GLBM May 2014: Don Reeder and Bruce Davis, of MIWI, Talk Manufacturing in Michigan

G R E ATE R LANS ING

BUSINESS MONTHLY MAY 2014

Don Reeder and Bruce Davis, of MIWI, Talk Manufacturing in Michigan In this issue A LOOK AT THE ACA AND BUSINESS TODAY PNC WINS LEGACY AWARD PROFILE: NICK EYDE AND THE KNAPP’S CENTRE w w w

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BUSINESS G R E AT E R

L A N S I N G

GREAT ER LA NS ING

BUSINESS MONTHLY MAY 2014

News Mid-Michigan Manufacturing Sector Sees Steady Growth ................................................. 6 Insurers and Businesses Adjust to ACA ...................................................................................... 10 GM Documentary set to Preview This June ............................................................................. 12 Local Business Ready to Celebrate and Serve Same Sex Marriage Couples ............ 14 PNC Bank: Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations ........................................................... 16

Don Reeder and Bruce Davis, of MIWI, Talk Manufacturing in Michigan In this issue A LOOK AT THE ACA AND BUSINESS TODAY PNC WINS LEGACY AWARD PROFILE: NICK EYDE AND THE KNAPP’S CENTRE

Features Jackson Manufacturer Rebrands, Expands and Remains Committed to Michigan .......................................................................................... 20 Knapp’s Centre is Passion Project for Nick Eyde .................................................................... 24

Cover photography by Lisa Twenter

The Greater Lansing Business Monthly (Volume 27, Issue 5) The Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. USPS number 020-807.

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

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

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Departments Commentary ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Man on the Street .................................................................................................................................. 26 GLBM List .................................................................................................................................................. 30 He Said, She Said ..................................................................................................................................... 32 Financial Advisor ..................................................................................................................................... 34 Legislative Update .................................................................................................................................. 36 Regional Rotation ................................................................................................................................... 40 Investments ................................................................................................................................................ 42 Business Calendar................................................................................................................................... 46 Notable News ............................................................................................................................................ 48

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C O M M E N TA R Y

BUSINESS G R E AT E R

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Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Editor: Emily Caswell emily@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Media Specialist: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Katie Brown Manny Garcia Production Director: Kelly Ritter Art Director: Lisa Twenter Graphic Artist: Mike France Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes - Executive Vice President, MSU Federal Credit Union Trish Foster - Senior Managing Director & COO, CBRE|Martin Lisa Parker - Director of Alumni Career and Business Services, Michigan State University Alumni Association Deb Muchmore - Vice President of Public Affairs, Marketing Resource Group Tom Ruis - Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Doug Klein - Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Mark Hooper - Partner, Andrews Hopper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes - Legislative Director for State Senator Coleman Young, II

Manufacturing an Important Part of State’s Diverse Economy

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ichigan has amazingly resilient people. We are a hearty bunch, aren’t we?

We’ve been through the rust belt of the ‘80s where people left in droves, the excessiveness of the ‘90s, the rise and fall of major cities, the recent recession that knocked us on our tails and our self-induced current state of Michigan loathing.

We started to believe our own bad press instead of focusing on our strengths. And, we have a lot of strengths.

From the beginning, we made things. We’re well known for automobiles, but we also make foods, appliances, office furniture, health and beauty products and the lists go on and on. As our state and economy has shifted, many have considered that manufacturing served its purpose and the high tech and information technology industries would replace its significance. Those areas are significant and will continue to grow and be a major player in our state’s comeback, but there will always be a need to make things.

It may seem simplistic and it probably is, but my view on managing my company’s growth is to focus on solid diversification. The only time to put all your eggs in one basket is at Easter. As our economy shifts, diversification of my company’s services helps keep us strong. In the same way, the greater Lansing region is truly fortunate.

We have a diverse set of sectors contributing to our growth. From insurance to healthcare to public service and education, we are beginning to move from a singular focus on one industry like manufacturing to a more dynamic approach that helps all industries move forward including manufacturing.

Today, companies like MIWI are in prime positions to take their manufacturing facilities to the next level. With an eye on the market and an understanding of how to tap into the talent necessary to make quality products, national and international export is not only a possibility, but a probability. And, as with Bruce Davis, the opportunities are luring those who have not traditionally been in the manufacturing industry offering fresh ideas and new approaches. It’s truly an exciting time to watch the manufacturing industry evolve.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those who came out to the Connections and Coffee networking event for second quarter. I had a great time meeting some new people and chatting with old friends. A special thanks to our partners: The University Club and The Executive Influence. Save the date for our third quarter meeting on Tuesday, July 22.

Be dynamic in all you do,

Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

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Mid-Michigan Manufacturing Sector Sees Steady Growth

BY MiCkEY HiRTEN

I

Businesses in the region make particle accelerators, emergency vehicles, vaccines, engines, metal products and clothing.

Manufacturers in the region employ nearly 18,000 workers, according to the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. The sector, which declined during the Great Recession, is recovering and diversifying, according to Michelle Cordano, Executive Director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council. “It’s growing, not a great rate, but steady growth,” she said. “People don’t realize how important manufacturing is to our economy.”

Determining the current state of manufacturing in the Lansing area is a challenge since data available from the federal government is dated. Nevertheless, a report from the U.S. Commerce Department suggests that Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties are strengthening their manufacturing base. The Census Bureau’s latest County Business Patterns database finds that the tri-counties collectively had 19,192 manufacturing jobs in 2011 with a payroll of $1.03 billion, a sign that the region is recovering from the Great Recession declines. In 2009, there were 16,561 manufacturing jobs with a payroll of $783 million; in 2010, there were 17,387 jobs and a $968 million payroll. Good news, certainly, although manufacturing is still less a part of the area economy than even 10 years ago when it supported 28,411 jobs and a payroll of $1.03 billion.

Compared to other areas of the state, our region’s manufacturing sector is relatively small. According to the same database, 6

PHOTO B Y M ARK WARNER

n a mid-Michigan economy dominated

by Michigan State University, state government and the auto industry, basic manufacturing is often, and unfairly, undervalued.

Mitch Tomlison, Peckham president

in 2011 there were 345 manufactures in greater Lansing compared to 1,046 in Kent County and close to 5,000 in the metro Detroit area.

Still, it is manufacturing that helped build the region’s middle class with solid, good paying jobs eagerly sought by generations of workers. Manufacturing creates wealth, said Ray De Winkle, senior vice president, global business development for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership.

“The reason that we like it is that it’s an economic based industry. Goods that are manufactured in the region are sold outside the region. They increase the flow of wealth into a community and minimize the outflow.”

According to De Winkle, manufacturing accounts for 11.5 percent of the region’s total employment but provides 16.7 percent of its total payroll. Manufacturing

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organizations provide jobs that pay well above the area averages, he said. They represent only about 4 percent of total businesses and are some of the region’s largest employers. General Motors alone employs 5,500 workers at its four area facilities; For Peckham, Inc., 700 of its 2,500 workers are employed in its clothing and auto parts operation. It is one of the local manufacturing firms that has ridden a wave of defense spending and is now seeking to diversify as military spending declines.

“The manufacturing business for us is soft at best,” Mitch Tomlison, Peckham president said of his $50 million operation.

“A primary customer of ours for many years has been the Defense Department which is winding down two wars, which we are happy about, though it’s not great for business.” He said the company has active contracts with New Balance and Patagonia and is dabbling in its own clothing line. It is

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working closely with the statewide garment council and with the LEAP Runway fashion project, which will open an incubator in the new Knapp’s Centre this summer. “As the defense side of our business has gotten smaller, we have been trying to figure out what our play is commercially.”

linear accelerators. He says Lansing’s ability to leverage partnerships between MSU and advanced manufacturing businesses makes it a model for other communities. He also advocates for advances in automotive manufacturing, lobbying in Washington and in the White House on behalf of mayors from other automotive communities.

One of the challenges for manufacturers is repositioning its business as viable and vital in the new economy. “The industry as a whole has a black eye from 2008 and 2009,” Cordano said. “Now it’s pretty healthy. The struggle is finding the middle skill workforce.”

What is helping Peckham and other manufacturers is support provided by the Manufacturing Council, LEAP, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and other economic development organizations, all of which share resources and promote best practices. And manufacturers in the region are broadening their collaborative effort, joining together with partners in Detroit and Flint in an effort to become one of 12 federally designated community manufacturing sites.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the community manufacturing initiative aims to encourage investment in manufacturing and job creation. It states that it will give the winning communities “elevated consideration for $1.3 billion in federal dollars and assistance from 10 cabinet departments/agencies. These communities would also potentially receive additional catalytic federal investments to support their economic development strategies.”

Area manufacturers also get support from Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, who is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Advance Manufacturing Task Force, which is developing strategies to strengthen manufacturing in communities like Lansing. Bernero’s perspective is framed by Michigan State University’s research and high-tech manufacturing operations like Niowave, which builds superconducting MANUFACTURERS IN THE REGION EMPLOY NEARLY 18,000 WORKERS, ACCORDING TO THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. w w w

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Michigan Manufacturers Brief White House Officials Manufacturers from Michigan joined others from around the country in Washington on Thursday, April 17 to brief Senior White House officials and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on the state of their industry.

iteration of many current manufacturing processes, it’s likely that it’s our companies and constituents that will bring us the next great technologies that will bring the world into the 22nd century and beyond.”

Representatives from 37 companies shared their expertise on how the Administration can help manufacturers grow and create jobs.

The White House briefing also included panel discussions, led by industry leaders on using public-private partnerships to encourage innovation, preparing workers for highlyskilled manufacturing jobs and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship. During the discussion, business leaders shared their insights on how the government can be most effective in helping manufacturers enhance their competitiveness and boost innovation.

Secretary Pritzker outlined the Department of Commerce’s initiatives to enhance the global competitiveness of American manufacturing and invest in the industry’s future.

“Michigan and the Midwest have been the epicenter of American manufacturing for the past century,” said Trevor Pawl, Managing Director of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, located in Lansing.

“It only makes sense that the State of Michigan works to get as many companies here as possible to discuss the future and how we can all play a role in ensuring that the United States remains the global leader in new manufacturing technologies. As the innovators who brought us the initial

The Manufacturing Council, which represents 28 regional manufacturers, is addressing the issue. It brands itself as a local alliance of business leaders, game changers and innovators, and represents the top manufactures in the Lansing area, among them Demmer Corporation, Dowding Industries, Inc., Spartan Motors and Peckham, Inc. They have banded together to promote a common interest in nurturing a strong and talented work force, reducing worker turnover, fostering a positive work environment and promoting best practices.

And also to tell their story.

Manufacturing isn’t sexy like information technology. It hasn’t been stable like education. But there are good jobs with good pay, which is a message they believe should resonate.

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“The business leaders briefing the White House today bring experience from some of America’s most successful companies,” said Jim Doyle, President of Business Forward.

“They can provide valuable insights into how policymakers can help manufacturers develop a strong workforce, open new markets and maintain the recent increase of manufacturing jobs.”

For more information please visit www.businessfwd.org.

“Jobs in manufacturing pay well compared to other industries — 37 percent more than the prime industry average,” Cordano said.

year or early next year it plans to showcase area manufacturing facilities. The Council also wants to work with families.

The Manufacturing Council identifies four career paths to manufacturing jobs: on the job training, an associate’s degree with a technical specialty, apprenticeship programs and a bachelor’s degree or higher.

And the demand is strong for those with marketable skills. An on-the-job training program for machinists with a high school diploma pays $19 an hour. Mechanical engineering technicians with an associate’s degree earn $28 an hour. “There are lots of opportunities and lots of on-the-job training and opportunity to move up” Cordano said.

“Some parents believe the only way to success is a four-year degree,” Cordano said. She doesn’t necessarily disagree, but suggests that college graduates working in manufacturing, particularly as supervisors is an excellent and lucrative career path.

The Manufacturing Council is taking its recruiting drive directly to high schools, to the guidance counselors who help students choose career paths. Either late this school

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Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

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

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NEWS

Insurers and Businesses Adjust to ACA

BY M iCkEY HiRTEN

L

ike it or not, the Affordable Care Act has closed out its first phase, reaching the government’s enrollment goals of 8 million and redefining what medical care coverage means to citizens and businesses.

Americans are required to have health care insurance and if they work their employer must provide it or pay a penalty. Like the roll out of the ACA, area healthcare providers and businesses lumbered out of the gate, but by the finish line recovered — some nicely and others angrily.

It has been a process like no other: a poorly understood law, technical problems, government mandates and employee questions. For health care providers, the ACA is an opportunity to build their customer base and sell their products. For businesses, the act mandates a new tier of expenses and reporting which many believe offer few apparent benefits.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, during the first ACA enrollment period that ended March 31, added 300,000 consumers to its network. Most were eligible for government subsidies to offset coverage costs.

“We spent two-and-a-half years of our lives with a countdown clock. We were ready for a transformative change,” said Terry Burke, BCBSM vice president for Individual Business. What he and his team got was a “fair amount of frustration,” a tactful way of describing the massive failure of Healthcare.gov to operate as promised when it rolled out in October.

“In the first week we had just 38 enrollees,” Burke said. “It was a tough start. People were just terribly confused.” Altogether during the enrollment period, the company handled more than 1.5 million ACA calls and according to Burke it was the years of 10

preparation that allowed BCBSM to make up for the lost early months. That, he said, and the quality of its products.

“Michigan consumers had many choices,” Burke said. He attributed BCBSM’s success to the value of the company’s plans, competitive pricing and the statewide access it provides customers.

IT HAS BEEN A PROCESS LIKE NO OTHER: A POORLY UNDERSTOOD LAW, TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, GOVERNMENT MANDATES AND EMPLOYEE qUESTIONS. The mid-range silver coverage plan was the most popular. With it, insurers pay 70 percent of the medical costs; consumers pay the rest. “We heard compelling stories from customers who were relatively new to the system and exceedingly grateful to get coverage,” Burke said.

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This affirmation wasn’t the reaction Scott Lyons, senior vice president of the Small Business Association of Michigan, got from his members.

“It’s been a real struggle for business owners. We are seeing fairly large rate increases — low double digits to triple digits. They are between a rock and a hard place. They want to maintain coverage for employees, but some have had to drop coverage altogether,” Lyons said.

How they respond depends on the market niche and employees. In industries with low-wage workers and where offering health insurance hasn’t been a requirement, not much has changed. In fact, because of low pay, many of these workers have been able to get coverage using government subsidies.

“But if they (workers) are in a competitive industry where health insurance and benefits are important, businesses need to provide them,” Lyons said.

He and his members recite a litany of problems with the ACA: confusion about the law, the cost and changes in policy and

“WE ARE SEEING FAIRLY LARGE RATE INCREASES – LOW DOUBLE

Making more possible...

DIGITS TO TRIPLE DIGITS. THEY WANT TO MAINTAIN COVERAGE FOR EMPLOYEES, BUT SOME HAVE HAD TO DROP COVERAGE ALTOGETHER.”

www.dartbank.com

- SCOTT LYONS, SBAM

deadlines. One of the changes, however, has worked for small businesses. In February, the U.S. Treasury and Internal Revenue service ruled that businesses with fewer than 50 employees are not required to provide coverage or fill out any ACA administrative forms in 2015. Business with 50 to 99 employees have until 2016 before employer responsibility payments are required. These payments require business to provide affordable health insurance to employees or pay a $2,000 to $3,000 penalty to the government. This is the requirement that many businesses balance against the higher costs they face providing health insurance in compliance with ACA. Lyons says the basic premise of the law is flawed. “It doesn’t address the cost of health care,” Lyons said. “It’s just too expensive.” While small business would like changes in the law — or an end to the ACA altogether — they don’t expect relief, especially from Democrats.

Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

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

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NEWS

GM Documentary set to Preview This June

BY MiCkEY HiRTEN

T

here are few events more central to Lansing’s success than the community-wide drive to keep General Motors.

PHOTO B Y THOM AS SH AVE R

Lansing has always been an auto town and was stunned, betrayed, in fact, by GM’s announcement in 1996 that it would close its assembly plant in five years. What emerged from the crisis, and ultimately the success in retaining GM, was a different greater Lansing: more collaborative, more self-promotional and deeply committed to building a sustainable economic future.

It is a story recounted in the documentary “This Model Works: Lansing’s Fight to Keep GM,” scheduled to preview in June. The project is in the final editing stage and in April had a run time of about an hour and 50 minutes, said Dave Hollister, listed in the credits as a producer. He, of course, is more than that.

operation, employing about 5,500 workers, said Erin Davis, spokeswoman for the company’s regional operations. Lansing remains an auto town.

Director Tom Lietz is still shaping the narrative — 700 pages of story line, said Terry. The documentary is expected to be released in three formats: a full length version as well as 90 and 60 minute films.

The documentary in many ways certifies Hollister’s legacy. After learning of GM’s decision to leave Lansing, he mobilized the many fractious factions to unite and collectively sell Lansing as an essential locale for GM operations. It worked. GM now has two assembly plants, a stamping plant and Custom Care and Aftersales

How this happened is the narrative that propels “This Model Works.” The project, orchestrated by Hollister, Ray Tadgerson, former CEO and President of Capital Consultants and Terry Terry, president of MessageMakers, has attracted just under $200,000 in contributions and donations to fund the project.

“We want it to be attractive to a national audience,” Hollister explained. “I believe the collaborative strategy we used and the regional win/win that we put together can be used in other communities in the nation, to do it in a way that is interesting and compelling to people in Madison, Wis. or upstate New York.”

The funding effort for Phase I of the project is complete. Phase II begins now with the hope that enough funds are raised to make interviews from the film available online. Organizers are seeking a second $25,000 grant from the Motor Cities Heritage Area to help with the initiative.

An affiliate of the National Park Service, the Motor Cities Heritage Area, which is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and promoting the automotive and labor heritage of the State of Michigan, has already contributed $25,000 for Phase I of the project.

But there are artistic considerations that shape the release. The producers plan to enter “This Model Works” in film festivals, on television and with national distribution, all of which complicates the full release date, Terry said.

WHAT EMERGED FROM THE CRISIS WAS A DIFFERENT GREATER LANSING: MORE COLLABORATIVE, MORE SELF-PROMOTIONAL AND DEEPLY COMMITTED TO BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC FUTURE. 12

Tom Lietz and Terry Terry of MessageMakers, along with former Lansing Mayor David Hollister and Raymond Tadgerson (Tadgerson Consulting)

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“You get air play and promotion from entering film festivals. There is the History Channel, PBS — many potential venues where this could show,” he said. “It means finding the right distributor with the right connections to make this happen.”

All of this is secondary to the planned Lansing preview which could be held at one of the area’s commercial theaters or perhaps Michigan State University or Lansing Community College.

A web preview of “This Model Works” is available for viewing at www.thismodelworks. org. The 10-minute video touches on the themes of the work.

Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

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

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Local Business Ready to Celebrate and Serve Same Sex Marriage Couples

BY A NN COOl

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ummer months are right around the corner, and with them arrive the most popular time of year to celebrate a wedding.

However, by the next day, the ban was reinstated and as attorney Andrew P. Abood, a partner in the Abood Law Firm, explained, “these marriages are not yet being recognized.”

But the fight to recognize these couples and allow other same-sex couples to legally marry is not over. In mid-April, the American Civil

“IN ORDER TO RECRUIT THE BEST POSSIBLE WORKFORCE, MICHIGAN MUST VALUE ALL PEOPLE. MICHIGAN MUST MOVE FORWARD TOWARD EqUALITY IN ORDER FOR BUSINESSES TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.” - BARB BYRUM, INGHAM COUNTY CLERK 14

PHOTO B Y M AR Y M CE LGUN N

For one brief Saturday in March, a segment of society that didn’t have the legal right to marry — same sex couples — enjoyed that right. On that day — March 22 — four county court houses throughout the state, including Ingham County, issued a total of 300 marriage licenses and officiated in a total of 299 ceremonies. Just as county courthouses had opened their doors to these couples, businesses around greater Lansing were ready to serve them as well.

Co-Owners of The Wedding Gallery Dawn-Marie Joseph and Tina Benington

Liberties Union stepped in and filed a lawsuit on behalf of the 300 couples.

The opportunity for same-sex couples to marry happened suddenly. The ban against same-sex marriage (voted into law 10 years ago) was lifted in March when U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman declared it to be unconstitutional. He had been hearing a lawsuit by a same-sex couple who wanted to legally adopt the children they’re raising. At the end of the two week trial, Friedman ruled that the law violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Following Friedman’s ruling, on Friday, March 21, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum was among other Michigan clerks to issue same-sex marriage licenses. On Saturday, March 22, she also performed marriage ceremonies at the county court house in downtown Mason.

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“I believe that all people should be treated equally and look forward to the day when all loving couples are able to marry in our great state,” Byrum said.

Within hours, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette appealed the ruling and the Federal Appeals Court put a stay in place that reinstated the ban.

On Friday, April 4, Schuette asked the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati to review the ruling supporting Michigan’s ban. The state has until May 7 to file briefs and the attorneys for same-sex marriage plaintiffs have until June 9. Schuette has 17 days after that to file a response.

Abood predicts that if the court follows the trend of other states, Michigan will likely permanently lift the ban and “they’ll go the way of same-sex marriage.”

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increase in our business,” said Joseph. “Of course we would love to have as much of that market as possible. At The Wedding Gallery we take marriage seriously and with a lot of elation, so the sex of the partners is truly not a concern of ours. Beautiful brides are our concern.”

PH OTO B Y M ARY M CELGUNN

When and if these marriages become legal in Michigan, local retailers in the wedding and allied wedding business will embrace these couples as clients, too.

Beth Herendeen owns Twiggies, a florist specializing in bridal bouquets, centerpieces, décor and rentals for life occasions, in DeWitt. Although she did not see an increase in business from the same-sex couples who sought to marry on March 22, she welcomes couples from all backgrounds and lifestyles into her shop.

“I am an ordained minister and anticipate upcoming requests to marry couples with homosexual orientation and welcome it, as my personal belief is that love is love and it knows no boundaries,” she said. “I certainly can see our services being of value to this specific market because of our extensive design skill set as well as supporting rental products and floral services.”

Stationer and business owner Mary Bower, who operates Occasions and Invites in Holt, also “expects to see that side of the business to grow. It happened so quickly that couples were more focused on getting married,” she said, adding that Occasions can be found as a vendor listed on gayweddings.com. “I do think it will likely enhance my business .... everyone needs invitations for their special day because it sets the tone for the entire event and the perfect invitation will clearly influence guests that this is a must-attend event!”

Byrum, said whether a The Wedding Gallery is located at 101 E. Grand River Ave. in business is directly related downtown Williamston. to weddings or not, the positive effect this change in legislation can toward equality in order for businesses to bring is good for all. reach their full potential.”

“Businesses are able to recruit the best and brightest candidates when the state they are located in is an equality state,” Byrum said. “Frankly, in order to recruit the best possible workforce, Michigan must value all people. Michigan must move forward

Ann Cool, MPS, is a freelance writer who lives in Mason with her husband Bob.

Tina Benington and Dawn-Marie Joseph, who own The Wedding Gallery in Williamston, did serve a few same-sex couples, who purchased dresses for their special occasion. Along with wedding dresses, they sell attire and accessories for the entire wedding party and make travel arrangements for honeymooning couples.

Like other business owners in the greater Lansing area, Benington looks forward to serving many more same-sex couples once the issue is resolved.

“I would believe that same sex marriage would have a fair amount of increase (in business) for The Wedding Gallery. We could easily see as much as a 30 percent w w w

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NEWS

PNC Bank: Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations BY kR iS TiNE R iCHM O N D

P

NC Bank is leaving a legacy for future generations through its continued commitment to investing in their employees and in the community.

For that, the bank was recently awarded the 2013 Legacy Award by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. The Legacy Award recognizes a long-standing Lansing Regional Chamber member and their long-term commitment to economic growth and community investment in the Greater Lansing region.

Jennifer Morris, VP Director of Client and Community Relations for PNC Bank, considers winning this award something they are very proud of.

PH OTO PROVID ED

“We feel a sense of pride for the work that we have done, both in what we have worked with our clients to achieve, the work that our employees have dedicated to the communities and the history that’s been built through the prior regional presidents’ office that has continued now under Tim Salisbury’s leadership,” said Morris.

As one of the longest serving members of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, PNC has a proud history of serving the Chamber and the greater Lansing region.

“PNC has been a member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce for 75 years. They have a long history and commitment to the economic growth of the Greater Lansing region. We are always pleased to recognize the long term commitments of our Legacy Award recipient, not only to the Chamber but also to our community,” said Tim Daman, President and CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The evolution of PNC’s rich history began with the founding of its predecessor bank, Lansing 16

Jennifer Morris and Tim Salisbury accept the Chamber’s Legacy Award.

State Savings Bank, dating back to 1892. The PNC brand was introduced to the greater Lansing region in 2008 when PNC acquired National City Corporation. Today, PNC has 66 retail branches and ATM machines within a 17-mile radius of downtown Lansing.

“We have many (past) regional presidents that have been successful in this community like George Nuggent, Bob Kinning and Rich Ruis, just to name a few,” said Morris. “The history and legacy of these great leaders

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

M AY 2 0 1 4

was part of the criteria for the award. Many of them served on the Chamber board. Tim Salisbury, our current regional president, also serves on the board.”

PNC Bank’s regional presidents model allows for local decision making while also supporting greater community reinvestment.

For PNC Bank, it’s critical both for their employees to have confidence in what the bank is doing and for the customers to know the leadership they are working with.

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NEWS

“We have a rich history with a number of long-standing businesses and organizations here in this area. There’s a lot of development with health care technology and seed capital as well as the higher education and manufacturing. It is very important for us to understand what (our clients’) needs are and that we are part of the community just as they are,” said Morris.

PNC Bank prides itself on its community investment both financially and through the volunteer work of its employees.

PNC focuses its giving efforts on early childhood education.

PNC Grow Up Great, a $350 million, multi-year initiative that began in 2004 to help prepare underserved children from birth to age five for success in school and life, gives PNC employees the opportunity to volunteer while earning grants for the center where they are working. This

ITE LIM

“THE HISTORY AND LEGACY OF THESE GREAT LEADERS WAS PART OF THE CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD. MANY OF THEM SERVED ON THE CHAMBER BOARD. TIM SALISBURY, OUR CURRENT REGIONAL PRESIDENT, ALSO SERVES ON THE BOARD.”

year, PNC plans to double those grants in celebration of PNC Grow Up Great’s 10year anniversary.

Since January 2011, PNC has awarded 18 such grants in Mid-Michigan, totaling $44,500. PNC employees in the greater

D TI ME

2.99%

Special Financing

Lansing region have worked more than 3,800 volunteer hours in the past three years, for organizations including Fenner Nature Center, Sparrow Hospital, Impression 5 Science Center and Capital Area Head Start. ”We are very much vested in making sure we are a good (community) partner here today but also in the future. The Legacy Award is a huge milestone award for us to have achieved and we look forward to being here for another 100 plus more years,” said Morris.

Kristine Richmond is the Public Relations Specialist at M3 Group. She specializes in helping clients tell their stories of changed lives, fiscal success, philanthropic support and more by creating engaging messages that grab customers’ attention and cause them to act.

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M AY 2 0 1 4

Contact John Krzystowczyk at (517) 702-6622 or jmk1@lbwl.com

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Six other states picked up a Battle Creek Enquirer story about a senior who

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The Grayling Chamber of Commerce issued a release stating that the 2012

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COVER

Jackson Manufacturer Rebrands, Expands and Remains Committed to Michigan

F

or 28 years, Midbrook Industrial Washers Inc., better known as MIWI, has supplied or run the machinery that makes sure things go together cleanly in automotive and other industries.

MIWI’s service list includes everything from manufacturing custom parts washers to using their advanced lab technology to test for microscopic contaminants.

Whether it’s a nut, bolt, panel or plate, MIWI has a customized washer or precision cleaner that whisks away liquid, grease, oil, ink, paint or any contaminant or debris that might interfere with the next stage of a manufacturing process.

“Washers aren’t fancy or cool, but they’re everywhere,” says Don Reeder, President and COO of MIWI. “We’ve sold about 3,000 parts washers to companies around the world.”

Today, MIWI serves a variety of companies across North America by providing and servicing the industrial parts washers built in their southern Michigan facility.

Customers range from automotive to

20

aerospace, from agriculture to firearms, and from appliances to defense. Many are household names, including the Detroit Three automakers, Harley Davidson and General Electric. The company also services Tier One and Tier Two companies in the automotive supply chain, including Delphi and TRW. “Ninety percent of what we do is connected to the transportation industry in this country,” says Reeder. “We basically make the equipment or run washers for companies that don’t own their own.”

T h E IN du S TRIA L E voL uTI o N

Headquartered in Jackson, Mich., MIWI evolved from Midbrook Inc., a multifaceted organization that started nearly 40 years ago as a sheet metal fabrication company. Reeder began working for Midbrook in the early 2000s and became acquainted with Bruce Davis, a banker out of Lansing who assisted the company with finances and other operations.

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PHOTO B Y LI SA TWENTER

BY ANN k AMMERER

M I W I S E R V E S A VA R I E T Y O F C O M PA N I E S AC RO S S N O RT H A M E R I C A B Y P ROV I D I N G A N D S E R V I C I N G T H E I N D U S T R I A L PA RT S WA S H E R S B U I LT I N THEIR SOUTHERN M I C H I G A N FAC I L I T Y.

In 2012, Midbrook began shifting its focus from industrial washers to washers for the medical field. Davis was intrigued.

He had seen the reach of the industrial parts washing industry and was curious about the future of the successful venture.

Although he had built his career in finance, Davis made an offer to buy the division and run the industrial washer business as a rebranded entity.

“Having been involved in the banking aspect of manufacturing, I felt I could do this,” says Davis. “I had been involved in a business for years that literally made nothing. I wanted to give it a shot.”

In October 2012, Midbrook sold the industrial parts washer division to Davis.

Dozens of employees came, too, who had been building and servicing the washers since the 1980s, as well as Reeder, who joined new CEO Davis as MIWI’s President and COO. “I had never heard of this activity either until I banked it,” confesses Davis of industrial parts washing. “Some people told me I was crazy, and said that manufacturing was dead. I didn’t see it that way and never thought that was true. I see it as an opportunity to continue the legacy.”

Davis did his homework. He can clearly explain how a parts washer applies the right combinations of time, temperature and chemistry to achieve a cleanliness that exceeds even medical equipment standards.

He can tell you the types and sizes of washers and cleaners, pointing out that they can be as big as a conference room or as small as a meeting room table. He can also cite statistics and trends, backing up his assertion that manufacturing is alive and well in Michigan, across the United States and the globe.

“Experts have analyzed what’s in the pipeline,” says Davis. “There appears to be some pretty decent automotive activity in the U.S.” w w w

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COVER

“ I ’ V E A LWAY S H A D A FA S C I N AT I O N W I T H T H E A M E R I C A N WAY O F MAKING THINGS, AND HOW WE CAN REMAIN A L E A D E R N O W T H AT WE’VE WOKEN UP AND R E A L I z E D T H AT W E M A K E T H I N G S W E L L .”

- B RU C E DAV I S ,

According to facts and figures from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), U.S. production of cars and commercial vehicles was up 6.9 percent in 2013 from 2012, with the U.S. producing about 11 million cars and commercial vehicles. That compares to 2009 when the U.S. produced about 5.7 million cars and vehicles and saw a decline of more than 34 percent from 2008.

“I never lost faith or left the industry for dead,” says Davis. “I’ve always had a fascination with the American way of making things, and how we can remain a leader now that we’ve woken up and realized that we make things well.”

B u I Ld IN G To S E RvE

CEO OF MIWI

The company employs skilled professional and administrative staff, including welders, pipefitters, electrical workers, programmers, engineers as well as inspectors, accountants and clerical staff that both Davis and Reeder value above all else in their organization. In just a yearand-a-half, Davis has grown the staff from 34 to 79 people, all who live or reside near the Jackson facility.

“The talent in this region is pretty incredible,” says Davis. “You’ve got people who are geniuses at putting metal together and fabrication.”

Davis says his workers actually put their signature to any machine they build before

PH OTO BY MAR K WAR NE R

As a company rooted in Michigan, MIWI is part of the resurgence of American manufacturing.

“We make it, we sell it, we service it,” says Reeder of the company’s goal to be a force in industrial parts cleaners. “We make good stuff here, and our workers take pride in what they do.”

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

M AY 2 0 1 4

COVER

it’s delivered to the customer. It’s all part, he says, of continuing the legacy of the company, as well as retaining pride and strengthening camaraderie among staff.

Michigan, to U.S. manufacturing, and to reducing his company’s carbon footprint by developing washers that conserve water and energy.

Following a growth curve, MIWI plans to add staff, and to expand globally. The company is in the process of finalizing a joint venture with an industrial cleaning company in Germany. The agreement, Davis says, will allow MIWI to expand their portfolio, and to provide machines and services on the international market.

“We live here and we want to stay here,” says Davis. “Part of that is ensuring the area and the environment remains healthy and strong.”

PHOTO B Y M ARK WAR N E R

“It’s a real game-changer for us because it allows us to grow a much larger portfolio than we could have delivered on our own,” says Davis of the expansion. “Now we’ll also be able to install washers in places like Spain, Germany, Poland and other European countries.”

Ann Kammerer is a freelance writer living in East Lansing.

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

Reflecting on his new role as an industrial CEO, Davis remarks on his commitment to

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F E AT U R E

Knapp’s Centre is Passion Project for Nick Eyde

BY MiCkEY HiRTEN

N

ick Eyde had hoped to finish the reconstruction of downtown Lansing’s Knapp’s Centre in 16 months. It’s taken longer, but it’s worth every extra day.

Along with office spaces, the center includes 23,000 square feet of residential space in the form of apartments on the upper floors and retail on the ground levels — a new life for an old building. Altogether, the renovation will cost as much as $36 million.

The interior of the department store, built in 1937 and closed in 1980, has been hollowed out to create a spectacular floorto-ceiling atrium. It is a different building altogether from the sturdy and functional department store that once anchored

NIck EydE Age: 34 community: Holt Title: Partner with the Eyde Co. Joined at the end of 2006 My father – George Edye Family: Married to Gaia; 17-monthold son George. We call him Gigio Interests: Sports, tennis and running, reading and writing Favorite getaway: We pretty much like to go up North. keep promising to get to Cedar Point. We like roller coasters.

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PHOTO B Y M ARK WAR N E R

The iconic building, vacant and in disrepair for too long, will have its grand opening this summer. By that time Eyde, and the rest of the company that bears his family’s name, will have relocated to the Knapp’s Centre from their current headquarters on Hagadorn Road in East Lansing.

Eyde pictured in front of the Knapp’s Centre in downtown Lansing

downtown Lansing. Open and airy, the office and retail spaces are modern, a touch European, in fact, all wrapped in the iconic art deco ceramic shell.

This has been Nick Eyde’s project from the start, full of the twists and turns needed to honor the past but prepare for the future.

Because of its historical designation, the Knapp’s Centre exterior needed to be reconstructed to exacting preservation standards. The National Park Service was one of the agencies that determined what could be changed and what couldn’t.

“Our challenge was how to get back to the original look of the building,” Eyde said. It affected the colors and textures of the exterior, the windows, the style of prismatic glass blocks — an exhaustive list that preserves the art deco character of a building that is unique to Lansing, perhaps the nation. Eyde said he is aware of only one other building like the Knapp’s Centre, a rehabilitated Hecht Co. department store in Washington.

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The Eyde family business — land development and construction — ultimately prepared him, along with his brothers and sisters, for challenges like the Knapp’s Centre. But for Nick Eyde there was a detour — six years playing American football in Europe, most notably for the Italian Serie A Bolzano Giants. As with the Knapp’s project, Eyde was the quarterback, whose exploits and long passes still live on YouTube. He played three seasons of college ball at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn; his brothers were football players. It’s a family affair.

Eyde’s first large project after joining the Eyde Company was working closely with his father, George to rehabilitate the 30-story former Owens Corning headquarters in Toledo, now christened Tower on the Maumee. The incentive and loan packages arranged for the Toledo project served as a template for the Knapp’s Centre project, which has used brownfield funds, a $5.9 million Section 108 loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Renewal, about $19 million in historic

rehabilitation tax credits and other state and federal credits. Eyde noted that some of the programs that made the Knapp’s Centre viable have since expired. His company is investing about $10 million in the project.

The planned summer’s grand opening for the Knapp’s Centre will be paired with the “Runway,” a Lansing Economic Area Partnership sponsored fashion incubator.

Operating on the building’s mezzanine level, it will nurture aspiring designers and other fashion entrepreneurs. For Lansing, it’s as unique as the building.

Eyde is particularly excited about this type of development diversity and the character it brings to the Knapp’s Centre. “Years ago my father talked about mixed-use,” he said.

“What I’ve done is pushed that idea of his.

My experience abroad helped with this.”

Eyde wants a fine restaurant in the Knapp’s Centre and despite some interest, hasn’t yet found an operator suitable to offer the setting or quality he seeks. He expects that once the Knapp’s Centre opens, when people realize this is a different level of development, it will happen.

“We looked at this gorgeous building and asked, how can we bring it back to downtown?” said Eyde.

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FOCUSED ON YOUR AUDIENCE MUSIC

NEWS Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor.

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

SPORTS

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

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25

MAN ON THE STREET

M A n on the STREET Is it still fair to say Michigan is known for manufacturing? Why or why not?

COMPil ED BY kYl E D OWl iN G

“no, all of the manufacturing jobs are going overseas. We’re moving more toward a service based industry.”

Gwen McNeal

“Yes, I think it is because the auto industry is on the rebound in Detroit.”

Josh Hovey

“I think we do a little bit, but not as much manufacturing. GM is only doing a little manufacturing but Michigan is not doing as much as it used to.”

Jordan Artuso

“Michigan is noted for manufacturing but there should be more policies to diversify our state. I don’t think it’s as simple as a yes or no question.”

Rick Murdock

“Yes, 150 years of manufacturing doesn’t go away in 20 years.

The industry in Michigan is growing again.”

John Leone

26

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

M AY 2 0 1 4

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27 . c o m 2420_FM14

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We strive to live in our clients’ world and speak their language. We read their trade publications, attend their industry events and analyze the dynamics of the industrial real estate market in the context of their business.

Our goal is to be much more than your broker. We want to be your industrial property advocate, advisor and resource.

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

M AY 2 0 1 4

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GlBM liST

Manufacturers in Lansing COMPA N i E S

NAME

P O Si TiO N

A DDRESS

General Motors Co

Mary T. Barra

CEO

920 Townsend St.

Spartan Motors Chassis inc.

Richard Schalter

President

1111 Mikesell St.

Bharat Forge America inc.

Stu McGowen

President and CEO

2807 S Martin luther king Jr.

Neogen Corp

Jim Herbert

CEO

620 lesher Pl.

Pratt and Whitney Auto-Air inc.

Paul Adams

President

5640 Enterprise Dr.

Demmer Engineering and Machine Co.

William Demmer

President and CEO

1600 N larch St.

iMPCO Machine Tools

Dave Houghton

President

3417 W St Joseph St.

Capital City international Trucks inc.

Bruce Nederveld

President

1700 N Grand River Ave.

Enprotech Mechanical Services inc.

Albert E. Fountain

President

2200 Olds Ave.

Dowding industries inc.

Christine Dowding

CEO

449 Marilin Ave.

Dart Container

Robert Dart

CEO

500 Hogsback Road

Douglas Steel Fabricating Corp

James Buzzie

President

1312 S Waverly Road

O'leary Paint Company inc.

David O'leary

Chairman of the Board

300 E Oakland Ave.

Eckhart and Associates

Richard Girth

President

16185 National Pkwy.

Cameron Tool Corp.

John Pettinger

President

1800 Bassett Ave

Mbtm limited inc.

Jack lapinski

President

1025 Cresenwood Rd

President

5867 W Grand River Ave

President

209 W Mt Hope Ave

Franchino Mold and Engineering Co.

Gerdau Macsteel Atmosphere Annealing inc.

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Sanjeev Deshpande

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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GlBM liST

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

Source: Michigan State University Business Library.

CiTY

S TATE

Z iP

WEB

2 0 1 3 R EV EN U E

i N D U STRY

lansing

Mi

48933

gm.com

$152,256,000,000

Automotive

Charlotte

Mi

48813

spartanmotor.com

$1,030,000,000

Chassis Manufacturing

lansing

Mi

48910

bharatforgeamerica.com

$882,000,000

Forging Steel

lansing

Mi

48912

neogen.com

$207,530,000

Food Safety

lansing

Mi

48911

pw.utc.com

$116,000,000

Auto Air

lansing

Mi

48906

demmercorp.com

$106,000,000

Defense, Aerospace, Automotive, Energy and Transportation

lansing

Mi

48917

impco.com

$38,000,000

Tools

lansing

Mi

48906

capitalcityintltrucks.com

$34,000,000

Trucks

lansing

Mi

48915

enprotech.com

$32,000,000

Metal

Eaton Rapids

Mi

48827

dowdingindustries.com

$24,759,617

Automotive Stamping

Mason

Mi

48854

dartcontainer.com

$22,000,000

Foodservice Products

lansing

Mi

48917

douglassteel.com

$18,300,000

Steel

lansing

Mi

48906

olearypaint.com

$17,600,000

Paint

lansing

Mi

48906

eckhartusa.com

$16,000,000

Tools

lansing

Mi

48915

camerontool.com

$8,700,000

Tools

East lansing

Mi

48823

n/a

$8,100,000

lawn/Garden Equipment

lansing

Mi

48906

franchino.com

$5,200,000

Die Casts and Molds

lansing

Mi

48910

gerdaumacsteel.com

$5,000,000

Steel

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“

HE SAiD, SHE SAiD

“

He Said She Said

Each month The Greater Lansing Business Monthly invites authors from two views — one conservative, one liberal — to share their thoughts on a rotating topic. This month’s topic: What are your thoughts on Michigan being a Right to Work state?

The data speaks for itself. We haven’t seen the job creation that was promised as a pretext to pass this controversial legislation. Our state still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation and lags behind most of the country when it comes to job growth.

Out of state special interests pushed for this law then moved on to do the same thing in other states.

THE AVERAGE WORKER IN “RIGhT To WoRk” hAS BRouGhT NEIThER RIGhTS NoR WoRk To MIchIGAN

A “RIGHT TO WORK” STATE MAKES ABOUT $5,000 LESS WITH A SMALLER PENSION

By Nathan Triplett

AND LESS JOB SECURITY. IT’S Michigan workers recognize the value of union membership. In 2013, our state saw 4,000 additional people join unions.

That is in spite of the so-called “Right to Work” law taking affect in March of last year.

But the dangers presented by this misguided law are still very real. The longer that it is in place, the more Michigan’s shrinking middle class will suffer for it. In short, this divisive law was designed for the sole purpose of making it harder for workers to speak with one voice when negotiating with their employer.

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CLEAR THAT THESE LAWS DON’T PROMOTE SHARED PROSPERITY, THEY IMPEDE IT.

Why? Supporters pretend that “Right to Work” is about freedom, but the freedoms that actually matter most to working people — like working under safe conditions and having time to spend with family — are jeopardized by this law. Real freedom comes from having a voice in the

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workplace, being able to speak out and having your opinions heard.

Michigan’s economy is powered by our middle class. But sadly the autoworkers, nurses, skilled tradesmen and teachers who help shape our future and keep us safe are worrying about their retirement, wondering if their jobs are secure, and wishing they had the opportunity to earn a living wage.

The average worker in a “Right to Work” state makes about $5,000 less with a smaller pension and less job security. It’s clear that these laws don’t promote shared prosperity, they impede it.

Moreover, small and medium-sized businesses are the ones who ultimately suffer when the people in their communities can’t earn a paycheck that will allow them to purchase the goods and services sold by those firms. Driving down wages and benefits is shortsighted and self-defeating.

Finally, prior to “Right to Work,” federal law ALREADY guaranteed Michigan workers the freedom to choose to join a union or not. In the end, so-called “Right to Work” legislation is nothing more than an attack on working families and small businesses, which has yielded no additional rights or jobs for Michigan.

Nathan Triplett serves as the Mayor of the City of East Lansing. He was first elected

HE SAiD, SHE SAiD

to the East Lansing City Council in 2007.

He also serves as a member of the Michigan Municipal League’s Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors of the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). Triplett graduated from Michigan State University’s James Madison College with degrees in Political Theory/Constitutional Democracy and Social Relations. He holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law.

The law has brought greater fairness and equality to the workplace, giving employees the freedom to decide whether union membership is right for them or not, while retaining collective bargaining provisions and giving labor organizations the foundation to contemporize.

It’s also helped make Michigan a leading contender for site selectors, business investment and expansion, talent attraction and job and wage growth.

LAST YEAR RIGHT-TO-WORK STATES GREW PERSONAL INCOMES BY 2.8 PERCENT AND POPULATIONS BY 0.9 PERCENT, COMPARED WITH 2.4 PERCENT AND 0.4 PERCENT RESPECTIVELY FOR NONRIGHT-TO-WORK STATES.

coMMoN SENSE GRoWTh STRATEGIES Add up To hELp MIchIGAN STAGE ITS EcoNoMIc coMEBAck

By Deb Muchmore

Michigan’s economic engine is powering a recovery that has us gaining confidence in our reputation as the Comeback State.

There’s work still to be done to get us entirely to the front of the pack, but attitude, conviction and real strategies are working to get us there.

It’s been just over a year since Michigan became the nation’s 24th right-to-work state. This change, and other recently enacted pro-growth policies, is bolstering Michigan’s economic momentum today.

Becoming a right-to-work state was a winwin for employers, workers and our state.

While it’s too soon to realize the law’s full effect, the experience of other states instructs as we look ahead: According to a Northwood University study, personal income growth in right-to-work states grew by nearly 40 percent, while only 34 percent in nonright-to-work states. By comparison, personal income in Michigan rose just 20 percent in the decade 2000 to 2010.

Last year right-to-work states grew personal incomes by 2.8 percent and populations by 0.9 percent, compared with 2.4 percent and 0.4 percent respectively for non-rightto-work states.

of the 90 have projects underway generating more than $430 million in new investment and nearly 4,000 new jobs. Indiana’s unemployment rate stood below 6 percent last month.

There’s no mistaking the signposts that Michigan is on the climb. Michigan: Is among leaders in job creation nationwide Recently jumped to 9th best for personal income growth nationally (Oct 2013) Jumped from 12th to 20th nationwide in the American Legislative Exchange Council’s economic outlook rankings Added more than 255,000 private sector jobs since late 2010 Increased private-sector employee average earnings 3.3 percent from October 2012 to October 2013 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Saw a March unemployment rate of 7.5 percent, the lowest since 2008 Now as Missouri seeks to become the 25th right-to-work state, it’s a fine day when the Show Me State can look to Michigan for evidence of economic gains to be made from common sense pro-growth policy strategies.

Deb Muchmore advises, counsels and coaches individuals in corporations and associations on critical issues and strategies influencing the success of their businesses. A Michigan State University graduate, she is vice president of public affairs at Marketing Resource Group, a Lansing-based issue management firm, where she has served since 1988.

Upon joining right-to-work states, Indiana’s economic development agency heard from 90 companies saying right-to-work was a factor in site selection. Nearly three-dozen w w w

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FiNANCiAl ADViSOR

Community Banks Support Small Business Growth

BY PAUlA D. C UNN iN G H A M

T

he majority of new jobs that have been created in this country over the past decade have come from small businesses. The ability for small businesses to grow and provide more jobs is connected to their ability to finance that growth, which is largely dependent on the capacity of local community banks to lend them money.

Small and mid-sized banks account for 54 percent of small business lending. Big banks commit a small percentage of their resources to small businesses. The largest 20 banks devote only 18 percent of their commercial loan portfolio to small business.

The relationship between small business and local, community banks is crucial.

Research has shown that regions with a strong network of community banks also have a strong network of small businesses.

That is not a coincidence. While big banks rely on complex computer models in determining whether to make a loan, community banks factor in market-specific variables and case-by-case circumstances “COMMUNITY BANKS ARE WELL POSITIONED TO GO BEYOND THE STANDARDIzED CREDIT MODELS USED BY LARGER BANKS AND CONSIDER A RANGE OF FACTORS WHEN MAKING CREDIT DECISIONS.” - BEN BERNANKE, FORMER FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN 34

of each individual business. The bottom line is that small banks regularly finance business that big banks have turned away.

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke spoke to the importance of community banks at the Future of Community Banking Conference in February 2012: “…by taking on and managing the risks of local lending, which larger banks may be unwilling or unable to do, community banks help keep their local economies vibrant and growing. Importantly, community banks are well positioned to go beyond the standardized credit models used by larger banks and consider a range of factors when making credit decisions.

In particular, they often respond with greater agility to lending requests than their national competitors because of detailed knowledge of the needs of their customers and their close ties to the communities they serve.”

The synergy between community banks and small business means that money invested goes to work in growing the local economy.

Community banks add significant value in several other ways, including:

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Lo cA L d Ec IS I o N MAkING

Community banks are governed by a board of directors and management team of people who live and work in the same community. They understand local needs, specific issues and challenges. It’s because of this personal knowledge that community banks are often able to make loans that big banks will not; MoN E y STAyS Lo c AL

Funds deposited in a community bank stay in the region. Local deposits are turned into loans and other productive investments that benefit the community.

Big banks have corporate boards in other regions of the country, and often use a local community’s deposits for investments in other regions; and S u ppoRTIN G T hE coMM uNIT y

The prosperity of a local community bank is directly tied to the community it serves. The more the community grows and prospers, the more the local bank thrives. Community banks consist of hard working people who

live, work and play in a region, and have a vested interest in the quality of life in the community. Their donations and volunteer hours are the backbone of the success for important charitable organizations.

Community banks play a key role in the growth of small business and the economic vitality of the region they serve. Community banks are relationship lenders that are intertwined with the entrepreneurial spirit of their community. Supporting a community bank is an investment in the success of your community.

Paula D. Cunningham is president and chief executive officer of Capitol National Bank.

in the your of

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l E G i S l AT i V E U P D AT E

News, Notes and a Few Comments From the State Capitol

BY ROB BAY k iAN

hIG h S c hooL c o u N S E Lo RS GET S c hoo L Ed

?

Michigan high school counselors could use better training in preparing students for their postsecondary planning. That, according to the head of the Michigan College Access Network.

Executive Director Brandy Johnson, says there are too many high school counselors who have never received formal training in college advising and postsecondary planning.

She also says until recently, among graduate programs that were producing counselors, no one was offering courses around college advising, planning or financial aid.

She does say improvements are on the way. Two examples are Western Michigan University and Wayne State University, which will begin requiring such classes in the coming year. u.S. S T u dE NT d E B T cL I M B S

Student debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1 trillion. And the picture isn’t pretty in Michigan either.

During a recent appropriations subcommittee when Mike Boulus, Executive Director of the President’s Council, State Universities of Michigan was touting the governor’s proposed increase in higher ed funding, he was asked by Rep. Sam Singh why the slide presentation did not include a slide of the debt load of students coming out of public universities in the state. Boulus’ response: “it’s not a pretty slide.”

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vI E WS o F o N L IN E dE GRE E S vAR y

Recent news reports have said the number of job candidates carrying online bachelor’s degrees has increased rapidly in recent years and many employers have come to accept them.

That’s a change from a few years ago, when a review by Cleveland State University said managers and executives had a dim view of the online degree, maybe because of the “diploma mills” that had permeated the web at one time.

But Manpower was recently quoted in a national magazine saying nowadays, employers rarely question the quality of online programs.

Doug Rothwell, President and CEO of the Business Leaders for Michigan, is more guarded. He says there may very well be benefits in using online classes for

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certain parts of a college education but it “probably will not be the entire education experience for most individuals,” adding that “to think that it’s going to replace the total experience you’re going to get from interaction in a classroom or on campus or with faculty members, I think the jury is out as to whether it can really do that.”

MA S S TRA N S IT c ou Ld p REvENT B RA IN dRA IN

What does the brain drain have to do with mass transit funding?

A lot, according to Samantha Harkins of the Michigan Municipal League. She says if you want an indication of the growing need for better mass transit funding, take a look at the data on how young people increasingly are delaying, or at least being lackadaisical about getting their driver’s license.

l E G i S l AT i V E U P D AT E

Harkins tells me “when I was 16, I was at the DMV that day.” But things have changed, she says, adding “kids aren’t driving, they want to walk places, they ride a bike, they would love to have transit,” and “the longer we don’t have (adequate) transit in Michigan, the more we miss out, on keeping those kids here.”

J uST I cE yo u N G cA L L S F oR co M p u TE RIz E d c o uRT R Eco R d S y S TE M

Michigan Supreme Court Robert Young is telling Lansing that efforts to confidence in the court

Chief Justice legislators in gain citizen system, and

making that system more efficient, have been successful. But he again is hounding lawmakers to provide funding for a 10 year plan to improve their computerized court record system, by moving it to the internet.

For some time, those records have been accessed through an old fashioned

She believes the idea of a young person going through all four years of college without a car and then looking for a city that has good mass transit “is going to become the new norm, and we’re going to miss out on economic opportunities.”

LocAL S Toc k E xc hAN G E S co u L d coME To M Ic h I GAN

New legislation would authorize local stock exchanges within Michigan. The measure is a follow up to last year’s “crowdfunding” law.

That law allows local businesses, who are looking for investors, to find them through “crowdfunding” and thus avoid having to register the stocks sold to the investors.

Companies can seek up to a $1 million through those investors, although it can be up to two million if financial statements are posted.

Under the stock exchange legislation, trades are limited to Michigan businesses and Michigan residents.

“THE LONGER WE DON’T HAVE (ADEqUATE) TRANSIT IN MICHIGAN, THE MORE WE MISS OUT, ON KEEPING THOSE KIDS HERE.” - SAMANTHA HARKINS, MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

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l E G i S l AT i V E U P D AT E

“mainframe” system, a system so old that many young tech-savvy people in Michigan aren’t sure what a mainframe is.

years so many people have become skilled in “growing their own” and thus many would largely bypass the taxation system.

He says it’s gotten to the point that mainframes can be found now in two places: In a museum and in Michigan courts.

I certainly didn’t figure on the estimate in Colorado, where recreational use is legal, which predicts up to $2,000,000 in revenue per month, on the marijuana tax alone.

Young notes that the system takes care of all records in 80 percent of Michigan courts, so a transition away from the mainframe has to happen, and “if it doesn’t, one day we’ll look up and it will be the equivalent of having sealed up the cabinets and turned off the electricity. We will not be able to function.”

Advocates of marijuana say legalization could lead to national public companies dealing in cannabis related products, and thus be a much greater source of tax revenue.

Although if store shelves are ever filled with things like Canabutter, more than ever, be careful what you eat.

But I also didn’t figure on the potential for processing cannabis, such as Canabutter (a concoction that a website says is easy to make, but to me it looks too complicated), or marijuana flour (which also has a recipe that seems complicated) or topical marijuana oils, etc.

For background see the December ‘76 TV episode of “Barney Miller” (I know, it’s prehistoric TV), when most of the 12th Precinct accidentally ingested hashish-laced brownies. Hilarious, and scary, all at once.

All of those things (to me) point to processing, since most Americans seem to like to buy processed things instead of making them at home. (As of this printing, proposals in the Michigan Legislature to allow for these products under Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Law have not been successful.)

Rob Baykian is director of news and operations at the 67-station Michigan Radio Network. He has been covering the Capitol since 1981.

pRocESSEd cANNABIS pRoducTS couLd LEAd To LARGE TAx REvENuES

A year or two ago I noted in this column that even if recreational marijuana were fully legalized, it could fall short in generating significant tax revenue, because over the

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R E G i O N A l R O TAT i O N

Jackson Uses Information Technology to Increase Citizen Interaction With Local Government

BY DERE k D OBiES

N

ew information tools have transformed many industries in the past several years, but have rarely been applied to interactions between local governments and their citizens.

Despite pioneering by organizations like Code For America and rapid development of information tools like SeeClickFix and BlightStatus, such innovation was out-ofreach for cash-strapped cities like Jackson.

Fortunately, we found a university partner just down the highway. In May of 2013, the Jackson City Council approved a threeyear partnership with the University of Michigan School of Information (USMI) to involve more than two-dozen students in a project, dubbed Citizen Interaction Design, to study and improve how citizens engage with their local governments and nonprofit organizations through the design and implementation of new information tools.

The City of Jackson provides workspace, access and both context and mentorship for students engaged in these projects.

The hope is to extend traditional projectbased learning through a constructive, collaborative model.

UMSI first worked with the city to craft two external surveys, one online and one mailed, sent to residents and businesses in Jackson. The intent was to gather data on where those sources went for news and information, the technology they used, their rating of city government performance and issues of concern.

With those surveys as context, USMI then interviewed city administration and leadership to develop a range of government-centric problems that could be mitigated by the application of information technologies. One of the

40

needs identified was in fostering more transparent, and open government by using new information technology tools and policy.

Some cities have established open data policies, but many contain boilerplate language that doesn’t fit the local context, or the specific obstacles that face staff.

PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM

Students worked with the city to craft an Open Data Ordinance to determine how to expand access to public data and the process for doing so while minimizing privacy concerns.

Data that is produced by the government is owned by the public; the more that governments make this information available to residents and businesses in the first place, the more efficient and effective the city becomes — sharing those cost savings with taxpaying entities.

THAT SUPPORTS OPEN DATA WILL CREATE MORE TRUST IN GOVERNMENT, PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND

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

CREATE JOBS. M AY 2 0 1 4

Government at all levels should take steps to produce open data portals that are findable, consumable and trustworthy. Providing for a system that supports open data will create more trust in government, provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and create jobs.

Technology has the potential to revolutionize not only how we approach

community problems, but how we envision the interaction between resident and businesses with government itself. Most importantly, open data empowers people to take ownership in their community. It gives residents and businesses alike the tools they need to identify problems, propose solutions and engage in a 21st Century world.

For more information on the UMSI Citizen Interaction Design partnership, visit citizeninteraction.org.

Derek Dobies is the Vice Mayor of the City of Jackson, and helped spearhead the partnership with UMSI. He is leading the student team in developing the state’s first Open Data Ordinance. You can follow him at @VoteDobies

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Sparrow Health Classic Exceptional Golf to Support

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Wednesday, June 18, 12:30 shotgun start at Hawk Hollow & Eagle Eye Golf Courses The Sparrow Health Classic offers an unforgettable day of golf.

All proceeds benefit the health and care of our community. Join us.

» Serious golfers will love the challenges offered by some of the toughest holes in the region.

» Recreational golfers will enjoy the scramble format, the beautifully manicured greens and the fun gifts for every golfer.

» Not a golfer? Sign up for the 18-hole real-grass putting course at Little Hawk, then join the golfers for dinner following play.

No matter how you choose to participate, you’re helping us continue to provide the best, most advanced healthcare services available to the men, women and children who come to Sparrow for care each day.

Generously presented by

For more information, visit SparrowFoundation.org.

Questions? Call 517.364.5677.

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iNVESTMENTS

Retirement Plans for Your Small to Mid-Sized Businesses and Professional Practices

BY S TEPHEN l . HiC kS, RO GE R l . Mi l l B ROO k, W. JO S EP H i Ri S H A N D ZAC H A R Y H . A R M S TRO N G

A

s a business owner, you should carefully consider the varied benefits of establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Generally, an employer is allowed a tax deduction for contributions made to an employer-sponsored retirement plan each tax year. In return, however, an employer is required to include certain eligible employees in the plan, and to give a portion of the contribution made to those participating employees. Setting up a retirement plan plays a vital role in helping your employee’s save for retirement. A retirement plan can provide both you, as an employer, and your employees with a tax-advantaged method to save funds for their and your own retirement.

The two main types of plans are qualified retirement plans and IRA based plans.

T RA d I TIo NA L quAL I F I Ed RET I R E M E NT p LA N S

These plans generally must adhere to strict IRC (Internal Revenue Code) and ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) guidelines regarding participation in the plan,vesting, funding, nondiscrimination, disclosure and fiduciary matters.

deferred until the amounts are withdrawn.

Many new plans also offer a Roth 401(k) option. Roth contributions are made after taxes by employees allowing these funds to grow tax-free and are also tax-free if withdrawn after age 59 ½. Many plans add a profit sharing provision as well. Profit sharing contributions are tax-deductible to the employer and tax-deferred for the employee. The profit sharing contribution

dE F IN E d BE N E F IT pLAN

A RETIREMENT PLAN CAN

d EFI NE d c oNTR IB u T I o N p L AN S : 401( k)/ 4 0 3 ( B) A N d p Ro F I T S hA R I NG

PROVIDE BOTH YOU, AS AN EMPLOYER, AND YOUR

The most popular is the traditional 401(k), or 403(b) for nonprofits and governmental agencies; both plans are essentially the same.

These plans allow participating employees to save a certain amount of their pay, before tax, within their own individual tax deferred account. In addition, the amount they save and all earnings on the savings grow tax 42

can be calculated in many ways, from a simple percentage of the employee’s wage to special allocations based on classes of employees or ages of employees. A special kind of profit sharing portion, a Safe Harbor matching provision allows employers to pay the profit sharing contribution to all eligible employees each year based on a simple percentage of their salary.

EMPLOYEES WITH A TAxADVANTAGED METHOD TO SAVE FUNDS FOR THEIR AND

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

YOUR OWN RETIREMENT. M AY 2 0 1 4

The other type of qualified employer plan is the defined benefit plan. This is by far the most complex and sophisticated type of retirement plan. A defined benefit plan sets out a formula that defines how much each participant will receive annually after retirement, if the person works until retirement age. Due to the costs and complexities of these plans, the use of defined benefit plans has been declining for many years.

FiNANCiAl ADViSOR

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iNVESTMENTS

IRA-B A S Ed pLA N S

In addition to the traditional qualified employer plans, another broad category of retirement plans are the IRA-based plans.

These plans are generally much less costly and burdensome to set up and administer for firms with 100 or fewer employees.

This is primarily because they only require limited ERISA compliance, unlike qualified employer plans. It is important to note that IRA-based plans require immediate vesting and the maximum contribution/deferred amount to each employee is significantly less than what the other qualified employer plans allow.

SIMp LE I R A pL A N

As the name suggests, the SIMPLE IRA plan is simple to set up and simple to administer. More importantly, it is both inexpensive to set up and administer, making the SIMPLE IRA plan the most

DETERMINING THE CORRECT RETIREMENT PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS INVOLVES A COMPLEx MIx OF CONSIDERATIONS

Another IRA-based plan option is the SEP IRA. This works similarly to the profit sharing plan. The SEP IRA allows the employer to match a uniform percentage of pay for each employee every year up to a defined limit of the employee’s pay. The employer is not required to contribute every year.

INCLUDING FINANCIAL , LEGAL , ADMINISTRATIVE, COST AND TAx IMPLICATIONS.

popular IRA-based retirement plan.

The SIMPLE IRA works similarly to the 401(k) in that each employee is allowed to defer a portion of his or her current pay up to a maximum amount.

In addition, the employer is required to make a matching contribution.

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S Ep IRA p L A N

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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FIN dIN G Th E RIG h T p LAN Fo R yo u R F IRM

Determining the correct retirement plan for your business involves a complex mix of considerations including financial, legal, administrative, cost and tax implications to state a few. Each type of plan has unique advantages and disadvantages. If you are considering a retirement plan, ask a feeonly (not merely fee-based or commission) plan professional with substantial legal, accounting and financial education, training and experience to help you determine what plan works best for you and your business needs. Regardless of which plan you select we highly recommend structured portfolio strategies utilizing low-cost (wholesale not retail), no-load (no commission) passively managed funds, with transparent fees and costs, supported by retirement planning that is uniquely tailored to each eligible employee.

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

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

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BUSiNESS CAlENDAR

May 2014 BUSINESS EVENTS

5/6

CuSTOMER SERvICE SEMInAR, LAnSInG. Do you

want to learn how to turn every customer into an ally, out service your competitors, eliminate negative situations and overcome stress and burnout? This is a must-attend seminar for everyone who communicates with customers. You will not only learn how to train yourself, but also your staff to head off problems and rise to a level of service excellence. This seminar will be held at the Best Western Plus, located at 6820 S. Cedar St. Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and the seminar is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for this session is $199/person. Visit www.pryor.com.

5/8

HuMAn RESOuRCES SEMInAR, LAnSInG.

This is a seminar for anyone new to HR Responsibilities. In this crash course to HR, you will learn an HR legal primer on FLSA, EEO, FMLA, ADA and more, benefits basics, record keeping, how to best establish and maintain employee confidentiality, essentials of employee coaching, counseling and discipline, the critical need to know legal information regarding hiring and firing and more. This intensive training is being held at the Radisson Hotel, located at 111 N. Grand Ave. Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and the seminar is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost for this session is $149/person. Visit www.careertrack.com.

5/13-14

MAnAGEMEnT & LEADERSHIP SkILLS, LAnSInG. Are you new to management?

If so, then this two-day seminar is for you. You will learn the most effective and efficient ways to solidify your position, prioritize tasks, delegate responsibility, motivate people, coach, earn trust and respect, assess skills and weaknesses, hire and develop staff and communicate with peers and superiors. This seminar is being held at Best Western Plus Lansing Hotel, located at 6820 S. Cedar St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. The cost for this course is $299/person or $279/groups of three or more. Visit www.careertrack.com.

5/14

PAM POSTHuMuS SIGnATuRE AuCTIOn EvEnT, LAnSInG. Join the Children’s Trust Fund of

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Kristyn Ladd and Jen Gorchow at the 2012 Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event

Michigan for the Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event at the Lansing Center. Doors open and the silent auction begins at 5 p.m. For more details, call 1-800-CHILDREN or visit www. michigan.gov/ctfsignature.com.

5/17

AGInG’S Run fOR THE AGES 5k & fun WALk, LAnSInG. Join Tri-County Office on Aging for

Aging’s Run for the Ages 5K & Fun Walk. Help celebrate 40 years of promoting independence and dignity for older adults and persons with disabilities at our inaugural 5K and Fun Walk. This year’s event will be held at the Hawk Island County Park from 9 to 11 a.m. Visit www.tcoa.org.

5/28

SALES & uSE TAx, LAnSInG. Do you want to cut

time, save money and avoid legal problems all while keeping your bottom line in check? Spend the day with us and you will learn the most misunderstood aspects of sales and

BUSiNESS CAlENDAR

use tax, requirements in your state, where to find the most upto-date information regarding sales and use tax laws, explore tax savings and exemptions, understand e-trade and discover how to streamline record keeping without putting yourself at risk. This informative session is being held at Comfort Inn, located at 525 N. Canal Road, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. The cost of this session is $249/person or $229/person for groups of three or more. Visit www.pryor.com.

6/3

DOWnTOWn BuSInESS HuDDLE, LAnSInG. Join downtown business owners

and their associates on the first Tuesday of every month at the Downtown Business Huddle. Discuss current issues happening in our community, downtown updates and special topics, along with networking in a round table atmosphere. The event, organized by the Business Development committee, will be held at Michigan Brewing Company, located at 402 S. Washington Square, from 8 to 9 a.m. Call (517) 977-1349 or visit www.downtownlansing.org.

6/19

SBAM’S AnnuAL MEETInG & LunCHEOn, LAnSInG. Join The Small Business Association of

Michigan for their Annual Meeting & Networking Luncheon. This event provides SBAM members the opportunity to network with other small business owners and supporters to not only celebrate successes, but also to discuss important issues affecting small businesses in Michigan. This event will be held at the Lansing Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $50/person before May 23 and $65/person after or $450/table of 8. Visit www. michiganbusinessnetwork.com.

6/25-26

TEAM LEADER SEMInAR, LAnSInG.

SkillPath Seminars will host a comprehensive two-day course on how to excel and become a highly effective team leader. Managers, supervisors and team leaders will all benefit from this two-day workshop. Learn the characteristics of a successful team, how to build a team that will get results, how to create a motivating team climate, the changing role of a team leader, how to deal with performance problems and team conflicts and much more. This course is being held at the Comfort Inn Lansing, located at 525 N. Canal Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

Experience matters.

In fact, it may be the most valuable commodity in today’s rapidly-changing business world.

As long-time consultants within the Lansing business community, we understand the challenges and opportunities you face. Contact me today to learn how our innovative approach to serving clients — as well as our continued commitment to Lansing — can lead to a one-of-a-kind experience for your business.

Dick Henderson, CPA Principal richard.henderson@rehmann.com 517.316.2471

4086 Legacy Parkway, Lansing rehmann.com

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TWO MEn AnD A TRuCk EARnS AnGIE’S LIST SuPER SERvICE AWARD Two Men and a Truck, Lansing, has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

C2AE ADDS fIvE nEW STAff MEMBERS; STAff APPOInTED TO STATE-WIDE PROfESSIOnAL ORGAnIzATIOnS C2AE, a full-service architectural, engineering, and planning firm announced recently the addition of five new staff members and appointments to state-wide professional organizations.

Steven VandenBussche, AIA, LEED BD+C, has joined the firm as project manager serving the unique needs of C2AE’s healthcare clients.

Nancy Jaglowski joined the government and industrial team as an electrical designer.

Christopher Brandenburg joined C2AE as the firm’s human resources manager.

Michael Seling has joined the municipal infrastructure team as a civil engineer.

Also joining the municipal team is Jennifer Bernardin, as an administrative assistant.

In addition, C2AE is pleased to announce that several associates are serving in leadership positions for the following statewide associations: Kevin Feuka, PE has joined the I-69 International Trade Corridor/Next Michigan Development Corporation Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Steering Committee as a private-sector representative for Shiawassee County.

Brett Dodge, PS was appointed to the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Legislative Committee. For additional information, visit www.c2ae.com.

HOSPICE Of LAnSInG RECEIvES STATE-WIDE ACCOLADES Hospice of Lansing (HOL), this area’s community-based, local, independent, nonprofit and original hospice, is the proud recipient of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Michigan’s (HPCAM) 2014 Award of Excellence. HPCAM is a statewide organization with over 100 members and this is the first year for this prestigious award. The award will be given in May, at HPCAM’s annual meeting. This marks the third award slated for the organization in this, their 35th anniversary year.

DBI OPEnS fuRnITuRE OuTLET STORE DBI recently announced the opening of their new furniture Outlet Store on May 1 at 516 N. Larch St. in Downtown Lansing.

LAnSInG REGIOnAL CHAMBER Of COMMERCE LAunCHES THE LEADERSHIP LAnSInG BLOG The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce recently launched the Leadership Lansing Blog, housed on the LRCC website. The Leadership Lansing Blog is an open communication forum for the Chamber and will highlight all things related to the strong leadership of the Greater Lansing business community.

The Leadership Lansing Blog posts bi-weekly articles featuring industry and community specific stories written by chamber staff, chamber members and legislative leaders of the region. The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce solicits articles from many different industry leaders in the Mid-Michigan community to ensure that multiple viewpoints and perspectives are highlighted in each article, and to create valuable conversation between all audiences.

To view the Leadership Lansing Blog, visit the chamber website at www.lansingchamber.org and then click on the

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link under the “News and Views” tab. If you’re interested in submitting a blog post contact Michelle Rahl at mrahl@ lansingchamber.org or at (517) 853-6457.

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The 5,000 square foot outlet will stock new and used office furniture; including seating, desks and files.

BIG BAnG-quET CHALLEnGE AWARDS $81,565 fOR LOCAL CHARITIES

The store will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday to Friday. For more information visit DBIyes.com.

Twenty-four local charities were awarded a total of $81,565 in the University Club of MSU’s 2014 Big Bang-quet Challenge, co-sponsored by the MSU Federal Credit Union and the

Capital Region Community Foundation.

At the Final Voting & Reveal Reception on Tuesday, March 25, the Lansing Symphony Orchestra was awarded the grand prize — a $10,000 credit toward a fundraising event at the University Club, plus $8,534 earned from their votes.

Coming in second place was Lansing Promise, which received a $5,000 credit towards a fundraising event held at the University Club and $6,438.75 earned from their votes. The Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center received the award for the most individual voters, earning them a $5,000 event credit at the Club and $4,870.50 from their votes. A full list of participants and voting results can be found at www.universityclubofmsu.org.

MICHIGAn DISTRICT ExPORT COunCIL WEST ELECTS nEW OffICERS

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Michigan District Export Council West (MDEC West) has elected its officers for 2014. Jean Schtokal, a shareholder with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, was elected Chair; Scott Hibbard, Vice President of Corporate Lending & Relationship Manager at Comerica Bank, was elected Vice Chair; Martha Gabrielse, Vice President of International Banking at JP Morgan Chase Bank, was re-elected Treasurer, and Kendra Kuo, Office Director of the Grand Rapids U.S. Export Assistance Center, was reelected Executive Secretary.

Michigan District Export Council West is a group of experienced business professionals with international trade expertise that complements the

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services provided by the U.S. Commercial Service. MDEC West’s professionals share their real-world experience with businesses trying to enter or expand in new international markets, providing contacts, connections, and direction. For more information about MDEC West, visit www.exportwestmichigan.com.

ATTORnEY LOukAS kALLIAnTASIS HOnORED AS OnE Of THE ‘TOP 5 unDER 35’ ATTORnEYS Attorney Loukas Kalliantasis has been named one of this year’s ‘Top 5 Under 35’ by the Ingham County Bar Association.

Kalliantasis is a member of Fraser Trebilcock’s Business and Tax Department, as well as the firm’s Trusts and Estates Department. He currently serves as the kalliantasis Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council. He is also a member of Grand River Connection and the ICBA Probate and Trust Law Section.

MSufCu SELECTED AS WInnER Of GOvERnOR’S fITnESS AWARD MSU Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce they have been chosen as the winner of the 2014 Governor’s Council

Outstanding Healthy Workplace Award for the large employer category.

The Governor’s Council Outstanding Healthy Workplace Award recognizes workplaces that are excelling at the highest level in providing health and fitness opportunities for employees, and are fully integrated into the organization’s mission, vision and goals moving forward. From providing fitness facilities on-site, to offering physical activities and wellness opportunities to its employees and the community at large through the sponsorship of local walks and races, MSUFCU strives for excellence when it comes to wellness promotion programs.

LAnSInG’S InfORMATIOn TECHnOLOGY EMPOWERMEnT CEnTER RECEIvES GRAnT Lansing’s Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) has been awarded a $2,250 grant from the Capital Region Community Foundation’s Youth Action Committee for its Techtronics summer camps.

In ITEC’s Techtronics summer camps, Lansing-area children have fun and develop useful skills. In the LEGO robotics camp, students learn how to build their own robot from LEGO bricks and program it themselves.

Other camps offer opportunities to study computer programming, game design and

MSufCu AnnOunCES nEW vICE PRESIDEnT Of MARkETInG AnD SALES Patrick McPharlin, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MSU Federal Credit Union, is pleased to announce Deidre J. Davis as MSUFCU’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

Davis was previously the Chief Marketing Officer at Notre Dame Federal Credit Union before joining MSUFCU. Experienced in the creation and management of products designed to enhance member service, she brings more than 10 years of marketing and member experience to MSUFCU.

media design. In addition to developing new skills, students are introduced to related professions and encouraged to imagine themselves in those roles.

LAnSInG ROTARY WELCOMES nEWEST MEMBERS The Lansing Rotary is proud to welcome the following new members: Gary Baxter, Vice President & General Manager of Fox 47 WSYM TV, sponsored

by Bob Hoffman Erika Bills, Director of Development at Burcham Hills Foundation, sponsored by Pat Munshaw Jessica Klinger, Director of Development with Big Brothers Big Sisters, sponsored

by Teresa Kmetz Dan McKean, Executive Director of Lansing Community College Foundation, sponsored by Paula Cunningham John Shaski, Government Relations Officer with Sparrow Health Systems, sponsored by Michelle Reynaert kELLOGG HOTEL AnD COnfEREnCE CEnTER HIRES nEW DIRECTOR Of SALES Michigan State University’s Spartan Hospitality Group welcomes Jennifer Lewis

In her new position, Davis will oversee MSUFCU’s marketing and member relations departments. Through her marketing management, she will build member engagement and loyalty through the promotion of products and services. Davis received both a bachelor of science (BS) in davis marketing and advertising with a minor in economics, and a masters of business in administration (MBA) from Indiana University, South Bend.

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to its team as the new Director of Sales for the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.

With more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality field, Jennifer is an expert in hotel sales and operations. For more info, visit www.kelloggcenter.com.

GLSA ACCEPTS GOvERnOR’S AWARD fOR InnOvATIvE TOuRISM COLLABORATIOn The Greater Lansing Sports Authority (GLSA) was on hand at the 2014 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism at Grand Traverse Resort to accept the Innovative Tourism Collaboration

in Marketing Award for its work on the Michigan Sports initiative.

As coordinator of the effort the GLSA was proud to accept the award for organizing a coalition of 15 Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO’s), known as “Michigan Sports” to promote Michigan as a destination for itinerant sporting events.

For more information, call (517) 377-1411 or visit www.puremichigansports.org. vISTA SPRInGS WELCOMES nEW HIRE

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Vista Springs, previously known as Edgewood Retirement Center, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jade Clark to Community Relations Director. While promoting Vista Springs’ goal to provide a Full of Life experience to their community members, Clark’s responsibilities will include marketing to potential residents and their families as well as networking in the outside community. Vista Springs is located at 200 W. Edgewood Blvd., Lansing. For more information call (517) 393-7777.

PEPPERMInT CREEk THEATRE AnnOunCES nEW ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Peppermint Creek Theatre Company announced recently that Blake Bowen has been appointed Associate Artistic Director of the theatre. Bowen will become the company’s Bowen second associate artistic director since its inception as a nonprofit theatre company in the greater Lansing area in 2002. The company has not had an associate director since 2008.

Bowen is an actor and director based in the Lansing area. He earned his BA in Theatre and Education from Indiana University and his MA from The University of Georgia.

For our 90th Birthday

We Celebrate our Partners Old and New

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Audiences can see Bowen’s directorial work when Peppermint Creek opens Clybourne Park, running May 15 – 18 & 22 – 24, 2014. Find out more at www. peppermintcreek.org.

CEnTER fOR BuSInESS InnOvATIOn AnnOunCES STRATEGIC PARTnERSHIP fOR OffICE 365

a-Service provider for email and web security, recently announced their new partnership to offer Microsoft Office 365 services to organizations.

Center for Business Innovation (CBI), a managed technology service provider, and AppRiver, a Software-as-

With over 14 years of cloud computing experience, CBI has expanded their cloud services to include Office 365.

This partnership grants CBI status as an authorized reseller for Microsoft Office 365 services.

AppRiver, being among the first Microsoft partners worldwide to roll out Office 365, as a syndicated service, provides a competitive advantage for CBI. When CBI’s partners need technical support on Office 365, they simply contact the CBI Partner Care Center, just as they’ve always been able to do. CBI then works with AppRiver’s Microsoft Office 365 support team to resolve the issue.

To learn more about Office 365 or to request a demo, please visit: www.

CBIpartner.com/Office365.

MCAA AffILIATED ASSOCIATIOn ExECuTIvES RECEIvE ELI DESIGnATIOn fOR COMMITMEnT TO ASSOCIATIOn MAnAGEMEnT PRInCIPLES Becky Brimley, CAE, of the Mid-Michigan Mechanical Contractors Association (Mason, MI) was one of 19 Executive Directors of MCAA affiliated associations to receive the Brimley Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s (MCAA) new Education Leadership Initiative (ELI) designation.

The designation is earned upon completion of a Best Practices Review and participation in a requisite amount of education over a two-year period.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc. (MCAA) serves the unique needs of approximately 2,800 firms involved

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in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service.

JOEL MERCHAnT JOInS SOuTHEASTERn EquIPMEnT COMPAnY Southeastern Equipment Company is pleased to announce that Joel Merchant has joined the company as outside sales representative with the Holt, Mich. location. Joel is selling the full line of products throughout southern Michigan, in Lenawee, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Jackson, Eaton, Clinton and Branch counties.

Merchant earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Albion College in Albion, Mich. During the past three years, he was a field salesman for Bonnie Plants where he also gained experience in marketing and displays. For more information, visit www. southeasternequip.com.

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PARk DEnTAL OkEMOS OPEn In DOCTOR’S APPROACH BuILDInG Park Dental Okemos recently opened in the Doctor’s Approach building just minutes away from Michigan State University and I-96.

Dr. Wallace Walker, DDS, of Park Dental Okemos is a board certified dentist, offering both general and specialized dental services.

CHRIS BuCk SELECTED AS LSO fInAnCE & AuDIT COMMITTEE CHAIR Chris Buck has been chosen to serve as chair of the Finance & Audit Committee for the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. Buck has been an LSO board member since 2008 and also serves on the Personnel Committee. In October 2013, Chris stepped down from a 9-year run as Michigan’s Regional Vice President for Enterprise Rent-A-Car to start his own management consulting firm — CJBuck Consulting. You can visit his website at CJBuckConsulting.com.

Walker earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan and has practiced in the Detroit area for more than 30 years.

As the only dentist in the practice, Walker interacts with all patients personally. Park Dental prides itself as being a very friendly, family-oriented practice.

Park Dental Okemos is located in the Doctor’s Approach building at 2685 Jolly Road in Okemos.

TWO RECEnTLY REnOvATED OkEMOS RETAIL CEnTERS WELCOME nEW TEnAnTS

CBRE|Martin (CBRE) is pleased to announce that the recently renovated properties in Okemos, LTG East at 2160 W. Grand River and The Shops at Woodland Square at 2311-2399 Jolly Road, are welcoming new tenants. The remodeled properties, both leased and managed by CBRE, are attractive to retailers looking for space in high traffic areas.

been recently rebranded and revitalized under the property’s new ownership.

Another renovated Okemos retail center, LTG East, will soon welcome Perfect 10 Nail & Spa, who leased 2,000 sq. ft. within the strip center.

CBRE Associate and Retail Advisor Amy Richter-Perkins represented the landlord in both transactions.

Leaf Salad Bar has leased 1,300 sq. ft. within The Shops at Woodland Square, which has

H InC. COnTRIBuTES TO MAYOR’S LEADERSHIP CAMP H Inc. donated $3,000 to the Mayor’s Leadership Camp program to be held at the YMCA’s Mystic Lake Camp. This program is funded primarily through the generosity of the business community and benefits students in middle school from the Lansing School District.

“The YMCA Mayor’s Camp is extremely important to our community,” said Harry Hepler, President and Founder of H Inc. “I truly love being a supporter of such a great cause.”

At the recent Mayor’s Camp informational breakfast, Mayor Virg Bernero talked about the success of the program and the student benefits. He also announced a June business visit that helps to showcase the program and gives contributors an opportunity to see the leadership camp at work.

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Steve Purchase, Mayor Virg Bernero, Jeff Scheibel, president and CEO at YMCA and Rick Wright, executive director of Mystic Lake YMCA camp.

Networking matters At AT&T, we know that making connections is critical to success. In mid-Michigan and across the nation, we link businesses with their customers and the world through our wireless network with access to the nation’s largest Wi-fi network. It’s just another way we help our customers stay connected.

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EXCELLENCE It’s a pursuit.

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Part of the CBRE affiliate network

Part of the CBRE affiliate network

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Part of the CBRE affiliate network