GLBM February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

ANDY SCHOR As 2018’s State of the City approaches, Lansing’s 52nd mayor gears up to sharpen the wheel of progress instead of reinvent it IN THIS ISSUE • Why business insurance is critical and determining what type of insurance is needed • What college graduates statewide can expect from career fields in 2018 • How unaddressed sexual harassment transforms workplaces for the worse • The economic and social capital of hunting in the Great Lakes State

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FEBRUARY 2018 ON THE COVER The economic and social capital of hunting in the Great Lakes State....................................................8 How unaddressed sexual harassment transforms workplaces for the worse...................................... 10 What college graduates statewide can expect from career fields in 2018...................................... 16 Why business insurance is critical and determining what type of insurance is needed.................... 18 Andy Schor............................................................................................. 26

FEBRUARY 2018

26 NEWS Global Trade is Key Component to Michigan's Economy............................................................................................................................ 6 Michigan: Defender of Cyber Assets ............................................................................................12 Auto Insurance Reform Hits Roadblock in House ..................................................................14

ANDY SCHOR

FEATURES

As 2018’s State of the City approaches, Lansing’s 52nd mayor gears up to sharpen the wheel of progress instead of reinvent it IN THIS ISSUE • Why business insurance is critical and determining what type of insurance is needed • What college graduates statewide can expect from career fields in 2018 • How unaddressed sexual harassment transforms workplaces for the worse • The economic and social capital of hunting in the Great Lakes State

Risky Business: Without Insurance, Everything's Up for Grabs....................................... 20 From Page to Screen .............................................................................................................................. 22 Visual Breakdown .................................................................................................................................... 24 Behind the Scenes ................................................................................................................................... 30 Legislative Corner ................................................................................................................................... 33 Business Calendar ................................................................................................................................... 34

Cover photography by Mary Gajda

Notable News ............................................................................................................................................ 36

Greater Lansing Business Monthly | Volume 31, Issue 2

group

Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 West Saginaw 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) 203-3333 or visit lansingbusinessnews.com to subscribe.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, 221 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Send additional subscription requests and address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc., 221 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright © 2016 The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Office: 221 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933 lansingbusinessnews.com 2

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COMMENTARY

Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Editor: Kelly Mazurkiewicz kelly@m3group.biz Media Manager: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Megan Fleming Manny Garcia Communications Director: Ami Iceman-Haueter Art Director: Mark Warner Publication Designer: Heather Thielking Graphic Designers: Jeanette Wummel Quandrel Ollie Photographer: Mary Gajda Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Videographer: Michael Cagney Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty

GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes — President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union Calvin Jones — Government Relations Director, Lansing Board of Water & Light 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

PREPARATION IS THE BEST DETERRENT Businesses shouldn’t waste any time this year “updating” their hostile workplace and sexual harassment policies; for years, the language in most employee handbook hasn’t changed. As business owners, we already have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment.

Once the language on the related policy has been reviewed, however, don’t hesitate to thoroughly read the law to be sure it is correct. Refer to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by visiting eeoc.gov for details. You may also want to pass the policy on to your business attorney or human resource specialist. In the handbook, it’s important to give employees an understanding that they can and should report inappropriate behavior. In your organization’s culture, make it acceptable to talk through and report any perceived issue.

As awkward as it might be, it is important for the person who feels uncomfortable to address it with the person. Although a meeting could take place, experts recommend an email be sent to help solidify the information in writing. This should clearly outline the unwanted behavior. If the behavior persists, the paper trail helps with the process as well. Hopefully, this communication works and it changes the environment.

Make it clear to everyone in your organization that they do not have to go directly to a supervisor to report an issue; there may be a problem with that particular person. However, it is important to give employees options, which may be difficult in a smaller organization.

If there isn’t a go-to person in human resources, it may be wise to consider consultants in this situation.

The owner of the company or a board of directors needs to remain impartial for everyone’s sake. These types of harassment investigations can impact the accused, the accuser and the company. With so much at stake, it is imperative that the interviews and subsequent followups are beyond reproach. If you are concerned about this, again, the best investigator might be an outside consultant.

With high profile, attention-grabbing crises are gripping the nation, the region and even our local area, I would bet that most people believed incidents would arise for themselves or their organizations. Understanding how to deal with a potential problem will go a long way in making sure that your organization is safe for all, while eliminating the potential for a crisis to ever build.

Just remember: A small investment in your organization’s future could build a long-standing foundation for your people and your business to thrive.

Mark Hooper — Partner, Andrews Hooper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes — Supervisor Charter Township of Lansing Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

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GLOBAL TRADE: A

KEY COMPONENT TO MICHIGAN’S ECONOMY MEDC’s international trade program opens doors for mid-Michigan businesses

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

When traveling abroad, it always helps to have a guide – someone who knows the lay of the land, who can show you around and introduce you to people in the know.

It’s as true in business as it is in travel. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) plays the role of tour guide for businesses in the Great Lakes State to claim stakes far beyond its borders.

The MEDC offers an international trade program that includes multiple trade missions each year, accompanying businesspeople from Michigan to new, exotic markets spanning the globe in hopes of establishing markets there.

“Michigan is well-positioned to attract global customers as a manufacturing leader and innovator. Global trade is a key component of the state’s economy, representing hundreds of thousands of jobs,” the MEDC said on its website. “Ninety-five percent of customers are located outside of the U.S., so the ability to grow and compete globally is crucial.”

Among the mid-Michigan firms that the MEDC has helped reach a global market is Efficiency Production Inc. in Mason. This trench and shoring equipment manufacturer 6

joined a week-long, MEDC-arranged trade mission to Argentina and Brazil in November 2017.

“I think for everybody that wants to be in a global market, a trade mission is going to help them because of the development work [the MEDC] does for you regarding the market’s components. What is the growing market in those areas?” said Raul Felman, international sales manager for Efficiency Production.

The company was one of seven Michigan businesses to make that trip.

“Michigan’s ties with Brazilian and Argentinian companies have resulted in good jobs here … this trade mission will open doors for these companies by helping them identify and enter into new relationships, ultimately growing their businesses and bringing more and better jobs to Michigan residents,” said Jeff Mason, the MEDC’s CEO, in a prepared statement.

In 2016, for example, Michigan export sales totaled more than $1 billion to Brazil and nearly $244 million to Argentina, said the MEDC, citing U.S. Department of Commerce statistics.

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Efficiency Production, a 130-employee firm that hasn’t done much international business in the past, is looking to change that now. So, when Felman learned of the planned mission, he hopped on board.

“I was previously involved in other missions, so they contacted me; this was a good opportunity for our company to view Latin America a little bit stronger than we were looking at it before … we felt this was the time for us to get our name into those markets,” Felman said. “Number one, we were hoping to find the appropriate distributor or dealer that can work with our products in those particular countries, Brazil and Argentina.”

That’s where the MEDC’s homework came in handy for Felman and his firm.

“The trade mission, based on my curriculum that I sent to them and our company’s history and desire, put together some potential distributors or customers that may be interested in our product in Brazil and Argentina,” Felman said.

“In Brazil, we were there 2 ½ days. We did (meetings with) approximately four companies in Brazil and Argentina, I did nine …

NEWS

Argentina was very fruitful. At this point, we don’t know how it will turn out, but of course there are a lot of leads,” Felman said. “Of the nine, four are very strong companies that are looking forward to working with us, although there is one company in Brazil that is also interested that will come here for training.”

you have a good product manufactured in the U.S. and that you can provide assistance and customer service like everybody else. Second, it gives you the advantage of when there are slow months — in our case in the winter months — we are able to provide [products] to Latin American and [other] global markets.”

Felman expects to be actively working with Argentine clients this year. Having the MEDC provide certain connections beats having to do it alone.

The advantages are worth it for any company to consider.

When working with the MEDC, “the cost is minimal,” Felman said, and financial assistance may be available. “They help you a lot regarding the country’s history, economics and what they see going forward as the country’s risk.”

Finding new customers abroad means having more work to do here.

This year, the MEDC has five trade missions planned. These include: • Mexico: Feb. 26 - March 2 • Germany (for industrial technology): April 23 - 27

The MEDC also has international trade centers in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, England, Dubai and China that offer customized market research, market information, entry strategies, translation services and other export counseling services to interested businesses.

The centers are run in partnership with the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers.

For more information on the MEDC’s international trade services, go online at michiganbusiness.org/grow/international-t rade-services or send an email to export@michigan.org.

Omar Sofradzija is an adjunct journalism instructor at Michigan State University. Prior to that, he was a reporter, columnist and editor at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Review-Journal and the Peoria (Ill.) Journal Star newspapers.

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“I think that to work globally, it provides you with a lot of advantages,” Felman said.

“Number one, it gives you a brand that you can expand throughout the world. It shows that

“I think that everybody should evaluate their possibilities. I think there is a need for commitment from management; that’s number one. If you don’t have any management commitment, an investment in global markets will fail,” said Felman. “The second thing is to make sure you have the resources in order to be able to expand. Be sure that you have complied with all the international laws and with your requirements,” Felman said.

• South Africa and Tanzania: June 1 - 9 • France (for homeland security and defense professionals): June 11 - 15 • China: Sept. 12 - 22

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JOIN US WEDNESDAY MARCH 14, 2018 Be an active member of Lansing’s dynamic business community. Meet people from

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Join us for Connections & Coffee presented by Greater Lansing Business Monthly and Kellie’s Consignments.

8 - 9 AM MARCH 14, 2018

KELLIE’S CONSIGNMENTS 5000 MARSH RD. OKEMOS, MI 48864

RSVP or sponsorship inquiries to melissa@m3group.biz

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THE MANY WAYS

HUNTING

IMPACTS OUR LIVES

BY SARAH SPOHN

Each fall, thousands of Michiganders bundle up and venture out for hunting season. The season has a profound impact on hunting families and brings in billions of dollars of revenue from licenses, lodging, tourism and wildlife conservation.

According to a report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan generates more than $2.3 billion in economic impact from food and lodging expenses. Hunting-related equipment accounts for $1.3 billion spent on supplies like firearms, telescopic sights and ammunition; auxiliary equipment like camping gear, binoculars and hunting apparel; and all-terrain vehicles, campers, cabins and more.

“Leisure travel spending on hunting increased again in 2016, according to data from D.K. Shifflet,” said the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in a press release. “In 2016, $124.3 million was spent on leisure travel specific to hunting in Michigan. Combined hunting and fishing leisure travel spending was up 7.2 percent in 8

2016, with $364.5 million spent on hunting and fishing-motivated leisure travel.”

For many, such as John Krohn from Lansing’s Urbandale neighborhood, hunting is not only a tradition, it’s a way of life — and a way to provide nourishment for his family. Krohn started joining his stepfather, uncles and grandparents in pheasant and rabbit hunting around the age of 8 years old, and then began deer hunting when he was 12. He hopes to pass on his love of nature — birdwatching, camping, hunting and fishing — to his daughters.

“Each deer season, we are all there at the family farm,” Krohn said. “A lot of my aunts hunt deer too, in addition to the guys.”

Krohn considers himself and his wife as homesteaders, those who hunt, farm and forage most of their food.

“My wife is an expert canner and food preserver, and we both butcher and cook wild game. I would say there are cheaper ways to eat, but certainly not cheaper ways

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to eat this healthy and locally,” said Krohn.

“Plus you have to consider that these are also our hobbies. When you factor in how much people spend on their hobbies — most of which do not feed you in return — then you really start to realize the savings of our way of life.”

The Michigan United Conservation Club’s Public Information Officer, Nick Green, said the impact of hunting is greater than publicfacing economics. Hunting is a hobby to some but a lifestyle to others, which helps make recreation within Michigan’s nature scene more viable.

“Hunting license dollars fund the majority of habitat work on public lands in the Lansing area,” Green said. “In turn, that land is utilized by the general public through hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, swimming, boating, bird watching, etc.”

According to Dustin Isenhoff, marketing researcher at the Department of Natural Resources, hunting is valuable to manage

NEWS

wildlife populations. Hunting also funds wildlife conservation efforts like those of the Pittman-Robertson Act. “Established in 1937, this Act created an excise tax on guns, ammunition, bows, arrows and other hunting-related equipment,” Isenhoff said. “This money is then apportioned to state wildlife agencies, based on the land area and the number of licensed hunters in each state.”

According to the MEDC, 81,119 new customers in the state received paid-hunting licenses in 2016, making Michigan one of the top states in the nation. The Department of Natural Resources reports that, in Ingham County alone, residents annually purchase 27,394 fishing licenses and 49,811 hunting licenses. In terms of public land, Ingham County has 4,988.5 acres of state-managed hunting lands, 4.5 miles of non-motorized trails, eight state-managed boating access sites and one state park/recreation area.

Michigan has received $354 million from 1937 to 2016.

Krohn said his family spends about $500 each year on hunting-related expenses; travel costs account for quite a bit. “It's not too expensive for me to hunt deer, turkey and small game like squirrels and rabbits, since my uncle is a farmer who owns a lot of acreage nearby,” Krohn said. “But since I got into duck hunting — oh, boy, is that a money pit!”

Hunting deer and turkey is more costeffective, but duck hunting is the most enjoyable type for Krohn, even though ducks provide less meat. The license and ammo sales that help preserve wetlands make duck hunting even more rewarding.

While some people argue against hunting animals, Krohn argues that nature lovers and environmentalists can also be hunters. There are few people more intimate with nature and its inhabitants than those who spend countless hours around it.

“Becoming intimate with the food you eat and where it came from really makes you understand consumption and the cost of all things,” Krohn said. “When the impact of

your consumption is not right in front of you or right in your hand, it's far too easy to consume needlessly and push the blame for ever-degrading ecosystems onto other people.”

Many hunters have developed clubs and organizations dedicated to conservation.

According to Isenhoff, “groups like Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever support and conduct conservation and restoration efforts across a wide range of habitats, throughout Michigan and the country.” He encourages residents to thank a hunter for helping to conserve wildlife and maintain the many parks and outdoor marvels that Pure Michigan is known for.

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

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MUCH ADO ABOUT SEXUAL HARASSMENT Lansing businesses urged to pay attention to how these claims can affect workers and companies

BY TERESA J. FRITH

Sexual harassment has become a huge topic of interest in the last few months due to accusations against several politicians, TV personalities, comedians and actors. Two recent national surveys show just how vital it is for businesses to pay attention to how sexual harassment affects workers.

According to a YouGov poll involving nearly 5,000 participants last April, 30 percent of women and 15 percent of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment.

In addition, 25 percent of U.S. adults have witnessed being sexually harassed in their workplace.

The All-America Survey in December 2017

by CNBC found that 19 percent of adults in the U.S. reported being a victim of workplace sexual harassment; this included 10 percent of the men and 27 percent of the women in the survey, which numbered 800 participants.

While these surveys were national, Michigan businesses in the Greater Lansing area cannot assume sexual harassment is not happening here. Lansing businesses must be wise on exactly what sexual harassment is and how to recognize it, prevent it and protect their companies against these types of claims.

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According to Aaron L. Davis, an attorney specializing in commercial litigation at the Fraser Trebilcock law firm, the EEOC defines sexual harassment as illegal harassment due to the sex of the victim. Harassment could be things such as unwanted sexual advances, asking for sexual favors or any other spoken or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

“This law applies to both men and women, and a harasser could be anyone in a person's work area such as their supervisor, someone else's supervisor, a coworker or even a customer or client,” said Davis.

of a hostile work environment through intimidating, hostile or offensive actions.

This could mean sexual advances that include sexual jokes or comments, discussions, or displays of related items.

Under Michigan law, a sexual harassment victim must first confront the person harassing them and tell them that what they’re doing is not welcome. It should also be reported to a supervisor, unless of course the supervisor is the harasser; in that case, it should be reported to someone such as the human resources director.

“Quid pro quo means ‛this for that,’ and is when an employee is asked to engage in or permit sexual behavior or else they will not receive some sort of benefit like a raise, promotion or continued employment,” said Hammond.

“Michigan businesses are required to follow both state and federal laws regarding sexual harassment,” said Hammond. “However, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments, employment agencies and labor organizations.” Michigan workers also have protection under the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), which applies to all employers and does not have an employee minimum.

The second type of sexual harassment typically recognized by law is the creation

The ELCRA states that sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual advances, asking

Sexual harassment can present itself in a variety of ways. Chris Hammond, an attorney at Foster, Swift, Collins and Smith PC, explains that “quid pro quo” is the most common type of sexual harassment.

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for sexual related favors or other kinds of spoken or physical actions that are sexually related. It requires the incident to be made as a term or condition so that if the person rejects the harasser, then they won't get a job or certain benefit, or their current job, education, housing or public accommodation is otherwise interfered with. It also recognizes that sexual harassment can include men and women as either the victim or the harasser.

Anyone that believes they have suffered sexual harassment at their workplace can file a complaint under ELCRA, as long as the incident of sexual harassment has happened in the last 180 days and is related to employment, education, housing, public accommodation, public service or law enforcement.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights investigates and resolves discrimination issues such as sexual harassment and works to prevent it via educational programs, as well as through resources and services provided to businesses that concern diversity initiatives and equal employment law.

“Bringing more attention to sexual harassment is both important and the right thing to do,” said Agustin V. Arbulu, director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. “Too many incidents of sexual harassment go unreported for fear of retaliation. And, fear of losing one’s job is a very real concern.”

If someone is being harassed and the situation meets the standard guidelines, he or she can make a complaint through the Michigan Department of Civil Rights either by calling (800) 482-3604 or via their website at Michigan.gov/MDCR.

“Sexual harassment can be addressed through a little training and sound policies. But, if an employer fails to take concerns seriously, they can spend a tremendous amount of resources defending their managers and employee’s actions,” said Hammond. “Many of these charges and lawsuits can go on for years.”

Steps that a business should take regarding sexual harassment claims include: • Make the company's sexual harassment policy known via an employee handbook and make certain all employees read and sign it. If there is no policy, create one.

• Educate all employees with trainings and classes on sexual harassment, at least annually.

• Address all sexual harassment complaints at once; don't delay the investigation.

• Do formal investigation of all sexual harassment claims beginning with interviews with all involved parties, and if needed, escalate it to higher authority.

• Make sure to follow through with the above investigation. Take any actions

deemed necessary such as disciplinary procedures if required.

• Look for any retaliation by the accused harasser against the worker who made the sexual harassment claim, especially if the accuser was not found guilty.

Sexual harassment is not a victimless crime; it is a tragedy that can affect not only the one being harassed but their family, friends and coworkers. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a viral subject; all businesses in the Greater Lansing area should take all such claims seriously, take action to protect their employees and do their best to prevent harm and prosecute harassers.

Teresa Frith is a Navy veteran now residing in Nashville, Mich.

She's been writing and editing as a freelancer since retiring from the Navy in 2011, where she was a military journalist. She holds a BA in English from Western Illinois University. Her hobbies include reading, writing and working to help stray and feral cats.

YOUR VISION is our mission.

Just how can Lansing businesses try to stem the tide of sexual harassment in the workplace?

“Businesses should have a written policy in place that explicitly prohibits sexual harassment,” said Hammond. “The written policy should be made a part of the employee handbook, and all new/current employees should be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating receipt and agreement with the company policy. The written policy should also set forth that any employee that commits sexual harassment will be subject to discipline — to include possible termination.”

He added that businesses also must take claims of sexual harassment seriously and investigate them thoroughly, up to and including hiring outside investigators and attorneys to review the claims.

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Dewpoint Offices Photo by Mary Gajda

MICHIGAN:

DEFENDER OF CYBER ASSETS From legislative initiatives to local businesses, all hands are on deck across the state

BY KRISTOPHER JOHNSON

Internet-based technology is infused with almost every aspect of the modern economy: ordering food and shopping online, or swiping a debit card as opposed to using cash. As these technological ties entrench themselves even further into our lives in new and innovative ways, the need to protect ourselves as a community online increases.

Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, especially when it comes to prime targets like businesses or government offices. It doesn’t matter if the target is a farreaching company such as Equifax or simply an entrepreneur who launched his or her first website; it’s a matter of when someone will attempt to exploit sensitive information, not if.

Politics — specifically, legislative mechanics — play a vital role in helping to safeguard the public. Through relevant regulations and lawmaking collaborations, Michigan sees the writing on the wall to gear up for long-term, statewide security measures.

RALLYING THE TROOPS STATEWIDE Likened to a volunteer fire department, the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps (MiC3) — signed into law late last year — is a group of trained professionals that volunteer their expertise to enhance the state’s ability to rapidly resolve cyber incidents.

“I’m proud that Michigan is a national leader in addressing cybersecurity, and this bill helps continue our efforts by boosting the network of experts who are ready to respond and assist, should a cybersecurity threat occur,” Gov. Rick 12

Snyder said last October in a press release surrounding MiC3’s codification into law.

MiC3 has existed in function for the past few years but has never deployed because of a fortunate lack of a governor-declared State of Emergency related to cyber assets. Membership is open to specialized professionals who are residents of the state with at least two years of related experience in information security.

There are vetted background checks and other requirements as well.

“It’s important overall to be proactive, not reactive,” said Rajiv Das, chief security officer at the Department of Transportation, Management and Budget (DTMB). DTMB authorizes the appointment of MiC3 volunteers. “Organizations need to understand and maintain the importance of a rapid response. Things change so quickly when it comes to cyber concerns.”

There are around 70 MiC3 volunteers currently, but the outfit hopes to move beyond 100 in time. Volunteering comes with a slate of unique trainings and incentives including immunity from liability when on an assignment.

“It’s so important to make sure our volunteers are protected,” said Das. “These are the kinds of incentives needed to bring everyday citizens with these capabilities together; it just makes sense.”

BUSINESSES GET INVOLVED While Michigan has kept cybersecurity top of mind on a state level, local businesses also recognize the political element in moving the state forward. Dewpoint, Lansing’s leading technology

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integrator and consulting firm, hosted U.S. Sen. Gary Peters last November for a panel discussion on cybersecurity.

“As we work to address these ever-evolving cybersecurity challenges, we must ensure that everyone — from government to health care providers to small businesses — have the tools to prevent attacks and mitigate the damage from breaches,” said Peters.

Panel members representing IT leaders in health care, finance and more sat with the senator at Dewpoint’s Lansing location to discuss the volume of cybersecurity assets and the harm that comes with security breaches. Right before the panel, Peters was also given a tour of Dewpoint’s Network Operating Center (NOC): a central hub for evaluating and preventing potential threats to client securities.

The meeting provided an opportunity for industry leaders to not only share some of their challenges with a legislator directly, but for Peters to ask questions and bring a greater understanding back to his peers. He was particularly keen on remembering to look beyond preventive measures and general standards to think about how communities can also hold hackers accountable.

“You can keep defending your house against a burglar, but we also punish the burglar … at some point, you have to be punished and folks need to know, if you engage in these activities, it’s severe,” said Peters.

In the face of an increasingly complicated world that relies on the digital component, dialogue helps all sides work together to

alleviate concerns across critical, informationsensitive environments.

NEW ADMINISTRATION, SAME AWARENESS The message to galvanize around protecting Michigan’s cyber assets is as clear as day on a municipal level of governance — especially in Michigan’s capital city. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, who was sworn in Jan. 1, 2018, keeps cybersecurity at the forefront no matter how miniscule the issue.

“Cybersecurity is always an issue, whether it’s someone trying to throw ransomware up and hold you captive or employees who happen to click on that wrong link and suddenly there’s malware,” said Schor when he was mayorelect. “Sometimes, employees have phones or technology where they press the wrong thing, so you have to have … backups and redundancies and more technologies.”

While Schor is bringing fresh ideas as Lansing’s first new mayor in 12 years, the diligence of those already present has not been lost on him.

DTMB Offices

Collin Boyce for example, Lansing’s first chief information officer, has carried over from the Bernero administration. “[Boyce] is, from what I’ve seen, one of the leading experts. He’s been very progressive and proactive in ensuring our servers are safe and we are not going to face cyberthreats … we’ve got exceptional staff to ensure our safety,” Schor said.

With the backing of leaders within the city of Lansing and statewide, seasoned legislators and tech professionals are working hard to get ahead of hackers. Schor stresses that trust in each other is tantamount to success — a value we all must heed to truly protect one another.

“You can have the greatest vision with the greatest ideas and be the hardest worker, but if you don’t have a good team behind you working in tandem, then you will fail,” said Schor.

Kristopher Johnson is a Communications Specialist at M3 Group who earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University in 2015. While currently residing in Lansing, Kristopher will always be a native of Detroit. He enjoys volunteering, listening to others and musing over contrasting insights. He is also fond of writing, keeping up with politics and watching too many story-driven anime.

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AUTO INSURANCE REFORM HITS ROADBLOCK IN HOUSE

BY MARK MEYER

• Set reimbursement rates at 160 percent of the rates charged for Medicare patients for medical services provided by health care providers to victims of car crashes. Right now, such schedules aren’t in place for car crash victims, leading to inflated prices for services to people hurt in auto accidents; • Allowed senior citizens to use Medicare coverage, rather than auto insurance, to cover medical bills, leading to savings of $800 to $1,000 a year.

In November 2017, the political quagmire that is Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance reform swallowed up and spat out the most recent attempt at a legislative fix; leaving both sides at an impasse and wondering if a solution will ever be reached.

The result, a 45-63 defeat in the House of Representatives, reaffirmed skeptics’ beliefs that full support of the legislation (House Bill 5013) was nowhere near a majority and a long way from satisfying those who line up behind the current law.

Stephen Sinas, partner in the law firm of Sinas Dramis and general counsel for the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN), was not surprised by the bill’s defeat.

“Legislatively, we’ve not been able to draft a solution quite simply because we don’t have a great leader in place who can solve the problem,” Sinas said. “We need the type of leadership that can rise above the fray and not choose sides.

“We need a comprehensive reform package that will provide an overall improvement to Michigan’s auto insurance system while continuing to maintain the lifetime coverage that is so critical to the quality of life for our state’s auto accident victims.”

Supporters of House Bill 5013 were trying to address the nation’s highest insurance rates primarily because of the unlimited medical benefits made available to people who are catastrophically injured in car accidents. Those benefits, along with insurance companies’ option to charge different rates based on where people live, make auto insurance unaffordable for many people, especially in Detroit.

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STEPHEN SINAS

Partner in the law firm of Sinas Dramis and general counsel for the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) The auto insurance reform would have: • Allowed drivers to choose the level of personal injury coverage: $250,000, $500,000 or the unlimited lifetime benefits that all Michigan drivers must now have; • Reduced premium rates by 10 to 40 percent in three tiers: a 40 percent cut for average drivers with comprehensive coverage and $250,000 in personal injury coverage; a 20 percent cut for people with $500,000 worth of PIP coverage; a 10 percent cut for unlimited coverage and a 35 percent cut for a retiree with full lifetime health care; • Required the state to regulate any rate increases for the next five years;

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“I’m here to say that my only interest is to the 90,000 plus constituents and 10 million residents in Michigan who need relief from the highest insurance rates in the nation," Rep. Jason Sheppard, R-Lambertville, told the Detroit Free Press. “Offering a choice for drivers is something we all do in all other insurances we purchase for ourselves and our family. We’re finally here today to take a giant step toward meaningful reform.”

House Majority Leader Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, said in a statement that the legislation wasn’t going to help drivers or accident victims.

“The only group that benefited from the bill was the auto insurance industry which would have seen benefits capped for accident victims and no permanent requirement to lower costs,” Singh said. “It is time for the Legislature to consider a real solution with strong bipartisan support that would provide rate relief for all drivers without gutting benefits.”

Pete Kuhnmuench, executive director of the Insurance Alliance of Michigan, told Gongwer News Service in November that the group will

NEWS

House chose to turn their backs on their constituents and the state's 7.1 million drivers and side with a handful of greedy ambulancechasing personal injury attorneys and hospitals that profit from the status quo.”

continue to advocate for what it believes is the best route to lower auto insurance rates.

“We are going to step back and take a look at our efforts and reassess if there is an opportunity to work on this again this term,” he said.

Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, told the Detroit Free Press that the House did the right thing in rejecting a bad bill.

Kuhnmuench said the real cost savings occur only if medical benefits are changed, for example by giving motorists an option other than unlimited medical benefits contained in the failed House Bill 5013. He said if the Legislature were to pass smaller reforms, like a fee schedule, attendant care limitations and a fraud authority, it would not draw costs out of at a high level.

“The reason rates are so high is because of the unlimited and the extraordinary fee levels hospitals extract from the system,” said Kuhnmuench, who also cited a recent rise in uninsured drivers from 17 percent to 21 percent.

Michigan Chamber of Commerce President Rich Studley echoed the industry’s disappointment, in his statement to Gongwer.

PETE KUHNMUENCH

“We know that Michigan drivers want lower rates when it comes to their auto insurance premiums, and we would welcome the opportunity to work with legislators if and when they decide to go back to the drawing board when it comes to meaningful rate relief for drivers that protects benefits available to those seriously injured in auto accidents,” Peters said.

Executive director of the Insurance Institute of Michigan

Mark Meyer is the former sports editor of the Lansing State Journal. He previously served as senior writer at Truscott Rossman and is currently employed at Michigan State University.

“Lawmakers had a real opportunity today to drive down Michigan's highest-in-the-nation auto insurance premiums,” Studley wrote.

“Unfortunately, 63 members of the Michigan

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NEWS

TOP JOB FIELDS FOR MICHIGAN GRADS IN

2018 AND BEYOND

BY TERESA J. FRITH

Hundreds of college students in the Greater Lansing area will graduate during the 201718 school year and begin their search for internships and jobs. Some will find success, while others may not get that coveted position immediately. Knowing which markets are doing the most hiring will help area graduates know where to look for employment.

According to Phil Gardner, director of Michigan State University’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute, the market for new grads in the state is solid. Research shows about 13 percent more Michigan grads can expect to be hired this year.

2 and a 40% increase in hiring those with a two-year degree

to distrust the market during their job search.

Top contenders expecting to increase hiring beyond past years include information services (60 percent more), administrative services (49 percent more), wholesale trade (46 percent more) and transportation (32 percent more).

"We have tracked this since 1970," said Gardner. "This is the longest sustained period of growth we've seen for the college labor market."

Other promising sectors in the survey included health care, construction, nonprofits, agriculture and professional,

business and scientific services. However, manufacturing jobs went down in hiring by three percent, making the industry the only one listed in the negative.

According to statistics from the US Bureau of Labor, the top fields for 2018 for those with a bachelor's degree include: teachers, except special or vocational education; accountants; computer systems analysts; computer software engineers; network systems and data communications analysts; construction managers; and market research analysts.

TOP CONTENDERS EXPECTING TO INCREASE HIRING BEYOND PAST YEARS INCLUDE:

Gardner is responsible for Michigan State's 47th annual Recruiting Trends survey, which surveyed more than 3,300 employers looking to hire college grads about their outlook for the 2017-2018 academic year.

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15% more grads with a four-year degree

19%

13% MORE MICHIGAN GRADS can expect to be hired this year

Businesses are expected to increase hiring by 19 percent, including 15 percent more grads with a four-year degree and a 40 percent increase in hiring those with a two-year degree.

Gardner said he was wowed at “how strong the market is," and that students will little reason

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Businesses are expected to INCREASE HIRING BY

60%

46%

32%

49% Information Services

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Wholesale Trade

Transportation

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and Roger Curtis, director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development, during the Governor’s Education and Talent Summit.

One area in Michigan hurting for employees is the professional trade arena Professional trade industries include manufacturing, information technology, health care, automotive and construction

During the summit, Curtis said they were not "downplaying going to college," but instead they were "up-playing" available ways that Michigan job seekers could get well-paying positions in growing arenas.

It’s predicted that, by 2024, Michigan jobs in this area will account for at least half a million jobs, with 15,000 of those being newly created jobs For those with an associate degree, top tiers include: nurses — RNs, LPNs, nursing aides, attendants, licensed vocational nurses — computer support specialists, cosmetologists, mechanics and auto service techs, preschool teachers, HVAC technicians, real estate agents and insurance agents.

The industries that will gain the most new jobs in 2018 appear as management, scientific and technical consulting; physician's offices; computer systems design and related services; general merchandise stores; employment services; local government; home health care; services for the elderly and disabled; nursing care; and full-service restaurants.

health care, automotive and construction.

Wages for these types of jobs are not necessarily low either, as the average starting salary is around $50,000.

Michigan and TED started an initiative called Going PRO to help promote professional trade jobs in the state. Going PRO began in 2016 with the second part starting in April of this year, which was heralded by Gov. Rick Snyder

Students getting ready to graduate from high school or college should talk to their school counselors to get the information they need to make themselves desirable for hire, as well as talk to people who work in their chosen fields.

The bottom line: these job-market predictions for Michigan job seekers should have an easier time finding employment in 2018.

Grads may wonder what employers are looking for besides a degree. Gardner's study revealed that smaller businesses are looking for people who not only have the proper job skills but are flexible and able to work as a team, as well as be empathic and appreciate cultural differences. On the other hand, big companies reported they were competing with similar-sized companies and were fighting over qualified employment.

One area in Michigan hurting for employees is the professional trade arena, according to the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED) and the state of Michigan.

It’s predicted that, by 2024, Michigan jobs in this area will account for at least half a million jobs, with 15,000 of those being newly created jobs.

Dave Murray, communications director at TED, said, "Many people have outdated perceptions of the professional trades, but some are cutting edge, high-tech, high-skill professions that pay well.”

Professional trade industries include manufacturing, information technology (IT), L

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FEATURE

INSURANCE HELPS KEEP

LANSING BUSINESSES, EMPLOYEES COVERED

BY TERESA J. FRITH

• Auto • Property of others • Foreign travel and exposure

If you own a business in Lansing, then you need to know the importance of having the proper types and coverage amounts of insurance that will cover your employees, staff and physical properties in case of an accident, health issue, etc.

USE AN INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT TYPE AND AMOUNT OF INSURANCE

If you thought your business' interests could be taken care of with only a single kind of insurance, then think again. There are many kinds of insurance to choose from and picking the right types for your business can be a complicated process for those unfamiliar with it.

So, how does a business owner know what kind of insurance to get? An important step is to meet with an insurance professional to discuss topics like what your business does, where it is going in the future, what kinds of equipment or vehicles it has, how many employees, etc.

INSURANCE FOR BUSINESSES “Most insurance falls into one of two categories,” said Bob Chapman, a principal at the David Chapman Agency in Lansing.

Chapman has been in the insurance business for 42 years and has a degree in risk and insurance from Michigan State University.

“Insurance is used to either insure your assets from loss by fire, theft, windstorm and other perils, or to insure your actions that may cause injury or damage to someone else.”

Not having the right kind of insurance or the right coverage is a big mistake that all businesses need to avoid. Otherwise, business owners could be looking at paying out millions of dollars if something unexpected happens.

According to Steve Nichols, an account executive at Lyman & Sheets Insurance Agency with 25 years in the insurance business, business ownership means knowing the right kind of insurance to get for your company.

“Business owners need insurance to cover leases, clients and employees, or whatever type of insurance is required by the contract 18

BOB CHAPMAN Principal at the David Chapman Agency in Lansing

they are working under. Business owners will also need to consider health insurance, disability insurance and any group benefits — STD, LTD, vision, dental and life insurance for employees,” said Nichols. “Businesses also should get Commercial Umbrella insurance, as this protects businesses and/or owners by providing higher coverage limits of insurance as their exposure to risk grows.”

There are also specialized types of insurance that some businesses need, which include: • • • • • • •

E&O – professional liability Employee dishonesty Cyber Crime Employment practices Fiduciary D&O (Directors & Officers) and/or management liability (LLC)

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Choose an insurance agent who is licensed and has a good record in the community with experience in your type of business. Nichols added, “Meeting with your agent and having discussions about the scope of your business, contractual obligations and exposure to loss is vital. Then, the coverages should be reviewed regularly: semi-annual at a minimum.”

The cost and amount of coverage for business insurance is also an important consideration and varies by industry, type of insurance, size of business being covered and more.

According to Chapman, the amount of insurance a company gets depends on the business' needs.

“Insuring the loss of physical assets is a matter of determining the cost to replace them. This is in addition to any loss of income or extra costs you will have until the assets are replaced,” said Chapman. “Insurance to cover liability issues such as injury or damage your actions might cause to others is tougher to figure, as there is no limitation on what a business could be responsible for if its activity injures someone. The amount of liability insurance involves looking at what

FEATURE

or personal assets to settle claims and pay their attorney fees.”

Insurance is a vital part of any company’s budget, and it should be obtained to cover the physical attributes of businesses as well

as the human factors. If you own or oversee an operation, be sure to make an appointment with your insurance agent to discuss your needs. It could be the difference between paying for insurance now or paying out-ofpocket for damage or losses in the future.

SOME OF THE COMMON TYPES OF BUSINESS INSURANCE INCLUDE:

STEVE NICHOLS

Account Executive at Lyman & Sheets Insurance Agency you could lose financially, what is customary in your industry, what might be required by law or contracts and ultimately what allows you to sleep at night without worrying about it.”

CLAIMS CHANGE OVER TIME Another consideration in choosing business insurance is that things in your business do change over the years. For instance, these days, there is a high rate of cybercrime, so having some type of cyber insurance is vital.

Also, most businesses have a website. If hackers shut a website down, that means a loss in sales and even the compromise of your customers' personal and financial data.

“Crime is different than it used to be,” said Chapman. “In the past, you had to protect your assets from a burglar or a robber showing up and taking your assets. Now crime comes to you from cyberspace. Every business needs to consider what happens if their data is stolen, compromised or destroyed; however, even though insurance is available to protect against cyber risks, most businesses still don’t have this coverage.”

Another type of claim that is predicted to increase is in the realm of sexual harassment.

“There will be many companies that will face employment lawsuits over workplace sexual harassment,” said Nichols. “If they have proper insurance, many of those companies will have claims paid by insurance and defense costs covered. If not, the companies will be forced to pay out from their company

E&O INSURANCE: E&O is a type of professional liability insurance. It covers businesses against claims involving negligence caused by harm resulting from errors or a failure to perform some type of duty or service.

BUSINESS PROPERTY INSURANCE: This insurance covers a business' equipment, gear, signage, inventory and furniture for things like fires, storms or theft. Just like homeowner's insurance, you need special insurance to cover floods, earthquakes and other issues. This insurance covers the business no matter if it is leased or you own the building and property.

PRODUCT LIABILITY INSURANCE: This covers a business if someone is injured or killed due to someone being harmed by a defective product or service. It pays for both damages and legal fees.

COMMERCIAL AUTO INSURANCE: This insurance covers vehicles used in your business, including injury or property damage to someone due to one of your vehicles. Personal auto insurance doesn’t cover you if you use your personal vehicles in your business, you must have separate commercial auto insurance.

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE: This insurance covers your business if operations are interrupted due to some sort of catastrophic occurrence. It pays for lost income during such an event.

WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE: Workers compensation covers medical bills and lost wages if your employees get hurt or killed while working, no matter who is at fault. It is required in most states.

HEALTH INSURANCE: Health insurance provides health coverage for you and your employees.

LIFE AND DISABILITY INSURANCE: This insurance covers a business if the owner or employees become disabled or die.

TERRORISM INSURANCE: This insurance covers a business in case of loss due to terrorist actions.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK INSURANCE: This insurance covers businesses that have such tanks (i.e. gas stations) if it leaks and pays for cleanup, liability, etc.

ENGINEERS AND CONSULTANTS INSURANCE: This insurance covers a business for damage or loss caused by negligent contractors.

HAZMAT INSURANCE: This insurance covers transportation, loading, unloading, cleanup, etc. if a company deals with hazardous materials.

CYBER INSURANCE: This insurance covers your company if your website, servers or database is hacked by someone.

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE: This insurance covers the directors or officers of a company for legal fees and damages if a director or officer causes the business to be sued.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY INSURANCE: This covers the business if an employee sues them for some type of discrimination such as age, race, disability, sexual preference, wrongful firing, etc.

UMBRELLA INSURANCE: This insurance covers a business over and above the limits of other insurance policies. For example, if your property was destroyed and your property insurance wasn’t enough to pay for it, then this insurance would cover up to the amount of the policy purchased.

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RISKY BUSINESS: WITHOUT INSURANCE, EVERYTHING’S UP FOR GRABS

BY MARK MEYER

Successful business owners large and small – local, regional, national and international – know disaster can strike at a moment’s notice to place your livelihood in peril. Consequently, it is customary for companies to carry the proper types and levels of insurance and coverage to mitigate unforeseen risks.

No matter how tempting it might be to cut costs by forgoing insurance, business experts such as the Small Business Administration strongly recommend maintaining a business insurance policy to guard against an employee getting injured on the job, a natural disaster that destroys property or a client suing over a breach of contract.

PROTECTION AGAINST LAWSUITS One accident, broken contract or disgruntled employee could be all it takes to drain your financial reserves. Rather than worry about what could happen, liability insurance can give you peace of mind and allow you to concentrate on operating a successful business.

Pete Kuhnmuench, executive director of the Insurance Institute of Michigan, said the more recent risks of terrorism, data breach or sexual misconduct in the workplace are potential minefields and real-time scenarios

It’s important to insure your business and personal assets. Here are some reasons why your business needs insurance.

PREVENT DISRUPTION IN SERVICE What happens to your business in the event of an earthquake or flood? P&C insurance covers loss of property — buildings, equipment, etc.

— but what about the money you lose when your business is closed?

THE CREDIBILITY EDGE Business insurance shows your prospective clients and customers that you’re a safe bet. That’s the reason many home-service companies brand “licensed, bonded and insured,” on their trucks and signage. It builds trust: the currency of a modern-day economy.

IT’S THE LAW

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“Instances of cybercrimes and the disclosure of personal information are a couple of new risks that businesses must now protect against,” Kuhnmuench said.

Business Owner Policy (BOP) insurance can protect against a loss of income by having the insurer pay you the income your company would have made while it was out of action, assuming it’s due to a covered loss. BOP insurance also compensates for normal operation expenses, including rent and utilities for example, of which you would have otherwise incurred.

“Plus, you want to make sure you protect your income,” said Mike Nelson, associate vice president of commercial lines with Farm Bureau Insurance. “If a fire destroys your building and you’ve protected the contents, that’s good. But what about the lost income from being able to service your clients? You have to consider that as well.”

Failure to carry legally required coverage such as workers compensation could result in fines, civil or criminal penalties, exclusion from public contracts and cease and desist orders — all of which could cost you far more than the price of an insurance policy.

that business owners to protect themselves against.

MIKE NELSON

Associate vice president of commercial lines with Farm Bureau Insurance

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“ACTS OF GOD” In insurance language, an “Act of God” is any accident or event not caused by human

FEATURE

the loan agreement will likely contain an insurance requirement.

THE UNKNOWN No business owner can predict what might happen in the future. It would be excellent if natural disasters, injuries on the job or lawsuits were always predictable, but no one can guarantee a timetable for these things.

With the proper business insurance, small business owners can achieve peace of mind and focus their attention on what they do best while helping to enable a profitable and personally rewarding business for years to come.

JOIN TODAY

PETE KUHNMUENCH Executive director of the Insurance Institute of Michigan

hands. Floods, tornados, hurricanes and fires caused by lightning all qualify. Two types of property and casualty insurance protect against such loss: all-risk and peril-specific.

All-risk policies cover events except for those expressly mentioned. Peril-specific policies list risks and cover fire, floods and others.

SAFEGUARD HUMAN ASSETS What happens if a heart attack, serious accident or some other unfortunate circumstance puts you out of work for weeks, months or even years? Company-owned life and disability insurance coverage provide payments to cover the loss of income. In the event of your death or disability, it provides funds for the purchase of your interest under a buy-sell agreement.

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ATTRACT AND RETAIN EMPLOYEES Having insurance isn’t just about protecting your business in scenarios of doom and gloom. It can have the positive benefit of attracting and retaining qualified employees.

Second to salary, job seekers look for benefits packages that include life, health, disability and long-term care insurance.

CONTRACTS MAY REQUIRE IT If you rent or lease your business facility, you may need to carry insurance if the landlord’s policy doesn’t cover it. If you borrow money to finance buildings, equipment or operations,

A service provided by

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson L

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Oivet College's Burrage Library

FROM PAGE TO SCREEN Libraries embrace technology to welcome readers

BY ANDREW DOMINO

Libraries have reacted to the explosion of knowledge available to their users by welcoming it — and making sure people are able to put it to use.

in a world where users can find plenty of reading material online, said Scott Duimstra, director of the Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) in Lansing.

This comes in the form of courses for English as a second language or for story time, where preschoolers are guided to learn their alphabet; it also extends beyond actually learning to read.

A library is the place to find a Stephen King novel or a politician’s autobiography, but it’s also a multifaceted resource. Non-fiction books offer information and history. There are areas for public speakers and community events. The library building itself is a place to work quietly or in a small group within a private space.

“You get your information from the internet, but we teach you how to use that information,” he said.

CADL South Lansing aids in applying for jobs and writing resumes, while several libraries offer training for computer basics like using an Android or iPhone device. The most advanced class with an instructor in the room is a digital seminar on online marketing and promotion.

Highlighting the options beyond the literature is one way in which libraries are staying relevant 22

TEACHING IN PERSON AND ONLINE Library staff are more like teachers than reference tools. They can still help a reader find a volume on the shelf or answer a student’s question for a book report, but they also encourage literacy.

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Dozens of library systems including Lansing’s CADL locations, Kent County and the University of Michigan offer access to Lynda.com: a virtual

FEATURE

warehouse of several thousand training videos on subjects from Excel fundamentals to becoming a singer or songwriter.

The growth is strong in the number of computers available to the public at libraries — from 9,550 statewide in 2007 to 12,102 in 2016.

While Lynda requires a subscription and instructional videos can be found on YouTube for free, the value of Lynda is in its consistency, with the site offering experts in the field they’re discussing; it’s also in quality, with videos providing clear instruction without being hidden among images of cats and movie reviews.

The book publishing industry, like the newspaper business, has been slow to adjust to the accessibility of its product on the internet.

CADL, like many library systems, use Hoopla: a streaming service where users can check out electronic versions of books, movies and audio.

Duimstra said information on writing a computer program or learning software is proving to be better in a video format. “If I’m going to fix my car, I’ll watch a video,” Duimstra said. “I don’t want to get out a manual.”

Libraries affiliated with colleges and universities also offer plenty of electronic resources, but theirs are often more academic. Judy Fales, director of the Olivet College’s Burrage Library, estimates about a quarter of the library’s budget each year — some $32,000 — is spent on subscriptions to professional databases for specific industries: the social sciences, Project MUSE; business, Hoover’s Guide; and biology, BioOne. The school is planning to add subscriptions for nursing and more in criminal justice.

Opened in 1889, the Burrage Library is the longest continuously operating library in Michigan, financed by the college but open to the public. And its popularity of online resources means it’s becoming more of a destination.

Hoopla is free for library visitors, but the libraries themselves pay for access to the system and are charged each time someone borrows a novel or a film. That’s the reason for the restriction on the number of e-books available at one time — the limit isn’t the availability of the item, it’s the amount of money the library has budgeted for paying for those e-books.

The interest in specific books depends on a lot of outside influences. Library staff can talk about books they think a reader would like, but many readers come in looking for a book they’ve heard promoted in an interview or stories made into their favorite films.

In the first half of 2017, Publishers Weekly reports that adult romance — think “50 Shades of Grey” and Danielle Steele books — and thrillers novels sold more copies than any other single genre, including fantasy or graphic novels.

The best-selling book in the two fastest-growing categories, adult history and juvenile biography, was “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly, which became a film released in December 2016.

Other popular genres include young adult fantasy like “Harry Potter” and suspenseful stories.

“It’s very much commercial-driven — what people hear on the radio or see in movies,” Duimstra said. “People are always looking for an escape.”

Andrew Domino writes about finance, culture and hobbies for publications in Lansing, across the U.S. and online. He was surprised to learn how often software is patched and resolves to back up his own computer more regularly. Andrew is also a freelance writer and blogger, bridging the gap between “nerds” and the rest of the world. You can see more of his writing at www.dominowriting.com.

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Fales said the library has 30 computers available: two specifically for the public, as well as study rooms where students can pull up an online presentation or do research. Most students — and many Olivet-area residents — own their own computer, tablet or phone, making materials always available.

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“It’s as if the library never closes,” she said. “If they have a tablet, they have the library.”

BY THE NUMBERS Computers are a draw for libraries. Duimstra said a sizable portion of former collections of newspapers and magazines — if they’re even published now — are found online instead of in print.

The circulation of physical books actually being checked-out from CADLs has dropped from 1 million in 2007 to about 980,000 in 2017. There aren’t comparable statistics for other libraries in the state, though the Library of Michigan reports an average increase in circulation from 205,000 to 262,000 in the same 10-year period.

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VISUAL BREAKDOWN

Types of Insurance Important to your

Bus iness

Business insurance can be confusing. Do you need it and, if so, what kind? As your business grows and takes on more risk, business insurance quickly becomes a must. Many smaller businesses assume that by forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), they’ll be afforded protection from a lawsuit. This can

protect you from personal liability for business decisions or actions of the LLC, but the liability protection is limited. Not all the insurances below are required for your business, but many are critical to consider. Always consult with an agent to find out the requirements for your business.

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ee's employ e for an d g ra e v o n c ges a cludes lost wa om a This in penses, s that result fr x e l a ic e ic med rv e s s. itation r illnes rehabil injury o e c la p work

ce

ran u s n i e l c i Veh

ercial a comm s y u b s ed busines on-own d When a y, hired and n de d a lic only auto po is comm s additional e c n ra su add auto in y. This the at polic sured in ity for in onto th e th r il b fo a s li e iness a coverag is a bus olving v re e in th t n t e id c . even c a re mobile tly insu an auto ey don’t direc th le ic veh

Business Insu

rance Busin insuraenscse interruption

If a disaste r occurs, b usiness op be interru erations w pted. You ill r staff may in the offi not be able likely ce, manufa to work cture prod This is es ucts or mak pecially im e calls. portant to retail store s.

Data breac insurance h

A data bre ach is the intentional release of or acciden secure info tal rmation to environm an unsecu ent. Comm red on terms u data breac sed to des hes includ cribe e data thef cybersecu t, data loss rity, identi , ty theft an d cyber li ability.

Commercial insurance crime

Almost ev ery busines s owner n about emp eeds to be loyee dish concerned onesty an your custo d theft at mers’ loca work and tions. Busi cash or pro at nesses that vide servic handle dai es after ho for claims ly urs are at than many a higher ri other indu sk stries.

VISUAL BREAKDOWN

Home-based businesses

Many pro fessionals begin thei in their ow r sm n homes.

Unfortunat all businesses policies d ely, homeo on’t cover wner ’s h ome-based commerci businesse al property s in the w insurance your busin ay does. If yo ess out of u’re operat your hom additional ing e, ask you insurance r insurer fo to cover y inventory r our equip in the even ment and t of a prob lem.

Empl coveroaygeee health

There is n o state law requiring health care employer insurance s to offer to their em do provid group p e this ben efit. Howev loyees, but most em offered, M p er, if healt ichigan's in h insurance loyers su cover cert is ain mandat rance laws require policies to ed benefits informatio . There is n available also addit about insu conversio ional rance con n requirem tinuation ents. and

Liquor liabil insurance ity

Most busi nesses that sell either legal ly required or serve alcohol ar e to buy liq insurance uor liabilit or will ben y efit from an business b d protect y having th their is coverag e.

Compiled by Mary Gajda | Graphics by Heather Thielking | Sources: entrepreneur.com, U.S. small business administration & State of Michigan L

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LANSING’S TIME IS NOW

SCHOR ENOUGH:

COVER

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

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor moves forward with the agenda he campaigned on: an agenda that brings everyone in Michigan’s capital forward, together

BY KRISTOPHER JOHNSON

FEBRUARY 2018

Andy Schor, Mayor of Lansing Photo by Mary Gajda

COVER

It’s hard to miss the bustling David Hollister City Hall in downtown Lansing, but venture into the building far enough and you’ll find a refreshing nest of political movement.

As the elevator opens to reveal the ninth floor, you take a right turn and gaze past the walls displaying plaques of well-deserved recognition to see the mayor’s office.

The unassuming ninth floor of City Hall is where newly elected Mayor Andy Schor and his staff are found hard at work on behalf of the landscape that surrounds them. Ever since his inaugural speech on Jan. 1, Schor’s new administration has been charging full speed ahead for the capital region.

“We’re unpacking still and getting things on the walls, getting situated while still having meetings back to back to back. We have about 70 or 80 outstanding requests for meetings still — in addition to sitting with department directors to make sure the work that we’re doing implements the vision laid out for voters when I talked about my candidacy,” said Schor. “We’re setting all that up, and it’s going well.”

As winner of the November 2017 election, the excitement among community residents and businesses over Schor is palpable. He already has a beverage aptly named for his likeness, courtesy of the Lansing Brewing Company: Schor Style.

“The excitement of the community right now continues. People were excited during the campaign and after the election during the transition,” said Schor. “They’re looking forward to change. We’re taking the things that have been done well in the past and putting a different leadership style to it.”

Schor is eager to meet the excitement around his administration head on. He’s issued his first executive order for City Council to consider, which will reorganize the Department of Planning and Neighborhood Development, creating the Department of Economic Development and Planning as well as the Department of Neighborhoods and Citizen Engagement.

“We’re hyper focused … to make sure we have strong neighborhoods, vitality and things for people to do when they’re not in their homes,” said Schor.

In addition to reorganization, Schor is gearing up to give his first State of the City address on Feb. 7 and his first budget recommendation to City Council in March.

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Andy Schor, Mayor of Lansing Photo by Mary Gajda

meet several other mayors across the country … a chance to really meet these folks and have people to call if I need to, as well as to learn about some of the power we have on the federal level to advocate for our cities,” Schor said.

This year marks an interesting year to hold a secured office, with nationwide midterm elections looming this November. Schor hopes to demonstrate why people can truly believe in their representatives, although the charged atmosphere in Washington D.C. can be discouraging or motivating — it depends on who you talk to.

“People vote for a variety of reasons. Some people vote because they believe it’s their obligation. Some people don’t vote because that’s their choice … we have democracy: the ability to elect our leaders or fall back and let representatives be elected for them,” said Schor.

As Schor readies for a term that will extend beyond 2018, it’s been business as usual for his wife, Erin, and his children, Ryan and Hannah.

Schor juggles his hats as husband, father and public figure with a familiar expertise, from spending quality time between meetings to attending his daughter’s gymnastics meets.

“The kids are probably getting tired of people asking about it because, for them, things are still normal,” said Schor. “It’s really important to keep striking that work-life balance chord.”

“I can’t give it away, but we have a lot of things we want to talk about … the state of the city is good,” Schor said. “We’ll be able to talk about what’s been done in the past, where we’re going in the future and how to keep pushing onward.”

A cool and calm personality, backed by several years of experience in the Michigan House of Representatives, Schor remains collected; his path is clear thanks to the robust foundation set by predecessors such as Virg Bernero and David Hollister. While Schor values the advice of those who have already been “through the ringer,” he’s in his element within public service.

“It takes a certain kind of person who is interested in negotiation and discussion, and I’ve always been interested in helping out in public service: being involved in a variety of issues is something that interests me,” Schor said. “Now, there’s a chance to affect not just 28

policy but directly to help the people who live in our city and take it all to the next level.”

But Schor sees the future with starry eyes; not just through his children but through the next generation of leaders that will inevitably rise from the precedence engraved by those before them.

While it’s not unusual for mayors to have legislative experience, there were all sorts of backgrounds at the Seminar on Transition for Newly Elected Mayors at Harvard University in late 2017. However, Schor was the only mayor-elect from Michigan out of more than 20 new city executives.

“Whether they did vote, didn’t vote or didn’t care, Lansing’s time is now,” said Schor. “I don’t do anything just for someone who has supported me … I do what’s best for Lansing.

And, hopefully, the people who supported me did so because they believe I can do what’s best for Lansing.”

Presented in partnership by the Harvard Institute of Politics and the U.S. Conference of Mayors every two years, the three-day, nonpartisan program provides intensive training on communicating with the media, municipal management and finance, hot topics like the opioid crisis and more in urban policy.

The hosts covered air travel and lodging. Schor paid all other expenses.

Whether someone’s pursuit of happiness means running for office, making a business plan or simply finding a job to raise their own families, Schor envisions a Lansing with room for everyone and a government that will enable prosperity to permeate at an eye level.

“There was good information that was shared and important for me to know, plus I got to

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“I’m optimistic for the millennial generation, but I hope they don’t look away from government as something that can’t improve communities and help people in need. That’s what governments are for,” Schor said.

Pre-Order the Book Now !

COVER

Harness the power of economics for your business. Purchase your copy of Simply Economics today and access the expertise of Mordechai E. Kreinin to make educated and strategic decisions for your business through the knowledge of trends and principles of economics.

Order your copy today at glbm.com/economics or call 517.203.3333.

S IMPLY ECONOMICS

Mordechai E. Kreinin

Bio: Mordechai Kreinin is a University Distinguished Professor of Economics, emeritus at Michigan State University and past President of the International Trade and Finance Association. He is the author of more than 200 articles and books about economics, including the widely used text, International Economics.

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BY MARY GAJDA | PHOTO BY MARY GAJDA

LISA TRUONG

Owner of Truong Agency Lisa Truong is owner of Truong Agency. She is an exclusive agent for Farmers Insurance and Foremost specializing in property, casualty and life insurance for personal and commercial lines, as well as a professional language interpreter with 7-Clingo.

TELL ME ABOUT ANY EVENTS THAT IMPACTED THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN 2017. IS THERE ANYTHING WE MIGHT SEE FOCUSED ON IN 2018?

One of the most impactful decisions that resulted this past year was when the vote to reform Michigan No-Fault auto insurance was defeated.

The lack of No-Fault reform is partly precipitated by the notable amount of money necessary for the reform, and the lobbyist influence involved is ardent. Currently, the health care coverage received from auto is substantial, so there seems to be little political will to make a healthy change.

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In addition, I think we need to focus more on fraud authority in Michigan in its entirety.

There are ways of making palatable changes without making a tumultuous entrance for change. For example, we can implement a more stringent medical-fee schedule where hospitals and service providers are better monitored on service charges. This would give us a better cushion on what is paid out on things such as wage loss and other related services. If there is more of a collaboration of effort in this aspect, it would assist in mitigating costs and enabling a welcomed change for our industry.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE OF YOUR INDUSTRY? IN A DIGITAL WORLD, DO YOU SEE THE EXTINCTION OR DOWNSIZING OF INSURANCE AGENTS? One highly anticipated transformation you will be seeing is in the world of the autonomous vehicles. Manufacturers are producing more driverless cars, which takes some of the shift

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off insurance carriers from an insurance viewpoint and puts more responsibility on the manufacturers. Some may prefer doing insurance business online, but there is an understated truth that there is still something very special about the need for insurance agencies. People like having the human touch and being able to establish that relationship with their trusted agents. There are specific questions on coverage, protection and guidance you receive from a personal agent that is irreplaceable and invaluable.

SPEAKING OF A DIGITAL WORLD, HOW DO YOU SEE USING MOBILE APPS IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY? WHAT’S TRENDING AND BEING USED? The digital world and increased use of mobile apps are surely more prevalent now than ever; people like the accessibility and convenience.

Insurance carriers are conscious of this and constantly seek opportunities to become more innovative with their technology, as it relates to processing policies and handling claims.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Insurance is a fast-paced, transforming industry, and we need to be ready for change if we want to service our customers. Digital change can be good if you are open-minded and embrace it.

It’s inevitable.

HAS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGED THE WAY YOU DO BUSINESS IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY? Social Media has become one of the most critical marketing tools for employers, and the insurance industry is no exception. Companies have spent considerable time, money and attention to the trending usage of social media as it helps them engage and connect with their customers, as well as improves the efficiency and productivity of their employees. As social networking and business marketing continues to evolve, it has become critical for the insurance industry to use the full range of digital technologies and benefits of online social platforms to boost overall operations and financial performances. The world of social media is undoubtedly an integral part of our daily livelihood, if we want to stay connected.

entrepreneur. With an increased number of people working online and everything going digital, there is also a higher risk of cyber-based liabilities, which requires protections against those liabilities regarding businesses and personal information.

All these transitional effects lead to a growth in employment positions within the industry. If you are thinking about entering the insurance arena, there are many different exciting opportunities to learn. In fact, right here in Michigan, we have Olivet College with formidable insurance courses. Ferris State University is also offering insurance-based degrees.

WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL VIEW OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY IN LANSING? IS IT THRIVING?

business development or human resources.

There has been substantial economic growth in our capital city, and insurance organizations are among the growers. This brings lots of excitement to the Greater Lansing area.

ARE THERE ANY COMING CHANGES THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE AWARE OF? The more the insurance industry changes, the more it stays the same. One thing I know for sure is that Farmers Insurance has the best agents, the right people and unsurpassable prestige backing the brand value. We are positioned to grow along with our customers and this ever-evolving industry. I’m humbled, honored and excited to be a part of it.

Mary Gajda Mary Gajda a multimedia specialist at M3 Group. She is a wife, mom and photographer who loves music, Pinterest and all things chocolate.

Lansing is a unique area as it relates to the insurance industry. It is a mecca for several different companies that are headquartered here.

This naturally means job opportunities thrive, whether in claims, investigation, technology,

ARE THERE CHALLENGES TO YOUR SPECIALTIES IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY? Some challenges include increases in claims and severity. Weather-related catastrophes in Michigan continue to rise, as well as increased costs to repair vehicles — all drawing from the same insurance pool. The number of distracted drivers on the roads have also had a negative impact on costs regarding claims and increasing the number of claims filed.

Some ways to help curtail these challenges are to practice safety, utilize preventative methods to prevent a loss from occurring and stay focused. We have to allow ourselves to be more educated on insurance issues and to keep up with any necessary changes, understanding the ramifications of insurance and how it can work for us, not against us.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE LOOKING LIKE FOR EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY? If there’s one thing that people will always need, it’s insurance. With each day, we see a plethora of new types of businesses that need coverage, ranging from food trucks to the latest L

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CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY Jackson National’s Support of Ele’s Place Exceeds $2M

BY KRISTOPHER JOHNSON

All throughout Michigan and especially in Greater Lansing, you can see the sense of community created by the people within it, from simple acts of kindness to providing support during the toughest economic or socially-charged times. This is especially true through gift-giving to causes that help those who need it most. That need for community is easily found at Ele’s Place, a grieving center for families.

Ele’s Place has only been able to accomplish their mission to help children and teens with the help of volunteers and donors who make their no-charge services possible. But donors and volunteers come in all shapes and sizes, including in the form of local companies. That’s why the far-reaching efforts of Jackson, the marketing arm of the Jackson National Life Insurance Company, has raised approximately $2,145,000 over years of support to aid families through the grieving center.

According to James R. Sopha, Jackson’s president, supporting area children in Lansing is exactly the kind of engagement Jackson strives to achieve, demonstrating how to meet the needs of others in sustainable ways. Because of the natural prevalence of something like grief, it only makes sense that Jackson, throughout the years, has been able to recognize that consistency is key.

“Jackson has called mid-Michigan home for nearly 60 years, and we are committed to investing 32

in charitable initiatives that support strong families and increase economic opportunities for our associates and neighbors,” said Sopha. “Ele’s Place plays a critical role in our community by helping children and families heal after the loss of a loved one. The impact of Ele’s Place extends beyond grief support to strengthen our entire community as youth and families recover and rebuild their lives. Over the last 10 years, our associates have shown us how much they care about Ele’s Place with their own generous contributions, and Jackson is proud to multiply those efforts with corporate donations and sponsorships.”

Jackson’s long-standing support is equivalent to directly assisting nearly 4,300 children in Lansing.

They recognize the significance in uplifting the wellness of community members, especially the youth, by supporting Ele’s Place’s mission to be a place of healing and progression for families enduring the death of someone close to them.

Typically, it costs Ele’s Place $500 per child, per year to help families that need additional support in the grieving process. Because of the ability to see a need and be supported to that end, Ele’s Place can continue providing completely free services to families — thanks to the efforts of community residents, as well as organizations like Jackson.

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“Ele’s Place’s programming and services come at no cost to children and teens, and the types of commitment like Jackson’s is what helps to make that possible,” said Kate Powers, managing director at Ele’s Place Lansing. “We thank them for their amazing diligence and consistency in aiding the perpetual effort to give children hope, not just within the holiday season but 24/7, year-round.”

Ele’s Place helps children, teenagers and young adults find a path to emotional peace and understanding in the face of the death of a loved one or terminal illness. Whether a parent, sibling, other family member or even a friend, children and teens often have additional difficulty after a person close to them has died. They also may feel as though sharing their feelings are a burden.

Unfortunately, death is a part of life, which means Ele’s Place is always fulfilling a need that touches the lives of everyone. Why? Because everyone has grieved before and knows what it’s like to lose someone meaningful. That’s why, for 26 years, Ele’s Place has been devoted to easing the grieving process of children, teens and families throughout Michigan communities. For more information about Ele’s Place or resources on childhood grief, visit elesplace.org.

S D V IY The Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association PRESENTS

2018 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference On Tourism

Tuesday, March 27 Thursday, March 29

FE AT U R E D E V E NT S IN C LU D E :

Grand Rapids, Michigan Here the inclusion of diverse culture, generation, gender, geographic region and industry segment excites fresh, innovative thought!

• EduTours – experience the amazing diversity of Grand Rapids!

• Shirt Sleeve Sessions – join peers from your career discipline to take on industry issues most important to you!

• Career Day – join hospitality employers and job seekers to match talent and passion in this great industry!

Don’t miss your chance to register for this exclusive event – for more information visit conference.milodging.org L

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BUSINESS CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 1 THE FEBRUARY 2018 EDITION OF //TECHTHURSDAY, EAST LANSING We concentrate on bringing together entrepreneurs, technologists, researchers and area partners: Do you need more talent?

Resources? Looking to access the Michigan State University powerhouse network? We can help. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 8 C21 TOOLS TRAINING, LANSING The Great Lakes Broker Council has arranged for Kathryn Carr, senior trainer for Century 21 Real Estate, to come to Michigan for two 1/2-day trainings at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.

For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 9 STARTUP WEEKEND EAST LANSING WINTER 2018, EAST LANSING These 54-hour events are designed to provide superior experiential education for technical and non-technical entrepreneurs. Beginning with Friday night pitches and continuing through brainstorming, business plan development and basic prototype creation, Startup Weekend culminates in Sunday night demos and presentations. For more information, visit communities.techstars.com/ events/12197.

FEBRUARY 12 JOBS TO BE DONE WITH SARAH BARBO, EAST LANSING Taking a jobs-to-be-done approach to innovation can reveal profound new insights about what problem you're really trying to solve with any given product or service, while 34

ensuring that you'll always be customercentric and relevant. Rather than reading the books, save time and come workshop on how you can apply the approach to your own business and your life. Visit eventbrite.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 13 EPIPHANY BUSINESS SERIES BY KEVIN SUBOSKI, LANSING As the visionary for your business, you need help that is not generally available. Join other visionaries as we provide tools and insights to elevate your performance. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 13 INNOVATE STATE WITH BEN BATOR, EAST LANSING Ben Bator is an entrepreneur, but it started out as an accident and has since turned into a career. In 2009, he co-founded the website TextsFromLastNight.com (TFLN), which has grown into a media company with followers and revenue in the millions. Today, he’s a founding partner of a soon-to-be-announced advertising agency headquartered in Detroit.

He’s getting better at explaining what he does for a living. Bator graduated from Michigan State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Advertising. Visit eventbrite.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 13 BIG DATA AND HADOOP TRAINING, LANSING Trainerkart's Big Data Hadoop Developer/ Admin Certification course is designed to prepare you for your next assignment in the world of Big Data. Hadoop is the market leader among Big Data Technologies, and it is an important skill for every professional

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in the field. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 15 THE DRINKING LUNCH, LANSING There was a time when it was expected that you’d have a few brews at your business lunch - then it vanished. Bring your business cards and raise a toast to The Drinking Lunch.

Visit thedrinkinglunch.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 15 CRESTCOM TRAINING: THE BULLET PROOF® MANAGER, EAST LANSING Crestcom provides monthly training — the 3rd Thursday of each month, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. — at the East Lansing Marriott at University Place. This is an annual program that covers two modules per month, for 12 consecutive months — 48 hours of training — at a cost of $5,000 per seat. Registration is open to anyone that wishes to enroll. For more information, visit lansingchamber. org/events.

FEBRUARY 15 2018 FEBRUARY ECONOMIC CLUB, EAST LANSING The Lansing Regional Chamber Economic Club speaker series features locally and nationally prominent speakers covering a broad spectrum of business-related topics, ranging from economic trends and business success stories to the latest in management and leadership techniques. The Economic Club luncheons provide members with an excellent opportunity to network with more than 450 of the area’s key community, business and education leaders from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit lansingchamber.org/events.

BUSINESS CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 17 PMP CERTIFICATION TRAINING COURSE, LANSING ®

The PMP® training course is designed to ensure that you pass the exam on the first try.

Our hands-on training approach, entrusted by 52,000 learners, will help you understand the workings of the five process groups and 10 knowledge areas defined by the PMBOK® Guide — Fifth Edition. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 20 TABLEAU TRAINING & CERTIFICATION, LANSING Tableau is one of the many data-related tools that work alongside R, Python or D3.js that can help you create complex and beautiful visualizations. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 22 CYBER SYMPOSIUM, LANSING On Thursday, Feb. 22, Lyman and Sheets

Insurance will host a Cyber Symposium from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Country Club of Lansing. This event will include speakers from Dewpoint, Fraser Trebilcock, the Michigan State Police Cyber Unit and Chubb Insurance. There is no charge to attend this event. Please contact Steve Nichols at (517) 319-5140 or email him at steven@ lymansheets.com to register.

FEBRUARY 27 INNOVATE STATE, WITH JUSTIN KERSHAW, EAST LANSING Justin Kershaw graduated from Michigan State University in 2008. While at Michigan State, he played for the Spartan Football Team from 2004 to 2008 and served as a team captain his senior year. Upon graduation, he went to work for two different Fortune 500 companies, Stryker and 3M. Currently, he is the founder and owner of two companies, including Venia Medical, a medical device supplies company he started in 2011, and Hanga, a new startup venture focused on creative home goods that he founded in 2016.

For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 27 LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT TRAINING, LANSING Trainerkart’s Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training program is designed and developed

by Lean Six Sigma experts to ensure that our participants pass the IASSC® Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification exam in the first attempt. Our instructors will give you an introduction to the tools, techniques and methodologies that will empower you to lead Lean Six Sigma projects. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 28 PITCH CLUB, LANSING Pitch club is a unique mentoring and funding program hosted across the state of Michigan in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Grand Rapids. Pitch Club has ongoing monthly events that provide entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn from seasoned investors.

For more information, visit kyybaxcelerator. com/about-pitch-club.php.

Protecting our resources, while...

Managing your liabilities.

BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING

NATURAL RESOURCES

517.702.0470

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NOTABLE NEWS

will be both challenging and exciting.”

REYNAERT NAMED VP OF SPARROW FOUNDATION Michelle Reynaert, an experienced leader in promoting philanthropy in the mid-Michigan region, has been named vice president of the Sparrow Foundation. In her role, Reynaert will oversee Sparrow’s philanthropic arm, working to ensure growing community support for the services Sparrow provides to the region.

Reynaert most recently served as the Foundation’s executive director of Development and Operations, assuming increasing responsibility for day-to-day operations and providing strong leadership during numerous capital campaigns such as the $8.6 million effort to help finance the Sparrow HerbertHerman Cancer Center.

“Having worked for Sparrow — a place that I trust to take my family for care — for nearly a decade is tremendously rewarding,” Reynaert said. “I am honored to work with a fantastic team and an incredible Board of Directors, for a great purpose.

Health can sometimes be taken for granted, until an illness, injury or diagnosis impacts us in a way we never expected. This new role, and the future,

Reynaert was previously vice president of Advancement for the Capital Area Humane Society and worked for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, the Capital Area REYNAERT United Way and Lansing Community College.

A native of Grand Rapids, she has a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

HANIFIN NAMED VP FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AT OLIVET COLLEGE Olivet College welcomes Martin “Marty” Hanifin as its new vice president for finance and administration. He will serve as the chief financial officer and is responsible for providing

leadership for all aspects of institutional finance and administration, including financial services, human resources, physical plant, legal services and auxiliary enterprises.

“Marty brings a vast knowledge of finance and administration in higher education to Olivet College,” said Olivet Collet President Steven Corey, Ph.D. “I look forward to supporting him in his new role and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Olivet College and to our great state of Michigan.”

Hanifin has served as vice president for finance and administration for Paul Smith’s College in New York; prior to Paul Smith’s, Hanifin served as vice chancellor for administration and finance at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, vice president for finance and administration at Colorado State University Pueblo and in multiple finance and administrative positions at the University of Oregon.

“I am delighted to join Olivet College at this exciting time in history. With growing enrollment, strong academic programs, and a successful and transformative comprehensive campaign underway, Olivet College is moving in the right direction,” Hanifin said.

New Listings!

2149 Jolly Road, Suite 200 - Okemos, MI 48864 517.487.9222 - naimidmichigan.com

801 S. Waverly Rd., Lansing, 48917 For Sale or Lease: Office

$2,100,000 - $13.00 PSF 33,333 SF

2149 Jolly Rd., Okemos, 48864 For Lease: Office $18.00 PSF 4,317 SF

Call Ed Weaver - 517.487.9222

Call Jeff Shapiro - 517.881.4390

1033 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, 48910

19 E. Five Point Hwy., Charlotte, 48813

For Sale: Office

For Sale: Vacant Land

$995,000 20,405 SF

$375,000 62.35 Acres

Call Jeff or Nick - 517.487.9222

Call Dave or Jeff - 517.487.9222

NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN, AND THE SAME IS SUBMITTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGE OF PRICE, RENTAL OR OTHER CONDITIONS, PRIOR SALE, LEASE OR FINANCING, OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE, AND OF ANY SPECIAL LISTING CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY OUR PRINCIPALS NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS ARE MADE AS TO THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY OR ANY HAZARDS CONTAINED THEREIN ARE ANY TO BE IMPLIED.

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NOTABLE NEWS

Hanifin holds a law degree from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. Hanifin has years of state government, legal and legislative experience, including serving as fiscal analyst for the Oklahoma State Senate and as a staff member for two Vermont governors. He served in the Army as a member of the JAG Corps.

Hanifin has also served the higher education community for a number of years as a peer reviewer in accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.

SPARROW NAMES ILENE CANTOR AS NEW VP OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Ilene Cantor, who has broad experience in health care marketing and media, has been named Sparrow’s new vice president of marketing and communications. In her role, Cantor will be a key member CANTOR of Sparrow Health System’s executive team, providing coordinated leadership, direction and guidance in the areas of communication and public relations, brand management, internal and external marketing, messaging, media relations and communications.

DETROIT FREE PRESS NAMES DART BANK WINNER OF THE MICHIGAN 2017 TOP WORKPLACES AWARD Dart Bank has been awarded the 2017 Top Workplaces honor by the Detroit Free Press.

The Top Workplaces awards are based solely on the results of an employee survey administered

“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. Oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits.” says Doug Claffey, CEO of Workplace Dynamics. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict

Your local expert Insurance can be complicated. As your local independent agent, we’ll find you the right coverage at the right price.

“I look forward to creating, developing and executing a comprehensive, innovative and consistent marketing strategy that will elevate Sparrow’s brand, reputation and perception throughout the communities we serve, along with supporting our vision for the future. This is an amazingly talented health system where every patient comes first, every time,” Cantor said.

Prior to joining Sparrow, Cantor served as chief communications and marketing officer at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Mich., assisting in setting up all global interviews for Hurley leaders during the Flint Water Crisis. She helped coordinate interviews with 250 international reporters over the past two years for Mona Hanna-Attisha, the Hurley pediatrician who discovered elevated blood lead levels in the Flint water supply.

by WorkplaceDynamics LLC. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including alignment, execution and connection, just to name a few.

Matt Waligorski

2213 E Grand River Ave #1 Lansing MI, 48912 517-482-2211 www.lymansheets.com

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standards for organizational health, and who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day — the employees.”

Dart Bank was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Mason, Mich.; it is a community bank owned and operated locally offering a complete range of business and personal accounts, loans, investment and retirement services with a Bauer Five Star Rating (Superior).

Offices are in Mason, Holt, Grand Ledge and Lansing, and loan production offices are in in Chelsea and Grand Rapids.

“Dart Bank is honored to win this award. It is part of our mission to provide a work culture in which employees feel confident in the bank and uphold its values,” says Senior Vice President of Human Resources Karla Spoor. “Dart Bank is always looking for candidates that have a true passion for helping our customers and our communities.”

CBRE HOSTS NETWORK AND INSIGHT EVENT ON REAL ESTATE TRENDS

CBRE network event on real estate trends

The region’s top business and community leaders gathered in October to network and gain insight on real estate trends, hosted by CBRE|Martin. This invitation only event featured 200 community leaders, including CBRE America’s Chief Economist Jeffrey Havsy, who presented on the macro-economy and corresponding economic events. The discussion explained how labor, automation, U.S. policy, weather events and geopolitics will influence each sector of commercial real estate globally and locally.

CBRE|Martin also dedicated the event to their 55th year in business. Van W. Martin paid tribute to his late parents, William G. Martin and Nanette VanDervoort Martin, who started the company back in 1962. His reflection included recognition of clients, family, friends and staff, while looking back on the company’s history and success.

The Commercial Real Estate Update Event was well-received by attendees. Havsy explained how complex economic factors will impact midMichigan’s economic sectors. CBRE|Martin has 38

already started making plans for an even larger Real Estate Update for Fall 2018.

KELLIE JOHNSON, OWNER OF KELLIE’S CONSIGNMENTS 2018 ATHENA POWER LINK RECIPIENT The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has announced that Kellie Johnson, owner of Kellie’s Consignments (Kellie’s), has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the prestigious ATHENAPowerLink® (APL) award. As the APL recipient, Johnson will be connected to a panel of expert mentors who will consult with her regarding business growth strategies over the next 12 months.

“I am very honored to be selected as the 2018 ATHENAPowerLink® recipient,” said Johnson.

“The timing is impeccable because my business has been growing nicely and I will be able to take advantage of the expertise of my mentor panel to help establish strategies for further growth.”

Since 2006, APL has helped women business owners in Greater Lansing grow their sales, personal net income and number of employees, and enhance their leadership and management skills.

co-chair of the APL governing body and a past APL recipient. “Her mentor panel will be able to help her to establish her priorities in a way that makes the most sense for her business and to achieve more work-life balance.”

“Kellie Johnson will be an exceptional participant in the ATHENAPowerlink® program,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “She has demonstrated outstanding business acumen in building her business to where it is today and has a terrific vision of where she wants to go in the next few years. Her panel of Powerlink mentors will help her shape and execute a refined strategy to take her business to the next level.”

46 LAWYERS FROM FOSTER SWIFT COLLINS & SMITH, PC HAVE BEEN SELECTED BY THEIR PEERS AND LISTED IN THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA® 2018 Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers in America® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peerreview evaluation. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor.

Below lists each attorney and their areas of practice: SOUTHFIELD, MI Dirk H. Beckwith: Construction Law

“We are very excited to have someone the caliber of Kellie Johnson as the 2018 ATHENAPowerLink® recipient,” said Jill Marlan, co-chair of the APL governing body and a past APL recipient. “Kellie will benefit from working with an exceptionally strong panel of mentors who will help catapult her business to the next phase.”

Michael R. Blum: Employment Law (Management); Labor Law (Management)

Kellie’s is a retail and consignment store, charity operation and gathering place all in one colorful, exciting, 24,000-square-foot establishment located in Meridian Township, Mich. Kellie’s Consignments sells gently used quality clothing for men and women. Kellie’s also features furniture and decor items, as well as jewelry and accessories. Kellie’s has almost 12,000 consignors with an average transaction of $40 and recently added estate and moving sales to the operation: It will re-open the Wooden Skate in Okemos in January 2018.

Frank T. Mamat: Labor Law – Management

“Kellie has achieved a good level of success in her business, but she is also open to new ideas and excited to learn more,” said Jane Mitchell,

Scott H. Hogan: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation (Bankruptcy)

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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Julie I. Fershtman: Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law Gilbert H. Frimet: Health Care Law Lisa J. Hamameh: Municipal Law John M. Kamins: Corporate Law Paul Millenbach: Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants Brian J. Renaud: Administrative/Regulatory Law Bruce A. Vande Vusse: Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants GRAND RAPIDS, MI Frederick D. Dilley: Arbitration, Mediation, Personal Injury Litigation (Plaintiffs)

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Todd W. Hoppe: Tax Law

Compensation Law (Employers)

Lawrence Korolewicz: Litigation and Controversy (Tax)

Charles A. Janssen: Elder Law, Trusts and Estates

Jack A. Siebers: Corporate Law Thomas R. TerMaat: Insurance Law Jack Van Coevering: Litigation and Controversy (Tax), Tax Law Lynwood P. VandenBosch: Corporate Law Paul D. Yared: Corporate Law, Insurance Law

Charles E. Barbieri: Environmental Law, First Amendment Law, Litigation (Environmental), Litigation (First Amendment), Natural Resources Law David M. Lick: Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Mediation, Project Finance Law Deanna Swisher: Commercial Litigation

Laura J Genovich: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Douglas A. Mielock: Elder Law, Litigation (Trusts and Estates), Non-Profit/Charities Law, Trusts and Estates

HOLLAND, MI

Frank H. Reynolds: Bet-the-company Litigation, Criminal Defense (General Practice), Criminal Defense (White-Collar), Family Law

Jennifer Van Regenmorter: Health Care Law LANSING, MI Allan J. Claypool: Tax Law, Trusts and Estates Anna K. Gibson: Trusts and Estates Brent A. Titus: Litigation (Real Estate), Real Estate Law Brian G. Goodenough: Insurance Law, Litigation (Municipal), Litigation (Real Estate), Workers'

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Gary J. McRay: Health Care Law James B. Jensen, Jr.: Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Tax Law Jean G. Schtokal: International Trade and Finance Law Matt G. Hrebec: Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law Melissa J. Jackson: Employment Law (Management)

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Michael D. Sanders: Workers' Compensation (Employers) Richard C. Kraus: Health Care Law Scott A. Chernich: Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law Scott A. Storey: Commercial Litigation, Litigation (Real Estate), Product Liability Litigation (Defendants) Scott L. Mandel: Bet-the-company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation (Antitrust) Stephen I. Jurmu: Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Stephen J. Lowney: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Steven L. Owen: Banking and Finance Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Real Estate Law Thomas R. Meagher: Commercial Litigation Webb A. Smith: Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, First Amendment Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law

Let’s Put the

SPOTLIGHT

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Public Relations One of the most valuable tools of branding is making the right impression. M3 Group works to get the media’s attention to help ensure that each impression you make is the right one. Not only will we work to ensure that your brand’s message is brought to the public eye, we’ll work to make sure media coverage focuses on the details that matter. We have the know-how to find and share your brand’s message with the right people to get you noticed as an expert in your industry.

Put your brand above the rest with comprehensive public relations services from M3 Group, Lansing’s premier full-service agency. For more information, visit us online at m3group.biz or give us a call at 517.203.3333.

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DEWPOINT WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES TO LANSING

VANKOEVERING

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SHARRAR

KOCHENDERFER

CURCIO

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Dewpoint, a leading provider of technology consulting and implementation solutions, is pleased to welcome several new employees to Lansing and Grand Rapids: • • • • • • • • •

Chris VanKoevering Kellie Kochenderfer Chris Vela Doru Gafencu Ron Curcio Ed Rowe Tim Sharrar Dennis Seymour Steven Mills

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MICHIGAN RATED SUPERIOR

BY NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FIRM

First National Bank of Michigan retained its five-star “Superior” rating from Bauer Financial Inc., a nationally recognized bank rating and research firm. Bauer reserves its five-star rating for only those banks it rates as the strongest, safest banks in the U.S., attesting to First National Bank’s excellence in areas of capital, asset quality, profitability, risk management and sound business practices.

First National Bank received a five-star rating from Bauer for the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2017.

“It is very gratifying to be recognized once again for our continued excellence by such a well-respected rating firm for our consistent growth trends, capital levels, profitability levels and asset quality,” stated Daniel Bitzer, president and CEO of First National Bank of Michigan. “We have been recommended

by Bauer for 38 consecutive quarters, that’s important to our customers and the communities we serve. In today’s environment, customers want to feel confident that their bank is strong and stable, and we are proud of our ongoing performance and this rating reaffirms our results.”

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provide healthcare services or education NOTABLE NEWS

“In plain terms, I will tell them what is happening.” Kumar said. “That is important because a lot of times we might be dealing with an end of life situation.”

DR. CHINTALAPUDI KUMAR RECIEVES JANET M. WENDORF OUTSTANDING CAREGIVER AWARD Dr. Chintalapudi Kumar of McLaren Greater Lansing (McLaren) was presented with the inaugural Janet M. Wendorf Outstanding Caregiver Award on Oct. 14 when the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation held its Annual Gala at the Country Club of Lansing.

Working in a high-intensity environment such as the ICU can take an emotional toll on doctors, nurses and other staff, and it’s one of the reasons Kumar has been intent on creating a family-like atmosphere in the unit.

came to you, it was imperative that you help others.

er care and greater service.

The Gala raised more than $264,000 in cash and in-kind gifts, a $39,000 increase over last year. Proceeds from the event will support the Emergency Department, Oncology Services and areas of greatest need.

The Foundation created the Outstanding Caregiver Award to honor Jan Wendorf.

The annual award recognizes a caregiver at McLaren for his or her commitment to providing quality and compassionate care to patients and their families. Wendorf, who passed away in January of last year, believed if you always did what was right, good things would come to you. And when good things

Kumar, who has been with McLaren since 2010, is not a fan of hierarchical organizational structures when it comes to running an effective and efficient Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He believes nurses, doctors, residents and others do the best job of caring for patients and their families when each of them view themselves as an equally important cog in the ICU. Kumar is also known for the empathetic way in which he interacts and communicates with family members of patients. He realizes it is critically important for them to understand what is going on with their loved ones and what treatment options are available. He wants them to be well-informed and as comfortable as possible during a stressful and uncertain time.

“The beauty of this hospital is we have an amazing nursing staff and an amazing group of residents, and we all work as a family,” Kumar said. “I spend more time with them than I do with my own family, so it’s important that we trust and respect each other.”

Food has been a key ingredient in the creation of that familial feel. Kumar often eats lunch with nurses and residents so he can get to know them better, and let them know he views their jobs to be as important as his when it comes to how the ICU functions. He and his wife, Dr. Suhasini Macha, also host an annual holiday dinner at their home.

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IT’S NOT JUST WHAT YOU KNOW. IT’S WHAT YOU DO WITH THE INFORMATION.

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ur mission is to help our clients make better business decisions.

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