March-April 2009
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Conservative Cadillacs and Limousine Liberals
From Taft to Eisenhower to Obama: Chauffeuring America’s commander in chief in the modern age.
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Green Leader
A Milford environmental engineer makes a name for herself in the male-dominated industry.
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Deal or No Deal?
Although Detroit’s auto dealers are in better shape than their counterparts across the country, the national credit crunch is putting a squeeze on prospective buyers.
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2010: A Real-Estate Odyssey
Once the bulk of Michigan’s foreclosed homes are sold off, the local housing market is bound for a rebound.
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A Defensive Strategy
The nation’s defense industry requires a strong domestic manufacturing base to ensure a steady supply of crucial parts during wartime. But as America’s auto suppliers — many of which support the defense sector — are threatened by the global economic meltdown, they need the support of government loans to survive and protect our nation’s freedom.
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Wellness Town, USA
Hospitals have never been a tourist draw, and most people dread the experience. So why has Henry Ford Health System hired a Ritz-Carlton executive to design and operate a medical center that offers organic food, promotes healthier lifestyles, and deep-sixes deep-fat fryers?
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The Conference Conundrum
The latest effort to renovate and expand Cobo Center offers the best hope yet to provide for the future growth of The North American International Auto Show. It will also help draw new conventions that would pump added revenue into local hotels and restaurants.
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The $60-Trillion Equation
From the Model T to the moving assembly line, the 8-track tape player to onboard computers, the U.S. automotive industry has contributed mightily to the nation’s economy. It also greatly accelerated countless industries, encouraged entrepreneurship, and is a major stalwart of America’s manufacturing base.
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State of Investment
Top corporate leaders are lending their support to a new state initiative designed to nurture and grow emerging Michigan businesses.
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Lincoln C Concept
While it may conjure up images of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, the futuristic Lincoln C Concept, unveiled in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, was equipped with what’s believed to be the world’s first human-machine interface.
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Motor City Open
Squash may not be the most popular sport — football takes the crown in the United States, while soccer is king throughout the rest of the world — but it still draws sizable crowds and generates considerable interest.
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The Talent Balance
Faced with the rapidly evolving new economy, Michigan companies both large and small are tackling the challenge of attracting and retaining top talent.
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Detroit’s Riveting Message to America
Since 1900, the U.S. auto industry has contributed more than $60 trillion (in today’s dollars) to the nation’s economy, single-handedly creating the American middle class and ushering in a standard of living unrivaled in the history of civilization.
MCWT Foundation Announces New President
The Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation today announced that Marcy Klevorn has been appointed president.
Grubb & Ellis Company Represents Great Lakes Electronics Corporation in Purchase of Warren Industrial Buildings
Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE), a leading real estate services and investment firm, today announced that it represented Great Lakes Electronics Corporation, a leading national electronics recycler, in the purchase of two industrial buildings totaling 95,922 square feet of space at 22100 & 22200 Sherwood Ave. in Warren.
Phoenix Theatres First in Michigan to Install 3D DOLBY® Digital Projection
Neighborhood Theatre Chain Adds Projection Technology First used by Automotive Industry, in Time for the “Jonas Brothers: 3D Concert Experience”.
10 Percent of Dealers wanted Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner as Car Czar
With Obama’s auto panel some Big Three auto dealerships are getting exactly who they wanted to lead the auto industry through its current problems.
Signature Audio Unveils Touring Artist, Booking and Production Management Sister Company, Signature Professional Group
The management team at Signature Audio (SA)—a full-service audio sales and technical services company—will now offer artist, booking, touring and production management services with new sister company Signature Professional Group (SPG), Senior Manager Sam Walton announced on Tuesday.
DTE Energy Music Theatre Nominated
DTE Energy Music Theatre has been selected as a nominee for “Venue of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) for 2008, marking the second consecutive year it has earned the nomination.
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Gears Up for Michigan Economic Solutions Summit in March
The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC) will host a Michigan Economic Solutions Summit on Thursday, March 19, 2009, at JW Marriot, 235 Louis Street, NW, in Grand Rapids.
Patrick M. O’Keefe of O’Keefe & Associates Receives Top Honors from Turnaround Management Association
Patrick M. O’Keefe has been selected as an Outstanding Individual Contribution award recipient from among the nearly 9,000 members in 45 Turnaround Management Association (TMA) chapters worldwide.
Small Business Owners Support Senate Efforts Opposing Employee ‘Forced’ Choice Act
Resolution opposes attempts in Washington to strip private ballots from union elections.
New Enterprise Forum Announces Winners of 2008 NEF Annual Entrepreneur Awards
New Enterprise Forum presented its annual entrepreneur awards last night, Thursday, February 19. The event took place at 5:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn North Campus on 3600 Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
NSBA Announces Top 10 Priority Issues for 2009
SBA today unveiled the top 10 small-business priorities for 2009 with health care reform taking top billing.
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$60 Trillion: That’s How Much the U.S. Auto Industry Has Contributed to the National Economy Since 1900
DBusiness magazine is sending individual copies of its March/April 2009 issue to President Obama, members of the White House staff, every U.S. Representative and Senator, members of the newly-formed Presidential Task Force on Autos, along with various Department secretaries this morning, marking the beginning of the second round of Congressional financing discussions for the American auto industry.
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Gordon Krater
Managing Partner, Plante & Moran, Southfield
Frank Beckmann talks with David Littman about the U.S. auto industry’s contribution to the nation’s economy
Frank talks with David Littman, Chief Economist with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, about the U.S. auto industry’s contribution to the nation’s economy.
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwirghts gears up for Michigan Economic Solutions Summit in March
The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCC) will host a Michigan Economic Solutions Summit on Thursday, March 19, 2009, at JW Marriot, 235 Louis Street, NW, in Grand Rapids.
Palace Sports & Entertainment partnering in IBM’s World Community Grid to benefit Humanitarian Research
Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) has become a partner of World Community Grid, joining the IBM Corporation and a growing group of companies, associations, foundations, nonprofits and academic institutions donating idle PC cycles to accelerate difficult humanitarian research.
Pilot Freight Services’ Detroit Station Announces 2008 Financial Results
Pilot Freight Services, a worldwide provider of transportation and logistics services, today announced financial results for its Detroit station for the year ending Dec. 31, 2008.
Feinberg Consulting Announce Comprehensive Elder Care Management Division
Feinberg Consulting announces the formation of its Comprehensive Elder Care Management Division.
Wayne State University to host ‘Aspiring Filmmakers Boot Camp’ on campus, March 6-8
Award Winning Producer Larry Meistrich of NEHST Studios and Michigan Production Alliance to give participants an “insider’s guide to success” in support of Wayne State’s workforce development strategy.
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Ventech Signs Key Agreements to Sell and Distribute Liquid Heat Generator (LHG) to School Transportation Industry
Ventech, maker of a revolutionary rapid heating system known as the Liquid Heat Generator (LHG), announced today four strategic agreements to distribute and sell the LHG in cold weather regions in the U.S. and Canada.
Axiom Business Book Award Winners Offer Knowledge and Hope in Troubled Times
Jenkins Group and IndependentPublisher.com are proud to announce the results of the second annual Axiom Business Book Awards, honoring the best business books published during the past year.
Dykema Reports 2008 Financials
Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that 2008 saw continued growth in an increasingly challenging environment.
Steudle: Issues With Detroit Bridge Company
Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Kirk STEUDLE today confirmed that the department does have ongoing issues with the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) over contractual obligations in the construction of Phase I of the Gateway Project to construct a new 6,200-foot, six-lane toll bridge next to the Ambassador Bridge.
Stimulus Bill Makes Investing in Michigan Business More Affordable
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, recently signed by President Obama, will benefit the SBA 504 program in Michigan and provide new opportunities for businesses, according to the Michigan Certified Development Corporation (MCDC).
FEV, Inc. Launches Area’s First Full Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Development Center
FEV, Inc., (FEV) a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, announced today that it has commissioned the area’s first full Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Development Center (HEVDC) at its Auburn Hills campus.
Free TechTown forum helps Detroit entrepreneurs “get India right”
TechTown’s offering Detroit entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to learn how to trade with India the right way.
Mark Neithercut of Neithercut Advisors in Detroit Appointed to Board of National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers
Mark Neithercut, principal of Neithercut Advisors LLC of Detroit, has been appointed to the Steering Committee, which functions as the board, of the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers, the largest trade association in the nation to bring together consultants dedicated to increasing and strengthening the practice of philanthropy.
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Partners HealthCare Selects Compuware to Improve EMR Performance
Compuware Business Service Delivery gives Partners HealthCare real-time visibility into clinician and physician experience, improving patient quality of care.
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O’Keefe Investment Banking teams with local filmmakers to bring L.A. investor mindshare to Detroit
O’Keefe Investment Banking is joining with Metro Detroiters Jeff Burton (producer of eight movies in Michigan) and Chuck Pfarrer (acclaimed author/screenwriter of “The Jackal,” “Darkman”) to bring local movie producers and potential financiers together via a forum designed to pave the way for hundreds of millions of potential investment dollars for the Michigan film industry.
Small business Leads Opposition to House Resolution Supporting Employee ‘Forced’ Choice Act
The state’s leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business, today slammed a state House resolution supporting the Employee Free Choice Act, commonly referred to as card check.
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Huntington Bank Opens New Office in Canton, Michigan
Huntington Bank is investing in Canton, Mich. with the opening of its second location in the township at Ford & Sheldon Road March 9, 2009. The doors will officially open at 9 a.m.
Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr. Cobo Resolution Veto Remarks
Remarks delivered by Detroit Mayor Kenneth V. Cockrel Jr., at a press conference this afternoon.
Exclusive: Kiplinger’s Biofuels Market Alert Says Ford Will Back 50% Increase in Ethanol Blend
In a break from other automakers, Ford Motor Co. is signaling its support for blending more ethanol with gasoline used by most cars and trucks–blends as high as 15% in the immediate future, according to an exclusive report in this week’s issue of Kiplinger’s Biofuels Market Alert.
Oakland County Makes Budget and Expenditures Available on new Financial Transparency Web Site
Oakland County has revamped its financials web site to increase transparency in County government spending, and allow citizens to better track the ways in which tax dollars are being used.
Detroit Renaissance Announces Thirteen New Board Members
Detroit Renaissance, a private, non-profit leadership organization dedicated to accelerating the region’s economic growth, announced today the addition of thirteen area business executives to its board of directors.
Jason Vines joins Forgotten Harvest as newly created Senior Advancement Director
Forgotten Harvest, metro Detroit’s only mobile food rescue organization, has appointed Jason H. Vines to the newly created position of Senior Advancement Director.
Frank & Freedman, P.C. Merge with Hirsch, Subelsky & Associates, P.C.
Firms Expand to Offer Enhanced Array of Accounting and Business Advisory Services
Fieldturf Construction Opens Regional Office in Michigan
The expansion continues as FieldTurf Construction has recently opened an office in Auburn Hills, Michigan that will operate as a regional office for the world’s largest sports surfacing manufacturer.
First in Series of Regional White House Forums on Health Reform to be Held Thursday in Dearborn, Michigan
Building on last Thursday’s forum at the White House, Dearborn, Michigan will host the first in a series of Regional White House Forums on Health Reform on Thursday, March 12 at 2:00pm EDT at the Ford Conference and Event Center.
New Enterprise Forum Panelists to Discuss Dynamics of Relationships Between Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors
New Enterprise Forum will host “Understanding the Investor/Investee Relationship – The Angel Stage,” a panel discussion that will illuminate the relationships and responsibilities that are formed between entrepreneurs and their angel investors.
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New Business Opens Business
It’s just business, says business-owner.
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Squash Central
The Birmingham Athletic Club in Bloomfield Township held a reception Jan. 29 to kick off its annual Motor City Open, where some of the top squash players in the world compete in a tournament.
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Luck of the Irish
The Brother Rice Business Alliance held its first 2009 networking mixer and fundraiser Feb. 24 at Ocean Prime in Troy.
Michigan Education Committee Urged Not To Pass Proposed Retirement Bonus
Detroit Renaissance, a private, non-profit leadership organization dedicated to accelerating the region’s economic growth, announced today its opposition to the “retirement bonus” plan proposed recently by the Michigan Education Association (MEA).
Detroit Renaissance Adds Three New Board Members
Detroit Renaissance, a private, non-profit leadership organization dedicated to accelerating the region’s economic growth, announced today that three additional members were added to their board of directors.
Automation Alley Receives More Than $2 Million in Federal Funding
Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association driving growth in Southeast Michigan’s economy, announced today that the organization has been awarded more than $2 million in funding from the Omnibus Authorization Bill, which was signed into law today by President Obama.
Westin Book Cadillac Detroit Receives Award for Best Renovation Project in U.S.
The Associated General Contractors of America, the leading national construction trade association representing all facets of commercial construction, recently announced that The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit received the 2009 Aon Build America Award for best renovation of the 453-room hotel and its more than 60 residences.
During Tough Times, Saving Lives Remains Focus for TK Holdings Inc.
TK Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Takata Corporation, and M2K Seating Systems LLC today announced the joint acquisition of all assets of SynTec, Inc. located in High Point, NC.
2009 – 2011 Economic Forecast for Oakland County At 24th Annual Economic Luncheon
Top economists from the University of Michigan will present their report on the economic future of Oakland County at the 24th Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.
Half of U.S. Companies are Freezing Executive Base Salaries in 2009
A recent survey of U.S. companies finds that half of companies are freezing executive base salaries in 2009. In addition, another 15 percent are implementing salary reduction programs.
AIA Michigan and PCIA Team Up To Help Design Firms
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan announced that it will be offering its members access to an exclusive Health Insurance Trust with medical, prescription drug coverage and dental insurance in a plan designed to meet their unique needs.
International Academy of Design & Technology Attains CIDA Accreditation for Interior Design Program
The International Academy of Design & Technology-Detroit (the Academy) has been granted accreditation by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) for its Interior Design (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree program.
Former Wayne State Football Star Named “Best Start-Up Entrepreneur” by Automation Alley
Automation Alley recently named Joe Gough “2008 Best Start-up Entrepreneur” for the development of a new greeting card/lottery game that promises to generate additional revenue for states that purchase the game.
Ambassador Bridge Applauds Michigan Strategic Fund Bond Approval
Dan Stamper, president of the Detroit International Bridge Company, owners and operators of the Ambassador Bridge released the following statement today after the Michigan Strategic Fund approved up to $787 million in private activity bonds for the Ambassador Bridge Enhancement Project.
Debunking a Financial Crisis Myth That Banks are Not Lending the Tarp Funds
Our politicians are lamenting that lending is currently too slow, and if more lending occurred then we would pull right out of recession.
Quell Interactive Shares Seven Sins of Email Marketing
Quell Interactive, a strategic digital marketing unit of The Quell Group, shares The Seven Sins of Email Marketing.
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The Last Dance
The Parade Co. held a farewell reception for its former president, Joan LeMahieu, on Feb. 2 at Seldom Blues in Detroit. The event, called Sparkles and Magic, drew more than 100 people.
CIO of Inteva Products, LLC to Highlight Benefits of Plex Online at Upcoming IDC SaaS Summit
Plex Systems, Inc., today announced that Dennis Hodges, CIO of Inteva Products, LLC will speak at the upcoming IDC Software as a Service (SaaS) Summit about the benefits of implementing an on-demand integrated SaaS-based system.
Herman Miller, Inc., Reports Third Quarter Results; Strong Cash Balance and Swift Realignment of its Cost Structure
Herman Miller, Inc. (NASDAQ:MLHR) , today announced results for its third quarter of fiscal year 2009.
Macomb County Communication Systems Experts Team With Local Recycling Firm
Effective Feb 17, 2009 federal law mandates the recycling many styles of electronic and computer based equipment.
Ford Motor Credit Company Provides Update on Tender Offers
Ford Motor Credit Company announced today the results of its previously announced $500 million cash tender offer for Ford Motor Company’s senior secured term loan debt and the early tender results as of March 19, 2009 of its previously announced $1.3 billion cash tender offer for Ford’s unsecured, non-convertible debt securities listed in the table below.
Warner Norcross & Judd: Legal Perspectives
Legal Perspectives is a quarterly e-newsletter offering a variety of story ideas and legal expert resources from Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP.
Michigan Certified Development Corporation Names Mike Chatas of United Structured Finance Company 2009 Partner of the Year
Michigan Certified Development Corporation (MCDC) is pleased to announce Mike Chatas of United Structured Finance Company as their 2009 Partner of the Year, for his work in providing Michigan businesses with Small Business Administration (SBA) loan financing.
Current Economic Climate Drives Changes in Auto Ownership, Purchase Plans, According to Polk
Today’s uncertain economy significantly impacts consumer vehicle buying decisions, according to the latest market study issued today by R. L. Polk & Co.
Greektown Casino-Hotel Recommits to Local Neighborhood Restaurants
Greektown Casino-Hotel officials announced today that the property will keep in place its commitment to the unique community partnership program that allows Greektown Casino customers to redeem their earned comps at surrounding neighborhood restaurants.
You’re Up Kick Starts Efforts to Provide Free Physical Therapy to the Uninsured, Plans a Charity Gala in Detroit
With a growing number of Metro Detroiters now without health insurance benefits, athlete and personal trainer Charlie Sanders Jr. is reaching out to those who need physical therapy but cannot afford it.
Toyota Names John McCandless National Manager of Field Operations
John G. McCandless has been named National Manager of Field Operations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA, (TMS) Corporate Communications.
Walsh College offers more ‘Take Charge’ Workshops for Workers in Transition
Walsh College’s “Take Charge” educational workshops have been so successful that another round of sessions are being offered in late March, April and May.
Compuware Extends End-to-End Application Performance Visibility to the Mainframe
Compuware Business Service Delivery Solutions Provide End-User Perspective Across Distributed and Mainframe Platforms, Enable IT to Deliver On Its Promise
AQABA Celebrates Its 5th Year In Business
AQABA was founded in March 2004 celebrates its 5-Year anniversary. In addition to providing custom Web development, online marketing and advisory services to clients, the company provides individuals a broad array of web strategies, including Detroit Medical Center and Auto Beat Daily just to name a few.
Cerion, LLC, Completes Purchase of MPI and Skill
Cerion, LLC, announces that it has completed its purchase of the assets of Precision Parts International (PPI) – MPI International and Skill Metalforming Technologies
Cooper-Standard Automotive Reorganizes Operations into Geographic Structure
Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. announced today a reorganization of its operating and reporting structures involving the discontinuation of its global Body & Chassis and Fluid Systems product line operating divisions and their supporting organization structures and the establishment of new operating and reporting units organized on the basis of geographic regions.
Governor Declares April “Michigan Wine Month”
Eight New Wineries Open for 2009, Highlighting Growth in AG Sector.
Economic and Automotive Industry Uncertainty Contributed to Significant Decline in Global Auto M&A Deal Activity in 2008
Automotive Companies’ Deal Volume Decreased and Value Plummeted as Industry Struggled.
Miller Canfield Expands in Toronto, Merges with Gaertner Tobin LLP
The law firm of Miller Canfield announced today that it is expanding its Toronto practice with the merger of Toronto-based Gaertner Tobin LLP.
Dow Automotive Answers New IIHS Call for Stronger Vehicle Roofs
A hybrid solution of Dow Automotive body enhancement technologies and advanced high-strength or ultra high-strength steel offers automotive manufacturers an innovative solution to the new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety roof strength rating system that calls for stronger vehicle roofs.
New Enterprise Forum Announces New Officers, Board Members
In March, New Enterprise Forum named new officers and seated five new members on the organization’s board.
William Clay Ford, Jr. Steps Down as Chairman of the Board of the Henry Ford
William Clay Ford, Jr. announced today he will step down as Chairman of the Board for The Henry Ford, a seat he has held for 13 years.
Compuware Changepoint Accelerates Application Portfolio Management Initiatives
Compuware Corporation today announced that it is jump-starting Application Portfolio Management (APM) initiatives by offering a pre-configured version of its market-leading IT portfolio management solution, Changepoint.
DPM Manufacturing Creates YouTube Video on Company’s Version of Stimulus Package
DPM Manufacturing in Wixom, Michigan, used what it knows best – high precision machining- to create a YOUTUBE video for his company’s version of the best stimulus package.
Karmann USA Announces Launch of Karmann Classics
Karmann USA is launching a new aftermarket group to rebuild and restore convertible tops for vintage cars in the United States.
The Future of Medical Care Innovations, Advancements, Opportunities
If you think advancements in medical care have been great, think again. The future is moving at lightning speed and knowing what impact that will have on patient and doctor relationship and treatment is vital.
Toyota Names Curt Mcallister Midwest Regional Manager
Curt McAllister has been named Midwest Regional Manager – Corporate Communications for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.
Oakland County’s AAA Bond Rating Reaffirmed by Wall Street
Fresh on the heels of a trip to Chicago earlier this week to meet with Wall Street bond raters, Oakland County has received official confirmation that Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed Oakland County’s prized AAA Rating on $306.2 million of outstanding General Obligation Limited Tax debt.
NSF International and the Southeast Michigan Sustainable Business Forum to Host Growing with a Greening Economy Forum
Michigan May be Better Positioned Than Others for Sustainable Economic Development Over the Next Several Decades.
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
From the desk of George W. Jackson, CEO.
