March-April 2018
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Prepare Now for New Tax Law
While the federal tax overhaul changes signed into law in 2017 don’t affect filing this year, they’ll have a major impact on business and personal taxes filed for 2018 — and the time to start planning for that is now.
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SGH Wealth Management Announce Remillet As An Associate Financial Planner
Southfield-based SGH Wealth Management, an independent comprehensive wealth management firm, has announced Jeff Remillet as an associate financial planner.
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Architecture Firm HKS Announces Promotions In Detroit Office
Dallas-based HKS Inc., an American international architecture firm with more than 1,400 architects, interior designers, urban designers, scientists, artists, anthropologists, and other professionals, has announced Kendall Ruhberg as associate principal, Steve Stroman as vice president, and Jacqueline Colaianni as associate in the firm’s Detroit office.
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Chemical Bank Promotes Fuller and Kessler, Hires Bixby
Midland-based Chemical Bank has announced the promotions of Paul Fuller to director of deposit operations and Ed Kessler to chief information officer. Greg Bixby has been hired as chief delivery officer.
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Dykema Appoints Adam Fishkind As Managing Member Of Its Bloomfield Hills Office
Detroit-based Dykema, a national law firm, Wednesday announced the appointment of Adam Fishkind to managing member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office. Fishkind is a member of the firm’s real estate practice group.
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JGA Announces Ed Doyle Vice President Of Operations
Southfield-based JGA, a branded environments firm, has announced Ed Doyle vice president of operations. In his new role, Doyle will support strategic growth and oversee day-to-day operations, including project implementation, business development support, client success, and staff operations and development.
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President And CEO Of Edsel And Eleanor Ford House Announces Retirement
President and CEO of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores and Fair Lane, home of Clara and Henry Ford in Dearborn, Kathleen Mullins, has announced plans to retire, effective May 31. In coming weeks, the Board of Trustees plans to name an interim CEO and will conduct a national search for a permanent replacement.
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Zolman Restoration Appoints Jeff Katkowsky As President
Zolman Restoration, a full-service restoration company specializing in fire, smoke, water, mold, and storm restoration services, Friday announced Jeff Katkowsky president. Katkowsky is a founding principal of both Zolman and Sachse Construction.
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New York City-based Cadillac Names New Global Chief Marketing Officer
Detroit-based General Motor Co.’s Cadillac today appointed Deborah Wahl to global chief marketing officer. In her new position, Wahl will be based in Cadillac’s New York headquarters and will be responsible for leading the strategic marketing for the Cadillac brand around the world.
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AT&T Announces David Lewis President Of AT&T Michigan
Dallas-based AT&T Tuesday announced David Lewis as president of AT&T Michigan. He has worked with AT&T’s external, government, and public affairs efforts for nearly 10 years.
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Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Announces Two New Members To The Board Of Directors
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center announced Wednesday Carla Bailo and Ed Terris are the final two additions to the center’s board of directors, filling all vacancies.
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Novi’s Toasted Oak Grill & Market Name Executive Chef, Director Of Food And Beverage, And Restaurant Manager
Novi’s Toasted Oak Grill & Market announced Wednesday Ken Miller as executive chef, Ferris Anthony as director of food and beverage, and Jackie Phillips as restaurant manager. Located at 27790 Novi Road, the Toasted Oak Grill menu focuses on fresh and original ingredients. Handpicked Michigan-made products, charcuterie, cheeses, and fine wines are featured at the Toasted Oak Market.
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Zingerman’s Announces A New Managing Partner
Ann Arbor-based Zingerman’s has announced Katie Frank as new co-managing partner of ZingTrain. Frank, who started with the Zingerman’s organization in 2005, joins founder Maggie Bayless to help run the almost 25-year-old business. Frank began as Zingerman’s Bakehouse retail manager and, in her six-year tenure, grew annual sales by 40 percent. In 2011, she started working with ZingTrain, which shares Zingerman’s approach to business.
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Ford Announces Kiersten Robinson as Chief Human Resources Officer
Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co. Monday announced that Kiersten Robinson has been elected Ford group vice president and appointed chief human resources officer, effective April 1. In her new role, Robinson will lead the company’s global people initiatives.
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Northwood University Honors Simon Group Holdings Founder and Chairman as 2018 Outstanding Business Leader
Birmingham-based Simon Group Holdings’ founder and chairman Sam Simon has been honored as one of six recipients of Northwood University’s 2018 Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) award. The awards were given at the 38th Annual Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala which was held at The Breakers Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Fla.
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Detroit’s Ally Introduces Digital Platform that Pre-qualifies Vehicle Shoppers
Ally Financial Inc., based in Detroit, has announced the development of Clearmatch, a digital service that allows customers to be approved for financing on vehicles in dealer inventories. Clearmatch was developed through Clearlane, Ally’s online auto financing platform.
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Beaumont Health Announces Two New Executive Leaders
Royal Oak-based Beaumont Health has announced the appointment of Chris Harrison as senior vice president of financial operations and corporate finance, and Jonathan Maner as senior vice president and executive director of Beaumont Physician Partners and executive director of Beaumont Medical Group.
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Clean Break
For Brian Pour, the recent formation of auto supplier Auria Solutions in Southfield served as a homecoming.
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Rising to the Top
After a long ascent, last year Domino’s in Ann Arbor Township became the largest pizza company in the world. Now all eyes are on the CEO transition from Patrick Doyle to Richard Allison.
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Friend Robot
For the next three years, the hugely popular FIRST Robotics competition will be held in Detroit.
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Factory of Prosperity
A nonprofit organization in Detroit is transforming unused school facilities into business and community ecosystems.
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Back from the Dead
Battery Solutions in Howell recycles spent batteries with startling efficiency.
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Huron-to-Erie Corridor
The region’s water economy, stretching from the southern end of Lake Huron to the northern tip of Lake Erie, is a major economic generator — but more marketing efforts could drive expenditures for fishing, boating, and charters even further.
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McDonald Hopkins Announces New Counsel
Business advisory and advocacy law firm McDonald Hopkins has announced the addition of Colin M. Battersby as counsel in the firm’s national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. He will be based in the firm’s Detroit office.
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New CFO of Dakkota Integrated Systems Announced
Tier 1 automotive component manufacturer Dakkota Integrated Systems has announced Gary Caldwell as new chief financial officer. In his new role, which he took over in February, Caldwell reports to COO of Dakkota, Mark McCauley. Previously, Caldwell served as corporate controller of Dakkota. He is based at the firm’s corporate offices in Brighton.
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Mohamad Hammoud of Bank of America Promoted to Vice President, Small Business Banking Manager, Michigan Market
Bank of America has announced the promotion of Mohamad Hammoud to vice president, small business banking manager, Michigan market.
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Wayne State University to Honor Howard Hertz, Four Other Arts and Communication Alumni and Advocates
Detroit-based Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts, (CFPCA) will hold its 39th Annual Arts Achievement Awards on April 5, honoring alumni. Five honorees, including Howard Hertz, will be awarded this year for their dedication to and advocacy for the arts and communication, and achievements in their fields.
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Schechter Announces New President
Birmingham-based investment advisory, private capital, and life insurance firm Schechter has announced Ray Gunn as president.
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Foster Swift Labor and Employment Attorney Re-elected as Chairman of the Education Foundation for the American Society of Employers
Foster Swift Labor and Employment attorney Frank Mamat has recently been re-elected as chairman of the Education Foundation for the American Society of Employers (ASE). Mamat has held the position since 2006. Additionally, he has been accepted as a member of the Private Directors Association.
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Lead Right
A former boxer retires to pursue his main event in the corporate staffing industry.
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Splitting the Pot
Detroit’s three casinos, along with land-based operations outstate, are facing growing competition from the Michigan Lottery and its exclusive offering of online gaming options.
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PDA: Q&A Peter J. Ginopolis
The E-Interview Peter J. Ginopolis, Vice President, LSG Insurance Partners, Bloomfield Township
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No Vacancy
The region’s apartment sector is surging, having recovered from the 2008 global financial crisis and Detroit’s successful run through bankruptcy in 2014.
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Horse Sense
Horseback riding therapy goes digital with new technology from Pittsfield Township’s Therapeutic Riding Inc.
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Celebrating Millennials
Stereotypes about younger workers abound, but they’re really not all that different.
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Beacons of Commerce
In the 19th century, lighthouse construction helped Great Lakes shipping flourish.
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Camp Wellness
Nonprofit summer camp in Pinckney has big goals for the next couple of years.
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By the Numbers
Jeffrey Sachs grew up in Oak Park, then made his mark as an economist and director of Columbia University’s Center for Sustainable Development in New York City.
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The Century Club 2018
From banking and construction to education and restaurants, along with the Grand Hotel, DBusiness pays tribute to companies and organizations that are 100 or more years old.
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Herb Everss Lifetime Achievement Award Given to Matthew Cullen
The Marketing and Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) awarded Matthew Cullen, principal of Rock Ventures LLC and CEO of Detroit-based JACK Entertainment LLC, with the Herb Everss Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd annual Evening of Excellence, which was held at the Gem Theatre in Detroit on March 27.
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2018 Role Model Dinner
Alternatives For Girls hosted its 2018 Role Model Dinner on March 28 at Cobo Center. The evening featured a reception, silent and live auctions, and dinner. Role Model Awards were presented to Alicia Boler Davis, executive vice president of global manufacturing at General Motors Co.; Deborah LaBelle, partner at the Law Offices of Deborah LaBelle; and Monica Martinez, senior vice president of external affairs, Michigan, and national director of Hispanic business development at Comerica Bank. Rhonda Walker of WDIV-Local 4 News was the emcee. Alternatives For Girls helps homeless and high-risk girls and young women.
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AccessPoint Names New CFO
Full-service human resources, staffing, and recruiting organization AccessPoint has announced Javier Ramirez as CFO. In his new position, he will lead the finance and accounting departments.
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United Way for Southeastern Michigan Announces New President and CEO
Darienne Driver has been announced as the new president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, effective July 9.
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The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer and Connor and Connor Merge
On Wednesday, it was announced that The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer has merged with Connor and Connor, another law practice. The affiliation will operate under The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer name.
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Neumann/Smith Architecture Hires New Director of Design
Michigan design firm Neumann/Smith Architecture has announced the hiring of Leo Valentino Mendez Jr. as director of design.
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Great Expressions Dental Centers Name New CEO
Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) has announced Dan Hirschfeld as CEO. GEDC was founded in 1982 and operates as a single brand providing comprehensive dental services. It has a network of over 300 affiliated practices that are staffed by more than 900 dentists and hygienists, who have more than 1 million visits per year.
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Butzel Long Attorney Elected to Board of Directors
Butzel Long has announced one of the firm’s attorneys and shareholders, Clara DeMatteis Mager, has been elected to the firm’s board of directors.
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Two Detroit-area Community and Business Leaders Inducted Into Association of Churchill Fellows
Cornerstone Schools has announced that its co-founder and former CEO William Clark Durant III was recently inducted into the Association of Churchill Fellows during the 2018 Churchill Fellows Weekend at the National Churchill Museum at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Additionally, four other leaders were inducted, including Bloomfield Hills’ Mort Harris, co-founder of Detroit’s American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. and a World War II veteran.
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Former Detroit Lions Players Partner to Develop Townhome Project in Downtown Northville
Former Detroit Lions Ron Rice and Dewayne White have partnered on North 320, downtown Northville’s first residential, townhome development in more than 15 years.
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Detroit’s Display Group at Packard Plant Forms Audio Visual Lighting Creative Joint Venture
Display Group, an event production company located at Detroit’s historic Packard Plant, has formed Audio Visual Lighting Creative to expand its roster of offerings to businesses, organizations, and individuals.
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Managed Security Service Provider Nuspire Hires New CFO
Managed security service provider Nuspire has announced the hiring of Ken Carson as CFO.
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Shelborne Development Announces New Chief Development Officer
Shelborne Development Corp. has announced Shannon Morgan as chief development officer. In her new role, Morgan will lead predevelopment, financing, and development activities for the company’s mixed-use real estate projects in Michigan.
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Butzel Long Appoints Attorney and Shareholder as Chair of Immigration Practice Department
Attorney and shareholder of Butzel Long Linda Armstrong has been appointed chair of the firm’s immigration practice department.
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Ulliance Adds New Chef
Troy-based Ulliance Inc., an international service company providing human resources services, has added nutritionist and chef Nicole Bunting to help with the company’s Employee Assistance and Life Advisor Wellness programs. Bunting is both a classically trained chef and certified nutritionist.
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Kraemer Design Group Announces Three New Project Architects
Detroit-based architecture, interior design, and creative firm, Kraemer Design Group PLC (KDG) has announced the promotions of Amanda Kight, Martin Oliver, and Laura Shadik to project architects, following their successful completion of the architect licensure exam.
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Campbell Ewald Names New Executive Creative Director
Campbell Ewald, a marketing communications agency, today announced the promotion of Laura Rogers to executive creative director. Prior to her promotion, Rogers served as group creative director. She will continue to oversee creative for OnStar, Cadillac Magazine, and Chevrolet New Roads Magazine. Additionally, she will oversee content-specific programs for clients, including Valero and Meritage Homes. Rogers will report to Jo Shoesmith, chief creative officer.
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JLL Announces a Senior Vice President
JLL, a professional services firm, Tuesday announced the addition of Brett M. Suszek to the company as a senior vice president. Suszek is a 10-year appraisal veteran and the firm’s first valuations and advisory specialist in Detroit.
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New Board Members Announced for the Automotive Hall of Fame
Located in Dearborn, the Automotive Hall of Fame has announced that its board of directors have unanimously approved five new additions to its board.
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Tammy Carnrike Named New Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army to Represent Michigan’s Southern District
Mark T. Esper, U.S. Secretary of the Army, has selected Tammy Carnrike to represent Michigan’s southern district as the newest civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). Carnrike was invested during a ceremony conducted this week at the Pentagon.
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Supply Chain Design Solutions Company LLamasoft Names New CEO and Member to the Board of Directors
Ann Arbor-based LLamasoft, a supply chain design solutions company, has announced Razat Gaurav as the company’s new CEO and member of the board of directors.
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Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy, and Sadler Announce New Partner
Bloomfield Hills-based business law firm Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy, and Sadler PLC (Dawda Mann) has announced Neil Silver as a new partner.
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Maddin, Hauser, Roth, and Heller P.C. in Southfield Adds Five Attorneys
Southfield’s Maddin, Hauser, Roth, and Heller P.C. has announced the hire of attorneys Earle I. Erman, Julie Beth Teicher, Craig E. Zucker, David H. Freedman, and David Eisenberg.
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New Vice President, Creative Director Named at GroupeSTAHL in Sterling Heights
GroupeSTAHL in Sterling Heights Monday announced the promotion of Debra Romalia to vice president of content marketing and the hiring of L. Scott Vallee Jr. as creative director. The company is in the garment decoration industry.
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DBusiness Breakfast Series: Century Club
DBusiness hosted its second breakfast of the 2018 DBusiness Breakfast Series on April 3 at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. Robert Forsythe, dean of the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University in Detroit, gave the keynote address about the new business school that is set to open this summer. The event also featured members of the magazine’s Century Club, or businesses and organizations 100 years old and older.