July-August 2012
North American Bancard Names First CIO
TROY — North American Bancard, provider of the payment solution PayAnywhere, Monday announced the addition of Tracy Metzger to its leadership team to fill the newly created position of chief information officer. “North American Bancard experienced tremendous growth over the past two years, and we needed an all-star CIO to join our payments industry dream […]
Leadership Change In Ilitch Holdings' Corporate Relations
DETROIT — Ilitch Holdings, Inc. Vice President of Corporate Relations Karen Cullen announced Monday she will step down from her position at the organization at the end of July. The company will begin a search for Cullen’s replacement. “I have had a wonderful experience at Ilitch Holdings,” Cullen said. “This is very much a personal […]
Tullymore Resort Offers Unique Corporate, Casual Retreat
STANWOOD — The Tullymore Golf Resort, Michigan’s fastest growing and most innovative recreation property, is once again stepping up its game, this time appealing to corporate or group planners looking for a unique getaway to hold their events. Two new four-bedroom units, and one with five bedrooms, were recently completed at the ultra luxurious Residence […]
Amphibious Combat Vehicle Design Competition
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP — Ricardo, Inc., Monday announced it has been selected by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to stage the FANG Challenge, a series of three competitions designed to produce the Fast, Adaptable, Next-Generation Ground vehicle. FANG will be a new heavy, amphibious, infantry fighting vehicle with functional requirements intended to […]
InPro Insurance Group Further Expands Local Presence
TROY — To further its targeted growth in the metro-Detroit area, InPro Insurance Group, a Troy, Mich.-based independent insurance agency, Monday announced the acquisition of Industrial Insurance Services, Inc. of Troy. As an independent agency, InPro represents many of the nation’s leading, top-rated property and casualty insurance companies, including Travelers, Hartford, Hanover, Accident Fund, Philadelphia, […]
August Business Workshops Offered by Oakland County
WATERFORD — Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are encouraged to attend seminars offered by the Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center. Fundamentals of Starting a Business workshop participants examine their entrepreneurial skills, learn how to implement their ideas, and receive a list of pitfalls to avoid when starting a business. The Fundamentals of Writing […]
Spectrum Health to Establish Lung Transplantation Program
GRAND RAPIDS — Spectrum Health announced Tuesday that it has hired Reda Girgis, MD, to serve as medical director for its lung transplant program. He comes from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and started last week as a member of the Spectrum Health Medical Group. Girgis will head a multidisciplinary team that will evaluate […]
Chrysler Models Sales Rise 20 Percent in June
AUBURN HILLS — Chrysler Tuesday reported U.S. sales of 144,811 units, a 20 percent increase compared with sales in June 2011 of 120,394 units, and the group’s best June sales since 2007. The Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck, and FIAT brands each posted sales increases in June compared with the same month a year ago. […]
Ford Motor Co. Sales Increase 7 Percent
DEARBORN — Ford Motor Co. U.S. sales are up 7 percent this year, with 1.14 million vehicles sold. June sales also increased 7 percent from last year, with 207,759 vehicles sold. Ford sales are increasing across the company’s lineup – with cars up 3 percent, utilities up 9 percent and trucks up 9 percent year […]
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A Family Business in Detroit Bubbles Over
What started out as a class about bath products became a successful mother-daughter company and vendor favorite. The company asks customers the question, “Are you Bath Savvy?” If they weren’t before, they are now. After learning to make soaps and lotions, Jan Reaves, co-owner of Bath Savvy in Detroit, shared her talent with her daughters. […]
Henry Ford Offers New Operation for Atrial Fibrillation
DETROIT — A team of heart doctors at Henry Ford Hospital is the first in Michigan to perform a new catheter-based procedure which limits the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot take blood-thinning medications. The procedure requires a team of heart specialists, including physicians who are experts in catheter manipulation, heart […]
Historic Ford Factory Restored and Open to Public
DETROIT — Ford’s Piquette Avenue plant has been restored, after a decade of renovations, and opened to the public by a group of preservationists and Ford history enthusiasts. The factory is now welcoming visitors with extended opening hours. “It’s the first building built and owned by the Ford Motor Company and the only early automobile plant […]
Mitsubishi Motors North America Sales Are Up 13 Percent
CYPRESS, Calif., — Mitsubishi Motors North America Tuesday reported June sales, including 1,461 sales of the Outlander Sport CUV marks a 13 percent increase compared to June of 2011. Year-to-date sales of Outlander Sport are up 2.6 percent. “We’re pleased that U.S. consumers are confirming our strategy of focusing on fuel-efficient models like this stylish […]
Research Finds Racing Events Influence Car Purchases
ROCHESTER — Foresight Research released more results from its 2012 Automotive Marketing Communications Study interviewing 7,851 new vehicle buyers in the US, finding: Overall, 16% of buyers who attended a racing event stated it significantly or completely influenced their vehicle purchase. One in five new vehicle buyers watched at least one race event on TV […]
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Comerica Michigan Market Headquarters Debuts in Detroit
Comerica Bank debuted its $17-million Michigan Market Headquarters on May 1 in Detroit. During the reception, Comerica and Detroit’s Second Baptist Church unveiled a replica of a wagon used to transport slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad. Photos by Patrick Gloria
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Champions of the New Economy 2012
Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan held a reception to honor the Champions of the New Economy on May 9 at its Quicken Loans JA Finance Park in downtown Detroit. The program with DBusiness and News/Talk 760 WJR recognizes executives who are moving their respective organizations forward. Photos by Christine M.J. Hathaway
WSU Presents Preliminary Results for 'God' Particle
DETROIT — At a seminar held at CERN Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, the ATLAS and CMS experiments presented their latest preliminary results in the search for the long sought Higgs (“God”) particle. Both experiments observe a new particle in the mass region around 125-126 GeV. A team of physicists from Wayne State made important contributions […]
TRW Active Seat Belt Presenter Aids Driver Comfort
LIVONIA — TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., the global leader in automotive safety systems, has developed a new, active seat belt technology which assists the driver to grasp the belt during the buckling up process. The system, known as TRW’s active seat belt presenter, can help to support elderly or less mobile passengers, as well as […]
Ford C-MAX Hybrid Aims for 47 MPG
DEARBORN — Ford’s new C-MAX Hybrid soon will make a big statement in the largest hybrid segment with projected leading fuel economy of 47 mpg city – beating the Toyota Prius v by 3 mpg, plus a $1,300-lower base price. The segment for small hybrids such as the C-MAX Hybrid and Prius accounts for 65 […]
Visteon Announces Offer to Acquire Korean Affiliate HCC
VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP — Visteon Corporation, which currently holds a 70 percent ownership stake in Halla Climate Control Corp., said today that its Korean subsidiary, Visteon Korea Holdings Corp., has announced a tender offer to purchase the remaining 30 percent (32.0 million shares) of HCC for KRW 913 billion (USD 805 million) in cash. The […]
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The Karmanos Cancer Institute 30th Annual Fundraising Dinner
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute raised nearly $1.7 million, an all-time record, at its 30th annual fundraising dinner. More than 500 people attended the event on April 28 at the General Motors Vehicle Engineering Center in Warren. Photos by Patrick Gloria
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SAE Foundation Honors Edsel B. Ford II with Industry Leadership Award
The SAE Foundation honored Edsel B. Ford II with its Industry Leadership Award on May 16 at Ford Field in Detroit. More than $400,000 was raised during the event to fund STEM education programs, including a live auction of on-of-a-kind Ford Mustang built by Ford Motorsports and Roush Performance. Photos by Patrick Gloria
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Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation Celebrates Diamond Anniversary
The Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation held its Diamond Anniversary on May 18 at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills. The event raised more than $13,000 for student scholarships. Photos by Patrick Gloria
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Urban Land Institute Honors Sidney Forbes
The Detroit District Council of the Urban Land Institute honored Sidney Forbes, senior partner of The Forbes Co., with its Lifetime Achievement Award on May 17 at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. More than 500 people attended the sold-out event. Photos by Nick Martines
U-M Study Links Customer Satisfaction to Stock Returns
LONDON — According to research from the University of Michigan, customer satisfaction is directly linked to stock market performance. Companies with high scores on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and the National Customer Satisfaction Index UK (NCSI-UK) produce higher stock returns than competitors and greatly outperform market indices. The study examined the relationship between […]
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DYC Hosts Fundraiser for Gold Cup Races
The Detroit Yacht Club and the Detroit River Regatta Association hosted a fundraising dinner on April 27 at the DYC. The event raised more than $80,000 to support the APBA Detroit Gold Cup Races, scheduled for July 13-15 on the Detroit River. Photos by Patrick Gloria
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The Grand Prixmiere at Renaissance Center's Wintergarden
The Belle Isle Conservancy hosted the official kick-off party for the 2012 Chevrolet Grand Prix on June 1 at the GM Global Renaissance Center’s Wintergarden, aptly called The Grand Prixmiere. More than $270,000 was raised during the evening to support ongoing improvements at Belle Isle. Photos by Patrick Gloria
U-M's Taubman Institute Awards $100K Medical Research Prize
ANN ARBOR — The inaugural $100,000 Taubman Prize for Excellence in Translational Medical Science has been awarded to Harry Dietz, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan’s A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute announced Monday. Dietz, a cardiologist and genetics researcher, has made groundbreaking progress in the understanding of aortic aneurysm and related […]
Local Business Leaders to be Recognized for Accomplishments
TROY — Four exemplary Michigan professionals will be honored this year at the Walsh College Leadership Awards Dinner in November. The annual event pays tribute to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and community service and also recognizes outstanding Walsh alumni. Proceeds from the awards dinner benefit the Jeffery W. Barry Scholarship Fund and the […]
New U.S. Patent Offices to Benefit Law Firm Clients



TROY — In an effort to help speed up the patent process, the United States Patent and Trademark Office announced plans to open three more regional USPTO offices, in addition to the Detroit location that is scheduled to open July 13. The additional regional offices will be located in the Dallas, Denver, and Silicon Valley […]
Harvard Business School Club of Michigan Selects Business Leader of the Year
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The Harvard Business School Club of Michigan, comprised of local graduates of Harvard Business School, announces that Nancy Schlichting, CEO of Henry Ford Health System, has been selected as the Club’s annual Business Leader of the Year. A celebration to honor Ms. Schlichting will take place on Wednesday, August 22nd at the […]
Dow Automotive Systems Opens Two Technology Centers
MIDLAND — Dow Automotive Systems, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, is expanding its capabilities in composite processing technology with the opening of two Dow development facilities to service its global customer base – one in Freienbach, Switzerland and the other in Midland, Mich., USA. These laboratories support the advancement of strategic relationships […]
Michigan's Iconic Grand Hotel Celebrates 125 Years
MACKINAC ISLAND — Grand Hotel, the legendary summer hotel on Michigan’s Mackinac Island, celebrates its 125th anniversary on July 10 as “America’s Summer Place.” The 385-room national historic landmark, which first opened its doors July 10, 1887, is renowned for its white-glove service and historic charm, in part due to its location on an island […]
U-M’s Social Venture Fund Makes Second Investment this Year
ANN ARBOR — The Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business announced today its Social Venture Fund has closed an investment in Jack & Jake’s, a sustainable food provider based in Louisiana. The Social Venture Fund participated in this investment round […]
First-of-its-Kind Survey Reveals Supermarket Media Preferences
LIVONIA — Valassis, one of the nation’s leading media and marketing services companies, announced results of a study indicating that today 90% of grocery retailers use weekly circulars as their promotion of choice although they clearly expect the increased influence of social media and digital to greatly impact their promotion tactics within the next five […]
Detroit, Je t’aime: Documentary on Detroit’s DIY Spirit In the Works
DETROIT — Nora Mandray (director/producer) and Hélène Bienvenu (co-producer) are part of the “Generation Y” who believes that Detroit, Mich., is a laboratory for tomorrow. They’re a duo of French filmmakers, and they’ve been working for over a year on an interactive documentary project supported by the French Film Institute. DETROITJETAIME.COM talks about the DIY […]
Detroit Institute of Arts' Ballot Initiative: Need Public Funds
DETROIT — The Detroit Institute of Arts had been supported by public funds from 1893 to the early 1990s. For nearly 100 years, the City General Fund and private philanthropy provided sole support for the DIA as it grew to be one of the world’s major art museums. An appropriately sized operating endowment – an […]
Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network Opens Site in Pontiac
PONTIAC — Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network, a non-profit organization that provides affordable, coordinated healthcare services for the community, has opened its third site, offering primary care and mental health services at the Oakland Family Services office on Orchard Lake Road in Pontiac. OIHN welcomes people who have private insurance, as well as Medicaid, Medicare, and […]
Protean Electric Gains $84M to Create Chinese Production Sites
TROY — Protean Electric, the global leader in the development and commercialization of in-wheel electric drive systems, Monday announced $84 million in new funding from GSR Ventures, New Times Group, Oak Investment Partners and the city of Liyang, Jiangsu Province, China to bring Protean’s electric drive technology to production by establishing manufacturing facilities in Liyang. […]
Detroit Rally Planned to Urge Awareness of Homeownership
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Homebuilders are joining forces to host a major mid-summer Rally for Homeownership where federal, state and local officials will join with Michigan citizens to highlight the need for pro housing policies at the local, state and […]
Karmanos and Tigers Team Up for Breast Cancer Awareness
DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute are teaming up for “Pink Out the Park” at the Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians game, at 7:05 p.m., Sept. 5 at Comerica Park. The event, which is sponsored by Kroger, will raise awareness of breast cancer, as well as help raise funds for […]
'Cool Blue Monday' Fundraiser to be Held at MGM Grand
DETROIT — The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan — Detroit Branch Office will host its 6th Annual Cool Blue Monday fundraiser from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., August 13 at the MGM Grand-Detroit Grand Ballroom, located at 1777 Third St. in Detroit. Attire is “stylishly chic” and the event will feature an elegant strolling buffet, live […]
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Conway MacKenzie 25th Anniversary Party
The Roostertail in Detroit was the setting for the 25th anniversary party of Conway MacKenzie, a leading restructuring and financial advisory firm in Birmingham. The event included several towers of seafood, premium drinks, fireworks, and an aviation show. Photos by Nick Martines
Report: Adoption of Auto LED Lights Will Rise 22 Percent
A market report by McKinsey & Company predicts a sharp increase in LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting adoption in the automotive category by the end of the decade. In 2011, LEDs claimed a 12 percent share, contributing to the overall category’s revenue of $18.1 billion. Researchers expect to see a spike of 22 percentage points […]
EcoMotors Expands Business with $32.5M Investment
ALLEN PARK — EcoMotors International Tuesday announced that it has completed its Series C round with a new investment totaling $32.5 million, led by Braemar Energy Ventures. Existing investors Bill Gates and Khosla Ventures also participated in the round. To date, EcoMotors has raised more than $66 million. The funding will allow EcoMotors to expand […]
Former GM Advertising VP Bringing New Agency to Midtown
DETROIT — Mike Jackson, and a talented cast of what he refers to as “the industry’s best and brightest,” are moving their company’s headquarters to Detroit’s Creative Corridor. Jackson, a former vice president of marketing and advertising at General Motors, has partnered with several well-known advertising and marketing veterans including Gary Topolewski, a former creative […]
Grand Hotel Celebrates 125 Years With 125-Foot Dessert
MACKINAC ISLAND — Grand Hotel, a national historic landmark on Mackinac Island, Michigan, is celebrating its 125th birthday. Wednesday, a 125-foot birthday cake will be served on its 660-foot Front Porch, the longest porch in the world. Grand Hotel guests enjoyed a champagne reception and the cake Tuesday evening, compliments of the Musser Family, which […]
“Keep Detroit Moving!”: Vehicle Discount Program Announced, Starting Now
DETROIT — Bill Snethkamp CJDR has launched a special promotion to “keep Detroit moving” by offering retail customers in the city’s fast-growing Midtown, Downtown, and New Center areas deep discounts on new and used cars, trucks, and vans and a discount on parts, service, and body repairs from Snethkamp’s dealership in Highland Park. “We have […]
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Digital Trader
A financial expert in Auburn Hills uses algorithms to predict investment trends.
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A New Path
Fundraising is challenging enough, but it’s even more difficult during an economic recession.
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Fluid Dynamics
The Soviet Union’s loss is Michigan’s gain.
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Crystal Ball
Can a mobile app developed in Detroit predict the future?
Huron Capital Sells Interest to Co. Worth More Than Original Investment
DETROIT — Huron Capital Thursday announced that it has sold its interest in Labstat International ULC (“Labstat” or the “Company”) through its holding company, Apex Laboratories International, Inc., in a transaction that returned over six times its original investment. Apex was recapitalized by Alaris Royalty Corp., a Canadian private investment firm, and Labstat management. Huron’s […]
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Roll ‘Em
Michigan’s tax credits for Hollywood films underwent drastic cuts in 2011, but reworked legislation opened the door to viral players.
Schaeffler Develops System to Manage Car Temperature
TROY — Schaeffler has developed an advanced thermal management system to more precisely control drivetrain temperature to help automakers meet upcoming fuel economy and emissions regulations. Through the proactive management of engine, transmission, hybrid component and battery temperature, Schaeffler’s Thermal Management Module improves fuel economy by as much as four percent. Currently in production in […]
Floor Burn
Running, dancing, and driving can power the future.
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PDA Q&A
David Bradley // Owner, Bradley Dental, Warren; Studio 32, Farmington Hills
MCV Holding Co. LLC Seeks to Expand Midland Plant
MIDLAND — MCV Holding Co. LLC, Wednesday applied to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for an air permit for the installation of a nominal 640 megawatt combined-cycle natural-gas-fired power plant to be located at the MCV site in Midland. MCV currently owns and operates a 1,630 MW combined-cycle natural-gas-fired plant at its Midland site. […]
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A Shining Beacon
Taking on gas and electric monopolies, along with political corruption, Detroit Mayor Hazen S. Pingree led the city of out darkness.
Chrysler Named 2012 Detroit Jazz Festival Presenting Sponsor
DETROIT — The Detroit Jazz Festival announced that the Chrysler brand will be the official presenting sponsor for the 2012 festival. The sponsorship is an extension of its successful “Imported from Detroit” campaign, celebrating the spirit and determination of Detroit and its residents. “The automotive industry and jazz music both have rich histories in the […]
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Can The Big Three Survive Success?
Forget another bailout. GM, Ford, and Chrysler must keep winning on the sales floor.
Dykema Releases Consumer Financial Services Answer Book
DETROIT — Dykema Gossett PLLC and Practising Law Institute announce the release of the Consumer Financial Services Answer Book 2012-2013. This revised and updated edition, published by PLI and authored by the lawyers at Dykema, explores the core federal laws that govern consumer credit, and includes a detailed description of the increasingly powerful Bureau of Consumer […]
Five Companies to Invest and Add Jobs in West Michigan
LANSING — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced that five companies were approved for incentives by the Michigan Strategic Fund through the Michigan Business Development and Community Revitalization Programs to support their expansions in the state. The projects are expected to generate up to $26.3 million in investments and add 195 new jobs in […]
Ann Arbor Announces 
New Parking Solution for 2012 Art Fair
DETROIT — Enjoying Ann Arbor’s iconic annual Art Fair is easy. Surviving the parking and traffic woes caused by the more than 500,000 attendees, however, is another story. Fortunately, Ann Arbor based Park n Party®, the leading provider of online parking reservations for local sporting and community events, announced that it is offering Art Fair […]
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Tips for Stress Relief from Detroit Pistons Trainer Arnie Kander
A graduate in physical therapy from Wayne State University, Kander began his career as a professional dancer and worked at a fitness center before joining the Pistons in 1992.
Natural Gas Vehicle Meetings to Begin in Detroit
DETROIT — Monday, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Oklahoma Secretary of Energy Michael Ming, and Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Dave Lopez will meet with U.S. auto manufacturers to pitch a multi-state, bi-partisan Compressed Natural Gas vehicle initiative. In April, Govs. Fallin and Hickenlooper as well as the governors of 11 other states […]
Meijer Contest Looks For Next Great Small Business Toymaker
GRAND RAPIDS — Meijer, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, has announced the launch of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest that will give two small U.S. toymakers the chance for their toy to receive exclusive distribution on Meijer.com this holiday season. The contest, the first of its kind hosted by Meijer, is open to small […]
Detroit-Set Feature Approved for Michigan Film Incentive
LANSING – The Michigan Film Office announced Monday the feature film Only Lovers Left Alive has been approved for a film incentive from the state. Set in Detroit and Tangiers, the project will feature a wide range of Detroit locations and showcase some of Detroit’s influential sounds and diverse musical contributions throughout the soundtrack. Written […]
Licensing for Next-Gen Radio Frequency ID Sensor Finalized
ANN ARBOR — Evigia Systems and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory announced today that they have finalized a licensing agreement under which Argonne’s patented, application-specific radio-frequency identification sensor/seal technology and its custom-developed ARG-US software suite will be further developed and marketed as a comprehensive nuclear and hazardous material handling solution. The system, […]
Small Business Transactions Drop 1.6% in Second Quarter
SAN FRANCISCO — BizBuySell.com, the Internet’s largest business-for-sale marketplace, reported today that business-for-sale transactions were down 1.6% in the second quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date business sales for 2012, however, remain above 2011 numbers. The results were included in BizBuySell’s Second Quarter 2012 Insight Report, which aggregates business-for-sale […]
Youth Summer Camp Celebrates Olympics with Art
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center’s Summer Youth Art camp is celebrating the Summer Olympics from July 30 through August 10 with designing their own flags, partaking in an “official” processional, creating torch sculptures and more. “We’re thrilled to bring the summer games to the BBAC,” said Susan Owens, youth programs director of the BBAC. […]
Mitsubishi Motors Produces Outlander Sport in Midwest
NORMAL, Ill., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. has started U.S. production of the popular Outlander Sport compact crossover model at the company’s vehicle manufacturing plant in the American Midwest. The new 2013 Outlander Sport will begin shipping to U.S. dealerships in early August with a starting MSRP of $19,170. Located in Normal, Illinois, this automobile […]
MagneGas Corp. Supplies GM with Hydrogen-Based Fuel
DETROIT — MagneGas Corp. is now supplying General Motors with its MagneGas fuel. MagneGas Corp. converts liquid-based materials into hydrogen-based fuel, removing acetylene from the process. GM is trialing the fuel in maintenance and metal-working activities at its Grand Blanc Weld & Tool Center in Flint. MagneGas will ship their fuel cylinders from its production […]
DBusiness Earns Four Awards at the Alliance Editorial Excellence Awards
ROYAL OAK — The Alliance of Area Business Professionals awarded DBusiness magazine four awards recently at the 2012 Editorial Excellence Awards, including Best Overall Design. Other awards included silver in the following categories: Best Body of Work by a Single Writer, Best Personality Profile and Best Cover. Judged by experienced journalists across the country, DBusiness received […]
Newcomer and Veteran Projects Debut at Maker Faire 2012
DEARBORN — More than 400 makers will bring their Do-It-Yourself wonders to The Henry Ford, for Maker Faire Detroit 2012, July 28 and 29. This event is the Midwest’s largest two-day festival dedicated to those that build, tinker and create. Michigan Makers making their debut or displaying new projects this year include 14-year-old Kathryn DiMara who […]
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Stress Relief
Stress and burnout are the silent killers of productivity, causing more than 60 percent of work absences each year. The prevalence of instant messaging, laptops, smartphones, iPhones, iPads, and BlackBerrys make it difficult for anyone to unplug from work.
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Lending at Lite Speed
Think it’s tough to get a business loan? Imagine what a bank must go through to meet Dodd-Frank — onerous background checks on loan officers and applicants (including fingerprinting), stifling regulations, caps on fees, and exhaustive documentation.
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By the Book
In 40,000 photos taken between 2005 and 2011, Julia Reyes Taubman captured every nook and cranny of Motown — from motorcycle clubs to scattershot
Oakland County Named One of Most Digitally Advanced in the U.S.
PONTIAC — Oakland County, Mich. is ranked among the most digitally advanced counties in America for the eighth year in a row in the 2012 Digital Counties Survey by the Center for Digital Government. The survey is conducted by CDG, Government Technology magazine, and the National Association of Counties. It evaluates counties on their ability […]
PublicCity PR Announces New Client, The Townsend Hotel
SOUTHFIELD — PublicCity PR, a boutique agency specializing in media and community relations for small to midsize companies, is pleased to announce the addition of The Townsend Hotel to its growing client roster. The announcement was made Wednesday by Jason Brown, founder and principal of PublicCity PR. The Townsend Hotel, located in downtown Birmingham, Mich., […]
U-M to Play Leading Role in NSF Project
ANN ARBOR — In a move designed to fast-track more research from the lab to the real world, the University of Michigan was named one of two new nodes of the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps program, NSF officials announced Wednesday at an I-Corps anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C. Launched a year ago, I-Corps is […]
Flagstar Announces Return to Profitability in Q2 2012
TROY — Flagstar Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Flagstar Bank, FSB, Wednesday announced its return to profitability, reporting second quarter 2012 net income applicable to common stockholders of $86.0 million, or $0.15 per share. This is compared to a first quarter 2012 net loss of $(8.7) million, or $(0.02) per share, and a second […]
Kickstarter “Not Necessarily” Unfriendly Towards Technology Projects
ANN ARBOR — RFD Insight, Inc., an Ann Arbor-based business consulting firm, has supported Tellurex Corporation of Traverse City in a successful Kickstarter campaign, helping to raise 131 percent of its goal from the popular crowd-funding website. Online media reports that fewer than 30 percent of technology companies have successfully reached their goals at Kickstarter, […]
Wine & Dine in the D to Benefit Multiple Myelomea Research Foundation
NORTHVILLE — The Second Annual Wine & Dine in the D, an evening of gourmet food, fine wine, and the jazz vocals of Detroit’s Ursula Walker, will take over Orchestra Hall in Detroit on Thursday night, September 20, 2012. The event benefits the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, which is committed to relentlessly pursuing innovative means […]
Entrepreneurs, Start-up Companies Invited to SAE Convergence 2012
DETROIT — SAE International announces the debut of its “Innovation Start-up Marketplace” at the SAE Convergence event, slated for Oct. 16-17 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. “Innovation Marketplace” offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to show their wares and technology to automotive industry professionals from around the world. Companies will enjoy a table-top exhibit […]
New Innovation Start-up Marketplace at SAE Convergence 2012
DETROIT — SAE International announces the debut of its “Innovation Start-up Marketplace” at the SAE Convergence event, slated for Oct. 16-17 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. “Innovation Marketplace” offers the opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to show their wares and technology to automotive industry professionals from around the world. Companies will enjoy a table-top exhibit […]
Syntel Reports Second Quarter 2012 Financial Results
TROY — Syntel, Inc., a global information technology services and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) company, announced financial results for the second quarter, ended June 30, 2012. Syntel’s revenue for the second quarter increased 14 percent to $179 million, compared to $157 million in the prior-year period, and increased five percent sequentially from $170.7 million in the first quarter of 2012. […]
Detroit Businesses Launch Inaugural Live Downtown Games
DETROIT — Every four years the world’s finest athletes take the stage to compete in the Olympic Games. This year Detroit will host its own version when employees from five downtown companies compete in the inaugural Live Downtown Games July 23-27. Opening ceremonies and the first competitive event will take place July 23 at 11 […]
Sky Zone Opens Its Doors in Michigan
CANTON — Metro Detroit residents no longer need to travel far and wide for the ultimate 3-D play experience as Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, creator of the world’s first all-trampoline walled playing court, announced its grand opening. Offering a wide variety of physical activities atop its giant trampolines, Sky Zone truly takes sports, fun […]
KPMG Survey Highlights Positive Predictions for U.S. Auto Companies
DETROIT – Armed with growing revenues, strong balance sheets, and a desire to keep up with increasing vehicle demand, U.S. auto executives expect to boost domestic headcount and expand facilities in the coming year, according to a recent survey by KPMG LLP, the audit, tax, and advisory firm. The KPMG survey was conducted in late May […]
Oakland Launches Website to Access Economic Development Services
WATERFORD — Three clicks of a computer mouse is all it takes for businesses and citizens to discover the wealth of services offered by the Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs in its new AdvantageOakland.com website. The site, which is now live, makes it much easier for users to find what they’re looking for […]
Detroit Area Residents Rally to Support Homeownership
DETROIT — More than 650 area residents representing a wide range of interests gathered at a Rally for Homeownership today in Detroit to highlight homeownership’s vital importance to families and to the economy. Speakers at the rally included U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Quicken Loans CEO Bill Emerson, Michigan Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Michael […]
New Directors Announced for Chamber Board, Schlichting to Lead
DETROIT — The Detroit Regional Chamber has announced the election of Nancy M. Schlichting, CEO of Henry Ford Health System, as chair of its Board of Directors for the 2012-2013 program year. She succeeds Chip McClure, chairman, CEO and president of Meritor, Inc, who remains on the Chamber’s Board as immediate past chair. “What an […]
Patterson: Balanced Budget Through 2015 Without a Tax Increase
Pontiac — A 10-year capital improvement plan, no new budget tasks for county departments and elected officials for the first time since 2006, and changes in employee compensation and health care benefits are included in Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s budget recommendation which is balanced for FY 2013, FY 2014, and FY 2015. “This […]
Irish American Chamber of Commerce Founded in June, Growing Quickly
ROYAL OAK, MI — David O’Connor was invited to hear Governor Rick Snyder speak at the Oakland County International Airport in Waterford in October 2011 on behalf of the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, a group in which he is an active member and Chair of Government Affairs. It was there, after speaking to executive […]
Detroit RiverFront Conservancy Secures Funding to Complete Further Development
DETROIT– The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy announced Monday the launch of new partnerships and a series of construction projects to complete the east Riverfront development, connecting the RiverWalk to its green spaces, plazas and parks from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park, just east of the Belle Isle Bridge. Significant announcements also included a $29 […]
MGM Grand to Open New Restaurant
DETROIT— MGM Grand Detroit, among the city’s premier entertainment destination, announced today the fall 2012 grand opening of its newest restaurant, TAP. With its eclectic and stylish sports theme, this unique pub will offer handcrafted beers and comfort food prepared by notable chefs. “TAP promises to be unlike any other sports pub,” said Steve Zanella, […]
Engineering Society of Detroit Names New Board Members
SOUTHFIELD — The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) has appointed six new members to its board of directors effective, bringing the total board members to 28. The new members are: Larry Alexander, president and CEO, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau Cindy Estrada, vice president, International Union, UAW Farshad Fotouhi, Ph.D., dean, College of Engineering, […]
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Switching Lanes and Taking Names
As Dbusiness interns, we focus on the power of the spoken word, but at General Motors’ Intern Ride and Drive on July 11, the focus was on us. We were tasked with rating the roar of a gleaming black 2013 Corvette Grand Sport as it eagerly accelerated out of the front driveway of the Renaissance […]
