GLBM August 2016

G R E AT ER LANS ING

AUGUST 2016

APPRENTICESHIPS & TRADE SCHOOLS ABOUND IN LANSING Apprentices Maverick Reed, Dan Bryan and Casey Burdge with Carey Oberlin, Human Resources Manager at Cameron Tool Corp.

In this issue •

BREXIT: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

•

ECONOMY: WHY REGIONAL TRADE LIBERALIZATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU

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G R E AT E R

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BUSINESS MONTHLY

AUGUST 2016 ON THE COVER Brexit: What it is and why it Matters.......................................8 Apprenticeships & Trade Schools abound in Lansing ............................................................................16 Economy: Why Regional Trade Liberalization is Important to You.............................................................................28

NEWS Lansing Promise Scholarship Provides Bright Futures for 175 New Scholars...................................................................6

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AUGUST 2016

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(From left) Jerrod Willea, Carey Oberlin & David Wood II of Cameron Tool Corp.

FEATURE

Commentary.................................................................................................................................................. 4 Arts Night Out: Stimulating Greater Lansing’s Economy..................................................... 10 A Personalized Approach to Education......................................................................................... 12

APPRENTICESHIPS & TRADE SCHOOLS ABOUND IN LANSING Apprentices Maverick Reed, Dan Bryan and Casey Burdge with Carey Oberlin, Human Resources Manager at Cameron Tool Corp.

In this issue •

BREXIT: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

•

ECONOMY: WHY REGIONAL TRADE LIBERALIZATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU

For the Love of Food: Allen Market Place Educates Local Food Entrepreneurs and Helps Businesses Thrive....................................................................................................................... 14 Greater Lansing at a Glance ............................................................................................................... 22 Visual Breakdown..................................................................................................................................... 24 Business Calendar ................................................................................................................................... 26 Behind the Scenes.................................................................................................................................... 30 Man on the Street ................................................................................................................................... 32 Notable News ............................................................................................................................................ 33

Cover photography by Erika Hodges

Greater Lansing Business Monthly | Volume 29, Issue 6

group

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 lansingbusinessnews.com to subscribe.

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 © 2016 The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Office: 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933 lansingbusinessnews.com 2

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COMMENTARY

G R E AT E R

L A N S I N G

BUSINESS MONTHLY

Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Media Specialist: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Manny Garcia Megan Fleming Austin Ashley Derek Drumm Production Director: Kelly Mazurkiewicz Art Director: Mark Warner Communications Director: Ami Iceman-Haueter Graphic Designers: Nikki Nicolaou Kerry Hidlay Photographer: Erika Hodges Editor: Megan Martin Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty

GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes — President and CEO, 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 — Partner, Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore Tom Ruis — Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Doug Klein — Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce

EVOLVING EDUCATION OPENING YOUR MIND TO NEW POSSIBILITIES

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e are always learning. It happens whether we recognize it or not. Opportunity presents itself everyday. I think the key is opening oneself up to new ideas, creative thinking or straying out of a comfort zone. It isn’t easy, but I’ve learned that my open mind and willingness to stretch my original ideas has moved my business and me much further.

It’s easier today than it’s ever been to learn something new. It’s so readily available that I’ve found some younger people are having a hard time focusing on an area long enough to advance. One week they want to do one role and when you meet again, it’s something different. Variety is the spice of life, but some folks are giving me whiplash.

This phenomenon truly dovetails with the educational trends that are sweeping business communities.

COLLABORATION AND SHARING: Social media, collaboration and sharing in learning are set to rise in importance in gaining a business education over the next few years. I think about the blogs that give real-time business information as well as the shared articles and posts that are put on LinkedIn. The use of these networks and new outlets for information gives a broad and specialized perspective to review and glean pertinent information.

PERSONALIZATION: The ability to pick and choose the education you receive will grow exponentially. A proliferation of online materials means that would-be business students that cannot afford or would rather take a different learning path can find what they seek online. While this may not necessarily lead to an official MBA, it can still provide the professional development needed to progress at work.

EDUCATION ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE: Smartphones and tablets now have a sizeable penetration into almost every household. Business Insider (2012) reported that by 2016 there would have been 450 million tablets sold. In addition, Skillsoft noted that in the U.S., 83 percent have a cellphone. People are able to learn from every nook or cranny. From listening to audiobooks on the commute to work, to reviewing online courses on the tablet while travelling, business education is going mobile.

Of course, it’s important to vet the material you’re reading or the courses you’re taking online. The information is readily available but making sure the quality is at a standard you can appreciate is a bit more daunting. I suggest some due diligence from sources you trust to make sure your educational journey is beneficial. Most importantly, make time to keep learning.

Be dynamic in all you do,

Mark Hooper — Partner, Andrews Hopper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes — Legislative Director for State Senator Coleman Young, II Tiffany Dowling | Publisher 4

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AUGUST 2016

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LANSING PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES BRIGHT FUTURES FOR 175 NEW SCHOLARS

BY AMANDA DENOMME | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LANSING PROMISE

The Lansing Promise program is changing the future for greater Lansing by assisting students in achieving a post-secondary education through the Lansing Promise Scholarship. Established in 2012, the Lansing Promise Scholarship is designed to build a college and career-ready culture through tuition assistance. The funding is available for high school graduates residing in the Lansing School District’s (LSD) geographic boundaries. Eligible scholars can receive an associate’s degree (60 credits) at Lansing Community College (LCC) or $5,000 toward classes at Michigan State University (MSU).

In addition, the Lansing Promise has recently partnered with Olivet College; beginning this fall, Olivet will offer $56,000 over the course of

four years to any eligible scholar who chooses to attend their institution.

The Lansing Promise has certainly made huge milestones since 2012. The fall 2016 semester will welcome 175 new Promise scholars, marking the largest class of Lansing Promise scholars to date, and raising the total acceptance population to 600 scholars.

“The Lansing Promise Scholarship is a game changer,” said Justin M. Sheehan, Executive Director of Lansing Promise. “It’s changing the conversation for our young people from “if” I go to post-secondary to “when” I go to post-secondary.”

According to a state report, the scholarship has contributed over $859,477 IN SCHOLARSHIPS to eligible students, and estimates over $500,000 WILL BE AWARDED during the 2016-2017 school year, surpassing the $1 million mark in total scholarship dollars awarded.

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According to a state report, the scholarship has contributed over $859,477 in scholarships to eligible students, and estimates over $500,000 will be awarded during the 2016-2017 school year, surpassing the $1 million mark in total scholarship dollars awarded. To Lansing Promise, they’re just warming up.

“Lansing Promise is thrilled to break the $1 million mark and we will continue to work with businesses and education communities to ensure that young individuals living and working within the Lansing School District boundaries will have access to post-secondary education,” said Sheehan.

Sheehan noted the vast benefits the scholarship provides, including an increase in skilled workforce, entrepreneurs, college students, graduation rates and eventually tax base.

“All of these benefits are important positive effects of a Promise Scholarship, and in time, we will see each of these [benefits] pan out,” said Sheehan. “It’s up to us as a community to make this possible.”

As the scholarship continues to prove that students can achieve post-secondary education

NEWS

debt free, more high school students are deciding to take advantage of this opportunity.

Since the first scholarships were awarded in the fall of 2012, 458 Lansing Promise students have been accepted to LCC and 142 have been accepted to MSU.

the event also addressed the crowd and thanked them for their support.

“As a Lansing Promise Scholar, I was given the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree at LCC with no student loans or other school related debt,” said The celebration of Lansing Promise. one recent scholar. “It has shown me that everyone is capable of supporters in order to rally for the future of achieving a quality education and how important education. Described as a night to remember, it is to give back to this community.” over $1.1 million was raised in the process.

Andre Smith, a Sexton High School graduate, Funding plays a vital role in the continued was one scholar in attendance who told his story success of the Lansing Promise Scholarship. and why he chose Lansing Community College There are currently 53 area businesses who are to study elementary education.

Promise Sponsors and a variety of events are held each year for donation opportunities. This “The two years the scholarship has paid for has past April, the organization held its Second helped me financially, making it possible for me Annual Lansing Promise Dinner with Earvin to aim for finishing my four-year degree,” said “Magic” Johnson. At the celebration, Johnson Smith. Several other scholarship recipients at rocked out to Earth, Wind and Fire with 1,300

In order to qualify for the Lansing Promise Scholarship, a student must reside in the boundaries of the LSD, and also attend, for four or more consecutive years, and graduate from a public or non-public school located within the boundaries of the LSD; or attend, for eight or more consecutive years, a public or non-public school located within the boundaries of the LSD and obtain a GED before age 20. To learn more about Lansing Promise or to donate, please visit lansingpromise.org.

Amanda has been a freelance writer for the past 5 years, covering arts and entertainment in West Michigan and Lansing.

Describing herself as a shoe & fashion enthusiast, Amanda loves attending Broadway shows, dancing, and keeping up with the latest reality T.V.

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BREXIT – WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

BY ALLISON SPOONER

By now, most of us have heard of ‘Brexit’, the U.K.’s exit from the European Union (EU). While we know it’s a big deal, we may not know why – and we are not alone. In fact, only hours after the polls closed on the vote, Google started to show an interesting fact regarding the confusion.

The polls closed at 10 p.m. Late that same night, Google trends showed that U.K. searches for “What is the EU?” began climbing. By the next morning it was the second top U.K. question on the EU, according to Google Trends. This means that residents didn’t even know what they had chosen to leave.

Even now, after the vote, many in Britain and around the world aren’t exactly sure what the consequences will be, what happens now, or even what the EU is.

So, let’s break it down.

And, these skeptics grew even louder after the 2008 financial crisis. The distrust created by the financial crises was one of the main reasons given for wanting to leave.

While these skeptics have been throwing the idea around since the beginning, things escalated after the recession. The Eurozone was hit harder initially than the U.S. and rather than expand the money supply to support economic activity, the European Central Bank raised interest rates, causing the country to dip into a double recession.

While the near collapse didn’t directly affect Britain, it did give some the idea that being a part of the EU was risky. Would it happen to them next? Would they face pressure to bail out others? These questions and concerns were some of the driving motivations behind the final vote.

Other reasons stated for wanting to leave the EU were:

WHAT IS THE EU?

IMMIGRATION CONCERNS

The European Union, also known as the EU, according to an article by the BBC, is, “an economic and political partnership involving 28 European countries.” It came together after World War II in order to encourage trade. Also, the hope was that countries who work so closely with, and are dependent on, one another, would avoid going to war with each other.

Because of poor economic performance in other EU companies, the U.K. has experienced a surge of workers from places like Poland and Portugal looking for work. And, due to the EU’s open immigration guidelines (the law requires members to admit an unlimited number of migrants from other EU companies), there is nothing Britain can do to regulate this flow of new residents. Many Brits are worried that the constant influx of residents coming into the U.K. looking for work and support will overwhelm the employment market.

This essentially means that the individual countries in the union act as one large country, allowing goods and people to move across borders easily. They have their own parliament and make their own rules.

EU countries pay a certain percentage into the Union, their residents are free to work in any EU country and EU funds go to support farmers, boost jobs, support poorer areas and fund university research.

So, given these benefits, why would the U.K. want to leave?

WHY THE EXIT? As far back as the first days of Britain’s entrance into the European Economic Community, and then the EU, some groups have been skeptical of its integration with Europe. The U.K. has always refused to eliminate internal border control and never adopted the EU’s currency.

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MORE GIVE THAN GET Members of the EU contribute a percentage of their funds to support the goals of the union. Each country then receives money back from the EU to support various projects. While it’s not the largest contributor, Britain certainly represents a large chunk of the EU’s incoming budget and, as of late, it does not feel as though it is getting enough back compared to what they have put in. Many politicians have argued that, according to a CNBC article by Everett Rosenfeld, “the EU’s strong regulatory regime and its required contributions actually depress the U.K.’s growth potential.”

While these are merely a few of the large scope of reasons the U.K. would want to leave the EU, the fact remains that they have left and now must face the question of what happens now.

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AUGUST 2016

THEY MAY BE OUT, BUT THEY HAVEN’T LEFT

While the vote established that Britain wants to leave the EU, they may not actually be able to make their exit for another few years.

In order to leave, David Cameron, or his successor, must invoke Article 50 of the London Treaty. This will begin the legal process of an exit and gives the U.K. two years to negotiate their withdrawal. The catch? This process has never occurred and it is yet unknown how it will work. The entire process could take up to three years, leaving Britain in a type of limbo where the laws they were trying to escape still apply and they can no longer make decisions that affect the EU. This, possibly unexpected, consequence of an exit could lead to an “it will get worse before it gets better,” type of situation for both Britain and possibly the rest of the world. Right now, depending on how you look at it, the EU could qualify as the first to the third largest economy in the world. The lengthy and unknown process of an exit could affect not only trade within the bloc of the union (which, before the exit, topped both the U.S. and China in imports and exports) but also business with other countries, including the U.S. According to the European Commission, in 2014, American direct investment into the EU totaled about 1.81 trillion euros, and about 1.99 trillion euros flowed in the opposite direction.

Any disruptions to this flow of funds could have massive consequences across the globe.

While it’s still uncertain what will happen to Britain, and the rest of the EU, one thing that Brexit makes clear is how important it is to remain educated on the events and state of your country, and the countries you do business with.

Allison Spooner is a freelance, content wizard. She writes content that helps businesses in Lansing and beyond tell their stories, educate their customers, and promote their brands. She is the Content Manager at StartupLansing, an online publication about startup activity in Lansing, regularly contributes to Capital Gains and loves helping businesses bring their words and ideas to life. To follow her writing journey and see a list of her professional content services, visit her website at theresistantwriter. com or find her on twitter at @allyspoon.

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Arts Night Out STIMULATING GREATER LANSING’S ECONOMY

BY MEGAN MARTIN

Launched in May 2016, Arts Night Out, the new monthly event hosted by the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, is essentially a community takeover where boutiques, bicycle shops, baby stores, design studios and coffee shops become mini art galleries, featuring art and artists from across the greater Lansing area on the first Friday of each month. The event takes place in one of four communities: Old Town (every other month), REO Town, downtown Lansing and East Lansing.

Arts Night Out showcases artists of all mediums, giving the community an outlet to learn and engage with the arts community in the area, which is a huge asset to a growing, 10

diverse city like Lansing. Aside from it’s educational (and social) implications, Arts Night Out has stimulated greater Lansing’s economic development by giving people a reason to be out and about “after hours.”

Debbie Mikula, executive director of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, noted that when the initial event was held in Old Town in May, it was difficult to get businesses to stay open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“One challenge that we face is that many boutiques, shops and even restaurants close early in the afternoon,” said Mikula. “I think the culture is starting to change over a little bit to having more of a night life, but initially it was hard.”

Once the first event took off, no one questioned whether the event would benefit the businesses who participated. More than 2,000 people attended the first event in Old Town and many businesses saw a direct impact from just the one event.

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Mikula said that Ciesa Design, a design studio located at 200 East Grand River Ave., received five new clients from the first one-night event in May. Other participating businesses like SPIN Bicycle Shop and Polka Dots Boutique said that they not only enjoyed the event, but benefitted from it as well.

“There was a lot more foot traffic that wouldn’t have been here on a typical Friday evening,” said Jennifer Hinze, owner of Polka Dots Boutique. Hinze said that many of the visitors she had in her shop didn’t know much about Old Town prior to the event and many seemed impressed and excited about what’s going on in the community.

“I don’t think that some businesses realized what a great turnout it SPIN Bicycle Shop

FEATURE

would be,” she noted.

Chad Cottom, owner of SPIN Bicycle Shop at 206 E. Grand River Ave., agreed.

“I was blown away with how successful it was,” he said. “We had a painter and a sculpture artist who used our space and it was so cool.”

According to the Arts Council, the non-profit sector has an annual economic impact of $73 million on Lansing’s local economy. The arts scene supports 750 direct full-time jobs and impacts more than 1,700 jobs. Michelle Rahl, director of Business Development for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce confirmed that the arts play a vital role in Lansing’s economy.

“The Greater Lansing region’s art scene is dynamic and impactful, generating millions in economic development and enriching the lives of the residents and visitors to our great community,” said Rahl. “Our Chamber members,

the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and the Lansing Art Gallery, continue to create innovative opportunities for folks to experience the art scene in new ways, such as events like the recently launched Arts Night Out or the popup art kiosks. The arts have an incredible impact on all facets of our region.”

to various art forms is good for the community, allowing them to further appreciate the work and those who create it.

“We also help artists market themselves and build their businesses,” said Mikula. “We advise them on things like having business cards, making sure their website is up-to-date, doing things like that that can help them be more successful. We also match artists with venues to help them gain more exposure and better participation in Arts Night Out.”

While the arts are a crucial aspect of greater Lansing’s local economy, a $58 million economic impact annually in tourism, a major aspect of the arts is the artists. A large part of what makes the Arts Night Out events so Jennifer Hinze, owner successful is that it doesn’t The greater Lansing arts of Polka Dots Boutique leave out the stars of the show, organizations are continuing instead, artists are utilized in to make an impact on the area. To educational settings, learning how to learn more about Arts Night Out, visit work as an artist and make a living as well as myartsnightout.com. educating the public about what they do and Megan Martin is a why art is important.

Communications Specialist at M3 Group and a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids. She is a foodie who loves art, tea, and anything outdoorsy.

“One thing we talked about for artists is that we want to expose people to a lot of different kinds of art,” said Mikula, explaining how exposure

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FEATURE

A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO EDUCATION

BY SARAH SPOHN

Most people would argue that a child’s education is the foundation for a successful future. Desks, lockers, school hallways, lunchrooms and playgrounds are where many children grow up and are molded into their future selves.

For some students, however, learning doesn’t always have to take place in traditional classroom settings. Thanks to online education and supplemental learning tools, the torch of knowledge can continue to be ignited, regardless of location.

Matthew D. Anderson, chief brand officer for Engaged Education, a full service Educational Service Provider (ESP), spoke about how Engaged Education links education-based groups together.

“Engaged Education works with schools, districts, universities and other educational entities to make learning interesting and relevant to the learner,” Anderson said.

The organization creates opportunities that align with the passion of learners, according to Anderson.

“This could be through project-based learning, strategic partnerships with businesses and nonprofits, out-of-school programming, leadership development, building selfconfidence, vision-setting and a variety of other ways,” added Anderson.

Engaged Education has also partnered with LifeTech Academy, Michigan’s Cyber School, to provide unique learning to students throughout the state of Michigan. LifeTech Academy is a blended-model cyber public charter school for grades 7-12 based in Lansing, Mich.

“Engaged Education has developed a full suite of 7-12 grade project-based learning curriculum,” Anderson said. “One of the unique components of this curriculum, is that all of the state and national standards are built into each project. This is highly valuable to schools, and is why LifeTech Academy has partnered with 12

Engaged Education to provide unique learning to kids throughout the state.”

One of the benefits of online education is the convenience – you can be “in school” wherever an Internet connection is available.

Anne Craft, Michigan Virtual University’s interim executive director of Marketing and Communications, spoke about the many benefits to online education.

“Many students take our classes to work around scheduling conflicts or to fit in band, choir or athletics,” she said. “Another benefit is that online education can create a very personalized experience for the student.”

While online education provides a comfortable atmosphere, enabling students to feel more open to asking questions on material, it also lays the groundwork for successful workplace trends.

“Students learn valuable skills they will need, whether they go directly into the workforce or into college or a training program,” Craft said.

“Many employers train their employees using online education and roughly 20 percent of all college classes are currently delivered online.”

Anderson spoke about what makes LifeTech Academy beneficial in comparison to traditional schools.

“Because LifeTech Academy is a cyber school, learners have the ability to learn at any time, in any place and at any pace,” he said. “This benefit has attracted a variety of young people to the school – everyone from 13-year-olds who work on an augmented reality, to teen moms and a rapidly-growing contingent of former homeschool families.”

While an Internet connection has proven to be an incredible asset in education, the reliability of our sources must be monitored as the future of

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education continues to evolve. With technology like iPads, smart phones, Siri and online sources replacing traditional libraries and even scholarly sources, the need to verify our sources credibility becomes even more important.

“We live in a world where Siri can tell us anything we need to know about anything. That means that knowledge is rapidly becoming a commodity. This has interesting implications for the future of education,” Anderson said.

“At Engaged Education, we believe that the future is going to be more and more about building relationships and learning how to work well with others. Communicating effectively and leveraging others for the benefit of all are the new must-have skills that employers tell us they are looking for.”

In terms of finance, perhaps the largest benefit is the minimal cost of online education at Michigan Virtual School. Traditional ‘back to school’ time involves plenty of shopping lists for items like backpacks, notebooks, pens, highlighters, glue sticks, tissues, lunchboxes and more. These costs for classroom materials add up quickly, but with virtual learning, they are slim to none.

The future of education, according to Dan Keedy, Senior Writer/Editor at Michigan Virtual University, is all about personalization.

“Educators from around the world are trying to figure out how to harness the power of inexpensive and powerful technology tools to help every child reach his or her full potential,” Keedy said. “We are not there yet, but the future does hold some very promising potential.”

Sarah Spohn received her degree in Journalism from Lansing Community College. She’s a concert junkie; living and breathing in both the local and national music scene. She is proud to call Lansing her home, finding a new reason every day to be smitten with the mitten.

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FOR THE Allen Mar

BY MICK

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LOVE OF FO

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On a Wednesday morning, vendors arrive early at the Allen Market Place commercial kitchens. By 8:30 a.m., Kathleen Hanna has finished baking the Good Eats Diva biscotti that she will sell later in the afternoon and distribute to area stores and shops.

Nearby, Paul Schmidgall is trimming 40 pounds of chicken thighs into fork-sized chunks, sealing them in vacuum packed bags. Next, he and Nick Neveau tackle the sausages, each split length wise and sliced then packed in vacuum-sealed bags. The two are preparing the main ingredients for the Fire & Rice paella that they will cook and sell at the afternoon’s farmers market.

Throughout the day – most days, in fact – an eclectic mix of local food entrepreneurs use the Allen Market Place’s fully licensed incubator kitchens and prep spaces to produce pastas, breads, brews and other edibles in what bills itself as, “MidMichigan’s Premier Food Hub.”

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ntreprene

urs and he

It’s where small businesses begin and occasionally prosper, and where anyone with a love of food and the drive to make a business of it, can find the equipment and support to pursue their passion, said Allen Neighborhood Center Executive Director Joan Nelson.

Some of the kitchen’s users are professionals.

Neveau is the chef at Zoobies and The Cosmos in Old Town; Schmidgall is a culinary arts graduate of Johnson & Wales University. Students from the Center’s Youth Service Corp. use the kitchen to produce brownies, fruit granola bars, crackers and lemonades. Others are following paths framed by experience.

“They all seem to have had jobs in the food service industry, a lot of them in restaurants,” Nelson said.

In the two-and-a-half years the Market Place has been operating, 18 entry-level food entrepreneurs have rented time and space in the cooking kitchen or nearby prep kitchen where they wash, pack and store their creations. Some stay for a few months; others for years. Nelson said the kitchens are rented for about 160 hours each month.

Costing between $24 and $20 an hour to rent kitchen time, the more time used, the lower the rate. Wash-Pack kitchen space rents at $14 to $16 an hour. Another asset the Market Place offers is cold or dry storage space rental.

Using the kitchens this summer, said Nelson, are three or four bakers, a fermenter, several ready-to-eat vendors, a hot

OD

lps busine

sses thrive

WHAT’S IN THE ALLEN MARKET PLACE COMMERCIAL KITCHENS 10-top Range and Oven Convection Oven 2 Commercial Refrigerators Chest Freezer Kitchen Aid Professional 5 qt. mixer Cuisinart 14 cup Food Processor Blender 4 - 8' x 3' Stainless Steel Work Tables 2 Prep Sinks 1 - 3-Bay Sink 2 Hand-Wash Sinks Small Wares: Knives, Cutting Boards, Scales, etc.

Source: Allen Market Place

sauce maker, a pasta maker, a tomato and alfredo sauce maker, two sisters packaging imported Lebanese spices, two micro-brewers and a couple producing turkey dinners.

While the commercial kitchen is the hub, it is only a slice of what the Allen Market Place offers its clients.

“The thing that people don’t understand about incubator kitchens is that it’s not just about the space and the equipment. It’s really about the wraparound support services, including access to workshops

14

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 2016

about developing a business, financial management skills, branding and marketing and safe food production,” Nelson said.

“Anybody who makes anything in our kitchen has a seat at our kitchen table or a booth at our farmers market. They can list their products on our online wholesale market called “The Exchange.”

With its incubator kitchen and outreach initiatives, Allen Market Place seeks to strengthen the relationship between the community, area farmers and food producers.

“We are building the strength of the midMichigan food system,” said Nelson.

At Allen Market Place, entrepreneurs can start with a modest investment and low overhead.

Neveau purchased a Fire & Rice franchise from Schmidgall in June which he will use to sell paella at farmers markets and for catering jobs. His dream is a food truck, he said, but these can cost $200,000, hence a more modest business plan.

Many starting out in the center’s kitchens have been able to scale production as their business grows. Among them are Sleepwalker Spirits and Ale and Teff-Rific, which produces Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes. Some have graduated on to do something different. Carol Smith started at the Allen Market Place in May 2014 with a line of smoked meats and vegetables. She now operates Red’s Smokehouse in the Lansing City Market.

The Allen Market Place complements other food entrepreneurial initiatives, most notably those hosted by the Michigan State University Extension service. In partnership with the MSU

Product Center, the Market Place offers incubatorkitchen entrepreneur counseling and classes to assist with product development, packaging and marketing.

The first phase in the Extension Service’s broader strategy is to support the state’s agricultural industries, the Market Place being a huge resource in doing so.

For more established, though still “small businesses,” Allen Market Place offers Accelerated Growth Services (AGS), a program to help grow businesses and diversify their product.

It is aimed at companies that project $250,000 new annual sales, create five or more new or retained jobs and anticipate significant capital investment.

The support offered by the AGS team, much of it without fees, results in a business plan dealing with market analysis, supply chain and marketing issues, product development, regulatory compliance and other strategic initiatives.

According to Randy Bell, educator for Community Food Systems with the Ingham County MSU Extension, there are an estimated 700 businesses in Michigan that can scale up

their production, adding that large or small, commercial kitchens are an important tool for their growth.

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.

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LANSING REGION PREPARES 21ST CENTURY WORKFORCE WITH JOB SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

BY MICKEY HIRTEN | PHOTOS BY ERIKA HODGES 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 2016

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of unfilled jobs in the greater Lansing region, a combination of low pay, part-time positions as well as plenty of high paying, lifetime career jobs begging for applicants and an array of services and support groups to help workers land them.

With training programs, partnerships, financial support and counseling, organizations like Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the Capital Area Manufacturing Council as well as schools and businesses are engaged in building job skills and ensuring that the region has the 21st century workforce it needs to succeed.

“We’re in the middle of a perfect storm,” said Stephanie Comai, director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency. The agency, formed by Gov. Rick Snyder just a year-and-a-half ago, was formed to deal with the state’s skilled worker shortage.

“Baby boomers are on the edge of retirement and we have not done a good job alerting young people about opportunities. We’ve done a strong job getting kids to go to college, but many jobs do not require a four-year university degree,” said Comai.

The Talent Investment Agency coordinates programs geared to job preparedness, career-based education, worker training, employment assistance and unemployment insurance. It promotes a listing of Michigan’s top 50 high-demand, high-wage jobs along with projected openings, growth rates, median wages and job requirements. Topping the list is physicians and surgeons with a median wage of $86.17 an hour and 434 openings annually. At the bottom are heavy and tractortrailer truck drivers with a median wage of $18.39 an hour and 1,565 openings.

The hot-job list includes 18 careers that do not require four years of college or more. Registered nurses, diagnostic medical sonographers and dental hygienists only need associate’s degrees and millwrights, electricians, steamfitters and operating engineers are all jobs that fall into the broad category of “skilled trades.” This is a sweet spot for Capital Area Michigan Works!, said its Executive Director, Edythe Hatter-Williams.

(From Left) Tim Heniser, Dan Bryan & Casey Burdge, apprentices at Cameron Tool Corp.

“Businesses are our primary customer. For us, we are the connector. Our role is educating the business community and education community about the importance of working together so that we have the workforce we need,” said Hatter-Williams.

Capital Area Michigan Works! provides funds for training and job support needs like clothing, transportation or licensing. It partners with businesses like Peckham, Inc. and General Motors as well as schools like Michigan State University, Lansing Community College and Ferris State University on career development.

Besides regional programs promoting jobs and careers in the manufacturing sector, there are initiatives focused on information technology jobs such as internship programs for students and nonstudents. Apprenticeships are also available, many pay workers while they learn, promising high paying, high-skilled jobs when completed.

Consumers Energy sponsors apprenticeships and internship programs to develop technical and managerial skills. It has a two-year apprentice program with Lansing Community College to train electric line workers, which Stacy Mowrer, director of learning and development at Consumers Energy termed “an enormous success.”

“Students go to school at LCC. They receive part of their training there and come on-site at our Marshall training center. Students come out of the program as trained linesmen and have most of the credits needed for an associate’s degree,” said Mowrer.

To date the program has 98 graduates, virtually all working for Consumers Energy or other utilities,

Mowrer said. Recently, the company initiated a pilot training program called Power for America, which trains veterans for jobs in the company’s natural gas division. It selected 40 veterans for a four-week training program. From that class, 37 went on to a 90-day internship with the company where they earned $20 per hour, learning excavation skills for Consumers’ pipe replacement program. After completing the internship, they will be job ready.

Other businesses also offering apprenticeships are Demmer Corporation for welding/fabrication and machining; Franchino Mold and Engineering for CNC (computer numerical control) machinist and mold makers; and Roberts Sinto for electricians.

Cameron Tool Corp. in Lansing, employee-owned and specializing in metal stamping, machining, engineering and design, has 15 apprentices learning CNC machining and tool and die making. Its program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and completion of classroom work, said Human Resources Manager Carey Oberlin. “When they finish we hope they will stay and work with us.”

Graduating apprentices are certified by the U.S. Department of Labor as CNC operators or tool and die makers, a transferable credential. At Cameron, they earn $18.50 an hour after completing the threeto four-year program and are encouraged to extend their training, which can lead to more responsibility and higher pay, Oberlin said.

Cameron is among the companies offering apprenticeship programs that are affiliated with the Capital Area Manufacturing Council whose members in 2015 secured $381,000 in state Skilled Trade L

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Training Funds to train and hire workers. Also, the Council sponsors industry tours to interested students in manufacturing careers and even a summer camp in Ingham County focused on welding and precision machining.

often must train their workers, which is costly and time consuming.

“We encourage our members to start apprenticeship programs in their companies and they are coming back pretty strong,” said Michelle Cordano, executive director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council.

“But they get the opportunity to train individuals to their company’s processes and equipment.

What you have after four years is a very specialized worker,” Cordano said. She explained that the growth in apprenticeship programs is aided by an improving economy which, in turn, allows businesses to invest in worker programs.

Unlike businesses whose employees’ skills are taught in schools and colleges, manufacturers

One of the strategies employed to build workforce skills is to focus on interesting

students in jobs and careers. On Oct. 7, the Capital Area Manufacturing Council will commemorate National Manufacturer’s Day with student tours of local businesses. The Council wants to expose 500 students and school officials to mid-Michigan’s manufacturing community.

Schools participating in National Manufacturer’s Day activities include Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (RESA), Grand Ledge High School, Charlotte and Eaton Rapids high schools, Capital Area Career Center, Clinton RESA, Mason High School and the Lansing School District,

MICHIGAN’S HOT 50 TOMORROW’S HIGH-DEMAND HIGH-WAGE CAREERS JOB OUTLOOK THROUGH 2022

PROJECTED ANNUAL JOB OPENINGS | MEDIAN HOURLY WAGE | EDUCATION AND TRAINING BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL

CARPENTERS

511 $20.24

COMPUTER NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE TOOL PROGRAMMERS

Apprenticeship, license

COMPUTER USER SUPPORT SPECIALISTS

115 $22.78

Some college, plus moderate-term OJT

Long-term OJT

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHERS

108 $28.58 Associate's degree 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

684 $21.59

ELECTRICIANS

620 $28.07

Apprenticeship, license AUGUST 2016

DENTAL HYGIENISTS 394 $29.10 Associate's degree, license

HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS

277 $21.46 Long-term OJT or apprenticeship, license

which has as many as 800 of its students involved in programs that look ahead to jobs and careers.

With a strong focus on higher education for career success, people often forget there are a multitude of job opportunities and career paths that can be achieved without a four-year or higher degree. Greater Lansing is a diverse community that offers educational opportunities for a variety of learners. With so many training and job support resources available to workers in the region, achieving a high paying job is within reach.

Carey Oberlin, Human Resources Manager at Cameron Tool Corp.

HEAVY AND TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCK DRIVERS

1565 $18.05 Postsecondary non-degree award, plus short-term OJT, license

LICENSED PRACTICAL & LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSES

738 $21.27 Associate’s degree or post-sec. voc. training, certification

OPERATING ENGINEERS & OTHER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

263 $21.85 Moderate-term OJT

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY MECHANICS

697 $23.43 Long-term OJT

MACHINISTS 1125 $18.39 Long-term OJT, license

INSURANCE SALES AGENTS

629 $21.60 Moderate-term OJT, license

MILLWRIGHTS 101 $31.16

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS

175 $27.09

Apprenticeship

Associate's degree, license

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS 137 $21.03 Associate’s degree, license

PLUMBERS, PIPEFITTERS & STEAMFITTERS

317 $28.21

REGISTERED NURSES 2,895 $31.47 Associate's degree, license

Apprenticeship, license L

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TRANSFORM DELIVERED CBRE|Martin is pleased to announce two impactful retail transactions.

The former R Club Restaurant at 6409 Centurion Dr in Lansing has been sold to Rule Eye Care Clinic. After receiving multiple offers from restaurant user operators, the property was transformed for medical use, allowing the best use for the space. Rule Eye Care Clinic will expand the space, renovate, and construct a parking canopy to create a full-service eye care facility.

Planet Fitness has signed a long term lease at Cedar Green located at 2380 Cedar St in Holt. Cedar Green, a health-related community center, will benefit from the thousands of clients visiting Planet Fitness each month. CBRE|Martin has successfully assisted Planet Fitness with relocating to three other area locations in the market.

As the unrivalled leader in commercial real estate services, CBRE|Martin is committed to delivering innovative retail solutions. How can we help you transform your real estate into real advantage?

www.cbre.com/buildonadvantage

MATION

The former R Club Restaurant located off Creyts Road

Part of the CBRE affiliate network

Part of the CBRE affiliate network ®

Part of the CBRE affiliate network

The former L&L Shop Rite at Cedar Green Part of the CBRE affiliate network

Build on advantage

Reverse

Part of the CBRE affiliate network

+1 517 351 2200 www.cbrelansing.com @CBREmartin

LANSING AT A GLANCE

GREATER LANSING AT A GLANCE Each month, the Greater Lansing Business Monthly compiles statistics showing the growth of the greater Lansing area month to month. This information is not comprehensive, but rather, a snapshot of the area’s growth throughout the year. The following is a look at the advances some of Lansing’s biggest businesses have made in the past two months.

MICHIGAN RETAILERS ASSN. INDEX

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS: LABOR FORCE DATA

A monthly gauge of key retail activity in the state; values above 50 generally indicate an increase in activity.

The regular report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracking the region's job performance.

May ‘16

April ‘16

March ‘16

Feb. ‘16

May '15

May ‘16

April ‘16

March ‘16

Feb. ‘16

May '15

Sales

65.1

66

53.3

58.7

47.4

249

248

249.4

247.9

61.8

61.1

61.5

51.4

58.5

Civilian Labor Force (1)

(P) 247.0

Inventory Prices

47.9

51.2

49.1

46.6

52.2

Employment (1)

(P) 235.7

240.8

238.6

240.1

235.8

63

63.1

59.9

56.5

65.8

Unemployment (1)

(P) 11.3

8.2

9.4

9.2

12.1

55.3

57.6

53.2

56.6

59.3

Unemployment Rate (2)

(P) 4.6

3.3

3.8

3.7

4.9

Marketing/Promotion Hiring Plans

Values above 50 generally indicate an increase in activity

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS: WAGE & SALARY

KEY STOCKS — MONTH-END CLOSE

The regular report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracking the region's job performance.

A report on price changes for key local stocks and others that reflect the health of the region's economy.

May ‘16

April ‘16

March ‘16

Feb. ‘16

May '15

(P) 227.6

231.1

228.2

228.2

228.5

12-month % change

(P) -0.4

1.9

1.9

1.7

2.2

Mining, Logging & Construction (3)

(P) 7.2

6.6

6.3

6.1

7.1

Total Nonfarm (3)

12-month % change

(P) 1.4

0

3.3

1.7

2.9

Manufacturing (3)

(P) 17.6

20.9

20.6

20.3

19.4

12-month % change

(P) -9.3

7.7

7.3

5.7

10.2

Trade, Transportation & Utilities (3)

(P) 35.5

35.5

34.9

34.9

35.2

12-month % change

(P) 0.9

2

1.7

1.7

4.5

Information (3)

(P) 3.0

3

3

3

3

12-month % change

(P) 0.0

0

0

0

3.4

Financial Activities (3)

(P) 15.8

15.6

15.6

15.6

15.5

12-month % change

(P) 1.9

2

2

2

2

Professional & Business Services (3)

(P) 22.2

22.9

22.2

22.6

22.5

12-month % change

(P) -1.3

4.1

1.8

2.7

0.9

Education & Health Services (3)

(P) 30.8

30.7

30.8

30.7

30.9

12-month % change

(P) -0.3

0

0

0

-0.3

Leisure & Hospitality (3)

(P) 19.3

19

18.7

18.4

19.6

12-month % change

(P) -1.5

0

1.1

0.5

1

Other Services (3)

(P) 10.2

10.1

10

10

10.1

12-month % change

(P) 1.0

1

2

2

-2.9

Government

(P) 66.0

66.8

66.1

66.6

65.2

12-month % change

(P) 1.2

1.2

1.5

1.4

1.6

May ‘16

April ‘16

March ‘16

June '15

Spartan Motors

6.26

6.4

4.86

3.95

4.58

General Motors

28.3

31.28

31.8

31.43

33.33

Emergent BioSolutions

28.21

43.88

38.52

36.35

32.95

Neogen

56.25

49.37

47.24

50.53

47.44

Gannett (Lansing State Journal)

13.81

15.62

16.85

15.14

13.99

Gray Broadcasting (WILX)

10.85

11.82

12.85

11.72

15.68

Media General (WLNS)

17.19

17.84

17.33

16.31

16.52

Bank of America

13.27

14.79

14.56

13.52

17.02

UPS

107.72

103.09

105.07

105.47

96.91

Home Depot

127.69

132.12

133.89

133.43

111.13

Kroger*

36.79

35.76

35.39

38.25

36.26

Macy's Inc.

33.61

33.21

39.59

44.09

67.47

Wal-Mart Stores

73.02

70.78

66.87

68.49

70.93

*Adjusted for stock split

CONSUMER ENERGY SERVICE STARTS An indicator of the Greater Lansing region’s business and housing growth.

BUSINESS

Clinton

(1) Number of persons, in thousands, not seasonally adjusted.

(2) In percent, not seasonally adjusted.

(3) Number of jobs, in thousands, not seasonally adjusted. See About the data.

(P) Preliminary

22

June ‘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

June ‘16

May ‘16

April ‘16

June '15

YOY Change

4,025

4,043

4,057

4,093

-1.66%

Eaton

5,100

5,102

5,104

5,065

0.69%

Ingham

11,426

11,409

11,430

11,204

1.98%

TOTAL

20,551

20,554

20,591

20,362

0.93%

June ‘16

May ‘16

April ‘16

June '15

YOY Change

Clinton

29,252

29,215

29,178

28,914

1.17%

Eaton

41,424

41,406

41,412

41,208

0.52%

Ingham

97,500

97,455

97,569

96,534

1.00%

TOTAL

168,176

168,076

168,159

166,656

0.91%

GRAND TOTAL

188,727

188,630

188,750

187,018

0.91

RESIDENTIAL

AUGUST 2016

LANSING AT A GLANCE

GREATER LANSING ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HOUSING REPORT A look each month at significant real estate pricing and listing trends.

June ‘16

May ‘16

April ‘16

March ‘16

June '15

Active Listing Count

2,129

1,680

1,880

1,920

2,965

Active Listing Volume*

$391

$304

$326

$324

$486

New Listing Count

1024

873

765

741

1081

New Listing Volume*

$175

$152

$133

$129

$170

Average Listing Price

$184

181K

174K

169K

$164

Average Listing / sq. ft.

$100

$100

$98

$95

$92

Days in RPR

87

81

90

97

94

Months of Inventory

3.4

3

4

6

4.9

Pending Sales Count

979

1,040

702

600

640

Monthly Sales Volume*

$146

$165

$108

$88

$89

98

98

97

98

98

Percentage of Listing Price *In millions

BIG BANKS LOOK FOR THE PERFECT DEAL.

We look for more.

Too often, big banks sit behind their desk, looking to craft the perfect deal for the bank. At Union Bank, we look to do more. We look to be active in our community, working to connect our customers with contacts that form a mutually beneficial relationship.

In the Greater Lansing area, Melody is who you can count on to do more for local business.

As Vice President of Commercial Lending, and a member of our loan approval committee, she contributes to making business loan decisions locally, between local people. Just one of the many ways we do more.

We do more for your business.

Melody Warzecha Vice President, Commercial Lending

ubmich.com · 517.646.9095

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JOBS & CAREERS WITHOUT A FOUR YEAR DEGREE

This month’s issue of Greater Lansing Business Monthly focuses on Education. The main reason people pursue higher education is to achieve a job and ultimately a career, however for some, higher education isn’t always an option.

We’ve compiled a few stats that focus on jobs that require less than a four year degree, what sort of pay these jobs typically have, and the outlook in these fields in the future. The future in trade schools and alternative education is bright, take a look and see for yourself:

AVERAGE PAY IN MICHIGAN

$162,000

ELECTRICAL POWERLINE INSTALLERS & REPAIRERS

RADIATION THERAPIST

PRODUCTION & OPERATING MANAGER

$75,000

$78,000

STEAMFITTERS

FIRST-LINE SUPERVISORS

$47,000

$43,000

$57,000

ELECTRICIANS

$42,000

NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST

$73,000

PURCHASING AGENTS

$41,000

Source: Indeed.com

DENTAL HYGIENISTS

24

VET TECHNOLOGISTS & TECHNICIANS

PHYSICAL THERAPIST AIDES

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS

RESPIRATORY THERAPISTS

30.5%

26.6%

24.1%

11.5%

TOTAL PROJECTED JOBS 2,870

TOTAL PROJECTED JOBS 1,190

TOTAL PROJECTED JOBS 720

TOTAL PROJECTED JOBS 4,180

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 2016

Source: rwm.org/michigan

PROJECTED JOB GROWTH IN MICHIGAN FROM 2012-2022

SPONSORED

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TALENT

BY EDYTHE HATTER-WILLIAMS

When it comes to talent development, the conversation often revolves around what jobs are in demand. An in-demand industry means that employers in its field are hiring and are projected to continue hiring. Currently, two in-demand industries in our region are manufacturing and information technology, which is why there’s a need for the Capital Area Manufacturing Council and Capital Area IT Council.

Although there are in-demand jobs available, that doesn’t mean just any individual can fill an in-demand position. Employers need qualified candidates who have the right education and skills. For many in-demand occupations, the right education comes from STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education.

STEAM disciplines are not only essential for job seekers looking to find an occupation today, but they are essential for pre-K students all the way through post-secondary students. As a region, we want to prepare our children for the jobs of tomorrow by ensuring they’re getting a solid STEAM education and knowledge of the types of jobs that are projected to be available when they’re looking for employment as adults.

It’s also important for students to know the different types of education that are available that will help them achieve their future career goals. While college is certainly an option, it’s not the only way students can get indemand, high paying jobs. There are various types of trainings and certifications that allow individuals to complete education that isn’t necessarily a bachelor’s degree. Many of these skilled positions pay more than a job requiring a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to learning in the classroom, it’s also important for students to be developing their STEAM skills outside the classroom.

STEAM EDUCATION Science Technology Engineering Arts & Math Students often change their minds multiple times throughout their schooling to determine what they want to be. By being involved, they’ll set themselves up for narrowing down a career decision early. Exploring STEAM skills outside of the classroom helps students put into practice the skills they’re learning in a way that would be applicable to a job in the workforce.

There are some ways that students can learn more about STEAM skills as it relates to careers, including touring a business, shadowing a professional for the day and doing an apprenticeship or internship. The Capital Area Manufacturing Council and Capital Area IT Council often work with local employers to coordinate industry-focused tours for students in the region. In addition to seeing STEAM skills in action, students of all different ages are exposed to expectations in a professional setting and get to meet employers.

It’s beneficial for businesses to get involved in encouraging STEAM education as well.

Whether it’s preparing the future talent or encouraging current employees to continue their education, an educated workforce is a win-win for both employers and employees.

Businesses that actively communicate about education and participate in STEAMrelated learning experiences help create a culture that attracts the best and the brightest individuals. If multiple businesses in our area work together toward the goal of empowering students to pursue STEAM careers, the collective region stands out as a place where people want to live, work and play.

While community partners and businesses work together toward sharing the importance of STEAM education, it’s also vital that parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors and other influential people in children’s lives make an effort to talk to them about STEAM education and jobs. It may mean doing a career exploration project, helping with homework or encouraging participation in an apprenticeship program. We can all work toward preparing the next generation of talent.

To learn about any upcoming industry tours in our region, follow Capital Area Michigan Works! on Facebook at facebook. com/capitalareamichiganworks. For more information about Capital Area Michigan Works! and the services we provide to both businesses and job seekers, visit camw.org.

Edythe Hatter-Williams is the CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!, a talent investment network that partners with businesses to develop recruiting and retention strategies and partners with job seekers to enhance education and career opportunities. On the web at camw.org.

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BUSINESS CALENDAR

AUGUST 2016 AUGUST 2 FLSA OVERTIME EXEMPTION RULES: NEW DOL EEOC RULE EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 2016, LANSING In May, the DOL EEOC announced that effective December 1, 2016, the salary threshold for exempt employees will nearly double. This means many more employees will now be eligible for overtime than before and that employers must understand how to classify their employees or put themselves at risk. This seminar is $170 for members and $195 for non-members. You can register and read more about this seminar at michamber.com.

AUGUST 16 INAUGURAL AGROEXPO, EAST LANSING Connect with farmers commodity groups, growerled associations and new makers in the agriculture

industry with the latest in field research and technology specially designed to improve agronomic management practices and ultimately economic returns. For more information, visit lansingchamber.org.

AUGUST 17 LEADERSHIP IN A TIME OF CRISIS, LANSING If tragedy strikes the workplace– a fatal accident, violence, a robbery, or natural disaster- all employees immediately look for direction and leadership. How leaders respond when all eyes are on them offers both tremendous opportunity and serious risk. In this 60-minute webinar, participants will develop crisis leadership skills so leaders can positively support their employees.

This webinar is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information and registration details.

AUGUST 18 MICHIGAN CORPORATE INCOME TAX DEVELOPMENTS: UNITARY BUSINESS FILING & APPORTIONMENT, LANSING The Michigan Corporate Income Tax (CIT) contains a number of complex topics, including unitary filing and apportionment. This webinar will dig into those two issues and teach about recent developments complying with the Michigan CIT. This webinar costs $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information and to register for this event.

AUGUST 23 SUPERVISOR & MANAGER TRAINING COURSE, LANSING Find out the true role of a supervisor by acquiring coaching skills, developing new techniques to help navigate difficult employee conversations and create a difference in overall productivity in your staff. The seminar will be meeting at Western Michigan University – East Beltline Campus in Grand Rapids, Mich. The cost of this seminar is $270 for members and $295 for non-members.

Visit michamber.com for more information.

AUGUST 30 THE INC. STARTUP ACCELERATOR, LANSING Get personal input from coaches on how to build up your launch skills from scratch. You’ll receive advice from Sabrina Parsons, Howard Tullman, Ami Kassar, Hilary Folger and Art Saxby. This is an online course, but feel free to gather with other entrepreneurs in the 300 room to follow along.

Visit purelansing.com for more information.

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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 2016

AUGUST 30 IT’S NOT JUST WHAT YOU SAY, BUT HOW YOU SAY IT: HR DO’S AND DON’TS, LANSING Poor word choice can lead to a variety of problems for employers and human resource professionals.

This webinar will provide you with concrete examples of language “do’s” and “don’ts” in a wide variety of contexts. This will include job postings, applications, job descriptions, handbooks, discipline, termination, accommodations and separation. This webinar is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Visit michamber.com to register and to read more about the webinar.

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ECONOMY

TRADE LIBERALIZATION:

THE REGIONAL APPROACH

BY MORDECHAI E. KREININ, UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR (EMERITUS), MSU

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) rule of no discrimination between sources of imports has two exceptions: customs unions and free trade areas (FTA). Much of the current trade liberalization takes place on a regional basis by creating customs unions and FTAs. The United States, for example, is involved in two sets of negotiations establishing mega regional agreements, the first being the Pacific Trade and Investment Partnership (PTIP).

With 13 countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, including countries like Canada and Australia and countries in Asia, Latin America as well as Japan, it is designed to counter a global bank sponsored by China. In part, it reflects the U.S. “pivot” to the Pacific. It received much unwarranted criticism from the 2016 Presidential candidates. The second negotiation is an Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (ATIP) to include the U.S. and the European Union (EU).

that create jobs so that the net effect will be job losses, when in fact, the likely effect is quite the opposite.

While non-discriminatory global trade liberalization under the World Trade Organization (WTO) definitely improves world economic welfare, liberalization under regional arrangements may or may not have such a positive result because of the discriminatory element against outsiders. Such discrimination has a negative impact on global economic welfare, while the internal trade liberalization has a positive effect. The net result varies from case to case and depends on which of the two conflicting effects is stronger.

While we are on the subject of the 2016 campaign, it might be mentioned that the U.S. is not Greece nor is it a private company; there is no need to offer 50 cents on the dollar of U.S. debt. U.S. government bonds are the safest asset in the world; its debt is not too high relative to GDP and it is denominated in U.S. dollars.

Its uses are many and varied and demand for it is high. Hence, the U.S. government can market its debt at close to zero interest. This is not to suggest that public debt of our size is a favorable phenomenon. If possible, it should be reduced, but the cost of reducing it should be carefully weighed against the cost if having it (such as the interest to be paid on it).

The issue of regional integration has penetrated the 2016 Presidential campaign with all candidates opposing regional agreements, especially the PTIP. It should be noted at the outset that partly because of their size, both mega regions are likely to improve U.S. economic welfare. But the opposition to the PTIP was based on the grounds of its effect on domestic employment.

It was argued that as a result, imports that displace jobs will increase more than exports 28

Since U.S. tariffs on most affected goods are already at zero or close to zero (our Pacific trading partners are higher), bringing all tariffs to zero will result in greater reduction abroad than in the U.S., therefore, our exports will rise more than imports. Recalling that jobs in the export industries are probably the best in terms of quality and pay, we can expect a positive rather than a negative effect on the job market.

To that, one must add liberalization of transactions in the service sector that follows from the PTIP, where the U.S. traditionally had a sizeable positive balance, and it’s easy to see that the political view indicated above is mistaken. The same argument applies to the proposed Atlantic Partnership.

Mordechai Kreinin is a University Distinguished Professor of Economics, emeritus at Michigan State University and past President of the International Trade and Finance Association.

He is the author of about 200 articles and books about economics, including the widely used text, International Economics. He can be reached at kreinin@msu.edu or by cell phone at (517) 488-4837

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

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NS QUESTIO DERS FROM REA

Questions from readers are welcome.

Q

I recently read your article (“Shooting Oneself in the Foot”) that appeared in the May 2016 issue of Greater Lansing Business Monthly. I found it interesting but incomplete. Your article cites one example of why tariffs are imposed – that being the concentrated benefits gained by a few politically connected (I would assume) industries versus the widely dispersed costs of consumers.

I’d like to raise the possibility that there are more legitimate and often necessary uses of tariffs. I’ll reference, as an example, an article I recently read describing the use of Filipino children to mine gold (stopchildlabor. org?p=4292). The children are subjected to an array of dangers including exposure to mercury. Practices like this would clearly give their gold a competitive advantage over any country whose producers are governed by higher labor standards. Don’t you think tariffs are a practical way in situations like this to protect our national principals and our industries that are bound by laws to uphold those standards? A way of leveling the playing field rather than distorting the playing field as you point out.

Environmental practices create a very similar situation. A country that is willing to compromise its shared environment to gain a competitive advantage would simply drive industries operating in more responsible countries out of business.

Excellent point. Here is the reply: 1. “Shooting yourself in the foot” refers to depriving yourself of minimum price imports by imposing a tariff.

2. The point about the cost of the tariff being widely spread and so hardly noticed while the “benefits” from it are concentrated and hence noticed, felt, and stimulate action explains domestic political action in favor of a tariff.

3. The points you correctly raise concern our taking action to attain and spread a variety of social goals. That is best done by negotiations, as it is indeed done with some measure of success.

See more of Professor Kreinin's past economy articles at lansingbusinessnews.com/author/ mordechaiekreinin

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BY MICKEY HIRTEN | PHOTO BY ERIKA HODGES

YVONNE CAAMAL CANUL SUPERINTENDENT OF LANSING SCHOOL DISTRICT

Since 2012, Yvonne Caamal Canul, 64, has been Superintendent of the Lansing School District, the region’s largest, with a $150 million annual budget, 30 facilities and 1,800 employees serving 11,400 students. She has worked as a teacher, an administrator with the Michigan Department of Education, as a consultant and with private business enterprises.

YOU HAVE MANAGED TO ADVANCE THE LANSING SCHOOL DISTRICT’S AGENDA IN WAYS THAT ELUDED YOUR PREDECESSORS. HOW DID YOU SUCCEED IN THIS? One of the reasons might be that I was in the district for 27 years, so I’m part of that Lansing School District family. People knew me already and where I stood on things. Being an insider that came from the outside develops the confidence that people need to believe in the directions that I plot.

The second reason is that we made some really bold decisions right at the beginning. We saved the three high schools which took that off the debate agenda and got to the business of educating kids instead of worrying about whether we were going to close a school or not.

IN THE PAST “BOLD” HASN’T PLAYED ALL THAT WELL IN THE LANSING SCHOOL DISTRICT. WHY WAS YOUR OUTCOME DIFFERENT? If I look at my trajectory in leadership positions, 99 percent of the time I’ve been in jobs that play to my leadership style – putting order to chaos. I’m not really energized by maintenance. I prefer putting order to things that are spinning out of control.

Also, the district was in a holding pattern. It didn’t have a lot of pride points and there were 30

lots of pain points, most of them as basic as, “somebody just make a decision” about school closings or about instructional curriculum.

The other thing is, I retired twice already, once in 2001 and again in 2007. I think there is a certain amount of confidence and fearlessness that goes with not having to create a career for yourself.

The fact that I didn’t need to do this job, that I wasn’t dependent on being the superintendent to build my resume gives you courage to go ahead and make some tough decisions.

YOU NAVIGATED THE POLITICS PRETTY WELL. WHAT ABOUT THE CLASSROOM? One of the hallmarks of my career journey is a focus on the instruction vision. That might have been what was truly lacking in Lansing. We were tribal, each deciding on their own what they wanted to do. The research is pretty clear on a district turnaround. To succeed, you’ve got to have some central nexus of coherence about where you want to go. It’s really important for us to focus on our process. How are we doing in the classroom?

How much time are we spending in whole group instruction versus small group instruction.

YOUR BACKGROUND AS A SUPERINTENDENT IS PRETTY ECLECTIC, WHICH SEEMS TO HELP YOU. DO YOU THINK IT DOES?

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AUGUST 2016

I had the good fortune of working in a variety of other environments before coming back to Lansing: The Department of Education, the corporate world and Michigan State University.

And I’d been exposed to a wide variety of other ways of doing things.

WHAT ABOUT BUILDING A TEAM TO MAKE ALL OF THESE CHANGES? Every organization goes through some sort of evolution in its development. There had been a dozen or so years of outsiders that kept bringing in outsiders. Few people from the inside felt that they were of any worth. It was absolutely essential that insiders became part of the management team. Because I’d been here, I knew who I had, their level of political capital, intellectual capital and trust. That’s how I put the team together.

The next piece for us is to bring in some people who have some fresh ideas, who can communicate with the group and who I know already and trust.

HOW DO YOU FIND AND RETAIN THE RIGHT TALENT IN AN INDUSTRY THAT IS ESSENTIALLY DECLINING? It’s a question that superintendents throughout the state struggle with.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Recruiting talent is one of the challenges, but retaining talent in a financial market that certainly doesn’t pay professionals for what they are worth is extremely difficult. And it’s getting boards to understand the market value of a deputy superintendent or a superintendent as CEOs of a major corporation. Think about the companies that are $150 million businesses with 2,000 employees? People look at it and say “Yeah, but you’re an educator.” It’s hard to convince those who hold the purse strings that talented educators are worth more than what they think they are.

When we first started this Lansing transformation, I sent around 27 names to the board for non-renewals of current administrators. We were restructuring and we needed to clean house. I got almost no internal applicants for administrative jobs.

The atmosphere was uncertain. Here we are four years later and we’ve got a couple of positions that were open for principals and we have pages of applicants. People now perceive the district to be more stable financially, academically and culturally.

DOES IT ALSO HELP THAT YOU ARE TAKING INNOVATIVE STEPS IN A CULTURE THAT ISN’T ALWAYS INNOVATIVE?

We are really trying to put ourselves out there and it doesn’t hurt to have that wonderful Promise Scholarship event, to have the partnership with Ervin [Magic Johnson] and his foundation. You have to get your house in order before people want to come and be with you.

That’s number one.

Number two, when I look for talent – I shouldn’t say this, but I’m going to – I look for sanity. How much baggage are you bringing?

How much work do I have to do to get you to be an adult? You went to school, you got your degree, and you’ve got your certificate. Now what’s your EQ? I look for that balance between EQ and IQ. AS SUPERINTENDENT, YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY CONSTITUENCIES: THE BOARD, EMPLOYEES, TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND TAXPAYERS. HOW DO YOU BALANCE THESE INTERESTS? You have voices on all sides and there is also that other voice, the one that’s on the inside.

I have a voice on the inside that is my moral compass, and though it’s a cliché, it’s about the kids. We are here for students. I feel I’m connected to what benefits our students. And

our teacher voices mean an awful lot to me.

Having been one I know how tough it is to be in our classrooms six or seven hours a day.

As for the board. They’re my bosses. But they have a lane and I have a lane. The struggle is to make sure that we’re both mindful of each other’s lanes.

YOU’VE BEEN LUCKY AND ACQUIRED A BETTER BOARD THAN SAY, SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS AGO. SOME OF THE CRAZINESS HAS SORT OF DISSIPATED. You’re right about the board. They are great.

We’ve had a couple of rough months during the first four years, but the majority of them have been extremely supportive of the direction and extremely supportive of me and where I believe we need to go. We have a good personal and working relationship; I bake cakes for them on their birthdays. But in the end we are all just delivering pizzas. You know, nobody is all that important. We’re just trying to do the work that we’re here to do. I take my ideas seriously, but I don’t want to take me seriously.

This conversation with Yvonne Caamal Canul has been edited for space and clarity.

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MAN ON THE STREET

MAN ON THE STREET HOW DO YOU THINK LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS?

“I think they do a great job already! They make it possible for students to take field trips and experience professionalism firsthand.”

“Local businesses should offer free food, I’m a college student so that would be great!”

–SUZY WORTHINGTON

–ZACH DILLINGER

“Adding the community and city is crucial to the connection. Offering entrepreneurial programs for students and possibly paid internships would definitely help.”

“Advertising in school yearbooks is a way for them to help.”

–TERRI SMITH

–CHRIS MILLER

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“Businesses could allow more job shadowing at their businesses to give students a view of potential careers.”

“If businesses donated even a small percentage, it would add up over time and make a huge difference.”

–ROXANNE STRINGER

–RICHARD LOTT

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 2016

NOTABLE NEWS

PM ENVIRONMENTAL EARNS SPOT ON 2016 ZWEIG GROUP HOT LIST For the second year in a row, PM Environmental (PM), a national, full-service environmental consulting and engineering services firm, was selected as one of the Top 100 Firms on the 2016 Zweig Group Hot List. The Hot List recognizes the country’s fastest-growing environmental consulting, engineering, planning and architecture (A/E/P) firms in the United States and Canada.

PM has enjoyed strong organic growth evident in its 317 percent rise in revenue over a sevenyear period. However, PM’s revenue growth is just one part of its overall success. The company has been deemed an industry leader due to its team of experts, quality work as well as dedication to its clients.

grow with an excellent client base and to hire the best employees,” said Peter Bosanic, founder and president of PM Environmental.

Firms are ranked based on their three-year growth rate in gross revenue with 50 percent of the ranking based on percentage growth and 50 percent based on dollar growth. The firms with the highest combined scores are named the winners on the Hot Firm List and recognized at the Hot Firm and A/E Industry Awards Conference.

This year’s conference will be held on September 22-23 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz. The event will feature speakers and education sessions as well as a black tie awards banquet that will celebrate the most successful firms in the A/E/P industry.

“PM’s inclusion on the Zweig Group’s Top 100 fastest growing firms in the United States is a great achievement and a testament to PM’s great quality work and reputation that allows us to continue to

In addition to achieving a spot on the Zweig Group Hot List, PM is ranked No. 1 in Michigan and has ranked nationally in the top 20 environmental consulting and engineering services firms by EDR ScoreKeeper over the last five years.

OKEMOS MUSIC ACADEMY WINS NATIONAL MUSIC ACADEMY AWARD Okemos Music Academy, located at 3444 Hagadorn Road in Okemos Mich., formerly known as “String Connection,” has grown into one of the largest private music lesson schools in the state of Michigan with over 300 weekly students.

John Dewey, owner and director of the academy was given the prestigious award of “2016 Music Studio of the Year,” beating out the other seven music studio finalists from the U.S. and Canada.

The award was presented by national business coach, Marty Fort at the Music Academy Success conference in Charlotte, N.C. In celebration of this honor, Okemos Music Academy will be hosting an awards ceremony

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NOTABLE NEWS

on August 15 at 1 p.m. Faculty, students, local officials and members of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance.

U.S. SENATOR STABENOW & GREATER LANSING LEADERS CELEBRATE AMERICAN AIRLINES’ INAUGURAL CAPITAL REGION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FLIGHT

American’s request to take over the LANDCA route, restoring the connection between Michigan’s and the nation’s capitals. Beginning July 6, flights on weekdays and Sundays depart LAN at 6:30 a.m. and arrive at DCA at 8:04 a.m.

Same-day, nonstop return flights depart DCA at 5 p.m. and arrive at LAN at 6:53 p.m. On Saturdays, flights depart LAN at 9:05 a.m. and arrive at DCA at 10:39 a.m., and then depart DCA at 3:20 p.m. and arrive at LAN at 5:10 p.m. Among those in attendance were U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.; Howard Kass, American Airlines vice president – Regulatory Affairs; Chris Holman, Capital Region Airport Authority Board chair

A news conference was held on Wednesday, July 6 at Capital Region International Airport to celebrate American Airlines’ inaugural nonstop flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., from Capital Region International Airport (LAN). Federal regulators in April granted

and Tim Daman, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.

MASON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING FOR COUNTY SEAT OLD CAR CLUB The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors provided a ribbon cutting on July 4, 2016 to celebrate the 30th anniversary Independence Day Car Show of the County

The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors provided a ribbon cutting on July 4, 2016 to celebrate the 30th anniversary Independence Day Car Show of the County Seat Old Car Club.

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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 2016

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NOTABLE NEWS

Seat Old Car Club. Assisting Arnold Short were Mike Waltz, Emily Fenger, Evelyn Short, Shirley Grieve, Bonnie Root, Ken Root, Billy Ward, Noel Ward, Chris Mick, Christina Bingham, Kaedon Ryan, Jadon Ryan, Darryl Englander and Jeff Ryan.

LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER MAKES DONATION TO LANSING PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM More young people that graduate from Lansing Schools will have an opportunity to attend college as a result of a $65,206 donation to the Lansing Promise Scholarship fund from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC).

A formal check presentation was made to the Lansing Promise during ceremonies at the LRCC. “We truly appreciate the leadership the Lansing Regional Chamber has demonstrated in recognizing the importance of giving our young people a chance at a better life,” said Kellie Dean, chair of the Lansing Promise Scholarship. “The generosity of our business

community means deserving youth get an opportunity for a college education and preparation for a great future.”

“As leaders in the community, our Chamber members understand the importance of preparing our young people to be the workforce of tomorrow,” said Tim Daman, LRCC president and chief executive officer. “The education that Lansing students receive as a result of the Lansing Promise Scholarship will provide the next generation of talent our employers need to effectively compete in the global economy.”

For the past two years, the LRCC Economic Club has worked in conjunction with Lansing native and former basketball great Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Lansing Promise and Lansing Public Schools to present a major spring fundraiser to benefit Lansing Promise. Those two events combined to raise more than $2.1 million in support of the scholarship fund.

“It is inspiring to witness the support of our business community and to see our region’s leaders investing in the future of Lansing’s young people. With 600 Promise Scholars accepted into the program to date, we are finding real success stories in this city. Thanks to events like this and the leadership of the Chamber, we are seeing an entire community stepping up and taking part in what will become a powerful and communitydriven Promise story,” said Justin Sheehan, executive director of Lansing Promise. “We are grateful for the support received from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the entire region. And we look forward to where the region is headed.”

POINT WEST ART AND TRAIL PROJECT ANNOUNCES GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY - MICHIGAN ARTIST FRITZ OLSEN TO CREATE SCULPTURE, “PROSPERITY” The Saginaw Oakland Commercial Association (SOCA), Westside Neighborhood Association

SPONSORED

THE FUTURE OF FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MICHIGAN

BY BRUCE DUNN

Last June, public schools across the state whose employees are participants in the State of Michigan, Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) were required to record over $20 billion worth of unfunded pension liabilities. To put this large number into perspective, it approximates two years of state aid for many districts.

Currently, there is a 20 plus year plan to pay down this liability. What this means, is that for many districts, over 35 percent of payroll is spent on annual pension contributions. For years prior to this, districts would pay 5 percent of payroll to pension contributions. For a variety of reasons like investment return, amendments to the plan, reduction in pupils in Michigan and a reduction in payroll, the unfunded net pension liability has grown to approximately $24.9 billion as of Sept. 30, 2015.

In addition to the net pension liability referenced above, beginning June 30, 2018, districts will be required to record the unfunded net other postemployment benefits (OPEB) liability for retiree health care benefits. This amount as of Sept. 30, 2015 is approximately $11 billion.

What has this meant to our state? In my opinion, a complicated plan to reduce the liability presents a confusing message to communities across the state. It is correct, more money from the State of Michigan is being passed through to local school districts. However, a significant amount of this is restricted to be used to only pay for pension contributions. This has put boards of education, administrators and employees in a difficult situation.

This coming fiscal year, many districts will receive an increase in state aid of $60- $120 per pupil.

This is a start, but for many districts with declining

enrollment and an increase in costs, it will not keep the pace with inflation and require many districts to make tough financial decisions once again.

We need to support the concept of tackling both issues at the same time. Our public school employees have earned their pension benefits and this legally needs to be funded and paid.

We also need to make sure our districts receive adequate funding for our current students so Michigan can reach its goal of becoming a top ten state for public education.

Bruce Dunn has two children who attended public schools from kindergarten through college - one attended law school at University of Michigan. He is a grandfather and a CPA who has worked with educational entities for over 35 years.

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NOTABLE NEWS

W. Saginaw Street on Lansing’s west side. The Point West Art project’s official debut coincides with the recent news of SOCA’s selection of Fritz Olsen of Sawyer, Mich., to build “Prosperity”, a 14-foot tall stainless steel sculpture representing a vision of optimism and growth for the Saginaw Street and Oakland Avenue corridor. The sculpture will be installed at the site this fall.

Point West Art and Trail Project located at “The Point”, where Saginaw meets Oakland, near 2010 W. Saginaw Street on Lansing’s west side.

(WNA) and Old Oakland Neighborhood Association (OONA) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Point West Art and Trail Project on June 29. The groundbreaking was held at “The Point”, where Saginaw meets Oakland, near 2010

Speakers at the groundbreaking included partnering organization representatives from SOCA, WNA, OONA, Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Power of We Consortium and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, as well as Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, Lansing Council Member Jessica Yorko, artist Fritz Olsen, community supporter Kris Nicholoff and SOCA Board Members Joe Duris and Caryn Coyle.

The sculpture, "Prosperity," will sit atop a base that, when raised up as an eye-catching symbol, will welcome visitors and residents alike to the west Lansing business and residential district at the triangular piece of land at the western border of the city where Saginaw Street and Oakland Avenue meet. Prosperity will be surrounded

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Startup Companies Entrepreneurs Small Businesses Growing Companies

FRIENDS HOST PITCHES WINNING IDEA AT THE HATCHING’S THIRD ANNIVERSARY The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and Spartan Innovations hosted a special third anniversary edition of The Hatching on June 29 at the Lansing Brewing Company in Lansing, Mich. Local entrepreneurs and supporters attended the event to kick-off its big move to its new location and another year of pitch competitions!

“Friends Host did a phenomenal job of creating a very detailed pitch deck explaining the problem of the current system and the opportunities to improve upon it. Congratulations to Anna on winning the Hatching this month,” said Tony Willis, director of New Economy at LEAP.

Contact us to schedule a tour

517.708.2997

neocenter.org 934 Clark St | Lansing, MI 48906

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"Prosperity" was inspired by the dramatic approach that travelers make into West Lansing as drivers and cyclists’ travel up Saginaw Street. “I was inspired by the dramatic approach of the ascending and curving roadways that define this space, the history and the optimism that is present here. The blossoming sails will reflect both the optimism for growth as well as the ascending curving roadways that define the land. The circle will represent the welcoming nature and strength of the surrounding neighborhoods and communities,” explained Olsen in his project proposal.

The winning idea, Friends Host, was presented

by Anna Song, Michigan State University (MSU) alumnus and research assistant. Friends Host is a website that aligns with online social networks to offer a cheaper, safer and more friendly lodging experience when traveling worldwide.

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by landscaping that will accentuate the art. The landscaping is being co-designed in consultation with Olsen by SOCA member business, Landscape Architects and Planners, Inc.

AUGUST 2016

The Hatching invited Lansing 5:01 to be a part of the celebration while hosting their own networking event prior to the business pitch competition. Lansing 5:01 is an internship initiative for young professionals and interns that live in greater Lansing. It seeks to increase community engagement, bolster the economy and retain qualified talent in the region.

“As the industry of entrepreneurship grows, there will be interns who are looking to dive

SPONSORED

AFFORDABLE, VOLUNTARY BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES

BY THAD ANDERSON

Anderson & Associates Agency, a partner with Colonial Life, is located in East Lansing, off Lake Lansing Road by US-127. As the owner of Anderson & Associates, I have worked in East Lansing and Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties since 2015. Colonial Life is the number one core enroller of employee benefits in the U.S. We pioneered voluntary benefits in 1939 and payroll deductions in 1955. Our workforce acts as benefit counselors to help employees bridge the gap with any holes in their current health insurance. Most of our services are free to the employer, with benefits being 100 percent voluntary and employee paid.

Voluntary benefits are the fastest growing sector in the insurance industry due to the Affordable Care Act and rising healthcare costs. Our goal is to protect the incomes of hard working Americans today by not going bankrupt due to unplanned medical costs. Colonial Life products are designed so employers can offer them to employees and their families. Products and services offered

As a veteran of sales, customer service, and management for 13 years, not only am I passionate about Lansing area businesses, I am passionate about developing employees.

We have promoted two MSU graduates to corporate positions with Colonial Life in 2016 from our agency. Our agency also has a footprint on the Lansing community. I am currently the Area Manager with Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan for East Lansing – I truly believe that GSHOM builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

through our agency include benefits education, complimentary value-added services, advanced yet simple to use enrollment technology and quality personal service.

We cater to small businesses with three to 100 employees, but we also work with large businesses, health brokers, school districts and cities in the public sector market. My overall objective is to continue developing the East Lansing district for Colonial Life. By continuing to stay focused on the principles of expansion, aggressive and attainable growth, full service and a strong agent field force, we will continue to enhance our reputation and customer base in the market.

Thad graduated from Walsh College in Troy, MI with a BBA in Business Management in 2007 and St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, MI with an AA in Liberal Arts in 2005.

Thad has been active in the Lansing area helping businesses and the community since September 2015.

On top of being East Lansing's District Manager for Colonial Life, he is also an Area Manager for the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan in East Lansing.

Reasons why employers choose Colonial Life End-to-end service Need enrollment assistance? Want to reduce administrative burden?

We can help every step of the way.

Money-saving strategies We’re constantly thinking about ways to save you money.

Sound familiar?

Personalized benefits counseling We meet 1-to-1 to help everybody get the benefits that are best for them. Which is also best for you.

To learn more, contact: Thad Anderson 517-336-3515 Thad.Anderson@ColonialLife.com

DISABILITY

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ColonialLife.com

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DENTAL

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CRITICAL ILLNESS

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HOSPITAL INDEMNITY

©2016 Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, Columbia, SC | Colonial Life insurance products are underwritten

by Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, for which Colonial Life is the marketing brand.

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NOTABLE NEWS

into that area. The Hatching is a really cool event that will show them something they might think only happens in urban cities like Chicago or New York,” said Josh Holliday, program manager at the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and Lansing 5:01 committee member. “What they don’t know is cool cities like Lansing are

able to offer these rich cultural networking and social-centric activities that can provide these interns with access and the resources so they will want to live and do business here.”

June’s Hatching sponsors include: Spartan Innovations, MSU Undergraduate

Entrepreneurship, LEAP, Loomis Law, Michigan Creative, MSU Innovation Center, SuperWebPros, Small Business Development Center Lansing - SBDC at LCC, Neo Center, Commonwealth Enterprises; Deep Blue Insights, Maner Costerisan Careers, The Fledge and Lansing Brewing Company.

The Hatching will now take place on the last Wednesday of the month at Lansing Brewing Company in Lansing. For more information about The Hatching or how entrepreneurs can submit ideas to be considered for the live pitch competition at one of the monthly Hatching events, visit thehatching.org.

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEW LOFT APARTMENTS IN MASON Assisting Scott Robinson in the ribbon cutting ceremony for new loft apartments in Mason are David Haywood, Mike Waltz, Ken McNulty, Tonya McNulty, John Sabbadin, Elaine Ferris, Sandy Clark, Mike Thompson, Pat Weiler, Bruce Johnston, Shanda Johnston, Jamie Robinson, Peter Robinson, Krista Wrozek, Lindsay Robinson, Kim Carter, Roger Donaldsona, Bob LaMere, Dick Cheney, Seth Waxman, Kay Cagle, Mark Howe, Tom Cochran, Brent Forsberg, and other friends.

The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors provided a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, July 6 to celebrate the grand opening of four new loft apartments above The Vault Delicatessen, 366 S. Jefferson Street in downtown Mason.

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LANSING PROMISE A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE

The Lansing Promise launched its efforts by awarding its first scholarships in the fall of 2012

458 142 74%

86%

74% persistence rate

86% persistence rate

2012 - 2013 School Year

$92,698 2013 - 2014 School Year

$152,990 2014 - 2015 School Year

$238,123 2015 - 2016 School Year

$375,666 2016 - 2017 School Year

$600,000+ Estimated

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CBRE|MARTIN’S STEPHEN HERSHFIELD NAMED A LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER AMBASSADOR

joined CBRE|Martin as an Associate in 2012 following a two-year internship with the company. His corporate research responsibilities within that role led to his interest in applying his finance degree to the Corporate Services division of commercial real estate.

CBRE|Martin is pleased to announce that Corporate Services Associate, Stephen Hershfield, has been named an ambassador for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

As an ambassador, his role will be to help the Lansing Chamber promote member commitment and retention.

“Stephen is an integral part of our team. He is customer service oriented and a fantastic choice to be an ambassador,” said Tricia L. Foster, CPM, ACoM, CBRE|Martin senior managing director and COO.

As an Associate with the Corporate Services team at CBRE|Martin, Hershfield works with senior Corporate Services professionals to investigate and cultivate new business opportunities. He serves existing clients with site selection, tenant representation, asset disposition as well as acquisition/property assemblage assignments. In addition, Hershfield applies his finance background to his work with investment properties, aggressively pursuing disposition solutions.

Hershfield earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2012 from Michigan State University. He

LIBERTY COINS GIVES AWAY FREE MONEY TO LOCAL STUDENTS Liberty Coin Service, located in the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing, will be giving away free coins to incoming kindergarten through high school students from now until Labor Day. Students will be able to select and keep up to six foreign coins each day from a treasure chest at Liberty Coins. As a bonus, Liberty will track the schools attended by children to donate a 20-pound bag of foreign

coins (about 3,000 pieces) to the school whose students visit the store most often between now and Labor Day. Liberty Coin Service Owner Tom Coulson said, “Our customers had lots of fun when we gave them the small bags of foreign coins that day.

So, we will continue to treat school children with free coins for the rest of summer vacation.

No purchase necessary. However, we also want to use this program to benefit education. Coins can be used to help teach math, history, art, geography, economics, world culture and other subjects, which is why we will donate coins for this purpose. We will help the winning school with ideas on how to use these coins effectively to stimulate learning—even arranging for our staff to make requested presentations.”

Liberty Coin Service, founded in 1971, is Michigan’s largest rare coin and precious metals dealership. The business has been located in the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing since 1975.

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fax 517.372.4922

912 West St. Joseph, Lansing, MI 48915

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ADDING VALUE FOR OUR RETAIL CLIENTS As the business of retail becomes more complex, our clients need advice they can rely on.

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Whether it’s the expansion plans of the world’s fastest growing retailers, up-to-the-minute data tracking the value of a shopping center, or ever-changing consumer trends, data and insight are core to what we do best and at the heart of how we truly understand the business of retail.

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