GLBM November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

10 OVER the

NEXT TEN Meet Greater Lansing's future leaders IN THIS ISSUE • Dart Container expansion bringing jobs and technology innovation to Greater Lansing area • Grassroots groups encourage truth, racial healing & transformation • Revealing the benefits and risks of international investing

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NOVEMBER 2017 ON THE COVER Grassroots groups encourage truth, racial healing & transformation...................................................... 6 Dart Container expansion bringing jobs and technology innovation to Greater Lansing area.....................8 Revealing the benefits and risks of international investing................................................................ 12 10 Over the Next Ten....................................................................... 22

NEWS Airbnb brings the comfort of home, yet a lack of regulations make the lodging industry uneasy..................... 10

NOVEMBER 2017

22 FEATURES Commentary.................................................................................................................................................. 4 Camping means big business in Michigan.................................................................................... 14 Technology & TV....................................................................................................................................... 16 Local bank branches offer relationships, online access......................................................... 18 Visual Breakdown..................................................................................................................................... 20 Behind the Scenes.................................................................................................................................... 30

10 OVER the

NEXT TEN Meet Greater Lansing's future leaders IN THIS ISSUE

Economy........................................................................................................................................................ 32 Legislative Corner.................................................................................................................................... 35 Business Calendar.................................................................................................................................... 36 Greater Lansing at a Glance................................................................................................................ 38 Notable News............................................................................................................................................. 40

• Dart Container expansion bringing jobs and technology innovation to Greater Lansing area • Grassroots groups encourage truth, racial healing & transformation • Revealing the benefits and risks of international investing

CORRECTION In the October issue of Greater Lansing Business Monthly Gillespie Group was incorrectly credited for developing East Town Flats and Providence Place. Both were developed by Gillespie Company.

Cover photography by Mark Warner

Greater Lansing Business Monthly | Volume 30, Issue 11

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Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. USPS number 020w807.

Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years. Call (517) 203-0123 or visit lansingbusinessnews.com to subscribe.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, 614 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Send additional subscription requests and address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc., 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright © 2016 The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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COMMENTARY

Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Editor: Kelly Mazurkiewicz kelly@m3group.biz

TIPS FOR

THE NEXT 10

Media Manager: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Austin Ashley Megan Fleming Manny Garcia Communications Director: Ami Iceman-Haueter

Each year, I’m excited to learn more about the new group of young professionals identified as the “10 Over the Next Ten” by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. These business owners, managers and up-and-comers are the future of our region.

These professionals are on track to create success for themselves and the companies they represent. But, no matter where you are in your career, there’s always room for some advice. The points I make here are a few tips that helped me along the way.

Art Director: Mark Warner Publication Designer: Nikki Nicolaou Graphic Designers: Angela Carlone Kerry Hidlay Heather Thielking Photographer: Mary Gajda

TALK TO A MENTOR OR OTHERS YOU RESPECT. It isn’t always easy to ask for help or request time from someone you don’t know very well, but it’s worth it. If asked, most people will gladly agree to help you on your journey.

LIMIT DISTRACTIONS. This is much easier said than done, because it’s difficult to say no. But, whenever you spread yourself too thin, something will suffer. Know your limitations, prioritize and be willing to say no.

Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty

GET COMFORTABLE WITH FAILURE. No one likes to lose, but it’s difficult to move forward without taking professional risks. The best learning experience starts from a failed effort.

GLBM Editorial Board:

BE OPEN TO NEW DREAMS. I believe that there are opportunities around every corner, but most people have blinders on. It’s critical that we pay attention to the world around us.

Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen

April Clobes — President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union Calvin Jones — Government Relations Director, Lansing Board of Water & Light Lisa Parker — Director of Alumni Career and Business Services, Michigan State University Alumni Association Deb Muchmore — Partner, Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore

WRITE NOTES AND BE THOUGHTFUL. Remember to be humble no matter how much success you achieve. Handwritten notes and thoughtful gestures go a long way in showing how thankful you are for the help you’ve received along the way.

No one makes anything happen in this world without support and guidance. As you enjoy success in the years to come, be prepared to help the next person who needs it: give support, offer tips or lend a hand when necessary. Be well, and may each of you have a role in taking our region to the next level over the next 10 years.

Be dynamic in all you do,

Tom Ruis — Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Doug Klein — Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Mark Hooper — Partner, Andrews Hooper Pavlik Diontrae Hayes — Supervisor Charter Township of Lansing

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Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

NOVEMBER 2017

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Photo by Mary Gajda

NOT OUR LANSING Grassroots groups encourage truth, racial healing & transformation

BY KRISTOPHER JOHNSON

On Tuesday, July 18, over 50 residents including city of Lansing officials and more than a dozen grassroots organizations came together for a press conference at what is now named David C. Hollister City Hall. The issue at hand was a hate-based incident that occurred two weeks prior, when a 47-year-old Hispanic man was physically assaulted; the man’s statement and surveillance of the scene immediately led to a hate crime investigation.

“We do not tolerate hate crimes here, in the city of Lansing, especially based on one’s race, gender, age, ethnicity [or] sexual orientation,” 6

said Lansing Police Department (LPD) Chief Michael Yankowski at the presser. “And, we will utilize all available federal, state, county and local resources in our investigation.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) was contacted by the LPD to assist with the case, and a facial composite of one suspect was released.

No suspect has been brought into custody yet, and the LPD is working with the victim during this ongoing investigation.

“As soon as a crime is reported to the Lansing Police Department, the case is immediately

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evaluated to determine what resources are needed to investigate the incident. As with this investigation, the highest priority was placed on it by the responding officers and command team,” said Robert Merritt, public information officer for the LPD. “The case was assigned to the LPD Investigations Division and became an immediate priority.”

The LPD’s investigation is being assisted by the FBI. Investigators remain diligent for due process of law, and organizations across Lansing galvanize to disable bigotries and equip community members with tools needed

NEWS

to “combat” hate at every turn; more so, many organizations have been busy well before this summer’s incident and will continue well after.

For example, Black Lives Matter Lansing (BLM Lansing) — the local chapter of the black liberation, anti-police brutality movement sparked by the extrajudicial shooting of Trayvon Martin in 2012 — held an anti-hate rally at the Capitol on Aug. 19, where hundreds gathered to disavow white supremacy and advocate for the equity of marginalized people across all spectrums of race, gender, sexual orientation and physical disability.

BLM Lansing has also formed Election 20XX, a response to the 2016 U.S. General Election that helps residents prioritize voting at local and state levels; this has included public teach-ins and the City Leadership Debate on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Gier Community Center, where candidates for mayor, city clerk and city council in the upcoming City General Election on Nov. 7 were invited to attend.

While Lansing stays proactive, a unique opportunity for community action has fallen on its doorstep. Tuesday, Sept. 12 marked the launch of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) in Lansing, a process by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) that challenges citizens in only 14 multi-sector collaborations across the U.S. to unpack localized history and racialized inequalities with an honest eye.

“Taking the lead on developing the proposals was a dream manifested,” said Austin. “I had the pleasure of working with thoughtful and compassionate leaders to craft a vision for each community.”

speech inspires some to believe falsehoods that undermine their emotional and spiritual stability,” said Austin. “Hate speech emboldens others to commit actions that, perhaps otherwise, they would not dare.”

Registration was free for the launch at the Lansing Center; guests were welcomed by dinner and opening remarks from key players, including Austin and Mayor Bernero. Guests also participated in “transformation teams” that emphasize TRHT’s pillars: racial healing and relationship building, narrative, law, economy and separation.

“TRHT is unlike any other approach we’ve attempted in that it seeks to penetrate the source of hate, the false belief in a hierarchy of human value,” Austin said.

While TRHT finds its footing in Lansing, Austin offers that the first step Metro Lansing can take to combat hate is acknowledging its existence. That critical acknowledgement — no matter who, when or where — is a job for everyone.

“Many will not challenge injustice and discrimination, experienced or witnessed, for fear of repercussions like losing a job, alienating friends and neighbors … [but] hate

With over 25 years of experience, Austin represented her 13-year strong nonprofit One Love Global Inc. to an invite-only, weeklong TRHT Summit hosted by WKKF in California at the end of 2016; Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero requested she coordinate Lansing’s part in the Michigan proposal after the Summit, and she was requested by Flint Mayor Karen Weaver as well.

Kristopher Johnson is a Communications Specialist at M3 Group, earning his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 2015. While currently residing in Lansing, Kristopher will always be a native of Detroit. He enjoys volunteering, listening to others and musing over contrasting insights.

Kristopher is also fond of writing, keeping up with politics and watching too much story-driven anime.

We Consider Your Business Our Business

“How do we become our better selves by uprooting the false belief in a racialized hierarchy of human value … do we change our hearts and minds in ways that allow us to examine policy and practices with a racialequity lens?” asked Angela Waters Austin, cofounder of BLM Lansing. “How do we cultivate relationships with people that challenge us to strive for and reach new levels of compassion and humanity?”

In June 2017, WKKF committed approximately $24 million to implement the national TRHT framework; the Michigan Council of Foundations is the fiscal sponsor for TRHT in Michigan, which includes the cities of Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Flint.

Given activity by police investigators and the community alike, one message is abundantly clear: Hate is not, nor will it ever represent, our Lansing. To learn more about Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation in Greater Lansing and beyond, visit healourcommunities.org.

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DART CONTAINER EXPANSION Jobs & technology innovation come to the Greater Lansing area

BY TERESA FRITH

The Dart Container Corporation (Dart Container) has provided jobs for mid-Michigan workers since its founding in 1937 by William F. Dart in Monroe, Mich., and a brand new, $40.2 million expansion project of its headquarters will help the company continue that trend, with more than 100 new jobs expected to be added over the next five years.

Currently, Dart Container manufactures various kinds of Solo plastic and foam cups — along with plastic plates, carryout deli boxes, straws and cutlery — to customers worldwide, using raw materials including paper, foam, PET, rigid polystyrene and polypropylene, and sugar cane.

PROJECT TO ADD OFFICE SPACE, RESEARCH CENTER The new facilities are expected to be operational sometime in 2018. This venture includes: 8

• A two-story, technical and innovation center comprising 80,000 square feet of office space and 170,000 square feet in which new research will be conducted to support prototype packaging solutions.

• Renovation and expansion of the company’s tooling and manufacturing processes by more than 100,000 square feet to 330,000 square feet.

Container attracts and retains from the area have “diverse skills” and “strong work ethics.”

According to Dart Container President Jim Lammers, the additional jobs will mostly be in technology, innovation and prototyping.

Lammers said the expected new jobs will include slots in engineering, the trades, technical positions and various support positions.

The company’s enlargement is being funded in part by a $1 million Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant from the Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP), as well as a tax abatement from Alaiedon Township. MBDP gives monetary assistance to Michigan industries that generate jobs and invest in the state.

“Job opportunities will be provided across quite a few different disciplines,” explained Lammers.

He added that Dart Container is “committed to mid-Michigan,” because the employees Dart

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For more information on jobs available at Dart Container, prospective employees can go to the company’s website at dartcontainer.com.

FUNDING PROVIDED IN PART BY MEDC GRANT, LOCAL TAX ABATEMENT

These funds are provided by the Michigan Strategic Fund and administered by the MEDC,

NEWS

which acts as Michigan’s main marketing arm, and its mission is to attract and retain businesses to the Great Lakes State.

“Dart Container’s decision to invest in the Greater Lansing area shows the company’s commitment to the state, as the expected new jobs could have gone to other states, since Florida and Texas were competing with Michigan for similar projects,” said MEDC CEO Jeff Mason.

MEDC is known for providing the business tools needed to grow and thrive, so that Michigan can continue to be competitive in today’s global environment. Projects like Dart Container’s expansion in Mason not only helps bring new and high-tech jobs into the Greater Lansing area: It shows that Lansing’s businesses are continuing to grow their brands and become players in today’s fast-paced world.

DART CONTAINER HAS VIBRANT HISTORY IN MID-MICHIGAN Dart Container has about 15,000 workers around the world, with about 2,000 in the

mid-Michigan area working in Mason and at the ink plant in Holt. This new project will bring 136 more jobs — helping to create needed employment for Michigan’s workers.

The company also has workers throughout 40 locations in six countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, England and Mexico.

This new expansion project isn’t the first time Dart Container has expanded its operations in mid-Michigan. The company acquired Solo in 2012, which also brought hundreds of new jobs and investment dollars into the state. The Solo acquisition in 2012 and the new expansion plan continue Dart Container’s growth in Mason.

Dart Container’s growth translates into jobs, investment dollars and more money spent on the local economy, such as employees eating at local restaurants during lunchtime, buying items from local retailers and even buying homes.

Dart Container employees are vested in their community, known to participate in community service projects like road and river clean-ups, teaching residents about recycling, helping school kids, working and donating at local

blood drives, and assisting with local nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels — just to name a few.

It’s all good news for the city of Mason and the state of Michigan, as the company and its employees work together for the betterment of not just the manufacturing of food and beverage materials, but for the betterment of a cleaner environment.

All in all, Dart Container has come a long way from the little shop making plastic cases for keys, steel tape measures, ID tags for the military and toys for children, evolving into an innovative company helping the Greater Lansing community cement its place around the world.

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

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

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new destinations, residents who live at or near said destination can turn their properties into short-term rentals (STRs).

While change and competition are welcome, any and every change is just as detrimental to businesses as stagnation, according to Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association (MLTA) President and CEO Deanna Richeson.

In Michigan, home to thousands of rental homes, certain changes are in the process of potentially becoming law: House Bill 4503 and Senate Bill 329.

“The lodging industry and tourism industry have seen competition as a hallmark of improving guest services and attracting more visitors,” said Richeson. “We do our best, as an industry, when we have an even-playing field — Airbnb and short-term rentals, right now, are not playing on an even playing field.”

The similar bills will require municipalities to designate STRs for residential use instead of commercial use, which stumps zoning authorities intended to preserve the character of neighborhoods and property values; if empowered, any short-term rental property — in any Michigan neighborhood running a series of 28-day leases — would not be subject to local zoning ordinances.

STRs can easily burden services for residential communities without accommodating for disturbances rooted in tourism. Airbnb has agreed this past summer to collect a 6-percent use tax on rentals of 30 days or fewer in Michigan, but this doesn’t account for further grey areas, trash pick-up, safety and health regulations, and more responsibilities designated hotels have no leeway in.

EVENING THE PLAYING FIELD Airbnb brings the comfort of home to consumers, yet a lack of regulations make the lodging industry uneasy

BY KRISTOPHER JOHNSON

Tech-heavy “sharing economies” are on the rise. With Airbnb alone valuing at $30 billon within just a decade, online business models 10

continue to transform lodging, tourism and travel across the globe. Instead of tourists staying at a well-located hotel to experience

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“We support local control,” according to a joint correspondence from the executive leadership of eight statewide associations — including MLTA — to State Rep. Holly Hughes, chairwoman of the House Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

The joint correspondence came days before MLTA’s Legislative Action Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 4. Located at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. This conference empowered lodging staff, management and other stakeholders to learn how to better communicate with key decision-makers.

Among topics such as Pure Michigan funding and ballot proposals surrounding the minimum wage and tip credits, the Legislative Action Summit included a press conference on the impact of STRs, featuring a coalition of local officials and homeowners standing with MLTA.

NEWS

Ottawa County’s Spring Lake Township joined the coalition because one quiet neighborhood was disrupted by a short-term rental unit for several years. After eight months of research and speaking to hundreds of residents, township officials and citizens passed an ordinance last December requiring certain standards for STRs. If HR-4503 and S-329 become law, they will overrule that vetted, local decision.

“Every community is different, and lawmakers in Lansing shouldn’t be taking away our [township’s] ability to set standards based on public hearings and what we’re hearing from residents,” said Steve Nash, supervisor of Spring Lake Township, at the presser. “Local governments and the residents who live and work in those communities are the ones best suited to determine where short-term rentals work, and under what terms. We need to keep that local control.”

While STRs with the owner still living in the unit are easier to manage, 20 percent of Airbnb rentals involve that type of home-sharing accountability; most units operate more like vacation properties.

“The opportunity for a different travel experience is clashing — it’s colliding — with the permanent residents in neighborhoods.”

Deanna Richeson, Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO “Renting out a room in a home where the owner lives most of the time is one thing,” said Pauline Smith, a resident of Oakland County’s White Lake Charter Township, who was also present at the conference. “But with no owner oversight, these rentals often are just party houses for anyone who wants to rent them.”

Lodging and tourism are adapting to the times in Michigan, but there’s much work to be done. Dynamic STRs rely on a level of local participation; for the benefits of these online marketplaces to truly run statewide, an even ground will have to be clear to the markets already here.

“The opportunity for a different travel experience is clashing — it’s colliding — with the permanent residents in neighborhoods,”

said Richeson. “That’s exactly why MLTA has formed a coalition with like-minded organizations … it [an STR] hurts our industries, our businesses, our neighborhoods, our local government authorities … we’re trying to educate across the state.”

To research the bills and make your voice heard, visit legislature.mi.gov and contact your local legislator.

Kristopher Johnson is a Communications Specialist at M3 Group, earning his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 2015. While currently residing in Lansing, Kristopher will always be a native of Detroit. He enjoys volunteering, listening to others and musing over contrasting insights.

Kristopher is also fond of writing, keeping up with politics and watching too much story-driven anime.

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A N I H C G N BUYI ng i t s e v n i l a n o i t sks of interna

ri & s t fi e n e b e h Revealing t

BY ANDREW DOMINO

Putting your investment money in companies from Brazil to China is a risk, but one that could result in a big profit in the future, investment experts say.

Professional financial analysts look at research from a variety of sources when determining which stocks, mutual funds and other instruments are investible. Online references like Bloomberg Markets and Yahoo Finance draw data from stock exchanges themselves, as well as analyses from Thomson Reuters Corporation, Morningstar and elsewhere.

Instead they recieve data from the companies that sell those stocks, as reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

But investors can’t always rely on a consistent, comprehensive pile of information regarding a foreign business. Morningstar has pages of data on Microsoft; it has less information on Wuxi Little Swan, a manufacturer of home appliances based in Jiangsu, China.

THE RISKS When an investor doesn’t have the same amount of information on the performance of an international company’s stock as he or 12

she would with a domestic stock, the risk of investing increases.

“It’s difficult to follow companies not traded on U.S. markets,” said Adam Ritt, director of communications for Michigan’s BetterInvesting club, part of a nationwide organization of individual investors. “Sometimes, the company’s press releases aren’t even in English.”

A 2012 report by the International Organization of Securities Commissions, a watchdog group for the securities industry, found that foreign investors shy away from international markets that have one set of rules for domestic investors and another for themselves, especially in the form of differing tax treatment — for example, in Brazil, foreign investors were charged a special tax for bond market investments.

HOW TO BUY If an investor is willing to take that extra risk, there are options for buying into companies based in Asia, Europe and elsewhere. One choice is international mutual funds, also called global funds.

Nearly every large brokerage firm offers funds made up of companies from around the world:

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Fidelity’s International Capital Appreciation Fund has holdings in Switzerland’s Nestle and Chinese tech company Tencent, among others; Mondrian International Equity is more cautious, with its holdings mainly in countries with wellestablished economies like Japan and France.

Another form comes as American Depository Receipts (ADRs): shares in foreign companies sold on the U.S. exchanges, in U.S. dollars. Most sell for $10-$100 per share, or for a bundle depending on the exchange rate and the price of shares in the company’s home nation. The business offering ADRs to U.S. markets does have to comply by SEC rules but, in return, it has exposure to the often more active American exchanges.

There are 495 non-U.S.-based companies on the New York Stock Exchange, and about 200 of them offer ADRs; the others offer shares that can be listed in other markets, such as the London Stock Exchange.

THE REWARDS A lot of financial analysis is based on instinct, but history can forecast what will happen to a company in the future, said retail consultant Ronald Brown, who goes by the nickname “DR.”

FEATURE

E V I F P O T These companies have the biggest market capitalization as of September 2017 — of businesses offering ADRs on the New York Stock Exchange — according to JP Morgan.

ALIBABA (China, e-commerce)

$437 BILLION CHINA MOBILE (China, phone and internet)

$208 BILLION

One stock Brown likes now is Alibaba, the enormous, online Chinese e-commerce site — “China’s Amazon,” as Brown calls it. Its shares are about $170 each, compared to Amazon’s $945. Alibaba stock is also reasonably easy to find, as part of mutual funds from T. Rowe Price and Mainstay, as well as in the form of ADRs. “It’s much cheaper, and there is risk, but there is also potential for growth,” Brown said. “Be aware of similar (businesses) in a developing country, so you can get in on the ground floor.”

NOVARTIS AG (Switzerland, pharmaceutical)

$198 BILLION HSBC HOLDINGS (England, banking)

$196 BILLION TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING (Taiwan, semiconductors)

$196 BILLION

There’s another suggested benefit to investing internationally: diversification. Though Alibaba and Tencent are in the technology sector, they’re not subject as Chinese companies to all the regulations affecting U.S. companies. Domestic businesses in the sector may not grow at the same rate as companies

in Asia, for example. Alibaba executives told investors it expects revenue to grow nearly 50 percent in the 2018 fiscal year, as the company works to rival Amazon, Wal-Mart and other online retailers based in the U.S. As with any investment, investing in international stocks is something that requires a lot of research before deciding on a purchase.

“If you want (a fund or stock) quickly, get a financial advisor,” Brown said. “If you want to do it yourself, learn to read a stock. Get all the information you can. It may take you four to five hours to wade through it, but you can buy the ‘Facebook’ (equivalent) before it’s ‘Facebook’ there.”

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

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“If you’re a 10-hour-a-week investor, you should be in electronic traded funds: try an emerging market fund,” Brown recommended.

He said he has invested in about a half-dozen Chinese stocks, because he’s taken the time to research what information is available on them.

D COF

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ELE’S PLACE 1145 OLD OAKLAND AVE. LANSING, MI 48915

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Camping means

BIG BUSINESS in Michigan

BY NATALIE WINTER

Camping and outdoor recreation may not be the first thing you think of when considering economic benefit, but its value is truly underrated. Would you ever guess that the industry employs roughly 6.1 million Americans? That’s more than the construction, education or finance industries. Recent findings uncovered that the multibillion-dollar business is booming, but suggest that the camping industry, both in the United States and in Michigan, is still on the rise.

According to a report published by Tourism Economics, the number of visitors and travelerspending has been rising in Michigan since 2010. Tourism makes up about 3.9 percent of Michigan’s economy, or a GDP of about $17 billion — with the success of campaigns like Pure Michigan, it’s no surprise. Michigan is 14

getting more and more attention, especially our scenery and outdoor recreation.

A study by Michigan State University (MSU) shows that about 10 percent of Michigan-bound travelers are campers, including tent-only campers and owners of recreational vehicles.

And while the use of RVs has increased across the country, people are still taking advantage of “rustic” campsites. This would include sites that lack any hookups like electrical or water and are favored among a younger crowd, as they tend to be less expensive for the overall trip.

But the Outdoor Industry Association has found that activities like camping are benefitting us beyond just a nice weekend getaway. As a $646 billion industry, this makes it almost as big as pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles combined.

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Of that spending, $120.7 billion is on products such as equipment, apparel and accessories.

The other $524.8 billion is spent on travelrelated expenses. This means that the majority is spent within local economies. It’s also worth noting that $646 billion only includes direct sales and doesn’t factor in the indirect spending that comes with being a camper. In Michigan, tourism generates $8.8 billion directly, and $17.1 billion when including induced and indirect impacts.

Of the 75 million camping households in the U.S., 38 percent of them are millennials. Dan McCole, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Community Sustainability, says this generation is shaping the way we travel.

In a report published by MSU Today, McCole says, “Because of their size, increasing spending

FEATURE

ability and preference for experiences over ‘stuff,’ is having a meaningful impact on the tourism industry.”

Camping trips cost less, which makes them ideal for a younger audience not yet in higherpaying careers. As millennials age, they continue to camp long after their career paths enable them to afford luxurious trips. With the rise of social media, this up-and-coming generation has a focus on experiences they can share via outlets like Instagram and Facebook; making visual experience such as camping a a huge win for the outdoor industry. Here, we benefit from these improved media marketing methods that make the idea of camping an easy way to experience Michigan.

Besides cost efficiency and good memories, people who camp see a physical and emotional benefit. The results of the “2017 North American Camping Report” by Kampgrounds of America Inc. reveal that the number of campers is increasing as they discover these benefits, as 81 percent of millennials surveyed plan to camp more to spend more time with friends and family; overall, key reasons

include spending more time with friends and family (43 percent strongly agree), being physically active (33 percent) and blowing off steam (33 percent).

McCole attributes the likely increase in camping trips to technology that makes it easier to have more time for activities like a weekend trip. Even booking a campsite is easier with technology, as you can simply visit a website and search based on your needs.

“This is likely a wider reflection of workplace changes,” according to McCole. “In 2017, we tend to have more flexible work schedules that allow for activities like camping.”

Camping has always boasted a chance to be more physically active and in touch with nature, but it has taken on a huge social quality as of late, and many campgrounds offer group rates to accommodate this change. The average group size for millennials is 10.7 people, while Gen Xers are typically 8.5 and baby boomers 7.9, respectively. All those factors drive local economies, especially vacation towns with lots of campgrounds and during summer months.

In the Greater Lansing area, camping costs an average of $25 per night for two people. This does not include any water or electrical hookups. To get these amenities, it averages $35 per night. At campgrounds like Lansing Cottonwood, the cost goes down the longer you stay, which encourages visitors to go on extended vacations.

Urban residents in particular take a lot of Michigan vacations. Lansing just happens to be a city where you can easily go from urban to rural spaces in a reasonable time.

Camping isn’t going out of style anytime soon.

Although, during the off-months, lodging occupation goes below 50 percent, there are spots all around Michigan, available for the whole year. Fall is a particularly good time to plan a trip, since the number of travelers tends to decrease with the school year starting and the temperature dropping. To find a site for you and your group, head to midnrreservations.com.

Natalie Winter is a recent MSU graduate, dedicated Michigander, and aspiring dog owner. She enjoys reading, writing, art and exploring the mitten.

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TECHNOLOGY & TV Fall streaming

BY KALYNNE MCINTYRE

With the information age introducing gadgets such as smartphones, iPads and handheld gaming consoles, consumers are becoming used to having more options at their fingertips. That now includes streaming cable to any device in their house, even if it’s not from their cable provider. As more and more consumers are looking for ways to cut costs and effectively “cut the cord” at home, internet TV streaming services like Sling, YouTube TV and Hulu Live are becoming more interesting to viewers across the country.

Streaming is designed with the viewer in mind.

When someone is watching a show on Netflix, the experience is a 100 percent focused effort, which doesn’t revolve around a programming schedule. It also deconstructs the idea of a schedule; now, the same show on TV is likely available any time, on any day, whenever they like. For the viewer, this is great news. But 16

for TV executives who often see large payouts once a show becomes syndicated, running reruns on television, that’s a loss when the content is ubiquitous.

The way stories are being told is changing, too.

It used to be that a show premiered in the fall and — depending on the length of the contract — took a mid-season break around the holiday season, picking back up in January. Most shows would then wrap the season between April or May, so the show would be on hiatus most of the summer months. With streaming services, that way of thinking has changed.

Writers used to incorporate seasonality into shows to reflect what was happening in the viewer’s world. But now that premiers are no longer tied down, the way storytelling is being approached is changing. Tricks to lure viewers into staying tuned in after a commercial break like melodramatic

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pauses and well-timed scene changes are going away, which means that consistent messaging from an advertiser is also going away.

However, don’t say goodbye to traditional cable packages just yet. While there are many perks to switching to a streaming service, the variety of vendors and bundled options remains enticing. One of the main things keeping people connected to cable is sports; very few streaming services offer sports as a streaming option, and those that do are expensive.

Overall, TV streaming still resembles traditional cable packages. The four major networks — ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox — are mostly uncooperative. No matter which service you choose, all of them have gaps in channel selections and offer DVR and add-ons like HBO and Showtime that are often fraught with bugs and technical issues. While the technological

FEATURE

STARTING PRICE

STARTING # OF CHANNEL OPTIONS

STARTING # OF STREAMS ALLOWED AT ONE TIME

DIFFERENTIATING FEATURE

Sling TV

$20/month

30+

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Most flexible options

Playstation Vue

$40/month

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Most comprehensive, polished package

Direct TV Now

$35/month

60+

2

Most "cable like" service

YouTube TV

$35/month

45+

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Hulu with live TV

$40/month

50+

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landscape is changing the way we consume, it’s clear that large cable companies still have power in the market.

Advertisers will always go where the people are, and people are switching to streaming services offered via the internet. In the past, advertisers would purchase time slots on cable networks based on selecting shows that they felt would be watched by the people they were trying to reach, but that model doesn’t work the same on a streaming service. Running a 30-second ad isn’t really the default option on platforms like Netflix or Hulu, since

programming is shorter and the structure of shows can be entirely different.

But while the old model doesn’t quite fit the new mold, there are more options with internet advertising that weren’t available before. In the past, advertisers studied audience demographics and ratings to decide which networks they wanted to buy ad time for. Now, with online streaming, behavioral targeting is much easier, allowing advertisers to reach more of their intended audience instead of guessing. However, many traditional advertisers looked to the number of audience members viewing their ad to decide

what ad slots to buy and how much to spend — how can they make an effective decision?

The problem is how to measure advertising.

As online streaming services have taken off, traditional ratings have plummeted. The Nielsen Company (Nielsen) is just beginning to figure out how to accurately measure the number of online viewers for TV shows.

Previously, Nielsen calculated the number of viewers of a TV show by metering the televisions of a small sample size of the U.S. population. To effectively do that now, meters will have to be added to all household computers. But since there are so many devices a viewer can watch from, the complete audience may not be measured accurately.

Because advertising and ratings are two of the most principal factors in determining if a show is successful, this problem will continue to be a point of contention for networks and advertisers alike.

Kalynne McIntyre is a blogger and marketer, currently living in Washington, D.C. She specializes in creative storytelling and digital marketing. More of her work can be found at kalynne.mcintyre.com.

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MAKING CHANGE Local bank branches offer relationships, online access

BY ANDREW DOMINO

The internet can provide some of your banking needs, but the best option to get straight answers is still your friendly neighborhood banking branch or credit union.

There are several differences between a credit union (nonprofit) and a bank (for-profit), but both emphasize a mixture of banking options, from face-to-face interaction with a financial loan specialist to submitting a digital photograph of a check to deposit it. These options can be done online, over the phone or in person. And enough people still want to talk to someone directly that credit union and bank branches are going to stay nearby, banking professionals said.

“You technically can do business without going in branches [but] about 50 percent of our new accounts are opened in a branch,” said April Clobes, president of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), which has 18 branches throughout the state.

The newest branch in Grand Rapids was opened in mid-September 2017. Clobes said the idea is 18

simple: put bank branches near where members — MSU staff, students and others — live and work. That’s Lansing, of course, but also Grand Rapids, and MSUFCU additionally operates the Oakland University Credit Union, which accepts members from people living in several counties in the Detroit suburbs.

loan or mortgage. “[They] have access to the decision-makers,” Tierney said. “They’ll know you, and the CPA, the attorney, the suppliers — they’ll have a good feel for the (success of) the loan.”

Know Who You Are

Union Bank, a privately held bank headquartered in Lake Odessa, is emphasizing its availability in both Lansing and the Grand Rapids areas, said Union Bank President Cortney Collison. Like MSUFCU, Union Bank is expanding right now with the opening of its seventh branch in Ada during November 2017: joining existing branches in small towns like Mulliken, along M-43 and Westphalia on the Clinton and Ionia county border.

He said it’s an advantage not only to the customers, but to bank and credit union officials, too, when it comes time to approve a

The move into Ada follows research that shows a lot of opportunity to add new customers in the Greater Grand Rapids area, Collison said.

Another benefit is the ability to “team up” with businesses; the Ada location in the downtown area is home to Dixon Architecture, Lown Homes and DMC Design — an interior design

MSUFCU wants to have bank branches within five miles of some 5,000 to 10,000 members.

Clobes said members have told her they’re happy to see a branch in Grand Rapids; they started banking as MSU students and want to keep the same relationship with their credit union after graduation.

“You want to be with somebody who knows who you are,” said Mike Tierney, president of Community Bankers of Michigan, an industry group.

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studio. The idea is that someone looking to build a new home could get their ideas from the other businesses, then come to Union Bank for a home loan without driving around town.

That intimacy with customers works in the other direction, too. Collison estimates he spends about half his time visiting customers.

He mentioned one interaction he had with a local business looking to double the size of its manufacturing plant; he used CPA and attorney connections to speed the process of getting the plant the funding it needed.

Big Bank Reduction

While smaller banking businesses are growing, the big companies are getting smaller. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reports a slight decrease in the number of Lansing/East Lansing metropolitan area branches in the last two years, from 121 in 2015 to 113 as of June 2017. That change is mostly in the bigger banks Comerica, which lost one of its locations to have seven in the Lansing area in 2017.

“If a big bank leaves, they’re ready to jump right into that empty space,” Tierney said.

“They want to do business specifically with local markets.”

“YOU WANT TO BE WITH SOMEBODY WHO KNOWS WHO YOU ARE.” Mike Tierney, president of Community Bankers of Michigan, an industry group

resource — not just a tool — for financial decision-making. Tierney said the industry is moving away from the traditional bank teller employee to where every staff member has a specialty in something like mortgages, in addition to cashing checks on payday.

There’s even the ITM, an Interactive Teller Machine, or an ATM connected to a TV monitor; customer service staff can appear on-screen while customers are outside the bank, making the external locations more than just a place to pick up or drop off checks.

It’s all part of a move to make every branch a “one-stop shop,” according to Collision.

He predicts there will be physically smaller

bank branches with more electronics and online options in the future, as more consumers comfortable with online banking become members.

“It’s more efficient for the bank and customers,” Collison said.

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

Moving to the Internet

The changing nature of banking is also behind the decrease in the number of open branches.

“The younger generation takes advantage of online [options],” Collision said.

That’s one reason that Union Bank is trying to add more electronic tools in the bank, streamlining the process of making a deposit, for example.

“It’s a balancing act: offering the quick, computer-driven banking options younger customers are looking for with [the] face-toface relationships that older customers want,” Collision said.

More importantly, though, is the desire for advice. While most Millennials and younger people are use their phones for almost every activity, including research on big purchases, they’re still walking in bank branches when it’s time to really make a choice.

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“Young people still come in when it’s their first car purchase, their first home purchase,” Clobes said. “They grew up with the Great Recession.

They’re more cautious and want to want to make sure they make the right decision.”

Bank branches handle withdrawals and deposits as they always have, but now they’re also a

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OUR LITTLE FRIENDS

MAKE A BIG IMPACT GE U H A G IN K A M E R A S OUR FURRY FRIEND Y M O N O C E S U E H T N O IMPACT THE PET CARE INDUSTRY is bringing in nearly

$66.75 BILLION ANNUALLY SPENDING ON THE INDUSTRY ROSE

10.7%

BETWEEN 2015 & 2016

Americans are expected to spend an all-time high of

$ $69.36 BILLION on their pets in 2017

THIS TRENDIN

S D N U O B O N S E G INDUSTRY SE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS OWNING A TYPE OF PET Saltwater fish

Cat

45.3

68% of households in the U.S. have a pet

This equates to roughly

82.5 HOMES MILLION

million

Other small animal

1.8

6.9

million

million Dog

56.7 million

Bird Freshwater fish

14.3 million

6.9 million Reptile

5.6 20

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million

Horse

2.8 million

WE CAN SEE WHERE WE SPOIL OUR PETS THE MOST 2016 U.S. SPENDING BREAKDOWN FOOD

VET CARE

SUPPLIES/OTC MEDICINE

PET SERVICES

FLEA & TICK

$28.23 BILLION

$15.95 BILLION

OUR PETS ARE M

90%

$14.71 BILLION

EMBERS OF THE

$5.76 BILLION

FAMILY

of pet owners give their pet a

CHRISTMAS OR HANUKKAH PRESENT Pet owners are expected to spend

$70 MILLION MORE this year than they did last year on pet costumes

In the past five years,

51%

PET INSURANCE sales have grown by

of pet owners take their furry companions with them when they travel

ET P A G N I OWN

20% IS

U B , P A E N’T CH

TH R O W S T IT’

IT

THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A DOG IS 10 YEARS EQUATING TO

$6,270 in total spending on essentials of ownership

Costs of first-year averages:

DOGS

CATS

$1,270

$1,070

>>

Additional years typically cost owners roughly

$500

Compiled by Adam Lansdell | Graphics by Nikki Nicolaou | Sources: American Pet Products Association, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, American Kennel Club 21 LansingBusinessNews.com

10 OVER the

NEXT TEN

Meet Greater Lansing's future leaders

Every year, the Lansing Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) recognizes some of the Lansing region’s top young professionals who are expected to contribute significantly to our community over the next ten years.

Recognized by the LRCC and Grand River Connection each year, 10 unique recipients 22

receive a place on the coveted 10 Over the Next Ten list.

Winners must meet two criteria: The nominee must be 35 years old or younger and must have been working in the tricounty region for a minimum of two years.

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Nominees are judged based on their professional achievement, community involvement and personal success. An outstanding congrats is due to the 2017 10 Over the Next Ten awardees – we look forward to seeing what you will accomplish in our community over the next ten years!

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HOLLIDAY

JOSH HOLLIDAY

Tri-County Development & Placemaking Manager, Lansing Economic Area Partnership “By receiving this award, it is a reminder of my responsibility and honor to join and lead the momentum of transforming our community.

Our communities’ strength is built upon those who feel motivated to create impact, and I am passionate about our growth and prosperous future,” said Josh Holliday, tri-county development and placemaking manager for Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).

Holliday joined the LEAP team in December 2016 where he works closely with its members — as well as the private and public sectors throughout Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties — to provide economic development assistance to the tri-county area.

Prior to LEAP, he served as the program manager for the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, coordinating, marketing and implementing smARTS: a professional development program for creatives. Overseeing six funding initiatives that provided more than $275,000 in grants, along with implementing and managing placemaking driven initiatives throughout the region, Holliday planned the annual Creative Placemaking Summit. This brought residents and community leaders together to discuss art and placemaking.

“My professional success can be attributed to the leaders in the Lansing community that have believed in my abilities and potential,” said Holliday. “From being heavily involved in the Charlotte community as a student at Charlotte High School to creating new initiatives within my community-based career, I have been afforded the keys to unlock true and valuable impacts within our region. My mentors and colleagues have continually valued me and my contributions, inspiring me to advance our efforts for the betterment of this special place we call home.”

HOLTON

JULIE M. HOLTON Marketing Director, Fraser Trebilcock

Prior to taking on her current role as the marketing director of Fraser Trebilcock, a Lansing-based legal firm, Julie Holton had removed herself from the state of Michigan for nearly a decade after launching her career with WLNS. Eventually, Holton returned to the area, and she hasn’t looked back since —knowing now that the supportive nature of the Capitol region is bar none.

Julie didn’t just win her spot on this year’s 10 Over the Next 10. It was practically given to her by her direct competitors. Holton’s nomination by five of her peers was spearheaded by a staff member at one of her organization’s biggest rivals.

“My nominator, Kim Hafley, and I like to joke that we are “frenemies, even though we are the marketing directors at competing Lansing law firms,” said Holton. “Not only did Kim write a nomination letter, she also reached out to some of my personal contacts for letters.”

Holton’s inclusion on the list came as an absolute surprise, yet a testament to the strength and genuine nature of our community at-large. Her work and the recognition are not only a reflection of a relentless focus on success, but a result of her organization’s role in her personal development.

“We have such an amazing network of young professionals who are good at their jobs and passionate about their communities, that I did not expect to land in the top 10. I can say with confidence that the community in Lansing is one of the most supportive I have ever been a part of,” said Holton. “It’s because of this community and the leadership at Fraser Trebilcock law firm that I have been able to spread my wings and thrive. The attorneys at Fraser have provided opportunities for my continued growth, and have supported not just my work at the firm, but my work within our community as well.”

KING

CAMEO KING

Founder of Grit, Glam, & Guts, Owner of Good Girl Radio, and Media Relations/Journalist for Eric Thomas & Associates Detroit Native Cameo King was always the kid standing up for her classmates in elementary school. It’s no surprise she grew up to start her own organization, Grit, Glam & Guts, fostering a safe place for young girls and women to be themselves, and providing tools for success both personally and professionally.

“I’ve always had a passion for speaking the truth, being the voice of the voiceless or the power for the powerless. Storytelling can truly change the hearts and minds of a nation. It paints a picture of someone’s life, revealing the strengths, weaknesses, uniqueness, divinity and humanity. It’s a powerful tool, which in the right hands, will unify, empower and make this world a better place.”

As for her Grits, Glam & Guts conference held at Eastern High School, King lets every girl she meets know that she’s their big sister; rooting for her and supporting her. The program has also partnered up with the Residential College of Arts and Humanities at Michigan State University, and the Lansing Art Gallery to provide tools to help succeed, workshops and in-depth discussions.

After being recognized at the Ten Over the Next 10 Awards, King felt tremendously grateful and humbled. “Additionally, the recognition is also a challenge to continue to do the work that’s needed in this community. This is just the beginning,” King said. “I believe I’m just getting started and there are more lives to touch, more people to empower, and more goals to achieve.”

She’s happy to be a part of the close-knit small community feel that a large city like Lansing has.

“I would not be the same person I am today without the imprint of love on my heart from L

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Lansing,” King said. “The people of Lansing I have had the privilege of knowing have supported, shared and challenged me -- all with love, and all for the better. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”

giving back to the community that has given so much to me.”

In addition to giving back to the community, Lenz also has her eyes set on assisting in the growth and development of a new generation of public relations talent by presenting her expansive abilities and expertise to interns.

For Lenz, PR is more than a professional tool; it’s an integral aspect of how we communicate within our everyday lives.

DANIELLE LENZ

Director of Social Media and Public Relations, Edge Partnerships When Edge Partnership’s Aaron Pumfery, a co-worker of Danielle Lenz, received a spot on the 10 Over the Next Ten list in 2015, she hoped that she would someday place that same accolade on her own mantle to solidify her place amongst Lansing’s young talents.

Lo and behold, 2017 is a well-earned cause for celebration. Despite hitting a new career milestone, this award is better symbolized as an introduction of her life’s next chapter.

“I want to teach the Edge interns about public relations and how it can be used in their personal lives as well,” said Lenz. “I would tell others to continuously educate themselves in the career path they have chosen as all professions are ever-changing. I would tell them to build meaningful relationships in the community, make time for themselves and their family, because a fulfilling personal life will bleed over and fulfill their professional life as well.”

C O M FA IN 20 LL G 18

“This award has made me think differently about my career and my path,” explained Lenz.

“It nudged me to step it up. To continue to build momentum in my career, I plan on continuing my education in public relations because the profession is always changing. I want to stay ahead of the game. I also plan to continue

In Lenz’s spare time, her focus on success is retained and on full-display. In addition to her work with Edge, she is an expecting mother, an integral member and advocate for the Cristo Rey Community Center and is in the process of launching her very own wellness business:

PROUD TO BE IN EAST LANSING

LENZ

Refined Wellness. She has her eyes set on the future as she constantly pursues new ways to elevate her career, her family and her community.

NICK NAUTA

Founder of Nick Nauta Financial When Spring Lake native Nick Nauta graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in financial management and economics, he found himself a bit beaten down at the

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NOVEMBER 2017

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COVER

thought of going into a business that was so focused on making money.

“I remember struggling in the credit union and discussing things with my boss,” Nauta said.

“He told me a story about a boss of his who told him, ‘You have to be able to spend 97 percent of your time doing things you don’t like in order to spend 3 percent on the things you do.’ I knew that wasn’t good enough for me.”

After attending a work conference a few years later, everything clicked, and Nauta fell in love with financial life planning; inspiring him to create his own business in 2015.

“Now, everything I do is about helping people improve their lives. There are so many people who are struggling with the work they do. They feel stuck.”

Nauta has been busy since opening his own business and volunteers plenty of his time within the community. He is an active member of the Delta Township Kiwanis Club, on the Finance Committee of Loaves and Fishes Ministries, serves on the Board of the Chief Okemos Council of the Boy Scouts, and coaches his son’s kindergarten soccer team in Grand Ledge.

NAUTA

NGUYEN

After being recognized at the Ten Over the Next 10 Awards, Nauta was relieved, because he felt everyone was avoiding him. He wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad sign.

Dispositions Relationship Manager, Asset Management, Cinnaire

“To have an award like this speaks volumes to the work of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Grand River Connection and the University Club. I love being a part of a community that recognizes that business success is more than profit, but really about what you can give back to the community.”

“As you can see from the pool of awardees each year, there is tremendous talent here in Lansing that will help lead progress for this region in the coming decade. I’m honored to be a part of that conversation and will help drive and inspire others to contribute. There’s much more work to be done for our community, and this award

LUAN NGUYEN

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represents a promise to fulfill that mission,” said Luan Nguyen, dispositions relationship manager of asset management at Cinnaire.

In his current role with Cinnaire, a community development finance institution, Nguyen is responsible for all aspects of analyses, negotiation and deal closures with partners, as they move toward a year-15 disposition of their partnership interests in LIHTC developments.

Nguyen has been recognized by his company and others as one of the emerging leaders in the industry. Within his own organization, Nguyen has embraced several leadership roles with new and existing staff as a leadership coach and Staff Engagement Committee (SEC) member. He is responsible for rolling out departmentwide projects as the asset management project team lead.

When asked how he sees his role in transforming the Greater Lansing region, Nguyen remarked that he sees himself as a nextgeneration leader that plans to create as much impact as he can.

“It was through the assistance of affordable housing programs and caring organizations that I am afforded the opportunities I have today. It’s incumbent of me to continue to commit time to efforts that help lift people who may have difficult life circumstances,” said Nguyen. “It’s my hope that if I lead by example, my network of peers and others will also seek opportunities to contribute through local community service organizations. We often talk about our mission at Cinnaire: helping others and communities progress in a caring way. I hope to live that out through my work and inspire others to do the same. It’s through this type of engagement and advocacy that transformation will thrive.”

REES

COREY REES ASL Architecture | Design

From a young age, Corey Rees was drawn to subject matters where he could create things with his hands. An early interest in engineering and auto mechanics, it was his father that suggested he take some architectural classes.

“I fell in love with the idea of helping someone create a space to work, live and play in that can enrich, energize and shape their lives,” Rees said.

That led the Holt High School grad to earn a Bachelor of Science in architecture and a master’s in architecture from Lawrence Technological University. His work with

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Lansing-based ASL Architecture | Design has been seen all over the globe – to high-end retailers like Montblanc, Coach, Burberry, and even the Atlanta International Airport. But it’s his work locally that makes this designer happy to call the Greater Lansing area home.

What keeps architecture fresh for Rees is that “no two projects, clients, cities or states are the same,” he said. “I enjoy the idea that, despite ASL having been in Lansing for twenty-some years, a lot of people don’t know about us because we have had more of a national presence traditionally. I feel like this has been an awesome opportunity for me to expand ASL’s focus back toward being involved in the local region that I have worked, lived and played in my whole life.”

Rees is actively involved in the community, coaching soccer and mentoring students who are interested in architecture. He serves as an ambassador with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, is an associate board member at Lake Trust Credit Union and sits on the Downtown Development Authority for the city of DeWitt. After being recognized at the Ten Over the Next 10 Awards, Rees was surprised.

“This was my second time being nominated, so I understood if I did not win the award this year,” Rees said. “When my name was announced, there was a lot of gratitude that the work I have been putting in is being noticed.

With winning the award comes the expectation to continue to grow upon what I have already achieved; which is very motivating. This is what makes the award so special.”

JJ UBONWAN SAEUNG, DDS Schaefer Dental Group JJ Ubonwan Saeung is an associate dentist with Schaefer Dental Group and Volunteers of America. She started practicing dentistry with the focus of complex health, TMJ pain therapy and oral surgery since early 2015.

When asked what winning this award meant to her, Saeung said, “It is an affirming token to my career choice and to my personal commitment to living in a healthy balance

SAEUNG

of ‘me’ and ‘us’. Oftentimes, young health care professionals — although going in with optimism — graduate with a stressful load of student loans. Whatever kindhearted motive is left, they find it hard to fathom giving back to the community when they’re focused on making a living to pay back loans, while also trying to afford the life they want.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 CLASS Corey Rees Danielle Lenz Josh Holliday Ashlee R. Willis Dan Wilkinson

Cameo King Nick Nauta Julie Holton Luan Nguyen JJ Ubonwan Saeung

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Yet Saeung defeated the odds by making a career plan for herself that guaranteed she’d be able to advance her clinical skills while treating underserved groups and staying connected in the academic world.

“Of course, that means there is a lot to balance.

I am grateful that my small action has been recognized by receiving this award. It's rejuvenating!” said Seaung.

With community health as one of her top priorities, Saeung had the opportunity to connect with the local chapter of Volunteers of America and be a part of the executive board that brought the Delta Dental Clinic on Larch Street in Lansing. She is part of one of the original dental teams that provide urgent dental care to homeless and underserved adults and children in the Greater Lansing area.

“I love being a dentist, especially when I am able to remove patients’ pain,” said Saeung. “Growing up in a first-generation immigrant family, we didn't have much. My mother is a tough woman, and she’d always tell us that we could be anything we wanted even though we might not have a head start like others. Poverty and its related hardships

affect many aspects in a person's life. Having gone through that allows me to empathize and get right to the levels of my patients and understand many shortcomings that interfere with proper care.”

DAN WILKINSON Commercial Loan Officer, Dart Bank

Dan Wilkinson is a commercial loan officer with Dart Bank. He personally helps his clients realize their goals by discussing financial strategies critical to their unique goals.

Wilkinson has been able to successfully help many local businesses and individuals reach financial milestones with exceptional advice, support and service.

“I am honored to win the 10 Over the Next Ten Award. The 2017 winners, along with all previous alumni, have done some truly amazing things in the Lansing region. Winning the award really shows how dedicated and passionate all of us are in striving to make Lansing a better place to live and work,” said Wilkinson.

Wilkinson has built many strong relationships and connections with a variety of business owners

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in the region and will continue to do whatever it takes to provide financial assistance to promote the growth of the Greater Lansing region. He loves being able to drive down the street and see new businesses that he has supported — everything from apartments to salons and coffee shops, even an urgent care facility.

“My professional success is attributed to all of those that have helped drive and shape me into the banker that I am today,” said Wilkinson. “Over

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Brenda Haight, CMP , Amanda Toy CMP , CGMP , GMS , Stephanie Wohlfert, CMP , Mary Chris Hotchkiss, CMP ,

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my last 10 years in banking, I always made it a goal to try to learn from previous experiences. It is also very beneficial to be working at a financial institution that has been flexible, and has allowed me to take part in various community service roles in addition to my professional job.”

never really shared their interesting stories of how they got to be where they are.

Willis attended Lansing Community College and Michigan State University, and still regularly speaks at graduations. She also participates in the LCC Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Grand River Clean Up, and college fundraisers for Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House and Better World Books. In addition, Willis serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Lansing Old NewsBoys Association, raising over $180,000 for children’s footwear and is actively involved in the Lansing Black Chamber of Commerce, serving as on the Executive Board.

“Lansing has provided me with many opportunities to help shape my professional career and I look forward to returning the favor by working hard to continue moving Lansing in the right direction,” said Wilkinson.

ASHLEE R. WILLIS Owner of Michigan Premier Events and Lansing Mosaic

When Ashlee R. Willis started her event planning company, Michigan Premier Events, she soon realized there was an entire community of business owners, entrepreneurs and hardworking residents with interesting, inspiring stories. She took it upon herself to create an online platform highlighting those people and showcasing their journeys.

“Lansing Mosaic’s tagline is ‘Our own unique backgrounds are different, yet like a mosaic. We

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come together to form the Lansing experience,” Willis said. “Lansing Mosaic is a platform to help diversify entrepreneurship in Lansing and to help give exposure to small business owners who don’t have a building just yet,” she said.

Just as Willis is a business owner in her own right, she saw a need to highlight talented entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact within the Lansing area. Many of whom had

After being recognized during the Ten Over the Next 10 Awards, Willis was honored.

“I have worked extremely hard over the years for both of my businesses to be successful, especially while being a wife and a mother of two handsome young boys,” Willis said. “To know people are watching my hard work – those I know, and didn’t know, and saying this is welldeserved, really was an honor. It’s making me work even harder and loving Lansing even more.

Lansing is truly supportive in so many ways.”

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BY SARAH SPOHN | COURTESY PHOTO

KRISTIN BELTZER Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO LANSING? I came home to Lansing after attending high school in Florida, to attend Michigan State University (MSU). I’d always wanted to be a Spartan! Getting an education at MSU and staying in the Greater Lansing community was one of the best decisions I ever made.

WHAT MADE YOU STAY? After graduation, I was very fortunate to work in the Michigan Legislature, where I began a political career in the House and Senate.

That experience was an eye-opener for me, in that it opened a world of relationships and opportunities that still, today, are important parts of my ability to move initiatives forward and help others connect and be successful.

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I could see that Michigan had so many opportunities that were appealing to me to grow professionally and personally; I enjoyed working with people and learning about the political landscape and how policy impacts business, education, the economy and the quality of life within a community.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL DUTIES INCLUDED IN YOUR WORKDAY AS AN EXECUTIVE AND MEMBER OF THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (LRCC) LEADERSHIP TEAM? Chambers of commerce are fundamentally about growing business opportunities for their members and the business community at large. A lot goes into fulfilling this purpose and I love that my role encompasses nearly

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every aspect of how our members experience and benefit from their chamber involvement.

At the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, I oversee all of our business development, marketing, communications, events and programming. Because of my background in public policy and politics, I also get involved in some of our government relations work.

We have an outstanding team that is passionate about and dedicated to giving our members opportunities to grow their businesses through relationship-building and a wide range of education and training programs that support growth. The LRCC takes our regional leadership role very seriously. As a team, we promote programming and initiatives that encourage

BEHIND THE SCENES

economic advancement and job creation. Each of our 1,100 members requires something unique to find business success.

NEIGHBORHOODS INCLUDING REO TOWN HAVE EXPERIENCED A RESURGENCE AND REVITALIZATION LATELY. WHAT OTHER POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE YOU WITNESSED? I have seen tremendous growth in our neighborhoods, including: Old Town, REO Town, the Stadium District, the Riverfront District and even a recent reference to Green and White Town as East Lansing.

Old Town really sets the standard on building unique and energized pockets in Lansing that invite millennials, established professionals and suburbanites to experience diverse offerings. We enjoy visiting our members like Message Makers, Urban Beat, MEAT, Ozone’s Brewhouse and Cravings Popcorn in Old Town — and Board of Water & Light, Michigan Creative, Triterra, Quality Dairy and others in REO Town.

Impression 5 Science Center, located in the Riverfront District, is creating an educational framework for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to incorporate young people into the fabric of Downtown Lansing.

We have many members — including local commercial associations — that are focused on placemaking and creating spaces that enrich the cultural experience for the young and old.

These local communities are growing and supporting each other. It’s fun to watch the energy and enthusiasm.

WHAT KIND OF TOOLS DOES THE CHAMBER PROVIDE FOR BUSINESSES AND MEMBERS TO SUCCEED? Our entire team works relentlessly to deliver value and provide tools and resources that allow members of every size to thrive. At the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, we hear time and time again that the Chamber is the go-to networking organization in the region. We provide 60 events a year for members to engage with business and community stakeholders, political leaders and experts who can share leadership and organizational management insight.

Our monthly Lansing Economic Club attracts over 450 attendees regularly and is a platform that showcases key business leaders impacting organizations locally, statewide and nationally.

In addition, our members enjoy access to exclusive discounts in insurance, education and talent development, office products,

shipping and more, through our exclusive member-benefits programs. The business and community connections that the Chamber provides for our members are invaluable, and a key part of why our members are so engaged with our organization.

WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS DOES THE CHAMBER WORK CLOSELY WITH TO INCREASE CONNECTIVITY THROUGHOUT LANSING AND ITS NEIGHBORING REGIONS? We have strong partnerships with many of Lansing’s regional leaders, including the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) Grand River Connection, Lansing 5:01, Lansing Promise, the Lansing Black Chamber and the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber, as well as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals. We enjoy collaboration and working with many partners to advance businesses in the region.

HOW DOES THE CITY OF LANSING — FROM A BUSINESSES AND ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE — COMPARE TO OTHER MIDDLE-SIZED CITIES? Lansing, as the 5th largest city in Michigan, is the nucleus of state government and the home to one of the nation’s top research universities, Michigan State University. The city plays a critical role in Michigan’s economy and diverse culture, and offers multiple recreational opportunities, including sports, arts, museums, parks and trails, festivals and concerts. Lansing is becoming a destination in Michigan and a community with exceptional potential.

HOW DO YOU FORESEE THE UPCOMING POLITICAL LEADERSHIP CHANGE AFFECTING THE CAPITAL CITY? At the LRCC, we support leaders who want to advance economic initiatives and have a vision for competing in a global world. We endorsed Andy Schor for Lansing’s mayor, and we look forward to working with him and his team as the city enters a new era. Andy’s combination of building relationships, legislative and municipal experience, and history of assembling regional partnerships will certainly move the city forward and strengthen the Greater Lansing community.

community. We know many good and wellpaying job opportunities exist throughout our region, but employers are telling us that finding people with the right combination of education background, skills, training and willingness to learn is a major challenge.

Meanwhile, educators and prospective employees are telling us that job opportunities don’t exist. There’s a disconnect that, when left unaddressed, leaves our region and its key industries and employers uncompetitive, and good people without the jobs they need to survive and contribute to our economy.

We are looking at ways in which the LRCC can help bridge the current divide that exists between our employers and prospective employees. When we are successful, employers will have access to the talented people they need to grow, and workers and their families will have what they need to sustain themselves and enjoy all that this region has to offer.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE LRCC? We are continually looking ahead for signs about challenges and opportunities our business community will face. Our mission is to build a climate where the region’s business community can thrive. It is an exciting place to be, and I remain energized about what lies ahead.

As we look toward 2018 and beyond, a key priority will be to bring business and education leaders together to address the talent gap and workforce need. As a region, we must capitalize on the fact that we have some very unique and special assets that few other places in the U.S. or world can claim: a hugely diverse economy built on advanced manufacturing; health care, insurance and financial services; biosciences; high-tech education; and more.

It’s a regional employer-base that values those with college degrees and technical certifications — those who dream of being an executive and those who dream of making things that work, and those who innovate the next best thing and those who make those innovations available to all. The LRCC continues to be the place where all of this comes together.

WHAT CHALLENGES EXIST FOR LANSING AREA BUSINESSES TODAY?

Every day, we work hard to make sure that businesses, large and small, have a willing, able and ready partner to help them succeed and prosper.

Attracting talent is the number one issue that we continue to hear from the business

This conversation with Kristin Beltzer has been edited for space and clarity.

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The

LABOR MARKET

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

There are about 130 million non-farm workers in the U.S., and less than a fifth of them are organized in labor unions. In other countries such as Australia, that proportion is much higher. In any country, it is overly simplistic to think of labor as one market. Rather, it is divided into numerous sub-markets according to levels of skill, occupation, profession and the like. Thus, we want to think about the markets for auto workers, steel workers, teachers, college professors, lawyers, doctors and more.

In each one, wage rates are determined by demand and supply for the skill level.

Suppose we illustrate this by the market for unskilled workers at a fast-food restaurant. Such a restaurant has a fixed-size plant, consisting of a building structure and machinery. It is manned by a manager, who presumably is a skilled employee, a different class of skilled workers — at least different from the “floor workers” — and several unskilled workers. The structure and machinery, otherwise referred to as “capital,” is assumed to be fixed in size, and only the unskilled labor force is assumed to vary in the 32

short term. Note that in the long run, both labor and capital can vary in size, and we enter the world of scale economics — which is not what concerns us here.

In this short-term world, the wage rate of unskilled workers depends on the demand for and supply of labor. The demand depends on labor productivity: how many hamburgers can a worker produce in an hour or during a day, and the price that a hamburger or any other product produced can fetch in the market. It is to no avail to be super-efficient in the production of a good or a service with no or little use to anybody.

A simple approximation of the situation in a single restaurant can be imagined as follows.

With one unskilled worker, the plant cannot operate efficiently, if at all, as the worker must divide her/his time over too many tasks. As the number of workers rises gradually and they begin to specialize, output can rise first at an increasing rate. But beyond a certain point, it begins to rise at a decreasing rate but still rises.

Beyond a certain point where workers start

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getting in the way of each other, output declines in an absolute amount. No plant will operate in that region, so it does not concern us here. To recapitulate labor productivity and the price, its output constitutes what is behind the demand for workers. As in the case of product demand, the number of workers demanded declines (rises) as the wage rate rises (declines) and vice versa.

What about labor supply? It is assumed that unskilled workers value their leisure time. To attract them, they must be compensated for giving up this time. The higher the wage rate, the more unskilled workers would be attracted to give up leisure time and join the labor force. This is a simplistic idea of how labor markets operate.

Fundamentally, it shows that both the demand and supply of workers in a given unskilled production behave like the demand and supply in the product market; the wage rate is determined by the supply and demand schedules.

Unions can use their power to distort the market in several ways by demanding and obtaining a wage rate above market equilibrium. Suppose

ECONOMY

a teacher’s union does that, and the tax-paying public agrees to raise taxes to the extent that balances only part of the pay increase.

The demand for teachers will drop below equilibrium level, and the supply would rise above it. On both scores, an excess supply of teachers (or unemployment) for example will emerge. This situation occurred in recent U.S. history. Other unions can engage in similar practices to the benefit of their members and at the expense of other practitioners of the profession that may remain unemployed. In another practice, called featherbedding, a union may demand and receive more workers to do a job than absolutely necessary for safety and comfort. That may occur in the transport section (trains, airlines), and it can also produce unemployment.

The following is a glossary of selected labor union terms:

Well, the rise in income will increase demand for air travel which, in turn, will induce the airlines to order more commercial aircraft from Boeing and Air Bus corporations. As they expand production they would hire more engineers and, to do so, will raise their wages.

The same can happen to engineers, in general, as other industries, such as automotive, expand when demand increases.

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

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

MercForce

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CLOSED SHOP: An arrangement under which only union workers may be hired by the firm.

UNION SHOP: An arrangement that permits nonunion workers to be hired, but on condition that they join the union within a specific time period.

INDUSTRIAL UNION: A union that represents employees of a single industry or a firm, regardless of their occupation.

CRAFT UNION: A union that represents workers of a single occupation, regardless of the industry they work in.

OPEN SHOP: An arrangement under which management may hire non-union workers, and workers are not obligated to join the union.

“RIGHT TO WORK” LAWS: Laws that make compulsory union membership — and hence a union shop — illegal.

LOCKOUT: The closing down of a plant by management to force striking workers to come to terms. It is the management counterpart of a strike.

INJUNCTION (OR A RESTRAINING ORDER): A court order directing that some act not be carried out. For example, employers can obtain such a court order prohibiting a strike.

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD: A government board that protects labor from unfair labor practices, supervises union elections and otherwise deals with employee relations.

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Visit mercforce.com or call us at 616.726.5077 to learn more.

Returning now to an example of market forces: What is the effect of a sharp rise in a country’s income on the salary of aeronautical engineers?

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LEGISLATIVE CORNER

It’s not about what you did, it’s about what you do now and in the future

BY STEVE JAPINGA

Ten young professionals were honored in September by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Grand River Connection at the 11th annual 10 Over the Next Ten Awards. The evening was spent celebrating the innovative and entrepreneurial leadership from Greater Lansing’s best and brightest young professionals. The award is given to those young professionals likely to make a significant impact in our community over the next 10 years.

As a recipient of the award in 2014, it was a great honor to be recognized as one of the young professionals that was active in the community. However, the title of this article speaks to what the award is truly about: It’s not what you did – it’s what you do now and in the future.

I heard the award referenced this way by Tom Ruis, a 2009 recipient, a few years ago when he was quoting the 2007 award winner, Aaron Matthews. At the time, I thought receiving the award was about everything I had done beforehand: my professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement and more. But Ruis’ words challenged the way I thought about the award, why I received it and how moving forward was my responsibility to live up to its prestige.

In both my professional and personal life, I keep in mind every day that what I’m doing now needs to continue as a good example of

what the award means. All previous award recipients have a major responsibility to be bigger than the award and reach beyond a simple title. The award is about leading by example, being part of the positive transformation of our community and working together for a better tomorrow — all with integrity, honor and a sincere heart.

The ten individuals who received the 2017 award join the ranks of more than 100 young professionals before them; most importantly, they have been given the responsibility that comes with receiving the award and will all strive to continue as a positive force in the community.

My call to action is this: get involved in our community. For the Greater Lansing region to be stronger, it is incumbent upon not only these 10 Over the Next Ten alumni, but all our region’s young professionals to set an example and challenge others to do the same.

Lansing is stronger and better when we all work together — everybody wins.

Steve Japinga is Director of Government Relations for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for developing and managing the Chamber’s policy priorities as well as monitoring local, state, and federal issues that may impact the business community and the Greater Lansing region. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and lives in Lansing with his wife Katherine and dogs, Charlie and George.

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BUSINESS CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER 3 WAKE UP OLD TOWN, OLD TOWN Wake Up Old Town is a free and informal networking opportunity for professionals from all over Lansing. Come together and share your big ideas and opportunities to help businesses and Old Town thrive. Wake Up Old Town is held at rotating locations. This month the meeting will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. at Mother & Earth Baby Boutique, 1212 Turner St. Visit iloveoldtown.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 5 TECH TUESDAY, LANSING Tech Tuesday is a group of weekly meetings for developers. They meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Technology Innovation Center in East Lansing. Visit purelansing.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 7 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS HUDDLE, LANSING Join fellow downtown business professionals to network at Midtown Brewing Company at 8 a.m. Learn what’s happening downtown as you enjoy the atmosphere of Midtown Brewing. Visit downtownlansing.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 8 AVOID A DATA BREACH, LANSING Every business maintains critical data, so data privacy and security is extremely important.

Not only are the risks of leaks high in this age of technology, but there are risks of your assets being transferred and getting locked out of essential files. This 60-minute crash course will help you effectively defend your data and learn the basics of privacy and security. This online course is $75 for chamber members and $95 for nonmembers. Visit michamber.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 8 NACW MEETING, LANSING The NACW is a nonprofit organization devoted to the enhancement of women’s personal and professional development. Their mission is to create an enriching environment for career women to share, grow and build professional and personal relationships and reach their full potential. Lunch meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:45 a.m. to 36

1 p.m. at the Urban Beat Event Center. Reserve your luncheon spot as a guest or member by visiting nacwonline.org/chapters/Lansing.aspx.

NOVEMBER 7-9 24-HOUR HAZWOPER OSHA TRAINING SEMINAR CLASS, LANSING OSHA requires 24 hours of safety training under OSHA 29 CFR1910.120(e). Learn to control or eliminate potential hazards and losses, as well as protect the health and safety of workers, the public and the environment. Register and read more at eventbrite.com.

NOVEMBER 10 EMERGENCY RESPONSE TECHNICIAN LEVEL III ANNUAL REFRESHER TRAINING, LANSING According to OSHA regulations, each level of emergency responder must take an 8-hour annual refresher course to stay current on the techniques used in a hazardous materials incident. The course is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Find tickets and information at eventbrite.com.

NOVEMBER 14 BIG DATA AND HADOOP TRAINING, LANSING Trainerkart’s Big Data Hadoop Developer and Admin Certification course is designed to prepare you for the Cloudera CCA175 certification, with simulation exams and real-life projects on CloudLabs. Visit eventbrite.com to find more information.

NOVEMBER 14 DIVERSITY & INCLUSION WORKSHOP, LANSING Diversity and inclusion is a business-critical journey that is important for businesses to incorporate into their company, as well as their communities. Diversity leads to more innovation, greater opportunities for all, better access to talent and increased business performance. This full-day workshop is $270 for members and $295 for non-members. Please visit michamber.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 14 MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE WORKPLACE, LANSING Statistics show that mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety, are on the rise. At work, this may translate into an increase

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in conflict, performance-related issues and absenteeism for employees affected by these illnesses. This webinar is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 14-15 ADVANCED MICROSOFT EXCEL TECHNIQUES, LANSING If you use Excel regularly and experience occasional difficulties, this seminar can help you utilize the program more efficiently. Work on skills such as data analysis and formulas, PivotTables, implementing VBA, time-saving shortcuts and design and formatting tips that’ll make your spreadsheets stand out. To enroll in this two-day seminar and find more information, visit skillpath.com.

NOVEMBER 15 COMMUNICATE WITH TACT AND PROFESSIONALISM, LANSING Gain communication skills that are necessary in the workplace. Communicate your main thoughts with clarity, zero in on what’s holding you back, practice descriptive language and more through this one-day seminar. Visit events.pryor.com for more information and to enroll in this informative seminar.

NOVEMBER 15 ENTREPRENEUR’S POCKET GUIDE INVESTMENT & TERM SHEETS WITH PATTI GLAZA, EAST LANSING If you need an investment and want to make sense of term sheets, this workshop is for you.

Patti Glaza will cover all the details so you can get the investments you need to get your business running. This workshop will be held in the MSU Innovation Center 300 Room from 1-2 p.m. Visit eventbrite.com for more information and to register.

NOVEMBER 15 TEAM CITY MARKET, LANSING Are you passionate about Lansing? Are you full of cool ideas that would make this city and its riverfront a more bustling shopping and entertainment hub? Then you should join the Team City Market meeting. You’ll get the chance to network with fellow members of the community to brainstorm over lunch every third Friday at noon. Visit lansingcitymarket.com for more information.

BUSINESS CALENDAR

NOVEMBER 16 THE CONTROLLER’S WORKSHOP, LANSING Utilize this seminar to gain control of costs and accurately analyze your organization’s financial performance with this one-day seminar. Take the right steps today to reduce the stress factor of your next audit, boost your credibility, improve your image, your overall cash flow and more. Enrollment is only $199, visit events.careertrack.com to enroll and find more information.

professionals and employees. This course will cover important topics such as understanding the concepts and terminologies used in ITIL service life cycle, including the links between life cycle stages, the processes used and their contribution to service management practices.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit eventbrite.com.

NOVEMBER 29 THE HATCHING, LANSING Post your business idea and gain votes. The top five ideas will pitch to a live audience at Lansing Brewing Company. The winning idea will receive $1,000 in seed funding. Visit thehatching.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 16 OSHA RECORD KEEPING UPDATE: NEW INJURY & ILLNESS RULE ENFORCEMENT, LANSING Effective this year, OSHA revised its requirements for recording and submitting records of work-based injuries and illnesses, and enforcement will begin the first of December.

The first rule, which requires employers to electronically submit recorded information for posting on the OSHA website, affects employers with 250 or more employees, as well as those with 20 to 249 employees classified in 67 specific industries. This online course is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for further information.

NOVEMBER 19 THE INC STARTUP ACCELERATOR, LANSING Build your launch skills from scratch, with personal input from professional coaches.

This is an online course, but gather with other entrepreneurs in the 300 Room to follow along.

The Inc Startup is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Visit purelansing.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 22 HR LEGAL ISSUES, AN ADVANCED SESSION, EAST LANSING This seminar covers all the basic legal components of human resources work. The field is fraught with legal pitfalls that can cost you or your employer dearly. Employees and others have clear legal rights and remedies that can force companies to pay big dollar amounts just to defend, let alone if the decision is rendered against the employer.

In some cases, employees or business owners can be held criminally liable for actions against employees. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and more information.

NOVEMBER 25 ITIL FOUNDATION CERTIFICATION TRAINING, LANSING Gain expertise in ITIL Foundation – the most important and entry-level certification for IT

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LANSING AT A GLANCE

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

MICHIGAN RETAILERS ASSN. INDEX

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS: LABOR FORCE DATA

A monthly gauge of key retail activity in the state.

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

Aug. ‘17

July ‘17

June ‘17

May ‘17

Aug. '16

Sales

n/a

44.5

60.1

66.5

50.8

Inventory

n/a

53.4

54.5

51

60.5

Prices

n/a

49.6

49.1

57.2

Marketing/Promotion

n/a

58.4

51

55.3

Hiring Plans

n/a

54.9

56.6

60.8

Sept. ‘17

Aug. ‘17

July ‘17

June ‘17

Sept. '16

Civilian Labor Force (1)

n/a

(P) 242.0

244.8

246

240.6

49.5

Employment (1)

n/a

(P) 230.8

232.1

235.1

231.5

59.9

Unemployment (1)

n/a

(P) 11.3

12.7

10.7

9.1

50.7

Unemployment Rate (2)

n/a

(P) 4.7

5.2

4.3

3.8

Values above 50 generally indicate an increase in activity

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS: WAGE & SALARY

KEY STOCKS — MONTH-END CLOSE

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

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

Sept. ‘17

Aug. ‘17

July ‘17

June ‘17

Sept. '16

(P) 236.4

227.5

228.5

230.9

224.8

12-month % change

(P) 1%

1.50%

2.10%

1.80%

2.70%

Mining, Logging & Construction (3)

(P) 7.9

8.1

8.2

8

7.8

(P) 3.90%

5.20%

6.50%

5.30%

5.40%

(P) 20.1

20.2

20.1

20.4

20.9

(P) -3.80%

-3.30%

-3.40%

-2.90%

3.50%

(P) 37.3

37.7

37.6

37.7

35.6

(P) 1.10%

4.40%

5.30%

3%

3.20%

(P) 2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.1

Total Nonfarm (3)

12-month % change Manufacturing (3) 12-month % change Trade, Transportation & Utilities (3) 12-month % change Information (3) 12-month % change

(P) 0%

0%

0%

-3.30%

3.30%

(P) 16.2

16.4

16.3

16.3

16.1

12-month % change

(P) 1.30%

1.20%

1.90%

4.50%

1.90%

Professional & Business Services (3)

(P) 21.8

21.5

21.8

22.1

22.8

12-month % change

(P) -2.70%

0.90%

1.40%

-1.30%

3.60%

Education & Health Services (3)

(P) 32.5

31.8

31.9

32.2

30.9

12-month % change

(P) 1.20%

1.60%

2.20%

1.90%

3%

Leisure & Hospitality (3)

(P) 21.3

20.7

20.7

21.1

19.2

12-month % change

(P) 8.10%

5.60%

6.20%

7.70%

-1.50%

(P) 10.5

10.6

10.6

10.7

10.2

(P) 0%

0%

1%

0.90%

0%

(P) 65.9

57.6

58.4

59.5

58.2

(P) 1.40%

0.00%

0.50%

1%

3.60%

Financial Activities (3)

Other Services (3) 12-month % change Government 12-month % change

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

(2) In percent, not seasonally adjusted.

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

(P) Preliminary (R) Revised

38

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

Oct. ‘17

Sept. ‘17

Aug. ‘17

July ‘17

Oct. '16

Spartan Motors

16.5

11.05

9.2

8.85

8.85

General Motors

45.5

40.38

36.54

35.98

31.60

Emergent BioSolutions

40.05

40.45

37.73

36.37

26.72

Neogen

80.4

77.46

68.9

65.87

52.69

Gannett (Lansing State Journal)

9.41

9

8.49

9.02

7.77

Gray Broadcasting (WILX)

15.35

15.7

14.3

14.9

8.90

Media General (WLNS)*

60.3

62.3

60.2

65.4

48.80

Bank of America

27.16

25.34

23.89

24.12

16.50

UPS

119

120

114.36

110.29

107.76

Home Depot

164.74

163.56

149.87

146.69

122.01

Kroger**

21.35

20.06

22.2

24.52

30.98

Macy's Inc.

21.33

21.48

20.77

23.75

36.49

Wal-Mart Stores

88.65

78.14

78.07

79.99

70.02

*Nexstar acquired Media Genera in January; **Adjusted for stock split

TRI-COUNTY HOUSING STATISTICS: OCTOBER 2017 Source: Realtor.com research, (Updated: Sept 14th, 2017)

Ingham

Clinton

Eaton

Homes for sale

1,562

437

647

Homes for rent

242

25

38

Median listing price

$130,000

$185,000

$139,000

Price per square foot

$77

$88

$71

Median closing price

$125,000

$170,000

$145,000

54

58

53

Median days on market*

*Includes only single family homes and condo-townhomes, excludes pending listings

NOVEMBER 2017

LANSING AT A GLANCE

EATON COUNTY WORKPLACES AND WAGES, 1ST QUARTER 2017 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages

Next Month: Ingham County

Number of Workplaces

March '17 Employment

Total 1st quarter wages*

Average Weekly Wages

Total, all industries

1,753

35,872

$436,218,699.00

930

Service providing

1,456

27,643

$307,796,116.00

849

Goods producing

297

8,229

$128,422,583.00

1,203

Natural resources and mining

27

110

$833,076.00

632

Construction

184

1,364

$17,972,816.00

1,064 1,238

Manufacturing

86

6,755

$109,616,691.00

Trade, transportation, and utilities

419

11,576

$107,957,068.00

721

25

696

$9,570,506.00

1,063

Information Financial activities

171

3,877

$96,829,817.00

1,789

Professional and business services

254

2,835

$27,949,622.00

746

Education and health services

204

3,617

$34,148,080.00

729

Leisure and hospitality

169

3,561

$13,387,805.00

293

Other services

200

1,412

$17,251,982.00

929

Unclassified

14

69

$701,236.00

782

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NOTABLE NEWS

POTTER PARK ZOO EARNS PRESTIGIOUS AZA ACCREDITATION

financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and more. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit aza.org.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) announced that the Potter Park Zoo was once again accredited by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Potter Park Zoo has been accredited by the AZA for 27 years and is one of only 124 zoos to be awarded the quartercentury award. The award is given to zoos that have been continuously accredited by the AZA for 25 years, proven leaders dedicated to the highest standards in animal care, operations and veterinary medicine.

CITY OF GRAND LEDGE UNVEILS THREE NEW LEAP FUNDED PUBLIC ART PIECES

“AZA accreditation signifies that Potter Park Zoo is committed to meeting the very highest standards in the zoological profession,” said AZA President, Dan Ashe. “It means that Potter Park Zoo is a proven leader in animal care and welfare and in providing educational and meaningful experiences for visitors.”

To be accredited, Potter Park Zoo underwent a thorough review to make certain it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards in

categories including animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years in order to be members.

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation: animal care and welfare; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs;

The City of Grand Ledge will welcome the addition of three new public art pieces funded by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership’s (LEAP)

The City of Grand Ledge welcomes the addition of three public art pieces funded by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership

New Listings!

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

2510 Snow Rd., Lansing, 48917

2133 University Park Dr., Okemos, 48864

Call Jim Salkiewicz - 517.487.9222

Call Jeff or Dave - 517.487.9222

2105 University Park Dr., Okemos, 48864

2101 W. Willow St., Lansing, 48917

For Lease: Warehouse $5.00 to $5.50 PSF NNN 75,000 to 135,000 SF

For Sale: Office

$1,100,000 12,493 SF

Call Jim Vlahakis - 517.487.9222

For Sale: Investment $1,395,000 Fully Leased!

For Sale/Lease: Warehouse $4,000,000 / $4.50 PSF NNN 78,408 SF whs / 5,022 SF office Call Steve Slater - 517.487.9222

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

40

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

NOVEMBER 2017

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NOTABLE NEWS

Public Art for Communities grant program. To date, LEAP’s program, with strong support from the PNC Foundation since 2015, has awarded 20 $10,000 grants over five years to place public art in strategic, visible locations across the region.

The city of Grand Ledge was awarded grant funds earlier this year as one of three 2017 Public Art for Communities grant recipients.

The new pieces are functional bike racks, which will be placed along the Grand Ledge trail system connecting the downtown Grand Ledge and Riverside Park areas. The pieces were designed and created by Flatlander’s Sculpture Supply & Art Galleries out of Blissfield, Mich.

seminar on Sept. 26, 2017, at the MSU Innovation Center in East Lansing.

LEAP, the Small Business Development Center and Foster Swift showcased local resources.

Following a brief keynote welcome from East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows, representatives from the Midwest Regional USPTO conducted a free half-day workshop that provided valuable information about several types of intellectual property protection, the patent process, and public and private resources to help entrepreneurs.

“Events like the Lansing regional U.S. PTO Seminar are vital resources for the inventors and entrepreneurs in our community,” said Tony Willis, LEAP’s director of New Economy. “The opportunity to interact and engage directly with the source of patents and trademarks allows for a full understanding of the processes that are in place, to secure their intellectual property as they’re starting out.”

LEAP'S PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE DRAWS STATEWIDE CROWD TO EAST LANSING

“We are proud to host the second annual Lansing seminar in partnership with LEAP,” said Dave Posigian, patent examiner with the USPTO Office. “The Lansing area is abundant with creative ideas from the regional community and Michigan State University.

One of our goals is to ensure we are proactively reaching these entrepreneurs so they have the best chance of success.”

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), welcomed more than 50 startups, innovators and entrepreneurs from the Lansing area, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City to a Midwest regional

Beyond in-depth presentations offered throughout the day, the U.S. Commissioner for Trademarks, Mary Boney Denison, was on hand to provide an expert overview of trademarks and the process of filling out a trademark application. Local representatives such as

“Everstream connected us to their fiber ring to provide the high-speed, low-latency connectivity that our business requires.”

Tim Sakmar, Global Network Manager, MTD

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Everstream is your Business Fiber Network.

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

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SENIOR JOINS LANSING PR FIRM AS PROJECT ASSISTANT Lezotte Miller Public Relations Inc. welcomes Michigan State University senior Geneva Swanson as the fall project assistant intern. Her responsibilities include drafting news releases, SWANSON conducting research, monitoring social media and writing content for client publications.

Swanson is looking forward to improving her writing skills and learning more about how a public relations firm operates.

“I can already tell that I will gain a great deal of experience and knowledge concerning the public relations field during my internship with Lezotte Miller,” said Swanson, who will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in public relations.

Lezotte Miller Inc. is an award-winning, fullservice public relations consulting firm founded in 1995, serving associations, corporations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

CAPITAL AREA UNITED WAY CELEBRATES ‘DAYS OF CARING’ The Capital Area United Way (CAUW) hosted its annual ‘Days of Caring’ volunteer marathon on Friday, Sept. 15, and Saturday, Sept. 16.

Nearly 150 volunteers were needed to work in teams to experience the collective power of giving time and skills to the community.

everstream.net

42

A core element of LEAP’s mission is dedicated to cultivating, expanding and maintaining an entrepreneurial culture and ecosystem across the tri-county region. Learn more about LEAP’s entrepreneurial programming and support at purelansing.com.

NOVEMBER 2017

NOTABLE NEWS

In addition, BWL and Consumer’s Energy technicians performed energy assessments throughout the neighborhood during the week of Rock the Block.

This year, 12 local nonprofits are offering hands-on projects, either inside or outdoors, including: Allen Neighborhood Center, Capital Area Humane Society, Capital Area Literacy Coalition, Child & Family Services of Michigan, Communities in Schools – Willow Elementary, Eaton Rapids Senior Center, Haven House, NorthWest Initiative, REACH Art Studio Center, The Voice of Clinton County Children, The Salvation Army and Urbandale Farms.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for company employees, retirees, service clubs, church groups, student or Greek organizations to join the effort to make our community better, stronger and a more vibrant and caring place,” said Teresa Kmetz, CAUW president and CEO. For more information about Days of Caring and CAUW visit micauwvolunteercenter.org.

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU WELCOMES STEPHANIE WOHLFERT TO DESTINATION SALES DEPARTMENT The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is pleased to announce Stephanie Wohlfert, CMP, CTA as sales manager.

Wohlfert brings with WOHLFERT her years of experience in local group sales, working most recently as Career Enrichment manager with the Michigan Society of Association Executives and as the Special Events manager with the Lansing Lugnuts. Stephanie also brings

to the GLCVB 12 years of hotel sales experience, most recently with the Marriott Place Hotels in downtown Indianapolis.

Wohlfert’s role with the GLCVB will be focused on growing group businesses for the region and managing relationships within Michigan State University and national markets.

“We are very excited to welcome Stephanie to the organization,” said Jack Schripsema, president and CEO of the GLCVB. “Her event planning savvy and numerous relationships within the industry will make her a strong asset to the GLCVB.” For more information about the GLCVB, visit lansing.org or call 517-487-0077.

ALLEGRA PRINT – MAIL – MARKETING FOOTPRINT FUND® TO AWARD PRINT SERVICES TO LOCAL NONPROFITS Allegra Marketing – Print – Mail’s FootPRINT Fund launched this month, and it will help

BWL JOINS WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CAPITAL REGION AT 2017 ROCK THE BLOCK! The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) joined with Habitat for Humanity Capital Region at the 2017 Rock the Block! event on Wednesday, Sept. 12. The neighborhood revitalization program worked with residents living in the eastside neighborhood during the week of Sept. 11-15, to make the existing homes safer and more affordable.

Over 30 BWL volunteers met at the Foster Community Center at 8 a.m. The BWL volunteers worked on painting, repairing and landscaping, with the group including BWL’s Executive Director of Planning and Development, George Stojic.

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NOTABLE NEWS

Lansing area nonprofit organizations leave a footprint in the community by awarding marketing and print services for promotional and informational materials.

The Allegra FootPRINT Fund will provide support to nonprofit organizations and associations seeking assistance for graphic design and printing of brochures, newsletters, forms, invitations, posters, signs and other print communications. The annual awards total up to $20,000, and applicants that qualify are eligible to receive up to $2,500 each in services in 2018.

“Giving back to the community is an important goal at Allegra in Okemos,” said Dave Muhleck, owner of Allegra. “The FootPRINT Fund was created to provide a means of helping local organizations receive assistance in an area that may not be addressed by other funding sources.”

Award recipients are selected by an independent review panel based on how the services will be used to further organization goals including service expansion, program enhancement and maximization of existing resources, as well as the organization’s innovation and resourcefulness. All applicants will be notified

of their award before Nov. 15, 2017.

“This program is a way for us to make a difference in our community,” said Muhleck. “At Allegra, we feel that it is extremely important to reach out to those in need and help our local organizations and associations leave their ‘footprints’ in the community.”

For more information, call (517) 333-0713 or visit allegra-okemos.com.

Award of Excellence. The presentation was made Sept. 15 at a gala ceremony held in conjunction with PIA’s board of directors meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

AUTO-OWNERS INSURANCE NAMED 2017 COMPANY OF THE YEAR BY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENTS

“Auto-Owners is highly deserving of this: our association’s highest company honor,” said PIA National President, Gary Blackwell, while presenting the award. “For independent agents, Auto-Owners is a true partner. Many of us have placed Auto-Owners Insurance high among the carriers we represent. There are many good reasons for this: financial strength and stability, excellent service, superior products, unparalleled quality and ease of doing business.”

The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has named AutoOwners Insurance (Auto-Owners) as the recipient of its prestigious 2017 Company

“Perhaps the most important reason we are so loyal to Auto-Owners, is that Auto-Owners is loyal to independent agents,” Blackwell said.

“It’s a perfect match!”

The PIA National Company Award of Excellence honors a company for its commitment to PIA, to the American Agency System and to furthering the interests of professional insurance agents by creating a better business environment.

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“We are honored and humbly accept this award on behalf of the associates of Auto-Owners that make such awards possible,” said Jeff Harrold, chairman and CEO of Auto-Owners Insurance who — along with Mary Pierce, the senior vice president of marketing and sales — was on hand for the presentation.

Established in 1916 and headquartered in Lansing, Auto-Owners Insurance is the 17thlargest property/casualty insurance group in the nation, based on a written premium of over $6.3 billion. The company also ranks 398th on the Fortune 500 list.

FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY, INC. NAMED ONE OF NATION’S TOP DEFINED CONTRIBUTION ADVISORY FIRMS Financial Technology, Inc., a leading financial services firm in East Lansing, Mich. is pleased to announce that it has been named as one of the nation’s Top DC Advisor Firms by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) for 2017*. This achievement underscores Financial

44

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

NOVEMBER 2017

Holiday party HOST YOUR

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NOTABLE NEWS

Technology’s commitment to providing exemplary service to both plan sponsors and participants.

“Since their inception, NAPA’s various industry lists have been a valuable Who’s Who of who matters in the world of retirement plans and retirement plan advisors,” noted Nevin Adams, chief content officer of the American Retirement Association and editor-in-chief

of NAPA-Net, which compiled the listing.

“As the nation’s leading voice for retirement plan advisors, we are pleased to highlight the contributions these firms are making in helping building a more financially secure future for millions of Americans.”

The firm’s advisors are C. Richard Herrold, John P. Gingas, Michael J. Cantor, Sara FrankHepfer, and Brian L. Shepard.

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Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson 46

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

NOVEMBER 2017

The inaugural list of NAPA’s Top DC Advisor Firms, which will be published in the Winter issue of NAPA Net the Magazine, is available at napa-net.org/top-dc-advisor-firms.

Financial Technology, Inc. has been providing individuals and organizations with financial guidance since 1980. Located at 1500 Abbot Road, Suite 150 in East Lansing, the firm’s advisors pride themselves on crafting unique strategies for each client. For more information, please visit financialtec.com. *The 2017 NAPA Top DC Advisor Firms List is a compilation of individual advisor firms, or teams, solely ranked by DC (Defined Contribution) assets under advisement. Firms were asked to complete an application and provide information concerning their DC business to NAPA; 325 qualified firms were considered of which 250 (77 percent of candidates) were recognized. This award is not indicative of the future performance of the firm or its advisors; experience may vary. For more information, visit: napa-net.org.

LEAP STAFF MEMBERS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARDS The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) held its annual conference. The theme of this year’s meeting was CONNECT: People | Ideas | Solutions, which lets economic developers know the connections that are needed to succeed with emerging industries, themes and tools.

MEDA hosted a New Member and Awards Reception as well, where four statewide awards were presented to outstanding economic developers, including the Mike Conboy Professional Development and President’s Awards. The Conboy Award is given to one MEDA member who has made substantial, long-term contributions to MEDA, specifically focusing on the advancement of the economic development profession through support of education and training, and by expanding the knowledge base of economic developers. The President’s Award is given to members that have provided a substantial contribution to the organization and its statewide economic development efforts.

This year’s Conboy Award recipient was Steven L. Willobee, chief operating officer at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). When nominated by his peers, Willobee was described as being “100

NOTABLE NEWS

Today, the company is run by Van Martin who oversees an operation of 70 or more staff split across Lansing and Grand Rapids.

As an affiliate of CBRE, the world’s No. 1 commercial real estate firm, the two combined operations conduct commercial real estate transactions across the state, country and globe. The company manages over 8 million square feet of space. Their variety of services include property sales and leasing,

corporate services, project management, investment services, research, consulting and development.

“Always, our firm has been driven by hard work, providing an honest, straight-forward assessment of our client’s needs,” says Chairman & CEO, Van W. Martin. “It’s a business culture fostered through family, friendships, and business relationships built

percent committed to making Michigan a great place to live and work.” In addition, Steve has over 16 years of experience in assisting governmental and private clients secure financial incentives and address federal, state and local requirements associated with redevelopment projects — including seven years with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Willobee has generously shared his experiences in both the public and private sectors with emerging economic development leaders to aid in their professional development.

Karl Dorshimer, CEcD, EDFP, is LEAP’s director of Business Development, and he received the President’s Award at the reception.

MEDA Board President and CEO of Lake Superior Community Partnership, Amy Clickner, presented the award to Karl for his work on MEDA’s Advocacy Committee as co-chair for the past two years, and for his role as MEDA treasurer in 2017. In over 20 years of MEDA membership, Dorshimer has also served nine years on MEDA’s Education Committee, one year on its Certified Business Park’s Committee and one year as a mentor. In addition, he has been recognized as a MEDA Champion for eight years.

LEAP is a coalition of area leaders committed to building a prosperous and vibrant region where business can thrive. To do this, they help entrepreneurs start new businesses and help existing businesses grow and attract new businesses to the region. For more information about LEAP, please visit purelansing.com.

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C E L E B R AT I N G 4 0 Y E A R S !

CBRE|MARTIN CELEBRATES 55 YEARS Since 1962, the Martin family has been known for commercial real estate in the Lansing area.

The company was founded by William G. Martin and is now known as CBRE|Martin, Lansing’s leading commercial real estate company. This year, CBRE|Martin is pleased to be celebrating 55 years of business and being actively involved in the Greater Lansing area.

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NOTABLE NEWS

on mutual goals and respect. Over the years, we think it’s a blueprint that’s worked.”

the beginning of a new era for the agency.

In celebration, CBRE|Martin is dedicating their annual newsletter, News and Views, to recognize their clients, staff, friends and family for an outstanding 55 years. It will be released at the end of the month.

M3 Group purchased the former Seymour group Avenue Church, built in 1892 at the corner of Seymour Avenue and Saginaw Street in downtown Lansing, in mid-July 2016 with the goal of transforming it into a modern, creative space to support M3 Group’s growing staff.

Founder and CEO, Tiffany Dowling, who started the company 15 years ago, has grown the organization into a large and respected agency in the area, and recently opened a second location in Detroit.

CBRE|Martin is a CBRE affiliate office serving Mid-Michigan. CBRE|Martin offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; appraisal and valuation; and research and consulting. Please visit our website at cbrelansing.com.

M3 GROUP UNVEILS ITS NEWLY REMODELED OFFICE BUILDING M3 Group, Lansing’s full-service branding and publication agency, announced today the completion of its year-long renovation of its new office building. Local community leaders and supporters joined M3 Group’s creative team for a ribbon cutting ceremony today to celebrate

challenges,” Dowling said. “This new space will bring our team together in a whole new way, and I’m excited to see the team’s synergy and creative capacity now that we are all under one roof.”

In addition to services offered to clients, M3 Group also publishes three local magazines, including the one you’re reading this very moment, which serve as a source of information to the community and enable local organizations to reach an expansive, regional audience. For more information, please visit m3group.biz.

The total investment of M3 Group’s newly remodeled 7,800-square-foot office building is just under $1 million, including furnishings. M3 Group added a 1,000-square-foot mezzanine level to the existing space, while also upgrading the garden level to accommodate more working space by raising the ceiling height and enlarging the egress window.

“M3 Group’s growth has been exciting.

But growth always comes with a few small

M3 Group's newly renovated office building

SPONSORED

2017 YEAR-END CHECKLIST FOR BUSINESSES

BY JOHN MASHNI Meet with your tax advisors There may be last minute planning possibilities for 2017. Be proactive. Consult with your tax advisors while you still have time to act in 2017.

You don’t want to be scrambling on December 31. Don’t assume that your CPA or financial advisor is going to automatically suggest ways to minimize your tax liability.

Have your annual meeting and create your annual meeting minutes: It is important to document the activities and decisions at your annual meeting and accompanying meeting minutes.

Make sure distributions from your business are on track: If you need to make a distribution from your business, this is the time to evaluate. Consult your tax advisors now.

Yearly gifts and charitable donations: If you would like to donate to a charity and have a deduction for the 2017 tax year, you have until December 31 to make the gift.

Annual reports: Look at the states in which you are incorporated and make sure you are aware of due dates for the filing of annual reports in the coming year.

Articles of amendment or IRS documents: Examine the previous year and determine if there have been any changes that would require the filing of articles of amendment or updates with the IRS. Permits and licenses: Examine your permits and licenses – do any require renewal in the coming year? Does any information need to be updated?

Monitor and protect intellectual property: In today’s digital world, a company’s intellectual property can be a competitive advantage.

Review proactive and protective measures your company has in place to secure its intellectual property rights (copyrights, trademarks, service marks, patents and trade secrets).

John Mashni is an attorney with Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC. As a former entrepreneur, business owner and manager, John has an understanding of the businesses he represents as well as the knowledge and savvy of a seasoned attorney. He helps clients do deals, protect assets and plan for the future.

Contact: John Mashni | jmashni@fosterswift.com |313 S. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933 | 517.371.8257 Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC is a full service law firm founded in 1902. The firm employs 100 plus attorneys and over 100 support staff in six locations: Lansing, Detroit, Southfield, Grand Rapids, St. Joseph and Holland. For more information about the firm, its attorneys and to access recent publications, visit www.fosterswift.com.

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SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER

We are honored to celebrate this milestone anniversary and take pride in our dedicated professionals who, together, embrace the future with the same vision and passion that has defined our success for the past 55 years.

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With a vision and passion for everything related to commercial real estate – and through a foundation of excellence built – upon for 55 years – CBRE|Martin has emerged stronger, smarter and more inspired than ever before to achieve superior results for you.

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www.cbre.us/lansing