July-August 2011
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You’ve Gotta Have Art!
The Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus exhibition, which features some paintings never before seen in the United States, will run for 12 weeks at the DIA — November 20, 2011 to February 12, 2012.
Michigan Hispanic Business Organizations form Michigan Hispanic Alliance
New collaborative partnership focuses on joining up Hispanic business groups across Michigan.
Should-Cost, Will-Cost Experts Munro & Associates, Inc. Awarded GSA Schedule
Munro & Associates, Inc., specialists in should-cost analysis and total cost reduction, today announced the award of its GSA Schedule for Professional Engineering Services from the General Services Administration (GSA). The schedule, contract number GS-10F-0276X, allows Munro & Associates to provide products and services to government agencies as an approved, preferred vendor, and expedites the process of obtaining government contracts.
A Glimpse of Tomorrow's Dashboard From TRW in Livonia
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE: TRW) ), the global leader in active and passive safety, today unveiled a folding steering wheel concept which retracts into the dashboard to improve driver comfort getting in and out of a vehicle.
ProGreen Properties Announces Business Update
ProGreen Properties, Inc. (ProGreen), OTCQB-PGEI, www.progreenproperties.com, is pleased to announce the following business update.
Perrigo Provides Update on Acquisition of Paddock Labs
Perrigo Company (Nasdaq: PRGO;TASE) today announced that it continues to work to finalize the regulatory approvals necessary to complete the acquisition of Paddock Laboratories, Inc. (“Paddock”), a privately-held, Minneapolis-based pharmaceutical manufacturer of generic Rx pharmaceuticals and OTC specialty products.
Helmet Law Repeal Will Result in More Traffic Fatalities and Costs, AAA Reports
AAA Michigan strongly opposes legislation approved by the Michigan Senate late yesterday (June 28) which –if approved by the House — would repeal Michigan’s nearly four-decade old mandatory motorcycle helmet law.
Dow Chemical's Silicon Technology Helping Drive Green Building Revolution
To support the growing demand of designing and constructing innovative, high-performance and sustainable structures, Dow Corning is strengthening its suite of construction solutions and services for building professionals.
Quicken Loans is First Home Loan Lender to Offer Mobile Mortgage App
Quicken Loans Inc., the nation’s largest online home lender, today became the first mortgage provider to offer a mobile app that enables clients to apply for a home loan from the palm of their hand with the launch of “MyQL Mobile.” The app, available for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, guides clients from their initial application to the closing table, all part of the company’s mission to provide a home loan experience that is “Engineered to Amaze.”
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DIA Reception for Maureen and Roy Roberts
The Detroit Institute of Arts held a reception and tour to celebrate the naming of a gallery of contemporary African-American art.
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American House Foundaition Fundraiser
American House Foundation and Wayne State’s Institute of Gerontology held a fundraiser for metro Detroit’s seniors in need on May 5.
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APACC 10th Annual Celebration Dinner
The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce in Rochester Hills held its 10th annual Celebration Dinner at the Royal Park Hotel.
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Sunset at the Zoo Benefactor Party
A Benefactor Party was held at the home of Gail and Lois Warden as a prelude to a major fundraiser held at the Detroit Zoo.
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JASM's Reception for Champions of the New Economy
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan held a reception at its Finance Park in Detroit to honor the Champions of the New Economy.
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Variety Detroit Presents Emagine Royal Oak and Star Lanes
Variety Detroit helped debut Emagine Royal Oak and Star Lanes.
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Ghafari Cocktail Reception
Ghafari, a large architectual and engineering firm in Dearborn, held a cocktail reception at the Detroit Athletic Club to introduce Joseph A. Gonzalez, the company’s new global director of design.
DSO and Leonard Slatkin Appoint Acting Concertmaster
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Leonard Slatkin announced today the appointment of Kimberly Ann Kaloyanides Kennedy as acting concertmaster for the 2011 – 2012 season
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The American Heart Association’s Detroit Heart Ball
The American Heart Association held its annual Detroit Heart Ball at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit on April 16. More than $1.2 million was raised from the black-tie event to support medical research.
Global Comms Expert Chris Preuss Joins Hill & Knowlton
J. Christopher Preuss has been named Executive Vice President for Hill & Knowlton, joining WPP Group’s automotive team based in Dearborn, Mich., it was announced today.
Cars Reach Highest Share of Chevrolet Sales Since 1991
Chevrolet total sales are expected to increase 15 percent during the first half of 2011 fueled by the passenger car sales approaching their highest percentage of Chevrolet sales in two decades.
Connect Michigan Releases Report on Broadband Access and Consumer Technology Habits
Connect Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Public Service Commission, today released a new broadband planning report bringing the state one step closer to closing the digital divide.
Borders Enters into Preliminary Agreement with Direct Brands
Borders Group, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Direct Brands, a portfolio company of Najafi Companies, and intends to move forward with submitting the agreement to the Court to serve as the “stalking horse” bid for a Court-supervised auction of the business under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
U-M Hospitals & Health Centers CEO Becomes Chair of Michigan Health & Hospital Association
The leader of the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers will now also be the elected leader of the state hospital association, after a vote held yesterday.
GM June U.S. Sales Improve 11 Percent on Strong Retail Demand for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
General Motors dealers in the United States reported 215,358 total sales in June, an 11-percent gain compared to June 2010.
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Bringing Back Detroit
When Joaquin Nuño-Whelan, General Motors Co.’s vehicle chief engineer and vehicle line director for the Chevrolet Sonic, was 19 years old, he made a promise.
Ford June Sales Up 14 Percent; Cars, Utilities Lead the Way
Ford’s June sales totaled 194,114, up 14 percent versus a year ago. Cars and utilities posted the largest gains, while trucks also posted increases, rebounding from May.
Chrysler Group LLC Reports June 2011 U.S. Sales Increased 30 Percent
Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 120,394, a 30 percent increase compared with sales in June 2010 (92,482 units), and the best June sales since 2007.
Mitsubishi Sales Keep Growing – Up More Than 97% in June
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported June 2011 sales of 8,299 units, nearly doubling June 2010 sales with an increase of 97.7 percent.
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Dining with the Masters
Dining with the Masters, a benefit for the Henry Ford Transplant Institute, was held at The Henry in Dearborn on June 6. The event included a four-course meal prepared by some of metro Detroit’s finest chefs, including Chef James Woodward (The Henry), Chef Alexis Henslee (The Metropolitan Cafe), and Chef Marc Djozlija (Wolfgang Puck Grille). Photos by Patrick Gloria.
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Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute's 28th Annual Dinner
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute held its 28th Annual Dinner on April 30 at GM Heritage in Sterling Heights. The black-tie event, which drew more than 500 people, raised nearly $870,000 for the Joseph Dresner Family Clinic for Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation.
Logicalis Strengthens Presence in Key U.S. Geographies with Acquisition of Netarx
Logicalis Group, the international IT and Communications solutions integrator, has acquired Netarx, an Auburn Hills, Michigan-based solution provider.
CareTech Solutions Offers Zero Worries for Hospital CIOs
Medical help desk marketing campaign features worry-free solution.
Knorr-Bremse Group Broadens Use of Altair HyperWorks in Troy
Altair’s HyperWorks suite offers German-based leading manufacturer of braking systems flexible and cost efficient access to CAE tools.
DTE Signs Agreement to Build Natural Gas Pipeline in Pennsylvania
Bluestone Gathering today announced the signing of a long-term agreement with Southwestern Energy Services Company to build and operate a natural gas gathering system in Susquehanna County, PA and Broome County, NY.
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One Soldier's Story
One Soldier’s Story, a documentary film by Keith Famie that details the life of Sergeant Michael Ingram, Jr., who was killed in action in Afghanistan in April 2010, premiered on June 29 at the Emagine and Star Lanes Theatre in downtown Royal Oak. The event kicked off Mikie’s Minutes, which provides free calling cards to military personnel deployed around the world. Photos by Patrick Gloria.
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Boys Hope Girls Hope 21st Annual Golf Classic
Boys Hope Girls Hope held its 21st Annual Golf Classic at the Oakland Hills County Club in Bloomfield Township on June 27. Players competed for a chance to play in the Liberty Mutual National Finals at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina from March 7-11, 2012. Photos by Patrick Gloria.
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The 22nd Annual High Hopes Golf Invitational For Vista Maria
The 22nd Annual High Hopes Golf Invitation, held at the historic Detroit Golf Club on June 13, provided an upscale golfing experience for community business leaders and celebrity athletes. The event supported the girls of Vista Maria. Photos by Nick Martines.
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The Franchising Frenzy
A sure sign of an economic recovery is when franchises come knocking at the door. Currently, the state of Michigan is experiencing a franchise boom.
Oakland University Athletics Extends Partnership with Palace
Palace Sports & Entertainment continues its sponsorship sales role for Golden Grizzlies.
Dept. of Agriculture & Rural Development Announces New Division Leadership
Division directors selected in Animal Industry, Food & Dairy, Laboratory, and Pesticide & Plant Pest Management areas.
Compuware Acquires dynaTrace Software, Setting the New Standard for Application Performance Management
Compuware Corporation (Nasdaq:CPWR), the technology performance company, today announced that it has acquired privately held dynaTrace software. The $256 million cash acquisition closed on July 1, 2011.
Carmakers Should Be Able to Meet Future Emissions
Internal combustion engines are improving their ability to cut CO2 emissions at a lower cost than expected, and, as a result, carmakers should be able to meet 2020 emissions targets mainly through improvements to conventional technologies, according to a new report by The Boston Consulting Group. The report, Powering Autos to 2020: The Era of the Electric Car?, is being released today.
DTE Energy to Build Solar Installation on Mercy High School Roof
DTE Energy and Mercy High School in Farmington Hills today announced the signing of a 20-year agreement that will provide the utility’s customers with renewable energy generated from the sun.
Dana Completes Two Agreements for Growth in Emerging Markets
Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today that it has completed two transactions that will enhance its position for further growth in the emerging markets of China and India.
Nation’s Community Colleges Appoints Chancellor Dr. Curtis Ivery
21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges will influence future of nearly 1,200 institutions serving more than 6 million students.
Seventeen Businesses Are Picked to Help Boost Success in Detroit.
New Creative Ventures program is a global model for state-of-the art mentoring, consultancy and support.
PulteGroup Elects AvalonBay Chairman Bryce Blair to Board of Directors
As a member of the Board, Blair will join the compensation and management development, and finance committees.
Detroit Zoological Society Announces New Board Members
Two new members join the Detroit Zoological Society board.
Study Shows Car Owners Hold Onto Their Cars and Put on More Miles
According to AutoMD.com report, nearly 80% plan to put up to or over 50,000 more miles on their current vehicle than they put on their previous vehicle.
Oakland County Budget Update
Oakland County employees may see 1% salary increase in 2014
GM Landfill-Free Environmental Initiative Gains Steam
The automaker is now converting non-manufacturing facilities to reuse, recycle or convert to energy all waste from normal operations.
TRW Expands Electric Steering in Poland to Meet Growing Demand
Production is set to start in the first quarter of 2012. Initially, 250 new roles will be created.
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Take the Shot
“You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.”
Demolition Begins On Ford Auditorium
On July 8, 2011, demolition began on Ford Auditorium.
Ben Hogan Mobile Phone App Approved for Digital Media Credit
New app takes advantage of Michigan’s fine golf courses and growing digital media sector.
Consumers Energy Receives Approval for Its First Wind Park
New project continues utility’s role as Michigan’s largest renewable energy provider
ESDI Forum: Engineering a Leaner, Cleaner, Healthcare System
Join panelists on July 14 at Wayne State College of Engineering to address health care efficiency.
3D Rapid Prototyping Fast Tracks GM Fuel Efficiency Gains
Deep inside the GM Design building where future products from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac take shape and substance, an elite team fashions components, intricate sub assembles and entire scale model cars from highly specialized three-dimensional rapid prototyping manufacturing equipment.
Michigan Businesses Seeing Signs of Improvement in Continued Tough Economy
While the economy remains tough across the state, a growing number of Michigan’s small- and mid-sized business owners believe things are beginning to move in the right direction, according to a recent survey. The survey further indicated that Michigan business owners are expressing less concern over the challenges they have been facing that impact their ability to sell their products and services, provide employee benefits and make a profit.
Ecology Coatings Responds to Marketplace With Expanded Sales Team and Upgraded Lab Facilities
Ecology Coatings, Inc. (OTCQB: ECOC), a leader in the discovery and development of nanotechnology-enabled, ultraviolet-curable advanced coatings, today announced that it has added and upgraded testing and application development equipment in its Akron, Ohio-based laboratory, and has hired additional industry sales and product development personnel. The expansion is in response to customer interest in Ecology’s products and growth in the UV-curable coatings marketplace.
World's Leading Bible Publisher Zondervan Purchases the Bestselling Storybook Bible of All Time — The Beginner's Bible
The Beginner’s Bible®, which has dominated the top 10 bestsellers list in the Christian industry for 20 years, has been acquired from Mission City Press by leading Christian children’s publisher Zonderkidz, a division of Zondervan.
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Fountain Bistro Grand Opening in Detroit
Fountain Bistro, a French-inspired restaurant in Detroit, held a grand opening celebration on July 8. The redesigned eatery is owned by Jay Lambrecht, Matthew Morin and Kevin Morin.
Iridescence at MotorCity Casino Hotel to Receive 2011 Achievement of Excellence Award at American Culinary Federation National Convention in Dallas
The American Culinary Federation (ACF), the nation’s premier organization of professional chefs, will honor Iridescence, MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit, with an Achievement of Excellence Award at the 2011 ACF National Convention held at the Gaylord Texan, Dallas, July 22-26.
Ford Offers Complimentary Live Operator Assistance for SYNC Services
Getting directions or finding a business using SYNC® Services has become even easier thanks to a new feature called Operator Assist that allows users to instantly connect with a live person.
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2011 Gold Cup Race at the Detroit Yacht Club
The Detroit Yacht Club was the presenting sponsor for the 2011 Detroit APBA Gold Cup on July 10. The event was won by Dave Villwock. It was his ninth overall and fourth consecutive Gold Cup win.
Consumers Want More Fuel-Efficient Vehicles, But Are Confused About The Options
Despite uncertainty regarding prices at the pump, Americans are resisting a move to more fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles largely because of confusion over the differences between these types of cars. The findings from a recent survey* conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation and funded by Johnson Controls. (NYSE: JCI) suggest there is a clear gap between consumers’ attitudes toward fuel-efficient cars and their actual purchase intent.
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Ford Recycles Tires and Soybean Oil in the Engine Compartment
Ford and supplier Recycled Polymeric Materials are trying to boost their sustainability. Together, they are creating environmentally friendly seals and gaskets.
Saab Selects Microsoft Dynamics to Improve Call Centers
Saab Cars North America announced today that they have selected Microsoft Dynamics CRM from First Tech Direct to improve their efficiency and operations.
Pandora Broadens Automotive Integration
Internet radio leader expands presence in Ford vehicles and announces a new relationship with Scion.
Wolverine Worldwide Announces Record Revenue and Earnings for Second Quarter 2011
The company shows a growth of 20.1% compared to last year, representing the fourth consecutive quarter of record revenue.
Ten Bills Signed by Governor on July 13, 2011
Legislation to honor veterans, better ensure film incentives create jobs for Michigan residents among bills signed into law.
Report to Show Climate Change Is Already Impacting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park
Climate change is already damaging the fragile ecosystems of major national parks in or near Michigan and throughout the rest of Great Lakes area, according to a new report to be released during a phone-based news conference sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization (RMCO) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) at 12:30 p.m. CDT/1:30 p.m. EDT Wednesday (July 13, 2011).
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DC3 Acceleration Studio Grand Opening Celebration
The Creative Ventures Acceleration Program, developed by the Detroit Creative Corridor Center (DC3) held a celebration at their new studio July 12 announcing the companies participating in the pilot program.
Haptics Course at Kettering University Is One of Few Offered Around the Country
When people think of virtual reality, the assumption is that it can only be experienced through two senses: vision and sound. In the Kettering University Haptics Lab, however, students work within virtual worlds that incorporate touch as well.
Fresenius Medical Care of Detroit Continues to Enhance Dialysis Patient Experience With New, “Smart” Dialysis Platform
Dialysis patients in Detroit now have access to the most advanced treatment machine from Fresenius Medical Care, announced in a press release this morning.
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Ciao Berloni
Robert Nusbaum knows firsthand that dealing directly with the factory has its drawbacks.
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The Paper Chase
A workhorse in the digital world, a Southfield firm rides the plains of efficiency.
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Downstream Turbo Driver
Offering expensive wastewater treatment equipment, Michael Hansen has 700 North American cities on his radar screen as potential clients.
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Energy Wave
A Detroit company creates energy savings by enhancing a century-old science.
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Call Out: A For-Profit For Nonprofits
The adage that it takes money to raise money rings true for Associated Community Services in Southfield. While revenue for charities was up 20 percent in 2010, the professional fundraising […]
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Tech Squad
Novi firm dials down the heat.
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Lest We Forget
Frenchman Alain de Rouvray gives his assessment of the region’s business climate.
Investment Center Granted Ability To Establish EB-5 Visas Throughout Michigan
The International Michigan Investments Regional Center (IMI Regional Center – www.invest2usa.com) had been previously designated in June 2009, as an official EB-5 Regional Center by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in Emmet County, Michigan.
Charge: Auburn Hills takes the lead in electric vehicle infastructure
Auburn Hills adopts Michigan’s first ordinance for facilitating electric vehicle charging stations and corresponding infrastructure planning.
CREW Detroit’s August 3rd Program Takes a Look at the Bridge with “Issues in Public Infrastructure: New International Trade Crossing Opportunities and Impact”
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Detroit, an organization influencing the success of the commercial real estate industry by advancing the achievements of women and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011, announces an August 3rd event that will address Detroit’s international trade crossing.
Suppliers Improving but are at Risk: BBK Ratings Reports
North American manufacturing suppliers have generally become healthier since 2009 according to the latest BBK Ratings data.
New Digital Technology Helps Airport travelers Connect with Metro-Detroit
Wayne County Airport Authority to partner with Clear Channel Airports, McConnell Communications to develop new community showcase program.
Consumers Energy's Free Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Help Fulfill Customers' Increased Interest, Demand
Consumers Energy officials today joined federal, state and City of Jackson leaders at the utility’s Jackson headquarters to announce the availability of ten plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging stations located statewide.
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BRU Fest 2011
Held at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market on June 18, the first-ever BRU Festival brought together good beer and good food for a good cause: the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. Bagger Dave’s burger, wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, and craft beers from Bell’s Brewery were featured along with other local delicacies.
Secretary Chu to Visit Detroit to Highlight Support for Auto Industry, Promote High Technology Jobs of Tomorrow
On Monday, July 18, 2011, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu will visit Detroit to highlight the Obama Administration’s commitment to supporting the U.S. automotive industry and creating the high-technology jobs of tomorrow.
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The Lending Tree
At a recent Goldman Sachs conference, Stephen D. Steinour — chairman, president, and CEO of Huntington Bank based in Columbus, Ohio — was asked where he would invest money if he had his pick of any place in the United States. “I said Michigan, and even the guys that were sleeping woke up,” Steinour says.
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Where is My Flying Car?
For decades, Detroit City Airport handled more takeoffs and landings than any other airfield in Michigan. But starting in the 1960s, traffic at the 264-acre airport slowly descended as officials struggled to acquire land to add more runways. Factory workers, flush with cash and eager for new homes, beat them to the punch.
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Powered by Detroit Women
For female executives, administrators, and managers, the statistics are telling — there are close to 243,000 women-owned businesses in Michigan that collectively produce $30.5 billion in revenue, according to a recent American Express report using 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data.
MEDC Launches Job Portal to Find New Talent
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced it has launched a new talent portal on its website designed to help skilled professionals connect with employers.
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In Perplexing Economy, Pizza Prevails
Ann Arbor-based Domino’s Pizza stocks (NASDAQ: DPZ) are far ahead of the competition, even in economic turmoil.
Michigan Opens State's First National Distribution and Service Center for Prescription Processing
NoviXus, LLC is the first national distribution and service center for prescription processing to be built in the State of Michigan.
GM Invests $328 Million in Flint Assembly Plant
General Motors will invest $328 million to prepare its plant in Flint, Mich. to build the next generation of Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickup trucks, creating or retaining 150 jobs.
Greektown Superholdings, Inc. Completes Land Transaction with Wayne County
Greektown Superholdings, Inc. (the “Company”) announced today that it has completed its previously announced land transaction with Wayne County (the “County”). The Company sold a 7.2 acre parcel, to the County, currently used as a municipal parking lot. And simultaneously purchased from the County a 1.1 acre parcel, currently used by the County as the sheriff headquarters.
Covisint, a Compuware Company, to Present on How to Manage Identities During Businesses' Tectonic Shift to the Cloud
Covisint, a Compuware
(Nasdaq:CPWR) company, today announced that its Chief Security Officer,
Dave Miller, will present “Implementing Identity Management in the
Cloud: Lessons Learned” at the Cloud Identity Summit in Keystone, Colo.
