May-June 2011
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Champions of the New Economy 2011
With change an ever-present byproduct of technological advances, we present the Champions of the New Economy. The program was created by Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, which operates the Quicken […]
General Motors Reports Net Income of $3.2 Billion
EBIT of $3.5 billion and EBIT-adjusted of $2.0 billion
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A New ‘Field of Dreams’ for Detroit
Reinventing the Corner of Michigan and Trumbull.
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Findings from the 21st Annual Retirement Confidence Survey
The survey gauges the views and attitudes of working-age and retired Americans regarding retirement, their preparations for retirement, their confidence with regard to various aspects of retirement, and related issues.
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Detroit Hispanic Development Corp.'s Partners Breakfast
The Detroit Hispanic Development Corp., which provides bilingual information and direct services in and around southwest Detroit, held its 4th annual Partners Breakfast on April 28. The keynote address was presented by Carol Goss, president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation, while the mistress of ceremonies was Christine Rice, president of Vision IT. Photos by Christine M.J. Hathaway
Saab Cars North America Appoints New President and COO
Effective Monday, May 9, Colbeck will oversee Saab’s largest market, North America, from its Royal Oak office.
Michigan to receive $200M in U.S. rail grants
Gov. Rick Snyder and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood cite projects to improve the rail corridor between Dearborn and Kalamazoo
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Brother Rice Business Alliance at Aston Martin of Troy
The Brother Rice Business Alliance, which raises scholarship funds for Brother Rice High School in Birmingham, held its spring social mixer at Aston Martin of Troy. The event included menu selections from Zazios in Birmingham, while the beverages were provided by ml., also in Birmingham. Photos by Patrick Gloria
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Lean and Green
From his perch in Traverse City, Tom Doak has designed some of the most famous golf courses in the world. But his latest project is, in Detroit and , could serve as a model for renewing interest in a game that’s struggling to attract younger players.
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The Pawn Brokers
Presumably murky characters who fence goods at high interest rates for people in need, pawnshop owners are riding the region’s recent wave of misfortune with a measure of respect.
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Engineering a Turnaround
$2 Billion in R&D for Universities Make Believers of Region’s Researchers.
View From The Top: Jonathan Citrin, CEO of CitrinGroup
Jonathan Citrin, CEO of CitrinGroup in downtown Birmingham, offers advice on entrepreneurship as well as starting and managing a new business. He also provides an outlook on the Big Three automakers.
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Undergraduate Business Schools in Metro Detroit*
CLEARY UNIVERSITY, ANN ARBOR, HOWELL | Private Undergrad programs: Associate’s degrees in accounting technology, event/meeting management, information technology, business enterprise, and e-marketing. Bachelor’s degrees in business management, entrepreneurship, e-business communication, […]
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Graduate Business Schools in Metro Detroit *
DeVry University, Southfield | Private Graduate programs: DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management offers 16 different MBA concentrations, including accounting, e-commerce management, finance, health services, hospitality management, human resources, […]
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Engineering Schools in Michigan
Michigan boasts some of the highest ranked engineering programs in the nation. Three of Michigan’s engineering schools ranked in the top 100 of the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s “2011 Best Engineering” school rankings – and one (University of Michigan) ranked 8th overall.
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Detroit's Future: Fair to Midland
Midland doesn’t possess the allure of Charlevoix or Bay Harbor, yet it’s arguably the most prosperous small city in Michigan.
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The Piano Man
Despite the economic slowdown, a piano dealer in Commerce Township says diversification is key to making ends meet.
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Card Shark
A Rochester entrepreneur found early success selling baseball cards for a profit, but when the market dried up, he switched gears.
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Q&A: Michael A. Cox
DB: Where are you? MC: In Washington, D.C., where I’m attending the National Association of Attorneys General spring meeting. DB: What’s going on there? MC: I was part of a […]
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The Beer Also Rises
How a small brewer in Royal Oak is gaining market share in a saturated industry
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The Comeback Kid
A consultant reinvents his practice.
Landfill Gas Powers GM Plant for New Fuel-Sipping Cars
Provides 40 percent of energy to build Chevrolet Sonic, Buick Verano
Amway North America #1 in Online Health & Beauty Sales for Eighth Consecutive Year
Internet Retailer Rankings
New institute on Health Care Policy, Innovation Planned at U-M's North Campus Research Complex
Institute expected to become one of the largest of its kind in the nation
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Cash Cab
‘Where to, Bud?’ was heard in Detroit when motor taxicabs took to the streets around 1909. Thinking it had a better idea, the largest cab operator turned to electric propulsion.
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TRIA Restaurant at The Henry in Dearborn
The Henry, a luxury hotel in Dearborn (formerly the Ritz-Carlton), debuted TRIA, an American Brasserie, on April 28. The eatery offers entrees priced from $18-$25, which include Drunken Chicken, Bollito Misto, Seared Diver Scallops, and Pork Plate. In addition, the hotel is redoing all of its rooms, and recently completed a main lobby redesign. Photos by Patrick Gloria
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How Kwame Kilpatrick's Arrogance Spawned a Reign of Corruption in Detroit
Editor’s Note: On Monday, Kwame Kilpatrick was convicted of 24 crimes, including racketeering, extortion, mail, and wire fraud, bribery, and tax violations. Kilpatrick and co-defendant Bobby Ferguston were sent to […]
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Imported From Detroit
A high-tech studio in Ferndale is delivering Detroit’s musical heritage to a new global audience.
Shore Financial Names David Hall President of its Retail Mortgage Division
Nationally Recognized Industry Leader Hired To Grow Business
Stage 2 Innovations partners with Automation Alley to introduce $100 million fund for second-stage companies
A highly successful, experienced investor has anonymously provided the financial capital for the Stage 2 Innovations Fund
2011 SAE Foundation Banquet Honors Automotive Leaders
Celebrates $1.6 Million in Combined Contributions in 2010
Federal-Mogul Adds Nearly 60 High-Volume MOOG® Steering and Suspension Parts for European, Asian and Domestic Applications
MOOG parts include control arms for millions of Jeep (Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler), Dodge truck (Ram 2500 and 3500) and Dodge/Plymouth (Neon) applications
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Cast it Forward
A manufacturer in Westland has developed a product to compete with century-old materials.
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Sound Device
Patience is the best medicine when a product takes years to develop.
GM Adding Two Shifts, 2,500 Jobs to Detroit-Hamtramck Plant
New Chevrolet Malibu and next-generation Impala join electric Volt and Opel Ampera
SAE International Announces Second Summit on Safe Implementation of Electric Vehicles in Detroit
Second annual Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit September 27-28, 2011, at the Marriott Detroit Renaissance Center Hotel
Cruise Nights Return to Walter P. Chrysler Museum
The sixth annual series is presented by Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Golling FIAT in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. and Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Walled Lake, Mich.
Chrysler Group Repays U.S./Canadian government Loans in Full
Chrysler Group fulfills promise to taxpayers and repays original government loans totaling $6.7 billion, in addition to $1.8 billion of interest and other consideration
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signs tax reform bills to fuel state’s turnaround
Eight-bill package that brings greater fairness and simplicity to Michigan’s tax structure while aggressively positioning the state to be economically competitive
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Paxahau Productions 2011 Movement Opening Party
Paxahau Productions, the event production company for the 2011 Movement Electronic Music Festival, being held May 28-30 at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit, held an Opening Night Party at the Detroit Seafood Market in Detroit’s Paradise Valley. Photos by Patrick Gloria
Location: Ford Identifies Optimal Location for Electric Vehicle Charge Ports
Ford engineers researched several locations for the Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi charge ports to ensure the port was in the best possible place for customer use.
Chevrolet Volt Owners 'Charging on Sunshine'
Mark Hildebrandt developed an interest in clean energy in the 1970s. Over the years, it became his vocation – he owns a company that installs solar panels – so it’s only natural that he counts on the sun to create the electricity to charge his Chevrolet Volt.
Cadillac DTS Awaits Place in Bulgari Collection
Nicola Bulgari, an avid car collector and vice chairman of the Bulgari luxury goods firm, prefers not to dwell on the sheer number of automobiles in his car collection.
Skidmore Studio to Move into New Downtown Detroit Tech Hub
Skidmore Studio will be an anchor tenant in the historic Madison Theatre Building, a collaborative entrepreneurial hub for technology and creative companies. Tim Smith, Skidmore President and CEO, made the announcement earlier today.
Visteon Expands Automotive Testing Laboratory in Brazil
Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC) is expanding automotive component testing capabilities at its engineering test center in Brazil − one of the most advanced automotive technical centers in Latin America.
Michigan Chamber of Commerce Applauds Administration and Legislative Leaders for Enacting Bold Tax Reform
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today expressed great appreciation to Governor Rick Snyder, Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville and House Speaker Jase Bolger for their leadership to end the job-killing Michigan Business Tax and finalize its replacement with a competitive, pro-growth Corporate Income Tax.
Saab Automobile Restarts Production
Saab Automobile today restarted production at its production facility in Trollhattan. A first batch of around 100 cars is planned for this first day of production since April 6 and Saab Automobile plans to increase the daily production rate in the coming weeks in parallel with the full re-establishment of the supply chain.
Mitsubishi Sales Surge Continues – Up Nearly 60% in May
CYPRESS, Calif., June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported May 2011 sales of 7,568 units, an increase of 59.8 percent compared to May 2010.
AUTOPALOOZA Returns to Southeast Michigan
The MotorCities National Heritage Area and the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) announced today the biggest lineup ever for AUTOPALOOZA, their annual, summer-long celebration of Southeast Michigan’s largest and most unique automotive cruises, races and shows, which will kick off on Friday, June 10 at Metro Beach in Macomb County with the arrival of the Hot Rod Power Tour and wrap up on Saturday, August 20 with the world-famous Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County.
Original Emancipation Proclamation to be displayed at The Henry Ford, June 20-22, 2011
In a special two-day, once-in-a-lifetime event, The Henry Ford will display the original Emancipation Proclamation in the Discovering the Civil War exhibit on display in Henry Ford Museum. Doors will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. on June 20, followed by a brief opening ceremony at 6:45 p.m. and viewing beginning at 7:00 p.m. The museum will remain open around the clock until 6 a.m., June 22. This scheduled appearance marks the first time since 1948 that the Emancipation Proclamation was last displayed in Michigan. Admission to this public showing in Henry Ford Museum from June 20-22 is free. For more information, please call 313.982.6001 or visit www.thehenryford.org.
Foley Launches Venture Capital Fund
Foley & Lardner LLP announced today the launch of Foley Ventures, a $4 million venture capital fund exclusively to invest in or with Foley clients.
May U.S. Retail Sales Rise 9 Percent on Demand for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
General Motors dealers in the United States reported 221,192 total sales in May, including a 9 percent increase in retail sales compared to May 2010. Retail sales for GM’s brands were again propelled by the company’s lineup of fuel-efficient passenger cars and crossovers. Total sales declined 1 percent on lower fleet volume.
Chrysler Group LLC Reports May 2011 U.S. Sales Increased 10 Percent, Best May Sales Since 2008
Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 115,363, a 10 percent increase compared with sales in May 2010 (104,819 units), and the best May sales since 2008.
Ford Plans $100 Million Investment in Robotic Technology
Ford today announced that the company plans to invest $100 million in robotic technology that is said to boost customer satisfaction and accuracy on the assembly lines.
Chevrolet to Sponsor Woodward Dream Cruise
Chevrolet celebrates its 100-year history in Detroit by sponsoring the 2011 Woodward Dream Cruise.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Earns Five-Star Overall Safety Rating
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is the first electric vehicle to earn a five-star overall vehicle score for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.
Johnson Launches New Business Roundtable
Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson today announced the formation of a new Business Roundtable, which will include business and industry leaders from across the state.
Dow Kokam Announces Strategic Alliance with MotoCzysz
Dow Kokam, a leading large-format battery systems producer, announces a new strategic relationship with MotoCzysz, a design and engineering firm working exclusively on electric motors, as official supplier of Dow Kokam advanced lithium polymer batteries to power the MotoCzysz factory racing motorcycles for 2011.
HHS Secretary Champions Patient Safety Initiative at Henry Ford Hospital
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius visited Henry Ford Hospital today to champion Partnership for Patients, a national initiative that aims to make health care safer, more efficient and less costly.
Michigan Companies Back From the Brink Discuss Lessons Learned
Today at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Charles “Chip” McClure, chairman, CEO and president, Meritor, Inc.; Richard E. “Dick” Dauch, co-founder, chairman and CEO, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM); and Michael E. Duggan, president and CEO, Detroit Medical Center (DMC) led a discussion titled “Improving Michigan’s Economic Environment: Lessons from Business Leaders.”
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Golf Helps Clean Up Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor has recently been in the local and national news more than it would like, generally focused around the city’s financial troubles that led to a state-appointed emergency manager.
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Bravo Bravo at the Detroit Opera House
The 12th annual Bravo Bravo, featuring cuisine from many of the region’s top restaurants, live entertainment, and a salute to Michigan’s movie industry, was held on June 3. The event, coordinated by the Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association, benefited the Detroit Opera House. Photos by Patrick Gloria
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC Announces Top Management Changes
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC announced today top management changes at the company.
Applications Available: Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition to Award $1 million to Businesses on November 16-17
Applications open on June 6 for the 2011 Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. The Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition will award more than $1 million in cash winnings, plus in-kind awards of services, staffing and software to top entrepreneurial businesses.
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A Time for Truth
Taking the painful — but needed — steps to help Michigan.
GM to Invest $130 Million, Add 25 Jobs in Warren, Mich.
General Motors will invest $130 million to build an enterprise data center at its Technical Center campus in Warren, Mich., adding 25 high-tech jobs and expanding and renovating a former administrative building. Design is under way on the renovation and construction, with the final phase scheduled for completion in 2015.
Hatch Detroit, Inc.
Do you have a killer business idea, a passion for Detroit, and a desire to impact and interact with
the community around you? There has never been a better time or place to launch a dream than in Detroit
at this very minute, and we want to help. Let’s build a business together.BBK Welcomes Patrick M. McQueen to its Banking Team
BBK today announced that Patrick M. McQueen, Managing Director of McQueen Financial Advisors, has also affiliated with the firm, as Managing Director, and will serve as part of the company’s banking practice team.
Study on the Impact of Sales and Purchasing Processes on Corporate Performance and Profitability
An extensive six-year study shows current sales and purchasing practices can cost companies thousands to millions in recalls, inefficiencies.
Compuware Strengthens Executive Management Team and Proceeds with Leadership Transition
Compuware Corporation announced that
it has strengthened and extended its executive management ranks.Covisint Publishes New White Paper: “Establishing a Secure Network Platform for the Connected Vehicle”
Covisint’s new white paper details the importance of a robust identity management strategy for overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities with connected vehicles.
Chrysler Group Announces Management Changes
Chrysler Group LLC today announced significant management team changes within different divisions.
Warner Norcross Creates Emergency Manager Law Team, Develops Online Resource
Warner Norcross announced today the creation of a new practice group, Emergency Manager Law, and a new microsite.
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St. John's Taste Fest at the American Polish Century Club
St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital held its 10th annual Taste Fest on May 25 at the American Polish Century Club in Sterling Heights. More than 200 people attended the event, which included cuisine from Big Fish Seafood Bistro, Beef O’Brady’s, Antonio’s Italian Cuisine, Just Baked, Mac & Ray’s, and Sanders.
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Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Breakfast
The Detroit Athletic Club hosted the MHCC’s Public Policy Breakfast on May 19. Along with Gov. Rick Snyder, more than 200 people attended the event.
Ford Mid-Decade Outlook Calls for Global Sales Growth, Stronger Margins, Expansion in Asia
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today said it expects its worldwide sales to increase by approximately 50 percent by mid-decade to about 8 million vehicles a year – with improved operating margins – as the company continues its One Ford plan to accelerate product introductions and expand quickly in growth markets.
Better Made Snack Foods Expands To Southwest Michigan
Through new distribution channels, Better Made Snack Foods has expanded distribution to Southwest Michigan and can now be found in New Buffalo, Benton Harbor, Stevensville, Eau Claire, Dowagiac, Decatur, Berrien Springs, Saint Joseph, Sister Lakes, Bridgman, Watervliet, Coloma, and Cassopolis
Imagine Driving Halfway Across the Country on a Single Tank of Gas — These Vehicles Make that Dream a Possibility
Rising gas prices once again are in the headlines as the summer travel season begins. Based on this fact, it’s certain that the collegiate teams in SAE International’s Supermileage® competition could be the envy of many drivers across the nation. Why? Because their vehicles can achieve a fuel efficiency of more than 2,000 miles per gallon.
Vistage Michigan Selects Charles Woodhams As New Chief Executive Group Chair
Vistage Michigan, a membership-based organization that provides business leaders with business perspectives and innovative strategies named Charles Woodhams of Livonia as its newest Chief Executive (CE) Group Chair.
Governor announces $1 million in legal services contribution in public-private partnership
Gov. Rick Snyder today announced that Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based law firm, will donate $1 million in legal services to targeted state-based startups, early stage and growing businesses in a coordinated effort to help spark Michigan’s economy.
The Taste of Bad Luck
Every time I hear a business owner tell me how they have had the worst luck lately or can’t seem to catch a break in this economy, it reminds me of a famous story of an entrepreneur who had what could have been the worst luck.
Walsh College Announces Resignation of Chief Academic Officer; Names Business Administration Chair as Interim
Walsh College today announced that Robert Minter, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, will retire from the College effective July 8.
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Detroit Yacht Club Fundraiser
The Detroit Yacht Club hosted a fundraiser on May 6 for the APBA Detroit Gold Cup Races. More than 500 people were in attendance.
Jacobs Media Tech Study Shows iPhone Owners Most Loyal to Their Smartphones
Study shows that there are significant differences in loyalty and satisfaction based on the brand of smartphone.
Majority of Consumers Perceive Their Homes as Minimally Green
Survey from Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity International shows that consumers commonly define “green” as saving energy and water.
EcoCAR Finals Begin at GM’s Milford Proving Ground
Vehicles undergo last series of tests before winner announcement.
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Cornerstone Benefit at Andiamo
Cornerstone Schools celebrated its 20th anniversary at Andiamo Banquet Center in Warren on May 19. More than 500 members of the Cornerstone community were in attendance.
Detroit Tax Bills Signed into Law
Gov. Rick Snyder says bipartisan legislation shows support for city.
Oakland County’s BFC/EDC Celebrate 30 Years as Total Investment Tops $1.2 Billion
Oakland County’s Business Finance Corporation (BFC) and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) amassed some pretty impressive numbers in their first 30 years in business: total investment of more than $1.2 billion and more than 26,000 jobs created or retained.
GM Defiance Targeted for $47 Million Investment
General Motors intends to invest $47 million in its Defiance powertrain plant to purchase tooling and equipment to increase volume of components for the fuel-efficient Ecotec 1.4L engine and the next generation of small block car and truck engines.
Detroit Zoo Welcomes Cool New Resident
Now chilling at the Detroit Zoo is a 19-year-old male polar bear named Aquila (pronounced ah-KEE-la).
Ford and World Safety Leaders Work to Launch Intelligent Vehicles Quicker, More Affordably
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is hosting Europe’s most influential safety leader to discuss how to bring intelligent vehicle technology to global customers quicker and more affordably.
Chevrolet Begins Taking Orders Nationwide for 2012 Volt
Chevrolet dealers in all 50 states will begin taking orders for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt electric car today.
Cadillac Unveils New Luxury Design for Dealerships
Cadillac is rolling out a new, modern design for its dealerships as part of the brand’s “Defining Moments” customer service initiative.
Ford to Triple Production Capacity of Electrified Vehicles in North America by 2013, Led by C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) announced today it is tripling production capacity of its electrified vehicle lineup through 2013, further boosting volumes of its all-new C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, which begin production next year.
Beaumont Health System Names Vitale New Chief Financial Officer
Gene Michalski, president and chief executive officer, Beaumont Health System, has announced the appointment of Nick Vitale, of Troy, as executive vice president and chief financial office.
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Bottoms Up, Detroit: How Grassroots Programs are Making a Real Difference
I ascended the white marble steps of the Detroit Public Library in late May, invited to attend a symposium on “urban centers” in Detroit. I was expecting to find a group of seasoned professionals who shared strong opinions about a city they had only seen from an airplane or through the window of a taxi.
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A Brave, New Detroit
As someone who has invested heavily in Midtown, discussions of right sizing the city are encouraging.
New Ford Focus Electric Keeps Its Cool When the Temperature Heats Up
When the mercury starts to rise, people have all sorts of ways for cooling themselves down: sprinklers, lemonade and ice cream all come to mind.
