECTIONS AND COFFEE

NS IO

C

F E AT U R E

F E AT U R E

Introducing Mid-Michigan’s

Black Car Service!

Dean Black Car provides a safe, professional and comfortable environment to get where you need to go in style. Whether traveling to the airport, a business meeting or a special event, Dean Black Car can take you there. Call us today to book your next trip or visit us at deanblackcar.com

1-800-282-3326 | deanblackcar.com w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

29

“

“

SHE SAID/SHE SAID

She Said She Said

Each month The Greater Lansing Business Monthly invites authors from two views — one conservative, one liberal — to share their thoughts on a rotating topic. This month’s topic: the recent Supreme Court Hobby Lobby ruling.

These business owners objected on religious grounds to providing chemicals or devices that may operate after a human embryo has been created and yet are mandated by the Department of Health and Human Services. Five justices on the U.S. Supreme Court found merit in their arguments.

N O G OV E R N M E N T M A N DAT E S H O U L D C O E RC E A FA M I LYO W N E D B U S I N E S S TO HOBBY LOBBY DECISION A VICTORY FOR BUSINESSES, FAMILIES AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

REJECT A TENANT OF THEIR FA I T H , T H E S A N C T I T Y O F HUMAN LIFE.

By Pamela Sherstad

When government crossed an important line of principle with the Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in and protected the conscience rights of family-owned businesses. The Hobby Lobby decision was a victory for businesses, families and for religious liberty.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision was not about access to birth control.

What has been frequently misrepresented in media coverage is the fact that both the Green family of Hobby Lobby and the Hahn family of Conestoga Wood Specialties provided health insurance plans with 16 of the 20 Food and Drug Administration approved methods of contraception.

30

The path to the Court’s majority opinion was based on the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed nearly unanimously in Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act makes clear that a law should meet the highest standard in regards to respecting religious liberty. In the case of the Health and Human Services contraceptive mandate, the Court noted that government could accomplish its goal of providing women with insurance coverage of birth control through other means which do not force business owners to violate their faith.

In contrast, the Court did not say that large, publicly-held corporations can

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

assert religious objections. Nor can any corporation assert religious beliefs to justify discrimination or other violations of civil rights.

The Hobby Lobby ruling did not take away access to contraception, but it did rule that closely-held corporations can operate their businesses in accordance with their beliefs. There is a distinction between birth control which prevents conception and chemicals or devices which have the potential to destroy an unborn human life.

No government mandate should coerce a family-owned business to reject a tenant of their faith, the sanctity of human life.

Hobby Lobby was a balancing act, as court decisions frequently are. The HHS Mandate crossed an important line of principle which forced business owners to violate their religious beliefs.

Regardless of anyone’s personal thoughts about birth control or abortion, business owners should appreciate the Supreme Court’s determination that achieving governmental objectives on social policies need not be laid on the backs of employers.

Pamela serves as the Director of Public Information for Right to Life of Michigan.

She manages the dissemination of prolife information across the state by overseeing the Right to Life of Michigan website content, electronic communications and the organization’s social networking efforts.

SHE SAID/SHE SAID

Next, where will the religious exemptions stop? In theory, why wouldn’t the same principles apply to a company that didn’t want to cover things such as blood transfusions, to which Jehovah’s Witnesses object? Why does this exemption apply to Christian beliefs on contraception only?

SOMEONE’S BOSS’ PERSONAL BELIEFS SHOULD NOT DICTATE THEIR ACCESS TO HOBBY LOBBY DECISION, A SLIPPERY SLOPE

HEALTH CARE.

By Shannon Nobles

On June 30, 2014, life changed for women across the United States.

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that some for-profit businesses do not have to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s requirement ensuring contraceptive coverage at no cost to the insured, known to many as the “Hobby Lobby decision.” The clear premise behind this case is that Hobby Lobby, a for-profit business, is a Christianrun company that does not believe in birth control. The corporation feels that since it is not in alignment with their religious beliefs, they should not have to support a legal mandate to provide the contraception to their employees as a health benefit. This is dangerous for many reasons.

First of all, can corporations claim freedom of religion? Being that our country is founded upon the principle of separation of church and state, one would assume the answer is no. However, due to a previous Supreme Court ruling — Citizens United — corporations were granted the same freedom of speech as people. Yes, corporations as people. Seems absurd, really. It is true we have religious freedom as American citizens, but for-profit businesses are not people. And someone’s boss’ personal beliefs should not dictate their access to health care.

And not only does this ruling lead to a slippery slope of religious values being held above a person’s autonomy and health care access, but it is a direct threat to women. What about a company whose owners believe men should be paid more than women because the Bible teaches

that men are the heads of the household?

Does this mean we can now validate a wage gap between men and women in the workforce? If we can justify health care exemptions based on religious beliefs, why not pay equity? Again, this slippery slope is dangerous. And when you consider the varying beliefs across varying religions, we give corporations opportunities to conduct business in ways that can become unpredictable and unethical.

As a woman who is dependent upon birth control for various personal reasons beyond contraception itself, it is beyond my comprehension that it has come to this in my country. I’ll close with a line from Justice Ginsburg’s dissent on this ruling: “The court, I fear, has ventured into a minefield.”

Shannon Nobles is a social justice advocate who works within the public policy realm in Lansing.

Committing our staff to the success of your business.

DISTINCTIVE SERVICE. www.dartdevelopment.com

3120 Sovereign Dr., Suite 4B, Lansing, MI 48911 • 888.DART.001

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

31

MAN ON THE STREET

M AN on the STR E ET What was the most important thing you learned in school?

COMP IL ED BY K YL E D O W L I N G

“I think that school trained me to be trainable.”

Danielle Davis

“The most important thing that I was taught in school would have to be typing. Everybody needs to type nowadays.”

Ami Barkholz

“I learned the valuable lesson that you get out what you put in.”

Joe Clark

“I learned that you can accomplish anything with hard work.”

Charlotte Orzel

“School taught me to be more self-reliant. ”

Herbert Clanton

“I learned how to read in school. I feel like that’s something that I use on a daily basis.”

Peter Morman

32

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

NEWS

Michigan’s capital area is a vibrant and dynamic business community.

Taking on a proactive role, local companies are investing in the future of greater Lansing. Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and Capital Area Michigan Works! are working together to grow the region’s talent base and help our community thrive. Together, Capital Area Michigan Works! and MSUFCU are committed to creating a world-class workforce.

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

33

GLBM LIST

Higher Education Institutions Name

Year Established

Motto

Colors

Number of Students (Approx.)

Albion College

1835

Light, let there be

purple and gold

1,000

Alma College

1886

maroon and cream

1,000

Baker College

1911

burgundy and gray

33,427

Calvin College

1876

My heart I offer to you, Lord, promptly and sincerely

maroon and gold

4,000

Central Michigan University

1892

Wisdom, Virtue, Friendship

maroon and gold

25,000

Cleary University

1883

red and blue

1,000

Davenport

1866

red and black

10,000

Eastern Michigan University

1849

green and white

20,000

Ferris State University

1884

crimson and gold

15,000

Grand Valley State University

1960

Educating students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies

blue, black and white

25,000

Hillsdale College

1844

Strength Rejoices in the Challenge

blue and white

1,000

Hope College

1866

Hope in God

orange and blue

3,000

Jackson College

1928

maroon and gold

8,000

Kalamazoo College

1833

Be Light

orange and black

1,000

Lansing Community College

1957

Where Success Begins

blue and white

21,000

Lawrence Technological University

1932

Possible is Everything

blue and white

5,000

Michigan State University

1855

Advancing knowledge. Transforming lives.

green and white

49,000

Michigan Technological University

1885

Create the Future

black and gold

7,000

Mott Community College

1923

Mott College is the Smart Choice!

black and Gold

10,000

Northern Michigan University

1899

Northern. Naturally

olive green and old gold

9,000

Northwood University

1959

dark blue, Light blue

1,600

Oakland Community College

1964

Get anywhere from here

white, Green

80,000

Oakland University

1957

Seek virtue and knowledge

black and gold

20,000

Saginaw Valley State University

1963

Something More. Something Better.

red and white

10,000

University of Detroit Mercy

1877

Mary, Seat of Wisdom

red, white and blue

4,000

University of Michigan

1817

Art, Science, Truth

maize and blue

43,000

University of Michigan-Dearborn

1959

maize, sapphire and azure

9,000

University of Michigan-Flint

1956

Art, Science, Truth

maize and blue

8,000

Wayne State University

1868

Industry, Intelligence, Integrity

green and gold

28,000

Western Michigan University

1903

brown and gold

25,000

34

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

GLBM LIST

Each month, The Greater Lansing Business Monthly compiles a list relevant to the publication’s theme. The lists are not comprehensive, but rather, a snapshot look at what is publicly available on various industries and organizations. The following is a list of higher education institutions in alphabetical order.

Student to Teacher Ratio

Control

Number of DegreeGranting Colleges

Acceptance Rate

Website

MBA

11 to 1

Private

6

80%

albion.edu

No

12 to 1

Private

4

80%

alma.edu

No

31 to 1

Private

2

100%

baker.edu

Yes

12 to 1

Private

6

75%

calvin.edu

Yes

21 to 1

Public

8

65%

cmich.edu

Yes

11 to 1

Private

3

85%

cleary.edu

Yes

11 to 1

Private

4

90%

davenport.edu

Yes

12 to 1

Public

7

65%

emich.edu

Yes

16 to 1

Public

8

70%

ferris.edu

Yes

17 to 1

Public

8

80%

gvsu.edu

Yes

8 to 1

Private

5

50%

hillsdale.edu

No

4 to 1

Private

6

70%

hope.edu

No

21 to 1

Public

4

100%

jccmi.edu

No

14 to 1

Private

7

70%

kzoo.edu

No

13 to 1

Public

6

100%

lcc.edu

No

11 to 1

Private

4

75%

ltu.edu

No

16 to 1

Public

19

70%

msu.edu

Yes

13 to 1

Public

6

75%

mtu.edu

No

11 to 1

Public

7

100%

mcc.edu

No

22 to 1

Public

7

70%

nmu.edu

Yes

21 to 1

Private

12

68%

northwood.edu

Yes

31 to 1

Public

11

100%

oaklandcc.edu

Yes

21 to 1

Public

6

70%

oakland.edu

Yes

19 to 1

Public

5

85%

svsu.edu

Yes

14 to 1

Private

8

60%

udmercy.edu

Yes

16 to 1

Public

19

40%

umich.edu

Yes

14 to 1

Public

4

60%

umd.umich.edu

No

16 to 1

Public

4

70%

umflint.edu

Yes

16 to 1

Public

13

80%

wayne.edu

Yes

18 to 1

Public

9

80%

wmich.edu

Yes

w w w

College of Business

Donald W. Maine School of Business

Seidman College of Business

Eli Broad College of Business

Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management

Ross School of Business

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

35

ACCOUNTING

Never Too Early to Start an Education Savings Plan

BY BRUCE DUNN CPA

T

he State of Michigan, and especially the mid-Michigan area, has wonderful education opportunities for our families, in both secondary and higher education. After having sent two children to Michigan State University for their undergraduate degrees and one on to the University of Michigan for a law degree, I thought that the stage of my life where planning for college was over.

Last week, a wonderful thing happened to our family: I became a grandparent for the first time. My thoughts shifted as I prepared to write this article. My first thought was that we are very blessed with so many great education choices in the mid-Michigan area.

I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS TO NEVER UNDERESTIMATE WHAT A CHILD IS CAPABLE OF. WHEN PARENTS VALUE EDUCATION AND TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION, AMAZING THINGS CAN HAPPEN.

As a Certified Public Accountant, I have worked with educational organizations, school districts and colleges for 35 years.

I have seen how these entities work from the financial side. I have learned over the years to never underestimate what a child is capable of. When parents value education and take an active interest in their children’s education, amazing things can happen. Parents’ involvement will not show up on any financial charts, but is a key ingredient to children’s success, in my opinion. As grandparents, we can 36

also play a supporting role in a child’s education. When we were preparing for the birth of our granddaughter, we started pulling out books we had saved from when our children were young and now our granddaughter has a start on her own library.

It’s never too early to start planning for a child’s education, whether it is daycare, preschool, elementary, middle school, vocational school or college. Too often, I hear clients tell me they did not know all the details that go into a plan for education, so they get weighed down by the details and never get started. I say starting a pretty good plan is much better than never starting to plan at all.

L E T M E GIV E YO U A F E W FACTS

No matter how little you save, every cent makes a difference in affording your child’s higher education. Develop realistic savings goals and save regularly by placing aside a set amount at a set time. For example, if you save $7 per week (a dollar a day) in an account that earns 5 percent interest, you will accrue more than $9,600 at the end of 17 years. This shows that starting to save early is a good idea.

Let’s assume the university you are thinking of sending your child to presently costs approximately $23,000 for all items for a year. This cost, with a rate of inflation of 3 percent in 18 years for four years of college, will be over $163,000. So you can see that a dollar a day is not enough, but starting early and saving now will be in your best interest in the long run.

There are different approaches to saving for college, such as pre-paid tuition plans offered by various states, commonly referred to as 529 Plans. To look into these plans, you can go to www.collegesavings. org. There are also numerous financial aid

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

programs and academic scholarships available to students.

Others believe they are better off investing on their own.

OTH E R O PTIO N S

Many of our area Intermediate School Districts offer a variety of training in fields that do not require a formal college degree. Many students excel in these areas and college may not be for every student.

I have seen many students go through these programs and go on to start and run their own successful businesses.

We are also very fortunate to have a world class community college in Lansing, Lansing Community College. I started my college education at a community college. This is where I received education in writing, public speaking and my first business class, from where I believe to this day were some of the best instructors I ever had. Not only is the education great, the cost compared to starting at a four year school is significantly less.

This helped me greatly in paying for my college education.

ACCOUNTING

I N SUMM A R Y, HE R E AR E M Y THO UGH TS :

•

Be active and positive as a parent/ grandparent

•

Discuss education, but as a grandparent, keep in mind that parents have the final say

•

Start a savings plan for education early; as soon as possible

•

Work with an investment advisor to invest wisely and save on taxes

•

Investigate the various 529 savings plans

•

Make sure education is a positive thing and teach the joy of reading at an early age

•

Understand that there is no perfect plan, but a good plan is realistic

•

It’s a great start to graduate from college debt free

•

I’m going to have the time of my life as a grandparent!

So, if you have a chance, get involved, formulate a plan and remember it’s never too late to start planning to pay for a child’s education.

Beyond his leadership roles, he works closely with a diverse group of clients including school districts, colleges, governmental entities, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, CPA firms and closely-held businesses. He is known throughout the firm, and by his clients and colleagues, as the “go to” expert for matters regarding education entities, peer reviews and CPA advisory services.

Bruce was raised in the thumb area of Michigan and now lives in Grand Ledge. He and his wife, Kathi, have a daughter, Nicole, and a son, A.J., who was a pitcher for the Michigan State University baseball team.

© 2013 ManpowerGroup. All rights reserved.

Piling up a mountain of school debt is not a badge of honor, however, for some it is the only way they can attend the college of their choice. Keep in mind the end goal.

Formulate your plan and how much you are willing to pay for the opportunity.

Look beyond T he w e L d e r .

See opportunity.

Manpower delves deeply into each assignment, getting to know your company and its business objectives.

Because, ultimately, your success is our success. See what’s humanly possible at manpower.com ®

Bruce joined Maner Costerisan in 1979 and serves as director of Maner Costerisan’s Education Practice Group and CPA Firm Practice Group. Bruce has served many roles at Maner Costerisan, Director of Audit Services, Director of Quality Control, Vice President, Treasurer, and Immediate Past President.

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

37

COLLECTIBLES

Will Nanotechnology Eventually Reduce Demand for Collectibles?

BY PATRICK A. HEL L E R

W

ill nanotechnology develop sufficiently in the future to make it possible to create perfect duplicates that will not be distinguishable from the genuine original rare collectibles?

Nanotechnology is technology on the scale of one billionth of a meter. A cube that measured one nanometer on each side can only hold 176 hydrogen atoms.

If you can visualize the size of the Empire State Building as being one meter tall, a nanometer-sized object would be like a marble on the sidewalk next to the building.

Scientists are already able to position individual atoms, though at enormous cost. In the future, technical advances will increase the capability of positioning atoms and molecules at the same time that costs come down by magnitudes. I have a number of friends and acquaintances doing research in different areas of nanotechnology. It is impressive how far and how soon this capability is already evolving.

I expect that eventually it will be possible, for instance, to duplicate a Rembrandt painting, a large flawless diamond, historic documents, any postage stamp, any kind of rare coin, Indian peace medals, antique firearms — anything you can imagine. The sky is the limit of what could be duplicated to such a degree that even an atomic analysis would not be able to find any difference between an original and its copy.

Following that expansion of technical capability, costs of such perfect reproductions will sooner or later come down to inconsequential amounts. How would the potential widespread and lowcost availability of perfect reproductions of the rare collectibles listed above hurt the value of the genuine original pieces?

38

The issue of producing perfect replicas of rare collectibles is a subject already under discussion among those interested in nanotechnology. Thus far, there is no ideal solution to a problem that is still decades away.

markers. I suspect there will be a neverending battle between people trying to prevent undetectable reproductions and those seeking to manufacture them. But, that will be a concern to people 50 to 100 years down the road.

From research conducted by a faculty member at Michigan State University, it is currently possible to use an electron to determine the approximate time period when a coin was struck. There was a controversial group of ancient coins about which this researcher determined they were produced about 400 years ago instead of almost 2,000 years ago. In another case, he was able to determine that the metal used to strike a batch of coins came from lands a few hundred miles away from the land where they were supposedly minted (yes, there were coin counterfeiters starting not long after the first coins appeared about 600 B.C.). For now, it is not possible to produce counterfeits that would pass such a detailed analysis. With nanotechnology, even these telltale features of genuine coins will eventually be reproduced so well as to be indistinguishable from the original pieces.

There is no need to panic today worrying about how technological advances might hurt collectibles.

There are also some collectibles coming out of authentication and grading services today that had bits of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) added to them, a security measure that is not currently possible to duplicate.

This is a wonderful solution — for now.

Eventually, though, future nanotechnology will make it possible to even copy DNA. Perhaps there will be a way for nanoreplicators and nano-assemblers to include “markers” on their output that help identify which machine fabricated a particular item.

Such machines might be so complicated that it would be close to impossible for crooks to alter them to not insert such

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

Still, I have been asked the question many times in my life — what kinds of items do I think will have high value in the coming centuries? I’m not sure that any particular physical good would qualify if a copy is potentially easy to come by. What do you think?

Patrick A. Heller is the 2012 American Numismatic Association National Coin Dealer of the Year. He owns Liberty Coin Service in Lansing, the largest coin dealership in Michigan. He writes a monthly newsletter, Liberty’s Outlook, available at http://www. libertycoinservice.com, and commentaries on precious metals and collectibles on various websites. His award-winning radio show “Things You ‘Know’ That Just Aren’t So,” and “Important News You Need To Know” can be heard at 8:45 AM Wednesday and Friday mornings on 1320-AM WILS in Lansing (which streams live and is archived at http:// www.1320wils.com). He is also the Executive Producer of the forthcoming movie “Alongside Night.” Heller was the unofficial “artist” of the 2004 Michigan Statehood Quarter.

EYDE COMPANY 517-351-2480

eyde.com

Meridian Crossing Located at the corner of Jolly Road and Okemos Road.

Highly visible location with great tenant mix. Multiple spaces available.

Heritage Office Park

Marketplace Office Park Located off Marketplace Boulevard at the Saginaw Highway intersection.

Near the I-96 interchange.

Close to restaurants, hotels and shopping - including Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, Furniture Row and Menards.

Adjacent land available.

Located at the corner of Okemos Road and Bennett Road - only one mile north from the I-96 interchange.

Close to Michigan State University as well as shopping, restaurants and hotels. Multiple spaces available. Plenty of free parking on site.

Eyde Parkway Off Hagadorn Road, across from MSU campus. Adjacent to the Michigan Athletic Club and Sparrow Health Science Pavilion. Short drive to I-96, US-127 and I-69.

•George Eyde •Sam Eyde •Nick Eyde •Nathaniel Eyde •Jim Rundell •Shirley Hyde •Matt Eyde View all of our available properties at:

eyde.com w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

39

INVESTMENTS

Evidence-Based Investing

BY ST EPHEN L . HICKS , RO GE R L . MI L L B RO OK, W. J O S EP H I R IS H , A ND Z ACHARY H. ARM ST RO N G

W

hat is Evidence-Based Investing or EBI? Very generally, it is how science is done in the application of investing.

More specifically, EBI is the fieldwork of investing science where data is collected, organized and analyzed by professionals who are academically trained in the science.

In a dynamic endeavor — such as investing, fieldwork is nearly continuous. As with any science, EBI demands a rigorous, objective and meticulous analysis of data. The goal, of course, is to find longterm patterns or trends that emerge from the data and are thus useful in application for long-term investing (but not short-term trading or other market-timing schemes or speculations). These long-term trends constitute the best available evidence from which investment decisions can be made by an investor in consultation with their fee-only, fiduciary investment adviser.

To be certain, EBI is not a traditional brokerage or annuity/ insurance approach to investing. EBI is also not a product to be bought and sold from your broker (a.k.a., “advisers” or “financial/ retirement planners”). Instead, EBI is an approach to investing that has come directly from academia and not a sales or brokerage office.

As a result of its academic origin, EBI is currently practiced by very few investment advisers, usually limited to those highly-trained advisers working exclusively with high net worth investors in a feeonly (not merely fee-based), fiduciary capacity. Unlike brokerage, EBI is an objective, data-driven approach to investing. The data, and not a commission or fee, drives portfolio selection decisions within the framework of the individual investor’s expected return and risk profile taking into account the attendant tax consequences of any investment selection.

EB I INFOR M S I NV E S TO R S H O W TO I N VE ST

So what does the data show from the empirical studies with EBI? Said another way, according to EBI what matters in investing? The takeaways from EBI are discussed below. Of course, all of these takeaways are of little assistance to an investor using an adviser who is not academically trained in EBI.

The goal of asset class investing is diversification both within and among various assets classes in relation to a low crosscorrelative relationship to mitigate the downside volatility risk of any one stock or asset class. Indeed, if designed correctly, it is possible for an investor to enhance their expected return while lowering their volatility risk until they have reached an optimal tangent portfolio called the Efficient Frontier. Accordingly, if a portfolio is not found along the Efficient Frontier then it is found somewhere beneath it. That is called an inefficient portfolio. Inefficient in that an investor is taking on volatility risk for which they are not fully compensated. Significant uncompensated volatility risk and other inefficiencies are created mainly in three ways: high costs of investing (commissions or fee-based investing), excessive trading and attendant costs (viewing the portfolio as a short-term play to somehow time the market as a so-called risk manager) or inexpertly designed portfolios.

So, which asset classes should we include and how do we weight the portfolio selections and when should we rebalance? Unfortunately, that is for our clients to know. The important point is, does your adviser know? Is his or her knowledge based upon evidence found in the literature followed by rigorous statistical optimizations?

PA S S IV E IN V E S TIN G MATTE RS

Whether it is Modern Portfolio Theory or Post-Modern Portfolio Theory being utilized by your fee-only, fiduciary adviser, the evidence is clear — passive investing is superior to active management investing over the long-term, especially considering all of the attendant fees, costs and expenses associated with actively-managed mutual funds. How do we know this to be the case? From the ample evidence found in the research literature, some of the evidence goes back nearly 50 years from the pioneer work of Nobel Prize winner Dr. Harry Markowitz to the highly regarded work of Brinson & Beebower in the 1980’s to today.

A SSET C L A S S I NV E ST I N G S IZE MATTE RS

Asset class investing is key. The challenge is determining which asset classes to include (and which to exclude) and how to weight the portfolio among the various asset classes (e.g., large cap, mid cap, small cap, international, etc.). The answer is not merely intuitive, nor is it simply based on an investor’s age or years to retirement. The answer is much more scientific, using rigorous statistical analysis of both expected return and volatility risk.

40

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

It is true, size matters in investing. But what size matters? The evidence informs us that not all asset classes are equal, nor should all be used. Indeed, there is abundant evidence that plainly reveal that certain asset classes are critical to the long-term performance of your investment portfolio. By performance we mean not only expected return but also dampening of volatility risk among asset classes. Ignoring this important aspect of investing can

AUGUST 2014

INVESTMENTS

be hazardous to your retirement objectives.

Yet, it is one of the most violated aspects of investing.

So, again, what size matters?

Which asset classes should be used or avoided? Unfortunately, that is for our clients to know.

The important point is, does your adviser know? Is his or her knowledge based upon evidence found in the literature?

S TYLE OR PORT F O L I O -T I LT MATTE R S

Certain portfolio tilts should be avoided.

Why? Again, based upon the evidence from academic research. As a corollary, other portfolio tilts should be included. Yes, again, due to evidence. The question is: What does the research tell us about portfolio tilts — should we invest in growth or aggressive growth funds, neutral-tilts, value funds, etc.? Again, that is for our clients to know.

The important point is, does your adviser know? Is his or her knowledge based upon evidence found in the literature?

commission) will be paid to the broker.

These loads or commissions are paid regardless of how the actual investment performs. The bleeding does not stop with the load though. In addition to the various types of loads or commissions there are annual internal expense fees pouring out of these investments.

Of course, it could be even worse for the investor as they could be sold a variable or equity indexed annuity with a large surrender fee which can go on for several years (to cover the out-sized broker commissions which are always paid by the investor either directly or indirectly), plus mortality and expense fees, as well as separate account fees (and let us not forget the adverse tax consequences of these supposedly tax-friendly annuities).

Stephen L. Hicks, JD, MBA, MS, CPA, Roger L. Millbrook, JD, CPA/PFS, W. Joseph Irish, CPA/PFS, and Zachary H. Armstrong are Fee-Only Fiduciary Investment Advisers with Siena Wealth Advisors in Grand Ledge. Siena is consistently recognized by leading national publications as one of the top investment advisory firms in the United States. They can be reached at info@sienainvestor.com.

Editor’s Note: The ideas expressed in this article are those of the author(s) only.

TA XES MATTE R

There are, to be sure, certain strategies and approaches that evidence-based, fee-only investment advisers utilize in maximizing after-tax returns. It is important to remember that you only keep what is left after the government takes its portion. It is highly recommended that you work with an adviser who has substantial accounting and tax experience to optimize your aftertax return.

I NVESTM E NT FE E S AN D LOAD S MATTER

Most actively-managed investments pay commissions or a fee to your broker (a.k.a., “adviser” or “financial/retirement planner”). Commissions and fees are a real and significant drag on a portfolio’s performance. Commissions are commonly listed as Class A, B or C. Take notice that a fund class designation has nothing to do with the quality of the fund; instead, it merely signifies how the load (i.e.,

1400 Abbot Rd., Suite #200 East Lansing, MI 48823 517.352.3617 www.tomieraines.com w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

41

R E A L E S TAT E

Time to Call in the Experts

BY TRICIA FOS TER

A

dmitting we don’t quite have all the skills necessary to do a good job at something is sometimes easy, especially when the result is tangible. Can’t swing a hammer without hitting your own thumb? You shouldn’t try to build your own garage. Can’t cook without setting off the smoke detector?

Call a caterer for your next party. The prospect of your car sitting under a roof that collapses or our guests eating filets that can double as hockey pucks is enough to send most of us running to a professional for the help we know we need.

But what about the intangible services? Sure you can book your own vacation online easily enough, but should you? Well, that depends. If you’re heading to the lakeshore for a weekend, you can probably fire up your laptop and handle the reservations yourself.

Planning your annual spring break trip?

At the least you may find yourself polling your Facebook friends for destination ideas that don’t include “Disney” in the name. But that once in a lifetime trip to Europe to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary? Things just got real; time to get a travel agent.

THEN THEY TAKE THAT KNOWLEDGE AND THEY USE IT OUT IN THE REAL WORLD. OVER AND OVER, UNTIL THEY KNOW THEIR MARKETS BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS, INSIDE AND OUT. THAT COMBINATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE YIELDS WHAT WE REFER TO AS “BEST PRACTICES” — PROVEN METHODS FOR CONTROLLING EXPENSES AND OPTIMIZING THE EXECUTION OF YOUR BUSINESS STRATEGY.

It seems that for many, first attempting a do-it-yourself approach is standard protocol with just about any business service. With a plethora of information at our fingertips, we convince ourselves that with just a little time and effort, we can learn to do just about anything on our own. Outsourcing to 42

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

the experts is often only considered when the project at hand is overwhelmingly momentous or seen as a last resort. But the doit-yourself approach fails to take into account two things that most organizations hold dear: time and money.

Real estate is a perfect example. Regardless of the size or location of a company, real estate is typically one of the two largest expenses most businesses face, second only to personnel. So, yes you can certainly negotiate and handle your own commercial real estate needs. But should you?

When you hire a professional real estate service provider, in essence you are renting their knowledge base and borrowing from their experience. They have already invested in the education, certification and accreditation that it takes to become an expert in their field. They build upon that knowledge base through formal continuing education, industry conferences and networking with peers.

Then they take that knowledge and they use it out in the real world. Over and over, until they know their markets backwards and forwards, inside and out. That combination of knowledge and experience yields what we refer to as “best practices” — proven methods for controlling expenses and optimizing the execution of your business strategy.

One of the biggest obstacles any company faces when going outside of their core competency is recognizing what they don’t know. When it comes to an expense as large and varied as real estate, the cost of that learning curve can compromise your business and your focus. Much like you would rely on tour guide to navigate the way on a white water rafting trip, please consider enlisting an expert to help you navigate through unchartered waters in the area of strategic real estate decisions.

In a nutshell, do what you do best. We do.

Tricia Foster, CPM®, ACoM® is Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at CBRE|Martin.

AUGUST 2014

R E A L E S TAT E

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

43

BUSINESS CALENDAR

August 2014 BUSINESS EVENTS

8/7-8

FUNDAMENTALS OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECT MANAGEMENT, LANSING. Managers and

supervisors, project leaders, self-directed work groups, team leaders — what do all of these have in common? These are people who need project management training. Learn to plan, schedule and control all of your projects. In this extensive twoday workshop, you will learn how to plan projects, keep things moving, establish time lines, manage many projects, monitor and control projects and solve problems. Attend this session at Comfort Inn Lansing, located at 525 N. Canal Road, to gain the knowledge you need to succeed. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The cost to attend is $399/person. Call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

8/19

CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING AND STRATEGIC THINKING, LANSING. Are you looking to spark

innovation and think outside the box? If so, this is a seminar for you. In just one day, you will gain much-needed information including: how to make the correct decision, how to problem solve strategically, how to brainstorm creatively, and much more. This session will be held at Best Western Plus Lansing Hotel, located at 6820 S. Cedar St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check-in is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. The cost is $149/person or $139/person for groups of five or more. Call (800) 556-2998 or visit http://events.pryor.com/289769 to register today.

8/27

Joy Baldwin, Alice Brinkman, Dan Nuñez, Virg Bernero, Sandra Zerkle and George Stojic attending the REACH Dino Reveal. In their continued efforts to promote sustainable living, the Lansing Board of Water and Light asked REACH Studio Art Center to create a mascot for their Live Green Lansing initiative.

DINNER & SEMINAR, EAST LANSING. The Great

Lakes Paralegal Association will host an informative seminar and dinner discussing “Obamacare” and You. Join Lauren B. Dunn, associate attorney with Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., as she leads this important discussion. There will be a cash bar reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. dinner and 6:45 p.m. program. The cost to attend is $30/ person for GLPA members and students or $45/person for nonmembers. The price includes both dinner and the seminar. Don’t miss this opportunity at Spartan Hall of Fame, located at 1601 W. Lake Lansing Road. Email Elisabeth.mowen@greenstonefcs.com for more information or visit www.glpa-michigan.org.

44

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

9/24

ORGANIZATION SKILLS FOR THE OVERWHELMED, EAST LANSING. Attend

this powerful workshop and learn how to stay organized.

You will gain the ability to look at your calendar and gain free time daily, be able to de-junk and simplify for good, get and stay on top of a demanding workload, learn tricks for getting out from under all of the clutter at your desk and discover new tech tools that will lighten your load instantly. If you put off getting organized, are consumed with email, phone calls and meetings and are unable to do other work, are nervous to throw away papers because you don’t want to forget something and feel stressed just walking up and looking at your desk then this is the workshop for you. This session will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The cost for the session is $199/person. Call (800) 2587246 or visit www.nationalseminarstraining.com for more detailed information.

9/30

C O M M U N I C AT I O N SKILLS FOR WOMEN,

Confronting or criticizing others, not being taken seriously, feeling self-conscious, dealing with other people’s anger, speaking in front of a group, controlling one’s emotions, receiving criticism, getting cooperation, setting limits and taking the floor. Do any of these sound familiar? These are the top 10 communication hurdles that women in the workplace face. Attend this oneday session and you will gain the valuable knowledge to be able to overcome these obstacles. This session will be held at the Radisson Hotel, located at 111 N. Grand Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cost for this workshop is $49/person. Call (800) 5563009 or visit http://events.careertrack. com/291070.

LANSING.

August 27, 2014 6-8pm Beggar’s Banquet, East Lansing Submit your new business idea for a chance to win

$1,000

5 ideas are chosen every month to compete for this prize.

Come out and celebrate these great entrepreneurial ideas.

www.thehatching.org

BRDPrinting.com tel 517.372.0268

|

fax 517.372.4922

912 West St. Joseph, Lansing, MI 48915

Ownership. Pride. Responsibility.

Your job.

Done right.

Seamless, secure project facilitation.

From pre-press/graphic design and printing, to bindery and mailing — your project is in-house and under control.

We’re professionals — and it shows in everything we do.

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

45

N O TA B L E N E W S

AUTO PARTS PLANT BRINGS 400 JOBS TO CLINTON COUNTY Grand Rapids-based auto supplier, Challenge Manufacturing, has plans to build a new plant in Clinton County’s Watertown Township. The 420 new manufacturing jobs created by the auto supplier will not only impact the local economy, but also this region.

A Tier 1 supplier, Challenge makes metal stampings and other components for automakers. The auto supplier plans to build a SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN HIRES RECEPTIONIST The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has named Yvonne Wendling as the organization’s Receptionist.

DOUGLAS J AVEDA INSTITUTE SENDS NINE BEACON WINNERS TO PBA BEAUTY WEEK

Douglas J Aveda Institute sent nine winning students to Beacon 2014, as part of the Professional Beauty Association’s (PBA) Beauty Week in Las Vegas, Nev. from July 12 to July 15.

“We are so proud that close to 10 percent of the Beacon winners come from Douglas J each year,” said Scott Weaver, owner of Douglas J Companies.

“We encourage our students to apply by offering to pay for their entry fee. We do everything we can to support them as they complete the application process from helping them put together a resume to providing a photographer to take their portfolio photos.”

One hundred students, along with 200 honorable mentions, were selected to attend Beacon as part of PBA Beauty Week in Las Vegas from more than 900 applicants based on the creativity, presentation and content of their resume, professional portfolio and creative marketing pieces.

Beacon winners receive free tuition, and 46

brand new plant on a 33 acre plot of land on Grand River Ave., near Interstates 96 and 69 and northwest of Capital Region International Airport. The plant is slated to make parts for General Motors.

Watertown Township officials say they’ve worked closely with the auto supplier to help the company expand here in the area, which will bring some major economic benefits. According to Watertown Township officials, the expansion means $65 million in investment, and that will directly relate to taxable dollars to use for infrastructure and supporting the township.

honorable mention attendees pay a small fee, to attend Beacon, which includes a full line up of education tailored specifically to them.

CAPITAL IMAGING AWARDED CORP! MAGAZINE’S 2014 MICHIGAN’S ECONOMIC BRIGHT SPOTS AWARD Local digital printing company, Capital Imaging, is honored to win a 2014 Corp!

M a g a z i n e Michigan’s Economic Bright Spots Award. Among 46 other Michiganbased companies receiving this award, Capital Imaging is the only Lansing-based company represented. After facing hardships during the economic recession, they were persistent in seeking new and improved ways to better serve their customers. Investing in the latest equipment, growing their digital color printing department, and improving their marketing efforts are just a few good ideas that helped land them a spot on this list.

President and co-founder Bo Noles said, “I am thrilled that Capital Imaging is seen as one of Michigan’s Economic Bright Spots.

Hats off to my team of dedicated and loyal employees that make it all happen and are most deserving of this distinction.”

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

MANER COSTERISAN’S SENIOR MANAGER NAMED TREASURER OF OASIS FAMILY CENTER Maner Costerisan is pleased to announce that Brandy Terwilliger, CPA was recently named treasurer of Oasis Family Center and Advisory Board Member of the Dewitt YMCA. Upon graduating from Albion College in 2002, Terwilliger initially joined Maner Costerisan as a staff accountant. After a brief period away to work for the Michigan Department of Treasury, she rejoined the firm in early 2012. As a senior manager in the firm’s tax department, Terwilliger focuses on tax planning and consulting for nonprofits and closely-held businesses.

She has over 12 years in the accounting field, and also serves as a mentor for individual staff members. Born and raised in Potterville, Mich., Terwilliger resides in Dewitt with her husband, Brandin, and their two children.

ACCOUNTING MOVE PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS PLANTE MORAN AS A 2014 BEST PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR WOMEN Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, was recently named by the Accounting MOVE Project as a 2014 Best Public Accounting Firm for Women.

The MOVE project, now in its fifth year, surveyed 50 firms using benchmarks to evaluate the retention of women leaders in public accounting and their advancement

N O TA B L E N E W S

to partnership. Firms participating in the Accounting MOVE Project were ranked on the range, depth and success of programs and a workplace culture proven to remove barriers to women’s success, especially at midlevel and above.

The Accounting MOVE Project highlights Plante Moran for the firm’s nationally known work-life programs, strengthening the tracking of leadership-bound women and building out the firm’s network of champions for women in the firm’s 19 domestic offices. Specifically, the report applauds Plante Moran for its Women in Leadership program, or WIL, which is designed to accelerate the firm’s ability to both attract and retain women leaders.

Introduced in 2013, the program’s longterm goal is to have equal presence, impact and influence from men and women at all levels of the firm, including partnership.

Lansing Symphony’s Annual Meeting to serve one three year term. The new members are Charles Ballard (Michigan State University), Hari Kern, Darcy Kerr (Accident Fund), Richard H. Wendorf (Lansing Public Schools) and Julie Young (Simplified Tax).

Also announced was the “Volunteer of

the Year” award. This annual award is presented to an individual who shows the finest example of volunteerism through distinguished service and generous support through volunteering. The Lansing Symphony was proud to honor Joyce Pearson at the Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 12. Joyce Pearson has volunteered with the Symphony

GROUP TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

WHARTON CENTER for PERFORMING ARTS 2014 - 2015 SEASON

Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Mark E. Kellogg, of DeWitt, was recently elected to the Council of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Kellogg Kellogg has been a longtime Member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section and has been active in various committees of the Section, most recently, the Real Estate Committee and the Legislative Committee. Kellogg also completed the Probate and Estate Planning Certificate Program sponsored by the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education.

LANSING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR The Lansing Symphony Orchestra recently announced newly elected members of the Board of Directors.

Five new members were elected at the

PHOTO BY FRANK OCKENFELS | ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST

MARK E. KELLOGG NOMINATED TO STATE BAR OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COUNCIL

®

.

HINturG ONIS21s y.”

AST t Cen PIN for the

“

A PIP

Times The New York

• Groups as few as 10!

• Discounts up to 30% OFF • Great for corporate groups, employee outings, and client entertaining!

For more information, please contact Tara Peplowski at tarapep@whartoncenter.com or 517-884-3148

WHARTONCENTER.COM • 1-800-WHARTON w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

47

N O TA B L E N E W S

for several years, primarily through the volunteer group, ProSymphony.

YMCA OF LANSING OFFERS YEARROUND FOOD PROGRAM WITH WALMART GRANT FUNDING

HORIZON COMPLETES INTEGRATION AND ANNOUNCES NEW MARKET LEADER

In an effort to combat child hunger in our community, the YMCA of Lansing is offering its free Year-Round Food Program, thanks to a $35,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation. Combining food and fun, the program provides nutritious meals and snacks and fun learning enrichment activities to keep youth healthy, active and well-nourished.

Horizon Bancorp, the parent of Horizon Bank, N.A., announced the completion of the integration of the business and operations of the former SCB Bancorp, parent of Summit Community Bank.

Horizon executed its integration plan the weekend of April 26 that included a systems conversion and new signage. As a result, the customers of both banks can now conduct their banking business at any Horizon Bank branch throughout Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana.

Upon completion of the integration, John Abbott, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Community Bank, announced his retirement after many years in the banking industry. Abbott will be turning over the reins to local native Chris Nugent who has been named Market President.

Chris Nugent has been with Summit Community Bank since its inception and most recently held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.

The program will run at four sites for children enrolled in Y summer programming, including the Y’s Oak Park and Westside branches and Mystic Lake Camp, as well as the Refugee Development Center, and nine sites throughout Lansing for children who participate in the Y’s afterschool programs starting in the fall.

The YMCA of Lansing is expecting to serve 2,134 children throughout the year. To find out more, visit www.ymcaoflansing.org.

CELINK’S RYAN LAROSE IS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AS A MORTGAGE INDUSTRY LEADER

Ryan LaRose, Chief Operating Officer for Celink, the nation’s largest reverse mortgage servicer, was recently named a ‘Rising Star’ by the editorial staff of HousingWire

HBA OF GREATER LANSING PROACTIVELY ADDRESSES WORKER SHORTAGE Skilled trades are vital to Michigan’s economy. Future trends indicate an increasing demand for skilled trades workers, yet there is a growing concern by businesses that there is a shortage of workers in the labor market. The Home Builders Association of Greater Lansing is proactively addressing this issue by bringing together member businesses to form a Workforce Development Committee.

“Greater Lansing’s residential housing market is at its strongest level compared to the last few years and we believe this growth

48

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

Magazine. HousingWire’s ‘Rising Star’ seeks to recognize young industry professionals who are already leading in their respective fields. LaRose’s profile is featured in the July issue of HousingWire Magazine.

MESSAGEMAKERS WINS TELLY AWARD FOR GREENSTONE FCS ORIENTATION VIDEO MessageMakers has been awarded a Bronze Telly for its employee orientation video for East-Lansing-based GreenStone Farm Credit Services.

In 2012, GreenStone Farm Credit Services selected MessageMakers to produce a series of video features that would tell the company’s story. While these features would be produced together for the sake of efficiency, each would address a different audience with specific interests.

A 20-minute employee orientation feature served as the flagship of the video series. With candid interviews, motion graphics, music, and a real-world narrative framework MessageMakers was able to create a documentary style film that provided a credible introduction to GreenStone’s work, culture and values.

ALLEGRA OWNERS HONORED WITH INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

will extend well into the future,” said Cindy Kosloski, Chief Executive Officer for HBA of Greater Lansing. “The challenge we face is whether the building sector is going to be able to meet growing demand from buyers given the shortage of skilled trade workers in the labor market.”

Eighteen HBA member businesses have joined together to form the Workforce Development Committee, headed by Kosloski and the HBA of Greater Lansing. The Committee commenced in April and plan to continue meeting on a bi-monthly basis.

A few of their goals include bringing greater awareness to the industry, clearing up misconceptions about the industry and partnering with educational institutions to help recruit skilled workers.

AUGUST 2014

N O TA B L E N E W S

Brad and Shirley Naghtin, owners of Allegra Marketing, Print & Mail in Lansing, were recently honored for excellence in managing their business to achieve exceptional levels of productivity, profitability and growth with the 2013 Operational Excellence Award from leading franchise network, Alliance Franchise Brands. The company was also recently recognized with a Sales Growth Award for achieving the top 10 systemwide dollar sales growth for the month of May.

The Cowles House, the official residence for the president of Michigan State University, has named Kirsten Kelly as the new manager of the historical campus landmark, replacing Peter Lechler, who retired this summer.

Kelly began her career in the hospitality industry as an assistant manager with the Kent County Club in west Michigan before moving on to other managerial

positions. This included an administrative role for the senior management team at Wuskowhan Players Club of West Olive, Mich., and a clubhouse Manager for the Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor, Mich. her last position before joining the Cowles House.

Kelly will oversee major events in coordination with the MSU President’s

Allegra is a full-service marketing and print communications provider offering marketing consultation, copywriting and graphic design services, advanced printing technologies including full-color printing, signs, posters and banners, complete finishing services, mailing services, variable data capabilities, promotional products and print management solutions.

For more information, visit www.ally-press. com.

SUCH VIDEO WELCOMES MOTION GRAPHICS SPECIALIST Old Town Lansing’s Such Video recently welcomed former intern, Garrett Jafano, to the staff as the motion graphics specialist.

In his new role, Jafano will be responsible for creating Jafano graphics and animation for a variety of projects and will also serve as creative producer and technical collaborator where necessary.

Jafano has been part of the Such family since his internship with the company two summers ago. He has a lifetime of experience in art, with a keen eye for design and art direction. As a skilled 2-D and 3-D artist, he provides seamless integration of visual elements into any project. Jafano graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in media arts and technology.

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY NOMINATES NEW COWLES HOUSE MANAGER w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

49

N O TA B L E N E W S

Office, supervising and training Cowles House team members and monitoring the direction of events and services.

MASON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBER Mason Area Chamber of Commerce recently elected Mark Voss of Farm Bureau Insurance — Mark Voss Agency to the board of directors.

Voss is replacing Shelbi Voss Frayer of Mason Public Schools who has taken a job with the State of Michigan. Voss attended Ferris State University and has received numerous honors and recognitions in his profession, including Executive Club – Circle of Champions and the Pacesetters Award.

LANSING LAW FIRM WINS STATE BAR AWARD FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW The law firm of Alane & Chartier, P.L.C., has again been recognized with the 2013 Pro Bono Circle of Excellence by the State Bar of Michigan.

The Pro Bono Circle of Excellence recognizes every firm that has fully complied with the State Bar’s Voluntary Pro Bono Standard for the calendar year 2013. The firm has

previously been recognized with the Circle of Excellence in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Alane & Chartier, P.L.C., was founded in 2007 by attorneys Natalie Alane and Mary Chartier. Attorneys Takura Nyamfukudza, Phoenix Hummel and Nicole Hughes are proud of the firm’s commitment to pro bono work and commit themselves to serving those in need through their service as well. The firm specializes in litigation and appellate work, as well as family law and criminal defense.

MIDWEST COMMUNICATIONS HIRES VP/GM Midwest Communications has hired Patrick Pendergast as vice president and general manager for their four station cluster in Lansing, Mich. This is a homecoming of sorts as Pendergast ran Midwest Communications four station cluster in Sheboygan, Wis. from 2006 to 2007. Most recently, Pendergast was vice president and general manager for NextMedia’s four station operation based out of Joliet, Ill. PECKHAM LEADER RECEIVES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Greta Wu, senior vice president of Human Services, is the recipient of the 2014 Outstanding Alumni Award from Providence University in Taiwan.

The award is given to alumni whose accomplishments contribute to the wellbeing of society and advocate the passions of Garcia Luking, founder of Providence University. For more than 30 years, Wu has worked at Peckham, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities. Wu oversees 25 rehabilitation and human services programs that assist clients with obtaining competitive careers.

The award recognized Wu’s outstanding achievements in her profession, and stated, “her continuous contributions to society have well qualified her to be a model for both alumni and students of Providence University.”

PARKINSON’S DISEASE FOUNDATION SELECTS LANSING RESIDENT TO SERVE ON NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL Lansing resident Elaine Casavant, R.N., has been selected by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation to serve on its People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council. After a competitive selection process, she now joins 15 others from around the country in helping to advance PDF’s goals of supporting families and ultimately ending Parkinson’s disease.

Casavant is a nurse educator and former practicing nurse with over 40 years of experience. Since her husband Len’s

RICHARD A. BRUNER, CCM RETIRES FROM UNIVERSITY CLUB

Bruner

After 40 years at the helm, Richard A. Bruner, CCM, CCE has retired as General Manager/ CEO of the University Club of MSU. Hired as general manager in 1974, Bruner lead the way to countless improvements and changes that helped the Club become the premiere private club in the Lansing region.

Since 1981, he has also been an adjunct faculty member of The School of Hospitality Business and the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at Michigan State University, teaching club management and hospitality courses.

50

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

During his distinguished career, Bruner has become a globallyrespected industry and community leader, proving guidance and leadership to hundreds of individuals and organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Sparrow Health System and is a member of the Club Managers Association of America, Club Management Institute, Association of College and University Clubs and the Greater Michigan Club Managers Association.

Bruner was honored at a retirement tribute party held at the University Club on Thursday, June 26.

AUGUST 2014

N O TA B L E N E W S

diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 1991, she has been active in the cause. For example, she has led several support groups, participated in local educational events and national advocacy efforts.

The Advisory Council helps guide PDF in its program development and priority setting.

Casavant and her colleagues will identify and solve unmet needs, provide input on programs, and serve as liaisons to the community. For more information, visit www.pdf.org/ppac.

CITIZENS FINANCIAL GROUP EXPANDS WEALTH MANAGEMENT BUSINESS Citizens Financial Group recently announced the launch of its Premier Banking business in Michigan and Ohio. The launch extends CFG’s personalized approach to banking to current and prospective Charter One customers with investable assets of $500,000, in addition to access to personalized financial strategies, which include investments and insurance services from Charter One Investment Services.

Charter One’s Premier Banking customers have a dedicated personal banker who can take care of their banking needs and connect them to other financial professionals, as well as access to 24-hour customer service.

As part of the expansion, Charter One has hired a team of branch-based personal bankers to serve the Michigan and Ohio markets. Premier Banking will be offered at 30 branches in Michigan, primarily in the Detroit area, and 33 branches in Ohio, primarily in Cleveland, Akron and Canton.

EPA EXECUTIVE REJOINS MILLER CANFIELD Miller Canfield recently announced that Steven E. Chester has rejoined the firm as senior counsel in the Energy, Environmental and Regulatory Group after a distinguished career in the public sector. He most recently served as Deputy Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance in Washington, D.C. Prior to that

service, he was Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

While with EPA, Chester worked with the 50 state environmental agencies to develop a balanced, national enforcement program, and provided policy and management guidance on numerous agency enforcement initiatives, including efforts to allow

municipalities to use low-impact design, green infrastructure technologies to manage wastewater and stormwater discharges.

THE SUBURBAN COLLECTION ACQUIRES CAPITOL CADILLAC OF LANSING The Suburban Collection, Michigan’s largest

Go

+

Backlit prints Banner stands Canvas art Construction signage Event backdrops Indoor/outdoor banners Pole banners POP displays Site signage Standees Tradeshow displays Vehicle decals Wallcoverings Wayfinding signs Window graphics Yard signs

BIG

with Print

...and more!

SAVE 25%

*

*Restrictions apply

on big prints now through Labor Day!

hello@capital-imaging.com 517.482.2292 capital-imaging.com

w w w

.L

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

51

N O TA B L E N E W S

privately-held automotive dealership group, recently announced the acquisition of two new Cadillac dealerships: Capitol Cadillac of Lansing and Don Massey Cadillac in Plymouth. Both were purchased from Charlotte, North Carolina-based Sonic Automotive, Inc. Located at 5901 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Lansing, Capitol Cadillac of Lansing encompasses 56,000 square feet and was owned by Don Massey until sold to Sonic in 2002. The acquisition marks Suburban’s first entry into the Lansing marketplace.

“We are looking forward to bringing the Suburban tradition and heritage to these well-regarded and longstanding dealerships,” said David T. Fischer, Chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection. “These acquisitions are in line with our company’s strategy of continued, managed growth and

geographic expansion. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

THE ROTARY CLUB OF LANSING WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS The Rotary Club of Lansing is proud to welcome these new members: • • • • •

Peter Achuonjei, President of Spartan Healthcare Matt Brege, Market Director/Vice President of Tri-Star Trust Bank Melanie Dart, Business Development Associate at Dart Bank Karen Dietrich, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Diana Engman, Owner and President of Hack’s Key Shop

LOCAL EMPLOYERS AND CAPITAL AREA MICHIGAN WORKS! RECOGNIZED STATEWIDE WITH PROSPERITY AWARDS Two Capital Area Michigan Works! employers, F.C. Mason Company and Lansing Board of Water and Light, were celebrated at the Michigan Works! Association’s Prosperity Awards in June.

F.C. Mason Company, a St. Johns, Mich. manufacturer, was acknowledged with a Prosperity Award for expanding talent opportunities and creating considerable local economic impact in the South Central Region. Capital Area Michigan Works! helped F.C. Mason with talent recruitment and management development assistance. They also provided On-the-Job Training fund assistance and labor market information to help identify and hire qualified employees.

Lansing Board of Water and Light was a Prosperity Award recipient for developing a demand-driven talent development solution: 1st S.T.E.P. (School to Training and Employment Program). The program, developed with Capital Area Michigan Works!, IBEW Local 352, local school districts and Lansing Community College, engaged high school seniors in work-based learning. Sixty-seven students have successfully completed the 1st S.T.E.P program since its inception.

In addition to the employer awards, Capital Area Michigan Works! CEO Edythe Hatter-Williams was presented with a Special Tribute from Governor Snyder for Michigan Talent Division 7.

52

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014

•

Mckenna Long, representative at University

Admissions Northwood

•

Angela Malloy, Owner of Sparepages

•

Nathan Parrish, Vice President/Private Bank Investment Executive at Fifth Third Securities

•

Jeff Scheibel, President/CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing

•

Berl Schwartz, Editor/Publisher of the City Pulse

•

John Temples, Director of Marketing & Business Media at Steel Market Update

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. For more information, visit www.lansingrotary. com.

September 18, 2014 Timber Ridge Golf Club Visit www.cawlm.com or call 517.203.0123 to register C

M

A

P

A

I

G

T

A

A

L

A

Z

I

w w w

R

E

N

.L

A

E

a n s i n g

Bu

s i n e s s

Ne

w s

.

c o m

53

TWO THIRDS OF THE WORLD IS COVERED BY WATER, THE OTHER THIRD BY US CBRE offers strategic advice and industry leading execution to clients in every major market across the globe, including several headquartered right here in Mid-Michigan.

In 2013, CBRE completed $223.2 BILLION in transactions worldwide on behalf of clients who trust us with their most complex real estate initiatives including property sales and leasing; corporate services; asset services; appraisal and valuation; development services; and investment management.

CBRE|Martin +1 517 351 2200 www.cbrelansing.com

Part of the CBRE affiliate network 54

G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

AUGUST 2014