GLBM February 2015

BUSINESS MONTHLY GR E ATE R LANS ING

FEBRUARY 2015

FRONT COVER

Auto-Owners

Committed to safe, sound, secure insurance In this issue •

GROWTH IN THE INSURANCE SECTOR

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SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

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CADILLAC CTS-V IS STAR OF THE AUTO SHOW L

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

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

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Feel Good About Your Cash Reserves Make sure your business has the cash it needs with an MSUFCU Business Line-of-Credit. Use the money for short-term cash flow needs, working capital, or operating funds, all without draining your cash reserves. How you use it is completely up to you. www.msufcu.org/business • 517-333-2365 All loans are subject to credit approval. Origination and other fees may apply.

Federally insured by NCUA.

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FEBRUARY 2015

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BUSINESS MONTHLY

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

FEBRUARY 2015

News New Opportunities for Growth in the Insurance Industry..................................................... 6 Small Businesses Adjust to Accommodate new Affordable Care Act Policies........... 10 Affordable Care Act Timeline............................................................................................................. 12 LRCC Weighs in on LBWL Leadership Change and Business Impact............................ 14

Features

Auto-Owners

Committed to safe, sound, secure insurance In this issue •

GROWTH IN THE INSURANCE SECTOR

•

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

•

CADILLAC CTS-V IS STAR OF THE AUTO SHOW

Cover photography by Mark Warner

The Greater Lansing Business Monthly (Volume 28, Issue 2) The Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. USPS number 020w807.

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

Call (517) 203-0123 or visit 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 © 2015 The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved.

Out With the Old, in With the New: Cadillac Unveils the New V-Series...................... 16 Committed to Safe, Sound, Secure Insurance............................................................................ 18 Michigan Inauguration 2015.............................................................................................................. 22

Departments Commentary.................................................................................................................................................. 4 GLBM List.................................................................................................................................................... 28 Man on the Street.................................................................................................................................... 30 Regional Roundup.................................................................................................................................... 32 Collectibles.................................................................................................................................................. 34 Business Calender................................................................................................................................... 36 Notable News............................................................................................................................................. 38

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

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Protecting what’s important...

Don’t trust just anyone when it comes to choosing insurance for your business. Auto-Owners has been protecting its policyholders and what’s important to them since 1916. For all of your life, home, car and business insurance needs, talk to Shinberg Insurance today.

AUTO OWNERS

Okemos • 517-337-8415 www.shinberginsurance.com

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C O M M E N TA R Y

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BUSINESS MONTHLY Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Media Specialist: Jill Bailey Account Manager: Manny Garcia Production Director: Kelly Ritter Art Director: Brooke Erwin Brand Manager: Ami Iceman Creative Manager: Mark Warner Editor: Alicia Pilmore Graphic Artist: Mike France Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty

GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes - Executive Vice President, MSU Federal Credit Union Trish Foster - Senior Managing Director & COO, CBRE|Martin Lisa Parker - Director of Alumni Career and Business Services, Michigan State University Alumni Association Deb Muchmore - Partner, Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore Tom Ruis - Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Doug Klein - Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Mark Hooper - Partner, Andrews Hopper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes - Legislative Director for State Senator Coleman Young, II Corrections: The article “Collaboration Key to Success of $276 Million Red Cedar Golf Course Redevelopment” released in the December 2014 issue of the Greater Lansing Business Monthly misspelled Frank Kass’ name.

The article “Healthcare Forum Addresses Challenges of Delivering Quality Health Care” released in the December 2014 issue of the Greater Lansing Business Monthly misrepresented Joseph J. Ruth’s job title. He is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Sparrow Health System.

We apologize for any confusion.

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Assurance in Insurance

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hen I moved to Lansing 12 years ago, I kept hearing how our economic engine and community was powered by General Motors. I grew up in the Detroit area, so my love of GM and the Motor City runs deep. As I spent more and more time in Lansing, I began to notice another industry that flies a bit under the radar and creates many well-paying jobs — insurance. If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to miss. After all, GM creates a product you see on the road every day and insurance companies provide a service that is sometimes overlooked – until you really need it.

There is something to be said about a diverse economy. You never want the community to be based on only one industry. When something happens to that organization, the economy collapses and people have to leave in search of something new leaving a void and usually a broken town. Lansing is special — we are not perfect, but we have a lot going for us. We are a capital city, we have a Big 10 school, multiple other education communities, big industries like insurance and tons of small and mediumsized businesses helping to round out our region.

As someone who pays attention to the ebb and flow of the economy, I can appreciate the need to have large, healthy companies like Auto-Owners and Jackson in our backyards. The ability for organizations like theirs to support big and small community projects is important and these two are great examples of companies who care about the people who live, work and play here. They could be in other places, but I have a feeling that they see what I see here — a wonderfully diverse community that has the potential to do great things.

Gearing up for GLBM’s Entrepreneurial Awards, I often think back to when these large companies were small — really small. Someone had an idea, told a few friends (who may or may not have been supportive), took some risks, invested many resources and worked hard to grow. There is something really special about creating a business that has the potential to be an Auto-Owners or Jackson or any other big company making a difference right here. Even though the people who founded AutoOwners almost 100 years ago are not around today, the opportunity they had to influence the next generation of entrepreneurs is important.

I believe that the Entrepreneurial Awards is not just an award program, but an opportunity for the community to validate and encourage a huge segment of our economy. We know that small businesses make the world go round and we also know that it can be a difficult journey. That’s why we take the time to let our small business community know that we appreciate the effort and commend their entrepreneurial spirt. It’s important to us all.

This year’s event is on Thursday, March 12 beginning at 6 p.m. at the University Club.

Sponsorships, tables and tickets are available online now at lansingbusinessnews. com. I hope you’ll join me and many other like-minded community members as we congratulate and encourage business growth in our Greater Lansing region.

Be dynamic in all you do,

Tiffany Dowling | Publisher FEBRUARY 2015

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NEWS

New Opportunities for Growth in the Insurance Industry

BY MICKEY HIRTEN

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erhaps if they built cars like General Motors or super colliders like Michigan State University’s new Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), Lansing’s insurance companies would be better known as potent economic engines that are helping lead the region’s economic resurgence.

But there’s strength in their silence.

As home to large companies like AutoOwners Insurance Group and Jackson National Life Insurance Co., and a roster of smaller companies like Accident Fund Holding, Inc. and Delta Dental

of Michigan, Lansing is mining a rich vein of opportunity in the financial/ insurance industry.

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) identifies insurance as a pillar of the area’s economy, providing thousands of high-paying jobs in dozens of sustainable fields.

“We think there is huge opportunity for growth in this sector, especially when you add in those that view being nearby as an opportunity for their businesses,” said Steven Willobee, LEAP’s chief operating

officer. LEAP’s goal is a diverse regional economy and it is committed to nurturing these business segments: accelerator technology, advanced manufacturing, agriculture development, health care, information technology, life sciences and

Local CEO Spotlight - Jackson mention. I would say one of our greatest accomplishments of 2014 is our continued leadership in the annuity space, with a specific focus on the continued success of Elite Access.

M I KE W E L L S PR E S ID E NT & C H I E F EXE CU TIVE O F F I C ER 1 9 Y E AR S

Q: Tell us about your organization’s most notable accomplishment A: This is always one of the more difficult questions I’m asked because each year so many important projects are worthy of

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Elite Access is a variable annuity investment platform designed to provide access to both traditional and alternative investment strategies, which seeks to manage volatility over the short and long term. As the market environment changes, providers like Jackson must remain cutting edge. I believe Elite Access gives investors the tools they need to seek opportunities for the changing market environment and the freedom to choose the investments that can best fit their goals. Through the introduction of Elite Access, over the course of just a few years, Jackson has effectively created an investment-only variable annuity, including expertlyconstructed portfolios within a taxdeferred annuity wrapper.

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If I had to choose notable accomplishments in Lansing, I would certainly point to our state-of-the-art Conference Center and the ongoing $100 million investment in our Lansing office expansion. We continue to invest in our associates and our community with resources that we hope will help make Jackson and the greater Lansing region a great place to work — and build a career.

Q: What was the biggest change or challenge your organization has faced over the past year?

A: Jackson is clearly seen as a leader in the retirement planning space. With that, we know we have a responsibility to our customers and ourselves. Our competitors have moved quickly to copy our products, especially Elite Access, so we continue to be creative about how we build and design products for people. We are challenging ourselves to stay in front of the competition.

NEWS

with attracting insurance companies and related industries,” Willobee said.

Ultimately, though, it is the success of companies based here that is Lansing’s best recruiting tool. Developments like the $182 million Accident Fund Art-Deco headquarters in downtown Lansing or the $100 million, 260,000 square foot expansion of Jackson National Life’s headquarters and new 80,000 square foot data imaging center, both on its Lansing campus in Alaiedon Township, that get the industry’s attention.

biomedical and supply chain and logistics.

But the insurance industry gets special attention.

“We brought in David Olson, manager of business attraction and tasked him

Q: In your industry, what trends were adopted in the past year and how do you see trends changing in the future?

A: We saw several firms launch products that look like Elite Access and we are seeing a number of our competitors doing the same.

We also see the industry is still recovering from lost shareholders. Many of our competitors are working to get their shareholder stakes back in balance.

Following the recession, this has been and continues to be, a major priority for many firms, especially as we see consumer demand continue to grow. We are focused on the customer and adjust to meet their needs. We aim to provide products people want, give customers exceptional service and move quickly to respond to their needs.

We are always looking at long-term goals for the future success of our customers and the company.

Q: What has made it possible for you to get where you are today?

“Lansing is doing a lot of the right things,” said Darcy Kerr, senior vice president for human resources at Accident Fund Holdings Inc., parent company for the insurer’s four subsidiaries. “You have to make sure that Michigan and the Capital region are an attractive place to do business with strong communities and a strong sense of place.” She added that the regulatory and legislative environment in

A: My family has been incredibly supportive of my career and that has led me to where I am today. With their support, I am able to come to work prepared to make complex decisions with the amazing leaders who work for Jackson.

We are also a company built on strong core values. I deeply believe in these values and they guide all of our business decisions.

Jackson employs the hardest working people in the industry and our company values drive us to do our best work every day.

Q: What do you think is the key to success?

A: Execution is the key to success. We can’t accomplish what we don’t do. I also study history because I think it is important to understand what has already happened to those before us. In doing so, we learn when and how to execute in the workplace to continue our growth as individuals and a company.

the state also is important. The company, which is owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, has about 550 of its 600 employees in the Lansing area.

Because it is Michigan’s capital, Lansing offers convenient access to the lawmakers and regulators, which is attractive to insurers who are regulated by the state.

“It’s an important location for us as a statewide insurer,” said Andy Hetzel, vice president of corporate communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield. The company has about 220 employees in Lansing, most working at the former Accident Fund Headquarters on Capitol Ave. “Being in downtown Lansing gives us the opportunity to connect with state public policy leaders,” Hetzel said. “Lansing is a hot bed for the insurance business that really flies under the radar. It’s a very strong insurance economy in mid-Michigan.”

For those looking for advice on success, I would suggest two things. First, focus on being great at what you are currently doing to earn the respect of your peers. Second, work to understand as much as you can about your next role so you will have some or all of the attributes required already in place. If your colleagues can always trust and count on you, they will want you to succeed and look to you to be a leader.

Q: What would friends and family say is your biggest quirk?

A: My friends and family would tell you I will strike up a conversation with anyone.

I enjoy those opportunities because I have a chance to talk with people I may never have met otherwise. That unfiltered information gives us a chance to see the world from new perspectives. I think this is very important because it allows us to learn a lot of different things from people with very different backgrounds.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield, like other insurers, cites the economic value and sustainability of their industry. Referencing the lines of business offered in Michigan, Hetzel said his company expects continued growth.

“It is a very profitable state for us. We will be looking at more services and products, ways to be better, faster and more innovative. We definitely see a very bright future for us.”

She added that insurance, as a career path, is due for a makeover. “It should be viewed as a noble profession. It’s an industry that is the backbone of American business.”

But it’s a future that will require workplace talent, and like other industries, insurers worry about finding the right people at the right time with the right skills.

Area colleges have recognized that the insurance industry provides careers for the diverse academic skills they teach. At Lansing Community College, the Michigan Future Foundation has created 10 $5,000 scholarships to support insurance education with the goal of building a roster of new independent agents.

“For the insurance industry, probably 40 percent of the workforce is at or near retirement age,” Kerr said. “Even with 100 percent replacement we will come nowhere near filling those vacancies. Not only do we compete with one another for talent, but against other industries as well.”

Kerr explained that insurance companies have come together to reinvent themselves, “to make them more broadly known as an innovative and dynamic industry.”

Davenport University is also participating in the initiative with programs to direct its business graduates to insurance industry careers. It offers risk management and insurance specialty with “courses designed

to meet insurance industry profession designation requirements.”

These career-track courses deal with topics like personal insurance, commercial insurance and insurance company operations and regulation. Michigan State University and Olivet College are also participating.

All schools want their graduates to find jobs, and they understand that careers in insurance offer some assurance that they will.

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.

Lansing’s Insurers at a Glance • Accident Fund Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries are one of the largest specialty writers of workers’ compensation insurance licensed in 50 states.

• Auto-Owners Insurance Group is comprised of five property and casualty companies and one life/health/annuity insurer.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, providing health insurance in Michigan.

• Delta Dental of Michigan, with its affiliates in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee, make up one of the largest dental plan administrators in the nation.

• Jackson National Life Insurance Co. is a leading provider of retirement solutions for industry professionals and their clients with products that included variable, fixed and fixed index annuities.

• Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) is the parent organization of Farm Bureau Insurance. MFB is the state’s largest general farm organization, with over 200,000 family members in 67 counties.

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NEWS

Small Businesses Adjust to Accommodate new Affordable Care Act Policies

BY MICKEY HIRTEN

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he grace period for small businesses, many of which avoided the mandates required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) last year, is ending.

Starting in 2015, all companies with 100 or more fulltime workers must begin providing comprehensive health care benefits for their workers or pay a $2,000 per employee penalty, or even more if their plans fail to meet the ACA standards. Smaller businesses, those with between 50 and 99 employees, are exempt from this provision until 2016.

But all small businesses, regardless of size, must comply with ACA-related reporting requirements that bring with them oversight by the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Labor.

“If you are a small business, you have to think about the mandate and whether to pay the penalty or offer insurance to your employees,” said Scott Lyon, senior vice president of the Small Business Association of Michigan, which has more than 23,000 members in the state.

“The majority of small businesses have struggled with it,” Brogan said. “From an employee perspective, especially for small business, it has made life exceedingly complicated.”

Health care and all that it entails is an important issue and costly requirement for the association’s membership, especially for smaller businesses. For larger small businesses with 100 or more workers, this year’s requirements often align with the health benefit packages they provide already.

“The reality is that most of them already offer insurance. Once you get to 100 employees or more, the number of companies offering insurance is in the 90 to 95 percent range,” Lyon said.

Brogan sees it from both sides: as the expert who helps businesses sort through the tangle of rules and regulations and as a small business owner with 25 employees who must comply with the law.

“It’s a kind of love-hate relationship,” he said of the ACA. “Certainly it benefits some individuals who were not able to find an affordable health plan that has reasonable benefits.”

That’s been the experience of Brogan, Reed, Van Gorder & Associates, an East Lansing-based insurance agency specializing in health care benefit plans. With clients that include organizations with as many as 6,000 workers to very small businesses, the firm has put in place more than 700 group plans.

One factor that makes complying with the laws particularly challenging and costly for small business is the “member level” pricing requirement. Brogan explained that where businesses once offered their employees single, two person and family pricing, they now must base their offerings and pricing according to factors like age and family size.

“Most of our clients choose to offer coverage. We’ve had only one client terminate their plan and send their employees to the exchange,” said Greg Brogan, owner and managing partner of the firm founded by his grandfather in 1937. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the challenges associated with the health care law.

“It makes it difficult for an employer to come up with a fair contribution strategy. And it also introduces age discrimination. A 60 year-old employee costs three times as much as a 30 year-oldemployee, and if you provide coverage to the older worker’s spouse, it can cost six times as much.”

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Then there’s the compliance paperwork; Brogan cited this example.

for individuals seeking coverage, particularly those with pre-existing conditions.”

“There are 16 federally mandated notices that you have to send out during the year.

It’s for businesses with just two employees all the way to the biggest companies,” he said.

Based on telephone and web interviews with 689 business executives from Michigan companies that employ 500 or fewer employees, the Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) suggests a softening view of the ACA.

But the biggest issue for small businesses, said Brogan, is the involvement of a federal government department that previously had little, if anything, to do with health plans. “With the Affordable Care Act, taxes and fee mandates and pay-or-play penalties, the Department of Labor and the IRS are involved in compliance. The shift for employers has moved from implementation to compliance. The most vulnerable employers have variable hour workers.”

Still, said Brogan, “there is a lot that I like about the law, particularly the individual marketplace. It’s made a much better market

“Concern over healthcare policies was consistently strong in the recent past and was strongest in June 2013, when 16 percent of respondents thought this was a big concern. However, this November, only five percent were worried about this issue,” the report noted. The survey and index is commissioned by Accident Fund Insurance Company of America.

Of those surveyed, 32 percent said they do not offer employee health benefits. “Among the two thirds who do, 14 percent are not expecting healthcare costs to increase.

Only 12 percent say they will decrease their employees’ health benefits, while others plan to increase employee premiums (22 percent) or absorb the costs (22 percent).”

According to the report, this is a “large change” from the responses in June 2014 when business expected to shoulder a much larger share of the cost. At that time, 37 percent of respondents said they expected to absorb rising costs of healthcare.

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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Jan. 2013: Limit on pretax contributions to flex spending accounts capped at $2,500 annually.

Oct. 1, 2013: Health insurance exchanges are scheduled to open, writing policies that go into effect Jan. 1.

Jan. 2016: Threshold for itemizing medical expenses on taxes increases from 7.5 percent to 10 percent for seniors.

Jan. 2020: Medicare Part D donut hole (coverage gap) phased out.

Since being signed into law, the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, has made many changes to health care in the United States. The law, although controversial, has helped millions of Americans struggling to pay their medical bills. According to a new survey by the Commonwealth Fund released on Jan. 15, the number of Americans having trouble paying down their medical debt has dropped by six percent since 2012, and the number of uninsured Americans has dropped from 37 million, or 20 percent of the population, to 29 million, or 16 percent.

Opens Health Benefit Exchange sales of coverage.

Prohibits denial of coverage to adults with preexisting conditions.

Requires large employers to provide coverage for those who work at least 30 hours per week.

Expansion of eligibility for the Medi-Cal program.

Tax credits for small businesses that provide coverage.

Tax credits for individuals and families with incomes up to $94,200 (for a family of four) who buy their insurance through the Health Benefit Exchange.

July 2, 2013: The White House agrees to a one-year delay in the requirement that large businesses must provide workers with affordable health care.

• • •

•

• •

Jan. 1, 2014: The bulk of Affordable Care Act changes go into effect with the New Year. The Act:

Jan. 2018: All existing health insurance plans must cover preventative care and checkups without co-pays.

CO M P I LED B Y A LI CIA P I L MOR E

These improvements didn’t happen overnight; President Obama and his supporters poured hundreds of hours into planning and fighting for the Affordable Care Act to be passed into law. Below is a timeline of some of the key events that led to the Affordable Care Act becoming a law and the changes that have been implemented.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TIMELINE

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July 2009: House Democrats unveil a 1,000-page plan for health care reform.

Dec. 24, 2009: The Senate approves its version of health care reform in a 60-39 vote.

March 23, 2010: President Obama signs the Affordable Care Act into law.

Sept. 2010: More elements of the Affordable Care Act go into effect. No lifetime dollar limits on health care coverage; dependent children are allowed to stay on parents’ insurance until age 26; no pre-existing condition exclusions for children under the age of 19; insurers barred from requiring copayments for preventative care and vaccinations.

Nov. 14, 2011: The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear arguments in the Obamacare case brought by 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Business. It argues that elements of the Affordable Care Act are unconstitutional.

Aug. 2012: The White House confirms the Act’s “contraceptive mandate” for women’s preventative services without cost sharing: HIV screening, contraceptive counseling, domestic violence support services.

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March 2009: Newly elected President Obama organizes a health summit with doctors, insurers, drug companies, consumer advocates and lawmakers to discuss necessary changes in health care. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is appointed to run the federal Health and Human Services agency and White House Office for Health Reform.

Nov. 7, 2009: The House approves its version of health care reform in a 220-215 vote, with only one Republican voting for the bill.

March 21, 2010: The Senate’s version of the health care plan passed by the House in a 219-212 vote. All Republicans voted against it.

June 2010: The first major provision of the Affordable Care Act goes into effect, allowing adults with existing conditions to join temporary high-risk pools that expire when the Act takes effect.

Sept. 2011: Health insurers are required to go public with rate increases of 10 percent or more.

June 28, 2012: The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the major provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

Nov. 6, 2012: Obama re-elected, effectively ensuring the Affordable Care Act will survive.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TIMELINE

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LRCC Weighs in on LBWL Leadership Change and Business Impact

BY KA LYNNE MCINTY R E

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ith the recent change in leadership for Lansing’s Board of Water and Light (LBWL), the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s leadership and board of directors weighed in on behalf of its membership.

The LBWL is a publicly owned, municipal utility that provides electricity and water to the residents of the cities of Lansing and East Lansing and the surrounding townships of Delta, Delhi, Meridian and DeWitt. The LBWL also provides steam and chilled water services within the City of Lansing.

In a recent statement, the LRCC reiterated the need for LBWL board of commissioners to re-evaluate all areas of LBWL functions and called for “greater transparency and accountability”. It also voiced their concern about a recent LBWL electric rate increase and its impact on the community and its businesses.

“We can’t overstate the importance of affordable energy in our region, especially from an economic development and job creation standpoint,” said Tim Daman, LRCC president and chief executive officer.

Peter Lark fell under scrutiny regarding his leadership and handling of the 2013 ice storm power outage over one year ago. On July 22, 2014, Lark was reappointed as the general manager of LBWL by a 7-1 vote. Six months later, on January 13, 2015, the LBWL board voted to terminate Lark “for cause” in a 5-3 vote. Dick Peffley, a member of the current leadership team, was named interim general manager. Peffley held the interim position in 2006 after General Manager Sanford Novick submitted his resignation.

• July 2014 — Lark is reappointed by commissioners.

• May through December 2014 — The LBWL work toward implementing tactics to ensure a proper response time, communication tools and improve customer confidence.

• January 2015 — Lark was released as general manager.

“ WE CAN’T OVERSTATE THE IMPORTANCE OF AFFORDABLE ENERGY IN OUR REGION, ESPECIALLY FROM AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION STANDPOINT.” - TIM DAMAN

TIMELI NE : • December 2013 — Ice storm • January 2014 — Frustration mounts from perceived lack of leadership during power outage.

• February 2014 — Internal review doesn’t go deep enough.

• May 2014 — Community review team reveals its recommendations in a 75-page report to deal with slow power outage response and communication issues.

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Based on a year of wavering confidence, Daman also stated that it’s time for all parties involved, including the LBWL administration and commissioners, ratepayers and the City of Lansing leadership to think about the future of LBWL and explore all options for a secure future. One of the options the Chamber suggested was the potential sale of LBWL, which they contend would financially benefit the City of Lansing as well as the entire region.

“My view remains that the Board of Water and Light provides great value to the city as an economic development tool, and provides equity payments to the city that would cease if we accepted a one-

FEBRUARY 2015

NEWS

time windfall,” Mayor Virg Bernero said. “I continue to believe we are better off retaining the asset, while addressing the issues of accountability and effective governance.”

P H OTO B Y M A R K WA R NER

Lark’s attorney, George Brookover, stated for the record that Lark would be contesting the dismissal, believing it not to have cause.

If Lark is found to have been released “with cause”, LBWL could payout as little as six month’s pay ($129,251). If it is determined that he was fired without cause, LBWL is responsible for the full amount of his remaining five-year contract, which totals out to $900,000.

Since the LBWL is an asset owned by the City of Lansing residents and taxpayers, money used to compensate Lark will come from tax dollars, including commercial businesses that are currently LBWL customers. The LRCC contends this will have an impact on the business community.

Kalynne McIntyre is the Digital Branding Specialist at M3 Group in downtown Lansing. She is a Michigan State University graduate, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising.

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F E AT U R E

Out With the Old, in With the New: Cadillac Unveils the New V-Series

BY V IRGINIA BERNERO

I

t was an exciting start to the North American International Auto Show with a special presentation from Cadillac on Tuesday, Jan 13. While concept cars from Maserati, Toyota, Honda, Infinity and more were on display, Cadillac took the opportunity to unveil their brand new CTS-V. This unveiling marks the third of eight in the V-series to be released.

P H OTO S B Y V IRG I N I A B ER N ERO

The news was especially exciting for Lansing’s GM Grand River plant. Mike Green, president of the UAW Local 652, which represents the Grand River plant, was pleased to be entrusted with the work on GM’s new line of products, and attended Tuesday’s event.

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero had the chance to express his gratitude to GM CEO Mary Barra, who sat just one row ahead of him during the unveiling of the new CTS-V. His delegation from Lansing included Mike Green, Scott Dedic, UAW representative, Randy Freeman, UAW Local 652 vice president and Bill Reed, UAW Local 602 president.

Mayor Virg Bernero and GM CEO Mary Barra

“To have this product coming out of Lansing, out of Michigan is a great source of pride for us as well as for many of our residents,” Bernero said. “They’re committed to “TO HAVE THIS PRODUCT COMING Lansing for the long haul so that’s very OUT OF LANSING, OUT OF exciting. Of course you can see that by the investments that are taking place, the jobs MICHIGAN IS A GREAT SOURCE that are coming.”

Despite low interest rates, the economy back on track and lower gas prices, Cadillac was the only luxury car brand to see sales in 2014 decline in the U.S.

Has the image of the brand changed? Are people looking to Audi, Lexus, BMW and Mercedes for a status symbol? The oldOF PRIDE FOR US AS WELL AS FOR The power of the new CTS-V is incomparable school image is one that Cadillac has been in its category. During President Johan fighting for decades. This is exactly what MANY OF OUR RESIDENTS.” DeNysschen’s introduction he highlighted the V-series releases intend to address. top speeds of 200 mph and 3.7 seconds of This is the new generation of Cadillac, – MAYOR VIRG BERNERO acceleration to hit 60 mph. To accomplish boasting better technology and design. this, Cadillac took its original V8 engine DeNysschen comments that the V-Series and supercharged it with a 6.2L with 640 hp and 630 lb.-ft. of are, “vehicles bristling with expressive designs, exhilarating driving torque. The true challenge DeNyssche said was, “providing pristine dynamics and precise craftsmanship.” engine performance for exhilaration, as well as everyday driving.”

Cadillac will target the more affluent, successful, young buyer The 112-year-old brand is optimistic that the momentum of these who shares the brand’s passion for excellence. The President releases will mean an up-tick in sales over the next few years. went onto say, “It is a comprehensive plan that starts with great 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

FEBRUARY 2015

products and is surrounded by an emotionally compelling brand story and outstanding customer experience.”

By 2020, Cadillac will have released 8 new cars that are expected to rival the competition. The 12 billion dollar investment into the design of these vehicles will result in Cadillac’s entry to new categories sedan and crossover cars where they do not currently exist.

The investment has already attributed to the development of Cadillac’s ATS-V coupe and sedan that are reported to be lighter and more agile than their European counterparts.

President Johan DeNysschen’s introducing the CTS-V

The brand did see an increase of sales by 5.2 percent worldwide and 47 percent growth in China, one of the fastest growing markets. Growth of luxury vehicle sales is set to outpace growth of the mass-market vehicle sales, with luxury expected to account for 10 percent of the global automotive market by 2020.

Virginia Bernero is a Central Michigan University graduate, now the Communications Specialist for M3 Group. The full service branding agency employs her to work on events and marketing for their clients and publications, including the GLBM’s own Financial Expo and Entrepreneurial Awards.

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COVER

Committed to

SAFE, SOUND, SECURE INSURANCE

BY MICKEY HIRTEN | PH OTO S B Y MA R K WA R N E R

I

n 2016, Auto-Owners Insurance Group will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

It’s been based in Lansing since 1917 and today is one of the region’s largest businesses with more than 2,000 employees, a sprawling headquarters in Delta Township and deep community roots.

The company has a motto which it has trademarked: “Safe. Sound. Secure.” It refers specifically to Auto-Owners’ investment policy and neatly characterizes the company’s culture with another “S” word added: Service — to customers, agents and employees.

While many businesses proclaim their commitment to external and internal customers, Auto-Owners Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey F. Harrold attributes his company’s longevity and success in a very competitive business to these attributes.

“One of the things we do differently is work with independent agents. We are in a profession that offers a lot of choices. We work with agents that work with a lot of choices. We have to focus on what is best for the customer ... taking care of customer needs,” Harrold said.

It is how Auto-Owners has worked its way onto the Fortune 500 list and consistently is recognized by the insurance rating agency, A.M. Best, for its financial strength and stability.

18

Auto-Owners certainly is a familiar name in Lansing, and there is much below the surface. Under the umbrella of AutoOwners Insurance Group are five property and casualty companies and one life/health/ annuity insurer. Together they have assets for the 2014 fiscal year totaling $19.2 billion, and with 5.1 million personal, commercial and life insurance policies in force. The company operates in 26 states with 6,000 insurance agencies and 38,000 agents.

This management approach started in the late 1960s, even before Harrold worked for Auto-Owners. He joined the company in 1977 after graduating from Ferris State University, where he focused on insurance, risk management and other business course work. It was an academic path that reinforced the career he planned as a young boy.

“WE HAVE 12 MEMBERS ON

Keeping it all together is Harrold, head of a management team whose most junior member has 20 years of experience with the company.

Harrold attributes Auto-Owners’ success to its collaborative culture, which the leadership embraces. “We have 12 members on this team with 370 years of combined experience. We have some very brilliant people, but none are as strong as all 12 together.” He also cites the 10 core values that frame its internal and external relationships. They are: honesty, prudence, the team, opportunities for associates, stability and consistency, hard work, loyalty, relationships, the customer and profit.

As for the leadership team, they meet as a group almost daily, often at lunch, for meetings that last as long as an hour-and-ahalf, Harrold said. “When you have a culture that has that much connection, it makes it more comfortable.”

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THIS TEAM WITH 370 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE. WE HAVE SOME VERY BRILLIANT PEOPLE, BUT NONE ARE AS STRONG AS ALL 12 TOGETHER” - JEFFREY F. HARROLD “It’s an interesting thing; my dad was an insurance agent in northern Michigan, and I asked him, as a kid, why he was in the business. We talked about it and he said it was the only business where you had the privilege to put lives back together,” Harrold said. “My dad’s goal was to bring his kids into the business. He called his work noble work.”

COVER

President of Auto-Owners Insurance Jeff Tagsold, Chairman and CEO Jeffrey F. Harrold and Executive Vice President Katie Noirot.

At Auto-Owners, Harrold advanced steadily through the ranks. He said the company takes pride in promoting from within, and his career reflects that.

After college, Harrold started in the company’s property-casualty operations where he stayed until 1998 when he moved to the life company. Clearly targeted for larger roles, in 2002 he assumed oversight of property-casualty branch underwriting operations. In 2004, he was named vice president, and by 2005 he was given responsibility for home office propertycasualty underwriting and the marketing division, which included sales, marketing, regional sales operations and agency automation systems support. Harrold was

named president of Auto-Owners Insurance group in 2008 and in 2010 became CEO. The chairman title was added in 2011.

His role at Auto-Owners comes with outside responsibilities, which for Harrold means a commitment to education.

In 2012, he was awarded The Griffith Insurance Education Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Griffith is a nonprofit institution that provides educational programs and resources to support the academic study of risk management and insurance nationwide. Harrold has served as chairman of Griffith’s Insurance Education Institute and is on the Leadership Advisory Board for Ferris State University College of Business.

To ensure that it attracts the talent that it needs, the insurance industry is committed to education initiatives that encourage students to follow the same path as Harrold.

It’s self-serving, but in the right way.

Harrold identifies that one of the major challenges facing Auto-Owners is finding talented people.

“A company is only as good as the people you have to lead it. We have been very fortunate to have a strong community and a strong base in Michigan State, Mount Pleasant (Central Michigan University) and Grand Rapids (Grand Valley State University). We focus hard on recruiting and have a great message and a strong culture,” he said.

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COVER

Part of that culture is the company’s community outreach. Auto-Owners and its employees have supported organizations as diverse as the March of Dimes, Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross and Wharton Center for the Performing Arts. It provides sponsorships, volunteers and advertising support and it encourages its senior officers to serve as board members for local charities and service organizations.

Auto-Owners nurtures a local community spirit that has contributed to its success.

“Lansing is a great community. It’s been a great place for Auto-Owners to grow,” Harrold said, praising the community and corporate spirit.

In an era of business consolidations, insurance remains intensely competitive and subject to the uncertainties of the rapidly changing financial, sales, marketing and legal environment.

“If there is something that keeps me up at night, it is tomorrow. I look at the future of our company and our industry and how do we keep it going? It’s a complicated business that most people don’t understand,” Harrold said. There are threats from new players in the industry, like Wal-Mart, which has recently entered the insurance business; there is an exacting regulatory climate, and there are, of course, financial pressures.

“The investment side has always been very strong — safe, sound and secure. Many years ago I was given this advice: Don’t gamble with the future of those who entrust us with their future.” This conservative approach is reflected in Auto-Owners’ investment portfolio, which is heavily weighted toward bonds rather than stocks. Harrold noted the industry’s commitment to municipal bonds, a safe investment that has the added benefit of helping fund roads, schools and other community infrastructure.

In recent years, while the investment side of Auto-Owners has done well, the

underwriting side stumbled. In the 2013 annual report published on the company’s web site, Harrold offered this assessment of the company’s performance: “Not only did we continue in our efforts toward profitability (earning our second consecutive underwriting profit after

Local CEO Spotlight - Auto-Owners A: Whether 2014 or any year, our most notable accomplishment is that we help people put their lives back together.

We are a service industry that people don’t really understand and often don’t like. But when they need us, our role is to help them with the tragedy they are faced with, and dealing with, at the time.

For almost 100 years (we celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2016) we have focused on helping people deal with such issues and put their lives back together.

JE FFR E Y F. HAR RO L D CHAIRMAN & C EO 3 8 Y E AR S

Q: Tell us about you/your organization’s most notable accomplishment of 2014?

20

Q: What was the biggest change or challenge of 2014?

A: I would say we faced two and are working on them. This is not to say there aren’t many other challenges within the industry, but to me, our ongoing and biggest challenges are keeping up with technology and having the right people to implement our plans and programs.

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

FEBRUARY 2015

Q: In your industry, what trends were adopted in 2014 and how do you see trends changing in 2015?

A: Once again, I see the progression of technology. And then right along with this is the competition for the product.

Insurance is complex. It is not a “one size fits all approach” that some think it is. It is not like buying shoes over the internet and sending them back if they don’t fit.

Insurance is a complex issue and the right coverages are very important. So, people who think they can analyze their entire financial and life needs in 15 minutes or less are underestimating the seriousness of their current lives, and their futures.

Guessing on what would be okay is fine, but finding out at the time of a loss you have inadequate or inappropriate coverage is definitely the wrong time.

So, while technology is commoditizing the process, commoditizing professional

COVER

people don’t deserve.” He used the example of roof repair — people being paid for a full replacement, and not following through with it.

He said Auto-Owners addressed these problems head on. “Back to basics and common sense.” It is what has worked for Auto-Owners’ first 99 years, and is the formula for its future.

four straight years without one), but we improved efficiency in almost every division of the company.”

Harrold stressed that Auto-Owners as a company remained profitable during years of underwriting losses, but he acknowledged that the company “let down its standards ...

service and guidance may not be the right thing for everyone, or in our minds, for anyone.

Q: What has made it possible for you to get where you are today?

A: Our corporate success has come from a culture of “always doing the right thing and taking care of the customer.”

This is a service industry and you thrive and survive by your commitment to service and your customers. We have a culture built upon 10 core values where this commitment and passion lives and thrives in all that we do. If you are asking about any personal success, I believe the same attributes pertain, but enhanced by a team that focuses on helping people become better than their own abilities. We are very team focused here, and all of us are made better and given opportunities to be better as a

maybe for fast growth. For some classes of business you can give discounts for certain features. But you have to make sure those features exist.”

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.

He cited this example: “If someone says they have a central alarm system, but you don’t verify it, you give out discounts that

result of the team atmosphere. Whether corporately or personally, I have always liked Zig Ziglar’s statement: “there is no traffic jam on the second mile of life!”

Those who are willing to go the second mile, consistently, will reap the rewards associated with all the hard work and commitment.

Q: What do you think is the key to success?

A: There are lots of thoughts and no one way. I shared some thoughts above (taking care of the customer, going the second mile). I had a former CEO who always spoke of taking care of the people. He said, while our business is technical, with time and effort, most can learn it. But the real success comes in being able to work and understand people. My favorite, however, is a verse I was given years ago. To paraphrase it, it

goes like this: “Do Justly” (always do the right thing) “Love Mercy” (be willing to forgive, people will hurt you) and “Walk Humbly” (there is always someone, some company, better than you). I haven’t always lived up to this, but what a great example for life!

Q: What would friends and family say is your biggest quirk?

A: I am probably a little anal about time.

I don’t like being late for meetings, I don’t like others late for meetings. I see it as a lack of respect for others and their time demands. My kids will also tell you that I plan things to the minute. For example, if we are taking a trip of 250 miles, I will usually tell them what time we will arrive, to the minute. Usually, I am spot on, which drives them crazy.

I am sure there are worse things, but I don’t need to go into too much detail.

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F E AT U R E

Michigan Inauguration 2015 P HOTOS BY MARK WAR N E R

The inauguration of Governor Rick Snyder took place at noon on Jan. 1 on the steps of the state Capitol. Snyder’s inauguration began with his official swearing in as Michigan’s 48th governor. The inauguration theme “Michigan: Relentless, Resilient, Reinvented” highlighted the tenacity of our state and the foundation Snyder has built for Michigan’s

future. Other statewide officials to take their oaths of office included Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson; Attorney General, Bill Schuette, as well as newly elected leaders on the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Board of Education and the university governing boards.

Governor Rick Snyder

Members of the Armed Forces The inauguration takes place on the Capitol stairs

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson 22

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

Veterans participate in the inauguration FEBRUARY 2015

F E AT U R E

Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. swearing in Governor Rick Snyder

Justices of the Michigan Supreme Court David Viviano, Richard Bernstein and Brian Zahra

Spectators look on as the 48th Governor is sworn in

Members of the State Board of Education Casandra Ulbrich and Pamela Pugh Smith

An artillery salute took place at the inauguration

Lt. Governor Brian Calley

Pastor Lawrence Glass Jr. L

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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

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SPONSORED BY SIENA

A Primer on Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAS) W HAT I S A TR AD I T I O N AL I RA?

Roth IRAs to avoid or limit their required minimum distributions.

A traditional IRA permits investors to make limited annual contributions that are tax deductible from ordinary income with some limitations, such as individuals covered by an employer plan. For those individuals age 50 and older, an additional annual catch-up contribution is permitted.

W H AT I S A R O T H I R A ?

IRA

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AT W HAT AGE M AY I B E G I N WI T H D RAWIN G M ONE Y FROM M Y I RA WI T H O U T P E N ALTY ?

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W HAT I S A R E Q U I R E D M I N I M U M D I ST RIBU TIO N AT AG E 7 0 ½ ?

Upon obtaining the age of 70 ½, an individual must begin taking annual distributions from a traditional IRA. The Internal Revenue Service publishes a standard life expectancy table that is used in determining your required minimum distributions. Failure to take a distribution will result in a 50 percent penalty of the difference between the required minimum distribution and the amount you actually withdrew.

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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

An individual with earned income may make a limited direct contribution to a Roth IRA. This contribution is not deductible against ordinary income; however, all contributions and investment earnings are completely sheltered from taxation both before and after distribution.

Similar to a traditional IRA, an individual may begin receiving qualified distributions (i.e., without penalty) upon obtaining the age of 59 ½ or within qualified exceptions to be discussed with your adviser.

The classic law school refrain applies to this question: “it depends.” Depending upon your current income and your corresponding tax bracket, along with your income need, if any, for distributions from your IRA upon obtaining the age 70 ½, your adviser will construct a decision tree for analysis. If it is determined, upon consultation and review with your adviser, that it is beneficial to convert (or partially convert) a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, your adviser should strategically plan for distributions based upon tax modeling. If it is determined that a conversion is appropriate then the conversion must be completed by December 31st of the calendar year.

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GLBM LIST

Insurance Agencies Agency Name

Address

City

Phone

Website

Al Bourdeau Insurance Agency

2660 East Grand River Ave

East Lansing

(517) 351-4188

albourdeau.com

Allstate Insurance - Nicholas Norris

228 S. Waverly Rd.

Lansing

(517) 323-4500

agents.allstate.com/nicholas-norris-lansing-mi.html

Allstate Insurance - Pam Currie

4787 Okemos Rd Ste 2

Okemos

(517) 349-4820

agents.allstate.com/pam-currie-okemos-mi.html

America One of Lansing

2380 Science Parkway

Okemos

(517) 349-1988

americaoneinsurance.com

Arnouts Insurance Agency

4451 Okemos Rd

Okemos

(517) 347-1466

arnoutsins.com

East Lansing

(517) 351-5600

elansinginsurance.com

5700 W. Mount Hope Hwy

Lansing

(517) 321-4600

davidchapmanagency.com

2119 Haslett Rd, STE A

Haslett

(517) 339-4020

greghungerford.com

Greg Lemanski - State Farm

3323 West Saginaw

Lansing

(517) 321-5656

greglemanski.net

Hacker-King Sherry Agency

2205 Abbott Rd

East Lansing

(517) 337-6000

hackerkingsherry.com

IT Risk Managers of Michigan

4225 Okemos Rd

Okemos

(517) 381-9909

itriskmanagers.com

McDaniels Insurance Agency

411 West Lake Lansing Rd #100

East Lansing

(517) 333-2027

farmbureauinsurance-mi.com/agent/jim-mcdaniels/

2760 East Lansing Drive #1

East Lansing

(517) 351-9117

mllins.com

Mourer Foster Inc.

615 North Capitol Avenue

Lansing

(517) 371-2300

mourerfoster.com

Payne Insurance Agency

1409 Westport Drive

Lansing

(517) 321-6624

payneinsurance.com

Pohl Insurance Agency

4600 West Saginaw

Lansing

(517) 323-4805

pohlinsurance.com

Rathbun Agency

529 W. Saginaw

Lansing

(517) 482-1316

rathbunagency.com

Regency Insurance Group, Inc

1690 Watertower Place #500

East Lansing

(517) 664-2770

regency-group.com

SCW Agency Group, Inc.

1301 North Hagadorn Suite 200

East Lansing

(800) 968-4929

scwinc.com

Spalding Insurance

1401 East Lansing Drive #103

East Lansing

(517) 337-3200

sia1905.com

Stark Agency Inc

431 North Clippert

Lansing

(517) 332-7500

starkagency.net

The Savage Agency - Allstate

1660 Haslett Rd #3

Haslett

(517) 481-4440

agents.allstate.com/justin-savage-haslett-mi.html

Union Services Agency

119 Pere Marquette Drive #1A

Lansing

(517) 482-6700

unionservicesagency.com

Vos Insurance Services, Inc.

2395 Jolly Rd

Okemos

(517) 347-6100

vossins.com

Dan Kasischke, State Farm

David Chapman Agency Greg Hungerford - State Farm Insurance

Meiers Lombardini Lemanski Insurance

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735 West Lake Lansing Rd, STE 125

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

FEBRUARY 2015

GLBM LIST

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

Services

Hours of Operation

Date Established

Number of Employees

Leadership

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.

1921

120

Robert L. Bourdeau, President

Home and Auto Insurance

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

2007

1

Nicholas Norris, Owner

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1990

1+

Pam Currie, Owner

1971

2

Debbie Judge and Brenda Simon, Owners

Home and Auto Insurance

Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1999

100+

Jim Arnouts, President

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1989

5

Dan Kasischke, Owner

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1976

53

David Chapman, President

2010

3

Greg Hungerford, Owner

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday Evenings by appointment

Insurance and Financial services

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1985

9

Greg Lemanski, Owner

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1919

16

Ed Sherry and Diane Scarlett, Management

Call for hours

2000

10+

Lawrence E. Harb, President and CEO

Multi-line

Call for hours

2010

1

Jim McDaniels, Owner

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1976

7

Robert Meiers and Will Lemanski, Co-Owners

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1933

8

John Foster, President

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1977

3

Carl and Rebecca Payne, Co-Founders

Home and Auto Insurance

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1977

5

Mark Pricco, President

1956

15

John Keel, President

Technology (Network) Insurance and Risk Management

Multi-line

Office: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Phone: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Kagen Cooksley and Kevin Koelemeyer, Senior

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1981

50

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1991

3

Kristina M. Manoogian, President

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1983

4

Jon D. Spalding, Owner

Home and Auto Insurance

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1973

5

Alan Stark, Agency Principal

2014

1

Justin Savage, Owner

Multi-line

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Agents

Business Insurance

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

1996

8

Sally Corbin, J.D., CEO; Gary Corbin, President

Multi-line

Call for hours

1991

8

Jack Voss, CEO; Scott M. Voss, President

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MAN ON THE STREET

M AN on the STR E ET What are your thoughts on life insurance? Should people have it?

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

“Yes, you should have life insurance to protect your loved ones.”

Chad Ross

“Yes, I have it so I know my family is protected.”

Dennis Marvin

“You need life insurance to secure your kid’s future and make sure they are taken care of.”

Sarah Cunningham & Tracey Lackman

“You should probably have it. I’m not really concerned about that yet. I am still on my parent’s insurance.”

Chris Derocher

“Well, I have it because I have three kids. Two are in college and you never know what could happen. You want to make sure your kids are covered and protected; accidents happen.”

Larry Ward

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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

FEBRUARY 2015

Your LOCAL

BUSINESS LENDER Chris Nugent

Denise Kratzer

Adam Goss

Jane Sherzer

When you need a business loan, open new opportunities by turning to Horizon – your hometown bank. Our trusted loan advisors are more than financial experts. They’re your neighbors – local professionals who have the insight and experience to get you the loan you need to help your business thrive.

Talk To Your Local Business Lender Today!

Dan Wilkinson

East Lansing 1600 Abbott Road (517) 664-1912

Okemos 2151 W. Grand River (517) 853-5960

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REGIONAL ROUNDUP

Rolling Out the Red Carpet in Meridian Township

BY P E TER MENS ER

A

ttracting jobs and new investments is a competitive business. Communities across Michigan compete daily to lure in the next “big fish” and to keep retail and commercial sectors strong. There is no question a healthy commercial and retail base leads to vibrant residential growth. Besides providing jobs and growing the tax base, a key component of economic development is to strengthen residential property values.

2013 Meridian Township has welcomed over $140 million in new and redevelopment projects. In 2014 we saw 40 new businesses and $23.5 million in new commercial construction, including the addition of global retailer H&M at the Meridian Mall, the opening of Cravings Popcorn, construction of a new Flagstar Bank, and a new assisted living facility, The Willows. New community investment doesn’t happen without a plan and an attitude of openness.

To compete with the other 1,200 Michigan communities vying for the same investment, we talk frequently about “rolling out the red carpet.” In early 2013 the Meridian Township Board set a goal of improving the business climate and overall customer service. This has led to major new development in the last 24 months. Since January

Meridian Township has proven to be a community of choice with nationally recognized schools, an unparalleled park system, 70 miles of walking paths, a year round Farmers Market, a commitment to protecting the environment and expanding diversity, and proximity to one of the country’s premiere institutions in Michigan State University. The primary focus is on creating and fostering an atmosphere where business can flourish. The Meridian community is a special one, with extraordinary demographics and prime locations that are advantageous for any enterprise.

WE MUST KEEP OUR RED CARPET SPOT-FREE AND PROJECT A WELCOMING ATTITUDE TO NEW BUSINESS, RESIDENTS, AND VISITORS. WE ARE MOVING MERIDIAN FORWARD.

Cravings Popcorn (top) and Flagstar Bank (bottom) are two of many new businesses in Meridian Township.

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FEBRUARY 2015

In Meridian Township we are focused on encouraging new growth in Haslett, Carriage Hills, the Grand River Corridor, Meridian Mall and downtown Okemos. The Meridian Township Board has its sights on enhancing economic development efforts and is firmly committed to making Meridian Township a great place to do business. We focus on removing obstacles and developing relationships. A dedicated economic development staffer works closely with the business community to offer enhanced communication and provide one-stop shopping.

The business community has one person to talk to so they can spend more time doing what is most important to them, running their businesses.

Our economic development staff is here to simplify the public process so businesses know

REGIONAL ROUNDUP

P H OTOS PROVIDED

where and how to get what they need. No more searching for an answer or the right department; staff can make the connection and do the legwork for you.

Meridian Township can provide the resources needed to launch businesses and the support their growth. We also partner with local organizations to better support the needs of the business community. Our economic development staff works closely with the Meridian Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Meridian Area Business Association (MABA), and the Meridian Area Resource Center (MARC).

The MARC is a public/private initiative that serves as a business incubator and support center offering office space, training, and networking opportunities.

Meridian Township is again poised to thrive in 2015. Looking ahead, there are already several projects on the horizon.

The Meridian Mall is adding space for retailer Gordman’s, the first Whole Foods grocery store in mid-Michigan is under construction, a new salon is planned for Douglas J, a new MSU Federal Credit Union branch, a Residence Inn hotel, the expansion of Mert’s Meats, a Home2 Suites Hilton hotel, a new Aldi grocery store and a new Doggy Day Care and Spa. Our goal in Meridian Township is to continue to move forward with “smart” growth. We must keep our red carpet spot-free and project a welcoming attitude to new business, residents, and visitors. We are Moving Meridian Forward.

Peter Menser is economic development staff for the Charter Township of Meridian. He works in the Department of Community Planning and Development, serving as a liaison to the Meridian business community as well as working on development projects and policy. Peter graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning in 2002 and a Master’s in Public Administration in 2012.

Meridian Township is looking forward to new developments in 2015, one including a Residence Inn Hotel.

10254 W. Grand River Hwy Grand Ledge, MI 48837 (517) 627-4600 tlhart.com

TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE If you are a homeowner, own or manage a commercial building, or are an industrial user, our team at T. L. Hart, Inc. is well-equipped to meet your painting needs.

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COLLECTIBLES

You Don’t Know What it’s Worth Until You Try to Sell it

BY PATRICK A. HEL L E R

W

hat is something worth?

This is the question we are asked hundreds of times a day. There are many possible answers; there is the current prevailing retail price, the catalog value, the wholesale market bids and asks, the insurance replacement value and many more. When customers come to our store, they almost always want to know what Liberty Coin Service would offer to purchase the item.

If you are trying to find out how much you can receive by liquidating your collectibles, you can find a lot of research on the internet and search online auctions for recent sales of the same product in identical condition. You can also check the archives of prices realized in past auctions that are frequently posted by most active auctioneers or search for what current selling prices might be. This last option might not tell you what you could sell your holdings for, but it will give you an idea of the range of what you might get.

In doing this research, you have to be extremely careful that you are comparing the exact same item in identical condition to what you own. Recently, I received an email from a woman who insisted that she owned a scarce 1957 $1 Silver Certificate that her research led her to believe was rare and possibly worth $2,500. I tried to explain that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing had produced 718 million specimens of the note she owned, so it wasn’t rare. I also explained that Liberty Coin probably had hundreds of them in stock (also a sign that it was not rare) and that she could purchase all we had for $1.50 per note — she didn’t like that answer, but the truth can be a hard pill for some people to swallow.

When my company sells large quantities of physical bullion-priced gold to retail, it is not uncommon for the price we would pay the public to purchase the same merchandise at the same time to be 95 percent or more of our retail selling price. For smaller quantities and for other products we handle, we offer less money relative to our retail selling price. It is not unusual that we might only offer $25 for an obscure collectible that we might be able to retail for $50 or more.

From decades of buying and selling many forms of collectibles, I know that many collectibles have a huge difference between their retail selling prices and what dealers would pay the public to purchase them. It is often a much wider spread than collectors realize.

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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

For this reason, I often encourage a collector to try to sell one or more of the pieces in their holdings — for the sake of learning the spread between buy and sell prices. It may happen that the results leave the collector comfortable with continuing to amass their holdings.

But I also know of many instances where collectors who thought they were making a fortune with what they purchased, found out that they were, in fact, taking unacceptable losses. Invariably, their enthusiasm stopped right then.

If you own collectibles because you want to own them, without regard to the financial consequences, that is fine. I know many people who have made nice profits on a wide variety of collectibles.

On the other hand, I know members of my own extended family who no longer purchase, for example, collector plates or figurines, because they are virtually unsaleable at all and are certainly not worth anywhere near what they paid.

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

FEBRUARY 2015

ENTREPRENEURS UNITE

GREATER LANSING BUSINESS MONTHLY PRESENTS THE 2015 ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARDS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW Support local entrepreneurship by being a part of the 21st Anniversary of the GLBM Entrepreneurial Awards.

DATE Thursday, March 12, 2015

Purchase a ticket, corporate table or be a sponsor at this year’s event.

SOCIAL HOUR 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information go to lansingbusinessnews.com.

AWARDS PROGRAM BEGINS

To get involved contact Virginia at (517) 203-0123 or virginia@m3group.biz.

7:15 p.m.

Good luck to all of the 2015 nominees!

ADDRESS The University Club 3435 Forest Road, Lansing

lansingbusinessnews.com/entrepreneurial-awards

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BUSINESS CALENDAR

February 2015 BUSINESS EVENTS

2/4

P H OTO BY T H E F R ES H I MAGE PHOTOGR APHY L LC

HOW TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE, LANSING. In this informative one-day class you will learn how to turn every customer into an ally, outdo your competition, eliminate negative situations and overcome burnout and stress. Pryor’s trained professionals will help your company get on track to the road of success. This course will be held at Best Western Plus, located at 6820 S. Cedar St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cost to attend this session is $179/person. For more information, visit pryor.com or call (800) 944-8503.

2/6

4TH ANNUAL HOUSE PARTY, LANSING. Habitat for Humanity Lansing will host their 4th Annual House Party fundraiser in style at the University Club of MSU. The event will feature music by The Black Barn Band and a silent auction. Join them for an opportunity to have a great night and give back at the same time. This fun-filled evening will be held from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $75/person or $750/table of 10.

One hundred percent of the proceeds go back to Habitat for Humanity Lansing to help eliminate poverty housing in the Greater Lansing area. Email dena@habitatlansing.org, visit habitatlansing.org or call (517) 374-1313 x. 20.

2/10

103RD ANNUAL DINNER, EAST LANSING. Join the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce for their 103rd Annual Dinner. This event hosts more than 800 attendees, making this the premier networking event in the region.

The evening will include honoring outgoing chair and board members, remarks from the Chamber’s incoming Board Chair, honoring the ATHENA and ATHENAPowerLink recipients and more. This year’s dinner will be held at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. Early Bird tickets are $85/member, $140/nonmember or $630/table of eight or regular tickets for $95/member, $140/non-member and $710/table of eight. For more information, visit lansingchamber.org.

2/22

MSU MUSEUM CHOCOLATE PARTY BENEFIT, EAST LANSING. Join the MSU Museum for their 26th Annual Chocolate Party Benefit. Watch as culinary competitors create edible masterpieces inspired by the film Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and sample their delectable chocolate confections. On display will also be exhibits showcasing artifacts and specimens from the science and culture collections. Proceeds help to fund proper care of the Museum’s collections. Ticket prices are as follows: pre-general admission tickets 36

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

Dave Dombrowski, the General Manager of the Detroit Tigers speaking at the Economic Club luncheon. are $30/person, Museum member tickets are $25/person, tickets at the door are $35/person or premier chocolatier tickets are $75/ person and include early party preview, samples of competition and chocolatier pieces, master chef demonstration and a one-year MSU Museum membership. Don’t miss this fun event being held at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, located at 219 South Harrison Road, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call (517) 355-2370.

3/10

HUMAN RESOURCE RECORD KEEPING: LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, LANSING. Join the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for this informative session, Human Resource Record Keeping: Legal Requirements. Learn how to create, maintain and utilize vital documents; what goes in and what stays out of an employee file, documenting FMLA and more. This session will be held at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, located at 600 South Walnut, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $270/members and $295/non-members. Participants will receive six credits toward the Basic of Advanced Human Resource Certification Programs. Visit michamber.com.

3/12

BUSINESS AND BAGELS, EAST LANSING. Join Michigan State University for Business and Bagels: Leveraging Analytics to Increase Organizational Value with Dr. Cheri Speier-Pero, Professor of Information Systems, Broad College of Business, Michigan State University. Enjoy bagels

FEBRUARY 2015

BUSINESS CALENDAR

from 7:30 to 8 a.m., business from 8 to 9 a.m. and a question and answer session from 9 to 9:15 a.m. Business and Bagels will be held at The James B. Henry Center for Executive Development, located at 3535 Forest Road. The cost to attend is $30/person. For more information, call (517) 353-8711.

3/20

MSU MUSEUM’S WINE TASTING BENEFIT, EAST LANSING. Spend an evening with your friends from the MSU Museum for their Wine Tasting Benefit. The evening will include more than 100 Michigan, national and international wines; hors d’oeuvres; a silent auction and door prizes. Vendors will be on hand to answer questions. Proceeds from the event will benefit MSU Museum programs. This fun-filled evening will take place at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $45/ person. Visit museum.msu.edu or call (517) 355-1855.

3/25

PAYING EMPLOYEES: OVERTIME & WAGE COMPENSATION, LANSING. Join the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for a class Paying Employees: Overtime & Wage Compensation. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has become a hot issue for litigation recently. This informative one-day session will help you decide whether or not your employee pay practices are in order and how to protect your company from overtime and wage compensation lawsuits. This seminar qualifies as six credits toward the Basic or Advanced Human Resource Compliance and Tax Policy and Finance Compliance Certification Programs. This session will be held at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, located at 600 South Walnut, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The cost to attend is $270/members and $295/non-members. Visit michamber.com.

UNW ND

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N O TA B L E N E W S

EXPERIENCE THE EIGHTH ANNUAL MSUFCU STUDENT ART EXHIBIT

2015 If you haven’t yet experienced the MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit, stop by MSUFCU Headquarters in East Lansing from Feb. 1 through 25 to see the talent from our young local artists.

Artwork from 15 mid-Michigan high schools will be on display with students hoping to earn your votes.

EATON RAPIDS HIGHLIGHTS “2014 BEST OF EATON RAPIDS” The City of Eaton Rapids is pleased to highlight a few of its most memorable news and happenings of 2014.

Eaton Rapids Medical Center (ERMC) ranks as the number one hospital in Michigan for patient satisfaction, meeting 100 percent of the quality measures set by Medicare.

Lindsay Peters, Director of Marketing and Development at ERMC, received the 2014 Caring About Women Locally Award by the Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine.

Linda Reid, RN, BSN at ERMC was named the Lansing State Journal’s Nurse of the Year.

Dr. Harshini Jayasuriya (Dr. Hershey) was appointed the new Medical Director for the ERMC Family Practice and Redicare and Dr. Erica Austin joined ERMC as a Neurologist.

Larry Weeks was named the new Eaton Rapids Police Chief.

Troy Stowell was named Quality of Life Director for the City of Eaton Rapids.

Mike Smith, Eaton Rapids Public Schools head football coach, was named the 38

“We love this event,” said April Clobes, Executive Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. “Our local students are very talented, and we are excited to be able to share their work with our community. I hope everyone is able to visit this year and cast their votes for their favorite pieces.”

The public is invited to the lobby of the MSUFCU Headquarters to view students’ artwork and vote all month long. You can also view the artwork and vote online starting Sunday, Feb. 1, at msufcuart.com. Votes help determine the People’s Choice Awards and a School Spirit Award, given to the high school that draws the most voters.

Visit the MSUFCU Headquarters at 3777 West Road, East Lansing beginning Monday, Feb. 2 during normal business hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

2014 Regional Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA).

DICK PEFFLEY NAMED BWL INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER Dick Peffley, a 38 year veteran of the Lansing Board of Water & Light, was named as Interim General Manager by the BWL Board of Commissioners today. Peffley’s appointment followed the Board dismissal of J. Peter Lark by a 5-3 vote.

Peffley previously served as Interim General Manager in 2006-7. He most recently served as Executive Director of Operations and before that as Executive Director of Water Operations.

Peffley’s experience at the BWL is extensive.

Peffley was the project manager for the $182 million REO Cogeneration Plant and Headquarters, which came in on time and on budget. He was the project manager for the $23 million repair and refurbishment of the Wise Road Water Conditioning Plant following a chemical accident. Peffley led the Water Department’s efforts that distributed a record-breaking one billion gallons of water in a single month to customers during the heat wave in July 2013, and repaired a record number of frozen water lines and

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

FEBRUARY 2015

water main breaks during last winter’s deep freeze. He led the BWL’s redevelopment effort to sell the former Ottawa Power Station that became headquarters for the Accident Fund. Peffley was the project manager for the $20 million Chilled Water Plant, which came in on time and on budget, named after his father, BWL retiree Roy E. Peffley.

“There’s no one who is more universally respected at the BWL and knowledgeable about our operations than Dick Peffley,” said Board Chair David Price. “Dick will bring seasoned and steady leadership to the BWL at a time when it’s most needed.”

GM NAMES MIKE TREVORROW TO LEAD LANSING PLANTS General Motors recently appointed Mike Trevorrow as the Lansing Regional Plant Manager effective Jan. 1. He will lead a team of more than 5,000 employees with responsibility for: • Lansing Grand River, GM’s second-

newest U.S. assembly plant and the manufacturing home of the Cadillac CTS and ATS family of vehicles.

• Lansing Delta Township Assembly,

GM’s newest plant in North America

N O TA B L E N E W S

and the manufacturing home of the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave.

• Lansing Regional Stamping Plant and

the Logistics Optimization Center.

Trevorrow’s past assignments include various manufacturing and quality leadership positions at Flint Tool and Die, Japan, Marion Metal Center and Fort Wayne Assembly. He has also held positions of increasing scope and leadership responsibility in Mechanical Engineering Body Systems, Die Engineering and Finance.

Trevorrow has worked for GM for 29 years.

For more information about Maner Costerisan, visit manersolutions.com.

AMBOY CPA FIRM JOINS WARMELS & COMSTOCK PLLC

PLLC and Charles Garfield Amboy PC CPA have announced the merger of their firms as of Jan. 1, 2015. They will practice under the name Warmels & Comstock PLLC at 3505 Coolidge Rd. in the Maynard Professional Centre.

The two East Lansing certified public accounting firms of Warmels & Comstock

For the past 28 years, the much smaller Amboy firm has had its offices at Northwind

DESIGN

Most recently, Trevorrow was the executive director of Global Manufacturing Engineering Body Systems, making him responsible for dies, stamping and body shops around the world.

Whether you’re looking to build your brand image from the ground up or you have a one-off design project for us, our professional and award-winning team of graphic designers allows you to keep your mind focused on your business.

Tony Francavilla will become executive director of General Motors Global Supplier Quality.

PRINT

MANER COSTERISAN SELECTED AS A MEMBER OF BOB SCOTT’S VAR STARS FOR 2014

Our digital printing method eliminates multiple steps in the printing process saving you time and money. Our inhouse digital printing facility offers both small and large format capabilities, from small business cards to large trade show displays and signage.

Maner Costerisan was selected as a member of Bob Scott’s VAR Stars for 2014, a group of 100 organizations honored for their accomplishments in the field of mid-market financial software. Based in Lansing, Mich., Maner Costerisan’s Business Solutions and Technology Department sells and supports Microsoft Dynamics GP, the leading mid-market ERP solution and Intacct, the fastest growing mid-market cloud financial software solution. An Intacct President’s Club member, Maner Costerisan is widely recognized as a pioneer in cloud-based accounting software solutions.

Companies featured in the VAR Stars list are selected based on growth, industry leadership and recognition, and innovation. Selection is not based on revenue, and those firms chosen represent a wide range of sizes, as well as many different publishers of accounting software.

SUPPORT We offer various services to support the design & print process throughout your project timeline, such as scanning, mailing, installation, display system hardware, and more. For a full list, please visit our website.

capital-imaging.com We’re kicking off our 20 year anniversary celebration in style with a new website. Let us know what you think!

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N O TA B L E N E W S

Office Park in East Lansing, and eight years before that at the corner of M.A.C. and Grand River Ave. Now becoming a partner at Warmels & Comstock, Chuck Amboy said, “In this merger, we seek what we believe to be a perfect fit for our firm and our clients. With the combined knowledge and depth of experience of both firms, we are sure clients and the public will benefit from the available resources and expertise of this larger firm, yet with a friendly, small firm feel.”

The founding partners of Warmels & Comstock are Daniel Warmels CPA/ABV/ CFF, CVA and Kay Comstock CPA, who formed their practice in 1994, bringing together years of experience in having served with regional and national CPA firms for a variety of business and individual clients. Details about Warmels & Comstock can be viewed at its website at wccpas.com.

BEISIEGEL JOINS THE CENTENNIAL GROUP, PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP GREAT LAKES BUSINESS CENTER The Centennial Group and the Principal Financial Group announce Brad Beisiegel has joined the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Business Center.

Beisiegel Beisiegel will serve as a Financial Representative & Princor Registered Representative to work with individuals & business owners to help build plans and strategies to help ensure more financial success.

The Principal Financial Group (The Principal) is a global investment management leader offering retirement services, insurance solutions and asset management. The Lansing office is located at 511 S. Washington Ave. in Lansing, Mich. Beisiegel may be reached at (517) 346-6918 or beisiegel.brad@principal.com.

For more information, visit principal.com.

40

LCC ANNOUNCES URBAN FOREST PLAN FOR 2015

Manager and Russ Waligorski to Consumer Loans Operations Assistant Manager.

Lansing Community College (LCC) announced today its plan to create a cleaner, greener campus by planting approximately 200 trees in 2015. The proposal was approved during the Dec. 15 board meeting.

Wright has been with MSUFCU since January 2012 and was previously the Consumer Loan Operations Assistant Manager before being promoted to the Wright Adjustments Manager. He received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University.

He is also a veteran of Operation New Dawn, serving seven years in the Michigan Army National Guard.

“Every tree on campus has been inventoried, evaluated, and reviewed for condition and expected life span by four independent horticultural professionals, including an expert from Michigan State University,” LCC President Dr. Brent Knight said. “We have made an extraordinary effort to ensure that a consensus decision is reached for each and every tree.”

The finished product is envisioned as a collection of treescapes within the campus core, with links to the surrounding frame of streets and public spaces. Each new tree planted will be a robust, native species that is indigenous to the area and will be selected based on suitability and 100-year life span.

“The additional mulch, trees, and greenspace will reduce urban heat and help prevent hydrocarbons from polluting the Grand River Watershed,” said Gregory Minshall, president of civil engineering and land surveying company, Eng. Engineering & Surveying. “The leaves will also collect rain water run-off, helping to reduce flooding.”

Details of the campus improvement project include the narrowing of the sidewalks and improved landscaping between the Health and Human Services building and the Early LCC facility. For more information, visit lcc.edu.

MSUFCU ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGERS Patrick McPharlin, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of MSU Federal Credit Union, is pleased to announce the promotions of Kyle Wright to Adjustments

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FEBRUARY 2015

Waligorski began at the Credit Union in June 2010 and was a Loan Services Specialist before being promoted to the Consumer Loans Operations Assistant Waligorski Manager. He received a BA in History from Michigan State University.

AL!VE’S FITNESS CENTER OPENS NEW EXPANSION AL!VE announces a 1,500-square-foot expansion of MOVE, its fitness center.

The expanded area opened Monday, Jan. 12. It creates more space for MOVE members to stretch in BREATHE, for additional cardiovascular equipment in PULSE and adds more room in BUILD for weight training.

AL!VE invested $30,000 in new state-ofthe-art strength and cardiovascular training equipment, and a cardio theater sound system for MOVE, and added several new programs like CrossFit, POUND, PiYo and H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training).

These additions help further the fitness center’s commitment to eliminating barriers to physical activity and fitness, and AL!VE’s mission to improve the overall health and vitality of the region.

“This expansion was needed because we exceeded our membership goals just two years after opening MOVE,” said Patrick

Sustrich, executive director of AL!VE. “A positive member experience is our top priority and these additions further improve on that.”

AL!VE is an experience-based, destination health park opened by Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in November 2011. All mid-Michigan residents and visitors are welcome at AL!VE. Visit myalive.com or call (517) 541-5800 for more information.

Today you have better options in heating and cooling!

NAI MID-MICHIGAN/TMN COMMERCIAL ADDS DAVE ROBINSON TO ITS SALES FORCE NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial is pleased to announce the addition of Dave Robinson to its sales force. Dave brings his experience, expertise and professional services to NAI/TMN as Corporate Services Director.

Call 482-5501 COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INSTALLATION • SERVICE

What’s so special about the number 23?

The 23rd letter of the

While playing for the Chicago

English alphabet is W.

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There are 23 Principals at Maner Costerisan Our low 1:4.5 ratio of principals to staff means that you’ll have involvement from our executive team starting at day one. We encourage communication with our principals and know that they add a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every engagement. Being accessible and involved is our priority. At Maner Costerisan, the numbers speak for themselves.

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FENNER CONSERVANCY ANNOUNCES SELECTION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR After a rigorous selection process, the board of directors at Fenner Conservancy welcomes Liz Roxberry as executive director. Roxberry has served as interim director at Fenner since August of this year and will assume the executive director role effective immediately.

Roxberry is an experienced nonprofit manager with a history of successful leadership in the fields of conservation, education and natural resource relations.

center renovation, the addition of new trails and access points, as well as celebrating the completion of upland prairie restoration at the park.”

“Though we have accomplished a great deal in the last several years with the help of our donors, partners and supporters, there is much still to do,” said Roxberry. “We’re looking forward to unveiling a major visitor

For information about the Fenner Conservancy and Fenner Nature Center, visit mynaturecenter.org.

LOOMIS, EWERT, PARSLEY, DAVIS & GOTTING P.C. WELCOMES NEW SHAREHOLDER TO FIRM Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting P.C. is pleased to announce that Michael G. Stefanko has become a shareholder of the firm, effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Stefanko has been employed as an Associate Attorney and Senior Associate Attorney with Loomis since November 2007. He brings a vast amount of knowledge and Stefanko experience as both an attorney and Certified Public Accountant, concentrating his practice in real estate law, including affordable housing and condominiums, tax law, business and corporate law, oil and gas law, and alternative energy law.

LANSING ART GALLERY RECEIVES INCREASED SUPPORT FROM MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS

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Lansing Art Gallery received an increase from $17,000 to $20,000 to support 2015 operations for the local nonprofit organization serving Michigan artists. The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs has awarded nearly $9.7 million to arts and cultural organizations in Michigan for 2015, which is 27 percent more than the $7.6 million awarded for activities taking place in 2014.

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“We are grateful to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and thrilled to receive this increased grant for operational support, which will allow Lansing Art Gallery to increase staff capacity. This

exciting change will benefit our community and the artists we serve through improved programs, services and communications,” states Executive Director Barb Whitney.

For more information please visit lansingartgallery.org or contact Executive Director Barb Whitney at (517) 3746400 x 2.

LANSING REALTOR, KIM LAFORET, REAPPOINTED TO MICHIGAN REALTORS COMMITTEE Kim Laforet, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood, has been reappointed to serve on the Michigan REALTORS Public Policy Committee for 2015. The delegates of this committee represent more than 23,000 REALTORS in 42 local associations, and affirm their commitment to being the recognized public policy and legal advocate for private property rights and the real estate industry.

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This committee offers to society in general and to government in particular the benefits of their professional knowledge, experience and concerns for the American political and economic system. They pledge their continuing support of the historic American institutions that protect and preserve private property rights. Michigan Realtors® reaffirms its faith in a way of life based upon competitive free enterprise, faith

in their profession and faith in the future of America.

Laforet

Kim Laforet commented on the reappointment: “Being involved on a local level to help with the direction of my community is an honor. I am very appreciative of

the opportunity to serve my community once again.”

VANDERSTELT JOINS TRITERRA Triterra, a Lansing-based Environmental Consulting Firm, is pleased to announce the addition of a new staff member, Trystin (Kleiman) Vanderstelt.

Vanderstelt is a Lansing native who graduated from Holt in ‘95 and returned to the Lansing area several years ago after working in west Michigan, Chicago and California.

Vanderstelt She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Hope College and a Masters of Arts degree in Psychology. She comes to Triterra with a background in the real estate, construction, architecture and engineering arenas. She has 15 years of marketing and business development experience. Her primary responsibilities include managing Triterra’s marketing campaigns and working jointly with other staff members on the company’s business development efforts.

For more information on Triterra, call (517) 702-0470 or visit triterra.us.

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The Michigan Counties Workers’ Compensation Fund (MCWCF) added five new members in the last quarter of 2014.

The new members are: • Barry County (barrycounty.org)

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With these additions, the fund, which started in 1979, now has 81 members and provides services in 47 of the state’s 83 counties.

» » »

Earlier in the year, the fund bolstered its offerings by launching an innovative grants program, allowing members to submit financing applications for workplace safety improvements. In September, the fund board issued 11 grants totaling $26,000 for local investments in everything from ergonomically correct chairs to safety signage. The fund plans to offer two rounds of grant applications in 2015.

The MCWCF (micounties.org/index.php/ mcwcf) is a nonprofit and is owned by its members. The fund is managed by an 11-member Board of Trustees whose counties participate in the fund. For more

PLAN ON...

» »

» » » » » »

International Expansion Real Estate Tax Planning Technology Transactions Other Services

Visit these blogs or subscribe to our newsletters for the latest business content: » » » »

Technology Law Blog - michiganitlaw.com Tax Law Blog - michigantaxblog.com Health Care Law Blog - healthlawyersblog.com Go to the publications section of fosterswift.com to subscribe Learn More: 517.371.8100 | FOSTERSWIFT.COM

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information, contact Steve Currie at (800) 258-1152 or scurrie@micounties.org.

MASON BUSINESSPEOPLE TO BE HONORED FEBRUARY 11 The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce’s (MACC) 2015 annual awards dinner will

be held the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at the Eldorado Golf Course Banquet Center at 3750 W. Howell Rd. Approximately 185 people will attend the event to honor those awarded including:

BlueGrass Lawn & Landscape is selected for the 2015 Excellence in Business Award.

Jamie and Scott Robinson are selected as the recipients of the 2015 Citizens of the Year Award.

The annual MACC Awards Dinner is generously presented and sponsored by select Chamber members. As part of the event, recognition will also be given to retiring Chamber board members, Chamber leadership, and 2014 volunteers.

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Peter Robinson of Oracle Financial Solutions was selected for the 2015 President’s Award.

Attorney Brandon Hubbard Named Member of Dickinson Wright Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce the election of Attorney Hubbard Brandon C. Hubbard as a Member to the firm’s Lansing office, effective Jan. 1, 2015.

Hubbard focuses his practice in the areas of commercial and business litigation, education, energy and sustainability, insurance, and healthcare. He represents clients in a number of litigation matters in both judicial and arbitration forums in a number of states, with many of the cases involving fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, negligence, tortious interference with business relationships, and other tort and contractual causes of action. He also represents energy clients in a number of matters before the Michigan Public Service Commission, including all phases of litigation.

Hubbard is a member of the Ingham County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan, has served as a local campaign liaison for the Capital Area United Way, and serves on the firm’s Pro-Bono Committee.

Hubbard received his B.A. from Michigan State University and his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law. CAPITOL NATIONAL BANK HIRES PETER R. TERRY AS CREDIT ANALYST Capitol National Bank has announced the hiring of Peter R. Terry as a credit analyst.

Terry has been a highly successful branch manager in the banking industry for the past eight years. He has an established track record at improving operations at underperforming bank branches. He also has experience in managing loan portfolios and bank operations management.

Terry earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. He has been active in community activities, serving as a volunteer for Operation Hope, a wrestling referee for the Michigan High School Athletic association and helped raise over $500,000 annually for the March of Dimes.

INGHAM COUNTY LAND BANK STARTS 2015 WITH A BANG AND A MOVE The Ingham County Land Bank celebrated its 200th home sale in November and has moved to a new location in north Lansing.

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The Land Bank has combined two offices into one central location as of Jan. 5, 2015 at 3024 Turner St. in Lansing. The new location will allow all extensions of the Land Bank to work together under one roof.

The new property features a heated pole barn for storage of equipment related to property maintenance, the Garden

Program and staging materials for renovated homes on the market. The renovated building will have a larger conference room and the reception area will include a front counter partially constructed of reclaimed wood from a deconstructed Land Bank house.

“This is a fresh start for the Land Bank as we head into the New Year,” said Jeffrey

Burdick, Executive Director of the Land Bank. “Being in the same office will allow us to work more collaboratively on initiatives, maximizing the opportunities for the Land Bank in 2015.”

For more information about the Ingham County Land Bank, visit inghamland bank.org.

CRAIN’S DETROIT NAMES PM ENVIRONMENTAL “COOL PLACE TO WORK” IN MICHIGAN

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A one of a kind showcase of the latest and greatest new business concepts, GreenLight is bringing the collaborative spirit of entrepreneurship to the greater Lansing area.

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PM Environmental, Inc. has recently been named one of the state’s coolest places to work by Crain’s Detroit Business. The Crain’s Detroit Business’ Cool Places to Work list serves as an annual spotlight that identifies Michigan’s best employers. The recognition showcases PM Environmental and its dedication to a positive work environment and strong company culture.

Headquartered in Lansing, PM Environmental is an environmental consulting firm with over 20 years of experience in consulting and managing environmental, engineering, industrial hygiene, energy and development projects.

PM was founded in 1992 by Peter S. Bosanic, P.E. and Michael T. Kulka, P.E., It serves banks, government agencies and numerous other businesses throughout the United States.

“It is an honor to be named to the Crain’s Cool Places to Work list and be recognized as one of the best places to work in Michigan,” said Michael Kulka, CEO and founder of PM Environmental The rankings and profiles of the 2014 Cool Places to Work were published on Nov. 17

by Crain’s Detroit Business. The full list can be found at crainsdetroit.com/section/ cool_places_to_work2014.

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