November 2015
2015 CELEBRATION
OF REGIONAL
GROWTH
INDUSTRY AND
GLOBAL LEADERS
2015 CORG Recipients:
• Dart Container Corporation
• Jackson National Life
Insurance Company
• Magna International
• TOC Logistics/Port Lansing
• Triton Industries, Inc.
A Message From The President
2015
Board of Directors
Officers
CELEBRATING A
NOTEWORTHY 10TH
ANNIVERSARY
Board Chair
John Brown
Jackson National Life Insurance Co.
Past Chair
Bill Kimble
C2AE
T
Chair Elect
his year marks the 10th anniversary of the Celebration of Regional
Growth awards (CORG). It has been a wonderful privilege for me to
have been part of creating and helping this event grow during the past
decade. I think the personal pride I feel in this event is a ref lection of
what CORG says about the economic growth, diversity and the entrepreneurial
spirit that has driven Greater Lansing to the cusp of greatness.
FOCUS
Tim Daman
NOVEMBER 2015
2
President and CEO
Lansing Regional
Chamber of Commerce
It is worth noting that
there are currently
four $100-million-plus
projects underway
in our region. That
proves we still have a
lot more celebrating to
take place in the years
to come. Let’s move
forward into the next
decade of celebrating
our continued regional
growth!”
ADVERTISERS
Adams Outdoor Advertising...................9
Blue Cross Blue Shield............................4
CBRE | Martin........................................15
Consumers Mutual................................23
Cravings Popcorn..................................10
Fraser Trebilcock...................................10
M3 Group................................................8
Michigan.com........................................17
MSUFCU..................................................7
Mercantile Bank.......................Back Cover
Ross Woodstock....................................16
Sparrow.................................................11
Spartan Hospitality Group.......................5
WKAR......................................................4
When we started CORG in 2006, many wondered how long we would be able
to sustain such an event. This is a case where the results speak for themselves.
The 56 companies we have recognized over the past decade have combined to
create more than $2 billion in new investment in the Greater Lansing region!
If you take a minute to review the list of all the CORG winners since 2006
(see this month’s cover story in FOCUS), you will see how our honorees are
a microcosm of what our regional economy is evolving into as part of the 21st
century economy. Greater Lansing has become the home of a dynamic insurance
and financial services sector which is fueling our entry into the knowledgebased economy. We have become international leaders in advanced, high-tech
manufacturing with state-of-the-art production facilities and a skilled labor
force that is second to none. We’re on the cutting edge of world-class research
and the home to 400 technology companies, many of which are rapidly growing
and developing exciting new products. We are leaders in healthcare, clean
energy, transportation and construction.
The 2015 CORG recipients are perfect examples of the business leadership
that is driving our region. Combined, they have made new investments of $230
million, creating more than 2,000 new jobs. Dart Container is an industry
powerhouse, especially since its $1 billion acquisition of Solo Cup. Jackson
National has grown into the industry leader in the sale of individual annuities.
Magna International is an example of our important automotive supplier base.
Triton Industry is one of those “under the radar” success stories that deserve
more attention. TOC Logistics/Port Lansing is representative of our region’s
growth in global trade and logistics.
Most impressive to me is the fact that CORG has truly been a regional
celebration. We have honored organizations throughout Ingham, Eaton and
Clinton Counties. Attendance at the CORG awards is annually among the
highest of all our Economic Club luncheons. I am most appreciative to the
support of our members for their attendance and to our sponsors the past several
years that make the CORG Awards possible, PNC Bank, Loomis Law firm and
Consumers Energy.
I am particularly grateful to the 56 organizations we have honored in the past
decade for all you have done in this region. Your belief in Greater Lansing is
worth celebrating.
Finally, it is worth noting that there are currently four $100 million plus
projects underway in our region. That proves we still have a lot more celebrating
to take place in the years to come. Let’s move forward into the next decade of
celebrating our continued regional growth!
Joe Ford
Netvantage Marketing
Legal Counsel
Steve Owen
Foster Swift Collins & Smith P C
Treasurer
Jeff Fineis
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
President
Tim Daman
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
Division Directors
Marketing and Communications
April Clobes
MSU Federal Credit Union
Regionalism Initiatives
Mark Burnham
Michigan State University
Membership Services
Deb Muchmore
Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore
Government Relations
Matt Resch
Resch Strategies
At-Large
David Baker
Farm Bureau Insurance Co.
Stella Cash
Steve Reynolds
Accident Fund Holdings
Patrick Salow
Sparrow Health System
Hayes Green Beach Hospital
Patrick Dean
Tim Salisbury
Denise Droscha
Heather
Shawa-DeCook
Dean Transportation
Two Men And A Truck
International
Jenn Dubey
EVOLVE Corporate Wellness
David Ferguson
Ferguson Development
Mike Trevorrow
PNC Bank
Lansing Board of Water
and Light
Fathy Shetiah
7C Lingo
Tom A. Stewart
Common Wealth Enterprises
Bob Tresize
General Motors
Brian Gallagher
Fraser Trebilcock Davis
& Dunlap
Andre Hutson
Conquest Fitness and Health
LEAP
Ryan Vartoogian
Spartan Internet Consulting
Bill Woodbury
Auto-Owners Insurance
Tom Mee
McLaren Greater Lansing
FOCUS
EDITORS
Ross Woodstock
Michelle Rahl
DESIGN & PRINTING
Spartan Printing, Inc.
MAILING
BRD Mailing Incorporated
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
The Fresh Image Photography, LLC
KELLOGG HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
TICKETS: $55/MEMBER; $75/NONMEMBER;
AND $425/TABLE OF EIGHT
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES - 50
IDEAS TO INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM LINE, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., Lansing
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m.
– 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Charles
L. Evans is the ninth president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve
Bank of Chicago. In that capacity, he serves on the Federal Open Market Committee
(FOMC), the Federal Reserve System’s monetary policymaking body. As head of
the Chicago Fed, Evans oversees the work of roughly 1,400 employees in Chicago
and Detroit who conduct economic research, supervise financial institutions and
provide payment services to commercial banks and the U.S. government. His personal
research has focused on measuring the effects of monetary policy on U.S. economic
activity, inflation and financial market prices. Sponsored by MSU International
Business Center and the Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan. Program begins at
noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Tickets: $40/member, $55/
nonmember, $300/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required
and can be completed at www.lansingchamber.org.
Regional Chamber Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Suite
200, Lansing. Attend this rapid-fire and idea-packed session to hear 50 ideas you can
implement right now to help you build a more profitable bottom line this year. We’ll
dive into proven strategies for building sales, increasing margins and reducing costs all things that add up to more profit for you. Program will include a panel discussion
featuring Tom Donaldson, SBDC, Ben Bakken, Mercantile Bank and Mike Gay,
SBDC. Programs are sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Fraser Trebilcock Davis &
Dunlap, P.C. No cost to attend for Chamber members. To register for this program,
please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
Lansing. The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday
of each month to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues
affecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Steve Japinga
at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
COMMITTEE, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 S. Creyts Road,
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES - LEARN
TO NETWORK LIKE A PRO, 3:30 - 4:45 p.m., Lansing Regional Chamber
Lansing. The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday
of each month to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues
affecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Steve Japinga
at sjapinga@lansingchamber.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
COMMITTEE, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 S. Creyts Rd.,
Regional Chamber of Commerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan
Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing. Chamber members are encouraged to attend Chamber 360
to learn how to maximize your Chamber benefits, meet our staff and network with
other members. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. To register for this
complimentary event, please contact Michelle Rahl at 517-853-6457 or
mrahl@lansingchamber.org.
Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 200, Lansing.
Networking is a vital skill for any business owner, yet most of us make rookie mistakes
every time we step into a mixer or crowded event. Becoming a great networker is
an acquired skill, and the good news is anyone can learn to do it successfully - even
introverts! In this program, you will learn techniques that top networkers use to
connect easily authentically and memorably for building strong business relationships.
Bring your business cards, your best handshake and willingness to meet new
people. Immediately following this program, attendees will put their newly learned
networking skills to work at the December Member Mixer at the Lansing Brewing
Company! Programs are sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Fraser Trebilcock Davis
& Dunlap, P.C. No cost to attend for Chamber members. To register for this program,
please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 NOVEMBER MEMBER MIXER, 5:00 - 7:00
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 HOLIDAY MEMBER MIXER, 5:00 - 7:00
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 10TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF
REGIONAL GROWTH AWARDS, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel &
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 2015 ATHENA AWARD
PRESENTATION, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center,
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 CHAMBER 360, 8:00– 10:30 a.m., Lansing
p.m., Boji Group, 124 W. Allegan St., Lansing. Boji Group is a progressive real estate
development, property management and construction management firm, providing
services for more than 2 million square feet of state-of-the-art commercial space.
Boji Group specializes in creating innovative solutions to challenging development
opportunities, and creating private-public partnerships to achieve project goals. No
charge for Chamber members ($15/non-members). Registration can be completed at
www.lansingchamber.org. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
Conference Center, East Lansing. Now in its tenth year, the Celebration of Regional
Growth Awards luncheon has become the must-attend event for recognizing area
businesses for their new economic investment and job creation in the Greater Lansing
region. The 2015 recipients are Dart Container Corporation, Jackson National
Life Insurance Company, Magna International, TOC Logistics/Port Lansing
and Triton Industries. The 56 companies that have been recognized have together
contributed over $2 billion in new economic growth in this region. The Celebration
of Regional Growth Awards are co-sponsored by PNC and Loomis, Ewert, Parsley,
Davis & Gotting, P.C. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration &
networking. This event is part of the 2015 Economic Club Speaker Series. Additional
tickets are $55/person or $400/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration
is required and can be completed at www.lansingchamber.org.
p.m., Lansing Brewing Company, 518 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing. The Lansing
Brewing Company was one of the first breweries in Lansing. It supplied craft
beer to the artisans, laborers and tradesman building our city over a century ago.
It seems appropriate for us to resurrect such a historic brand after 100 years and
supply craft beer to a new generation that are busy building our city once again.
No charge for Chamber members ($15/non-members). Registration can be
completed at www.lansingchamber.org. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
East Lansing. The ATHENA Award celebrates the potential of all women as
leaders of the community and honors those who strive towards the highest levels of
professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and
energy to their community, and who pave paths for other women to follow. Join us as
we welcome the newest member of the ATHENA Award legacy! $55/member, $75/
nonmember, $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). To register for this event,
please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
FOCUS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
FROM 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.
3
NOVEMBER 2015
2015 ATHENA AWARDS LUNCHEON
News & Events
FOCUS
Thank You Renewing Members
NOVEMBER 2015
4
Greene Wealth Management
Halo Burger
Happy Clean LLC
Holt Public Schools
i2Integration
International Consulting &
Contracting Services, Inc.
Jon Anthony Florist dba
Ha-Jon, Inc.
Kendall Electric
Lansing Mall
Lezotte Miller Public
Relations, Inc.
Lorann Oils, Inc.
M P C Cashway Lumber, Inc.
Merchant Solutions
Michigan Association of
Broadcasters
NCG Eastwood Cinema
O’Connor Occupational
Therapy Services, PLLC
Okemos Auto Collection
- BMW Mercedes Benz
Porsche
OLIVET NAZARENE
UNIVERSITY School of
Graduate & Continuing
Studies
Plant Professionals, The, Inc.
Pleune Service Company
Your Chamber
Exclusively Endorses
Prevention and Training
Services, Inc.
Product Resource Company
Rapids Tumble Finish, Inc.
Re/Max Real Estate
Professionals, Inc.
River Front Business Center
Sam’s Club #4781
Schindler Elevator Corporation
Signarama
Studio C!
Sun Realty & Chuck Pantera
Appraisals
Super Mercado La Palome
Teachout Security Services
Telamon Corporation
Ticket Machine, The
TranSystems Corporation
Wal-Mart-Okemos
Wal-Mart-Towne Center Blvd.
White Law PLLC
Window World
Young Automotive Group, Inc.
Give your employees
what they deserve.
Bagels on Fridays are a nice touch too.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network offers the complete insurance
solution to protect the overall health and well-being of your employees.
Contact the Lansing Regional Chamber at (517) 487-6340.
GROUP HEALTH PLANS
|
SPECIALTY BENEFITS
|
BCBSM.COM/EMPLOYERS
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
R041079
Welcome New Members
AMERICAN FLOORING
GLAZED & CONFUSED BAKERY
AUTISM CENTERS OF MICHIGAN
ICONIC STRATEGY AND WRITING
BIDDLE CITY PROJECT
1724 Stirling Ave.
Lansing, MI 48910
www.biddlecityproject.com
FITNESS U.S. OF LANSING
1231 W. Main Street
Owosso, MI 48867
200 Riverfront Dr.
Unit 15B
Detroit, MI 48226
www.iconicstrategy.com
O BELLA AESTHETICS
2150 Association Drive, Ste. 240
Okemos, MI 48864
www.obellacenter.com
SECUR ALARM SYSTEMS INC
112 54th lot SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
www.securemichigan.com
LALLY GROUP, PC
11966 Stillwater Drive
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
www.lallycpa.com
UNION HOME MORTGAGE
LIFE CARE SLEEP DIAGNOSTICS
7200 W Saginaw St
Lansing, MI 48917
www.lifecaresleep.com
3191 W Stoll Rd
Lansing, MI 48906
411 W. Lake Lansing Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823
www.unmo.com
Chamber Milestones
We’d like to offer a special salute to these great organizations that
reached milestone anniversaries as Chamber members this month.
Thank you for your continued support through the years!
GRANGER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
55 years
LORANN OILS, INC.
20 years
TELAMON CORPORATION
10 years
GREENE WEALTH MANAGEMENT
10 years
CHRISTINE A. TENAGLIA
10 years
CAPITAL INTERNAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATES, P.C.
10 years
THREE UNIQUE VENUES • RECEPTION SEATING FOR UP TO 1,000
CAMPBELL INC. PRESS REPAIR
Treasure one of the most unforgettable events in your life, a day when everything
10 years
should be perfect, from the opening toast to farewell goodbyes. Let our professional
DIMONDALE NURSING CARE CENTER
Wedding Coordinator handle all the details so you can truly experience the moment.
5 years
Call our Wedding Coordinator at 517-884-8127 to learn more.
KELLOGG HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER | HUNTINGTON CLUB | THE MSU UNION
70909FocusMagazineAd.indd 1
8/12/15 3:16 PM
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce members have unparalleled access to their company and staff profiles on the LRCC website. To access and update
this information at any point, visit www.lansingchamber.org and enter your username and password. If you have not yet logged into the
site, please follow the simple password reset instructions. Call (517) 487-6340 with any questions.
FOCUS
3887 Okemos Rd, A1
Okemos, MI 48864
www.autismcentersmi.com
MAPS BUSINESS TRAINING
107 S Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933
www.glazedandconfusedbakery.com
5
NOVEMBER 2015
4655 E. Willoughby Rd.
Holt, MI 48842
www.americanflooringllc.com
Government Relations
LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER APPLAUDS NEW
CITY OF LANSING COLLECTION BIN ORDINANCE
T
he Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has called a new
collection bin ordinance in the City of Lansing a positive solution that
will benefit both local charitable organizations as well as business owners
in the city. The collection bin ordinance was given final approval on October 26
by the Lansing City Council.
“The collection bin ordinance provides common sense regulations, accountability
and proper protocols for collection bins throughout the city,” said Steve Japinga,
LRCC director of government relations. “We would particularly like to thank
Councilwomen Carol Wood and A’Lynne Boles for their leadership in resolving
this issue in such a positive manner.”
to increase, and in many cases, were placed in front of a business without the
permission of the business owners. In addition, many bins became dumping
grounds for a variety of furniture and household items, creating unsightly
conditions throughout the city.
“It was frustrating for many business owners when they had difficulty getting a
response from bin owners when the bins were overflowing, needed to be cleanedup or replaced,” said Japinga. “This ordinance will put a sound procedure in place
to guard against these problems in the future.”
FOCUS
Charity donation bins that appear around the city are intended to collect
donations for charitable organizations. Over time, the number of bins began
NOVEMBER 2015
6
LEAP, MEDC TO ANNOUNCE INITIATIVE IN
SOUTHWEST LANSING
GRASSROOTS ACTION PLAN TO INSPIRE HOPE AND EXPAND
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN SOUTHWEST LANSING
T
he State of Michigan Governor’s Office and Michigan Economic
Development Corporation (MEDC) are taking on at-risk and
underserved areas across Michigan. Thanks to a grant of $50,000 from
the MEDC to LEAP, the regional agency is launching a new initiative that will
look to empower community and business stakeholders in the southwest area of
the City of Lansing to come together in shared vision and to drive forward an
economic action plan.
“Through this effort we look forward to seeing this neighborhood become more
economically sound and help revitalize the entire community,” said MEDC
Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood. “In entrusting these funds to our
Collaborative Development Council regional partner LEAP, we are confident
that this grant will help to be an economic foundation for southwest Lansing.”
After considering multiple areas across the three counties of Clinton, Eaton
and Ingham, the MEDC and LEAP selected the southwest area within the
City of Lansing as the most suitable for this grassroots revitalization approach.
LEAP will be engaging a consultant to conduct a study to understand economic
opportunities while conducting extensive community engagement to formulate
an action plan for this area. An inclusive steering committee of southwest
Lansing stakeholders will soon be convened to lead the effort.
“This new initiative that LEAP has crafted provides much needed resources to
support important capacity-building in an area that has some serious challenges
but also an amazing asset in its diversity,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO
of LEAP. “We are going beyond conventional economic development here to
try to affect real positive change in an area that has not seen enough positive
development in recent years.”
“I’m very pleased to see LEAP leading the way on this project to explore new
opportunities for economic growth and job creation on Lansing’s southwest side,”
said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. “Lansing’s Third Ward has great citizens who
are eager to get involved and great potential to attract new investment through
a coordinated community effort led by LEAP. It is the right effort in the right
place at the right time.”
“This initiative is much needed. I am confident it’s going to to make a big
difference in our continued efforts to improve southwest Lansing, the city, and
the region,” said Third Ward Councilmember, A’Lynne Boles.
Government Relations
LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER
CALLS INGHAM HEALTH PLAN
COMPROMISE BENEFICIAL FOR
COUNTY TAXPAYERS
T
he Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) called an agreement
involving the distribution of funds from the Ingham County Health Services
Millage a positive step forward for taxpayers of Ingham County. The
agreement over the millage includes provisions that will save Ingham County
taxpayers approximately $1 million in 2016. The compromise was approved by the
Ingham County Commissioners on Tuesday night, October 27.
“We consider an important part of our role as an advocate for the business community
in the region is to serve as a watchdog for how our units of government are managing
their funds,” said Steve Japinga. “We will continue to be diligent in our efforts to
fight for proper fiscal management in the public sector and to protect the interests of
hard working business people and taxpayers in the region.”
Welcome Wherever You Go
Whether your business takes you nationwide
or worldwide, depend on your MSUFCU
Platinum Resource Visa Credit Card.
Apply today.
www.msufcu.org/business • 517-333-2365
Platinum Resource Visa Credit Card account available to Michigan-based businesses only.
All loans are subject to credit approval. Origination or other fees may apply.
Michigan Supreme Court Justice David Viviano met with local business
leaders recently in a roundtable held September 30 at the Lansing
Regional Chamber of Commerce. Viviano spoke with Chamber members
about his work on improving service and driving change and efficiencies
throughout the Michigan court system. Justice David Viviano is the
109th Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. He was appointed by
Governor Rick Snyder in 2013 and elected to complete the remainder
of his term in 2014. He is the Supreme Court’s point-person for judicial
training and statewide e-filing.
7
NOVEMBER 2015
The Health Services Millage was approved by Ingham County voters in November
2014 to provide basic healthcare services county residents who are not eligible
for Medicaid under the Federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since the launch
of ACA and Medicaid expansion, the need for the funds dropped dramatically,
and enrollment in the Ingham Health Plan (IHP) declined by 90 percent. The
negotiated compromise will allow IHP to continue to provide services to low income
residents while ensuring proper controls between Ingham County and IHP.
FOCUS
“We applaud the Ingham County Board of Commissioners for its efforts in
negotiating what we think is a reasonable and fair plan,” said LRCC president &
CEO Tim Daman. “We appreciate the willingness of commissioners to work with
us to achieve a resolution we feel is beneficial for taxpayers.”
Focus On Small Business
EIGHTFOLD CREATIVE ADDS
VALUE TO LANSING ART SCENE
EXQUISITE
Award Winning
Intelligent playful
IDENTITY clean
Advertising
media
RADIO
print ads
Magazines
BROCHURES
strategy group
Leadership
Websites
billboards
Experience Copy Writing
Posters
EDGY ZEN
color MEDIA Sketching
Branding insane
Creativity ART
COOL
fun story
designmarketing
research
OUTSIDE THE BOX
BRAINSTORM
CRAZY
HARd
woRk
Professional
illustration
flow THEORYnarrative
passion
Collaboration
RESULTS
DIGITALpubliShing
Media
print Social
photography
WEB EVENTS IDEAS
guerrilla marketing
television
Commercials
creative writing
ready
Awesome Ridiculous
Concepts
CODE
O InspIRATIOn energetic emotional
Perfection
M
G
GREAT
clients
COFFEE FUELED
Determined
BRAnD FORwARD
FOCUS
WITH M3
NOVEMBER 2015
8
Nick Stachurski, Eightfold Creative Owner.
“T
he platform that Lansing provides to small
businesses has allowed Eightfold Creative
to get its roots and become a part of a city that is
really pulsing,” said owner Nick Stachurski.
Eightfold Creative is a cinematic commercial
production company located in the heart of
Lansing. Inspired by the idea of telling other
peoples’ stories through film, Stachurski joined
with Ryan Sundberg to create Eightfold Creative.
Stachurski began developing commercials as a
student at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad
School of Business. Through the entrepreneurial
program that the school provides, Stachurski saw
how these side projects could foster into a full-time
business.
With help from East Lansing’s The Hatch, an
organization sponsored by Michigan State
University Federal Credit Union, Eightfold
Creative was founded. In addition to The
Hatch’s assistance, the Lansing Economic Area
Partnership (LEAP) was a vital supporter in laying
the foundation of the company.
The company focuses specifically on creating
experiences from pre-to post-production that
engages clients in the theatrical filming process.
Eightfold Creative specializes in transcribing their
clients’ ideas, values and culture, and making them
come alive on-screen. Equipped with the latest
and best cinema production technology, the RED
Epic Dragon, Eightfold Creative is one of the only
companies in mid-Michigan to provide the highest
standard of quality to its clients.
“With every company we work with, our goal is to
create a piece that explains who they are and what
they represent,” said Stachurski. “We sit down with
the management of the organization and explain
how we can solve problems together to come up
with a creative solution through video production.”
The company holds a strong belief in allowing
each individual involved to explore and pursue
his or her own path to success. This creates
an open environment for the flow of ideas and
implementation of creative expression.
“In the city of Lansing, the arts are beginning to
thrive which puts us in an optimal position to put
new energy back into the city and interact with this
community,” said Stachurski.
With motivation to maintain a strong reputation,
provide opportunities that allow everyone within
the company to be successful, and make Eightfold
Creative into a national or even global brand, the
team expects business to soar over the next decade.
group
BRAND FORWARD
W I T H C R E AT I V I T Y
At M3 Group, we have the creative
services you need to move your
brand forward.
As a full-service branding agency,
we are here to support, train,
consult, create and guide you on
your next big adventure.
Check out what we can do for
your brand at m3group.biz.
“There is nothing more fulfilling than watching
a client or partner be amazed by the work we do,”
said Stachurski. “That’s why we do what we do and
love what we do.”
For more information about Eightfold Creative or
to view some of the company’s outstanding work,
visit eightfold-creative.com.
M3 G R O U P
BRA ND FO R WA R D
517.203.3333 | www.m3group.biz
Economic Club
MAMMOTH CHALLENGES AND GREAT
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STATE DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
I
f life’s most difficult challenges can open the door to
great opportunities, than the job of reshaping the largest
department in state government may deliver results that
could lead to a healthier Michigan. That certainly is the
hope of Nick Lyon, director of the Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and all of that
agency’s 14,000 employees. Lyon was the keynote speaker
at the Lansing Economic Club on September 17.
“This is where our biggest opportunity and our biggest challenges are for
the future,” said Lyon.
MDHHS was created as a result of combining the
Departments of Human Services and the Department of
Community Health. Getting a grip on all the programs
and restructuring them so they are properly aligned with
the people they serve is a daunting task, but one that Lyon
told the Economic Club audience should result in more
efficiencies in the delivery of services.
“We have to figure out how we can prevent people from going down the
road of unhealthy living in the first place,” said Lyon.
9
NOVEMBER 2015
Nick Lyon
During his tenure in state government, Lyon has been involved in a
number of key health initiatives including the successful implementation
and management of the Healthy Michigan Plan, as well as the
advancement of Health Information Technology in the state of Michigan.
FOCUS
As far as controlling health care costs, Lyon said the greatest longterm impact will be emphasizing wellness, noting that 31 percent of
Michiganders are obese and that childhood obesity is on the rise. Lyon
said emphasizing wellness represents the greatest opportunity for
businesses to control their health care costs.
Member News
SPARROW’S STELLA
CASH RECEIVES
2015 SPARTAN HERO
AWARD FROM MSU
ALUMNI CLUB
FOCUS
S
NOVEMBER 2015
10
tella Cash, Sparrow’s Vice
President of Development
and Strategic Partnerships,
will receive the 2015 Spartan
Hero Award from the MidMichigan Spartans Alumni Club
in recognition of the outstanding
contributions she has made to
Michigan State University.
Cash is part of the Sparrow
Foundation Board of Directors
and has held numerous offices
for many state and national
organizations. She retired from
MSU in 2010 after a 35-year
career as Director of Dietetics in
the Department of Food Science
and as Interim Vice President
of Alumni Engagement. Cash
is an outstanding example of
Stella Cash receiving the Lansing Regional
Sparrow’s service to the midChamber ATHENA Award in 2012.
Michigan region and their strong
partnership with MSU. Stella is a member of the Board of Directors of the
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“When we came to MSU, MSU gave us the environment in which to succeed.
Then to be asked to come to Sparrow in a totally new environment showed me
the faith that people have in me, and for that I am truly grateful,” said Cash. “It
has allowed me and my husband of 53 years, Dr. Jerry Cash, to help ensure our
community has the best that it needs in every way possible.”
Presented annually since 2012, the Spartan Hero Award honors those who have
made significant contributions, including volunteer efforts and financial support,
to MSU and the Mid-Michigan Spartans Alumni Club. The Mid-Michigan
chapter is the regional club of the national MSU Alumni Association for alumni
and friends of Michigan State University living in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton
counties.
“The distinguishing characteristic is the recognition of the whole set of diverse
contributions the candidate has made to the Spartan Nation and to society
in general,” said Carole Lick, MSU Trustee Emeritus and a Mid-Michigan
Spartans member who serves on the Spartan Crystal Ball Committee.
䰀愀渀猀椀渀最 ∠ 䐀攀琀爀漀椀琀 ∠ 䜀爀愀渀搀 刀愀瀀椀搀猀
昀爀愀猀攀爀氀愀眀昀椀爀洀⸀挀漀洀
Walk-in services for:
» Treatment of minor injuries and illnesses
» Basic lab tests
» Camp/sports physicals
» Vaccines
Most insurances accepted. Co-pays apply.
» High deductible plan or no insurance?
Only Sparrow offers this level of care
at an affordable price.
Patients must be 18 months or older. Some age restrictions apply for select services.
Choose Your Treatment Options Wisely
For emergency care, on-site X-rays, stitches or treatment for broken bones,
please visit a Sparrow Urgent Care or a Sparrow Hospital Emergency Room.
Choose Wisely. Choose Sparrow.
Sparrow FastCare Frandor
Another Sparrow FastCare
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Christmas
Closed 2-2:30 p.m. for lunch
opens November 2, 2015
107 N. Washington Square, Lansing
Located near Kositchek’s
716 N. Clippert Street, Lansing
Located near Medawar Jewelers
517.253.4000 Sparrow.org/FastCare
11
NOVEMBER 2015
Sparrow FastCare Frandor offers convenient, affordable health care provided by Sparrow
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. And you don’t have to be a Sparrow Patient
to come in—just someone who wants exceptional care without the wait.
FOCUS
Health care at the speed of life
FOCUS
2015 CELEBRATION
OF REGIONAL
GROWTH AWARDS
INDUSTRY AND
GLOBAL LEADERS
OCTOBER 2015
12
FIVE
corporations
that have made
major investments
in the Greater
Lansing region will be honored for their
contributions to the community at the 10th
Annual Celebration of Regional Growth
Awards (CORG) sponsored by the Lansing
Regional Chamber of Commerce. The
CORG awards will be presented during
the Lansing Economic Club luncheon, held
on Thursday, November 19 at the MSU
Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. This
year’s honorees include: Dart Container
Corporation, Jackson National Life Insurance,
Magna International, TOC Logistics and Port
Lansing (International Trade Award) and
Triton Industries.
“These organizations have combined to invest
more than $230 million in recent expansion
projects creating more than 2,000 new jobs
in our region,” said Tim Daman, president
and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of
Commerce. “This year’s CORG honorees are
reflective of our region’s world leadership
in the 21st century knowledge economy,
advanced manufacturing and global trade.”
Since its inception in 2006, CORG has
recognized 56 organizations that have
invested more than $2 billion in the regional
economy.
DART CONTAINER CORPORATION
The Dart story begins with a small machine shop in Mason, Michigan established in 1937.
This modest business prospered through the manufacture of such products as key cases,
steel tape measures, and ID tags for the armed services. Experimentation with expandable
polystyrene in the late 1950s led to a line of high-quality insulated foam cups, and in 1960,
Dart Container Corporation was born.
Today, Dart is one of the largest manufacturers of single-use foodservice packaging. In 2012,
Dart purchased Solo Cup Company for $1 billion, a move that led to Dart’s $60 million
expansion and renovation of its headquarters in Mason.
“We are excited that our growth has expanded employment opportunities on our Mason
campus, where our founders launched our company more than 50 years ago,” said Dart
President Jim Lammers. “Michigan is a great state for us because we can attract and retain
employees with diverse skills and strong work ethics. We are thrilled that the growth of our
company has created hundreds of new administrative, engineering, technology and skilled
trade jobs.”
A CELEBRATION OF
REGIONAL GROWTH
The Lansing Regional Chamber
is proud to recognize these fifty
six organizations over the past ten
years that collectively represent
more than $2 billion in economic
investment in the Greater Lansing
region:
2015: Dart Container Corporation,
Jackson National Life Insurance,
Magna International, TOC
Logistics International and Triton
Industries.
With Dart adding 500 jobs locally since the Solo purchase, the company now
has 15,000 employees and more than 40 plants, distribution centers and offices
worldwide.
“The thoughts, skills and efforts of our employees are key to our success,”
Lammers said. “Dart is a company with thousands of talented people
worldwide—but we’re always proud to call mid-Michigan home.”
JACKSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE
Jackson National Life Insurance Company® (Jackson®) has completed a
$100-million, 230,000-square-foot expansion at its Lansing campus that
is as impressive as Jackson’s rise to the top of its industry. The expansion
of the company headquarters near Okemos Road and I-96 also includes a
46,000-square-foot Conference Center and a state-of-the-art 14,000-squarefoot Dining Center.
Jackson’s expansion is the latest in a series of major investments in the region,
including opening two data centers and a new office in downtown East
Lansing, known as the Jackson Development Zone, which provides flexible, part-time jobs for local college students. In
the past 15 years, Jackson’s local workforce has grown from 1,000 associates to nearly 2,600.
“Jackson has called mid-Michigan home for the past 55 years, and in addition to the gratitude we have for our customers,
we owe much of our success to the support of the surrounding community and the people who have made Jackson what
it is today,” said James Sopha, Jackson president. “This expansion allows us to continue to provide exceptional service for
our clients while investing in our dedicated, talented associates and our community.”
What began as a family-owned company in 1961 has evolved into a diversified retirement services powerhouse with a
long and successful track record. Jackson has established itself as the largest seller of individual annuities in the United
States. The company now holds more than $200 billion in assets.
“We’re very proud of that growth and the contribution our success has provided for the Greater Lansing region,” said John
Brown, Jackson vice president for public policy and communications.
Jackson’s new facility is designed for a minimum Energy Star rating of 80 from the Environmental Protection Agency,
placing it in the top 20 percent of most energy efficient buildings in the United States.
2013: Agro-Culture Liquid
Fertilizer, Emergent BioSolutions,
Eyde Company, IDV Solutions,
Plas Labs, Inc.
2012: Bekum, Broad Art Museum,
Capital Steel and Wire, Inc.
Lansing Board of Water and Light,
Netvantage Marketing
13
2011: Air Lift, Biggby Coffee,
Dowding Industries Inc., Gillespie
Group
2010: Accident Fund Insurance,
Dean Transportation, HRU
Technical Resources, Neogen
2009: East Lansing Technology
Innovation Center, FRIB, General
Motors, Granger, Green Stone,
Jackson Insurance, Lansing Board
of Water and Light
2008: Delta Dental, Capital
Regional International Airport,
Mahle, Niowave, Two Men and a
Truck, Wharton Center
2007: Auto-Owners Insurance,
Christman, Demmer Corporation,
Meijer, MSUFCU, Peckham,
Wieland-Davco
2006: Emergent BioSolutions,
Gestamp, Ingham Regional
Medical Center, Liquid Web Inc.,
Neogen, Sparrow, Spartan Motors,
TechSmith
NOVEMBER 2015
The corporate expansion includes a 144,000-square-foot office building; a
20,000-square-foot fitness center and 17,000-square-foot dining center; and a
500,000-square-foot state-of-the-art warehouse.
FOCUS
2014: TWO MEN AND A
TRUCK®/International, Hayes
Green Beech Memorial Hospital/
AL!VE, Hope Soccer Complex,
Michigan State University
Bioengineering Building and
Michigan Veneer ,
TOC LOGISTICS
INTERNATIONAL/PORT
LANSING (INTERNATIONAL
TRADE AWARD)
TOC Logistics, headquartered in
Indianapolis, has a global footprint
covering over 100 countries
worldwide. In 2013, TOC opened
a 48,000-square-foot logistics office
and Foreign Trade Zone Warehouse
at the Port Lansing Global Logistics
Centre at Capital Region International
Airport.
TOC recently announced plans to
launch a new service utilizing the
Container Freight Station (CFS) at
Port Lansing. TOC will be importing
container freight from Europe on a biweekly basis, with weekly service likely
to begin in a few months.
FOCUS
MAGNA INTERNATIONAL
NOVEMBER 2015
14
The importance to the regional economy of General Motors and its widespread
network of suppliers is underscored by the decision of Magna International to
expand its Lansing area presence with a new parts plant.
Magna recently opened DexSys, a new greenfield facility on Mount Hope
Highway in Delta Township. The $75-million, 290,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art injection molding and robotic paint line facility will employ
approximately 340 people at full production. The plant produces front and rear
fascias for several vehicles within the General Motors line-up, including the
Cadillac ATS, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.
“I want to thank Delta Township and the State of Michigan for their ongoing
support and collaboration on this
project,” said Magna Exteriors president
Grahame Burrow. “They have helped
make it possible for us to come here and
establish this world-class operation, and
we are excited for the opportunity to
support our customer General Motors
from this new facility.”
The local plant is expected to turn out
1 million parts each year for GM. At
its peak, the factory can support three
shifts on its injection molding line
and two shifts for paint and assembly
operations.
Including DexSys, Magna has
24 manufacturing operations and
approximately 9,000 employees in
Michigan.
“As global competition increases,”
Burrow said, “the new Delta Township
facility can be expanded to meet
increasing demand from GM and other
manufacturers.”
“TOC Logistics International is pleased
to partner with Port Lansing to
launch the CFS and provide our existing customer base a new service that will
improve their Midwest operations,” said Gary Cardenas, TOC founder and
president. “We are confident this service will also lead to new customers that
are searching for alternatives to the congestions at traditional freight hubs.”
Port Lansing has marketed itself as an attractive alternative for importers
and exporters frustrated with trying to move cargo through larger airports in
Chicago and Detroit. TOC Logistics has a global team supporting its Port
Lansing operation, including customs brokers, supply chain engineers and
traditional freight forwarding operators. TOC says its supplier consolidation
programs into the NAFTA Corridor (the United States, Canada and Mexico)
from Europe and Asia save its clients millions of dollars a year.
“Port Lansing is the perfect location for us to assist current and new clients with
Foreign Trade Zone services and other global
logistics and supply chain solutions to optimize
their logistics activities,” said Cardenas.
TRITON INDUSTRIES, INC.
(MANITOU)
Patience, tenacity, relentless research, and
breakthrough thinking have been hallmarks of
Triton Industries, which recently celebrated its
30th anniversary. The maker of Manitou Pontoon
Boats, already lauded for remarkable innovation
in its existing line of pontoon boats, marked its
anniversary by announcing two game-changing
products. The new X-Plode and Legacy LT,
literally 30 years in the making, are all Fiberglass,
from the deck up, something that has been
engineered without adding any significant weight.
“We were in need of a much larger manufacturing facility for our pontoon boats, yet
we felt it was important to remain in the Lansing area because of our rich history
here and our people,” said Van Wagenen. “A company can’t be as quality-oriented as
we are without having a great workforce.”
In the next two years, Manitou expects to add 40 jobs because of growing demands
for its products. Company revenues are up 60 percent since 2007.
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15
NOVEMBER 2015
To facilitate its rapid growth, Manitou recently purchased a 141,700-squarefoot industrial building plus 10 acres of property on Lowell Road in Watertown
Township. The $4 million expansion will more than triple Manitou’s existing space.
FOCUS
“When we started 30 years ago, I never dreamed
the pontoon boat would evolve to the point we’ve
reached today,” said Scott VanWagenen, president
of Manitou. “With our new LT and XT offerings,
we have pushed the envelope even further,
totally blurring the line between pontoons and
runabouts.”
Membership Services
FOCUS
2015-16 LEADERSHIP LANSING
PROGRAM UNDERWAY
NOVEMBER 2015
16
Tim Daman, president and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, welcomed participants to
the first Leadership Lansing workshop.
T
he inaugural Leadership Lansing cohort is underway. 35 participants from a broad cross section of
organizations met for the first time October 12 and 13. The initial meeting included an evening dinner
at the Crowne Plaza West where participants enjoyed networking time and took a “trip” through some of
Greater Lansing’s history.
The Tuesday workshop included a greeting from Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO
Tim Daman, who gave an overview of the Chamber’s role in the region. A special feature of each Leadership
Lansing workshop is called Lunch With a Leader, featuring a leader in the Greater Lansing region. The October
speaker, David Eich from Consumers Mutual Insurance, talked about the importance of the choices leaders must
make in their lives.
Participants spent a good portion of the October workshop assessing their own personal strengths and learning
how they can more effectively leverage those strengths in their everyday work as leaders. The day concluded with
a field trip to the historic Turner Dodge House in Old Town.
Future workshops will focus on government, education, insurance, health care, the entrepreneurial spirit of the
region and home grown businesses, and the cultural gems that help make for a great quality of life in our region.
The challenges of motivating
team members in the millennial
generation brought more than
60 Lansing Chamber members
together for a very informative
workshop. How to Motivate Millennials was the latest program
in the Chamber’s Business Education Series. The workshop was
taught by Tom Donaldson, Capital
Region Director, Michigan Small
Business Development Center.
The program covered topics including what motivates millennial
employees, what strategies can
employers use to keep younger
employees engaged, earn their
trust and get the most productivity out of them.
David Eich of Consumers Mutual Insurance spoke to
the Leadership Lansing group about the importance
of the choices they make and the encounters they
have in life.
Ross Woodstock
Executive and Professional Coaching
Kolt Communications
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Helping ORGANIZATIONS Grow.
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NOVEMBER 2015
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PEOPLE NEWS
NOVEMBER 2015
18
The three recipients of the 2015 LAFCU
Women Helping Educate Every Lady
scholarships are all mothers – one will be a
grandmother soon – and are keenly aware that a
college education is needed in today’s workforce
environment. They put their education on hold
for their families and have struggled because
of the lack of a degree or career education. But
now, it’s their time. The winners are Yvette
Donahue, Holt; Elsa Gallegos, Lansing;
and Michelle Cunningham, Owosso. Each
received a $1,000 scholarship to attend Lansing
Community College this fall.
Bassily
Sparrow Ionia Hospital is
pleased to announce Internal
Medicine Physician Tiffany
Bassily, D.O., has joined
the medical staffs of Sparrow
Medical Group Ionia and
Sparrow Medical Group
Saranac.
Fraser Trebilcock attorney Michael S.
Ashton has been named the Best Lawyers in
America© “Lawyer of the Year” in Lansing.
Orthopedic Surgeon Jason Cochran, D.O.,
at Sparrow, now provides an alternative to
traditional hip replacement surgery, featuring
a smaller incision and quicker recovery time.
Dr. Cochran is among the few Physicians in
Michigan – and among the first in the midMichigan region - performing direct anterior
approach hip replacement. The procedure allows
surgeons to make a smaller incision on the front
of the hip and move aside muscle rather than cut
through it, to place the prosthesis.
Truscott Rossman, Michigan’s top public
relations and strategic communications firm
with offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing and
Detroit, has hired Allie Walker as senior
account executive.
Bekum America
Corporation proudly
announces the promotion of
Sebastian Rainer to the
position of after sales manager,
with the responsibility for
service, spare parts, machine
Rainer
rebuild/remanufacturing
projects and customer training.
AndersonHarrell
MSU Federal Credit
Union is pleased to announce
the recent addition of
Whitney M. AndersonHarrell to its executive team
as the vice president of sales
and financial education.
Three months after its
launch, a new medication
management program led by
a Physicians Health Plan
clinical pharmacist is already
saving lives and improving
the health of patients in the
Wahawisan
mid-Michigan region. Joy
Wahawisan, Pharm. D., BCPS, launched
the program in July with a Sparrow Brunch
with a Doctor event, “10 Tips and Tricks to Get
the Most out of Your Medications.” The goal
was to educate patients in the proper use and
interactions of prescription and over-the-counter
medications and supplements.
Liquid Web, Inc., a leading provider of
professional web hosting and managed cloud
services headquartered in Lansing has just
announced the hiring of executive Terry Flood
as the company’s new chief financial officer.
Sarah Coleman has joined ASTI
Environmental’s Industrial Compliance team,
which has doubled in size since 2013. Sarah
will be helping manufacturers, automotive
suppliers and chemical companies prepare
Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure,
Storm Water Pollution Prevention and Pollution
Incident Prevention Plan.
The Greater Lansing
Convention and Visitors
Bureau bids farewell to
vice president of finance
and administration, Mike
Zumbaugh, CTA, CDME.
After 24 years of employment
Zumbaugh
with the organization, Mike
has accepted a position with the CVB in
Irving, Texas.
Carol Pickott,
BSN, RN, of
Dimondale has
been recognized
by Sparrow
Clinton
Hospital for her
special nursing
skills, earning
the hospital’s first
DAISY Award.
Sponsored by
The DAISY Foundation, the DAISY Award
is an international program that rewards and
celebrates the extraordinary, compassionate and
skillful care given by nurses every day.
Paul Szkilnyk is the newest member to ASTI
Environmental’s Site Redevelopment Services
(SRS) team. Szkilnyk will be assisting SRS
with the implementation of lead-based paint,
asbestos and radon assessment programs, as well
as providing field oversight during drilling, soil
removal and other remediation activities.
The GLCVB and Lansing Center announced
staffing structure changes at the convention
center that are sure to turn the heads of
customers and competitors alike. Effective
immediately, the role of Lansing Center’s vice
president of sales and marketing will change
to vice president of sales and services, enabling
several key customer service delivery personnel
to fall under the leadership of the sales
department. The newly created role is filled by
Gus Pine, who, until now, held the position of
overseeing sales and marketing for the Lansing
Center.
Burcham Hills has named
Abdullah Masood director
of risk and safety, responsible
for overseeing programs,
policies and training to
ensure compliance and reduce
risks, as well as collaborate
Masood
with external agencies on
emergency preparation and response.
The certified public accounting firm of Maner
Costerisan is pleased to announce the addition
of Marianna M. Colpean to their team of
professionals. Colpean joins the firm as an
associate in the firm’s audit department.
C2AE employee Brett Dodge, PS has been
recommended, accepted, and confirmed to be
appointed Chair of the Michigan Society of
Professional Surveyors Legislative Committee.
This position also gets a seat on the ACEC
Members On The Move
Diederich
Bair
Engel
Kathleen Bair, Sparrow’s
director of magnet and
nursing excellence, has been
honored with the 2015 Recent
Graduate Achievement Award
from the Michigan State
University College of Nursing
Alumni Association.
Naeyaert
Malmquist
The following
agents are
brand new
to Coldwell
Banker
Hubbell
BriarWood:
Fields
Wali
Holly Gibbs
Engel (Okemos office), Robin Naeyaert
(Okemos office), Cynthia Malmquist
(Okemos office), Brad Fields (Delta office)
and Penny Wali (East Lansing office).
Beer lovers and foodies
unite, Lansing Brewing
Company’s new chef is
bringing unique flavoring to
mid-Michigan. Christopher
Carrington leads Lansing
Brewing Company as the
Carrington
head chef when the brewing
company reopens in October after 100 years. He
will oversee all kitchen operations, including a
new mouthwatering menu.
Fraser Trebilcock is pleased
to announce that Paul V.
McCord has joined the firm
as a shareholder.
McCord
Capital Area Michigan
Works! chief compliance
officer, Carrie Rosingana,
has been promoted to chief
operating officer. CAMW!
CEO, Edythe HatterWilliams, has been appointed
Rosingana
to represent Michigan on
the Great Lakes Employment and Training
Association board.
Rucinski
Wilson
Tri-Star Trust Bank, with
offices in Lansing, Saginaw,
Frankenmuth, and Midland,
announced that Rocco
Rucinski has become its
business development officer
of the Greater Lansing Office.
Deidra A. Wilson, MPH,
has been named vice president
of government relations for
McLaren Health Care
Corporation. She officially
began the position on
September 21 and is based
in Lansing.
Knight’s pick. Safe Water is an app that will
notify the user of how clean and safe the water
is in their location. Sandwich Case won the
Judge’s Award. Sandwich Case is a merger of a
phone case and a Swiss Army knife.
Fraser Trebilcock attorney
Brian T. Gallagher has been
appointed to serve as Chair
of the Employee Benefits
Committee of the State Bar of
Michigan Taxation Section.
Gallagher
Fraser Trebilcock attorney
Graham K. Crabtree has
been selected as the 2015
Michigan Defense Trial
Counsel Volunteer of the Year.
Crabtree
Grand River Connection, a young
professionals organization has elected its 201516 Board of Directors: Brian Gallagher,
president (Fraser Trebilcock); Pete Brown,
secretary (Gallagher Law Firm); Olivia Edgar,
CPA, treasurer (Accident Fund Holdings);
Tyler Dyke, vice president and chair of
networking programs (State of Michigan);
Andrea Ragan, vice president and chair
of special events (Capital Area IT Council);
Hannah Leibinger, communications
chair (Piper and Gold); Stephanie Collier,
sponsorship and finance chair (Northwestern
Mutual); Katherine Becsey, membership
chair (Michigan State senate); and Andrea
Kerbuski, media chair (Martin Waymire).
The Mason Optimist Club has
selected Fraser Trebilcock
attorney Gary C. Rogers as
its 2015 Volunteer of the Year.
Dewpoint, a leading provider of technology
consulting and implementation solutions, is
pleased to welcome several new employees
to Lansing: Luis Vigil, technical architect
security; Rick (Guillermo) Gomez, systems
engineer; Eric Miller, systems engineer; Joe
Poniatowski, program manager; Robert
Linnan, senior program manager; Lori
Pelleran (Miller), senior program manager;
Jamie Trierweiler, business analyst; Justin
Palm, desktop engineer; and Connie Lyon,
business analyst.
Rogers
Lansing Economic Area Partnership
(LEAP) announced the two winning new
businesses that resulted from the hard work and
dedication of entrepreneurs at the second annual
Startup Weekend: Maker Edition, held Friday,
Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015. Safe
Water won the Mayor & LCC President, Dr.
Sparrow Physicians Health Plan Board
Chair James Butler III (U.S. Army –Retired)
has received the prestigious Courage and Valor
Award for Distinguished Military Service from
the Michigan Congressional Black Caucus
Delegation for service to his country during the
Vietnam War.
Foster Swift Attorney John Mashni was
elected to the State Bar of Michigan ACES
Council. This section of the State Bar of
Michigan focuses on art and entertainment law,
both of which are John’s areas of expertise.
FOCUS
Tri-Star Trust Bank
welcomes Jenny Diederich
to its Midland office location.
Diederich joins the Tri-Star
team as receptionist.
A Sparrow cardiologist has been published in
the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine
for his role in a groundbreaking study on an
innovative new pacemaker. John Ip, M.D., one
of the principal investigators of the Sparrow
Clinical Research Institute (SCRI), was among
the first Physicians in the nation to implant the
leadless pacemaker device in February 2014.
Since then, 42 Patients have received the device
through SCRI, and 504 have been successfully
implanted nationwide.
19
NOVEMBER 2015
Legislative Committee (Architects, Engineers,
& Surveyors Legislative Committee).
Members On The Move
FOCUS
ASK is happy to announce the addition of several
new team members and promotions in the
Lansing office. ASK is a leading provider of IT
security, technology consulting and management
services for small to medium sized business in
Mid-Michigan: Scott Freitag, account manager;
John Loveall, project manager; Ryan Soulard,
proactive support; Dustin Bender, accounting;
Andy Langhart, promoted to support desk;
Mike Young, promoted to account manager and
Erik Jacobsen, promoted to sales team lead.
NOVEMBER 2015
20
Terry Lasky, associate
broker, of Coldwell Banker
Hubbell Briarwood has
earned the Coldwell Banker
Previews International*
Property Specialist
designation. To date, only
Lasky
eight percent Coldwell
Banker* sales associates have been awarded
this designation which is designed specifically
for marketing luxury residential properties to
affluent buyers worldwide.
The Eaton RESA Insurance & Risk
Management program and students have already
reaped many benefits with the partnership of
Farm Bureau Insurance. For the past four
years, the program has been housed at the Farm
Bureau Insurance of Michigan Headquarters in
Lansing. In addition, Farm Bureau Insurance
of Michigan furnished the program with a new
state of the art classroom two years ago.
As a company that works extensively
with Brownfield redevelopments, PM
Environmental’s new office in Detroit marks
a significant milestone. It will be the third of its
four offices located in Michigan that has been a
Brownfield project. It will also be the company’s
22nd office nationwide.
COMPANY NEWS
Researchers from Michigan State University
and Sparrow have been awarded $12,000 by
the Sparrow/MSU Center for Innovation and
Research and Science Studies to study what
social and medical factors play a role in patient
recovery and hospital readmissions.
The Detroit Lions announced a partnership
with Michigan Office Solutions, a Xerox
Company, who will be the team’s official print
services provider.
Kuntzsch Solutions is partnering with
Camiros, a national planning firm, to support
the development of Michigan’s first HUDfunded Choice Neighborhoods Plan in the
City of Flint. This program supports the
development of community revitalization
strategies focused on implementation.
Sparrow Hospital has been recognized as one
of the first health care facilities in the nation to
receive both a Blue Distinction® Center and a
Blue Distinction® Center+ designation in the
area of bariatric surgery by the Blue Distinction®
Centers for Specialty Care program of Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Lansing Brewing Company (LBC) was
offering more than just beer before opening
its doors this fall. LBC hosted a career fair on
September 23rd with on-the-spot interviews to
hire 75 employees.
On Sunday, September 13, 2015, MSU Federal
Credit Union (MSUFCU) was proud to join
the Greater Lansing community at the Lansing
State Capitol in supporting the Walk to End
Alzheimer’s. Credit Union volunteers participated
by walking at the event, helping out with the
kids’ table, and donating to the cause. Team
MSUFCU raised $680, contributing to the
walk’s total of over $164,000.
Greater Michigan Construction Academy
has unveiled the newly completed, state-of-theart welding lab that has recently been added to
their Midland training facility location. The lab
was made possible by the support of the Herbert
H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation who granted
a $317,000 donation to build the lab and support
the area students who will utilize it.
Kuntzsch Solutions recently worked with
Ann Arbor SPARK to facilitate project and
grant application development resulting in an
award from the U.S. Economic Development
Administration, which will support the creation
of a Plan for a Connected and Autonomous
Vehicle Development Center at Willow Run
Airport.
T.A. Forsberg, Inc. has been working in
conjunction with Michigan State University,
Lansing Economic Area Partnership, the
Lansing Regional and Mason Chambers of
Commerce as well as Alaiedon Township and
Meridian Township to set up a Food Innovation
District. The Food Innovation District is
working to help build a food, agricultural,
economic and marketing center to help promote
Michigan Food Products in the Lansing Area.
The Food Innovation District is located in
Alaiedon Township, just North of I-96 between
Hulett and Hagadorn Roads. T.A. Forsberg,
Inc. recently held a reception to welcome Janny
MTUS to the area. This is family-owned French
Company that is introducing the Janny MT fresh
food storage bin to growers in Michigan.
The Lansing Economic Area Partnership
and Spartan Innovations hosted The
Hatching, the monthly business pitch
competition event on Thursday, September
24 at Dublin Square in East Lansing. Local
entrepreneurs and supporters attended the
event to cheer on the next big idea they’d like
to see hatch in Lansing. The winning idea was
AddMe, an app that allows users to share contact
information and social media profiles in the click
of a button.
CBRE|Martin is pleased to announce the listing
of 1845 Cedar St. in Holt, Mich., located just
south of Holt Road on the west side of the road.
The owner of the 118,752 SF industrial property
that sits on 14.5 acres is K&K Properties, LLC.
This mixed-use property consists of 99,960 SF
of warehouse space attached to 18,792 SF of
finished office space with a separate entrance.
Sparrow, in collaboration with MSU Sports
Medicine, is excited to announce the opening of
a new sports medicine practice to provide sports
concussion care and acute injury treatment. The
new Sparrow Sports Medicine Practice is located
at the Sparrow Health Science Pavilion, 2900
Hannah Boulevard, Suite B-102, East Lansing.
Davenport University will host the first
annual Michigan Business Professionals of
America (BPA) Middle Level Conference on
February 27, 2016 at the W.A. Lettinga Campus.
Michigan BPA Middle Level provides middle
school students the opportunity to apply acquired
skills while participating in business-related
competitive events. BPA competitions place
emphasis on computer skills, teamwork, research,
and presentation. Students may compete at both
the state and national levels.
CASE Credit Union was recently honored
by the Credit Union National Association
(CUNA) with an Excellence Award. This award
Members On The Move
Davenport University recently received accreditation from the
Commission on Sport Management Accreditation for its Bachelor of
Business Administration in Sport Management.
Foster Swift has added three videos to its collection of Legal Basics
Videos. Foster Swift business attorneys realize entrepreneurs and business
owners have lots of legal questions so they’ve developed a library of short
videos to provide basic legal information on some of the more frequently
asked questions. Based on client requests, the newly released three videos
include: Classifying a Worker: Employee or Independent Contractor?
Record Retention Policies: Advice for Small Businesses and Do it Yourself:
Michigan Small Claims Court.
Pictured above from left to right: Kelli Flynn-Schut,
Samantha Worley, Stephanie Miracle, Dave Kelley,
Lana Smith, Sarah Velez, Krista Lynch, and Jessica
Julian.
CASE Credit Union
employees, led by the
Community Activity
Team, raised $7,878.35
for Give-A-Kid Projects
of Holt, MI. CASE
Credit Union’s learning
and development
manager, Sarah Velez,
presented the check to
Dave Kelley and Lana
Smith, Treasurer and
Trustee from Give-AKid Projects, during
the Credit Union’s
September all-staff
meeting.
Fraser Trebilcock is
proud to announce that
its marketing team took
home the top honor for
the redesign of the law
firm’s website, during
the Legal Marketing
Association Midwest
Chapter’s annual awards
ceremony in Chicago.
CBRE|Martin is pleased to announce the sale of 1000 Ramada Dr., near the
South Pennsylvania/Cedar Street and I-96 interchange on Lansing’s south
side. Bill Snethkamp Automotive Group purchased the 4.19 acre property
from Bill Wentworth, president of Miller Apple Group. Snethkamp plans
to use two of the four acres for a new FIAT studio while also expanding
its automotive lineup by adding Chrysler and Jeep to its existing Dodge
dealership.
Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants has been named one of
Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness, an initiative that recognizes
and celebrates quality and excellence in worksite health. The program
highlights companies that promote a culture of wellness, and those that plan,
implement, and evaluate efforts in employee wellness.
Sparrow Medical Group (SMG) DeWitt, SMG Holt, and SMG St.
Johns received awards for having among the top diabetes care in the state at
the recent Michigan Primary Care Transformation Project Summit.
Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing and Michigan State
University Land Policy Institute are pleased to release results of a
seven-year study examining the relationship between tax auction property
sales, renovations and property prices in Ingham County neighborhoods
between 2008 and 2014. The Land Policy Institute study reports that tax
auction activities play a positive role in neighborhood revitalization.
US Signal, an industry-leading network and cloud-hosting provider, has
announced the addition of Remote Monitoring and Management to its
managed services portfolio.
Sparrow Hospital has been reverified as a Level 1 Trauma Center for
adult and pediatric Patients through 2017 as it continues to provide the
highest level of trauma services in mid-Michigan.
On Monday, October 5,
2015, MSU Federal Credit
Union kicked off its third
year of Blue Mondays at
MSUFCU Headquarters.
Over 200 MSUFCU members
and those from the Greater
Lansing community enjoyed
an evening of music, featuring
trumpeter Brian Lynch.
NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial is pleased to announce the sale
of the property at 132 S. Cedar Street, Mason. This 37,000 sq. ft. multitenant retail center was purchased by South Main Street Investments,
LLC. James Salkiewicz represented the Seller (Feldpausch Realty, LLC)
and Nick Vlahakis represented the Purchaser.
The State of Michigan Governor’s Office and Michigan Economic
Development Corporation (MEDC) are taking on at-risk and
underserved areas across Michigan. Thanks to a grant of $50,000 from
the MEDC to LEAP, the regional agency is launching a new initiative
that will look to empower community and business stakeholders in the
southwest area of the City of Lansing to come together in shared vision
and to drive forward an economic action plan.
MSU Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that it has been
named as one of the top credit unions on the Credit Union Journal’s
2015 Best Credit Unions to Work For list in the “Over $1 Billion in
Assets” category.
FOCUS
McLaren Health Care announced that it has selected Cerner, a global
leader in health care technology, to implement an electronic health record
system including integrated revenue cycle management, along with
population health management solutions, at McLaren’s hospitals and
outpatient facilities throughout Michigan.
Moonsail North, an Okemos-based startup that focuses on storytelling
and strategy to help innovators communicate and grow, welcomes as clients
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, based in Los Altos, Calif., and
San Jose, Calif.-based Educare California at Silicon Valley.
21
NOVEMBER 2015
recognizes outstanding approaches to technology challenges with potential
for universal application across the credit union movement. The award was
presented by CUNA’s Technology Council, a national network comprised of
more than 800 Credit Union technology experts across the United States.
Chamber In Action
T
he Lansing Regional Chamber was pleased to be on hand
for a ribbon cutting celebration for DFCU Financial as they
announced a new business banking product line. DFCU
Financial, with Lansing locations at 1700 Lake Lansing Road, 4510
S. Pennsylvania Avenue and 7525 W. Saginaw Highway, has launched
Business Banking for businesses with annual revenues of less than
$5 million. With a simplified product line and levels of financial
guidance that pace the industry, DFCU Financial is the only financial
institution qualified to meet your short- and long-term banking needs,
and provide financial resources to your business’ best advantage. (From
L to R): Todd Lake, Chamber Ambassador; Mark Shobe, DFCU
Financial President & CEO; Brenda Howell, DFCU; Barb Schram,
Chamber Ambassador; Megan Fleming, M3 Group; Lesli Matukaitis,
DFCU (holding scissors); Veronica Hosford, DFCU; Leslie VanAtten,
DFCU; Steve Schulman, DFCU; Christine Zarkovich, Lansing
Regional Chamber, Michelle Rahl, Lansing Regional Chamber; and
Manny Garcia, Chamber Ambassador.
O
FOCUS
n Monday, September 21, the
Lansing Regional Chamber
was pleased to be a part of
the grand opening and ribbon cutting
celebration for the newly opened
Hibachi Grill & Sushi Buffet #8,
located at 5837 W. Saginaw Highway,
Lansing. The 12,000-square-foot
restaurant seats over 400 and features
more than 250 items buffet items, salad
and dessert bars, fresh sushi and a
Hibachi-style grill. Private rooms are
also available. Owner Li Yong Dong
(holding scissors) was joined by friends,
family and staff as he cut the ribbon for
the new business in Delta Township.
NOVEMBER 2015
22
A
big congratulations is in order for Pam Lynch (holding scissors) and the
team at O!Bella Aesthetics for their grand opening and ribbon cutting
celebration held Wednesday, September 30. The facility, located at 2150
Association Drive, Okemos, uses leading-edge technology to provide aesthetic
techniques such as laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, cosmetic dermal fillers
and more. The opening was hosted by notable on-air radio personality Monica
Harris of 99.1 WFMK with proceeds benefitting Ele’s Place.
T
he Lansing Regional Chamber was pleased to host a ribbon cutting
celebration for the Advance Auto Parts team for their newest store in
the Greater Lansing region located at 7004 South Cedar St., Lansing.
On hand for the celebration included representatives from the Chamber,
Big Lug from the Lansing Lugnuts and Ele’s Place, who accepted at $1000
donation from the Advance Auto Parts team. The celebration included live
music, food, games and more.
NOVEMBER 2015
23
FOCUS
The Stadium District
500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
Lansing, MI 48912
Ph. 517.487.6340
lansingchamber.org
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LANSING, MI
PERMIT NO. 689
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