GLBM October 2017

OCTOBER 2017

CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES

Don Baron, owner of Baron’s Window Coverings, and how businesses embrace the latest technology

IN THIS ISSUE • Local tech companies offer strategies to strengthen online protection and cybersecurity • Transportation Security Administration measures coming to an airport near you • Michigan’s drive toward clean and sustainable energy heats up

OCTOBER 2017 ON THE COVER Transportation Security Administration measures coming to an airport near you...................................6 Changing technologies.................................................................... 18 Local tech companies offer strategies to strengthen online protection and cybersecurity........... 22 Michigan’s drive toward clean and sustainable energy heats up................................................. 26

NEWS Downtown dilemma: Who will build the next hotel?......................................................... 8 Downtown Lansing upgrades aid revitalization.................. 10 Keeping it local: Retaining the profits of one of Michigan’s biggest staple crops............................... 12 Virtual reality........................................................................................ 14

OCTOBER 2017

18 FEATURES Commentary.................................................................................................................................................. 4 Visual Breakdown..................................................................................................................................... 16 Behind the Scenes.................................................................................................................................... 28

CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES

Don Baron, owner of Baron’s Window Coverings, and how businesses embrace the latest technology

Economy........................................................................................................................................................ 30 Business Spotlight.................................................................................................................................... 32 Business Calendar.................................................................................................................................... 34 Greater Lansing at a Glance................................................................................................................ 36

IN THIS ISSUE • Local tech companies offer strategies to strengthen online protection and cybersecurity • Transportation Security Administration measures coming to an airport near you • Michigan’s drive toward clean and sustainable energy heats up

Cover photography by Erika Hodges

Notable News............................................................................................................................................. 38

CORRECTION Michigan Virtual (formerly Michigan Virtual University) lies outside of the cyberschool category in the literal sense. Michigan Virtual is a nonprofit education leader providing online courses and professional development to students and educators in a multitude of different platforms.

Greater Lansing Business Monthly | Volume 30, Issue 10

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Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. USPS number 020w807.

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

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

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

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COMMENTARY

INVESTING IN YOUR Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Editor: Kelly Mazurkiewicz kelly@m3group.biz Media Manager: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Austin Ashley Megan Fleming Manny Garcia Communications Director: Ami Iceman-Haueter Art Director: Mark Warner Publication Designer: Nikki Nicolaou Graphic Designers: Angela Carlone Kerry Hidlay Heather Thielking Photographer: Erika Hodges Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty

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

TEAM MEMBERS In business, we know that it’s inevitable that we’ll receive bad or difficult news from time to time. One of the hardest things I hear from my managers is, “I have HR news.”

Typically, this means that we are losing one of our team members to another organization located here or they are moving to another community like Chicago.

Our organization works hard to keep our team members. Consistency in a business environment is key to a happy workplace and satisfied clients. Our team is small, and I consider them extended family. So, when someone leaves, it can hurt.

However, organizations can also benefit from an infusion of new talent. New team members bring a fresh perspective with creative ideas — bringing forth the positive impact found within a difficult time of change. If you want to keep your team, there are some things you can do that help integrate new employees right away.

BUILD A TOOLKIT. Put together information about the company in an easy-to-reference package. At M3 Group, we’ve created a fun sheet which includes the top things to know about our agency.

GIVE A TOUR. Make sure there is a bit of pomp and circumstance when they arrive.

Give them a special tour that introduces them to as many colleagues as possible.

ASSIGN A MENTOR. If your organization can, it’s nice to assign someone to answer any questions the new person might have. It’s great to give new team members a buddy on the first day.

HAVE WORK READY TO GO. The last thing you want to do is have a new person sitting around bored on the first few days. Get them excited about their value to the team by getting them started right away.

SHOW THEM LOVE. Make sure you add a personal touch in welcoming a new team member aboard. Maybe schedule a lunch, or perhaps leave a mug or other trinkets on their desk; but don’t forget to say that you’re glad to have them on the team.

Obviously, it’s important to continue connecting with your team long after the fresh start.

We utilize the things we like, such as tailgates, JoyRide pedal bikes, holiday gatherings and more to give opportunities for our team members to come together. Every company is different, so don’t be afraid to branch out and kick things off on even footing.

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

Tiffany Dowling | Publisher

Diontrae Hayes — Supervisor Charter Township of Lansing

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NEW AIRPORT SECURITY MEASURES Making flying more inconvenient than ever

BY KALYNNE MCINTYRE

Although strict airport security measures are nothing new, travelers can expect to see even more changes to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines in the next few months.

Back in June, Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced that there would be updated security measures rolling out for roughly 280 airports in more than 100 countries, due to “an increased threat to aviation security.” For starters, TSA officers will now require all travelers to remove any electronic device larger than a cellphone from carry-on bags and place them in a bin by themselves. Originally, this rule only 6

applied to laptops; it can now include an iPad, Nook, Kindle or anything else deemed larger than a cellular device.

Many passengers have taken to packing their carry-on luggage as tightly as possible to avoid checking bags and costly airline fees. This makes it harder for TSA officers to see inside bags during the screening process, especially with X-ray machines, as other items can often block their view. The focus on handheld electronics also stems from rising concern that terrorists may have found a way to conceal explosives inside these devices. By removing these items and placing them in a separate bin for screening, TSA officers can more easily

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screen the item and keep the security checkpoint process moving quickly.

Flyers can also expect more frequent bag checks from the TSA; however, the TSA states they have found better and more efficient ways of testing to clear bags faster. These new screening procedures are already in place at 10 airports in the U.S. and will expand to all remaining airports in the coming months.

While there are changes to how items are being screened, there have been no changes to what items can be brought through security.

Food, books, electronics and liquids — those that follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule; which

NEWS

states passengers are allowed to bring aboard containers under three ounces, one quart-sized plastic bag and one bag per traveler — are still allowed in carry-on luggage.

These new security measures do not apply to passengers who are enrolled with the TSA PreCheck and who use PreCheck security lanes. PreCheck allows passengers enrolled in the government-sponsored program access to expedited security screenings. Members do not have to remove shoes, belts, electronics, jackets, liquids or laptops.

The program, started in Oct. 2011 and has often been touted by the business community as a “must-have” for any frequent flyer. Applying for PreCheck status entails an online application and a visit to an enrollment center, which then requires a fingerprinting process and basic background check. The cost of the program is $75, allowing the participant to stay enrolled for five years — more information on applying can be found at tsa.gov.

Flyers should also remain aware of upcoming identification restrictions around state licenses.

Since January 2016, the TSA has been posting signs making passengers aware that there

will be new identification requirements for all flights come January 2018. The Real ID program, enacted by The Department of Homeland Security, requires states to update their residents’ licenses for driving and other identification. This program, created by Congress in 2005, was designed to help prevent terrorism and discourage forgeries.

Starting Jan. 22, 2018, residents in Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Washington will all need to fly with additional identification, besides a driver’s license, to board a plane.

As of today, roughly half of the states in the U.S. have complied with the program. But there are still loud criticisms that the Real ID program is an unnecessary invasion of privacy by the federal government.

It’s still possible to fly without a compliant driver’s license. The TSA still accepts other forms of identification including passports, military IDs and permanent resident cards.

Since many travelers still use their driver’s license as their main form of identification, the

TSA is still urging people to pay attention to the upcoming deadline.

The other part of the issue is the amount of time states have left to push this new identification legislation through. Some state legislatures only meet for a brief amount of time throughout the year and will need all the days they can muster to find funding and adopt new policies.

Many states have asked for temporary extensions to comply with the program, but even those states must adopt the new Real ID standards by Oct. 1, 2020.

As there continues to be more and more restrictions imposed on flying and tighter airport security measures put in place, this can only mean one thing for travelers: longer wait times. If you’re used to whizzing through airport security at DTW, GRR or LAN give yourself an extra 30 minutes — better to be safe than sorry.

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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DOWNTOWN DILEMMA Who will build the next hotel?

An interview with Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP

BY MARK MEYER

When it comes to predicting future business, there’s no denying the strength in numbers – especially when they continue to trend in a positive direction.

BT: We are currently in the infancy stages of working with four different groups, all of whom are proposing hotels for downtown as part of their project. We’ll be in an extended period of due diligence as developers put together further work as well. That being said, I think all understand that the time to strike is now, because you never know when the economy will swing the other way. I would hope that we have at least one project with a hotel downtown under construction by next year.

For the past three years, Lansing’s hotel occupancy rate has outperformed state averages; for the past two years, those same numbers have kept pace with national averages. The idea of building a second downtown hotel could soon become a reality. Interest from potential owners and developers has gained noticeable traction over the past year, in response to the eventual end of the Radisson’s 30-year, non-compete agreement with the city, scheduled to conclude Jan. 31, 2018.

Bob Trezise, president and chief executive officer of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), recently addressed an inquiry from Greater Lansing Business Monthly about what the next steps are in the process and why the city would benefit from a second downtown hotel.

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GLBM: How likely is Lansing City Hall to be the site of a new hotel? Would it not be costlier to refurbish and retrofit that building instead of starting fresh at a different site?

BOB TREZISE

GLBM: At this point, what might the timeline be for the beginning of construction of a downtown hotel, and when might we know the developer?

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BT: We had hoped that a hotel would be part of a presentation on new City Hall ideas; that is a separate process underway. Right now [in late August], we do not know much about potential proposals. I don’t know what’s more or less expensive – from both a developer’s

NEWS

and city taxpayer’s perspective – with regard to what will happen with the current City Hall site. It strikes me personally that the capital city of Michigan, with a site next to our grand state Capitol building, should set big expectations and explore with new imagination this oncein-a-lifetime opportunity, rather than settling.

Ultimately, it will come down to a process of experts’ recommendations and public input. If I were a developer, I know that the easiest and least expensive solution would simply be to rehab [City Hall] with apartments. I understand that. But shouldn’t we consider what is best for an exciting, growing, globally competitive city and our future skyline — not just the same old, same old?

GLBM: Are the current occupancy numbers favorable for a new hotel? If so, what indicators show that trend is likely to continue?

BT: The region has built many new hotels over the last couple of years because, like in most areas, the Lansing region is badly underbuilt.

Unlike Columbus, Ohio or Madison, Wis., this area is not fulfilling its true potential. While new hotels have come online, occupancy has actually

risen. That tells you something important about the new, growing Lansing.

GLBM: How much business would a downtown hotel siphon off from newer, recently built hotels such as those at Eastwood Towne Center?

BT: I don’t believe any. It’s important that our economy matures to a point where we aren’t frightened and trapped by the old Lansing mentality that suggests that we can only have one of each thing and no more. That isn’t how big cities work. Big cities compete and provide many choices to business and talent. We have to reach that point of magic in our market. Eastwood is a really important regional asset that provides our region with much higher-end shopping and dining experiences. And so will Michigan Avenue and the downtowns of Lansing and East Lansing, as well as the Harrison Road/Collins Road corridor area.

All boats will rise with a tide of momentum that is historic for the Lansing and tri-county region.

Jack Schripsema, chief executive officer of the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the Lansing region is on pace this year to register a record 1 million occupied rooms for 44 area hotels.

Schripsema credits the construction of Michigan State University’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, more than 100 youth sports competitions and functions related to state government for this year’s increase.

GREATER LANSING AREA OCCUPANCY RATES

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

2012 55.9%

2015 61.1%

2013 57.9%

2016 64 %

2014 58.4%

2017 65.7%

(YTD thru July)

DRIVING BUSINESS DECISIONS WITH DATA For better or worse, we are all inundated with data. We receive a neverending stream of e-mails, operating reports, sales & marketing metrics, Excel worksheets, Twitter feeds, LinkedIn messages, industry reports, competitive information, website statistics, vendor solicitations, etc.

The availability of so much data should be a godsend for businesses and organizations. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. We have all of this wonderful information, but, for some reason, we can never access the information we need when we need it. Or, worse yet, we know the information is there, but it takes too much time to get it into a usable format. There is simply too much information in too many different places and, as a result, the truly important data sometimes gets lost.

To drive business decisions, you need to get the right data to the right people at the right time. Fortunately, you can. Microsoft’s affordable new PowerBI application gives any business or organization the power to take their disparate data and turn it into actionable Business Intelligence (BI). Using the wizards and artificial intelligence of PowerBI, you can pull data from any of your current applications and/ or databases and create Key Performance Metrics (KPIs), dashboards and reports. And, PowerBI is built into Microsoft Office 365, so you can easily distribute those KPIs and dashboards to people that need them both within and outside your organization.

If, by chance, you don’t already use Microsoft Office 365, you need to.

Every organization can benefit from it and the benefits far outweigh the annual cost.

At Maner Costerisan, we specialize in helping organizations leverage their technology and data to improve operations, make better decisions and grow. We do that using tools like Office 365 and PowerBI as well as by selling and implementing new financial accounting software solutions like Microsoft Dynamics GP and Intacct.

For more information on Microsoft Office 365 and PowerBI and how you can benefit from them, please contact James Meyer at jmeyer@manersolutions.com or 517-886-9513.

James Meyer 517-886-9513 jmeyer@manersolutions.com manercpa.com | manersolutions.com

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Photo by Erika Hodges

DOWNTOWN LANSING UPGRADES AID REVITALIZATION

BY TERESA J. FRITH

The downtown section of any town is the heart of the community and the spark that keeps it going; and the capital city is no exception. More than 120,000 residents, workers and tourists visit here every year, so maintaining its vigor and wellbeing is vital to the state’s economy.

To keep Lansing a dynamic community, it must continually grow, which includes necessary upgrades and improvements that support the people who live, work and play here. Doing so requires thinkers and planners and the needed funding to develop, upgrade and build what future Lansing workers and residents will need to stay current and look toward the future.

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IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRE FUNDING AND INVESTMENTS “Several large development projects are in the planning stages,” said Kris Klein, economic development specialist at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). “Some can’t be announced yet until the financing is in place.”

At the time of this writing, there is a selection process for the Targeted Pilot Façade Improvement Grant program, but awardees have not been finalized.

The program is set to provide $15,000 in one-toone reimbursed matching funds to be used for new permanent structure and aesthetic improvements.

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Businesses applying for this grant were to be located outside of the downtown area, defined by Saginaw Street to the north, I-496 to the south, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the west and Pennsylvania Avenue to the east.

CURRENT LANSING UPGRADES IN PLACE Klein said some of the upcoming Lansing projects could be discussed, including the following: Market Place II Built by Gillespie Group, which specializes in the revitalization of communities, the second phase

NEWS

— Marketplace II — is now being built. This second phase will bring more living spaces with the addition of 79 apartments. The second phase also brings other improvements, such as lighting and beautification upgrades along the River Trail and increased entertainment options.

East Town Flats Another Gillespie Group project, along with the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, is East Town Flats in the 2000 block of Michigan Avenue. A $6-million project, it will contain 11,500 square feet of retail space on the first floor and 39 apartments on the higher floors.

Construction began in Spring 2015 and has continued into 2017. According to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, the project is part of the “rebirth of the east side of town.”

Provident Place Another Gillespie Group project, in partnership with LEAP, built to revitalize the area and attract new residents and retailers is Provident Place, a four-story structure located in the 2200 block of Michigan Avenue.

Provident Place is a $7 million project of up to 37 apartments and 9,500 square feet of retail space on the first floor. According to Klein, Provident Place will help diversify the residential options downtown. It’s expected to be finished by fall 2018.

According to Scott Gillespie, founder and owner of the Gillespie Company, the project “advances the vision of East Town as a vibrant, attractive, successful place to live and work.” Additionally, it’s helping to create several new permanent and temporary jobs along with revitalizing the downtown Michigan Avenue corridor.

Vesta Building Industries LLC Vesta Building LLC in partnership with LEAP has been planning the renovation of two previously vacant buildings just northwest of the Capitol building. The two-story structures are at 513 and 519 W. Ionia St.and renovation includes retail spaces on the ground floor and six apartments on the upper floor.

The improvements are slated to cost about $1.3 million from investors and $220,420 was to come from a brownfield development incentive, which needed approval by the state and the city

councils. The project additionally adds several temporary and permanent jobs to the area.

The two buildings were previously the home of former Lansing City Council member Lucile Belen and her flower shop. Belen was known in the area as a business woman, philanthropist and entrepreneur, and she is enshrined in the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. Belen died in 2010 at the age of 97 years old.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BRINGS DOLLARS AND JOBS TO AREA The Lansing area is booming with economic development projects. Millions of dollars are being invested in the city’s future that is bringing vital improvements to ensure Lansing continues its growth forward-thinking prosperity.

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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KEEPING IT LOCAL Retaining the profits of one of Michigan’s biggest staple crops

BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA

Soybeans have long been a staple of Michigan’s agricultural economy. After being harvested, most of the crop is packed up and shipped out for processing out of state. But the Great Lakes State will soon transition into a one-stop shop for harvesting and processing soybeans, keeping both profits and jobs in the mid-Michigan region.

That’s in the wake of this year’s announcement that Michigan-based Zeeland Farm Services Inc. (ZFS) will build a $129 million processing facility in Ithaca, north of Lansing. Set to open no later than 2019, the facility will be able to process more than 40 million bushels of soybeans annually — four times the amount of soybeans processed in all of Michigan 12

right now, according to ZFS and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

“We are not building and sizing the facility for today, but for tomorrow. This is a long-term, 40or 50-year investment in Michigan agriculture,” said Cliff Meeuwsen, president of ZFS, in a prepared statement. “We are building a legacy plant that will fulfill all of Michigan’s soybean processing needs for decades.”

The plant is expected to create 75 full-time jobs and around 150 construction jobs according to ZFS and regional development officials; the benefits of the plant are expected to go well beyond its 435-acre footprint.

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“It’s not simply Ithaca and Gratiot County … it’s the entire central area of the state,” said Don Schurr, who just recently retired as president of Greater Gratiot Development Inc. on Oct. 1.

“It’ll be six, eight counties around us that will see a direct benefit.”

“It’s a significant production facility and … between what they’re doing in Zeeland and what they’re doing here, they’re going to essentially take 80 percent of the soy product growing in Michigan currently and convert it into value-added products,” Schurr said.

That means farmers will be able to pocket costs that are now going to ship soybeans out of state for processing.

NEWS

Zeeland Farm Services Inc. will build a

The facility will be able to process more than

$129 MILLION

40 MILLION

PROCESSING FACILITY IN ITHACA “That’s huge for Michigan and for the farmers and the producers who are supplying the soybeans. It’s going to substantially add to the basis price of soybeans, so then you can have 20- to 30-cent increases in the basis price, and we spread that across the number of familyowned farms in Michigan that will be supplying the beans — that is a very significant increase in revenue, coming now at a time when farming products have not had the best prices,” Schurr said. “That is certainly going to be a welcome addition to Michigan.”

Michigan ranks 12th in the nation among states in soybean production, making it the state’s top agricultural export with around 12,000 farmers harvesting more than 2 million acres of soybeans per year and creating approximately $1.67 billion in economic activity, according to the MEDC. “This project really takes the transportation costs out of a lot of the growing and supplying [of] the beans, so take that cost right out of it and everybody benefits,” Schurr said.

BUSHELS OF SOYBEANS ANNUALLY

“The processing plant is a win for everyone involved, including farmers of soybeans, livestock, poultry and aquaculture,” Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee Executive Director Gail Frahm said in a statement.

As of now, it’s difficult to say what ancillary business growth will take root around the plant, but Schurr is confident something is due.

“There will be growth. I think we all understand that. A lot of the very direct benefit will come from the individual producers who are going to supply the product,” Schurr said. “So, there are going to be very dispersed benefits and very ground-up” benefits.

ZFS, headquartered in Zeeland, Mich., is the state’s only soy processor and vegetable oil refiner.

The family-owned business first opened in 1950 and currently employs more than 425 people.

“We’re so happy it’s a Michigan-based company that’s located and growing and improving more Michigan opportunities. You don’t get many projects like this,” Schurr said. “This is just really, really nice for us. Very proud to be able to be a part of it.”

For more information on ZFS and the Ithaca plant, visit zfsinc.com.

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

The impact will have a substantial impact in Ithaca as well. The aforementioned 75 jobs means 75 people added to the employment base.

Jobs will include everything from skilled to semi-skilled jobs.

“It’ll be grain-handling, moving of grain within, loading and unloading. There will be processing and manufacturing jobs for making the soy oil and related byproducts,” said Schurr. “There will be some logistics-oriented jobs for moving finished product and the truck drivers and related mechanical jobs that will go along with that. Those are all anticipated.”

The wage range is not known now, but Schurr does expect it at a certain level of competitiveness.

“It’s a little early in the game to talk about hiring and when,” Schurr said. “We have about a year or so of pretty serious construction that’s going on.”

Ithaca City Manager Chris Yonker said ZFS chose the site in part due to its proximity to U.S. Route 127 — in fact, improvements to U.S. 127 are included in the plans — as well as access to existing adjacent rail lines, its central location in the state and other incentives, including a $12.2 million Brownfield Redevelopment Act tax incentive.

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VIRTUAL REALITY Option for entertainment, avenue for education

BY MICHELLE DANAJ

When most people think of virtual reality, or VR, they probably think of hover cars and time machines as well. While we are still a ways away from traveling through time like Marty McFly, VR is knocking on our door.

Technology like the Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard are readily available and affordable for most consumers, as people are trying in more ways than ever to incorporate this innovative technology into their daily lives.

One such company taking advantage of this growing phenomenon is an amusement center called Nova VR, located in Kalamazoo, Mich.

According to Bill Brieger, one of the co-owners of Nova, it’s like a neo-arcade; people can rent rooms and pay for the time that they use. Nova opened in December and has been adapting to the ‘quirks’ of VR ever since.

“The difference between this type of arcade and old school arcades is that it can be a bit more social: friends, dates and families enjoy coming and watching each other try to navigate the strange, humorous or scary VR environments,” Brieger said. “Some of the best VR experiences don’t make for great arcade experiences due to the learning curve or perceived complication 14

on the user’s end. Most users in our space need more simple and straight forward experiences that still, somehow, resist the repetitiveness of other games.”

And as the technology progresses, Nova plans on adapting with it. Brieger said that as the technology develops and becomes more advanced, a VR setup will be able to track full body motions, allowing one to “use their hands the same way they do in real life” and that “[Nova] will pursue these new additions at every turn in order to provide the best possible VR experience.”

While most people probably associate VR with entertainment, it has high potential in the education market. One place wholeheartedly pursuing this is Michigan State University (MSU). Jon Frey, an assistant professor of classical studies and art history at MSU, has already been working on incorporating the fields of VR and AR, or Augmented Reality, into education. Using VR for applications relating to archeology for over ten years, Frey is ready to incorporate it into the classroom.

“Technologies such as VR headsets and AR applications for smart devices are now within

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the reach of most students, so it’s time to start thinking about how classes can employ these technologies,” said Frey. “There is immersive visualization technology, either using computer generated models or 360-degree spherical images that seamlessly present other places and times in a very convincing fashion — imagine having your own little interactive model of Myron’s discus thrower to hovering above your desk on the day you learn about classical sculpture.”

One of the ways in which Frey has started using technology in the classroom is when he taught a class with like VR headsets, AR visualizations and 3-D models for the students to experiment with and write their reflections on a public blog: ancientart.leadr.msu.edu.

“The result was very interesting, and we’re still reflecting on the experience, but overall the students were receptive to these new approaches,” said Frey.

Art history classes aren’t the only way for MSU students to experience VR during their time in college. Teri Miller, the assistant director for public services at the MSU Library, is leading the way in building an immersive visualization

NEWS

center at the four-story library. Miller is working on incorporating an Igloo Vision system at both the library and MSU’s Digital Scholarship Lab. The lab will incorporate dedicated VR rooms for students and faculty to experiment with VR headsets like the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

A center with VR technology and data visualization tools is important for students because some of the technology is available on campus, but most of it’s in specialized labs that have limited hours of operation. With the library being open 24/7 during the semester, the lab will be accessible to students when they need to utilize the technology to finish projects or do homework.

And to think, the idea came about all because of a Super Bowl commercial. One of Miller’s

co-workers was watching the famous commercials, and he caught one that had this immersive technology featured and became curious. After doing some research, he found out that the technology used in the commercial was created by a company called Igloo Vision.

According to their website, “Igloo Vision designs, develops and delivers immersive 360-degree projection domes, projection cylinders and all of the enabling technologies.” Their projection cylinders, like the one being built at MSU, are “easily erected in more confined spaces, and fitting under standard ceiling heights,” and are “great for collaborative presentations, teamwork and exhibitions,” which is why a university setting is a perfect location for this type of technology.

MSU will be the first university in the U.S. to feature a cylindrical visualization room. With this technology, students can enter the room and, for example, be a part of an archeological dig or be in a crowd in Times Square. The cylindrical room in MSU’s main library will be seven meters in diameter and will feature cloth walls with acoustic panels, hi-definition pictures and laser projectors to show the user a floor to ceiling image.

“We wanted to build a visualization room where we could do a lot of different things in the room … you [could set] the map for some place in Rome, and you would be able to see what’s around you,” said Miller.

The Digital Scholarship Lab is set to open Jan. 8, 2018 and will be located on the second floor in the west wing of MSU’s Main Library.

Michelle Danaj has a BA in English from Michigan State University. She found her passion in the arts through literature and occasionally likes to get up on stage and become a different person for a few hours. She likes indulging her crafty side by scouring Pinterest for projects.

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VISUAL BREAKDOWN

INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY An essential for any business today

In this day and age, integrating technology with your business practices is a must.

While tech continues to deliver the latest ways for customers and businesses to communicate and commerce to take place,

it’s also opened the doors to more malicious intents. Aside from technical difficulties that may arise when integrating new features, a bigger problem presents itself for businesses when needing to protect their

intellectual properties, the identity of its employees and other sensitive information.

Once a luxury, IT support has risen to the rank of essential for secure, manageable technology administration.

TIMES ARE CHANGING, SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE BUSINESSES RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR IT AND COMMIT TO INVESTING In North America, IT spending among small & medium businesses has risen by

4.8%

From 2011-2017, spending on IT has risen from

$534 BILLION PER YEAR TO

$686 BILLION

on average, each year between 2011-2017

BUSINESSES OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES ARE BECOMING MORE COMFORTABLE WITH EMBRACING MODERN TECHNOLOGY THANKS TO IT SERVICE

62%

$

of business owners are ready to improve their current technology resources by transitioning to cloud-based services

16

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LINE PAY ON

41%

$

of business owners have plans to increase technology spending with a specific concentration on the internet and mobile payment systems

VISUAL BREAKDOWN

THE INTEGRATION OF CLOUD-BASED COMPUTING IS HELPING BUSINESSES WITH PRODUCTIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITY Cloud solutions decrease small-business workload by

42%

66%

92%

of small businesses would fail without wireless technology

of small businesses are using one or more cloud-based solution

THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE LACK OF IT SECURITY FUNCTIONS IS OVERWHELMING The average cost of a corporate data breach

$3.5 MILLION 66%

IN 2015

INCREASES NEARLY 15% EACH YEAR, hitting costs as high as

OF ORGANIZATIONS DO NOT HAVE WELL-DEFINED IT PROTOCOLS during a crisis or breach of information

THE COST TO PROTECT YOURSELF ISN’T CHEAP On average, information security represents

The average IT security budget in North America is roughly

$4.6 MILLION

6.9%

OF A COMPANY’S TOTAL IT BUDGET

The national median income for an in-house IT tech role is

$40,000 PER YEAR

The average small business must budget

$60,000 ANNUALLY

per month, offering potential savings when compared to in-house services

with the upper end of that range reaching nearly

$1,000

to to

$2,500

Compiled by Adam Lansdell | Graphics by Nikki Nicolaou | Sources: Insight, Microsoft, Deloitte University Press, Gartner, NetIQ, MicroFocus, and North Star Inc. L

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G N I G N A H C

Y G O L O N H C TE g n i r b s e g s e s s Chan e n i s u b g n i s n a L r o f s e g n challe

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Don Baron, owner of Baron’s Window Coverings Photo by Erika Hodges

COVER

BY TERESA J. FRITH

Changes in technology have brought many inventions into the world of business since the Michigan State Capitol was relocated to the city of Lansing in 1847. Milestone inventions that have aided the business world were not far behind or ahead of this decision: the typewriter in 1847, the telephone in 1876, the electric light bulb and cash register in 1879 and paper clips in 1900.

These and other technological advances have helped Lansing businesses meet the challenge of providing great products and services to their customers. Whatever the new inventions brought, business needed to adapt or be left behind.

WWII USHERS IN BEGINNING OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY By the time the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) opened its doors for business in 1937, technology had marched on with the introduction of several inventions that businesses take for granted today, including the credit bureau, the photo copier and cellophane. Ballpoint pens showed up in 1938.

The world was heating up as World War II had started by 1939, though the U.S. didn’t enter the fray until after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in Dec. 1941. The war waged on until 1945 and brought many advances in technology that influenced the future, especially in the areas of math, electronics and communications. These included the first digital computers used for things like deciphering codes, radar operations and the forerunner of the rockets that would thrust U.S. astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962.

COMMUNICATION ADVANCEMENTS HELP LANSING BUSINESS TO GROW Another Lansing business that started during these trying, yet exciting, years of technological history was Baron’s Window Coverings, founded

by Herman Baron in 1944. The store started out at 110 E. Allegan St. and later moved to its current location at 325 S. Washington Square.

“We started out selling things like dry goods, linens and ready-made curtains,” said current owner Don Baron. “It was near the end of the war, so it was hard for people to get merchandise.”

According to Baron, as technology progressed, they went from doing some things by hand to using machinery. From things like in-home electric sewing machines during the 1950s to the first use of computers and fax machines in the 1980s. The 1990s to the 2000s brought L

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COVER

“TECHNOLOGY HAS BROUGHT MANY ADVANCEMENTS ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES. IT HAS QUICKENED THE PACE OF WORK AND INCREASED THE EXPECTATIONS OF PRODUCTIVITY AND RESPONSE TIMES.” Samantha Amburgey, MSUFCU chief information officer tools like email and the internet, speeding up communication with their customers and suppliers, as well as providing networking tools that helped make them the worldwide distributor they are today.

floppy disk appeared, which made it possible to save and share data. Ethernet appeared three years later, making communication easier as several computers could be connected to form a network.

ATMS, CREDIT CARDS AND COMPUTERS CHANGE THE FINANCIAL WORLD

Amburgey says MSUFCU took advantage of these new, high-tech tools. “In 1961 and 1962, then state of the art technology was added and then upgraded in 1965 to even better systems allowing for better handling of deposit and loan accounting, balance statements, and daily and monthly financial reports.”

Since its beginning, MSUFCU has seen several technological advances that both helped and challenged it, but according to its chief information officer Samantha Amburgey, they have been able to ultimately use technology to their advantage.

“Technology has brought many advancements across all industries. It has quickened the pace of work and increased the expectations of productivity and response times,” said Amburgey.

“For the Credit Union, technology has made us more nimble and able to adapt quickly. We’re more convenient for our members and we are transportable – the Credit Union services can go anywhere our members go.”

Amburgey says that in MSUFCU’s beginning, there wasn’t much of an advanced technology presence until 1957, when leadership approved changing its bookkeeping process from a manual — hand — system to a machine operated system. That same year, Frances Lesnieski was appointed as the new manager.

“Lesnieski was a very innovative and forwardthinking individual who wanted to be first to market with new advancements in technology like ATMs and credit cards as payment methods, and computing technology that would advance the Credit Union,” said Amburgey.

Computer BASIC language was invented in 1964, followed in 1968 by Random Access Memory (RAM) and the first computer mouse.

In 1970, the five-and-a-quarter-inch computer 20

According to Amburgey, MSUFCU was the first credit union in Michigan to install ATMs in off-site locations, with the first ones placed in Quality Dairy locations as early as 1986.

“By 1997, we owned and operated 65 ATMs in the Greater Lansing and Oakland areas, and that has risen to more than 135 ATMs today, which have processed 2,000,990 transactions through June of this year,” Amburgey added.

What would consumers do without the convenience of credit cards? They appeared on the financial scene in 1951 when Ralph Schneider created the Diners card, but they didn’t become widespread until later. In 1978, MSUFCU was the second financial institution in Michigan to issue credit cards yet the first on a large scale. Amburgey stressed how this action was “an important advancement in technology for us, as well as an invaluable service to our members.”

PLAS LABS ENTERS MICHIGAN BUSINESS WORLD Another long-standing business in the Lansing area is Plas Labs, which makes containment isolation units for organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the National Institution of Health. During an outbreak of the

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Ebola virus in Africa, they shipped isolation units there to help fight the disease, and they also send isolation units for research use to help fight malaria, bird flu epidemic and MERS outbreaks.

Plas Labs just celebrated its 50th anniversary in June, founded in 1967 by Dave L. Regan. The company has since grown into a multimilliondollar business with more than 75 global distributors, and they continue to thrive in the community as one of the top businesses of its kind in the area.

In fact, the 1970s brought several inventions that would be instrumental in setting up Plas Labs, as that’s when several computer related products that made computers more practical were invented, including: the microprocessor, the daisy wheel printer, the dot matrix printer, the laser printer, the ink jet printer, word processors and more. The beginning of the 1980s brought more computer-related inventions with the introduction of the first IBM personal computer in 1981, CD ROM in 1982 and Microsoft Windows in 1985.

TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES BROUGHT CHALLENGES New advances in technology can bring challenges for businesses to meet, especially during the 1990s when new computer-related tools were popping up like the introduction to the World Wide Web in 1990. The DVD, the first digital answering machine, Java computer language and Web TV appeared a few years later.

MSUFCU implemented innovative technology tools during this timeframe, such as MacroImage and COLD (Computer Output to Laser Disk – MacroFiche) for document storage and retrieval, word processing with WordPerfect and spreadsheets with Lotus 123, DOS-based payroll processing and upgraded faxing technology. They launched their first website in

COVER

1996 with a version of 24-hour online banking for customers via ComputerLine and dialup modems. Prior to the installation of Windows NT in 1997, it was a DOS-based text interface.

Y2K CAUSES PANIC AMONG BUSINESSES The Y2K Bug occurring during the year change from 1999 to 2000 was a problem that many businesses faced. The issue was that 20th century programs tended to only use two digits to represent a year, so 2000 would not be distinguishable from 1990. The fear was that unless this was resolved, there would be mass problems with computer functions. Businesses, scientists and others worked to find a solution.

MSUFCU had people working on the potential issue and did testing to ensure their computer system would work properly when the century turned. An issue in 1999 caught the credit union by surprise that had nothing to do with Y2K: Sept. 9, 1999 or 9/9/1999. While they had planned ahead to ensure all went well, their communications data lines were accidently cut by a construction company working nearby.

“We were effectively isolated from the outside world,” said Amburgey. “We could not make or receive telephone calls, nor send or receive any data or electronic transmissions. Members could also not use ComputerLine or MoneyLine. It took a couple days to resume normal business since the data communication lines had to be reconnected by hand.”

21ST CENTURY BRINGS MORE ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES FOR BUSINESSES Most people today can barely remember a world without these big innovative products being in their lives as they use their smartphones to watch a video, send a Tweet or like a comment on Facebook.

By the 2000s, time marched on with more advances coming every year like Windows XP in 2001, Safari internet browser in 2003, Firefox internet browser and Facebook in 2004, YouTube in 2005, Twitter in 2006 and the iPhone in 2007.

Smartphones have changed business and personal live completely. Today, just about everyone in the world has one, so businesses needed to stay updated online to ensure their websites can be viewed on mobile devices; otherwise, they may be left behind to fail.

COMPUTER VIRUSES, CYBERCRIME CAUSE BUSINESS WOES Amongst all these inventions of the past, there seems to always be something that comes about to try and ruin them, and that includes the threat of cybercrime via computer viruses and other digital invasions. The fight against these forms of cyberattacks has kept businesses vigilant in protecting their data and their customers’ personal information.

The bottom line is that the way we do business has changed dramatically in the past century and is likely to do the same throughout the next century. That’s why Lansing businesses are doing what is necessary to keep providing the best modern services to their customers, today and into the future.

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MORE THAN HELP DESKS Tech support businesses offer corporate protection and strategy

BY ANDREW DOMINO

Tech support isn’t just about resetting passwords and updating programs; it’s about the future of computers, according to experts working in Greater Lansing and around the country.

“Today, you need a technology department just like you need an accounting department,” said Jeff Dettloff, president of Providence Consulting in Lansing, Mich.

Providence Consulting has 75 companies as clients, most in a 60-mile radius around Lansing. They’re in industries ranging from nonprofits and medical facilities to government lobbying. His company’s work is about half repair, such as updating software, and half prevention, such as protecting sensitive corporate data.

Dettloff compares technology support, or information technology (IT), to the role of a car mechanic. As the Internet started to grow in the 1990s, specialists were only called when something went wrong. But between everincreasing security risks, networks of computers in an office linked together and streamlining processes in almost any industry, tech support teams look ahead to prepare businesses for future computer trends.

22

Mike Maddox, CEO of ASK in Lansing, said his business is about consulting, not about specific technology. ASK has several hundred clients throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, and there are 54 staff members with the business itself “constantly expanding.” About 98 percent of the work can be done remotely, leaving just a handful of on-site visits per year to manually repair devices.

“We’re not in the business of selling hardware and software,” Maddox said. “If you have bad procedures, better hardware will only make the bad procedures go faster.”

COMPUTER SUPPORT While a large business with hundreds of employees can offer its own full-time tech support department, small companies with just a handful of staff need to find a third party to manage tech support.

Donald Lovell, president of Trouble Shooters Technical Support in Lansing, works with just one person: business partner David Hamilton. They target smaller businesses in the region including those in fields like construction and retail.

Many of their about 100 clients use proprietary software, created by third-party companies for

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the industry in question. If there’s a question on the software, callers usually contact that thirdparty company. For any other kind of problem, Lovell and Hamilton get the call.

“A lot of the time, the world has gone dark,” Lovell said, referring to what problems look like on a client’s end. “You can find how-to (fix something) on Google or YouTube. They’re not paying me for the knowledge. They’re paying me for getting it done a lot faster.”

FROM SUPPORT TO SECURITY There are several “levels” of tech support.

The level where most new computer science graduates start is the help desk, answering the phone when callers have problems with passwords or installing new equipment. They also might manage a company’s Wi-Fi so employees have Internet access, review new software for suitability with the company’s existing system and push out software updates.

After a stint on the help desk, tech support staff looking for more advanced work often focus on a single aspect of computers. Some build systems, finding software and developing connections between computers that best perform the tasks the business needs.

FEATURE

Cybersecurity is such a specific aspect of computers, involving warnings about not opening questionable emails or clicking on unknown links. Tech support companies also offer security reviews: taking a close look at the vulnerabilities in a system, like employees with administrative privileges they shouldn’t have or passwords too easy to guess.

“Businesses are way behind [on security],” Maddox said. “They need to have a comprehensive plan in place.”

Cybersecurity is not only about cleaning viruses and preventing suspicious downloads. It’s also about teaching users unfamiliar with computers about what they need to do to protect their networks, and why that protection is significant.

Lovell suggests three simple things any business can do to keep itself protected from hackers: 1. Make use of up-to-date antivirus software from companies like McAfee and Kaspersky.

There is an up-front cost of about $40 to $60 per computer, but software can usually update automatically for free once installed.

2. Having a second copy of the company’s most important data files, even if it’s simply on a USB drive, means less time spent getting up to speed if information ends up lost. But users should make sure they save a copy of the data consistently — like before going home each night or even every Friday afternoon before business closes. Backups also need to be stored somewhere distinct — a USB is no good if it’s still attached to a computer when it fails.

is the next step for businesses; that’s when all your electronic equipment is connected digitally — think of using your phone to warm up your car or start your coffee pot.

3. Use complex passwords. It can be a challenge to remember a dozen passwords for different programs, especially if they must be updated every three months.

There are tools to help, like LastPass and KeePass, that store all your passwords on a secure site. One password releases your entire password list.

Dettloff regularly talks with college students about innovative technologies, telling those interested in tech support to think beyond programming computers or fixing monitors.

“People hate having to change their passwords all the time, but it’s necessary for security,” Maddox said.

Since technology has become more accessible for everyone, it’s easy to take it for granted.

Companies need to know that tech support isn’t just about fixing problems when they appear, but making sure a safety net is in place before a problem happens.

INTERNET OF THINGS The “Internet of Things,” also called the IoT,

Tools like the Amazon Echo and Google Home are early steps in the development of this connectivity. Experts now expect there will be between 20 and 30 billion devices — not counting phones, tablets and computers — connected via IoT networks by the year 2020.

“The future is the cloud, security, the Internet of Things and mobility,” Dettloff said. “They need to look at a broader perspective.”

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COMMERCIAL PROPER

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OCTOBER 2017

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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GREEN ENERGY IN

MICHIGAN

BY SARAH SPOHN

Back in February, Greater Lansing Business Monthly featured a piece announcing East Lansing’s first solar panel project at Burcham Park. Over the last few months since that initial word was published, the sustainable energy climate has continued to heat up on a local level.

Michigan Energy Options (MEO), which has been in business since 1978, has been an integral part of the sustainable and renewable energy movement, especially here in mid-Michigan. With offices housed in East Lansing and Marquette, the nonprofit guides communities toward energy-efficient methods and means. John Kinch, executive director of MEO, spoke about the organization.

“Since 2011, we’ve been a contractor for the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) to deliver their residential, energy-efficient programs,” Kinch said. “This work with the state’s largest municipal electric utility has been bringing electricity and dollar savings to BWL customers through energy-efficiency products such as LED lighting. From this relationship, we began talking to BWL about the possibility of creating the Greater Lansing region’s first community solar park.”

Creating a solar park within a residential area like East Lansing signaled concerns from the 26

neighborhood. Questions arose at council meetings regarding the appearance and effect that construction would have on neighborhood landscapes. According to Kinch, the retired, capped landfill site is an ideal location.

“Reuse of closed landfills into solar generation is one of the best practices out there. You aren’t going to redevelop that site into a daycare center. And we also want to fit in with the ‘park’ part of Burcham Park,” Kinch said.

“We will be planting pollinator-friendly native plants for the bees and butterflies. We have a beautiful stainless-steel sculpture ready to go by Jim Cunningham, and we’ll have educational signage. We want community members to visit and request tours — learning about solar power and enjoying the space.”

The solar project was designed with input from surrounding neighborhoods, and they are welcome to lease panels themselves; nearly half of the panels have been leased so far to over 100 different residents or organizations.

The project allows BWL customers to support the green initiative without needing to have panels on their private property. Participants sign up for a 25-year lease and pay a single, upfront cost of $399 per panel. They’ll receive a monthly BWL credit on their billing statement, reflecting

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the amount of solar energy produced from the panel. The community solar array is expected to be installed this fall once 60-80 percent of the panels are leased.

Not only was the public’s input for the project welcomed, but nonprofits were invited to enter and win their own panels to save them money.

“We’ve been engaging various neighborhood groups and attending community events to share the project around town,” Kinch said.

“We recently offered a promotion to give ten free panels to a local nonprofit. We have gotten a terrific response. Nonprofits were asked to write a brief essay as to why they should get the panels.”

BWL also offers a program in which homeowners can reap benefits from the rays without the leasing of solar panels. The Green Wise Program is a BWL program which allows customers to pay an additional $7.50 per month for a 250 kWh battery and provide support to Michigan energy funds.

Both the discussions and emphasis on renewable energy have also been an increasingly relevant part of our local university, Michigan State University (MSU). In 2009, MSU developed its Energy Transition Plan (ETP) with the goal of

FEATURE

transitioning the campus to utilizing 100 percent renewable energy.

Some misconceptions stem from the false belief that solar power is too complicated and too costly.

The three fold ETP included improving physical environment, investing in sustainable energy research and development and becoming an educational leader in sustainable energy.

On March 24, 2016, MSU officially stopped burning coal at the TB Simon Power Plant to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 575-million annual pounds.

“The biggest positive mindset change is people, communities and utilities seeing local solar power as a smart way to be more resilient to an unknown future, such as the increased frequency and intensity of weather events,” Kinch said.

In 2017, the campus installed its first of a projected five solar carport locations. Purchased through a fixed rate through a 25-year power purchases agreement, this project further solidifies MSU’s spot amongst top universitybased leaders in sustainable energy. Without relying on fossil fuels, the solar energy obtained from these installations is estimated to produce over 15,000 megawatt hours annually, while also providing 5 percent of the electricity used on campus each year.

Some concerns over these projects were a loss of parking spots, but, the way the panels are constructed, they are not obtrusive and no parking spots were removed. The array will have more than 40,000 individual solar panels, each measured at 6 feet wide by 3 feet tall.

While solar energy projects like the panel carports and arrays include money-saving components, they’re also capable of bringing revenue to the surrounding community.

“This is a hot topic in energy and economic circles, and it can get real complicated really quickly,” Kinch said. “Suffice it [to] say that, increasingly, communities are seeing developing solar energy as a placemaking strategy just as it is creating non-motorized trails, vibrant downtowns and walkable neighborhoods.

Investing in renewable energy can improve the triple bottom line of a place — having multiple social, economic and environmental benefits.”

With these and other energy-efficient projects, the Greater Lansing area is well on its way to

becoming a leading force in meeting statewide sustainability goals.. There are plenty of ways for homeowners and residents to reduce waste and consumption, which factors into a better environment and community.

“Energy is an important piece of being ‘green,’ as you say,” Kinch said. “But it is not the only element. Supply and waste streams matter …

In fact, there are companies that specialize in helping [other] companies to be as sustainable as possible. And here’s the most encouraging part — more and more, the reason companies are doing this is because their customers are demanding it. This is market transformation at work, which is a powerful force within a capitalistic economy. People are making social and environmental change with their wallets.”

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

According to the MSU Infrastructure Planning & Facilities, the goal is 40 percent power by renewable energy on campus and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent by 2030.

From a statewide standpoint, legislation passed by Gov. Rick Snyder has increased the implementation of energy-efficient projects and programs. As of April 2017, The Michigan State Senate 437 and 438 bills require Michigan utilities to buy or produce at least 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2022. There’s also a nobinding goal to reach 35 percent by 2025.

While headway is certainly being made to transition from fossil fuels to a cleaner, more sustainable energy output, it’s indeed an ongoing process; according to Kinch, it’s one that’s been emerging for a few decades now. While the prices for solar panels and components are decreasing — and the technology is advancing — public perception is simply moving at a different pace.

“The mindset change is coming more slowly — sometimes, painfully slow,” Kinch said.

“But residents, businesses and institutions are becoming more convinced that solar [energy] works in Michigan. There’s a perception that we’re too cloudy of a state for solar to work.

Wrong: Germany has far fewer solar gain days than Michigan and it’s one of the world`s leaders in solar.”

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with health care after 12 years in the banking field. With the encouragement and support of Sparrow’s physicians, board members, administrative leaders, staff and volunteers, I have been fortunate to learn, grow and advance at Sparrow. I have always had high aspirations for Sparrow and what we can do in conjunction with our strategic partners to make a difference in the lives of others. My primary focus is on recruiting, retaining, developing and engaging talented people to be contributing members of high-performance teams. Our plans and initiatives are always based upon our mission, vision, values and the Sparrow way.

SPARROW’S CORE VALUES INCLUDE INNOVATION, COMPASSION, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT AND EXCELLENCE. HOW DO YOU SEE SPARROW KEEPING THOSE VALUES AND VISIONS TRUE WITH ITS PATIENT CARE AND DAILY OPERATIONS? There is great uncertainty in health care as governments, employers and families struggle to ensure access to quality, affordable care. The velocity of change is steadily increasing, so innovation is an especially important Sparrow value. It’s essential for us to consistently stay focused on delivering excellence in both the art and science of medicine. Frankly, we are a heavily regulated field, but patients and caregivers alike ultimately judge us by whether they are always treated with dignity, courtesy, kindness and respect.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING IN A MID-SIZED CITY LIKE LANSING?

BY SARAH SPOHN | COURTESY PHOTO

DENNIS SWAN President & CEO of Sparrow Hospital and Health System in Lansing, Michigan SPARROW IS THE REGION’S LARGEST HEALTH SYSTEM, AND ITS DIVERSE RANGE OF FACILITIES OFFER RESIDENTS SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE. WHAT PRIDE COMES WITH SERVING OUR COMMUNITY? Sparrow was founded on March 18, 1896, by 114 women — all volunteers. We are honored to have been trusted for over 121 years to care for people across mid-Michigan. As a community-owned, community-governed, 28

not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to always meeting the changing needs of this region. We are proud to offer 24/7/365 access to our team of outstanding people, modern facilities, the latest technology and patientcentered, evidence-based best practices.

WHAT KIND OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE DO YOU BRING TO YOUR ROLE OF CEO AT SPARROW? I returned to mid-Michigan from Ohio and joined Sparrow in 1981. Frankly, I fell in love

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

OCTOBER 2017

The Greater Lansing area is an outstanding place to live, learn, grow, work and raise a family. People here have an exceptionally strong work ethic and are genuine, authentic and always willing to help others. Recruiting to this area is a matter of getting candidates to visit and experience the people, the safe neighborhoods and the strong, educational choices along with the career opportunities. At Sparrow, we believe a capital city of this size — a Big Ten University community — should always have local access to comprehensive, benchmark-level health care.

WHERE DOES SPARROW STAND TODAY IN TERMS OF EMPLOYEES? Sparrow seeks to be the healthcare employer of choice. We are the area’s largest private employer with 8,500 full-time, part-time and per diem physicians, nurses and other caregivers.

In total, the Sparrow family consists of 11,000 people, when you include our exceptional medical staff and outstanding volunteers.

BEHIND THE SCENES

WHEN IT COMES TO HIRING EMPLOYEES IN THE FIELD, ARE YOU FINDING QUALIFIED CANDIDATES?

HOW WILL THE PROPOSED CHANGES EFFECT SPARROW EMPLOYEES AND PATIENTS?

We are blessed to have highly qualified candidates who seek to pursue their careers and raise their families here. Michigan State University’s three human health colleges, Lansing Community College and other public and private schools provide outstanding talent.

Sparrow’s statewide and national visibility through the Mayo Clinic Care Network, the Michigan Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, the Affirmant collaboration with leading health systems and other strategic relationships enable us to continue attracting the skilled people we need for the workforce of tomorrow.

We can all expect to be asked to contribute in some way to improving health care delivery and financing. However, a good place to start is for each of us to take greater personal responsibility for our own health through proper nutrition, exercise, stress management and avoiding

The impending retirement of our baby-boom generation will also create a tremendous number of advancement opportunities for others. In that regard, it’s never too soon to begin to convince students that health care career choices extend beyond physicians and nurses. For example, there are wonderfully rewarding positions in information systems, construction, finance, communication, social work, pharmacy, imaging, laboratories, service areas and more.

GIVEN YOUR EXPERTISE, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT SITUATION/OUTLOOK OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THE PRESIDENCY’S STANCE ON HEALTH CARE REFORM? The attention in Washington, DC and across the nation seems to be primarily focused on reimbursement reforms more so than on fundamental improvements in health and health care delivery. Access to care is an essential and fundamental right; we all deserve the opportunity to live long, healthy and productive lives, and all of that depends upon timely, affordable access to care. We need to confront the fact that the relatively high cost of care in America, compared to other countries, should always be accompanied with comparable quality outcomes. We must seek to avoid health care becoming a “have” and “have not” proposition.

dangerous behaviors. Next, we need to be sure we have timely access to primary care for all age groups. At Sparrow, we believe the solutions will come through constant innovation and having the willingness and humility to learn from others, such as Mayo, regarding evidencebased best practices.

This conversation with Dennis Swan has been edited for space and clarity.

Your Instrument for Sustained Profitability Get specialized training and business development solutions geared specifically to your needs through synergized education at the Community Education & Workforce Development division of Lansing Community College.

Improve your efficiency and profitability through our Business & Community Institute. Dedicated to Michigan’s business prosperity, we take our customer service seriously with a 97.5 percent customer satisfaction rate.

C O M M U N I T Y E D U C AT I O N & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

lcc.edu/cewd 517.483.1857 | bci@lcc.edu

HOSPITAL

WHERE SHOULD IT BE HEADING? The clock is ticking. Given the demographic trends and the increasing percentage of our gross domestic product consumed in health care, changes are coming for all of us, at a rate much faster than the comfort level of people and organizations. It’s time for health systems like Sparrow to “disrupt” ourselves and continue to make key changes, to meet the needs and expectations of patients and consumers.

EMERGENCY

commnet

TRANSPORTATION

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ECONOMY

MARKET POWER

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

With more sophisticated analytical tools, it can be shown that perfectly competitive markets yield the most efficient system of resource allocation in the economy. Firms under this system possess no market power and must adjust their prices and production quantities to conditions prevailing in the market.

On the other hand, oligopolies (a few-firm per industries) and more so monopolies (a single-firm industry) possess considerable market power. They can raise the prices of their products by restricting the quantity they offer. And they cause resources to be under allocated to their industry by doing so — the consumer pays more than the competitive price and the company produces less. Many such firms become multinational companies; namely, a company with plants functioning in several countries, or they join international cartels, where companies in the same industry and different countries divide up the global market, further restricting competition.

Oligopolies do have the advantages of size. There are industries where the average production declines with the size of operation, and oligopolistic firms can exploit such economics of scale and reach a level of minimum production costs. Equally important, a large corporate size makes it possible to engage in research and further development, and introducing inventions into the production process. Pharmaceutical companies often use this argument to justify the high price of medicine, leading to their huge profits. Public policy in the U.S. and the EU has been to prevent the most extreme abuses 30

of corporate power by enacting and enforcing antitrust legislation.

The following are examples of important legal cases, against large corporations. AT&T was charged with restricting competition in telephone equipment. In 1982, an out-of-court settlement was reached between the company and the justice department. AT&T divested itself of 22 local subsidiaries. It kept its intercity and interstate phone operations, its equipment producing arm and research facilities. Following the divestiture, the local companies became free to buy equipment anywhere, and AT&T is free to compete in the data processing and communication fields. The local companies are supervised by their respective states public service commissions.

no meaning except under price control situations.

Some rationing systems usually accompany this system where the market price is not performing the rationing function. The intent of the government to make the product available to low income people is often frustrated, as a black market tends to appear whereby only people of means can acquire the product.

Conversely the government may impose a price floor above the equilibrium market price — for example, in the case of some farm products, presumably designed to increase the income of farmers. Consumers buy less at that price, producers provide more than is warranted by the equilibrium price and a surplus develops. The government must buy and store the surplus, and it often sells it abroad at a discounted price.

The case in the U.S. against Microsoft was settled in 2001, but it continued in Europe. In other cases, judges dismissed a suit lodged by the government against cereal companies— Kellogg, General Mills, and Quaker Oats — for price fixing. Judicial philosophy generally changes over time and, with it, the prospect of court discussion in antitrust cases.

Another commonly debated price ceiling is minimum wage in the labor market producing a surplus of workers or unemployment, mainly among unskilled workers. There is a debate among economists about the extent of unemployment created relative to the benefits that accrue to low income people from minimum wage positions.

At times government regulations can interfere with the functioning of markets. In times of war and also sometimes in peace periods, the government is known to impose a price ceiling on individual products; below the equilibrium market price. The frequent result is a shortage of the product: Producers supply less than they would at equilibrium market price and consumers purchase more. In fact the word “shortage” has

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

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

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

OCTOBER 2017

Banking and Breakfast When you run a small business, you don’t keep “banking hours”. Getting away to stop at a branch can be difficult. What if you could do your banking before nine a.m. when you’re sitting down with a cup of coffee? With Union Bank, you can do your business banking anytime. View your account balances, process payroll direct deposits, view checks, even make deposits; all on your time. Don’t worry about the “banker hours” anymore. You can check and manage your business finances 24/7 with our electronic services.

We can meet over a cup of coffee, even outside of “banker hours”, to get you started.

We do more for your business.

UBmich.com 800.974.3273 NMLS#488568

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

LCC GUIDES WORKFORCE INNOVATION

BY ANDY BRENT

Competing in a global economy requires quick and decisive action in the here and now, and careful consideration of the future.

As a business leader you tackle logistics, organizational culture, community engagement, efficiency analysis and specialized workforce development all while maintaining the overall quality of your product, be it tangible or service based.

Thankfully, you’re not alone in your pursuit of business success. In the Greater Lansing area, small businesses and large corporations can take advantage of working with the Community Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) division of Lansing Community College to secure business development solutions needed to fine-tune your winning strategies.

In 2016 alone, CEWD facilitated more than 700 training programs for more than 7,000 employees in a diverse array of industries ranging from manufacturing to health care, transportation and information technology, among others. With a 97.5 percent customer satisfaction rate, CEWD partners include companies such as Dart Container, Sparrow Health System, McLaren Greater Lansing, Liquid Web, Eckhart and Meijer.

“Partnering with LCC has allowed us to invest in our most important assets, the employees, with the least amount of disruption to the organization and our clients,” said Gayle Wireman of Capital Internal Medicine Associates. “LCC analyzed our culture and initiated improvements. We could see and feel the increased morale almost immediately.”

The CEWD division covers a wide assortment of community resources, all supported by trainers, instructors and facilities of the highest caliber. Of particular interest to businesses are CEWD’s Business & Community Institute (BCI), Continuing Education and Small Business Development Center.

This collection of resources under one roof combined with a consummate quality of service makes LCC an invaluable asset to any business.

The solutions and trainings provided by LCC are customized to meet the specific needs of each client through designed education which strengthens and grows internal assets for sustained profitability.

“Growth without quality isn’t sustainable,” CEWD Dean Bo Garcia said. “We help companies grow by helping them increase productivity and reduce 32

operational inefficiencies for long-term, sustained profitability. It’s exciting! Investing in our partners enhances our regional business community.”

CEWD’s brand of enthusiasm shines through every CEWD partnership. Whether it’s providing customized training to Eckert or health care instruction to Dean Transportation employees in more than 30 locations throughout Michigan, customer service is prioritized at LCC. The innovative business strategies LCC provides is creating and retaining jobs across the Greater Lansing region.

“LCC has adapted to our changing logistics as our company has grown,” Dean Transportation Safety and Training Director Fred Dolker said.

“The instruction was very timely. The safety of kids is our priority, and the schools and parents can be confident that the children traveling in our care are safer because of what our employees have learned through LCC.” The education LCC provides gives businesses the tools needed to enhance communications and provides a road map for efficiency improvement and logistical adaptability. All aspects of an organization are taken into account, and through customized, solution-based analysis and training LCC partners surpass expectations.

“We assess the needs of the employers, develop an understanding of their goals, and then work

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

OCTOBER 2017

through an overarching training plan,” BCI Director Chad Borodychuk said. “From there, we customize the training and consulting to fit the employers’ and the employees’ specific training needs, location preferences, and production schedules. It’s not just about a training or two, it is about an overall strategy.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Greater Lansing has added more than 11,500 jobs in manufacturing, health care and transportation services since 2014.

LCC partners also gain access to lucrative grants, not otherwise available, that help subsidize business innovation. The Michigan New Jobs Training Program, for example, offers funding opportunities that help pay for customized skills training.

For more information, contact CEWD at (517) 483-1338 or visit lcc.edu/cewd. Along with Small Business Development Center and BCI, CEWD also houses the Adult Enrichment and Youth Programs departments.

“What we do goes beyond collaboration,” Garcia said. “We engage the community and provide dynamic solutions, and these solutions lead to prosperity. We’re building our partners, the college, Lansing, and the state. Our successful engagement injects the business community with efficiency and maintains a qualified workforce.”

Enhancing Your Small Business Employees are among your most valuable assets.

Businesses today are experiencing a shortage of new talent and are also challenged with retaining their existing staff. Paying attention to your employees’ current and future financial needs are not only important for them, but can help you to retain your valuable assets. A payroll deducted retirement plan is an excellent tool for addressing the future needs of your employees.

contributions are considered pre-tax for both the employee and employer. This plan is relatively simple to set up and administer, and there are no IRS reporting and fiduciary responsibilities for the employer.

SEP IRA

There are many retirement plan options including the most common plans, such as Simple IRAs, SEP IRAs and 401k plans. All the plans are available and may work for small and midsize businesses. However, depending on your business’s situation, some are better than others.

The challenge is to work through the criteria of each plan and match them with your business’s objectives. Therefore, it’s vital to find a financial advisor that will help you establish which plan is best for you.

In comparison, the SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) plan is an employer contributed plan where the employee is not able to make contributions. The employer can contribute up to 25 percent of the employee’s annual compensation up to a maximum of $53,000 a year. The SEP IRA is flexible and contributions are considered a deductible business expense. This plan is also easy for the employer to set up, maintain and the cost is relatively low. SEP IRAs are a very good plan for a sole proprietor or a smaller company. There are no specific IRS reporting requirements beyond contribution reporting.

Simple IRA

401K Plan

The Simple IRA is typically used by employers with 100 employees or less. This plan allows joint contributions where the employee is contributing as well as the employer. There are two options. The first is a match of 3 percent of the employee’s wages (assuming the employee contributes 3 percent or more). The second is an employer contribution of 2 percent that gets deposited into all of the employee accounts regardless of employee participation. The maximum annual contribution is $12,500 in 2017 and up to $3,000 for those over age 50. All

A third option is the standard 401k plan which most people are familiar with. This plan allows both employer and employee contributions that exceed the limits of the Simple IRA ($18,000 employee contributions, plus $6,000 catch up contributions over age 50). An employer match is typical, but not mandatory. The match can have vesting criteria, if desired. A 401k plan does require annual compliance testing and IRS reporting, which is usually handled by a third-party administrator (due to the complexity of the reporting requirements and fiduciary SPONSORED

responsibility of the employer). As with the other two plans, employer contributions are tax deductible to both the employer and employee.

The employee does have the option of making their after-tax contribution to a ROTH 401k which would be tax free at retirement (59.5 years of age).

Providing a retirement plan for employees not only helps retain existing employees, but can also provide an advantage for recruiting and hiring new employees. An employer that takes an interest in the current and future well-being of their employees will want to offer some form of retirement savings. Choosing which plan is best for your company can be determined by consulting with a reliable investment executive.

David White and Meg Wheeler are registered representatives offering securities and insurance products through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is not affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. Investments are not FDIC/NCUSIF insured, may lose value, not financial institution guaranteed, not a deposit and not insured by a federal government agency.

Cetera is located at: 127 East Road, Dimondale, MI 48821 and 1150 Jordan Lake St., Lake Odessa, MI 48849. Phone: 616.374.1530

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BUSINESS CALENDAR

OCTOBER 2017 OCTOBER 3 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.

OCTOBER 5 YOUR EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK: TOP 10 ISSUES, LANSING There are many factors to consider to ensure your employee handbook sets up your employees for success. This 60-minute webinar will explain the top considerations when crafting and updating your handbook. You will get an overview of the best practices and compliant human resource procedures to help

you determine if your policies are relevant for a company of your size, industry and type. This webinar is $75 for members and $95 for others.

Visit michamber.com for more information.

OCTOBER 5 MAKING THE TRANSITION FROM STAFF TO SUPERVISOR, LANSING Moving into a position of authority means meeting new challenges, taking on new responsibilities and mastering new skills. It also puts you in line for greater rewards at work — including positive recognition from peers and higher-ups, increased job satisfaction and better benefits.

That’s all well and good but as a new supervisor, you may feel overwhelmed by all your new responsibilities and stressed out about moving from “co-worker” to “boss.” If you’re feeling anxious about that transition, then this seminar is for you. Find more details at pryor.com.

OCTOBER 6 OCTOBER 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 lofty ideas and opportunities to help businesses and Old Town thrive. The event is held at rotating locations around the area. This month, the meeting will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at City Pulse, 1905 E. Michigan Ave. Visit iloveoldtown.org for more information.

OCTOBER 10 TECH TUESDAY, LANSING Tech Tuesday is a group of weekly meet ups just for developers. They meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Technology Innovation Center in East Lansing.

Visit purelansing.com for more information.

OCTOBER 11

“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

Faster Fiber.

Better Business.

Enterprise to Wholesale. Networking to high-speed internet.

Everstream is your Business Fiber Network.

everstream.net

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OCTOBER 2017

2017 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES FORUM, LANSING Stay updated on the most current developments in the environmental arena with leading expert attorneys, government officials and top consultants. Cost of attendance is $270 for members and $295 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information.

OCTOBER 12 REGIONAL MEETING – GILLESPIE GROUP AT LANSING BREWING COMPANY, LANSING The Michigan Chamber regional meetings provide an opportunity for members to network with other members and special guests and to interact with chamber staff and board members about the key issues the Chamber is working on that impact the success of Michigan businesses. There is no charge to attend. Registration details and more information can be found at michamber.com.

OCTOBER 17 HR 101: AN INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RESOURCES, LANSING If you’re just starting out in the HR profession, perform HR duties as part of a non-HR job or just want to boost your supervisory skillset, then join us for this comprehensive full-day seminar to learn the basic components of the HR function and best practices in today’s workplace. This seminar will help improve your ability to handle HR issues, learn ways to help reduce costs and avoid potential

BUSINESS CALENDAR

lawsuits. Cost of attendance is $270 for members and $295 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information pertaining to this seminar.

OCTOBER 18 SEVERANCE PAY, LANSING Severance pay is determined by the employer unless otherwise stipulated in an employment contract, a severance policy within the employee handbook or some other written document. This webinar will help you learn how to navigate the ins and outs of providing severance pay. This webinar is $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information.

overcharged and how to handle unemployment hearings. Cost of attendance is $270 for members and $295 for non-members. Visit michamber.com for more information.

OCTOBER 24 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.

OCTOBER 25 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.

OCTOBER 18 NACW MEETING, LANSING The National Association of Career Women (NACW) is a nonprofit organization devoted to the enhancement of woman’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. Lunch meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Urban Beat Event Center. Reserve your luncheon spot by visiting nacwonline.org/chapters/Lansing.aspx.

OCTOBER 18 DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE, LANSING Never again fall victim to those who love to make life miserable for the rest of us. This training gives you concrete techniques for dealing with difficult people in the workplace and at home. For more information and registration details, visit pryor.com.

OCTOBER 20 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 inspired members of the community to brainstorm over lunch every third Friday at noon. Visit lansingcitymarket.com for more information.

OCTOBER 24 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION: REDUCE YOUR RISKS & HANDLE PROPERLY, LANSING Michigan’s complicated unemployment compensation system has seen numerous changes over the past several years, which is why they hold this one-day, comprehensive seminar each year. Learn how Michigan’s unemployment compensation system works, how the recent changes impact your business, how to protect your company from being

1999 E. SAGINAW HWY. | EAST LANSING, MI 48823 | 517.339.6300

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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

Aug. ‘17

July ‘17

June ‘17

May ‘17

Aug. '16

Civilian Labor Force (1)

n/a

(P) 244.8

246

250

240.6

49.5

Employment (1)

n/a

(P)232.1

235.1

241.3

231.5

59.9

Unemployment (1)

n/a

(P) 12.7

10.7

8.3

9.1

50.7

Unemployment Rate (2)

n/a

(P) 5.2

4.3

3.3

3.8

Current index as of Aug. 24, 2017

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.

Aug. ‘17

July ‘17

June ‘17

May ‘17

Aug. '16

(P) 227.8

228.5

230.9

237.3

224.8

12-month % change

(P)1.6%

2.10%

1.80%

2.40%

2.70%

Mining, Logging & Construction (3)

(P) 8.2

8.2

8

7.7

7.8

12-month % change

(P) 6.5%

6.50%

5.30%

1.3

5.40%

Manufacturing (3)

(P) 20.2

20.1

20.4

21

20.9

12-month % change

(P) -3.3%

-3.40%

-2.90%

12.90%

3.50%

Trade, Transportation & Utilities (3)

(P) 37.5

37.6

37.7

37.2

35.6

12-month % change

(P) 3.9%

5.30%

3%

2.50%

3.20%

(P) 2.9

2.9

2.9

2.9

3.1

Total Nonfarm (3)

Information (3) 12-month % change

(P) 0%

0%

-3.30%

-3.30%

3.30%

Financial Activities (3)

(P)16.4

16.3

16.3

16.1

16.1

12-month % change

(P) 1.2%

1.90%

4.50%

3.90%

1.90%

Professional & Business Services (3)

(P) 21.5

21.8

22.1

22.1

22.8

12-month % change

(P) 0.9%

1.40%

-1.30%

-2.60%

3.60%

Education & Health Services (3)

(P) 31.8

31.9

32.2

32.5

30.9

12-month % change

(P) 1.6%

2.20%

1.90%

1.20%

3%

Leisure & Hospitality (3)

(P) 20.8%

20.7

21.1

20.9

19.2

12-month % change

(P) 6.1%

6.20%

7.70%

6.10%

-1.50%

Other Services (3)

(P) 10.6

10.6

10.7

10.6

10.2

(P) 0%

1%

0.90%

1.90%

0%

Government

(P) 57.9

58.4

59.5

66.3

58.2

12-month % change

(P) 0.5%

0.50%

1%

0.90%

3.60%

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

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

Sept. ‘17

Aug. ‘17

July ‘17

June ‘17

Sept. '16

Spartan Motors

11.5

9

8.85

8.75

9.58

General Motors

38.8

35.82

35.98

34.93

31.17

Emergent BioSolutions

37.65

37.73

36.37

33.91

31.53

Neogen

70.77

68.9

65.87

69.11

55.94

8.3

8.49

9.02

8.97

11.64

Gray Broadcasting (WILX)

14.65

14.3

14.9

13.7

10.36

Media General (WLNS)*

59.25

60.2

65.4

59.8

57.71

Bank of America

25.06

23.89

24.12

24.26

15.65

UPS

11.73

114.36

110.29

110.59

109.36

Home Depot

158.68

149.87

146.69

153.4

128.68

Gannett (Lansing State Journal)

Kroger**

20.8

22.2

24.52

23.32

29.68

Macy's Inc.

21.48

20.77

23.75

23.24

37.05

Wal-Mart Stores

80.5

78.07

79.99

75.68

72.12

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

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

Ingham

Clinton

Eaton

Homes for sale

1,645

438

711

Homes for rent

214

18

34

Median listing price

138,000

$190,000

$150,000

Price per square foot

$77

$91

$76

Median closing price

$142,000

$125,000

$171,000

Median days on market*

51

51

48

Percent change*

-6%

-15%

-16%

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

OCTOBER 2017

LANSING AT A GLANCE

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

Next Month: Eaton County

Number of Workplaces

March '17 Employment

Total 1st quarter wages*

Average Weekly Wages

Total, all industries

1,137

14,432

$150,192,148

805

Service providing

870

10,037

$85,704,519

659

Goods producing

267

4,395

$64,487,629

1,140

Natural resources and mining

58

837

$6,726,713

630

Construction

151

1,285

$16,019,009

970

Manufacturing

58

2,273

$41,741,907

1,422

Trade, transportation, and utilities

231

3,943

$34,223,334

668

Information

17

55

$613,162

858

Financial activities

112

1,139

$12,615,201

850

Professional and business services

176

1,209

$15,527,842

1,004

Education and health services

106

1,561

$12,958,965

638

Leisure and hospitality

91

1,471

$5,158,254

273

Other services

132

618

$4,325,809

537

5

41

$281,952

586

Unclassified

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NOTABLE NEWS

DEWPOINT WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES TO LANSING Dewpoint, a leading provider of technology consulting and implementation solutions, is pleased to welcome several new employees to Lansing and Grand Rapids. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Lansing, they have a long success record in the Midwest and across the country of helping to develop short- or longterm strategic technology plans that maximize current resources and better position clients for the future.

• • • • • • • • • •

Keith Tomes Matthew Hartmann Kamron Kennedy Amy Bransch Jerry Steenson Joe Fraley Stephanie Zacharda Joe Martin Mark Owen Ben Eavey

As data center experts, Dewpoint architects and supports its clients’ strategic initiatives

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such as data backup and recovery, data storage, virtualized environments, database services, performance improvement and overall architectural design and implementation.

Newsletter or Magazine and Best Radio Report awards.

Its professional services focus on strategic assessments, portfolio, program and project management, managed services, infrastructure optimization and applications development and maintenance. Additional information is available at dewpoint.com.

“The Exemplary Service Award is given to those who have served the ANA and its mission. Pat has served on ANA committees for 12 years, including eight years as a chair or co-chair. For the ANA president Gary past three years, Adkins (left) presents he volunteered Patrick A. Heller Exemplary Service his time as an Award.

ANA-certified numismatic exhibit judge.

In addition, he has been extremely active in promoting the ANA’s mission to use money as an educational tool,” said Tom Coulson, CEO of LCS.

LIBERTY COIN SERVICES’ PATRICK HELLER HONORED THREE TIMES DURING NATIONAL CONVENTION On August 3, Liberty Coin Service (LCS) Communications Officer Patrick A. Heller was honored three times during the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money Convention in Denver, Colo. The ANA recognized him as the 2017 recipient of the Exemplary Service Award. From the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG), he was honored as the 2017 recipient of the Best Dealer

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

OCTOBER 2017

Global Reach.

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The Sign of Success

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Heller calls himself the “Unofficial Artist” of the 2004 Michigan Statehood Quarter for also being the primary author of the written instructions supplied to US Mint Engraver Donna Weaver to create the master dies for that coin issue.

Frequently honored Liberty Coin Service, founded in 1971, is Michigan’s largest rare coin and precious metals dealership. It has been in Lansing’s Frandor Shopping Center since 1975.

LEAP KICKS OFF NEW COMMUNITY-DRIVEN PLACEMAKING INITIATIVE WITH PAINTED PIANOS IN CHARLOTTE

gathered together on Thursday, Aug. 3 to announce LEAP’s new community-driven placemaking pilot program, ENGAGE, and the first completed ENGAGE project, two new “Keys In The Cities” pianos.

Placemaking is a widely accepted economic development strategy focused on cultivating desirable active spaces that attract and retain talent and business. ENGAGE is LEAP’s new pilot placemaking program, and is designed to assist communities in advancing placemaking projects identified by residents and leaders.

ENGAGE projects rest on community engagement and partnerships, and work to create places that instill community pride.

Bringing Keys In The Cities to Charlotte, is a project that exemplifies the intent of the ENGAGE program.

Keys In The Cities was initiated by Lansing area artist and musician Larry Grudt in 2015, and was met with warm reception in Lansing and East Lansing where the first series of pianos are located. Charlotte’s Keys In The Cities pianos were made possible with help from numerous community partners. Pianos were generously donated by Gale Briggs Inc., a long-

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), Windwalker Underground Gallery, and the city of Charlotte

time Charlotte concrete business, and Charlotte community members Kathy Geiger and Family.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to create this space where the community can experience, play, and explore art and music with each other,” said Kalli Dempsey of the Windwalker Underground Gallery. “A lot of people came together to get this project off the ground and completed. From organizing and leading to donating funds, time, and expertise, this was truly a collaborative effort.”

GRAVITY​ ​WORKS​ ​MAINTAINS​ ​ BUSINESS​ ​MOMENTUM For​​the​​second​​consecutive​​year, ​​Gravity​​Works​​ Design​​&​​Development earned​​a​​coveted​​spot​​ on​​the​​Inc.​​5000​​list.​​With​​more​​than​​7​​million​​ private​​businesses in​​the​​U.S.,​​making​​the​​list​​is​​ quite​​an​​accomplishment;​​making​​the​​list​​twice​​ is​​an​​even greater​​one. ​ Every year, Inc. Magazine​​releases​​its​​list​​of​​the​​ 5000​​fastest-growing private companies​​in​​the​​ nation. ​​Businesses​​must​​show​​notable​​revenue​​ growth​​for​​three consecutive​​years​​to​​make​​the​​

JOIN GREATER LANSING BUSINESS MONTHLY

as they present the 23rd Annual Entrepreneurial Awards Ceremony

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018

Cocktail Hour starts at 5 p.m. followed by the awards program at 6:30 p.m.

Eagle Eye Golf Club, 15500 Chandler Road, Bath Twp

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT GLBMAWARDS.COM glbmawards.com GOLD SPONSOR:

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

OCTOBER 2017

PRESENTED BY:

NOTABLE NEWS

to​​camp​​or​​climb,”​s​ aid​​Gravity​​Works​o​ wner,​​ Jeff​​McWherter.​“​ At​​Gravity Works,​w ​ e​​climb.”

Gravity Works employees

cut​​(2014–2017).​​Gravity​​Works​​earned​​spot​​ #3,002​​on the​​list,​​with​​a​​total​​growth​​rate​​of​​ 141 percent​​since​​2014.

Not​​all​​who​​make​​the​​list​​get​​to​​repeat. ​​ According​​to​​​Inc.,​​over​​the​​past​​36​​years,​​only one​​in​​three​​Inc.​​5000​​members​​have​​appeared​​ twice​​on​​the​​list.​​To​​earn​​multiple appearances,​​ businesses​​must​​continue​​building​​momentum​​ and​​redefining​​their​​level of​​success.

“I​​think​​all​​small​​business​​owners​​come​​to​​a​​ point​​where​​they​​have​​to​​decide​w ​ hether it’s​​time​​

Gravity​​Works​​specializes​​in​​building​​custom​​ websites​​and​​mobile​​apps.​​The​​team builds​​ tools​​to​​help​​businesses​​increase​​efficiency​​and​​ drive​​engagement,​​turning​​“I have​​an​​idea”​​into​​ “problem​​solved.”​​They​​work​​with​​Michiganbased​​businesses, government​​agencies,​​national​​ franchises​​and​​international​​nonprofits. Looking​​ ahead,​​Gravity​​Works​​plans​​to​​launch​​a​​new​​ website​​and​​introduce​​a rebranding​​campaign,​​ including​​a​​logo​​redesign.​​The​​agency​​expects​​ to​​roll​​out​​its​​new look​​within​​the​​next​​year.

BWL AND GROSOLAR TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND LARGEST UTILITYSCALE PROJECT IN MICHIGAN The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) and groSolar, a national solar power development, engineering, procurement and construction firm, announced the start of construction of the second largest utility-scale project in Michigan.

The project, first announced in December 2015, was delayed because the original site proved

In Greater Lansing, tourism can mean anything from meetings and conventions, sports tournaments, parents visiting children at MSU or a weekend getaway. A critical benefit of a healthy flow of traffic to the Greater Lansing region is the money tourists inject into the local community—$602 million each year in economic impact!

JOBS JOBS Over 11,000 Greater Lansing area residents work to support visitors to the region.

unsuitable for construction of the project.

The approximately 24 megawatt AC solar array is expected to generate approximately 45,000 megawatt hours annually, which is enough energy to power over 3,300 homes.

The clean energy produced is predicted to offset 31,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the environment. BWL customers will receive power generated by the solar array by the summer of 2018 through a power purchase agreement between groSolar and the BWL. The project will be located in Delta Township, Eaton County near the corner of Guinea and Sundance roads. The project is estimated to create over 150 temporary full-time construction jobs and generate approximately $5 million in wages. The BWL has adopted a plan to provide 30 percent clean energy by 2020 and 40percent by 2030. By expanding its clean energy portfolio and closing its coal plants

Do the math and it’s easy to see— Tourism Counts in Greater Lansing!

4.8 Million Annual Visitors $602 Million in Economic Impact 11,000 Local Jobs

TOURISM COUNTS! Learn more at www.lansing.org

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(Eckert in 2020 and Erickson in 2025), the BWL will achieve an 80 percent reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. groSolar is a leading developer and turnkey solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm serving the 500kw to 50 MW market. With over 2,200 installations across North America, groSolar’s experience spans a broad spectrum of applications. These include applications atop brownfields/landfills, commercial, educational, municipal and other institutional facilities.

MICHIGAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS MORE EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO ACCESS CHALLENGES The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) believes that Michigan’s dental workforce will be the most effective solution for access to dental care challenges, not a new provider.

With over 7,500 licensed dentists in the state, over 10,000 registered dental hygienists and more than 1,200 registered dental assistants, Michigan has the capacity to deliver dental care that is going untapped. The MDA supports access to care solutions that use the existing dental workforce, rather than allowing individuals with a lesser level of education than dentists to perform dental surgical procedures.

These solutions include expansion of the successful PA 161 hygiene program, which would allow greater outreach by dental hygienists within their current scope of practice, more effective use of registered dental assistants, increases in the adult Medicaid reimbursement rate, and more resources devoted to recruitment of dentists into remote areas.

These solutions would help more Michigan residents receive the care they need, without creating a new provider.

CBRE|MARTIN RELEASES MARKETVIEW REPORTS ON STATISTICS FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE IN MID-MICHIGAN CBRE|Martin announced today the release of its H1 2017 MarketView reports covering the first half of 2017 for mid-Michigan. The reports are divided by office, retail and industrial commercial sectors and provide information on new developments, vacancy rates, market rate trends and many other economic real estate barometers. Below are a few highlights from the MarketView reports: Retail • The Lansing-East Lansing metropolitan statistical area has an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent which is slightly above the State of Michigan’s unemployment rate which registered at 3.8 percent at the end of H1 2017.

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“The reasons that some Michigan residents may not receive adequate dental care have

nothing to do with a shortage of dental providers,” said MDA President Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki. “The true barriers to care include the public’s lack of oral health education, a very low Medicaid reimbursement rate and a maldistribution of dentists. A new provider that does not address these issues will have no meaningful impact.”

D COF

JOIN US TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Be an active member of Lansing’s dynamic business community. Meet people from diverse industries to add to your network, reconnect with friends and find local resources.

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

8 - 9 AM NOV. 14, 2017

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

RSVP or sponsorship inquiries to ami@m3group.biz

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OCTOBER 2017

PRESENTED BY:

IMAGINE

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NOTABLE NEWS

• Vacancies decreased in all submarkets except for South Submarket.

• Growth in rent continues to slow down, showing signs of market stabilization.

• Nearly 26,000 sq. ft. of speculative construction is underway in the East Submarket.

• Kmart, MC Sports, Family Christian Stores and Dorsey Schools close their doors in Lansing.

• Home furnishings and accessories is an active segment as La-Z Boy relocates within the market and Ashley Furniture enters the market.

Office • Landlord concessions remain relatively limited; however, as vacancies rise they will reemerge.

• The velocity of lease transactions has

slowed across all markets.

• Vacancies rise for traditionally strong Class A space in the East Submarket, with limited leasing activity.

• Development of speculative office space remains muted.

• Sales activity was moderate as prices leveled out.

Industrial & Logistics • For the 4th consecutive period, absorption remained positive.

• Additional auto suppliers will likely buildto-suit due to limited supply.

• Speculative construction remains stalled.

• Shortage of viable options continues to force tenants to become more efficient within their existing spaces and renew their existing leases.

• Steady demand and insufficient inventory of existing space will lead to an increase in land sales for development.

BWL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ELECTS NEW OFFICERS, WELCOMES NEW MEMBER

We a r e a h a n d s - o n c r e a t i ve t e a m , f o c u s e d o n p r o j e c t s t h a t help people to learn and connect with purpose.

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Shared experiences connect your community. We provide complete production for events of all sizes, where vision, planning, equipment, crew, and audience come together for maximum impact.

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Strong visual identity bring your brand to life. Our work helps organizations to communicate a consistent personality through logo, color, font, copywriting, photography, and illustration.

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Cinematic stories engage and inform your audience. We offer full-service in house production and post, powering the creation of authentic and emotionally compelling content for nonprofits, high-powered brands, and feature audiences. Our work is Emmy nominated, and our team is ready to roll.

Motivated learners retain more knowledge. Our instructional design team crafts custom training with media, narrative, and interactivity to build engagement.

We focus on measurable outcomes and the transfer of new knowledge and skills from the learning environment back to everyday life.

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V I S I T U S AT: M E S SAG E M A K E R S . C O M

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C O N TAC T U S AT: 5 1 7. 4 8 2 . 3 3 3 3

OCTOBER 2017

The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) Board of Commissioners elected new officers for 2017-18 and welcomed a new member.

David Price (At-Large) was re-elected as chair and begins his fourth one-year term leading the BWL Board of Commissioners.

Tony Mullen (At-Large) was elected vice chair. The Board also officially welcomed Rodney Taylor, who will serve as the nonvoting member representing DeWitt Township for one year, replacing Stuart Goodrich of Delhi Township.

Rodney has been the manager of DeWitt Township since 2007, where he works directly with the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the administration of all departments of the township government. He previously served as the Chief Information Officer for Ingham County and for East Lansing. Rodney has also served on the board of the Southern Clinton County Municipal Utility Authority, board of the Miracle League of Mid-Michigan, board of the DeWitt Public Schools Foundation and as a scout leader for Troop 77 in DeWitt.

The BWL Board of Commissioners is made up of eight Lansing residents, each appointed for a four-year term on the board by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, and three non-voting members representing outside service territories. Commissioners serve without pay.

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NOTABLE NEWS

• Stephen O. Schultz, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Municipal Law; Mark J. Burzych, Franchise Law and Government Relations Practice • Stephen J. Rhodes, Energy Law; and Stacy L. Hissong, Municipal Law and Natural Resources Law.

OKEMOS LAW FIRM MEMBERS ARE “BEST IN AMERICA” Five members of the Okemos-based law firm Fahey-Schultz-Burzych-Rhodes, PLC, have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, a national publication described as the most reliable, unbiased and respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

“We are honored that five of our firm’s members have been recognized by their peers as providing the best in legal services, particularly in our firm’s core areas of practice,” said Burzych, who is also president of the firm. “We pride ourselves on staying on top of the latest developments in the law and in finding ways to provide the best client service possible.”

The selected attorneys are the following: • William K. Fahey, Administrative and Regulatory Law, Appellate Practice, Energy Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Municipal, and Municipal Law

NICK BROWN JOINS EXIT REALTY IN OKEMOS EXIT Realty Select Partners in Okemos today announced the addition of Nick Brown to its team of real estate professionals.

“We’re excited to welcome Nick to EXIT Realty,” said Sue Dickinson, broker/owner of EXIT Realty Select Partners. “EXIT is growing and attracting quality business people like Nick each and every day.”

Nick Brown brings hard work, dedication, integrity, energy and creative service to your real estate transaction. Nick grew up in Dimondale and graduated from Holt High School, and from a very young age had a strong attraction to the real estate industry.

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In his first years at Ferris State University, on September 11, 2001 to be exact, Nick found his first calling. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps two days later. He has traveled the world, but Nick always knew that he would return to mid-Michigan.

Nick is a family man; married to a beautiful woman and they have two incredible, little boys. Nick and his family live in East Lansing and love anything Spartan. Nick and his family enjoy playing on the dunes, swimming in Lake Michigan, traveling to Traverse City and attending local festivals.

“Mr. Brown is a wonderful addition to our amazing team of agents,” said Mark Kraushaar, co-owner of EXIT Realty Select Partners.

“We’re looking forward to working with him and seeing how his real estate career grows.”

EXIT is a proven real estate business model that has to-date paid out more than a third of a billion dollars in single-level residual income to its associates across the U.S. and Canada.

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund. To date, $3.5 million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS RECORD NUMBER OF IMPACT GRANTS LANSING, MICH. The Community Foundation announced on August 25 a record number of large Impact Grants awarded to 14 nonprofits throughout the region, totaling $632,000 in its 2017 grant cycle, compared to one or two in years past.

Impact Grants of up to $75,000 each are awarded annually for strategic projects that transform nonprofits and the community.

Projects must increase the long-term impact of an organization, reach underserved populations, or support innovative, collaborative efforts for transformative change.

Organizations that received Impact Grants this year are: • Arts Council of Greater Lansing - $31,000 for cultural economic development strategic plan • Burcham Hills Foundation - $20,000 for new Volunteer-to-Employee Pathway program • Capital Area College Access Network/ CAUW - $36,000 for expanded Pathways to Potential program • Asset Independence Coalition/CAUW $30,000 for expanded Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

NOTABLE NEWS

• Peckham, Inc. - $32,000 for new skilled trades education program • Potter Park Zoological Society – $16,500 for new zoo outreach program • St. Luke Lutheran Church - $40,000 for community kitchen renovation • YMCA - $10,000 for new Healthy Living Mobile Fitness Bus

The Community Foundation announced on August 25 a record number of large Impact Grants awarded to 14 nonprofits.

• CASA for Kids – Barry and Eaton County $54,000 for expansion to Ingham County • CASA – Clinton County - $62,340 for new child advocacy center • Greater Lansing Food Bank - $75,000 for new warehouse • Lansing Community College Foundation $75,000 for new Center for Manufacturing Excellence • Meridian Charter Township - $75,000 for new Farmer’s Market • Old Town Commercial Association $75,000 for new Chavez Plaza

The Community Foundation also created a new Capacity Building Grant Program, investing in 18 nonprofit partners with grants totaling almost $300,000 to help strengthen their organizations through fundraising training, board development, strategic planning and other assistance. The Community Foundation also expects to grant approximately $3 million this year from funds that support specific charities and causes.

GREATER LANSING FOOD BANK ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTORS AND BOARD LEADERSHIP FOR 2017-2018 Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB) is pleased to announce that Camille Jensen of McLaren

Greater Lansing and Kevin Zielke of AF Group have joined its Board of Directors.

Both individuals bring management expertise, community leadership and commitment to ending hunger to the GLFB team.

GLFB Board Leadership for 2016-2017 will be: • • • •

John Pirich - Chair Leslie Brogan - Vice Chair Nikali Luke - Treasurer Lavon Dennis - Secretary

Jensen is the chief nursing officer at McLaren Greater Lansing. As a registered nurse, she advocates for nurses and for patients, and she has been instrumental in creating a culture of quality and patient satisfaction at McLaren Greater Lansing.

BUSINESS NEWS JUST GOT BETTER Get the latest business news, sign up for our newsletter, explore our event calendar and submit your stories at LansingBusinessNews.com

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Zielke serves as senior vice president and general counsel for AF Group, a premier provider, through its subsidiary companies, of innovative insurance solutions throughout the U.S. Zielke is responsible for all legal operations of the company and its subsidiaries.

“Greater Lansing Food Bank and the clients we serve, are richer for having Camille and Kevin join our board of directors,” saids John Pirich, GLFB board chair. “They bring new perspectives on food, health and wellbeing, as well as personal commitments to supporting the mission of the food bank.”

GLFB is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency food to individuals and families in need in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, Clare, Isabella and Gratiot counties.

PURE IMPACT TOUR ARRIVES IN LANSING ON FRIDAY, HIGHLIGHTS THE OUTFIELD AS AMONG KEY PROJECTS IN CITY’S REVIVAL Downtown Lansing was the site on Friday, Sept. 8 in the latest stop of the PURE IMPACT tour to draw attention to the effectiveness and

economic impact of the Michigan Community Revitalization Program (MCRP).

The program is available from the Michigan Strategic Fund in cooperation with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

State officials are visiting sites of catalytic developments around the state to commemorate the five-year success of the program.

The project is a four-story building containing 84 market rate apartments directly over the existing outfield of the Lansing Lugnuts.

The Outfield is located within Lansing’s entertainment district, providing residents with walkable access to breweries, bistros, concerts, art and culture. The property features on-site parking, balconies and luxury appointments.

The project received a $2.45-million MCRP award. Other funding partners include Outfield Partners LLC (Patrick K. Gillespie), City of Lansing, First National Bank of Michigan and Oakwood Construction Co. In the last five years, MCRP performancebased awards have supported 114 projects (58 completed and 56 underway). Awards of $195 million have leveraged more than $1 billion in private investment.

Statement of Ownership, Management & Circulation (Requester Publications Only) 1.

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Publication Title: The Greater Lansing Business Monthly Publication Number: 020-807 Filing Date: Aug. 17, 2017 Issue Frequency: Monthly Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 Annual Subscription Price: $22 Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication and Contact Person and Phone Number: 614 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 Ingham County, Jaime Hardesty (517) 203-3333 8. Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 614 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 Ingham County 9. Names and Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Tiffany Dowling, 614 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933, Ingham County; Editor: Kelly Mazurkiewicz, 614 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933, Ingham County; Managing Editor: Kelly Mazurkiewicz, 614 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 Ingham County 10. Owner: Tiffany Dowling, The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, 614 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: The Greater Lansing Business Monthly 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: August 2017 15. Part A:

Extent and Nature of Circulation, Number of Copies of Each Issue During

Preceding 12 Months:

a. Total Number of Copies: 6,125

b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution: 1. Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: 1,512 2. In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: 4,267 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: 0 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: 0

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 5,779

d. Non-requested Distribution: 1. Outside County Non-requested Copies: 0 2. In-County Non-requested Copies: 0 3. Non-requested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0 4. Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 200

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

OCTOBER 2017

e. Total Non-requested Distribution: 200

f. Total Distribution: 5,979

g. Copies Not Distributed: 146

h. Total: 6,125

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 97% 16. Part B:

Extent and Nature of Circulation, Number of Copies of Single Issue Nearest to Filing Date:

a. Total Number of Copies: 6,000

b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution: 1. Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: 1,473 2. In-County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions: 4,110 3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS: 0 4. Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS: 0

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 5,583

d. Non-requested Distribution: 1. Outside County Non-requested Copies: 0 2. In-County Non-requested Copies: 0 3. Non-requested Copies Distributed Through the USPS by Other Classes of Mail: 0 4. Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 200

e. Total Non-requested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail: 200

f. Total Distribution: 5,783

g. Copies not Distributed: 217

h. Total: 6,000

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 97% I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies are legitimate requests or paid copies.

17. n/a I certify that 50 percent of all my distributed copies are legitimate requests or paid copies.

18. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the October 2017 issue of this publication.

19. I, Tiffany Dowling, Publisher and Owner, certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

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msufcu.org/business 517-333-2424 • 800-678-4968 All loans are subject to credit approval.

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