May-June 2010
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Michigan Wine Exposition at Rock Financial
The Detroit Wine Organization, in partnership with other industry leaders, held the 2010 Michigan Wine Expo at Rock Financial Showplace in Novi.
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Succeeding Granholm
Michigan’s next governor will face extraordinary — and unprecedented — challenges.
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Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside
Kelly Sweeney likes to call it the mouse that ate the elephant. Rarely does a company acquire a competitor nearly two-thirds its size.
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Brand of Brothers
Returning to the gourmet-market business their father and uncle pioneered in Detroit more than 35 years ago, Peter and Michael Solaka are out to build a loyal following.
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University, Inc.
Seeking to create a new business model to offset a steady drop in state support while holding the line on annual tuition increases, Wayne State University’s emerging science and technology park, TechTown, has attracted or helped create more than 120 growth-minded companies. And more high-tech businesses are on the way.
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Revival of the Fittest
Anyone looking for a sign that the state’s moribund economy is perking up should check with golf and ski re-sorts in northern Michigan, which are investing millions of dollars in additions, renovations, and new amenities.
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Disaster and Recovery
When adversity strikes, a Sterling Heights firm uses stress-management techniques to soothe anxiety and mitigate tension.
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Back From the Brink
When the insurance industry decided not to reimburse for body-scan imaging, some facilities closed while others survived by overhauling their business models.
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Seller’s Paradise
A new global wine distribution system developed in northern Michigan promises to increase retailer profit margins, expand selections, and reduce consumer prices.
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Champions of the New Economy 2010
Detroit’s inventive spirit gave birth to the global automotive industry more than a century ago. Since then, thousands of other successful businesses have been created, many of them dominant players in their respective sectors.
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House of Rock
In 1985, Dan Gilbert invested $5,000 he earned delivering pizzas and created what’s now the nation’s largest online mortgage company. Along the way, he’s invested in more than 20 other companies, including majority ownership of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. So what’s he doing for an encore?
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(Western) Medicine Man
When health-care exec Jim Binson’s art collection started overtaking his company headquarters, he took matters into his own hands and conjured up an authentic homemade remedy.
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The Entertainment Factory
From a radio studio in Detroit’s midtown, WXYZ mass-produced some of the nation’s most thrilling adventures during the 1930s. Famous series like The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet were among the creative team’s enduring contributions to American pop culture.
Amway Corp. Announces Strategic Adjustments
Several facilities consolidate in supply chain shift; production realigns to support market needs; changes scheduled over three-year period.
Stryker Enters Strategic Marketing Agreement With Intuitive Surgical
Stryker’s Communications business unit and Intuitive Surgical announced today that they have signed an agreement to integrate both companies’ technologies into advanced minimally invasive (MIS) robotic surgery suites.
Meadow Brook Continues to Make History While Embracing its Heritage
More than 30 years after its inception, the Concours d’Elegance of America at Meadow Brook continues to bring automotive history, heritage, and prestige to the Detroit area.
Ford, University of Michigan Reveal Students’ Vision for Future of In-car Cloud Computing Apps
Students at the University of Michigan have defined their vision for the future of in-car connectivity – a future that includes applications combining social networks, GPS location awareness, and real-time vehicle data in ways that help drivers get where they want to go efficiently, while having fun along the way.
S3 Ent. Group Partners With Detroit Regional Chamber To Help Michigan Businesses Supply Film Industry
The Detroit Regional Chamber is pleased to present a film industry panel discussion for Michigan businesses on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Uptown Palladium 12 Theatre in Birmingham, Mich.
TRW Unveils Adaptive Side Impact Solutions
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. today unveiled innovative side impact solutions that help adapt occupant protection to the variables of a crash including occupant size and crash severity.
BDO Consulting and Amherst Partners Sign Affiliation Agreement to Pursue Automotive Work
BDO Consulting, a division of BDO Seidman, LLP has signed an agreement with Amherst Partners, LLC to co-market and co-execute on automotive restructuring opportunities.
Flag Daze – Rochester Businessman Making Waves Aboard the Tea Party Express
Jeffrey Allan McQueen, founder and president of www.USRevolution2.com in Rochester, is riding high.
Strategic Staffing Solutions Opens the Detroit Development Center
Strategic Staffing Solutions, Inc. (S3), Detroit’s largest information technology and business services company, today opened its Detroit Development Center (DDC) in the Penobscot Building in Downtown Detroit.
Davison State Bank Gets Strong Financial Backing With Acquisition By Hantz Holdings, Inc.
Flint area Davison State Bank has been acquired by Hantz Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of Hantz Group, a financial services firm with offices in Michigan, Ohio and Georgia. Davison State Bank was previously owned by Fentura Financial, Inc., a Fenton based bank holding company.
Oakland County: Poised for recovery, job gains in 2011
A year after enduring its worst labor market in history, the Oakland County economy will stem the tide of job losses this year before adding jobs in 2011, say University of Michigan economists.
BorgWarner Acquires Electric Cabin Heater Business
In anticipation of market growth expected for its electric cabin heaters, BorgWarner BERU Systems has completed the acquisition of BERU-Eichenauer GmbH by acquiring the shares of its former joint venture partner, Eichenauer Heizelemente GmbH & Co. KG.
Broccoli component limits breast cancer stem cells, U-M study finds
A compound derived from broccoli could help prevent or treat breast cancer by targeting cancer stem cells — the small number of cells that fuel a tumor’s growth — according to a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
GM Names Joel Ewanick Vice President, U.S. Marketing
General Motors today announced that Joel Ewanick has been appointed vice president, U.S. Marketing, effective May 24. Ewanick, 49, will report to Mark Reuss, president, GM North America.
Business Leaders 1Q Economic Survey Results
Business Leaders for Michigan’s first quarter of 70 of Michigan’s most prominent executives indicates that the Michigan economy should bottom-out during early 2011 – the same conclusion reached in the 4th quarter survey.
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Bal African at the DIA
The 46th annual Bal African fundraiser was held at the Detroit Institute of Arts on April 10. The event, which supports the DIA’s African and African American art collections, helped kick off the DIA’s latest exhibit, Through African Eyes.
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Brunch and Fashion at Saks Fifth Avenue
On April 29, Saks Fifth Avenue at the Somerset Collection in Troy held a brunch and fashion show featuring the fall 2010 collection by designer Naeem Khan. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Francee and Benson Ford Jr. Breast Care & Wellness Center at Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield.
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Detroit Lions Bocce Tournament
The Detroit Lions, paired with business leaders and celebrities, helped raise $75,000 for organizations affiliated with the Detroit Lions Charities.
Manufacturing Leadership to Address CAR Management Briefing Seminars Attendees
Leading executives from BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota — as well as from Yazaki and Continental — will provide insight into their manufacturing plans for the future at the annual CAR Management Briefing Seminars, Aug. 2-5.
OnStar Leverages Google Technology to Connect Customers to the Chevrolet Volt
OnStar is leveraging the power of Google technology to develop a number of new mobile app features that strengthen Chevrolet’s commitment to providing Volt customers with the most connected vehicle experience possible.
Hotelier of the Year: Michael Jordan, Shanty Creek Resorts
The Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association awards Jordan with 2010 top honor.
EyesOn Design and the DIO Celebrate Design During Father’s Day Weekend
EyesOn Design and the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO) will host its 23rd EyesOn Design event on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20, 2010 at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan.
Experts’ Message to Business, Community, Education and Elected Leaders: Time to Build a New Michigan
Leadership Summit brings focus to Michigan’s fiscal challenges and reform successes happening elsewhere in the country as states and regions move forward in a new economy.
U-M study achieves reduced side effects in head and neck cancer treatment
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have applied advanced radiation techniques for head and neck cancer to avoid treating critical structures that affect swallowing and eating.
Research Reveals Dramatic Influence of Dealerships on Automotive Brand Building and Vehicle Purchase
Foresight Research, a Rochester, Michigan based market research firm specializing in automotive research, has spent more than five years compiling data for its proprietary “2010: Automotive Marketing Return On Investment” study.
MGM Grand Detroit Celebrates Economic Impact on City and State
American Gaming Association issues report that proves commercial casinos remain an economic asset during touch times.
The Garden Party Foundation Presents: The Garden Party at Academy of the Sacred Heart
The Garden Party Foundation will celebrate its second annual event, The Garden Party, on Sunday, June 13, 2010, 1 to 4 PM, at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Karmanos Cancer Center Surgeon is Michigan’s First to Perform Transoral Robotic Surgery on Patients
Ho-Sheng Lin, M.D., F.A.C.S., leader of the Head and Neck Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, is the first surgeon in Michigan to use the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform minimally-invasive surgeries on head and neck cancer patients who visit the center for treatment.
Inaugural Walter P. Chrysler Legacy Gala to Honor Lee Iacocca, Jay Leno, Richard Petty and Virgil Exner
Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation to Launch Multi-Million Dollar Fundraising Campaign at the Legacy Gala.
Green Technology Patents Dominate GM 2009 Filings
More than half of the 1,300 patents filed by General Motors Co. in 2009 are green innovations, proof of the rapid development of groundbreaking technology by GM researchers and engineers.
Patterson Announces OakGreen Challenge
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson kicked off the OakGreen Challenge this morning at the 2nd Annual Oakland County Green Summit in Waterford.
Hella Brings LED Lighting to Street Lights
Hella, a global supplier of electronics and lighting, is bringing its state-of-the-art LED lighting technology to energy-efficient and low-maintenance street lighting.
Skyrocketing Medical and Elder Care Costs Spark Need for Care Solutions that are Affordable
Every eight seconds for the next 18 years a member of the baby boom generation – the 78 million Americans born between 1946 and 1964 – will reach age 62.
Celebration of Architecture Awards
The American Institute of Architects Michigan presented plaques for architectural excellence to the owners, architects and constructors of 12 buildings at its annual Celebration of Architecture on May 7 at the Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit.
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A Taste of Italy
On May 10, Andiamo in Novi hosted a winemaker’s luncheon.
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Tribute to Roger Penske and Eugene Applebaum
The Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield Township bestowed its 2010 Boneh Kehillah awards to business titans Roger Penske and Eugene Applebaum
Braylon Edwards Foundation Honors Female Athletes at Annual Brunch
The Braylon Edwards Foundation will host its 3rd Annual Women Moving Forward and Reaching Back Brunch on June 19, 2010 at the Henry Ford’s Lovett Hall from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Key Stakeholders Agree on Measures to Protect Blind Pedestrians from Silent Cars
Urge Passage as Part of Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
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Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Friends
A fundraiser and fashion show was held at the Aston Martin of Troy dealership.
McGraw Wentworth Survey Shows Gains In Consumer Driven Health Plans, Cost-Shifting, Emphasis On Wellness
Survey of mid-sized SE Michigan employers shows that for the first time health benefits are on par with national trends as traditionally rich benefit offerings go by the wayside.
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Michigan: A Center for Wind Energy Development?
The Motor City could be the North American hub for wind energy. At least, that’s the goal of a new partnership between a pair of design, engineering, and testing companies in metro Detroit.
Taubman Centers and Queen Emma Land Company Sign Development Agreement
Taubman Centers, Inc. (NYSE:TCO) and CoastWood Capital Group, LLC today announced a signed agreement with Queen Emma Land Company (QEL) to explore development of a new, open-air shopping center at the current International Market Place in Waikiki, Hawaii.
Susan E. Docherty Named GM Vice President, International Operations Sales, Marketing and Aftersales
General Motors today announced that Susan E. Docherty has been appointed GM vice president, International Operational Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, effective June 1.
Federal-Mogul Develops Breakthrough Flame
Federal-Mogul Corporation has developed what is believed to be the world’s first Polyethylene Terephthalate yarn to meet both the halogen-free flame-retardant regulations and the “no flaming drip” requirement.
General Dynamics Team Submits Army Ground Combat Vehicle Proposal
A team led by General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) that includes Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) and MTU Detroit Diesel today submitted its proposal for the Technology Development (TD) phase of the U.S. Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) program.
Borders Raises $25 Million
Borders Raises $25 Million Through Equity Financing to Support Key Financial and Strategic Initiatives
US Farathane Headquarters Groundbreaking and Rebirth of Oakland Technology Park Affirm Auburn Hills’ Business Appeal
The City of Auburn Hills, a dynamic community committed to innovation and growth, is welcoming US Farathane, a high tech manufacturer of injection molded, compression molded and extruded products for numerous customer segments, including the automotive industry, to the ranks of forward thinking businesses located here.
ESD Announces 2010 Rackham Award Recipient
The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) has selected John Rakolta, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Walbridge to receive the 2010 prestigious Rackham Award.
Bizdom U Seeks Entrepreneurs to Create New Businesses in the City of Detroit
Bizdom U, the Detroit entrepreneurship accelerator, today announced it is seeking up to 20 entrepreneurs to join its Fall 2010 session.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Expands Mobile Strategy to the Showroom Floor by Equipping Dealers with the Apple iPad(TM)
Mercedes-Benz Financial, which has received more than $5 million in lease and loan payments from customers via their mobile phone devices since becoming the first auto finance company to establish that payment channel late last year, is now taking its mobile strategy to the showroom floor to benefit dealers and customers.
Thomson Reuters Unveils Groundbreaking New Accounting Platform
The Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters announced today the launch of its revolutionary Accounting CS platform.
Perrigo Acquires Rights to Generic Version of HalfLytely® from Novel Laboratories
Perrigo Company (NASDAQ: PRGO) today announced that it has acquired rights to Novel Laboratories’ pending ANDA for HalfLytely® and Bisacodyl Tablets Bowel Prep Kit
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Baronette Renaissance Hotel Grand Opening Gala
Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, which includes the new Toasted Oak Grill & Market, the new Baronette Renaissance Detroit-Novi Hotel held a grand opening gala.
Consumers Energy, Principal Subsidiary of CMS Energy, Announces It Is Deferring Development of Clean Coal Plant in Michigan
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, announced today that it is deferring the development of the 830-megawatt clean coal power plant that it planned to have in operation in 2017.
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Judge Damon J. Keith Groundbreaking
Numerous luminaries including U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, A. Alfred Taubman, and Edsel B. Ford, broke ground for the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit.
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Beyond Basics at Atheneum Hotel
The annual dinner for Beyond Basics, a nonprofit organization that pairs certified tutors with students in four Detroit Public Schools who have fallen behind in reading and writing.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Anti-Fraud Efforts Recoup and Save More Than $277 Million Since Inception
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s health care fraud investigation unit, the oldest and most successful health plan operation of its kind in the U.S., saved or recovered nearly $277 million since it first began operation nearly 30 years ago, including $15 million in savings in 2009.
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Toby Keith Bar Opens at Great Lakes Crossing
Country music star Toby Keith held a grand opening celebration for his I Love This Bar and Grill at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills.
Wylie Studios Commits to Detroit Area
Global Renaissance Entertainment Group Inc. (GREG) will build its movie studios in the Detroit area, CEO Arthur Wylie announced.
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St. John Providence Health System Taste Fest
The Macomb-Oakland Hospital Taste Fest was held May 26 at the Polish Century Club in Warren.
Duffey Petrosky Named Lead Agency for Multiple Business Units of Chrysler Group LLC
Duffey Petrosky (formerly DP+Company), a Farmington Hills-based advertising and strategic marketing agency has been awarded a variety of Chrysler Group LLC marketing initiatives.
Americans Show More Confidence in Their Ability to Access and Pay for Healthcare, According to Thomson Reuters Index
Americans’ confidence in their ability to access and pay for healthcare bounced back in April after dipping in February and March, according to a new consumer sentiment index from Thomson Reuters.
Mercedes-Benz Cars Confirms Return-on-Sales Target of 10 Percent
Mercedes-Benz Cars anticipates higher EBIT in the second quarter of 2010 than in the first – Chairman of Daimler’s Board of Management Dr. Dieter Zetsche: “China is increasingly becoming the center of gravity of the automotive industry and has recently become Mercedes-Benz Cars’ third-largest sales market.”
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Black and Blue Ball at MGM Grand Detroit
The Muscular Dystrophy Association held its 2010 Black and Blue Ball at the MGM Grand Detroit on May 15.
Detroit Tigers Foundation Awards Nearly $250,000 in Grants
The Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities, presented nearly $250,000 in grants to 18 organizations during an on-field, pregame ceremony prior to today’s Tigers game.
Genisys Credit Union and Cleary University Form Strategic Business Alliance
In a new initiative designed to enhance benefit and reward packages of community businesses, Genisys Credit Union has partnered with Cleary University to offer tuition grants specifically designated for the employees and members of the credit union.
Lewis & Munday names new President and CEO
Lewis & Munday announced today that Blair A. Person, a 23-year veteran of the firm’s real estate practice, has been named President and CEO, effective immediately.
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There’s No Magic Pill
Gratification is brought on by discipline and hard work.
One Reverse Mortgage Introduces Award-winning Actor and Author Henry Winkler as Company Spokesperson
One Reverse Mortgage, the nation’s third largest reverse mortgage lender, today announced award-winning actor and children’s book author Henry Winkler will serve as its spokesperson in all major advertising campaigns, beginning immediately.
LOMBARDO HOMES RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP 100 BUILDERS
Amid positive signs that new housing demand is slowly beginning to pick up across the country, Lombardo Homes’ dedication to the Michigan housing market has been recognized with a place among the top builders in the nation.
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Tapping Pixar’s Creative Spirit
Author and business consultant Bill Capodagli says companies and individuals can boost their results by adhering to a memorable story line, whether for a new product launch, business startup, or customer service campaign. In his new book, “Innovate The Pixar Way: Business Lessons from the World’s Most Creative Corporate Playground,” which he co-wrote with Lynn Jackson, Capodagli talks about what companies can learn from Pixar.
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Salon Success: A Metro Detroit Company Goes Global
It’s not often that a business succeeds locally, let alone on a global scale. But for Carolyn Plummer of Bloomfield Hills, CEO of It’s a 10 Inc., the world came to her door. Since its inception in 2005, It’s a 10 has become one of the fastest growing hair product companies on the planet.
Detroit Regional Chamber, JB&A Release Seventh Annual Leadership Survey Findings
In conjunction with the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2010 Mackinac Policy Conference, John Bailey & Associates, a Lambert, Edwards & Associates company (JB&A) conducted its annual Leadership Assessment survey of the region’s business community’s thoughts and perceptions regarding public policy and the state of the economy in Michigan.
Rock Financial Showplace to be Renamed
TBON, LLC, owner and operator of the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan, today announced the facility will be renamed effective on or before the 1stquarter of 2011.
Meadow Brook Highlights Motor City Trendsetters
The spotlight will shine on some of Michigan’s prominent trailblazing models during the ultimate vintage car weekend. One of the premier classic and collector car shows in the country, the Concours d’Elegance of America at Meadow Brook, will have something for every car enthusiast with over 230 cars and motorcycles.
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Judge Damon J. Keith Drives Civil Rights
After recently breaking ground on the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Keith addressed the reasons for the Center and what future visitors can expect to see when the facility opens in 2011.
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Andiamo Novi: Elvis Presley Tribute
Joe Vicari, CEO of Andiamo Restaurants, and his team wrote, produced, and directed “Don’t Be Cruel: The Life and Times of the King,” a live theatrical retrospective of the remarkable career of Elvis Presley. The show at Andiano Novi Theatre, which stars Max Pellicano as The King, offers a lesson in converging dining and entertainment to drive new business.
University of Michigan Wolverine Venture Fund Invests in Delphinus Medical Technologies
The Wolverine Venture Fund (WVF), managed by The Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, today announced participation in an $8 million series A round of financing for Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc.
Chip McClure Elected First Vice Chair of Detroit Regional Chamber
ArvinMeritor, Inc. Chairman, CEO and President Chip McClure has been named first vice chair of the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors for the 2010-2011 program year and co-chair of the 2011 Mackinac Policy Conference.
GM Creates Venture Capital Subsidiary
General Motors today said it has established General Motors Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary designed to help the company identify and develop innovative technologies in the automotive/transportation sector.
AutoTrader.com Cross-Shopping Data Shows Majority of New Mercury Buyers May Gravitate to Ford if Mercury Brand is Shut Down
If Ford shutters its Mercury brand this fall, as announced on Wednesday, Ford itself may have the opportunity to capture the largest share of new Mercury buyers left without their brand.
EyesOn Design and The Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology
EyesOn Design and their partners will host three spectacular summer events, all engaging in food, culture, fun and entertainment in support of the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.
Bas Technologies and American Labor Solutions Merge to Form Impact
BAS Technologies and American Labor Solutions, two customized, staffing solutions firms previously based in Novi, Mich., have merged to form Impact Management Services (Impact), to better demonstrate the enduring and positive effect that the company’s unique approach to human resource initiatives has on a client’s business.
Federal Bailout for GM, Chrysler Still Resonates With Consumers, According to New Cars.com Survey
According to a recent survey conducted by Cars.com, a third of consumers say they are less likely to consider a car from either Chrysler or General Motors today because of their acceptance of federal bailout funding that helped save the manufacturers about a year ago.
Taiwan Fully Charged!
Automotive International Forum & Exhibition Introduces Smart Green Products and Technologies Developed in Taiwan at TAIFE 2010 in Novi
Wayne State University Researcher Recommends Dramatic Shift in Cancer Research
For decades, cancer has been believed to be caused by a sequential accumulation of common gene mutations, with the identification, characterization and targeting of common genetic alterations and their defined pathways dominating the field.
