January 2009
-
The Wireless Office
Fulton Innovations Inc., a technology licensing company based in Ada, near Grand Rapids, has created a product that will rid offices and homes of power cords altogether. It’s called eCoupled technology.
-
The Auto Industry Is Driving Through Hell
A collection of European auto writers with no ties to advertising or advertisers has, for decades, chosen a highly credible and prestigious European Car of the Year.
-
The Whiz Kids of Cerberus
The “merger of equals” had collapsed, unceremoniously, with Chrysler being sold, at a sizable loss, to Cerberus Capital Management.
-
And For Our Next Act …
Detroit and the region have done a great job of hosting international events in recent years, from the 2004 Ryder Cup to the 2008 PGA Championship, both at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township.
-
The Talent Drain
Aggressive competition from abroad, skyrocketing commodity prices, eroding supplier relationships, and a floundering U.S. economy have led to a reversal in fortunes, contributing to massive layoffs and buyouts, declining sales growth, and mounting questions about the auto industry’s long-term viability.
-
The Great Race
The green flag flew at sunrise, and the race was on. Eleven assorted vehicles started, one by one, onto a complex urban course set up on a former U.S. Air Force base in Victorville, Calif.
-
Where Dreams Come True
Executive offices can be highly personalized reflections of individual tastes and careers. But Peter Horbury, executive director of design for Ford of the Americas in Dearborn since 2004, doesn’t let his office define him.
-
Asimo
Fundraising, thanks in large part to the ongoing recession, is becoming increasingly difficult in metro Detroit and across the country.
-
Jim Bieri
President and CEO, Bieri Co., Detroit
-
Instant Karma
Starting a new car company can be a daunting task, but there’s a reason why nearly every vehicle maker — big and small — draws upon the region’s engineering and manufacturing talents: There are simply few other places in the world that offer the same resources.
-
Diamond Hunters
In late January, more than 200 Tigers fans, including a company president, a physician, an auto dealer, a Catholic priest, and a sewage operator will play baseball with members of the 1984 World Champions and other Tigers greats at one of two weeklong fantasy camps in Lakeland, Fla.
-
On the Comeback Trail
For the better part of the 20th century, one of the most storied brand names in the auto industry, Cadillac, was synonymous with quality and luxury.
-
Who’s On Top?
Despite the challenges faced by the Detroit Three automakers, the executive teams contributed mightily to the global economy.
-
Season’s Greetings
On Dec. 18, Strategic Staffing Solutions held a holiday gathering for its employees and distinguished guests in the main dining room at the Detroit Athletic Club.
-
Sergio de Giusti
A few weeks before Jimmie Johnson won the 2008 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series in November, local sculptor Sergio de Giusti got a call from Tim Nasso, vice president of marketing for Dow Automotive in Auburn Hills.
S3 Entertainment Group and Oakland Community College Partner to Offer Hollywood Film Industry Training Program
S3 Entertainment Group (S3EG), a Ferndale, Michigan-based direct provider of the infrastructure necessary for successful film production in the state, and Oakland Community College (OCC), the largest community college system in the State of Michigan, today announced the launch of Film Industry Training (FIT), the premier film industry training program in Michigan.
Inland Pipe Rehabilitation Acquires Underground Technologies
Detroit, Mich.-based Inland Pipe Rehabilitation (IPR), a leading provider of underground rehabilitation solutions, with offices throughout the U.S., has acquired Underground Technologies, Inc, a Knoxville, Tenn.-headquartered, and Houston, Texas established, pipe rehabilitation provider.
The Destruction of America’s Manufacturing Base
“Factory Man” by James E. Harbour with James V. Higgins is a wake-up call for American manufacturers who think their decisions to source jobs offshore is a short-term solution to being globally competitive.
Major Procurement Training & Assessment Force Created as ISM and ADR North America Unite
Two powerhouses of supply management knowledge, learning resources and professional development are joining to create one major force behind training and assessment in procurement.
Wayne Law Review to Host ‘Boundary Waters Treaty Centennial Symposium’ on Feb. 5
The Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 is perhaps the most important bilateral agreement in Canada-U.S. relations. Over the past century, it has provided a foundation for environmental cooperation and equality between the United States and Canada.
The Parade Company President Accepts Position in California – Search Process Begins
Joan A. LeMahieu, President of The Parade Company and Executive Director of the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation has resigned effective February 4, 2009.
Oakland County’s Emerging Sectors Scores 28 Business Successes in 2008
Oakland County’s Emerging Sectors® business development strategy bucked the troubled economy in Michigan and the nation, finishing its best year ever with 38 new or expanding companies, generating nearly a quarter of a billion dollars of new investment and more than 8,400 jobs.
Metro Detroiters Get Hooked on Detroit Fish Market @ Paradise Valley
With the January 8, 2009 opening of the Detroit Fish Market @ Paradise Valley, restaurateur Frank Taylor brings back fresh fish and seafood to downtown Detroit.
Grid4’s CEO road maps cost saving solutions for SMB’s and Future 500’s
Grid4 Communications President and CEO, Chris Hopkins, will offer an action-provoking commentary to the Troy Rotary Club on how to “Future-proof your telecommunications.”
Verizon Wireless Completes Purchase of Alltel; Creates Nation’s Largest Wireless Carrier
Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE LSE: VOD), announced today it has completed its purchase of Alltel Corporation from Atlantis Holdings LLC. Consistent with the terms of the transaction announced on June 5, 2008
Building Owners and Managers Association Elects New Board Leaders
The Building Owners and Managers Association of Metropolitan Detroit (BOMA) has inducted a new leadership team effective January 1, 2009.
-
On the Waterfront
The new Detroit Fish Market, a 170-seat restaurant in Detroit’s Paradise Valley (formerly Harmonie Park), held an opening party on Jan. 7.
ICOTY Jury Announces 2009 International Car of the Year and Truck of the Year
The votes are in, and the 2009 International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) jury announced today the winners at the 13th annual black-tie ceremony held at the MGM Grand Detroit.
The re3 Concept from Johnson Controls Brings Together Innovative Engineering, Sustainable Solutions and Value-Added Amenities
For Johnson Controls, a major goal is finding new opportunities to help its customers succeed by creating “smart” environments.
Johnson Controls Gains U.S. Patents for Wireless Communication System
Officials from Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) today announced that the United States Patent Office has awarded the company two new patents on an innovative, wireless connectivity technology for use in vehicles.
GM, Michigan Tech, ESD to Provide Free Training for MI’s Displaced Auto Engineers
General Motors Corporation, Michigan Technological University and the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) are reaching out to help Michigan’s displaced automotive engineers re-train, re-tool and re-enter the workforce.
James Epolito Named Delta Dental of Michigan President
James C. Epolito will become president of Delta Dental of Michigan in early April. He is currently serving as president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Dassault Systèmes Dominates Automotive Design
Over 80% of 2009 Vehicles Debuting at Detroit Auto Show Designed in CATIA.
Johnson Controls Will Supply Innovative SmartGauge with EcoGuide Instrument Clusters
Officials at Johnson Controls today announced that the company will supply the all-new SmartGauge with EcoGuide product for vehicles produced by Ford Motor Company.
Dassault Systèmes Sponsors Fourth Annual EyesOn Design Competition
Unique Program Celebrates Automotive Design While Benefiting Visually Impaired.
Johnson Controls Delivers Unique, Global Solutions in Sustainable Seating
Johnson Controls can help automakers worldwide respond to growing consumer demand for vehicles that are more “environmentally friendly,” and this capability is reflected in the company’s sustainable seating solutions.
Navistar and Ford Motor Company Reach New Business Agreement
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) have reached an agreement to restructure their ongoing business relationship and settle all existing litigation between the companies.
Free Intellectual Property Primer Offered by Brooks Kushman P.C.
In an effort to inform non-intellectual property (IP) lawyers, businesspeople and potential clients on the ins and outs of IP, Brooks Kushman P.C. – a leading IP and technology law firm based in Southfield, Mich.
JPRA Architects Achieves LEED® Silver Certification for New Office Building in Novi, Michigan
JPRA Architects’ new office building in Novi, Michigan has been awarded LEED® Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Tumultuous Path Ahead for Auto Industry for 2009 says PricewaterhouseCoopers
Following a dispiriting end to 2008, many markets and car producers are expected to continue enduring a tough path in 2009.
Wayne County Backs TechTown with $ 750,000 Grant for Construction
The Wayne County Land Bank has awarded TechTown a $750,000 grant for construction of TechOne, its first business incubator facility.
Cooley to Offer New Advanced Corporate Law and Finance Degree
New program will make Cooley the only law school in the country to offer advanced degrees in corporate, intellectual property and tax law.
Webasto Roof Systems Inc. Continues Their Carbon Footprint Reduction Program with the Help of Amerisource Industrial Supply
Webasto Roof Systems Inc. Rochester Hills Assembly and Livonia Stamping / Roof Preparation facilities are aggressively pursuing a program to reduce their carbon footprint and help improve their impact on the environment.
Building Owners and Managers Association Elects New Board Officers
The Building Owners and Managers Association of Metropolitan Detroit (BOMA) inducted a new leadership team January 1, 2009, and elected new officers on January 6, 2009.
Verizon Wireless Invests Nearly $115.7 Million in 2008 to Enhance Michigan Network
Verizon Wireless announced today it invested nearly $115.7 million in 2008 to enhance its digital network in Michigan.
24grille Offers Fine Dining with a Casual Attitude at the Westing Book Cadillac Detroit – Opens January 21
Overlooking Michigan Avenue and steps away from the Westin Book Cadillac motor lobby, 24grille is the newest addition to Detroit’s restaurant scene and opens for dinner on Wednesday, January 21.
Oakland County Beefs Up Web Site Security for Online Payments
Oakland County has implemented stronger security for its eCommerce online services, reinforcing its already advanced protections of citizens’ confidential online data.
Miller Canfield Climate Change Attorney Sees Opportunity in Expected Economic Recovery Package
Mark J. Bennett, senior counsel at the law firm of Miller Canfield and leader of the firm’s Climate Change Practice Team, will be speaking throughout the U.S. on various climate change-related topics.
CrimeCog Technologies, Inc. Acquires DDP Police Service, Inc.
CrimeCog Technologies, Inc. (CrimeCog) of Ann Arbor, Michigan announced today it has finalized the transaction to purchase DDP Police Services of Gladwin, Michigan.
Business Community Calls on Elected Officials in Lansing to Enact Budget Reforms Now
Today, leaders of Michigan’s top business organizations urged Gov. Granholm and legislators to pass long-term, structural reforms and spending cuts as they prepare to begin work on the 2009 state budget.
Plante & Moran Named to Fortune Magazine’s List of “100 Best Companies to Work For” for 11th Consecutive Year
Plante & Moran, PLLC, the nation’s 12th largest certified public accounting and business advisory firm, has been named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the 11th consecutive year.
Medtipster.com Launches New Online Prescription Price Comparator and Healthcare Search Engine to Save Americans Billions
Today medtipster.com announced the launch of their new online healthcare search and price comparator designed to transform the landscape of American healthcare.
Quicken Loans Makes Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for List” for 6th Consecutive Year
Quicken Loans, the nation’s largest online retail mortgage lender, has been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” list for the sixth consecutive year.
Peter Tchoryk of Windsight Wins ACE ‘09 Elevator Pitch Competition
The ninth Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship took place January 22, attracting record attendance of over 500 attendees from across the Great Lakes region to an event that is fast becoming a premier gathering for the region’s entrepreneurial community.
Atlas Oil Company Hires More Professionals to Expand its Growth and Green Efforts
Don Jensen and Greg Bower joined Atlas Oil Company in October of 2008; Jenson as Vice President of Supply and Bower as Bio-Fuels Business Development Director.
Atlas Oil Company Hires to Accommodate Retail Growth
Atlas Oil Company, having recently expanded its retail fuel locations by 80 sites in less than five months, brought on Eric Moyer as District Retail Manager for its Indiana Southern Region in August of 2008.
ESD Helps Engineers & Technical Professionals Explore Alternative Careers
As the automotive industry continues to struggle, more engineers and technical professionals are looking for ways to transfer their skills to new industries.
Survey: 46% of Midwest Bankers Say They are Interested in Participating in TARP Capital Purchase Program
Not too surprisingly, a vast majority of bankers (88%) in the Midwest have a pessimistic (very or somewhat) outlook for the national economy in 2009
Building Industry Association Announces 2009 Executive Committee
Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan (BIA) has announced its 2009 Executive Committee.
CruiseCam International Board of Directors Approves Stock Dividend Distribution to All Qualified Shareholders
CruiseCam International, Inc. (Pink Sheets:CCMC) is pleased to announce that the board of directors of the company have approved a Stock Dividend Distribution to all shareholders of record as of May 15, 2009.
Boyne Mountain First in State to Install Entergize Energy Control System
Boyne Mountain Resort has installed a revolutionary system that controls energy consumption in unoccupied hotel rooms of the resort’s Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa accommodations. The Lodge is the first hotel in the state to use Entergize, which is expected to reduce energy use by up to 40%.
Grubb & Ellis Company Represents Landlord in Lease of 114,995-Square-Foot Manufacturing Build
Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE:GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, today announced that it represented C & Son LLC in the long-term lease of 51400 Bellestri Court in Shelby Township to Models & Tools Inc.
Detroit Renaissance Praises Sen. Bishop and Sen. Jelinek for Keeping Focus on Budget
Detroit Renaissance, a private, non-profit leadership organization dedicated to accelerating the region’s economic growth, urges legislators to focus on budget reform instead of relying on money from the federal stimulus bill to provide a one-time patch to the budget.
BERLINE’s B-DIGITAL Division Announces New Major Assignments
BERLINE, a leader in advertising, marketing communications and public relations, is pleased to announce growth in its B-DIGITAL division
-
Runway Persuasions
Fashion designers Cameron Scott and Caitlin A. Cooper showed off their 2009 resort collection at The Annex in downtown Royal Oak on Jan. 4.
Affiliation Between CM&D and BT&T
Van Conway, President of Conway MacKenzie, Inc. (“CM&D”) and Alan Tilley, Principal of Bryan Tappy & Tilley (“BT&T”), are pleased to announce that the two firms have entered into an exclusive affiliation to provide international turnaround and restructuring services to both US and European based companies.
The Engineering Society of Detroit Launches the ESD Institute
For the first time in its 114-year history The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) is solidifying its role in Michigan by launching the ESD Institute.
Michigan Firm’s New Software and Services Program Helps Cities Maintain Properties Amid Residential Foreclosure Crisis
Lenny Schafer of Michigan-based Landscape Services, Inc. (LSI), knows his business’ newest offering may have a limited lifespan and he’s fine with that knowledge.
Former NBA player Tim McCormick Teams Up with Checkmate Associates
Former NBA player, Tim McCormick, has teamed up with Checkmate Associates President, Debbie Scartozzi, and together they are leading companies through a business optimization boot camp.
The National Summit Begins Registration
The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) announced that participant registration for The National Summit began online today at www.nationalsummit.org.
Milestone Arranges Financing for Book-Cadillac Hotel Parking Structure
Milestone Realty Services, Inc. secured $12.3 million in financing for the acquisition of a newly constructed parking facility serving the Westin Book-Cadillac Hotel in Detroit’s central business district.
Metro-Detroit Creative Company, Mackevision, Relocates to Ferndale
Following a year of continued growth, Mackevision, a premier 3D visualization company, recently relocated its North American office to Ferndale, Mich.
Patterson Blends Realism with Optimism In 2009 State of the County Address
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson was upbeat but realistic in delivering his Annual State of the County Address to a packed auditorium of invited guests at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy tonight.
Latitude Reports Impressive Results in 2008; Increased Momentum in 2009
Latitude (www.latitudecg.com),a technology consultancy delivering enterprise performance improvement, learning management, web portal, and business intelligence solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, today announced details of its 2008 results and plans for expanded service offerings in 2009.
Michigan’s Best Engineer of the Year Selected
After careful consideration, The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) and its Affiliate Council have selected the recipient of the 2009 Gold Award.
Strategic Staffing Solutions marks 19 consecutive years of growth
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), the Detroit-based global information technology services company, reported today earning $160 million in revenue for 2008, marking its 19th consecutive year of growth.
New Detroit Tigers’ Campaign Celebrates Personal Memories
Three words connect the past, present and future of Detroit Tigers baseball in a new campaign celebrating the team’s rich heritage.
ESD/USGBC Present: First time in Detroit- Greening the Heartland Conference
For the first time ever, The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) and the Detroit Regional Chapter of the US Green Building Council will present Greening the Heartland Conference.
Michigan Bioscience Industry—A Major Economic Bright Spot
With Michigan in the midst of serious economic trouble, the bioscience industry is bringing new hope to Michigan’s economy.
USCAR collaborative research speeds aerodynamic efficiency gains
Exceptional aerodynamics have long been credited with significantly increasing a vehicle’s fuel economy in addition to providing a quieter, more comfortable ride with less driver fatigue.
Wayne State University and Detroit Medical Center settle dispute over compensation for physician services
The Wayne State University Physician Group and the Detroit Medical Center today announced an agreement that resolves a year-old funding dispute.
The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Officially Opens Two Contemporary New Concepts in Dining
The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center has officially opened two exciting new dining destinations — forty-two degrees north and Volt.
Agreement to Integrate Asterand’s Database with Biowisdom’s Platform Announced
Asterand and BioWisdom announce agreement to integrate Asterand’s Quantitative Human Gene Expression Database with BioWisdom’s Integrated Discovery Platform.
Shades Optical Celebrating 20 Years of Culture, Advanced Eye Care and Cutting-Edge Eyewear
What down economy? Shades Optical, Michigan’s leading purveyor of quality eyewear and prescription lenses, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and its sales and customer loyalty are stronger than ever.
SDE Vendor Managed Solutions Wins Three Contracts for MRO Products and Services
SDE Vendor Managed Solutions, Inc. (SDE), a Michigan-based provider of integrated MRO and vendor management services, has been awarded three contracts that apply the company’s industry-leading procurement and management programs across multiple industries.
Brasco International awarded contract in the state of Utah
Detroit based Brasco International has been awarded a five year agreement by the Utah Transit Authority located in Salt Lake City, Utah
U.S. Chamber President and CEO Outlines Plan to Revitalize the Economy
In a speech at the Detroit Economic Club today, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue told business leaders that implementing the stimulus bill, reviving key industries, restoring credit and confidence, and resisting isolationism are among the key steps to revitalizing the economy.
Governor’s Budget Includes Some, But Not Enough Reform To Meet Michigan’s Fiscal Changes
Detroit Renaissance, a private, non-profit leadership organization dedicated to accelerating the region’s economic growth, issued the following statement today regarding Governor Granholm’s proposed 2010 budget.
