January-February 2011
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The Little Engine That Could
What downtown Detroit has in abundance is potential. Offering one of the nation’s most impressive collections of office structures built prior to 1940, the central business district is an architectural playground ripe for a turnaround.
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Pop Pop, Fizz Fizz
When a 50-year-old dormitory at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor developed severe plumbing problems — water flow had slowed to a trickle — a school management team budgeted $11 million to replace the entire system.
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Global Speak
Jason and Michael Teshuba are used to navigating different business models. In 2002, the siblings designed and built websites for a variety of clients. Two years later, they began offering language-learning services, although publisher royalties cut into their profits.
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Engage and Enhance
For years, Habitat for Humanity Oakland County rolled out its affordable home program with little deviation — put out a call for corporate donors, gather volunteers, build or renovate dwellings, and hand the keys over to needy families.
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Auto App
Is it possible to buy a car using an Apple iPad? The answer is yes, thanks to Mercedes-Benz Financial in Farmington Hills, which developed an online sales tool for the German automaker’s 355 dealerships in the United States — an industry first.
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Ford Motor Co. 2011
In 2010, Ford gained U.S. market share and was able to sell its cars and truck at higher prices. In October, the automaker made a final payment to the UAW’s retiree health care trust fund. The automaker recently introduced the 2011 Ford Explorer.
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Fine of the Times
At the 34th District Court on Wayne Road in Romulus, the cash register begins ringing early most weekday mornings as dozens of motorists and lawyers, traffic tickets in hand, line up to play the Downriver court’s version of Let’s Make A Deal.
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Space Collector
Howard Weinberger was on a mission. As a longtime collector of toys from the past, as well as other rare items, he spent seven years in search of little-known silver and gold medallions from the Apollo space program.
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PDA Q&A: Gary Burkart
Executive Vice President, Luna Entertainment, Novi; President, Celani Family Vineyards, Napa Valley, Calif.
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Run Silent, Run Cheap
A team of researchers at Kettering University in Flint has developed a device, called a reformer, that converts gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and other commonly available fuels into hydrogen — the lifeblood of fuel cells.
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Baby, You Can Drive My Virtual Car
Forget expensive prototypes. Realtime Technology in Royal Oak can project a 3-D image of a concept vehicle and make it appear to hug a hairpin turn or accelerate through a straightaway.
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Forward Observer
In business or in battle, David T. Maccagnone isn’t afraid to advance. The CEO of Multi-Bank Securities Inc. in Pleasant Ridge, which invests funds on behalf of banks, credit unions, and other institutions, says the success of his firm — it was cited in Inc. magazine’s 2010 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies — is due, in large part, to his military experiences.
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General Motors Co. 2011
In January, General Motors CEO Dan Akerson is scheduled to be elected chairman, replacing Ed Whitacre. GM remains the No.1 car company in the United States. In 2010, for the first time it sold more vehicles in China than in America.
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Urban Land Institute’s Placemaker Awards in Detroit
The Detroit District Council of the Urban Land Institute honored Edsel B. Ford II and Peter Karmanos Jr. with its inaugural Placemaker Award on Nov. 11 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. Presenting the awards was Amanda Burden, chair of the New York City Planning Commission and director of the New York Department of City Planning.
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The Hantz Group’s Annual Office Party
The Hantz Group, a financial holding company in Southfield, held its 13th anniversary celebration party at a private residence in Detroit on Oct. 1. The event included an Italian buffet from Giovanni’s in Detroit, numerous food stations, a dessert bar, and live entertainment.
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Downtown Detroit Partnership’s 2010 Detroit Aglow
A longtime holiday tradition, the Downtown Detroit Partnership hosted its annual Detroit Aglow fundraiser on Nov. 22 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. More than 700 guests enjoyed a traditional holiday dinner of turkey with all of the fixings.
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DBusiness Magazine’s 2011 Top Lawyers
It was a grand night for metro Detroit barristers as DBusiness hosted its first ever Top Lawyers reception at the Detroit Golf Club on Nov. 18. The event honored nearly 900 private attorneys who were recognized by their peers for their exceptional legal talents among 49 practice areas.
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Strategic Staffing Solutions’ 20th Anniversary Party
Strategic Staffing Solutions, a global IT and business services firm in downtown Detroit, celebrated its 20th anniversary on Oct. 1 at the Detroit Athletic Club. More than 600 guests enjoyed cocktails, a gourmet buffet, and live entertainment.
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2010 Cattle Baron’s Ball at Oakland University
The American Cancer Society in Southfield raised $625,000 at its 2010 Cattle Baron’s Ball on Nov. 6 at Oakland University’s Shotwell-Gustafson Pavillion in Rochester Hills. The funds will assist with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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College for Creative Studies’ 2010 Art of Wine
On Oct. 23, the College for Creative Studies held its 29th annual Detroit International Wine Auction at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The event was sponsored by General Motors and featured wines from Duckhorn Wine Co.
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Magna Force
Frank Stronach has gone home for the holidays. Home as in Austria, that is — the once war-tattered country where he was raised before setting sail as a teenager, bound for a new country and a new life that, six decades later, he admits he couldn’t have imagined.
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The Birth of Industry
Detroit in 1850 exhibited little in the way of mechanical ingenuity. The fur trade was fading as the city’s chief export, replaced by salted fish. The population of 21,019 had developed a fairly robust agricultural market, and the timber industry was starting to catch on.
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Cadillac Man
Sailing for England in 1895, William E. Metzger carried letters of introduction from Detroit and New York bankers, but after almost two weeks in London, he remained uninvited to the horseless carriage exhibition he’d traveled so far to see.
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Chrysler Group LLC 2011
Chrysler posted better-than-expected financial results from Jan.-Sept. 2010 while raising its forecast. Chrysler says it expects to make a pre-tax profit of $700 million in 2010, up from $200 million previously.
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The Brain Gain
The government restructured the auto industry; now it needs to restructure immigration. Why is that important for Michigan?
Where Are They Now?
Former Big 3 Executives (2007-10).
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Tax Detectives
Nino Licari is a popular figure these days. Like many city assessors in metro Detroit and elsewhere, Licari’s office is being overrun by tax reps — a collection of lawyers, accountants, and tax advisers who are seeking property tax reductions for their clients.
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Modern Day Rip Van Winkle
Most individuals are aware of the story of Rip Van Winkle. What would you have missed if you had fallen asleep just 2 years ago?
Detroit Regional Chamber 2011 Mackinac Policy Conference is June 1-3
Today the Detroit Regional Chamber announced a re-energized Mackinac Policy Conference focused on re-building and re-inventing Michigan supported by three nationally recognized keynote speakers.
The 2011 North American International Auto Show Results
Organizers of the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today the overwhelming success of this year’s world-premier event citing increases in international media turn out, vehicles revealed, manufacturer returns for 2011 and already for 2012, as well as public attendance figures.
ITC Holdings Corp. in Novi Announces Organizational Changes
ITC Holdings Corp. today announced an internal reorganization and certain executive changes that will position the company for continued operational excellence, growth and success.
BorgWarner in Auburn Hills Boosts Performance of Downsized Diesel Engines
BorgWarner now supplies the latest generation of variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers for the newly developed 1.6-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines featured in the new MINI family.
Quicken Loans Group Buys Madison Theatre Building in Detroit
Madison Theatre Building LLC, a new partnership formed by Dan Gilbert, Founder and Chairman of Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc., announced it has completed the purchase of the historic Madison Building, located at 1555 Broadway Street in downtown Detroit.
Parrot in Southfield Names Horizon Hobby as AR.Drone Distributor in U.S. and Canada
Parrot, one of the leaders in wireless peripherals for mobile phones, announces that Horizon Hobby has been named the exclusive U.S. and Canadian hobby distributor for the AR.Drone, a quadricopter using augmented reality and piloted with an iPod touch®, an iPhone® or an iPad™.
Chevrolet Volt Rollout Speeds Up: Available Nationwide by End of 2011
Chevrolet is stepping up the national rollout of the Volt to match customer interest.
Affinia in Ann Arbor Opens New Warehouse and Distribution Center in Brazil
Affinia Group Inc., an innovative global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of industrial grade products and services, is more than tripling its warehouse and distribution capacity in Extrema, Minas Gerais, with the building of a new facility located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Sao Paulo.
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Announces Organizational Changes to Accelerate International Growth
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. today announced several key organizational changes designed to better align resources across its brand portfolio and accelerate growth in important international markets.
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Olympia Entertainment Posts Strong Results: Affiliated Venues Host Over 350 Events and Sell Out 92 Events in 2010
Olympia Entertainment, Detroit’s premier marketer of sports and entertainment events, along with affiliated Ilitch-owned companies, hosted over 350 sporting and entertainment events and posted strong results in 2010.
Woodward Light Rail Transit Project Public Hearings Scheduled For Feb. 12
The public is invited to attend the Woodward Avenue Light Rail Transit Project public hearings sponsored by the City of Detroit and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration on Saturday, February 12, 2011.
Time to Fix Michigan’s Medicaid Pharmacy Program, Not Defend Wasteful Spending
Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) President and CEO Mark Merritt issued the following statement in response to the Michigan Pharmacy Association defending higher pharmacy fees in Michigan’s Medicaid program.
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Business Author William C. Taylor Spotlights Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
When William C. Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company magazine, searched the country for companies and organizations that were successful change agents, he made several visits to Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.
Chrysler Group LLC Achieved $0.8 Billion in Modified Operating Profit and $1.4 Billion in Free Cash Flow in 2010
Chrysler Group LLC today issued its preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and total year 2010.
GM Launches New Syndicated TV Series, ‘Inside the Vault’
General Motors is teaming up with a variety of media partners to create a new TV series aimed at entertaining and informing today’s “classic” man.
Meijer Launches New Online Grocery Delivery Service
Meijer has announced a new online grocery service offering thousands of grocery and drugstore items to customers worldwide.
Strategic Staffing Solutions Tops $200 Million in Sales in its 20th Year
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), the Detroit-based global information technology and business services company, reported today earnings of $205 million in 2010, continuing its track record of growing every year since its founding in 1990.
BorgWarner in Auburn Hills Finalizes Acquisition of Haldex Traction Systems
Expands Product Portfolio with New Technologies to Accelerate Global Growth in All-Wheel Drive Markets
Lear Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Financial Results
Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical power management systems, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2010. Highlights include:
China Trade and Economic Law Experts Gather in Detroit for Conference
An international mix of academics, government officials and practitioners — including President Bill Clinton’s former U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky — will gather in Detroit Feb. 11 to examine legal and regulatory aspects of the U.S.-China economic relationship.
Dow Corning Reports Record Sales and Profits in 2010
Dow Corning Corp. today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2010.
Uptown Film Festival in downtown Birmingham to Host Michigan Film Awards
Leaders in Michigan’s growing film industry have joined together to launch the Uptown Film Festival (UFF), a celebration of Michigan-made movies and the productions created by Michigan filmmakers.
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COTS’ 12th Annual Soup City Fundraiser
COTS, a nonprofit agency dedicated to alleviating homelessness, held its 12th Annual Soup City Celebration at the Gem and Century theatres in downtown Detroit on Jan. 20. The event drew close to 200 people who enjoyed culinary offerings from Slows Bar BQ, Garden Fresh Gourmet, Just Baked; among others.
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Fleming’s Steakhouse Hosts Celani Wine Dinner
On. Jan. 28, Fleming’s Steakhouse in Livonia hosted a dinner featuring the wines of Tom and Vicki Celani, principals of Celani Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. The menu included Tea-Smoked Prawns, Braised Veal Lasagnette, Sea Salt Strip Steak, and a medley of Chocolate Truffles.
Detroit Yacht Club Placed on the National Register of Historic Places
The Detroit Yacht Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in North America, has received notification from the United States Department of Interior it will be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ann Arbor SPARK Launches New Talent Portal to Help Skilled Professionals Connect With Employers
Ann Arbor SPARK, the driving force of the region’s business attraction and acceleration, recently launched a new talent portal on its website.
U.S. New-Car Sales Headed for Double Digit Percentage Gains in 2011
Paul Taylor, chief economist of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), said today that new-vehicle sales will reach 12.9 million units in 2011 as consumers benefit from higher trade-in equity and improving credit.
Chrysler Brand Launches New Marketing and Advertising Campaign
While many sponsors revealed their advertising plans for Sunday’s Super Bowl, the Chrysler brand remained tight lipped to create a stronger impact for the reveal of their new marketing and advertising campaign featuring famous Detroiter, Eminem.
Design Build Institute of America Announces Formation of DBIA Michigan Chapter
The Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) is pleased to announce the formation of the DBIA Michigan Chapter.
Michigan Boating Industry Recovery Begins at Detroit Boat Show
Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA), producers of the Detroit Boat Show, Spring Boating Expo and Boating & Outdoor Festival (three of Michigan’s biggest boat shows), carefully watch attendance trends in Michigan and around the country to help predict outcomes for their Michigan shows.
Former GM Executives Launch New Motor Advisors as Green Bridge to Detroit Experience
It may seem counterintuitive that from the remains of HUMMER’s product development activity a new economy consulting group would emerge…but that is just what happened.
Metro Detroit’s Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual Dinner Celebration is May 21
Enjoy a dinner gala in celebration of APACC’s ten years of accomplishments and network with over 400 corporate executives, entrepreneurs, diverse business professionals and civic leaders.
Detroit Restaurant Week is April 1-10
Detroit Restaurant Week is set to return for spring 2011. Starting Friday, April 1 and lasting through Sunday, April 10, metro Detroiters will once again be able to enjoy hearty three-course meals for $28 at select fine dining locations in Detroit.
Dow Kokam Selected as the Exclusive ‘Advanced Battery Expert’ for FleetAnswers
Dow Kokam’s Advanced Battery Insight Enables Informed Decisions on Fleet & Commercial Vehicle Electrification
Troy-based Reising Ethington Clients Win Patent Infringement Suit Brought by the Largest Steel Producer in the World
Reising Ethington P.C. attorneys David Simonelli and Rick Hoffmann successfully defended two of the firm’s clients, Severstal Dearborn, Inc. and Wheeling-Nisshin, in a patent infringement suit filed by two French units of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel producer.
Michigan Chamber of Commerce Announces its 2011-2012 Legislative Priorities
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today announced its legislative priorities for 2011-2012. These priorities were developed by the Chamber’s policy committees with input from over 300 business leaders from across the state and approved on January 26, 2011 by the Michigan Chamber’s 84-member Board of Directors.
Younger stroke victims benefit from earlier MRIs, ambulance rides to ER
The American Stroke Association reports that stroke is the third leading cause of death and one of the top causes of disability in the United States. But, young adults showing signs of suffering a stroke are sometimes being misdiagnosed in hospital emergency rooms, preventing them from receiving early effective treatment that can prevent serious damage.
The Kresge Foundation Announces Art X Detroit in Midtown April 6-10, 2011
Kresge to showcase new works by more than 35 local Fellowship and Eminent Artist awardees in city’s cultural district
Ford to Reduce Debt by an Additional $3 Billion Through Trust Preferred Securities Redemption
Ford Motor Company announced that on March 15, 2011 all of the outstanding 6.50% Cumulative Convertible Trust Preferred Securities (liquidation amount $50 per trust preferred security) of its subsidiary trust, Ford Motor Company Capital Trust II, will be redeemed for cash at a redemption price of $50.33 per trust preferred security, plus accrued and unpaid distributions of $0.5416667 per trust preferred security.
Resorts of Tullymore & St. Ives in Western Michigan Names Terry Schieber as CEO
With a new focus on future growth, The Resorts of Tullymore & St. Ives has named a chief executive officer steeped in the challenges of resort operations in northern Michigan.
Downtown Detroit Partnership Names Dave Blaszkiewicz President and CEO
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) announced today that Dave Blaszkiewicz has been named its President and CEO. Blaszkiewicz, who is President of Invest Detroit, will serve in a dual role directing the operations of both organizations.
Oakland County Issues Fiscal Scorecard
Oakland County has issued its own Fiscal Scorecard which shows why after a decade of recession Oakland County remains a AAA rated county.
Registration Opens for 2011 Bayview to Mackinac Race
Detroit’s Bayview Yacht Club, one of the of the most storied and historic sailing club’s in the world, announced today it is accepting registrations for the 87th Bayview Mackinac Race that sails from Port Huron to Mackinac Island.
Cadillac Announces Shield Owner Benefits Program
Highlights class-leading standard services and technologies
Center for Automotive Research’s New Study on Impact of Electric Vehicle Incentives
In a new study, the Center for Automotive Research, an Ann Arbor-based nonprofit research organization, is estimating the national distribution patterns of electric vehicles across the United States over the next four years.
General Motors to Continue Investing Aggressively in China
To remain a global industry leader, GM must remain an industry leader in China.
Masco Corporation in Taylor Reports 2010 Results
Operating profit margins in 2010 were 5.7 percent compared to 5.6 percent a year earlier.
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Metro Detroit Helps Lead the Fight Against Heart Disease
The battle against heart disease is one of the top health care initiatives in metro Detroit and around the country, and while the region is a national leader in fundraising, research, and educational programs, no one is resting on their laurels.
Cooling Fins Help Keep Chevrolet Volt Battery at Ideal Temperature
Engineers of the four-seat Chevrolet Volt electric car often refer to its 435-pound battery pack as the fifth passenger.
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Chinese New Year at Mon Jin Lau
Mon Jin Lau in Troy hosted a two-week celebration to commemorate the Chinese New Year. On Feb. 8, more than 200 people gathered for dinner, drinks, and a traditional New Year ceremony featuring fireworks and a dragon dance. Photos by Nick Martines
Michigan Growth Capital Symposium Draws Venture Financing Activity from Midwest
This year’s Michigan Growth Capital Symposium, which will be held May 10-11, 2011, at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich., is attracting record attention from investors, emerging startups and regional sponsors who want to be part of the Midwest’s promising investment landscape.
Governor Snyder unveils recommended budget to provide foundation for Michigan’s reinvention
Governor Rick Snyder today presented to the Legislature his 2012 executive budget and a 2013 projected budget that brings state spending into line without any one-time funding fixes and creates a tax system that is simple, fair and efficient for both businesses and citizens.
2011 Komen Detroit Race for the Cure®, May 21, celebrates 20 years in the breast cancer fight
Over the past 19 years, millions of people have gathered in metropolitan Detroit to celebrate progress, honor the memory of a loved one, raise awareness and support those affected by breast cancer.
Confidence Rises Among Global Automotive CEOs About 2011 Revenue Growth
Automotive CEOs surveyed by PwC in the fourth quarter of 2010, are confident that growth is on the rise in 2011.
Rotary Club of Troy In Partnership with Walsh Institute Offers “Present Like a Pro — Lead, Sell, Inspire!”
With Internationally Renowned Author/Trainer Michael Angelo Caruso
International Target Fireworks over the Detroit River Set for June 27
The Parade Company today announced that Target will once again return as the title sponsor for its annual fireworks display along the Detroit International Riverfront in 2011.
New Stores, Restaurants Announced for The Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township
One of metro Detroit’s favorite names in restaurants, Andiamo Restaurant Group, heats up Macomb County dining options when Rojo Mexican Bistro, a contemporary approach to Mexican food and drink, opens this summer at The Mall at Partridge Creek.
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Solanus Casey Center Food and Wine Festival
More than 400 people attended the 8th annual Solanus Casey Center Food and Wine Festival at the Cathedral Cultural Center at St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral on Feb. 11. The event included a strolling dinner, a wine tasting, and a silent and live auction.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder reorganizes DELEG to sharpen mission focus
Governor Rick Snyder today announced the strategic reorganization of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth which will result in a sharper focus on its mission and better program coordination across state government.
Mobile Technology Association of Michigan Aims to Create Mobile Tech Jobs & Businesses
Though it has remained under the radar, Michigan’s mobile technology industry has slowly but steadily been achieving growth over the last several years, in spite of the state’s recent economic challenges.
ITC Holdings in Novi Reports Year-end 2010 net income of $145.7M, or $2.84 per diluted common share
ITC Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ITC) today announced its fourth quarter and year-end results for the period ended December 31, 2010.
Census Bureau Releases Detailed Data on Detroit Metro Area Housing
Homeowners in the Detroit metro area paid a median of $1,068 in monthly housing costs in 2009, compared with $762 for renters, according to data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) announces calendar year 2010 results marked by $4.7B of net income
General Motors Company today announced its calendar year 2010 results marked by $4.7 billion of net income attributable to common stockholders for its first full year of operations.
Guardian Industries in Auburn Hills to Build Second Float Glass Plant in Russia
Guardian Industries Corp. has culminated a few years of analysis and strategic planning in announcing plans to build a float glass manufacturing plant in Krasny Sulin (Rostov region), Russia.
U-M study: More than 1.5 million jobs and $62 billion in wages directly tied to Great Lakes
More than 1.5 million U.S. jobs are directly connected to the Great Lakes, generating $62 billion in wages annually, according to a new analysis by Michigan Sea Grant at the University of Michigan.
Otsego Club in Gaylord Welcomes Back International Snowboard Teams
Serving as the North American training ground for elite international snowboarding athletes, the Otsego Club and Resort will once again play host to some of the world’s most talented boarders as several international snowboarding teams will be training at the Gaylord, Michigan ski club February 28 – March 6.
U-M develops a potential ‘game changer’ for pathologists
Ulysses Balis, M.D., clicks a mouse to identify a helicopter in a satellite photo of Baghdad, Iraq. With another click, an algorithm that he and his team designed picks out three more choppers without highlighting any of the buildings, streets, trees or cars.
Health Care is Michigan’s Largest Private-sector Employer, Key to State’s Recovery
A report released today by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) titled Mission Critical — Michigan Hospitals: The Heart of Our Communities, the Key to Our Recovery, uses new data to quantify health care and hospitals’ mission-critical role in ensuring a healthy future for the state, both economically and physically.
Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce welcomes Under Secretary Robert D. Hormats, U.S. Department of State
APACC, the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce will present a forum on the global prospective of U.S. and Michigan’s economy and the important role Asian trade plays to enhance business growth in Michigan. The title of the seminar is called, “Win-Win Michigan: Embracing U.S. & Asia Business Growth in 2011.”
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Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s Birthday Party
Friends of L. Brooks Patterson celebrated his birthday on Jan. 8 at the Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester. The black tie event included a VIP reception, strolling dinner, and entertainment.
Chrysler, GM & 28 other companies to offer 2,000-plus jobs at ESD’s Job Fair
If there’s any good news emerging out of Michigan, it is the fact that for the first time in several years, Chrysler and General Motors will return to The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) Engineering & Technology Spring Job Fair along with 28 other companies to offer more than 2,000 jobs.
