January-February 2013
Dickinson Wright Joins Phoenix-based Law Firm
DETROIT— Dickinson Wright PLLC, with offices in Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., and Toronto, Ontario has joined law practices with Mariscal, Weeks, McIntyre & Friedlander, P.A., based in […]
Talmer Bancorp Completes Acquisition of First Place Bank
TROY — Talmer Bancorp Inc. today announced that it has completed its previously announced purchase of Warren, Ohio-based First Place Bank from First Place Financial Corp. Talmer’s total investment of […]
Polk: New Vehicle Registrations May Reach 15.3 Million
SOUTHFIELD — New light vehicle registrations in the U.S. in 2013 are expected to rise 6.6 percent over 2012 levels to 15.3 million vehicles, according to Polk, a leading global […]
Crestmark Transactions Hit $13M in Final Weeks of 2012
TROY — During the last few weeks of December a total of $12.85 million in financial solutions was secured for 11 new Crestmark clients. They were: • On December 18 […]
Mackinac Financial Declares First Dividend Since '04
MANISTIQUE — Mackinac Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: MFNC), the bank holding company for mBank, today announced that on Dec. 18, 2012, its board of directors declared a cash dividend of $.04 […]
Big Jump in Home Construction Expected in 2013
LANSING — The Home Builders Association of Michigan is forecasting that single-family home construction in 2013 will increase by 39 percent over 2012 levels. The association attributes the positive forecast […]
New Search Engine Helps Support Local Businesses
ROYAL OAK — A new search engine — BuyMichLocal.com — is hoping to make it easier than ever to support local businesses. “We bring top sites like Yelp, GroupOn, Angie’s […]
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Townsend Hotel Names New Executive Chef
BIRMINGHAM — The Townsend Hotel, a AAA 4-Diamond luxury property known for its exceptional service and amenities, today announced the recent appointment of Drew Sayes as its new executive chef. […]
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Esperion Therapeutics Names New President, CEO
PLYMOUTH — Esperion Therapeutics, the leading developer of small molecule therapies for the treatment of cardiometabolic disorders, today announced that Tim Mayleben has been named president and CEO of the […]
Bosch Showcases Technology at 2013 International CES
FARMINGTON HILLS — For more than 125 years, Bosch has been committed to providing trusted products that enhance quality of life. At the 2013 International CES in Las Vegas next […]
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to Visit U-M
ANN ARBOR — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will join Ford School Dean Susan Collins on Jan. 14 for a conversation on monetary policy, recovery from the global financial crisis […]
Seven Michigan Listings Added to National Register of Historic Places
LANSING — The State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, announced the addition of seven properties and historic districts to the National Register of Historic Places. Three individual […]
Ford Sells Portion of Former Wixom Assembly Plant
DEARBORN — Ford Motor Co. has sold 239 acres of the former Wixom Assembly Plant to Trident Barrow Management LLC, a unit of Barrow Development. “We’re very pleased with the […]
Henry Ford Hospital Participates in National Stem Cell Research Study
DETROIT — Physicians at Henry Ford Hospital are the first in Michigan in a new national research study to investigate treating a recent heart attack with a patient’s own stem […]
Chrysler Group Launches Dealer-Activated Navigation System
AUBURN HILLS — The growing importance of navigation systems is not lost on Chrysler Group. Accordingly, the company has unleashed the power of its Uconnect system to accommodate customers seeking […]
Sentio Receives Patent Approvals for Core Technology
SOUTHFIELD — Sentio today announced that the U.S. Patent Office has approved two of its recent submissions. These cover the core technology behind the company’s family of products that protect […]
Marsh & McLennan Agency Acquires McGraw Wentworth
TROY — Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, a subsidiary of Marsh Inc., today announced that it has acquired McGraw Wentworth Inc., an employee group benefits consulting and brokerage firm based […]
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United Shore Financial Services Hires New President
BIRMINGHAM — Mat Ishbia has been named president of United Shore Financial Services LLC, one of the nation’s leading independent mortgage lenders. Ishbia, 32, had previously served as president of […]
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ITC Holdings Corp. Hires New Executive
NOVI — ITC Holdings Corp. today announced that Ron Hinsley has joined the company as vice president, information technology and chief information officer. Hinsley will lead IT activities and support […]
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Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson's 2013 Birthday Party
More than 500 guests attended L. Brooks Patterson’s Birthday Party on Jan. 5 at the Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester. The black-tie event, which offered a VIP reception, included the unveiling of a bronze bust of Patterson created by artist Don Tocco. Photographs by Patrick Gloria.
Telemus Capital Announces 2013 Restructuring
SOUTHFIELD — Telemus Capital Partners, an independent advisory firm specializing in wealth management services for high net worth individuals, today announced plans for an organizational restructuring, effective January 1, 2013. […]
Visteon Supplies Instrument Cluster for Porsche
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP — Visteon Corp., a leading global automotive supplier, partnered with Porsche AG to develop a new advanced instrument cluster for the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo e-hybrid concept, […]
DenteMax Selects Brogan & Partners
BIRMINGHAM — Brogan & Partners, one of the leading advertising and marketing agencies in Michigan, announced the addition of DenteMax to its group of health care clients. The announcement was […]
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The College for Creative Studies 31st Annual Art of Wine Fundraiser
The College for Creative Studies held its 31st annual Art of Wine fundraiser dinner on Oct. 20 at the GM Tech Center in Warren. The black-tie event, which drew more than 500 people, raised $1.5 million for student scholarships and art classes for at-risk youth in Detroit. Photographs by Nick Martines.
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Rugiero Promise Foundation Third Annual Casino Royale
The Rugiero Promise Foundation held its third annual Casino Royale fundraiser on Nov. 3 at the Italian American Club in Livonia. To date, the foundation has raised $125,000 for the Antonio Rugiero Diabetes Research Fund and the University of Michigan Brehm Center for Diabetes Research in Ann Arbor. Photographs by Nick Martines.
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Agree Realty Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
FARMINGTON HILLS — Agree Realty Corp. (NYSE: ADC) today announced the appointment of Joey Agree as chief executive officer. In addition, Agree will continue to serve as the company’s president […]
New Dodge Dart GT Model to Debut at Auto Show
AUBURN HILLS — The Dodge brand dug deep into its nearly 100-year history to name its all-new compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart, and is again drawing on the storied […]
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International Bancard Names New Chief Financial Officer
CLAWSON — International Bancard, a processing solutions and merchant services company, announced today that Joseph Valentic has been named its chief financial officer. In this role, Valentic will drive financial […]
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Chase Plastics Names New Vice President of Sales
CLARKSTON — Chase Plastics, a North American distributor of specialty, engineering and commodity thermoplastics, announced today that it has appointed Alan Arduini to the newly created position of vice president, sales, […]
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Luxury Test Drive January 2013
The sun beats mercilessly as we step outside; blinding, boiling, we fumble for the car key, hear a soft beep, confirming the doors are unlocked, and slip inside. The engine […]
Jeep Sets All-time Annual Sales Record in 2012
AUBURN HILLS — The Jeep brand recorded global sales of 701,626 units in 2012, setting a new, all-time high – bettering the brand’s previous annual high of 675,494 units sold […]
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J.P. Morgan Appoints Private Bank Market Manager
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Morgan has announced that Reuben Rashty has been appointed head of J.P.Morgan’s Private Banking business in Michigan. In this role, he will lead J.P. Morgan’s team in […]
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Honigman Elects Four New Partners
DETROIT — Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP has elected four new partners in the firm. The new partners are: Daniel N. Adams practices in the Litigation Department and is […]
General Dynamics Awarded $133M for Abrams Tank Production
STERLING HEIGHTS — General Dynamics Land Systems has been awarded $132.7 million for the procurement and production of 69 Saudi M1A2 (M1A2S) Abrams tanks for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. […]
Quicken Loans Records $70B In Loans
DETROIT — Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc. announced it closed more than $70 billion in home loan volume in 2012, a 133 percent increase over the $30 billion previous record set […]
MRA Announces New Leadership
MADISON HEIGHTS — After 25 years, Michigan-based MRA experiential tours and equipment has a changed ownership. Under the new leadership of former executive vice president and now President and CEO […]
GM to Open IT Innovation Center in Georgia
ROSWELL — General Motors will hire approximately 1,000 high-tech workers to staff a new Information Technology Innovation Center near Atlanta, Georgia. The automaker needs software developers, project managers, database experts, […]
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione’s Detroit Office Now Open
DETROIT — Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, announces the new opening of their Detroit office. The Detroit office is located in the same building as the new Elijah J. McCoy […]
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Crestmark Promotes Seven Employees
TROY — In an effort to continue to strengthen Crestmark’s presence while rewarding employees for the instrumental roles they have played in the company’s development, Crestmark has recently promoted seven […]
Guardian Guard Services Acquires RGIS Security
SOUTHFIELD — Guardian Guard Services of Michigan announced the acquisition of Midwest RSIG Security, a Southfield-based security guard provider. The acquisition was completed earlier this week and Guardian will take […]
New HUD Program Looks to Save Michigan's Affordable Housing
DETROIT – To stem the loss of critically needed public and other forms of subsidized housing due to the severe backlog of capital needs, the U.S. Department of Housing and […]
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New Senior Counsel Joins Dykema in Detroit
DETROIT — Dykema announces that Monica B. Wilkinson has joined the firm as Senior Counsel in the Health Care Practice Group, resident in the Detroit office. Prior to Dykema, Wilkinson […]
Walsh College Opens New Finance Lab
TROY — Walsh College president and CEO Stephanie Bergeron, along with students, faculty, employers and community leaders, gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the college’s highly sophisticated, interactive finance […]
Four Michigan Companies Receive Microloan Fund Program Awards
ANN ARBOR — Four Michigan companies have received a combined total of more than $156,000 through the Michigan Microloan Fund Program, bringing the total amount loaned through the Fund to […]
Ford to Hire 2,200 Salaried Workers in 2013
DEARBORN — Ford Motor Company plans to hire 2,200 salaried workers in the U.S. this year – the largest increase in new salaried workers in more than a decade – […]
Best Homes Title Agency Expands Statewide Services
FARMINGTON HILLS — Best Homes Title Agency, a Farmington Hills based agency providing comprehensive title insurance, title examination and closing services throughout Michigan, today announced the expansion of its statewide […]
DNR Fisheries Division Produces Five-Year Strategic Plan
DETROIT — The Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Division has released its draft five-year strategic plan, which will guide its future management activities for 2013-2017. “Charting the Course: Fisheries Division’s […]
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Ted Gatzaros, August 10, 1944 – January 10, 2013
The death on January 10, 2013 of the irreplaceable, irrepressible, passionate business leader and champion of Detroit, Ted Gatzaros will be mourned by his devoted family and many friends. From […]
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Hob Nobble 2012
The Parade Co. held its annual Hob Nobble Gobble on Nov. 16 at Ford Field in Detroit as a prelude to America’s Thanksgiving Parade. Close to 2,000 people attended the black-tie fundraiser, which included a strolling gourmet dinner, carnival rides, prizes, and live entertainment. Photographs by Nick Martines.
Suburban FIAT of Ann Arbor Completed in Record Time
ANN ARBOR — The nation’s newest FIAT Studio, Suburban FIAT of Ann Arbor, is open for business. Land preparation for where the 3,400 sq. ft. facility was built began October 1, 2012 with […]
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DBusiness Magazine’s Top Lawyer Party 2013 Video
The Top Lawyers named on DBusiness magazine’s 2013 list were honored at a cocktail reception at Tre Monti Ristorante on Monday, January 7th.
Wright and Filippis Acquires Controlling Share in Carolina O&P
ROCHESTER HILLS — A.J. Filippis, president and CEO of Wright & Filippis, today announced that the company has acquired a controlling share in Carolina Orthotics & Prosthetics of North Charleston, […]
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Detroit Aglow 2012
The Detroit Downtown Partnership hosted more than 600 people at its annual Detroit Aglow on Nov. 19 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. The evening included a strolling cocktail reception, a traditional turkey dinner, and live entertainment. Photographs by Nick Martines.
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New VP of Human Resources Joins MotorCity Casino Hotel
DETROIT — Deborah Moffatt recently joined MotorCity Casino Hotel as the new vice president of Human Resources. In her new role, Moffatt will be responsible for all aspects of HR […]
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National CPA Association Names New Chairman
TROY — Jeffrey J. Groen, managing partner of the Troy-based firm of Groen, Kluka and Co., was elected chairman-elect of the North America Board of Directors of CPA Associates International […]
Jeep Introduces the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT
AUBURN HILLS — Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT owners have come to expect – and appreciate – a vehicle that is powerful and refined, luxurious and functional, muscular and stylish. For […]
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Detroit Historical Society Holds Grand Re-opening
The Detroit Historical Society held a grand re-opening celebration on Nov. 17 for the Detroit Historical Museum. The event, part of the Society’s $20.1-million Past Forward Campaign, funded new and expanded exhibits at the museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the Detroit Historical Society Collection. Photographs by Patrick Gloria.
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Market Strategies International Names New COO
LIVONIA — Market Strategies International announced today that Kevin Orians joined the research consultancy as its chief operating officer. Orians is responsible for the overall effectiveness of the company’s research services, quality, analytics and […]
Attorneys Title Agency Forms Ohio-based Talon Title Agency
FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills-based Attorneys Title Agency, a full-service title company providing comprehensive services throughout the state of Michigan, announced today that it has formed a new affiliate, Ohio-based […]
EverLast Recognized for Contributions to Jackson Community
JACKSON — For 75 years the Jackson Area Manufacturer’s Association has held an Annual Meeting to discuss key manufacturing issues while recognizing students, educators, and manufacturers in the Jackson community for outstanding achievement. […]
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ON GO Energy Names New Leadership in Sales
BIRMINGHAM — ON GO Energy today announced that Ben Benjamin has joined the company as director of sales while Eugene Tennison will also sign on as the company’s national sales […]
Crestmark Secures Over $4.5M for New Clients in January
tTROY — A total of $4.55 million in financial solutions were secured for five new Crestmark clients during the first two weeks of January. tOn Jan. 4, a $350,000 accounts […]
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North American International Auto Show 2013
The 2013 North American International Auto show at Detroit’s Cobo Center runs Jan. 19-27. During media week, there were 50 car and truck reveals. Photographs by Patrick Gloria.
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Fraud Expert Earns Certification
SOUTHFIELD – Mark St. Peter, a computer forensics expert and managing director of Southfield-based Computing Source, has earned the internationally recognized Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) certification from the Association of […]
Report: Light Vehicle Assembly to Exceed 83 Million Units
DETROIT— PwC’s automotive analyst group, Autofacts, today announced that it expects 2013 global light vehicle assembly will exceed 83 million units, an increase of 5.1 percent from 2012’s total. Autofacts […]
Forest Dunes To Open New Lake AuSable Lodge This Spring
ROSCOMMON — Forest Dunes Golf Club, a nationally acclaimed Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course in northern Michigan, will open the Lake AuSable Lodge this spring. The addition of this new facility […]
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Attorney Richard A. Walker Joins 1-800-LAW-FIRM
SOUTHFIELD — Attorney Richard A. Walker joins 1-800-LAW-FIRM as Chief Marketing Officer and Business Law Attorney. Walker, who received his undergraduate degree from Edinboro University and his MBA from Wayne […]
Beringea Invests In Abe's Market
FARMINGTON HILLS — Beringea has invested in Abe’s Market, the online destination for ordering natural and organic products. The investment was part of Abe’s $5 million financing round, led by […]
Snyder Signs Executive Order Establishing DIFS
LANSING — Rick Snyder has signed an executive order establishing the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to provide a focal point of consumer protection, enable efficient and effective regulation, […]
Auto-Related Research Benefits NAIAS Vehicles
LANSING — Around $300 million spent on auto-related research projects over a five-year period by the three top research universities that make up Michigan’s University Research Corridor, has benefited the […]
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Ken Marblestone Appointed Michigan President of Charter One
SOUTHFIELD — RBS Citizens Financial Group today named Ken Marblestone as president, Charter One and RBS Citizens, Michigan. Marblestone, a Detroit native, also will remain as president of Charter One […]
12% Growth in 2012 North American Light Vehicle Sales
DETROIT — The North American automotive market in 2012 has been the “bright spot” amid the uncertain global scenario, according to Ernst & Young’s Global Automotive Center. Driven by improved […]
Michigan Doctors Launch Effort to Improve Medicare
ANN ARBOR — More than 1,800 Michigan physicians will work together to tackle the challenge of providing better medical care and slowing the growth of health costs, in a new […]
Farrah Fawcett Foundation Issues Grant for Patient Assistance Fund
DETROIT — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center has received a $25,000 grant through the Farrah Fawcett Foundation to establish the Farrah Fawcett Fund for Patient Assistance at Karmanos. The […]
2013 Michigan Growth Capital Symposium
ANN ARBOR — The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium today unveiled preliminary plans for the 2013 event, which is the Midwest’s annual must-attend gathering to connect angel, seed and growth stage […]
$31 Million Dollar Public Transportation Effort in the Works
DETROIT — Gov. Rick Snyder today joined U.S. Transportation secretary Ray LaHood and other dignitaries in announcing more than $31 million in federal funds to jump-start the Regional Transit Authority […]
Corporate Fleet Services Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Charity Giveaway
DETROIT — Corporate Fleet Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the car, truck and specialty vehicle leasing business by providing tickets to the North American International Auto Show to […]
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U.S. China Business Networking Conference
The Detroit Chinese Business Association hosted the U.S. China Business Networking conference and dinner on Nov. 5 at the Westin Southfield Detroit. Topic discussions during the half-day conference included joint ventures, purchasing, technology, and acquisitions. Photographs by Patrick Gloria.
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Appointment, Reappointment Made to Gaming Control Board
LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Dennis Beagen, of Northville, and the reappointment of Michael Watza, of Novi, to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The five-member […]
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Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss Gains New Partner
SOUTHFIELD — Demrie L. (Wilkinson) Graham has joined Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss as a partner in the Firm’s real estate practice group. Jaffe CEO Bill Sider made the announcement. […]
New Owners Acquire Southfield Centre
SOUTHFIELD — Real Ventures Southfield Centre LLC today announced it has acquired the Southfield Centre at 18000 W. 9 Mile Rd. near Northwestern Highway in Southfield from Franklin Street Properties. […]
Daimler Creates Mobility Services Subsidiary
STUTTGART, Germany — As part of its plan to significantly expand the mobility services business operations, Daimler Financial Services AG has created a subsidiary known as Daimler Mobility Services GmbH. […]
Bank of Birmingham Named Among Safest Banks in America
BIRMINGHAM — One of the safest banks in America is right here in Birmingham. Bank of Birmingham was recently ranked as one of the 383 safest banks in America by […]
AT&T Activates New Cell Site In Farmington Hills
tDETROIT — AT&T* today announced the activation of a new mobile internet cell site in Farmington Hills near Farmington and W. 13 Mile Roads. The cell site will enhance coverage […]
Michigan Universities Generate $15.5B in Annual Revenue
LANSING — Michigan’s University Research Corridor generated $15.5 billion in economic impact statewide, exceeded $2 billion in annual research expenditures, and awarded more than 31,600 degrees in one year, placing […]
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Easter Seals Michigan Announces New Medical Director
AUBURN HILLS — Easter Seals Michigan has announced that it has hired Dr. Richard Solomon as its vice president of medical affairs. Dr. Solomon also is medical director of The […]
Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund Invests $1M in Start-Ups
ANN ARBOR — Four Michigan companies recently received investments from the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, totaling $1 million. To date, the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, a collaborative effort of Michigan’s […]
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Fifth Third Bank CEO Joins Walsh College Board of Trustees
TROY — Walsh College President Stephanie Bergeron is pleased to announce that David Girodat has been elected to the Walsh College Board of Trustees. President and CEO of Fifth Third Bank, Eastern […]
MEDC announces LiveWorkLaunch!
LANSING —The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced a new effort to attract entrepreneurial college students from around the country and connect them with the resources they’ll need to create […]
Snyder: 14 Companies Approved for State Incentives
LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the Michigan Strategic Fund’s approval of state incentives to support 14 business expansions that are expected to generate more than $1.1 billion in […]
Medical Main Street and Michigan-based Life Science Companies
WATERFORD — Representatives from Oakland County and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. are leaving Sunday for Dubai to promote Medical Main Street and Michigan-based life science companies at one of […]
Ray Wert Launches Digital Content and Tiny Toy Car
tDETROIT — Ray Wert, former executive director of content for Gawker Media, today announced he has launched a digital content and advertising strategy studio, Tiny Toy Car, in Detroit and […]
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Gorcyca Joins Giarmarco Law Firm
TROY — Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton P.C. has named David G. Gorcyca to the firm to practice in the areas of criminal defense and civil litigation. Gorcyca was elected in […]
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Chrysler Gives Sneak Peek Inside New Mopar '13
AUBURN HILLS — Chrysler Group LLC released an interior image of its new Mopar ’13 limited-edition vehicle, which will be shown at next month’s Chicago Auto Show.”This vehicle is the […]
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Foster Swift Elects 3 New Shareholders
LANSING — The law firm of Foster Swift Collins and Smith has named three new shareholders: attorneys Alexander Ayar, John Inhulsen, and David Russell. Ayar is currently a member of […]
Emerald City Designs Awarded Best Floral Design
FARMINGTON HILLS — Emerald City Designs was awarded Best Floral Design 2012 at The Special Event Gala Awards this past Friday, January 18th in Chicago, Illinois. Each year Special Events […]
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Habitat for Humanity Adds New Board Member
MOUNT CLEMENS — Dawn Dyer Magretta is currently the director of Macomb Community College Foundation and Alumni Relations and has been unanimously elected to serve on the Macomb County Habitat […]
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Hantz Bank Southfield Grand Opening
Hantz Bank held a grand opening reception on Oct. 24 at its newest branch in Southfield. The company, part of Hantz Group Inc., has bank branches in Clinton Township, Ann Arbor, and Tecumseh. Branches in Romeo and Taylor are scheduled to open in early 2013. Photographs by Nick Martines.
Automakers to Collaborate on Fuel Cell Tech
DEARBORN — Daimler AG, Ford Motor Co., and Nissan Motor Co. have signed a unique three-way agreement to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicle technology. The goal of […]