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EXPLORING MICHIGAN’S EMERGING TECH SECTORS SUMMER 2014 $3.99
+ Ford leader talks automated-driving tech + Delphi’s take on connected vehicles + Boating on the GREAT lakes
Intelligent Transportation Systems
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WHERE TECHNOLOGY MEETS LIFESTYLE
features
18 people profiles
Ford Motor Co. exec on automated-driving tech
20 business profile
Delphi’s leading role in connecting vehicles
24 focus on
technology
Michigan drives ITS
30 lifestyle
14
departments 4
editor’s letter
6
automation alley update Views and news from Automation Alley
10
metro retro The ups and downs of roller coasters
34 special section 14 tech+design A bed beyond your wildest dreams 16
education kaleidoscope The next generation of lightweight auto design
40
expert outlook Personalized medicine
42
making the scene Tech events in the news
www.xologymagazine.com
This is Macomb County
SUMMER 2014 VOLUME 8, NUMBER 3
38 trends Social media spreads its wings
12 health+tech New wave of sensors; identifying risk of heart disease; new breast cancer therapy on horizon; treating hepatitis C
LOG ON FOR THE LATEST MICHIGAN TECH NEWS
Boating on the GREAT lakes
30
editor'sletter ANGIE BAAN
www.xologymagazine.com
E DI TOR I A L EDITOR | Jane Racey Gleeson
I
t’s summertime in Michigan, and what better way to celebrate than with a look at one of Michiganians’ favorite pastimes: boating. No matter where you are in the state, you’re within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes, and even closer to one of the state’s 11,000 inland lakes. All of which make Michigan boaters a very happy bunch. You can read more about the region’s water enthusiasts in our Lifestyle feature, “Boating on Michigan’s GREAT Lakes.” Writer Julie Baumkel takes a look at the sport from the eyes of economy experts as well as those of seasoned boaters. This summer issue also features a special section on Macomb County, where the water industry is playing a big role in the area’s economy. But it’s not just about the water. The county is experiencing an exciting time of residential and business growth, with the defense and automotive manufacturing industries expanding their presence. Whether you’re a resident, business owner or visitor, Macomb County is shining brightly these days. This issue’s Focus on Tech features intelligent transportation systems (ITS), a segment of the auto industry expected to explode in the next few years. Center for Automotive Research President Jay Baron and other industry experts share their thoughts about how technology is redefining the way we drive — and will continue to boost exciting innovations in the coming years. One company on the forefront of ITS is Delphi Automotive, featured in our Business Profile. The company has been involved in ITS research since the mid-1990s with automotive back-up aids that make drivers aware of objects behind them as well as airbag technologies still in use today. The company’s innovations continue with state-of-the-art technologies that are taking ITS to a whole new level. Ford Motor Co. is another major player in the ITS sector, with Greg Stevens, global manager, driver assistance and active safety research, taking the lead in automated-driving tech. Stevens shares his perspectives on the company’s position “on the cusp” of making automated driving a reality. We hope you enjoy this issue of X-OLOGY Magazine. We’d love to get your feedback and ideas for future issues.
EDITORIAL ADVISORS Ken Rogers Kelly Kozlowski Erin Sommerville COPY EDITORS Nicole Kampe Erin Sommerville CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Baumkel Amy Mindell Nicole Kampe Matthew Totsky Leslie Mertz Ilene Wolff C R E AT I V E CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Alex Lumelsky CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Max Wedge David Boni PRODUCTION | SKY Creative P U B LI S H I NG PUBLISHED BY RDE ENTERPRISES INC. Publisher | R. David Eick PRINTED BY ARBOROAKLAND GROUP Vice President | Chuck Rymal OPERATIONS | Joseph P. Pietrangeli A DV E RT I S I NG MANAGING DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING | R. David Eick ACCOUNT MANAGERS Scott Cooper Cal Moore FOR ADVERTISING: 248.231.8067 OR 248.549.0981 david@xologymagazine.com X-OLOGY IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHED FOR AUTOMATION ALLEY. THE MISSION OF X-OLOGY IS TO UNCOVER THE MOST SURPRISING AND RESONANT STORIES ABOUT THE PEOPLE, COMPANIES, TECHNOLOGIES AND IDEAS THAT ARE TRANSFORMING SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN. X-OLOGY IS DISTRIBUTED TO 10,000 HOMES AND 5,000 BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT EIGHT COUNTIES; 2,500 ARE DISTRIBUTED FOR RECRUITING IN THE TECH SECTOR AND 2,500 COPIES ARE SOLD IN STREET SALES. FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS, PLEASE CALL: 248-549-0981. COPYRIGHT © 2014, RDE ENTERPRISES
Jane Racey Gleeson Editor jane@XOLOGYmagazine.com
NO PART OF X-OLOGY MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. FOR PERMISSION AND RE-PRINT REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT PUBLISHER@XOLOGYMAGAZINE.COM. THE X-OLOGY NAME AND LOGO, AND THE VARIOUS TITLES AND HEADINGS HEREIN, ARE TRADEMARKS OF RDE ENTERPRISES. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO X-OLOGY MAGAZINE, 4303 NORMANDY COURT, ROYAL OAK, MI 48073
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SUMMER 2014 • X-OLOGY
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automationalleyupdate
automation alley places spotlight on southeast michigan’s tech stars Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Awards Gala, to be held Sept. 12 in Detroit! Get ready for a night of glitz and glamour as Automation Alley rolls out the red carpet, old Hollywood style, to celebrate the stars of Southeast Michigan’s technology industry, the leaders and innovators writing the script for the region’s economic renaissance. The Automation Alley 14th Annual Awards Gala takes place Sept. 12 at MotorCity Casino Hotel. Register today and join the technology business association as it celebrates 15 years of accelerating the tech companies that call Southeast Michigan home, with special guest appearances by some of the region’s biggest names. • Come dressed to impress for the biggest tech party in Michigan. • Network with top executives, decision makers and members of the local business elite. • Enjoy cocktail hour, gourmet dinner and the awards presentation. • Stay for the afterglow with music and dancing.
This event will sell out. For ticket pricing, sponsorship information or to vote for the award winners, visit automationalley.com/ awardsgala. To purchase a ticket, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at 800-427-5100 or info@automationalley.com. Automation Alley’s Annual Awards Gala celebrates innovative and impactful companies and individuals in Southeast Michigan’s technology economy.
our mission: To grow the innovation cluster of Southeast Michigan by providing programs and services to the technology business community that encourage entrepreneurship, increase exporting, attract foreign direct investment, develop high-tech talent, support advanced manufacturing and help technology-driven businesses of all sizes succeed.
our vision: Southeast Michigan will be globally acknowledged as the leading technology and innovation region in the United States by 2020. 6
SUMMER 2014 • X-OLOGY
automationalleyupdate
Are You a Human employees at work at the M@dison Building in Detroit.
seeking applicants for adams entrepreneur fellowship As host organization for the Adams Entrepreneur Fellowship Program, Automation Alley is once again encouraging recent college and university graduates to apply for a chance to be matched with a growing early-stage company in Southeast Michigan. The Adams Entrepreneur Fellowship pro-
vides opportunities for fellows to engage with early-stage companies at the management level. Fellows are mentored by company management as well as the program’s coordinators: Tom Kelly, Automation Alley’s director of entrepreneurship, and Terry Cross, director of the Adams Entrepreneur Fellowship.
Past host companies include Integrated Systems Management, Inc.; ENT Biotech Solutions, LLC; Stik.com; TOGGLED; Are You a Human; Larky; and Billhighway. The fellowship includes an annual stipend with benefits, placement in a startup enterprise, ongoing mentoring and coaching and engagement in entrepreneurial development workshops. Fellows have daily job responsibilities and are encouraged to participate in local entrepreneurial, business development and leadership events. In particular, fellows are given opportunities to network with one another and with other young emerging leaders in the region. The Adams Entrepreneur Fellowship Program was created through the support of the Ann and Carmen Adams Fund of the Community Foundation. Fellowships are awarded each year through a competitive application process.
To apply, visit www.automationalley.com/ adamsfellowship.
four new companies welcomed to international business center Automation Alley recently welcomed four new companies to its International Business Center. The companies are from Germany, France and Canada and are expected to create approximately 80 new jobs for the region. Tenants of Automation Alley’s International Business Center can use the Troy facility as a home base for up to 90 days while exploring business opportunities in Southeast Michigan. Since 2011, Automation Alley has assisted 12 foreign companies in establishing their operations in the region, creating 433 jobs. Peter-Lacke USA, a Germany-based company specializing in the development and manufacture of coatings for plastic, glass and wood, is one of the four new tenant companies. Joe Sanchez, the company’s accounting manager, believes the purchase of a building in the Detroit area will provide the infrastructure to support paint customers both locally and throughout the U.S. 8
SUMMER 2014 • X-OLOGY
“Additionally, this will provide excellent proximity to North American OEMs (original equipment manufacturers),” Sanchez says. “The staff at Automation Alley has provided fantastic service and support.” Paul Lester, president of North American operations for new tenant company Bmax, agrees. The company, based in France, is a world-leading provider of magnetic pulse systems for metal processing. “Our U.S. startup has been made easier with the assistance received from the Oakland County economic development team, the state of Michigan and Automation Alley. We look forward to exciting and sustained growth in the U.S,” Lester says. Automation Alley’s 3,200-square-foot International Business Center includes three meeting rooms with state-of-the-art communications technology, three private offices, an open office area and convenient access to Automa-
Employees of Peter-Lacke USA
tion Alley’s International Business Services staff. In addition to temporary office space, tenants of the International Business Center receive assistance with site selection and introductions to potential business partners, clients and employees to jump-start their business.
For more information about the International Business Center, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at 800-427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.
Automation Alley Foundation Members Automation Alley would like to thank its Foundation Members for their regional leadership and support in contributing to the success of the organization. All Covered Altair Arab American and Chaldean Council Automotive Design & Production Baker College Blue Cross Blue Shield Butzel Long Central Michigan University Chrysler Group LLC City of Troy Crain’s Detroit Business Delphi Corporation Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Detroit Manufacturing Systems Detroit Regional Chamber DTE Energy Fourstream USA General Motors GlobalAutoIndustry.com Goodwill Industries Grand Circus Greater Media Detroit Grid4 Communications HP Enterprise Services ITC Holdings, Corp. Johnson Controls Inc. Just Energy Corporation Keaton Publishing Group Kelly Services, Inc. Kettering University Lawrence Technological University Macomb Community College Macomb County Government Macomb Daily Meeting Coordinators, Inc. Meritor, Inc. Michigan Economic Development Corporation Microsoft New Horizons Computer Learning Centers Oakland Community College Oakland County Oakland County Workforce Development Board Oakland Press Oakland Schools Oakland University Plante Moran Plex Systems, Inc. Quality Metalcraft Rave Computer Rehmann Salesforce.com SMART SMZ Advertising The Resource Network, Inc. Troy Michigan Works! U.S. Army TARDEC/NAC UHY Advisors Walsh College Wayne County X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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metroretro
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the ups and downs of roller coasters through the years BY AMY MINDELL
T
he world is home to more than 3,000 hair-raising, gutclenching, shriek-inducing roller coasters. All originated from Russian ice slides enjoyed by nobility, including Catherine the Great, who had several specially constructed hills of ice built on her estate in the 18th century. The ice slides were adopted by France, where they retained the name “Russian Mountains,” a term still used to mean roller coasters in Spain (la montaña rusa), Italy (montagne russe), France (les montagnes russes) and Portugal (montanha-russa). When the ice melted in the warmer Gallic climate, waxed slides came into favor, followed by sleds with wheels. COMING TO AMERICA Early American coaster rides were inspired by railroads, with eastern Pennsylvania’s Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway coal mining tracks giving thrill-seekers a run for their money beginning in 1872 and continuing for more than five decades. For a dollar, tourists took a leisurely ride up to the top of a mountain, then a wild and bumpy ride down wooden rails, some as long as 40 miles and topping speeds of 100 mph. The coal mining rides were so popular that after miners stopped using the tracks, pleasure rides continued until the 1930s, with an exemplary safety record. American entrepreneurs tried to duplicate the spinechilling success of Pennsylvania’s railway rides, and the first “real” rollercoaster opened on Coney Island in Brooklyn in 1884. Based in part on Mauch Chunk, the new Switchback Railway coaster was relatively tame, costing a nickel and going just over 6 mph. The Switchback was replaced within a decade by the FlipFlap Railway, which was markedly less 10
SUMMER 2014 • X-OLOGY
reserved. The FlipFlap was known for the extreme G-forces it inflicted on riders, who often got whiplash or worse. The ride was unpopular and soon closed. The Great Depression brought a decline to the age of coasters. Business didn’t pick up again until the 1970s when the Racer, a new and exciting wooden coaster, was erected at King’s Island in Ohio to great acclaim. The ride is still in operation today. UPPING THE ANTE Despite the Racer’s success, the design of new coasters moved away from the traditional wooden rails and into steel tubing, which allowed greater creativity in track design, far less rattle and innovative features that upped the ante for insatiable thrill seekers. When Corkscrew first opened at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1975, it made the record books twice: It was the first modern inverting coaster and the first to take riders upside down twice. Six Flags followed up with the Revolution in 1976, with a vertical loop so dramatic it was featured in films and on TV. Maverick at Cedar Point is notable for having the first “Twisted Horseshoe Roll” and the distinction of extreme intensity. It opened in 2007, but was quickly adjusted for being too intense. Around the same time, Six Flags debuted Tatsu, the first flying roller coaster featuring a 170-foot hill and a 111-foot drop. Our love affair with death-defying drops is still heating up. Ten new coasters have opened across the U.S. this season alone, each promising a faster, twistier and crazier ride than ever before.
1. Russian ice slide circa 1650 2. Coney Island’s Switchback Railway, America’s first roller coaster 3. The Racer at King’s Island, Ohio 4. Cedar Point’s Maverick 5. The Tatsu at Six Flags
The Oakland County Connected Vehicle Initiative “I will be placing Oakland County on the global map as the first county in the world to initiate a countwide connected car ecosystem. This initiative demonstrates our bold thinking and the potential for job growth is staggering. I think we all know that Michigan is where the next generation of the automobile is being invented, and Oakland County is at the forefront of that innovation.”
L. Brooks Patterson Oakland County Executive State of the County Address • February 12, 2014
For more information about being involved with developing the world’s first countywide connected car ecosystem, contact connectedcar@oakgov.com or visit AdvantageOakland.com
health+tech
a new wave of sensors
biomarker identifies risk of heart disease
The next few years are expected to see innovative sensing technologies aimed at new applications, including those on the medical front. One company, MC10, is making progress with its BioStamp sensor, a stretchable sensor that conforms to the shape of the human body and can be used in such applications as digital health and medical devices. The MA-based startup company’s BioStamp sensor — smaller and thinner than a traditional Band-Aid — adheres to the skin and is able to collect and transmit data about the body, such as heart rate, temperature, brain activity, even ultraviolet exposure. MC10 is also in partnership with MN-based Medtronis — a world leader in medical device tech — to develop a line of interventional catheters with built-in flexible sensors capable of giving physicians real-time feedback during procedures.
A biomarker known as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) may provide doctors with information about a patient’s risk for heart disease — the number one killer of American adults. TMAO, a byproduct of intestinal bacteria, would be useful as a screening tool, particularly for individuals not otherwise identified by traditional risk factors, such as unhealthy levels of cholesterol, triglyceride or glucose. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that those with the highest levels of TMAO had double the risk of cardiovascular events. This research indicates that the microbes that live in our digestive tracts may be able to provide important clues about our risk of stroke and heart attack. Experts suggest that doctors may soon be able to personalize diets for their patients to prevent TMAO-related heart disease. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association listed this as one of the top 10 advances in heart disease and stroke science in 2013.
new breast cancer therapy on the horizon
On the sports medicine front, MC10 has also partnered with sports apparel company Reebok to create the CHECKLIGHT, a skullcap with sensors for collecting head impact data to assist with concussion diagnosis of athletes. The CHECKLIGHT sensor continuously measures impact experienced by the athlete and provides a simple visual display of impact severity. A yellow blinking light indicates a moderate impact while a red blinking light indicates a more severe impact. Reebok was named 2014 International CES Best of Innovations Design and Engineering Award Honoree for its CHECKLIGHT innovation. Redwood City, CA-based Proteus Digital Health is taking the sensing tech trend one step further by creating ingestible sensors. The company recently announced it has secured $63.5 million in financing to continue to develop its “digital medicine” technologies aimed at providing patient health data and potentially even warnings and diagnoses via a safe, swallowable nanosensor pill. Media company Scripps Networks Interactive, in partnership with the California Institute of Technology, is also investigating nanosensors and their possible use in a patient’s bloodstream to provide early warnings of a heart attack. 12
SUMMER 2014 • X-OLOGY
A new breast cancer therapy being tested on mice could one day provide a way to treat early stages of the disease without the need for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The therapy partially reverses the cancerous state in cultured breast tumor cells in mice, preventing cancer development. Introduced by a multi-disciplinary team led by researchers from the Wyss Institute of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, the therapy is based on an effort to reverse-engineer gene networks to identify cancer-driving genes. The same strategy may one day lead to new therapies that disable cancercausing genes that can’t be stopped by current drugs. “The findings open up the possibility of someday treating patients who have a genetic propensity for cancer,” says Wyss Institute Founding Director Don Ingber, M.D., Ph.D. “The idea is to start giving it early on and sustain treatment throughout life to prevent cancer development or progression.”
treating hepatitis C According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States. Approximately 3.2 million people are infected with this liver disease, although the World Health Organization reports that 60 to 80 percent of these individuals don’t realize it because of a lack of symptoms. Treatment for hepatitis C often includes lengthy regimens, some lasting up to 48 weeks, and hard-to-tolerate drugs, including interferon injections. But a new drug, Sofosbuvir, approved late last year by the FDA, is showing improved treatment response rates of greater than 90 percent, with minimal side effects in certain patient groups. According to experts, the availability of the first all-oral, interferon-free regimen is a major advance. Hepatitis C is typically diagnosed when abnormal liver enzymes are identified through a routine blood test or if the infection becomes severe. According to the WHO, 350 000 to 500 000 people die each year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases.
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4303 NORMANDY CT. • ROYAL OAK, MI 48073 TEL 248.549.0150 • FAX 248.549.5270 • WWW.ARBOROAKLAND.COM
X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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tech+design
bed wildest a
beyond your
dreams
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SUMMER 2014 • X-OLOGY
BY JANE GLEESON
T
he Balluga Smart Interactive bed is outfitted with so many high-tech bells and whistles, you may never fall asleep in it. Created by United Kingdom inventor Joe Katan, the Balluga bed was unveiled at a Birmingham, U.K., gadget show in early April, where it garnered more attention than the company ever imagined. “We could have sold 300 beds at that one show,” says Katan. “People from all walks of life were amazed by the technology, which proved we were on track.” To date, Katan has had inquiries from interested parties in 90 countries. A VERY DIFFERENT BED The Balluga “air bed” features a mattress made of layers of air-filled elastic cells, or balls, that mold precisely to the shape of your body, providing the “optimum level of support and comfort,” according to the company’s website. “There is no resistance and no pressure points, no matter how you move during the night,” says Katan. “It’s a very different kind of feeling.” Adjustments are possible to either side of the bed via remote control or wirelessly via a smartphone app. As you might expect, the bed contains a Wi-Fi hotspot and Ethernet power line adaptor. It’s also available with built-in climate control and a vibrating massage system. Combine these with other interactive features — including soothing ambient lighting — for the ultimate in comfort and luxury. With a smartphone or MP3 player hooked up, you can play music through the bed’s built-in surround sound system, with massage vibrations that move to the beat of the music. Want to take your game console to bed? Not surprisingly, that’s an option. You can even experience movement effects from your video game, similar to movement on a gamepad. Bedtime eReaders will love the console that suspends the device in the air overhead, or provides a screen for watching videos either overhead or projected on a bedroom wall. As Katan points out, these high-tech capabilities have made it even more exciting than the technology incorporated into the bed’s air-filled elastic cells.
The high-tech Balluga bed features an overhead console, air-filled elastic cells for optimum comfort and remote control capabilities.
GUARANTEED TO LAST Fully recyclable and manufactured to last up to 20 years, Katan says the bed can be traded in, even after years of use. Once cleaned, the material is 100 percent hygienic and reusable, thus retaining its value. With the cost of a queen-size Balluga bed starting at approximately $1,200 (U.S.), Katan believes his product is well worth the investment, especially considering that experts recommend replacing a traditional mattress every seven years. Balluga has plans to make the bed available at a contract price that would require a small deposit and a monthly subscription rate. As part of the service contract, all electronics would be covered, with Balluga responsible for any necessary repairs. The company is looking for commercial and retail partners and plans to begin manufacturing its beds in the Unites States soon. Patents for the bed’s technology have been approved in Europe and the U.S. and are currently pending approval in 42 other countries. The Balluga bed will be available for order in October, with expected delivery to consumers in early 2015. X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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educationkaleidoscope
Winners of LTU’s fifth annual Steel Wheel Competition: Elizabeth Steenwyk, Elizaveta Bondarenko and Peter Corey.
COURTESY LTU
driving the next generation of
lightweight auto design BY ILENE WOLFF
W
hen Peter Corey was brainstorming ideas for a lightweight steel wheel for a Fiat 500, he found inspiration in the natural world. “I automatically started thinking of materials in nature that can be light, but strong,” says Corey, 19, a Texas native who’s a sophomore in transportation design at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI. “So I started thinking of the skeletons of birds and how they’re really porous, but have to be strong at the same time.” That inspiration, followed by loads of hard work, led to Corey placing third in LTU’s fifth annual Steel Wheel Competition this year and winning $750 in scholarship money. It’s his second winning entry: Corey placed second last year. Corey’s entry even garnered praise from competition sponsors the Steel Market Development Institute and Michelin, who said in a press release that Corey’s “unique, light16
SUMMER 2014 • X-OLOGY
weight design mimics an eagle’s wings when it’s swooping down from the sky.” Participation in the Steel Wheel competition is optional for LTU industrial design and transportation design students like Corey. Although the contest offers no class credit, up to 20 students participate each year. The winners divvied up $5,000 in scholarship money this year, but that’s not all the students get in exchange for their hard work. IN SEARCH OF CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM “A lot of them are enthusiastic because they have ideas and want to get feedback on them,” says Keith Nagara, director of the Transportation Design and Industrial Design programs at LTU. For this year’s competition, students had to design an advanced-alloy steel wheel that is lightweight and offers both performance and styling benefits. A panel of steel experts, automotive designers, engineers and wheel
manufacturers judged the students’ work. Participation is a test not only of the students’ design skills, but also of their timemanagement abilities. For example, during this year’s competition, Corey carried a full course load of 15 credit hours. Before the judging, some of the engineer and designer judges critiqued and offered suggestions to the students, who were required to present their work at least four times as it progressed. That experience is an invaluable part of the competition because it helps the students develop presentation skills, offers them feedback necessary to perfect their designs and gives them the chance to form relationships with people in the industry, says Nagara. A BIG PAYOFF To find out just how valuable those relationships can be, ask Cherise Caldwell, a 2013 LTU transportation design graduate. She recently was hired away from a job at Chrys-
LTU GRADS READY FOR THE WORKPLACE
ler by Dassault Systemes, in Auburn Hills, MI, which makes 3-D modeling software. Caldwell got both jobs — as well as a paid internship at Dassault between her junior and senior years — through contacts she made while participating in Steel Wheel all four years of college. “You never know who’s watching and keeping track of you,” says Caldwell, 29, of Bloomfield Hills. “They told me they (Dassault) liked my stuff since my freshman year. I didn’t know they were paying that much attention!” Ironically, Caldwell wanted to quit the competition before completing it her first year. But Nagara talked her into continuing, and she subsequently became his go-to student for counseling classmates who were having second thoughts about completing their designs. Nagara says the professionals often comment on how well his students present their ideas and accept feedback, as well as on the freshness of their perspectives. “A lot of them will surprise us, and say ‘Wow, we didn’t think of it that way’,” in response to a student’s idea, Nagara says. For instance, one year a student had an idea for a self-cleaning wheel with a nozzle in the center to dispense a detergent that would be dispersed by centrifugal force as the vehicle moved. “Ford was so impressed, they wanted to patent it,” but they couldn’t because the idea had been so public, says Nagara.
The Steel Wheel Competition (see related story) is just one of the opportunities the transportation design and industrial design students at Lawrence Technological University have for working like “real” designers and interacting with professionals in jobs they would like to do. For example, the 2013-14 school year included noncompetitive projects sponsored by Navistar, SRG Exterior, GMC, Ford Motor Co. and Pepsico. Professionals from those companies worked with the stu- LTU’s Keith Nagara works with a design student. dents, teaching and critiquing their work as they developed into the next generation of designers. “At the end of their sophomore year, they’re no less than a designer you’d see in a professional studio,” says Keith Nagara, director of the school’s Transportation Design and Industrial Design programs, of his students. Interacting with the sponsoring companies’ professionals and having instructors who all work in industry “helps develop the type of designer who, when they’re hired, can hit the ground running,” he says. The approach is working. Domestic and foreign automakers alike call him looking for other LTU grads like the one they’ve recently hired, Nagara says. The programs boast a 100 percent placement rate. The sponsored projects tie in with LTU’s “theory and practice” academic model, which weaves engineering and manufacturing concepts into its curriculum during studio classes and requires completion of two math and two science courses for graduation. While many design programs are art-based and offer a Bachelor of Arts, LTU grads walk away with a Bachelor of Science degree. Nagara, a former Chrysler and Ford engineer, founded the programs in 2005 after industry executives worked with LTU to encourage a curriculum that produces graduates who are work-ready. This year’s seniors were the fourth graduating class.
IDEAS MATTER Freshman industrial design student Eliza- Transportation design graduate and Steel Wheel beth Steenwyk, 19, of Hudsonville, MI, says participant Cherise Caldwell she showed up for her first review in a blazthat the car had been redesigned to appeal er, dress pants and high heels, the first and last more to male buyers. Her wheel ended up time she was motivated to “dress for success.” with a groove along the spokes for a black “Once I got up there I realized the impor- rubber insert with a yellow pinstripe. tant thing was presenting my ideas clearly,” she “Having the extra information about why says. “Not so much making an impression.” it was redesigned really helped my design Steenwyk modified not only her outfit but take off,” says Steenwyk, who aspires to a also her design for a 2014 Volkswagen Bee- first job designing outdoor equipment and tle GSR Turbo after learning during a review sporting goods.
PRACTICE LEADS TO PERFECTION Sophomore transportation design student Elizaveta Bondarenko admits to being nervous before a review, but she says her designs and her design skills have improved as a result. “It helps me to understand the process of coming to one decision on the design,” Bondarenko says. For example, Bondarenko wanted perforations on her entry that won first place this year, a wheel for the GMC Terrain, whose design resembles the mesh of its front grill. But after engineers told her it would be problematic to produce the holes on her wheel, she modified them to circular depressions in the metal instead. Just like Corey, Bondarenko, 20, of Troy, is a second-time entrant. For her efforts this year, she received $1,500 in scholarship money. X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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peopleprofile
“Having six kids has taught me that the needs of the group often outweigh the needs of individuals, even if that individual is me.”
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Greg Stevens Global manager, driver assistance and active safety research, Ford Motor Co. WOW FACTOR Greg Stevens leads the Ford team that is developing automated-driving technology, which he describes as one of the most revolutionary areas in the auto industry today. “When you think about the 100-year-plus history of automobiles, vehicles have always been driven by humans solely, and now we’re starting to contemplate having sensors and computers and algorithms take over some of those driving tasks. That’s really a fundamental, profound shift.” Part of Ford’s approach is to push the envelope on automated technologies that are already available. “We are enhancing features, such as active park assist, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, and combining them into more powerful features that are directly slated for production. Examples are features that will do all the driving for you on a freeway during a low-speed traffic jam, or that will — with the push of a button — perform all of the steering, shifting, braking and accelerating to get you parked in a parking spot.” PASSION FOR INDUSTRY “In the auto industry, everything you do affects automobiles, which are an integral part of everybody’s lives. That really incredible relevance of the auto industry is what drew me to Ford Motor Co. to begin with. And now with automated driving, it’s become just a fascinating topic that everybody really seems to like to talk a lot about.” VIEW FROM THE TOP “Automated driving is an idea that people have been thinking about for 50-60 years at least, and now we’re on the cusp of starting to make it a reality. It not only will have technical challenges, but will also have societal and regulatory challenges. It will really change how we interact with the automobile.”
CORPORATE CLIMB Stevens went straight from earning his undergraduate engineering degree to taking a job at Ford. There, he went through the company’s typical two-year engineering rotation, which allowed him to sample work in different departments. “That was a really good introduction to Ford,” he says. He settled into an area called “vehicle dynamics,” where he performed computer modeling of steering, braking, handling and the overall ride quality. He was then awarded the Ford Technical Fellowship, which sent him to California to attend graduate school while remaining a Ford employee. Master’s degree in hand, he accepted a promotion to technical specialist, eventually switched to manager of a group doing computer modeling and prototype-vehicle development and then to senior technical leader in the vehicle-dynamics group before moving into his current position. CREDENTIALS • Bachelor’s degree, mechanical engineering, Princeton University • Master’s degree, mechanical engineering, Stanford University VOICE OF EXPERIENCE “One of the things that has become clear to me, especially in my current position, is that if you’re working on things that are interesting to you as an engineer but cause other peoples’ eyes to sort of glaze over, those probably aren’t the places where we should be spending our time. On the other hand, when we talk to people about a new feature, and they say, ‘That’s really great. That’s something I could see myself using every day,’ then you know you really have something. That’s what’s been energizing about all of the automated driving work: It’s something that gets people excited.” – Interviewed by Leslie Mertz
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businessprofile
dreams car out of my
and into my
BY LESLIE MERTZ
T
he way we drive is changing, and those changes are coming fast and furious. Many are a result of so-called intelligent transportation systems (ITS) that are not only automating driving tasks, but are also now beginning to allow vehicles to talk to drivers, to each other and to the roadways. Southeast Michigan is arguably the worldwide center for ITS research and implementation, led in part by Delphi Automotive, which has been doing work in this arena since the company’s inception in the mid-1990s. With regional headquarters in Troy, MI, Delphi is behind numerous major ITS innovations that combine advanced sensors, software and communications technology to make driving safer and travel more efficient. For instance, Delphi developed the first productionlevel backup aids that notify drivers of objects behind them and crafted many of the smart airbag technologies that are already available in vehicles today. Delphi also developed plug-and-play devices through its Delphi Connect products that allow car owners to do such things as operate the automatic start and other key-fob features from a smartphone or track their car’s location when a teenage son or daughter borrows it. “We also created the world’s best electronics scanning radar that looks 360 degrees around the vehicle 20
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and farther than any other radar — beyond the immediate vision of the driver — so the driver can prepare for any object that might be in their path, whether it’s a pedestrian, motorcycle or another vehicle that’s out of the range of view,” says Andrew Brown, Delphi’s chief technologist and vice president. “Through these sophisticated vision and radar systems, we can determine if those objects are stationary, moving toward or away from the vehicle, how fast they’re moving relative to the vehicle’s own speed — and from that calculate whether any of them pose an accident threat.” IN A WORD: CONNECTION Other Delphi technology in the works includes a drivermonitoring system, which can pick up on telltale cues that a driver is getting drowsy or is otherwise incapacitated. “This will monitor the driver’s state of alertness and notify the driver about his or her condition,” Brown says. All of these technologies play into the bigger picture, which is the “connected vehicle,” a term used to describe wireless communications that link vehicle-tovehicle and vehicle-to-road systems. “This really refers to automating the functions associated with traffic management,” Brown says. “The idea here is that
“We created the world’s best electronics scanning radar that looks 360 degrees around the vehicle and farther than any other radar.” – ANDREW BROWN JR.
through the use of sensors, computers and knowledgegathering mechanisms, we can better manage traffic to make it safer, reduce or eliminate congestion, decrease emissions and their impact on the environment and cut fuel consumption associated with moving people and goods from point A to point B.” With connected vehicles, a vehicle on the road transmits information about its location, speed and direction, and also receives that same information from other vehicles in its vicinity. At the same time, the infrastructure itself is transmitting information about road conditions, including traffic congestion, accidents in the area and even the traffic-signal timings. In other words, the vehicle not only monitors the surrounding vehicles to identify and alert the driver to potential accident threats, but by connecting with the infrastruc-
ture, it also permits the driver to make adjustments, such as changing a route to avoid congestion or slowing down when approaching an intersection where the light is about to turn red. AN UNRIVALED TEAM All of these innovations in ITS and connected vehicles are possible because of the contributions of an especially well-suited team of players in this region, according to Brown. “Southeast Michigan is absolutely a great place to do this kind of work because of the automotive industry that is located here, and that’s for both light-duty and commercial vehicles. In addition, we have the presence of academic institutions that have great capabilities in areas like electronics systems and software development,” he says. >>
Delphi is developing technologies that will support connected vehicles, which combine sensors, computers and knowledge-gathering mechanisms so that vehicles can talk to one another and to the road system.
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The Future of Travel BABY, YOU CAN DRIVE MY CAR How far will connected vehicles and automation go? The answer lies more in what people want than in what the technology can do, according to Andrew Brown, chief technologist and vice president at Delphi Automotive, which is helping to design the vehicles of the future. “Automated vehicles are really a mechanization of the driving experience in such a way that you have electronics and robotic functionalities that can perform the operation of the vehicle, and we’ve already started down that pathway to the future,” he says. Full automation won’t be available for a few years, but some of these technologies, such as lane-keeping, parallel-parking and backup aids have already proven themselves and are available on cars today, and many other technologies are coming soon. “We will continue to build on that foundation to make vehicles smarter and increasingly automated, and now with connected vehicles (see main article) and the ability of the infrastructure to communicate and to manage traffic flows, over time we’ll get to the point where we’ll have a fully capable vehicle and transportation system,” Brown says. He foresees one possible future in which a Andrew Brown Jr. privately owned or a shared vehicle, which he calls a “pod” is tied into the calendar on an individual’s smartphone and shows up at an appointed time to take the person to the set destination. The big question is: What do drivers want? First and foremost is safety. However, he says that adults older than 50 would likely not be interested in turning over the driving to a robot or other mechanized functionality. “Members of the younger generation, however, are generally more interested in being connected with their friends as opposed to maybe operating a vehicle.” “So it comes down to you and me,” he says. “The probability of a fully automated vehicle depends on how comfortable we are with giving up that control, and quite honestly how much it might cost us to have that kind of flexibility.”
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He also credits the Michigan Department of Transportation for taking an active role in supporting ITS. Another major regional contributor is the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), which worked closely with the U.S. Department of Transportation to conduct a massive connected vehicle safety pilot program from 2012-2014. In that program, nearly 3,000 cars, trucks and buses traversed the streets of Ann Arbor using connected technology to communicate with one another and with the infrastructure. “We were happy to be involved in that demonstration project, which was the largest of its kind anywhere, and it was right here in Southeast Michigan,” Brown says. “This kind 22
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of demonstration project is very important to help all of us learn what the technology can and cannot do, and also to refine the design architecture of systems and to verify that these approaches are valid and can be implemented.” Delphi will continue to be a central component of the ITS/connected vehicle powerhouse in Michigan, he says. “We have projected the emergence of connected and automated vehicles for years and have created our own sensing and computer technology in anticipation of these systems becoming available. Now, we’re in a period of not just talking about it coming. We can see that connected and automated vehicles are here, and we’re already actively involved in proving out the technology.”
Delphi products allow car owners to do such things as operate the automatic start and other key-fob features from smartphones and iPads, or track their car’s location.
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INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS:
driving michi BY MATTHEW TOTSKY
The Great Lakes State. The Wolverine State. The Mitten State. Michigan has many nicknames, but perhaps the ones that best describe it are those that resonate with car lovers across the globe: the Automotive Capital of the World and, of course, the Motor City. “A century ago, Michigan put the world on wheels,” says Nigel Francis, senior automotive adviser to the State of Michigan and senior vice president, Automotive Industry Office, Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Those wheels — and many other automotive parts made here — were forged from dreams, hard work and ingenuity. Making automotive vehicles is our heritage and it is our future.” >>
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higan’s future X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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Ford was the first automaker to build prototype vehicles for demonstrations of vehicle-to-vehicle communications.
30-year vision that has identified four key technical areas that are critical for the success of the state’s automotive industry: the strategic use of lightweight materials, the continued development of powertrain and propulsion technologies, the strengthening of existing logistics and supply chain assets and an increased focus on opportunities in connected and automated vehicle technologies. This last area is one that is perhaps the most intriguing.
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The state’s economic troubles have been well documented, but all signs are pointing toward a comeback. Experts view the continued strength of Michigan’s automotive industry as a key contributor to this turnaround. As it’s been for the last 100 years, Michigan is the global motor capital. Michigan’s automotive industry directly supports 15 percent of the workforce with more than 500,000 jobs, representing 22 percent of the U.S. auto industry workforce. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Michigan produces 23 percent of U.S. vehicles and is home to 61 of the top 100 North American automotive suppliers. The state leads U.S. powertrain production with 31 percent of engine and 26 percent of transmission output and has 12 auto assembly plants along with 35 parts and components plants. Michigan ranks first nationally in concentration of industrial designers and engineers (65,000), research and development professionals (70,000) and skilledtrade workers (180,000), and its 375 research and development centers represent more than 70 percent of U.S. automotive research and development spending. Michigan is also at the forefront for grooming automotive talent, with 91 education and training institutions that offer 650 automotive-based degrees and programs. 26
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“There’s a reason Michigan has been the center of the automotive world for 100 years,” Francis says. “And we aim to keep it that way.” THE PLAN In September 2013, Governor Rick Snyder created the Michigan Automotive Office, which was established within the state government to affirm the highly important role the automotive industry plays in Michigan’s economic and cultural life. Francis was appointed by Governor Snyder to serve as the state’s central connection point for automotive industry stakeholders and engage with them to drive action that supports the industry and Michigan’s overall economic growth strategy. One of Francis’ first duties was to develop, implement and execute a comprehensive strategic plan that serves as a road map to promote, retain and grow the automotive industry in Michigan. “Our automotive plan followed a development process and employed global consulting firms that worked together and with us to get an unbiased and untainted plan that has stood up to industry, academic and government rigor,” says Francis. “Through this process we have acquired the same information as a CEO of a major auto company.” Michigan’s automotive strategic plan is a
ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES “Connected vehicles have been around for a long time with things like garage door openers and automotive features like GM’s OnStar system,” says Francis. “But now that term refers to vehicles that can communicate with each other and the infrastructure while moving along a set route. Additionally, we’re progressing toward a time when these vehicles will also be automated, meaning that they can drive themselves.” But before all that can happen, several obstacles need to be overcome. Francis lists them as technology capability, legal and policy matters and consumer perception. “The technology is pretty much there,” he says. “And it will start to be rolled out within the next five years.” “In regard to the legal aspects, it all revolves around insurance,” Francis says. “If there’s an accident, who is at fault if the vehicle is a robot? Is it the driver or the manufacturer? This will have to be more clearly defined because automakers don’t want to open themselves up to frivolous lawsuits.” Perhaps the most daunting issue is the education of drivers about the technological transformations their vehicles will soon be undertaking. “Established drivers need to have open minds,” Francis says. “The younger generation trusts and understands technology. They embrace it. They will be able to accept a car that can drive itself and communicate with another vehicle. The older generation must be able to do this as well. A social
SAFER ROADS IN REAL TIME In December 2013, Macomb County, MI, opened its Communications and Technology Center (COMTEC), pushing the county to the forefront of America’s vehicle-to-infrastructure communication technology systems. “We have a countywide communication network connecting traffic signals and IT type devices,” says Adam Merchant, traffic engineer, Macomb County Department of Roads. “Think of it like an air-traffic control center. It includes over 200 surveillance cameras at intersections that can be monitored on a huge 20-by-50-foot video wall and 54 70-inch monitors at COMTEC. This enables us to work with other agencies and departments to better manage incidents through the use of technology.” The extensive use of surveillance cameras at 750 locations allows COMTEC
evolution needs to happen within the next 10 to 20 years. It will mirror how it played out with electric vehicles: an evolutionary change instead of a revolutionary one.” EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY TRENDS At this moment, more vehicles on our roads are connecting, thanks to technologies from automakers, consumer electronics companies and aftermarket suppliers. Their goal is to give consumers what they want in terms of function, safety, innovation and, ultimately, automation. “Technology is redefining the way we drive,” says Jay Baron, president of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, MI. “Innovations in dashboard tech and self-driving cars range from safe-driving sensors and voice- and gesture-controlled infotainment systems to heads-up displays with augmented-reality overlays and more.” “The production of cars with a focus on Internet connectivity will be key to taking Michigan’s economic growth to the next level,” Baron says. “If we want to lead, we
to monitor signals with a radius between a half-mile to one mile long, enabling personnel to make traffic adjustments in real time. For example, if there’s an accident on a Macomb County road, the engineers at COMTEC can make red lights last longer to slow down approaching traffic. It can also work the other way. “We make use of what we call ‘green time’,” says Merchant. “If there’s a lot of traffic, we can make a 20 second green light last 50 or 60 seconds in order to ease congestion in that area.” COMTEC satisfies the need for a central location in Macomb County that operates 24/7 and has the ability to monitor, manage, prevent, protect and respond not only to routine traffic accidents, but also to any type of emergency situation. “We can monitor the roads for fires, EMS calls for service, closures and even escalating events such as severe weather,” Merchant says. “In the future, we’d like to share more data with the vehicle to give the driver personalized feedback regarding traffic.
have to lead not just in mass production, but in technology as well.” Richard Wallace, director of the Transportation Systems Analysis group at CAR, agrees with this point. “Michigan needs to be on top of technology,” he says. “With chips, apps, control and design and software validation. Some people say vehicles are becoming more like computers on wheels. This is not entirely accurate, but the trend is there.” Connected vehicles will help improve driver safety, mobility and traffic management, experts say. The high level of data that will be transferred between vehicles and the infrastructure will lead to better information about where vehicles are going and what they are doing. Cameras can measure things like traffic, construction zones, known incidents and weather issues and alert drivers accordingly. While this will lead to higher levels of safety and convenience, there will always be a need for human drivers. “This past winter proved that,” Wallace says. “A car would not have been able to navigate itself through levels of snow and
COMTEC features an expansive video wall that provides real-time vehicle-to-infrastructure data. We feel we can make good use of the data the car collects. For example, the use of antilock brakes could indicate a number of things: bad weather, potholes or a need for salt, so we can act accordingly. Anything to improve public safety and keep traffic moving smoother, that’s our goal.”
ice that are that extreme without a driver behind the wheel.” AN INSIDER’S VIEW Many automotive companies are committed to embracing driver assist features and appropriately funding them, Ford Motor Co. being one of them. Over the last four years, the automaker’s research and development centers in this area have more than doubled in size, demonstrating a commitment from management to the funding of innovative technologies. Greg Stevens, Ford’s global manager for driver assistance and active safety research, and his team are split between a research center here in Michigan and another one in Germany. This approach enables the company to leverage its global capabilities. Stevens has also worked toward expanding its university partnerships to acquire an additional diversity of input on things like automated driving from such schools as the University of Michigan. While other groups within Ford are working on connectivity for driver convenience, Stevens’ team is concerning itself with >> X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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focusontech
SEE ITS IN ACTION THIS FALL IN DETROIT The transportation industry is abuzz over the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress to be held this fall in Detroit. Scheduled for Sept. 7-11, 2014, the event, which comes to North America every third year, is the world’s largest transportation technology exhibition and brings 10,000 national, regional and local leaders together with global transportation innovators to discuss high-tech solutions for transportation safety, efficiency, sustainability and connectivity. This year’s ITS World Congress will
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safety and driver assistance features. “We’re working fairly closely with a consortium of automakers and government agencies to develop vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems,” Stevens says. “They’ll use advanced Wi-Fi and GPS in a system where the vehicles communicate with each other directly and tell each other where they are and where they are going.” Once that information is shared between vehicles, there are a number of scenarios where it could be beneficial. For example, if two vehicles are approaching the same intersection and can’t see each other because of a blocked view, advanced Wi-Fi radios can send the drivers information alerting them they may be on a collision course. “There are other safety applications that we’re working on that use the cellular network to communicate between vehicles,” Stevens says. “They have features that will warn drivers about a traffic jam ahead or similar situations. That kind of information doesn’t need to be delivered quite as quickly, so that could be done over the cellular network. The timing is not as critical.” Like most experts, Stevens sees a gradual rolling out of automated driving features over the next five years. “First we’ll introduce a traffic jam assist feature that will do all the driving for you in traffic jams on freeways,” he says. “Next up could be a fully assisted parking feature that will do all of the steering, braking, throttle and shifting to maneuver you into a parking spot with a single 28
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feature eye-opening demonstrations of intelligent transportation systems, including connected vehicles traveling on an instrumented route between Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit and the island park of Belle Isle and fully automated cars driving autonomously on the streets of Belle Isle. In addition to the excitement on the road, the ITS World Congress will include a special session, called the CTO Summit, which will bring together chief technology officers of major car manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers and telecommunications companies from around the world, Brown says. “We’ll be very focused on the technologies, the challenges, the technical
touch of a button. Beyond that, we have a roadmap of features coming. Timing for them will be based on when we can solve some of the really difficult technical questions that will allow us to arrive at more and more heavily automated features.” Stevens agrees that the ultimate goal for automakers in regard to automated vehicles is to improve safety and reduce stress for drivers. “We’ve studied the techniques of expert drivers and are working to program those skills into our vehicles,” he says. “This can equip the vehicle with a set of skills above and beyond what an average driver would have. When you take all of those capabilities and consider their benefits, it gives us significant optimism for safer roads in the future.” THE ULTIMATE GOAL Michigan’s automotive industry has made its way back to prosperity since the collapse in 2008 and 2009 and is now robust, profitable and growing again. For each direct automotive job, there are approximately three more jobs created supporting that job in the supply chain and communities where the business operates and individual workers live. Furthermore, recent tax and policy reforms by the legislature and the governor make the state an attractive environment for local and global automotive investment and operations. But, according to Francis, there’s more work to be done. “We should all be critically aware that
issues and the value propositions that we need to accomplish to prove out intelligent transportation systems,” says Andrew Brown, chief technologist at Delphi Automotive. “But most notably connected vehicles and automated driving.” Safety is driving the push toward automated driving, with human error a factor in an estimated 90 percent of accidents. Even if computer-driven cars inevitably will be involved in some accidents, developers say they will be far safer than human drivers. Additional information about the ITS World Congress is available at itsworldcongress.org.
we have keen competition for our automotive industry both internationally and within the U.S. from other midwest states, southern states and California,” says Francis. “It is a prize that we should work hard to retain, strengthen and grow over the long term. If we do not, we should be sure that others will.” Francis and his team believe that Michigan’s success will be driven by key enablers and supported by the automotive strategic plan, stakeholders and processes. He has stated that the key enablers for this to happen are technology, talent and capital. Each of these needs to be available at the right time in the right quantity. “The state of Michigan has a critically important role to play in ensuring that the correct capital resources are available at the right time and in supporting any required legislative and policy initiatives that are required to empower the strategic plan,” says Francis. The initial reaction to Michigan’s automotive strategic plan has been positive. “We’ve touched 10,000 people with our strategic plan, and I’m pleased to say that it’s enjoying universal support,” Francis says. “But, ultimately, its success will depend upon ongoing strong collaboration among all stakeholders, including the talented and committed women and men engaged in our great automotive industry. These talented workers make everything possible, and together we will create our great future.”
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X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MACOMB COUNTY
Boating
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lifestyle
on Michigan’s
GREAT lakes BY JULIE BAUMKEL
A
h, the sound of the surf against your boat as it skims across the water on breezy summer day. Perhaps you’ve thrown in a fishing line, caught a nice blue gill, then released it into the inky dark water as daylight fades into dusk and bullfrogs croak out a raucous melody. Or maybe you’re the one nudging the throttle higher as you tow your skiing friend behind a slick-looking speedboat. These are just a few of the sights, sounds and pleasures of a summer on the water in Michigan. With nearly a million boat owners in Michigan and onefifth of the world’s usable fresh water, it’s not surprising that boating represents a $7.4 billion marine industry in the state, according to statistics provided by the Livonia-based Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA). >> X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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GREAT LAKES FAST FACTS • Good news for boaters: The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers reports water levels in the Great Lakes are up as much as a foot over last year’s levels. Lake Erie is 3-7 inches above last year’s levels, Lake Superior is 3-12 inches above last year, Lake St. Clair is up to 6 inches higher than last year and Lakes Michigan and Huron are 8-14 inches above last year’s level. • Michigan has 1,194 square miles of inland waters, 11,000 inland lakes and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water areas. • Forty of Michigan’s 83 counties touch at least one of the Great
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Lakes. Anywhere in Michigan, you are within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes.
• Michigan has 1,300 public boat launches and more than 80 state harbors.
• Nearly half of Michigan is comprised of water and, except for Alaska, Michigan has more shoreline than any other state.
• Michigan has more than 154 different kinds of fish, including pan fish like perch, sunfish and blue gill, and game fish like muskie, steelhead and bass. In fact, in 2013, Lake St. Clair was voted the world’s best bass fishing lake in the entire United States.
• The median household income for boat owners falls between $50K and $75K, and 75 percent of boat owners have a household income of less than $100,000. • There are 903,000 registered boats on file, making Michigan third in the country for boat ownership behind Florida and Minnesota.
IT’S IN HER BLOOD When it comes to boating, Nicki Polan, executive director of the MBIA, has probably tried it all. Not only did she grow up in a boating family, but she also has spent 27 years representing the nonprofit organization of more than 325 marine businesses. In her family alone, she counts a pontoon boat, an 18-foot deck boat, an aluminum fishing boat, two kayaks and a wind surfer she now uses as a stand-up paddleboard as part of her essential summer equipment. Polan’s background is critical to her understanding of a boater’s needs as well as to her position with the MBIA. The group’s mission is to “Advance, Promote and Protect” boating in Michigan and offers a united voice on boating issues in Lansing and in the nation’s capitol. The MBIA also produces Michigan’s signature boat shows: the Detroit Boat Show, the Spring Boating Expo and the Boating & Outdoor Festival. One recent achievement of the MBIA is a new law passed by the Michigan legislature that exempts the full value of a trade-in from the sales and use tax on all boats as of November 2013. Surrounding states have had the competitive advantage for years when it comes to watercraft sales, but the new law 32
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• The top four counties for boaters are Oakland County (86,292), Macomb County (50,823), Kent (48,790) and Genesee (31,913). SOURCE: MICHIGAN BOATING INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION
evens the playing field, says Polan. She says boat sales are continuing to rebound after the economic slump in 2008. In fact, Michigan has outpaced the rest of the country in new boat, motor, trailer and accessory sales for three years, with aluminum pontoons and ski boats leading the resurgence. While Polan says that many businesses and residents take full advantage of the canoe, kayak and small craft market, she feels others might do well to explore the mid- to large-size boating opportunities here in Michigan. A FAMILY AFFAIR Exploring the joys of big boat ownership is exactly what Ray Batt, 49, has been doing since he moved to Michigan from Long Island for his career. “I grew up a half-mile from the Atlantic Ocean and spent a lot of time on boats,” Batt says. “So when I relocated here in 1999, I thought I would take advantage of my access to the freshwater lakes.” When it came to opting for a cottage or a boat, the boat won out handily. In 2001, he upgraded to a 30-foot Bayliner. By 2013, he was piloting a 47-foot Meridian yacht. Batt says boating has become one of the joys of his life and is happy that his two sons,
ages 19 and 20, share in his enjoyment. Now, he says, even his reluctant wife and daughter are coming around to the boating lifestyle. “I just love that it gets you away from your ordinary routine. The cruising is therapeutic. To me, the journey is as important as the destination,” says Batt. “My favorite part of boating is being around my family and my best friends. At this point, I’m in my boat from April to November.” Yet Batt, a regional manager for sales and service at RR Donnelley, says there remain a lot of misconceptions about boating. “You don’t have to be rich, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. You can get in a boat for a very modest price point. Next time you go to the Boat Show at Cobo Center, you’ll be surprised to see what you can get for under $250 a month.” A FLOATING LIFESTYLE Fellow boating enthusiast Tim Tadsen retired after 40 years as an engineer with Ford Motor Co., but says he’ll never stop boating. Tadsen, 65, and his wife, Lizz, a soonto-be retired Detroit Public School teacher, live on a 50-foot boat at the Toledo Beach Marina in Monroe County, one of the top five marinas on Lake Erie, every summer.
Tadsen also served as an assistant manager at the marina for three years. The Tadsen’s boat “home” features two bedrooms, a salon (living room), and two baths and is replete with Direct TV and a stereo sound system as well as a washer and dryer. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s not about going from point A to point B,” Tadsen says. While he admits 2014 has been a slow season so far, with ice in the marina until late March, Tadsen isn’t complaining. He enjoys — and appreciates — every minute spent on the water. “In 1987, I sold my 29-foot boat and my new boat was delayed in production,” says Tadsen. “We went for six weeks without a boat that summer. And what we did was bring our chairs down to the dock and sat until someone finally gave us a loaner boat to use while we waited for ours to be ready. We literally had no idea what to do with ourselves the summer we didn’t have our boat.” MAKING AN ECONOMIC IMPACT Gerard Santoro, the manager of land and water resources for Macomb County, MI, dreams of building upon such enthusiasm to help strengthen his county’s economy. Santoro and a collection of taskforce
members developed their Blue Economy Initiative in 2012 (see page 37), which capitalizes on a diversified economic base that gives equal stature to economic development and environmental stewardship of the state’s freshwater goldmine. “We have a nearly $2 billion industry in Lake St. Clair alone. The lake accounts for about 46 percent of the fishing done in the state, and we were recently named the best bass fishing lake in the nation,” says Santoro. “Our state’s entire history has been based on the strength of our freshwater resources. From the French fur traders to the grist mills, the Great Lakes ushered in the middle class,” he says. “We must safeguard these precious resources. It is something we in Macomb County are committed to. We are not taking our waters for granted. We are working with our Canadian partners to ensure their sustainability.” X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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this is
macomb county, michigan raising its profile In 2008, Macomb County residents voted to assemble a commission to draft a “Home Rule Charter,” a new form of government that shifted accountabilities from a 26-member board of commissioners to one elected county executive. The subsequent acceptance of a Home Rule Charter by voters has helped put Macomb County on equal footing with neighboring Oakland and Wayne counties. In 2010, former Macomb County Sheriff Mark A. Hackel was the landslide winner with nearly 66 percent of the votes. A lifelong resident, Hackel vowed to build a new organizational structure that would be economical, effective and ethical. From the beginning, Hackel has made it abundantly clear that he has a strong and abiding love 34
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for the county he has called home his entire life. Early on, Hackel launched “Make Macomb Your Home,” an awareness campaign spearheaded by the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development designed to extol the many advantages that make the county an ideal place to live, work, play, learn and build a business. A new website was developed to catalog these assets (www.MakeMacombYourHome.com). The campaign also maintains a growing presence on social media and includes a blog, videos and advertising with two important goals: • Build awareness and pride among residents • Help to attract new residents and businesses to the county Make Macomb Your Home seems to be working. According to the U.S. Census, Macomb was one of a few counties in all of
Michigan to gain residents. At 480 square acres, Macomb is among the 10 smallest of Michigan’s 83 counties in terms of land mass. Even so, it is the state’s third most populated county following Wayne and Oakland. Wayne County is the most populated with 1.8 million residents within its 614 square miles. Oakland County has 1.2 million residents within 872.5 square miles.
business matters
While smaller in size than its tri-county neighbors, Macomb County has a thriving business community. There are nearly 18,000 businesses located here. These establishments provide employment for more than 263,000 people from across the region. By industry, manufacturing employs more than any other with
70,190 positions. Macomb County companies produce more than $52 billion in goods each year. Macomb’s largest employers are General Motors (12,668 employees), Chrysler Group LLC (10,406), Ford Motor Co. (4,135), St. John Providence Health System (3,558) and Henry Ford Health System (2,711). Over the past five years, America’s automakers have invested nearly $1.5 billion in their Macomb County facilities. The defense industry also plays a strong role in Macomb County’s economy. Anchored by the U.S. Army’s Detroit Arsenal, there are more than 600 companies in the county working to fulfill defense contracts. The Detroit Arsenal serves as the headquarters for the United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and the United States Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. Together, these agencies award nearly $1 billion in contracts annually covering information technology, construction, advanced engineering and other service-based solutions. Proximity to this important asset provides benefits to the entire region but especially to those in Macomb County. In 2012, area companies were awarded $2.31 billion in Department of Defense contracts.
a skilled and ready workforce Any economic development agency worth its salt will proclaim to have the most skilled and ready workforce on the planet. Some say that access to the right workforce is the most important factor in choosing a new place to open a business. Macomb’s top asset for preparing people for meaningful careers is Macomb Community College. Established in 1954, the college is a recognized leader in advancing the economic condition in Southeast Michigan and beyond. Offering close to 200 certificate and degree programs, Macomb and its educational partners serve more than 48,000 students annually. Led by Dr. James Jacobs, the institution creates pathways to credentials that result in sustainable, in-demand careers. “Since its founding nearly 60 years ago, the synergy between the college and community has created a distinctive educational institution acutely attuned to the needs of the community,” says President Jacobs. “Macomb Community College focuses on connecting our greatest assets — our people and their potential — to the education and training necessary for success in the new economy.”
In 1991, Macomb Community College became one of the first community colleges in the nation to establish a University Center. Today, it resides on the school’s 230-acre Center Campus in Clinton Township and offers advanced degrees from 12 partner institutions, including: • Central Michigan University • Ferris State University • Madonna University • Michigan State University • Northern Michigan University • Northwood University • Oakland University • Rochester College • University of Detroit Mercy • Walsh College • Wayne State University • Western Michigan University In May 2013, a satellite location of Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, also located at the University Center campus, graduated its first class of doctors. Al Lorenzo, assistant county executive for Macomb County, was president of the college when Michigan State University announced its intentions to open a satellite campus for its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007. “Collaboration was key,” says Lorenzo. “We pulled together an assemblage X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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With safe neighborhoods, strong schools, top-notch healthcare facilities and a wide County is the perfect place to call home. Great things are also happening on Lake St. Blue Economy Initiative program. of dedicated people who worked together to make this happen. It was a defining moment for Macomb County.” TRAINING FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TO GROW Macomb College was recently selected to administer a $24.9 million competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funds were awarded to eight community colleges that came together to form the Michigan Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing (M-CAM). Each has pledged to meet expanding labor needs by ramping up course offerings related to computer numerical control machining, welding and fabrication, mechatronics and production operations. M-CAM members include Macomb Community College along with Bay De Noc (Escanaba), Grand Rapids, Kellogg (Battle Creek), Lake Michigan College (Benton Harbor), Lansing, Mott (Flint) and Schoolcraft (Livonia). Macomb’s portion of the funding is $9.6 million, a college record for highest competitive award received. Some of the funding will enable significant equipment upgrades for college classrooms. WSU PARTNERSHIP DELIVERS INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES Wayne State University will begin offering classes at its new Advanced Technology Education Center (ATEC) in the fall. Adjacent to Macomb Community College’s South Campus, an estimated $12 million will transform a former grocery store into 40,000 square feet of classrooms and labs. ATEC will offer students an opportunity to attain four-year degrees in marketable academic programs such as engineering, computer science, business, advanced manufacturing and other disciplines. “We are excited about implementing this next phase of the university’s education strategy in Macomb County, which will serve as a center of excellence and a national model for university/community college partnerships,” 36
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says Ahmad Ezzeddine, vice president of educational outreach and international programs at Wayne State University. “We look forward to working with our partners at Macomb Community College and the Macomb business community to develop and offer educational and research programs that meet the talent and workforce needs of Macomb and the state of Michigan.” Plans are also in place for WSU to establish an Electric Vehicle Technologies Center of Excellence at the site.
macomb-oakland university incubator: helping businesses thrive In 2008, Macomb County formed a unique partnership with Oakland University and the city of Sterling Heights. The resulting Macomb-Oakland University INCubator has been contributing to business growth in the county event since. While the incubator specializes in assisting in-house startup companies, experienced and professional staff also offer support for affiliate clients as well as a full calendar of topical workshops. Entrepreneurial resources include: • Access to 70-person business advisory board of subject-matter experts across targeted industries, business assessment, coaching, on-site training and business development workshops • Assistance accessing capital • Access to Oakland University faculty, student interns and research labs Macomb-OU INC is housed within the Velocity Center in Sterling Heights. Other tenants include the Michigan Defense Center and the Michigan Small Business Development Center. Macomb-OU INC programs for the business community include Lean Green Belt Certification, Lean Black Belt Certification and a Startup Lean program. A monthly “Lunch &
Launch” features special guest speakers. The quarterly “Fireside Stories” series features a successful entrepreneur who shares tales about his/her rise to the top. The monthly Capital Raise Meet-up series features a comprehensive overview of the variety of funding options available for startups. Since its inception, Macomb-OU INC has: • Helped to start 18 new businesses • Provided customized service to 41 tenant and affiliate clients • Enabled clients to create 82 jobs • Assisted clients in raising more than $9.5 million in capital funds • Mentored clients, resulting in the issue of 22 patents • Welcomed nearly 3,500 participants to workshops and networking events www.oakland.edu/macombouinc
a place to call home According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 7,059 people moved into Macomb County during 2013, equating to an average of 19.3 people per day. With safe neighborhoods, strong schools, top-notch healthcare facilities and a wide variety of leisure-time options, it is no wonder so many have decided that Macomb County is the perfect place to call home. Neighborhoods: Offering budgetfriendly bungalows in mature neighborhoods, magnificent estates on park-like parcels and everything in between, Macomb County has some of the most affordable housing in the region. The average cost of home in Macomb is $135,000, up nearly 21 percent over last year. Top rated schools: From pre-kindergarten through high school, Macomb’s 21 school districts prepare students for success in life. The coveted International Baccalaureate Diploma is conferred at two tuition-free academies, while 30 public academies and private schools offer educational options. The Macomb Intermediate School District offers a nationally acclaimed special education program.
variety of leisure-time options, it is no wonder so many have decided that Macomb Clair, a key asset bordering the eastern edges of Macomb County, thanks to the The heart of the Great Lakes: Lake St. Clair is a popular destination for residents and visitors throughout the year. There are more than 53,000 registered boats in Macomb County and nearly 50 marinas to serve them. The county’s eastern border is 32 miles of freshwater coastline, and many restaurants and bars offer beautiful views of the lake. Recreation: From neighborhood playgrounds to expansive parkland, the county features more than 17,000 acres of recreational land and open space. Macomb’s Lake St. Clair Metropark (formerly Metro Beach) was the first of 13 regional parks operated by the Huron Clinton Metropark Authority. Macomb is also home to two other HCMA parks: Stony Creek and Wolcott Mill. The mighty Macomb Orchard Trail is a 24-mile hike/bike path that meanders through historic farmland. Macomb also offers six public beaches, more than 30 golf courses, a tangle of crosscountry ski trails; liveries that rent canoes, kayaks and horses and private lessons that range from wind-surfing to sky-diving. Entertainment: Big name entertainers and shows draw big crowds to Freedom Hill Amphitheater, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts and the Macomb Music Theater. Shopping: From big box to boutique, Macomb County has retail therapy covered. There are more than 2,500 places to shop, including four regional malls, six historic downtowns, a variety of farmers markets and antique shops. Community Celebrations: With classic car nights, ethnic festivals, art shows, concerts at the band shell and more, Macomb offers many ways to gather and celebrate. Annual favorites include the Armada Fair, Gratiot Cruise, Sterlingfest and an assortment of other events that pay homage to peaches, fish flies and the winter freeze. Dining and nightlife: Nearly 1,300 restaurants offer a tantalizing array of epicurean delights that complement a rich ethnic diversity, many with free Wi-Fi. You’ll find a friendly crowd in neighborhood pubs where you can shoot a game of pool, listen to a live
band or dance the night away. Healthcare: Three area hospitals offer nationally acclaimed specialty and trauma centers with top-rated medical staff. Standalone urgent-care facilities and the offices of general and specialty-care medical practitioners serve every neighborhood. www.MakeMacombYourHome.com
macomb county finds gold in its blue waters Great things are happening on Lake St. Clair, a key asset bordering the eastern edges of Macomb County. Affectionately known as the “Heart of the Great Lakes,” Lake St. Clair has been garnering a lot of attention. Bassmaster Magazine lists it as one of the top 100 Best Bass Lakes in the country and Bassmaster Pro Kevin Van Dam proclaimed it as “The best small mouth fishery on the planet.” In 2013, finals for the Bassmaster Elite series were held on Lake St. Clair and attracted 100 of the best anglers from across the globe. The four-day event is estimated to have pumped $1.5 million into the local economy through hotel accommodations, dining and other local purchases of goods and services. THE BLUE ECONOMY INITIATIVE These achievements and others can be attributed to the Blue Economy Initiative program, launched by Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel in 2010. Administered by the county’s Department of Planning and Economic Development, it is based on three core goals: • Increase access to the lake and its tributaries for residents and visitors. • Attract economic investment. • Build and sustain projects that enhance and protect this freshwater asset. “Assembling a strategic plan with more than 50 suggested projects, programs and investments provided the framework we needed to aggressively pursue identified priorities,” says Gerard Santoro, program
manager for land and water resources for the Department of Planning and Economic Development. “Many of these projects are already under way in partnership with other agencies and private enterprise.” The list of Blue Economy Initiative accomplishments continues to grow. Recent developments include: • Dedication of the county’s first paddle park offering easy access to the Clinton River for canoeists and kayakers. Located just steps from the city of Utica’s historic downtown, there are two more landing parks set to open later this summer. • The HEART (Huron to Erie Alliance for Research and Training) Freshwater Center is a unique alliance of agencies working together to study the Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor through research, education and training. Founding partners include Macomb County, Wayne State University, Macomb Community College and the Huron Clinton Metroparks. Located at Lake St. Clair Metropark, HEART will welcome its first students this summer. • Armed with a grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Harrison Township is partnering with the county and Wade Trim, an area engineering firm, to envision a new low-impact waterfront district. In keeping with its goal to increase access to the lake, the Blue Economy Initiative also supports a growing number of large-scale events including: • The third annual Sprint and Splash (held on June 7 for a crowd of nearly 400 competitors) featured events ranging from a 1K fun walk to a six-mile sanctioned standup paddleboard competition. • Aquapoolooza, hosted by marinas MacRay Harbor, Belle Maer Harbor Marina and Colony Marine, will celebrate its third anniversary on July 26 and 27. The event, accessed by water only, offers a series of bands that play on a floating stage and attracts thousands of boaters. www.makemacombyourhome.com/blue.html X-OLOGY • SUMMER 2014
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trends
JOB SEARCH 2014 Top sources for finding a job:
Social media spreads its wings BY JANE GLEESON
S
ocial media has become a game-changer in the world of job seekers and employers. And, perhaps to no surprise, this digital impact is growing at an unprecedented pace. In fact, according to a recent study by Jobvite, which specializes in business recruitment strategies, 86 percent of job seekers had an account on at least one of the six online social networks included in the study: Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Today, landing that coveted job just might require more than an impressive resume and enviable interview skills. Getting hired often means knowing how to get your name and qualifications in front of a prospective employer digitally. More and more recruiters and employers are looking to social media to find the right person for the job, often bypassing traditional hiring methods. Social media is rooted in personal connections, and today’s job seekers are realizing that serious employers and recruiters have embraced it. In fact, most experts believe this new way of finding employment is here to stay, so getting on board with the trend is recommended. “Integrating social media into your job search is a smart move for today’s job seekers,” says Andy Watt, president and CEO of iTalent LLC, a national recruiting company. One of the keys to finding a job through social media, he says, “is to look for resources that promote networking opportunities. Personal connections are still a successful means of employment, even though the connections might be made via social media.” SURVEY SAYS… Jobvite’s 2014 survey to evaluate how job seekers and employers use social media reveals important trends: ➤ Job seekers who use social media are younger, more highly educated and more likely to be employed full time. ➤ While job seekers are hooked on Facebook, 94 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn when searching for candidates. The most popular social networks for job seekers: - Facebook 83% - Twitter 40% ➤ 4
- Google+ 37% - LinkedIn 36%
in 10 job seekers have found their “favorite” or “best” job through personal connections. ➤ 27 percent of job seekers expect to be able to apply for jobs from their mobile devices.
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21%
20%
19%
ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORK
ONLINE JOB BOARD
CLASSIFIED AD
10 %
7%
7%
RECRUITER
CAREER FAIR
COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY CONNECTIONS
Social job seekers are younger, wealthier, more highly educated and more likely to be employed full time.
25%
21%
30%
30-39 YEAR-OLD RESPONDENTS
FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE GRADS
EARN OVER $100K PER YEAR
After finding current position on Facebook, the three most popular activities on Facebook:
27%
25%
CONTACT SHARED JOB OPPORTUNITY
43%
22%
CONTACT SHARED JOB PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYEE’S WITH A PERSPECTIVE ON CONTACT A COMPANY 43% of jobseekers have used their mobile device to engage in job-seeking activity.
Millennials and younger workers abound among mobile job seekers. Among 18-29 year old job seekers, 54% own an Android phone and 43% own an iPhone.
54%
43%
SOURCE: 2014 JOBVITE JOB SEEKER NATION STUDY
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expertoutlook
The new frontier: Personalized medicine BY JAN AKERVALL, M.D., PH.D., CLINICAL DIRECTOR, BIOBANK, BEAUMONT HEALTH SYSTEM
P
ersonalized medicine has Today, more than 100,000 hubeen hailed as the next genman specimens have been coleration of medical care. But lected and four patents have been as a physician and researcher, I granted. Research findings have can confirm, it’s already here. been published in an array of mediWhat’s personalized medicine? cal journals. The most recent was No two people are the same. We published in the European Jourhave different genetic makeups. nal of Cancer. Researchers from Based upon a person’s biomarkBeaumont Health System, UniverDR. JAN ers, researchers have begun cresity Hospital in Lund, Sweden, and AKERVALL ating treatments and medicines the Van Andel Institute in Grand tailored just for that patient. Why Rapids, MI, looked at biomarkers is it that one patient with cancer responds to determine the effectiveness of radiation well to radiation therapy, while another treatments for patients with squamous cell with the same type of cancer does not? cancer of the head and neck. They identified The use of biomarkers goes beyond can- two markers that were good at predicting a cer, to other medical conditions and spe- patient’s resistance to radiation therapy. cialties, including cardiovascular disease, The published cancer findings are a good neuroscience, orthopedics, digestive health, example of the type of information biomarkurology, pediatrics and OB-GYN. ers can provide. Radiation therapy is a common treatment for squamous cell cancer of WHAT IS A BIOMARKER? the head and neck. However, it’s not always A biomarker is a gene or set of genes or its well-tolerated. It can take two months, products, RNA and proteins, that research- resulting in lots of side effects. Some of ers use to predict a key clinical issue such as these complications are permanent. Before diagnosis, prognosis and response to treat- a patient goes down that path, I want to ment, choice of treatment or recurrence. know if their tumor is going Biomarker studies can provide a bridge be- to respond to radiatween emerging molecular information and tion. That’s where the clinical treatment. patient’s biomarkers Back in 2003, researchers cracked the can shed some light, human genome. Scientists successfully so we can look at other mapped the genetic code. This gave us the treatment options — savfoundation of personalized medicine as we ing time, risk for complications know it today. and expense. Other BioBank research projects BEAUMONT’S BIOBANK include: In 2008, Beaumont Health System established • Effects of long distance running on the the Erb Family Molecular and Genetics Laboheart ratory for the Assessment and Prevention of • Bone fractures and healing Chronic Diseases. It is the cornerstone of Beau- • Strokes and mini strokes mont’s BioBank research program. • Bladder inflammation 40
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• Children with appendicitis/reducing CT scans • Pancreatic cancer biomarkers • TrioBank Inititative – use of umbilical cord cells to treat various medical conditions While health care reform is getting most of the attention these days, you’ll surely be hearing more about personalized medicine and biomarkers. The new era has begun. It’s exploding across Michigan and worldwide.
Dr. Akervall is clinical director, BioBank, and medical director of translational research in Surgical Services at Beaumont Health System. He also is an otolaryngologist and medical director, Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Tumor Clinic, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. He is a clinical research professor at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and an associate professor at Lund University in Sweden.
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makingthescene
THE MIDWEST TECHNOLOGY LEADERS
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annual event was held May 14 at the Inn at St. John’s, where hundreds of the most respected senior IT executives in the Midwest gathered for a day of networking, speaking engagements, breakout sessions and strategy sharing. Organized by MTL Co-Founder TracyAnn Palmer and Executive Director Rob Palmer, as well as Chairman John Crary, CIO of the American Red Cross, the event featured renowned speakers, including a keynote by Clint Longenecker, a professor at the University of Toledo, who presented his “STOP” method to help evaluate daily priorities. A lunch panel, led by Phil Bertolini, deputy executive and CIO of Oakland County, focused on the importance of mentorship.
1. Ron Utterbeck of GE Corporate, Joe Sawasky of Wayne State University, Kathleen Kay of SunTrust Banks, Inc. and Greg Knott of Ryder System, Inc. 2. Attendees gather for the 10th annual MTL conference 3. Mamatha Chamarthi of TRW Automotive 4. Guests mingle at the networking reception 5. Jim Cavellier of Comerica Bank 6. David Behen of State of Michigan 7. Tracy-Ann Palmer of Billhighway and Robert Palmer of Staffworks. 8. Clint Longenecker of University of Toledo
held its 2014 Scholarship and Partner Recognition Event on May 15 at the Birmingham Country Club. The event recognized 13 exceptional young women who were selected to receive scholarships and laptops from MCWT this year. These young women, interested in pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields, represent the future of Michigan’s tech-focused workforce. Sponsor/partner organizations were also acknowledged during the evening, with special thanks given to the Chrysler Foundation for enabling MCWT to support five additional young women this year. The MCWT Foundation runs significant programs for girls in 4th through 12th grade to cultivate their technology talents and ambitions.
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THE MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY
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1. Varchasvi Shankar of V2S and Maru Flores of Ford Motor/MCWT President 2. Chris Rydzewski of Compuware/Partnership Board member of MCWT; 3. Georgette Dulworth and Rajani Sinha of Chrysler Group, student award winners Rebecca Wolanin and Melinda Kothbauer and Paulette Ozga of Chrysler Group 4. Guests enjoy appetizers and cocktails at the Birmingham Country Club 5. Charlotte Decker, MCWT Foundation board member; Maru Flores, MCWT president; Janette Phillips, MCWT executive director; with 2014 scholarship and laptop recipients 6. MCWT laptop winners with Linda Mitchell of Microsoft and Ronald Winters of Dell
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