January-February 2010
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A ‘Ghost’ of a Chance
When 19-year-old Sam Valenti launched a niche record label in 1999, not even he could’ve envisioned the success he’d find.
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Masters of Arts
It’s no easy task to host a patron dinner, and without a solid game plan that melds memorable wines, exquisite food, and a well-organized charitable organization, the pressure can really boil over.
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On a Clear Day …
Susan Docherty may be the most powerful woman in the automotive industry, but if she can’t win over skeptical consumers, General Motors won’t last another century.
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Wheels of Prosperity
With all that’s affecting the automotive industry, it’s easy to forget the depth and reach of what is actually the largest business sector in Michigan.
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Get Your Motor Running
Can a new cable TV show stoke the fortunes of a Ferndale custom-motorcycle shop that’s relying on parts-and-service orders to stay alive?
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Webmaster
Borrowing a page from Economics: 101, an Ann Arbor design firm is drawing plenty of attention on the World Wide Web.
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Arsenal of Democracy, 2.0
As the Pentagon shifts from planning for big land wars to combatting small insurgencies, it’s been busy eliminating weapons programs and facilities across the country.
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And the Band Played On
With fewer commercials on tap, music man Dan Yessian hit a high note by branching out into the entertainment world.
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Andrew Hoffman
Holcim (U.S.) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
EyesOn Design Celebrates 23 Years with the Launch of its 2010 Season
EyesOn Design celebrates 23 years recognizing major design achievement in the automotive industry and raising money for The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.
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Hard-Pressed
Gone are the lavish vehicle launches at idyllic resorts. Today, the media must wade through the halls of Congress, hold their own with an auto czar, or read the White House tea leaves to gauge the direction of the domestic auto industry.
Atlas Oil Opens New Operations Office for Michigan & Indiana
Atlas Oil Company continues to expand its operational footprint with another new regional office – this one in Niles, MI. Just north of South Bend, IN, the Niles office will be staffed by 12 Atlas team members in support of new and existing business operations throughout Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana.
Acrylic Furniture Collection
Gorgeous acrylic tables, chairs and furniture available for rental exclusively through Gerych’s. This high end product was custom designed and created for a modern look to compliment your next event.
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Made in Detroit
Peter Karmanos Jr. has tapped his blue-collar work ethic and a knack for discovering the next big thing to build Compuware Corp. into a global information-technology power-
house — but his latest move could be an industry game-changer. -
Robert Young, Bob Saget and Michael Young
While comedians like Bob Saget, center, hone their craft onstage, they’re often tapped for business advice backstage.
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In Sickness and in Health
Confronted with substantial market losses and uneven public policy — and having identified more than $125 million in savings to date — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan isn’t sitting idly by awaiting Lansing’s prescription for health-care reform.
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A Business Primer
With ever growing government regulation, companies like DEM Group, a full service administration and human resources outsourcing firm in Sterling Heights, have been growing as businesses seek assistance with health care, workers’ compensation, or their 401(k) plan.
Blocking inflammation receptor kills breast cancer stem cells, U-M study finds
Scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered an important link between inflammation and breast cancer stem cells that suggests a new way to target cells that are resistant to current treatments.
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2010 North American International Auto Show
The Big Three automakers, along with their suppliers and foreign rivals, have been witness to seismic shifts in consumer demand due to the global economic meltdown.
Ford Caps 2009 With 33 Percent Sales Increase, First Full-Year Market Share Gain Since 1995
Higher sales in every product category and for every brand propelled Ford to a 33 percent sales increase in December versus a year ago.
Art and Science: Cadillac Premieres 2011 CTS-V Coupe
Cadillac today announced the 2011 CTS-V Coupe, which debuts at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
New Floor Plan, Dynamic Vehicles Highlight Lexus Exhibit at 2010 North American International Auto Show
The Lexus exhibit at this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will be starkly different from one year ago, featuring a single-level layout and some of the brand’s most exciting new vehicles.
Rick Snyder Releases Plan To Eliminate The MBT
Today, Rick Snyder released the third in a series of reform measures from his Top 10 Guiding Principles to Reinventing Michigan that addresses his plan to Reform Michigan’s Tax System.
Litigator, Judge, and Immigration Attorney Announce the Formation of Detroit Law Firm
Three of Detroit’s most well respected lawyers have joined forces as nationally renowned trial attorney Lawrence Charfoos announced the formation of a boutique law firm with former Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge William Giovan and prominent immigration lawyer Robert Birach.
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My Night Out with John DeLorean and Roger Penske
Chip Brethen III gets “schooled” by two automotive giants.
Ford Launches Unprecedented Nine New Engines, Six New Transmissions in North America in 2010
Ford Motor Company will introduce nine new or upgraded engines and six new transmissions in North America in 2010 as part of a five-year effort to overhaul its entire global powertrain portfolio.
MEDC EcoXperience to Host New Participants for the 2010 North American International Auto Show
After a rousingly successful inaugural run in 2009, the Michigan Economic Development Company (MEDC) is once again returning to the 2010 North American International Auto Show with the EcoXperience.
Strong December Puts Emerging Sector Program Over $191 Million of Investment for 2009
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson today announced the Emerging Sectors business attraction and retention program brought more than $191 million of new investment into Oakland County
New Zipline Adventure Now Open at Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain
Standing at the mountain’s top, strapped in and ready for action. It’s a common scenario at Boyne Highlands Resort andBoyne Mountain in northern Michigan but now, in addition to swooshing down the slopes on skis and snowboards, visitors to the resorts can experience a new attraction, Zipline Adventure.
Michigan SBTDC establishes Growth Group to assist companies
The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has formed an advanced team of specialists called the Growth Group (G2) to prepare Michigan companies for their next stage of growth.
Shiro Nakamura of Nissan to Receive Major Design Award
The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology announced that Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, and Chief Creative Officer, Nissan Motor Company Ltd, has been elected as the Lifetime Design Achievement Award winner for the EyesOn Design Automotive Exhibit, 2010.
Opsera and The Linux Box Partner to Expand U.S. Market for Opsview Open Source System Management Suite
The Linux Box is partnering with Opsera Limited to become an official Opsview reseller in the United States, with the goal of expanding the national presence of this award-winning network and infrastructure monitoring software suite.
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Christmas at Selfridge Air National Guard Base
On Jan. 9, more than 450 Marine, Naval, and military personnel, along with their families, were treated to a post holiday celebration at Selfridge Air National Guard Base near Mt. Clemens. The third annual event, which included a raffle, a gourmet lunch courtesy of Pamela’s Catering in Washington Township, and live music from the Simone Group, was hosted and staffed by Atlas Oil Co., a fuel distribution and supply management company in Taylor.
Tullymore Clubhouse Wins Top Honors as Nations Best Public Course Facility
The national awards continue to pile up for the Resorts of Tullymore & St. Ives. The resort’s $6 million clubhouse is the 2009 winner in Golf Inc. magazines annual competition for the best facility among daily fee clubs in America.
GMC Granite and Audi A8 Take Home EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show
The GMC Granite Concept and the Audi A8 were awarded top honors at the 2010 EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
Bosch Supplies Key Powertrain Technologies for Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 2010
Bosch supplies powertrain technologies to multiple vehicles named to Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2010 list, including four applications featuring its diesel common rail and gasoline direct injection systems.
Palace Sports & Entertainment Enjoys Decade of Excellence
Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) venues The Palace of Auburn Hills and DTE Energy Music Theatre and its sports franchises earned numerous honors, championships and top-rankings in both the sports and entertainment worlds, while providing countless memories and hosting scores of unforgettable events during the 10 year span from 2000 to 2009.
Department of Energy Selects Bosch to Lead $24 MillionProject to Increase Fuel Efficiency 30 Percent
Bosch announced it has been selected by theU.S. Department of Energy to lead a project that will be partially funded by a$12 million grant.
Amherst Partners Announces 2009 Results & Achievements
Amherst Partners, LLC, a regional financial advisory firm specializing in investment banking and turnaround and restructuring, today announced it achieved record revenue in 2009, and is positioned for continued growth in 2010.
Ford, United Space Alliance Share Virtual Reality Expertise to Build Better Cars, Space Missions
Engineers at United Space Alliance (USA) and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) are sharing their animation software experiences to create virtual reality simulations that benefit both astronauts and drivers.
Sundance Film Festval Expands to Include Michigan Theater as Part of This Year’s Festival
The Michigan Theater will become an official venue of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival as part of a groundbreaking initiative called Sundance Film Festival U.S.A.
65 Year-Old Sets World Record: Flying, Landing, Riding a Motorcycle From 5000 Feet
Setting a new world record, 65-year-old Lexington, Michigan parachutist Bernie Williams, completed the first successful flight and landing of a motorcycle in Chesaning Michigan on November 28, 2009.
The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel Unveils Meeting & Event Space Renovation
The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel has just revealed their newly completed Dearborn meeting and event space renovations.
Business Leaders for Michigan Names Matthew Clayson Director of Detroit Creative Corridor Center
Business Leaders for Michigan today announced it has hired Matthew Clayson, formerly of ePrize, as Director of its Detroit Creative Corridor Center.
Northwood to Honor Seven with Dealer Education Awards
Northwood University will honor seven automobile dealers from across the United States, The Netherlands and Germany with its annual Dealer Education Awards.
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Detroit Trial Attorney Lawrence Charfoos Files Lawsuit Against His Former Law Firm to Stop the Use of His Name
Prominent Detroit trial attorney Lawrence Charfoos filed a lawsuit this past Friday that seeks a “permanent injunctive order against Defendants David Christensen, J. Douglas Peters, and Charfoos & Christensen P.C. directing them to stop using the name Charfoos in the law firm name of Charfoos & Christensen, P.C.”
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Affordable Green-Built Homes in Detroit
Mark Lewis, partner of Community 1st Development in Farmington Hills, which specializes in urban residential development, rehabilitation, and affordable, green-built homes, has sold several energy efficient homes on Detroit far east side, and soon, near Eastern Market and in Hamtramck, near the Poletown plant.
St. John Health System to Assist Saudi Arabia in Developing New Addiction Treatment Hospital in Riyadh
Brighton Hospital, the second-oldest alcohol and drug treatment provider in North America, has signed a letter of intent to begin a long-term management contract with a Saudi Arabian company to build a 291,000 square-foot, 250 bed addiction treatment facility in Riyadh, to serve the entire Islamic Mideast.
Bbk, International Business Advisory Firm, Announces Creation of Performance Improvement, LLC
BBK, an international business advisory firm providing services across a wide range of industries, today announced the creation of Performance Improvement, LLC.
Largest global survey finds majority of private U.S. companies are optimistic about economy in 2010
Largest global survey finds majority of private U.S. companies are optimistic about economy in 2010; nearly a third plan to increase hiring private companies in U.S. account for more than 70% of U.S. work force.
Lights out: A protein may switch off cancer cells
A protein acting as a switch to activate the cell death process may prove to be an effective targeted treatment for killing cancer cells.
Ground Vehicle Engineering and Technology Symposium Sets the Stage for Collaboration, Military Technology Development
In a push to leverage the most advanced ground vehicle systems research being pursued in the United States today, the National Defense Industrial Association’s (NDIA’s) Michigan chapter will host a three-day symposium in August that will serve as a gateway for public-private technology discussion and project development.
Birmingham Architect Alan Cobb Elected 2010 President of American Institute of Architects Michigan
The American Institute of Architects Michigan (AIA Michigan) announced the election of Birmingham architect Alan Cobb, FAIA, LEED® AP as its 2010 president.
Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit names Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., as CEO
After a 10-month nationwide search, Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Strategic Staffing Solutions Marks its 20th Year of Revenue Growth
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), the Detroit-based global information, technology and business services company, reported today earning more than $168 million in revenue for 2009, marking its 20th consecutive year of growth.
Hantz Farms, LLC, Participating in an International Workshop on Metropolitan Agriculture
Topics Addressed Explore Innovation And Integration In Food And Agricultural Systems That Can Contribute To Sustainable Development In Urban Settings
North American International Auto Show Announces 2011 Dates
After a successful and impressive 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), show organizers are focused on taking the show to new heights in 2011.
Patterson’s Positive Message About a Tough Budget Year
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson outlined new initiatives and successes in his 2010 State of the County Address that will continue to make Oakland County one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.
Annabelle & Bear: The true spirit of indie filmmaking Michigan Sneak Preview Screening Gala
The producers of Radish Creative Group, Inc.’s feature film, Annabelle & Bear, is pleased to announce a sneak preview screening gala at Saturday, February 20th, 2010 at 8:00pm, at Detroit’s Music Hall Center for Performing Arts, benefiting Starfish Family Services.
United Solar To Provide Up to 25MW of UNI-SOLAR Laminates for Rooftop Installation in Italy
United Solar Ovonic (United Solar), a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD) (NASDAQ:ENER) , today confirmed that it will supply up to 25 MW of UNI-SOLAR® brand photovoltaic laminates to Enel Green Power for installation on a number of buildings owned by CIS-Interporto di Nola in Italy.
Grant Thornton LLP Says Global Platforms Will Dominate Vehicle Production in North America and Spur Supplier Dealmaking
Grant Thornton’s analysis suggests that the next five years will see some of the most profound changes in the North American auto industry since the post-World War II shakeout that established GM, Ford and Chrysler as dominant players.
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Fixing Michigan’s Unemployment Problem
With the nation’s unemployment rate at 9.7 percent, and Michigan at 14.7 percent, steady economic growth along with top-tier retraining programs will lead to a turnaround, says Joe Bastian, president of Human Performance Network, a workforce development company in Royal Oak.
Wayne State and the Detroit Medical Center agree to long-term contracts governing education and care
The Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Detroit Medical Center today signed new contracts that provide stability to clinical and educational programs.
Jackson Lewis Snares Nationally Recognized Diversity And Corporate Compliance Lawyer
Rod Gillum, Diversity Champion and Prominent Labor and Employment Attorney, Joins Expanding Detroit Office
Chrysler Group LLC to Showcase Live, Mobile TV at Chicago Auto Show
Mopar is channeling live, mobile TV into Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles. The company will showcase its new technology at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.
Top National Charter School Brings Unique, Proven Program to Detroit
Two nationally recognized charter school organizations announced today that they are opening a new tuition-free secondary school in Detroit that will offer families the most demanding college prep program in the region.
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#1 Ranked Hotel in Detroit Becomes Only Hotel in State of Michigan to Receive Top Recognition
2010 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Honors Doubletree Hotel Detroit/Dearborn as one of the Top 25 Hotels in the United States
52nd Annual Detroit Boat Show Brings Blast of Summer to Cobo Center
Boat show offers everything boating plus entertainment and fun for all, Feb 13 – 21
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Otsego Club Winter Wine Tasting
More than 200 people attended Otsego Club & Resort’s Winter Wine Tasting in Gaylord, Mich. on Feb. 6.
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Leelanau Peninsula Wine and Chocolate Tasting
The Leelanau Peninsula Vinter’s Assocation held its annual Taste the Passion event on Feb. 6-7.
Chevy Approaches 100 Percent Reliability in Engines and Transmissions, According to January OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics Reports
In the month of January, 99.3 percent of the 1.8 million Chevrolet vehicles enrolled in OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics reported that there were no issues with the key components of their engine and transmission systems.
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth Ranks as a Top Restaurant Icon in the US
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, the 1,500 seat family restaurant located in Frankenmuth, Mich., has received numerous honors during its 150 year plus history.
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Herman Miller at The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford in Dearborn held a reception on Feb. 4 for nearly 300 people to celebrate the opening of its latest exhibit — Good Design: Stories From Herman Miller.
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Governor’s Budget Plan Should Be Immed. Rejected By Lawmakers, Says Michigan CoC
Michigan state lawmakers should immediately reject the new 5.5 percent sales tax on consumer services being proposed by Governor Granholm, says the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
Technology CFOs Optimistic on Sector Growth for 2010, According to BDO Survey Of CFOs
Tech M&A Activity Expected to Increase Significantly as CFOs Look to Boost Revenue, Profitability
Federal-Mogul Launching Year-Long Multi-Brand Campaign to Drive Demand for Premium Repair Solutions
Innovative ‘Smart Choice(TM)’ Trade and Consumer Campaign to Emphasize Value Of Longer Lasting, Better Performing Replacement Parts
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Compuware President and COO Bob Paul on the 2010 Metro Detroit Heart Ball
Survivors of heart disease and strokes depend on us to get a message out, and critical research dollars are at stake.
Compuware Gomez Introduces Free Web Performance Benchmarking Tool
Today, Gomez, the Web performance division of Compuware Corporation, launched a free online Custom Benchmark tool that lets IT, Web and marketing teams compare the performance of their Web site to competitors, peers, or industry leaders.
Rising Consumer Confidence, Employment Lead to Improved Vehicle Sales in 2010, Says NADA Economist
U.S. light-vehicle sales will reach just short of 12 million units in 2010 as credit becomes more available and consumer confidence improves with rising employment, said Paul Taylor, chief economist for the National Automobile Dealers Association.
Business Leaders for Michigan Urges Legislature to Reject Pay Adjustment for State Workers
Business Leaders for Michigan today called on the Legislature to reject the 3 percent pay raise for state workers scheduled for October 1, 2010.
GM to Invest $494 Million in U.S. Manufacturing for Next-Generation Ecotec Engines
General Motors will invest more than $494 million and create nearly 550 jobs in three U.S. plants to produce the next generation fuel efficient Ecotec engine.
Business Leaders For Michigan Announces New Officers
Business Leaders for Michigan announced today the election of David Joos, president & CEO of CMS Energy, as chair of its Board of Directors.
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Bagger Dave’s Grand Opening Celebration
Southfield-based Diversified Restaurant Holdings Inc. held a grand opening event on Feb. 19 for its latest eatery, Bagger Dave’s in Novi.
Structural Change Is the Defining Element of the 2010 Landscape for Automotive Suppliers
The 2010 landscape for automotive suppliers will bear the scars of a chaotic 2009, but will be defined by stronger suppliers, new suppliers and new commodities moving from OEMs to the supply base.
FEV, Inc. Completes EPA-Funded Project
FEV, Inc. Completes EPA-Funded Project to Understand Long-term Cost of Green Engines Project Brings FEV into the Front End of Product Development
Detroit Restaurant Week Returns For Spring
Historic Eastern Market Eatery Joins Lineup. Detroit Restaurant Week will be April 16-25 at 17 Downtown Detroit Fine Dining Establishments.
Tax Considerations for Michigan Businesses 2010
Corporations have their hands full with tax changes this year, given all of the recent legislation and the significant corporate tax implications of Obama’s budget proposal.
Rush to Judge Toyota in Washington Won’t Necessarily Lead to Adverse Courtroom Verdicts, Plunkett Cooney Says
The U.S. House and Senate committee hearings scheduled for this week may help jump-start the discovery process for plaintiffs’ attorneys suing Toyota over alleged safety defects.
Giffels–Webster Engineers Signs 5-Year Lease at Grand Park Centre
MayfieldGentry Realty Advisors, LLC has announced that Giffels–Webster Engineers has signed a five-year lease for 3,513 square feet at Grand Park Centre.
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Dow Kokam Receives Michigan Tax Credits for Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Production
The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) has approved Dow Kokam’s application for tax credits to produce lithium ion battery packs for hybrid and electric vehicles at its battery manufacturing facility in Midland, MI.
