Dan Calabrese
The State of Beer
After surviving a few false starts, Michigan’s microbreweries are enjoying an explosion of popularity and success. But can the good times last amid evolving regulatory standards, calls for more government oversight, and global competition?
Paradise Lost
A $500-million resort planned for the shorelines of Trenton and Gibraltar, and a neighboring island, was well on its way to being approved until U.S. Rep. John Dingell, key federal regulators, environmental groups, and others used their influence to help drive the development team into bankruptcy.
Match Play
Detroit’s three casinos are tapping new technology and facility upgrades to offset competition, but the advent of online gaming will change the playing field.
May It Please The Client
When a business relies on an attorney to steer it through a legal matter, the stakes are often high. But if the attorney fails to do the job, the cost to the business can be stratospheric.
A Legal Shot
Can a company maintain and build market share by aggressively suing its rivals? Consider the David vs. Goliath legal battle between Birmingham's On Go Energy drink and Farmington Hills's 5-Hour Energy drink.
Delay, Deny, Defend
Do automobile insurance firms operating in Michigan put profits ahead of policyholders by aggressively challenging no-fault accident claims in court or offering low settlement offers, thereby saving millions of dollars in potential payouts? Yes, say accident victims, lawyers, and insurance advocacy experts.
Electric Charge
Recent changes to Michigan’s electrical market, which provided near- monopolistic control to regulated utilities, were designed to help businesses. So why are so many crying foul?
Regulatory Reform
Michigan’s regulatory environment is so onerous
and inefficient that it’s stymieing job creation and revenue
growth. And, ironically, it’s also lowering tax receipts.
The Great Divide
Like two prizefighters circling inside a ring, the east and west sides of Michigan haven’t always seen eye to eye. Competing economic and political agendas play a role, as do envy and distrust. So what would happen if the two sides joined forces?