November-December 2009
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The Road to Recovery
2010 Michigan Economic forecast.
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In Vino Veritas
Northern Michigan’s wine industry has come a long way in 35 years, and more growth is in the forecast — so long as property values and weather patterns don’t ruin the party.
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Mark Fields
President of the Americas, Ford Motor Co., Dearborn.
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Roll the Tape — er, Game
A Birmingham startup is set to premiere a new genre in entertainment — a TV miniseries where video game players dictate the storylines.
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Bistro Builder
Paul Jenkins Jr. has built some of the world’s largest casinos, but along the way he’s developed his own dining and entertainment offerings.
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The Finer Things
The 2009 holiday shopping season may be stronger than most people expect. A year ago, the downturn in the global economy put the brakes on consumer confidence, not to mention the sale of large-ticket items like cars and trucks.
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The Path to Prosperity
If Michigan is to flourish in the Information Age, it must shed its Rust Belt tendencies, attract and retain more college graduates, and offer great places to live, work, and play.
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Digital Response
A software package created in Birmingham equips emergency responders with digital tools to better identify and respond to fires, hazardous spills, and attacks.
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Veteran Affairs
Overcoming multiple disabilities, former Army Ranger Frank Campanaro has created a multifaceted Bingham Farms development firm that specializes in military contracts.
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Norton Cohen
His father wanted him to be a dentist. But Norton Cohen had other ideas. As the first person in his family to go to college, he’d long dreamed of becoming a labor lawyer representing unions.
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Top Lawyers 2010
As we close the century’s first decade and prepare to enter the next, the work of more than 2,800 attorneys practicing in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties stands out.
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David Page
Armed with Ivy League degrees from Dartmouth College (summa cum laude, 1955) and Harvard Law School, (magna cum laude 1958), where he had served as a Law Review editor, David Page could’ve worked for any number of prestigious law firms across the country.
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‘Beat Us If You Can’
Can GM’s intrepid investment in battery technology once again make it a major player in the global auto industry? Or is the once-formidable giant destined to become just one of many companies serving a slow-growing niche market?
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Wallace Handler
When Wallace Handler graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1959, he had dreams of becoming a tax attorney.
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Hanley Gurwin
Fifty-one years ago, Hanley Gurwin embarked on a distinguished legal career as a solo general practitioner. But four years later, upon facing seasoned attorney J. Leonard Hyman in a contested divorce case, his life would change forever.
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Rob Amsler
Though Detroit’s Bayview Yacht Club “is a little pea patch in the middle of the country,” Commodore Rob Amsler notes that it hosts the longest continuous-run, freshwater regatta in North America.
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Bells Will Be Ringing
For that special someone, these holiday gifts are made to order.
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Lawrence Charfoos
One of the most acclaimed trial lawyers in America, Lawrence Charfoos first came to national attention in the 1970s as a plaintiffs personal-injury attorney, obtaining precedent-setting multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in a slew of medical-malpractice and product-liability lawsuits.
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The Business of Rock
He may be an international rock star, but Kid Rock can’t afford to rest on his laurels — not with record sales plummeting, ever greater competition for live concerts, and a personal boycott of Apple’s iTunes.
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Top Lawyers 2010
From administrative law to zoning law, DBusiness presents 2010’s Top Lawyers in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
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Inc. 5000’s Michigan Firms
The top firms in Michigan make it on the Inc. 5000 list.
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Kid Rock — DBusiness Exclusive Audio Interview
Kid Rock likes to downplay his business acumen — “I can count the money, [but] that’s about it” — but he is actually a very astute financial manger.
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The Merchant of Vinotecca — Kristin Jonna
The founder and partner of two successful wine bars — Vinotecca in downtown Royal Oak and Vinology in downtown Ann Arbor — Kristin Jonna travels the world in search of wine and food pairings that she can share and enjoy with her loyal clientele.
Ford Credit Earns $427 Million in the Third Quarter of 2009
ord Motor Credit Company reported net income of $427 million in the third quarter of 2009, an increase of $332 million from earnings of $95 million a year earlier.
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Champions of the New Economy — Junior Achievement
Karen Kosniewski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, which operates a finance park in downtown Detroit, has launched a program to spotlight successful business leaders in metro Detroit. Called Champions of the New Economy, anyone can nominate a successful business leader at www.championsoftheneweconomy.com.
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Huron Capital Invests In Automotive Aftermarket
Replacement Parts Manufacturer is Firm’s Third Platform in Canada.
Federal-Mogul’s Breakthrough Diesel Piston Design Removes Barrier to Downsized Engines with Higher Output
DuraBowl® Substantially Improves Piston Durability in Severe Conditions.
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Best Restaurant to Attend a Business Meeting – Iridescence
Congratulations to Iridscence restaurant at Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel for winning the 2009 DBusiness.com Best Restaurant to Attend a Business Meeting!
Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac Drive First GM Sales Increase in 21 Months
A strong performance by GM’s four core brands — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac — resulted in GM U.S. October sales of 177,603 vehicles, up 4 percent from last October, the company’s first year-over-year gain since January 2008.
FIT Film Industry Training Licensed as Proprietary Instructor of Michigan’s Most Successful Film Industry Training
FIT Film Industry Training Places More Students in Paid Film Industry Jobs Than Any Other Program.
Michigan Recovery Continues to Build in September, Reports Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index
Comerica Bank’s Michigan Economic Activity Index improved two points in September, to a level of 79.
Ford Introduces World’s First Inflatable Seat Belts
Ford Motor Company is bringing to market the world’s first automotive inflatable seat belts, combining attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear seat occupants.
Dow Corning Acquires U.S. and Brazilian Silicon Metal Manufacturing Assets From Globe Specialty Metals
Dow Corning Corporation has acquired two chemical grade silicon manufacturing assets from Globe Specialty Metals, in an acquisition valued at approximately $175 million (USD).
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Best Brew-house in Town – Rochester Mills Beer Co.
Congratulations to The Rochester Mills Beer Co.for winning the 2010 DBusiness Bes Brew-house in Town award!
Compuware Completes Acquisition of Gomez; Customers and Analysts Applaud Strategic Union
Enterprises Benefit From Peerless Capabilities, Unified View for Optimizing Application Performance Across the Enterprise and Internet.
BorgWarner Expects $1.8 Billion of Net New Business for 2010-2012
Gas turbochargers and dual-clutch technology lead double-digit annual growth over the next three years.
A Raymond Acquires Tinnerman to Form Combined Fastener Group
A Raymond, a leading global supplier of automotive engineered fastening and fluid-handling connections systems, has acquired Tinnerman Palnut Engineered Products of Brunswick, Ohio.
Productions Plus Purchases the Talent Shop
Strategic acquisition strengthens national presence.
Reilly to Lead Opel/Vauxhall Operations
Search for New CEO Underway
Compuware Covisint Introduces AppCloud(TM), Bringing Together Best-of-breed Web-based Solutions to Healthcare
AppCloud Accelerates Physician Adoption of Health IT by Leveraging Cloud-based Solutions.
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Tactical Allocation Group’s Grand Opening
On Oct. 28, Tactical Allocation Group, an innovative financial and investment services firm, held a grand opening celebration for its relocation to South Old Woodward, near Maple Road, in downtown Birmingham.
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Parade Company Pancake Breakfast
The Parade Company held its annual Pancake Breakfast on Nov. 6 at its headquarters on Detroit’s east side.
New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan Announces More Than $3 Million in Grants
For continued support of southeast Michigan’s economic transformation.
The Engineering Society of Detroit Institute Unveils Plan for a new Michigan Economy
More than 250 people gathered on the campus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn on Nov. 10 for the unveiling of the Engineering Society of Detroit Institute (ESDI) Michigan Clean Water Initiative report.
Troy Woman Business Owner Named SBA’s Michigan Minority Small Business Person of the Year
Michelle D’Souza, President and CEO of Unified Business Technologies, Inc. in Troy, has been named the 2009 Michigan Minority Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter Raises $240,000 at Tribute to Excellence
The Arthritis Foundation, Michigan Chapter hosted its annual fundraising Tribute event on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan.
North American International Auto Show Announces 37,000 Square Foot Electric Avenue Display at 2010 Show
All-new feature presented by The Dow Chemical Company.
Olympians Are Coming to Otsego Ski Club
Olympic Snowboard Athletes will train this winter at Otsego’s 22-foot Super Pipe.
Dow and HPL Sign Technology Transfer Agreement
The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) announced today the transfer to Dow of collective assets from HPL (High Power Lithium), a company focused on the development of nano-structured energy storage materials and novel electrolytes for use in all lithium ion battery applications.
Mobiata Launches TripDeck to Organize and Track Travel Itineraries on a Mobile Device
New App Offers Complete Itinerary Management with Real-Time Flight Status, Including Delays, Gate Changes and Other Alerts; Manages Car Rental, Hotel, Trains and Other Activities.
Innovative Plant-derived Resin Captures Industry Honors
DENSO and DuPont Automotive Co-Develop Award Winning Eco Resin.
PNC Completes First Phase of National City Conversion
Bank Announces Dates of Remaining Phases, including Michigan, in 2010.
DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle Named a Best Invention of 2009 by TIME Magazine
he Dow Chemical Company’s (NYSE:DOW) DOW(TM) POWERHOUSE(TM) Solar Shingle, the revolutionary flexible photovoltaic solar cell packaged in the form of a roofing shingle that can be easily integrated with standard asphalt shingle materials, has been named one of “The 50 Best Inventions of 2009” by TIME magazine.
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Security Surveillance On Demand
Larry Smith, president and CEO of MIST Innovations in downtown Detroit, is introducing a smart phone/PDA complement to the company’s offering of network security monitoring systems.
General Motors Announces the New Company’s July 10-September 30 Preliminary Managerial Results
General Motors Company (GM) released today preliminary non-GAAP managerial results(1) for its first 83 days of operation, providing an initial look at its financial performance since it began operations as a new company on July 10, 2009.
British Car Enthusiasts Launch Heritage Spares
Genuine OE classic British car replacement parts made available in North America.
FRAS-LE Applies Hybrid Green Technology to Friction Materials
FRAS-LE, one of the largest manufacturers of brake pads and linings worldwide, will introduce FRAS-LE’s Hybrid Technology (FHT) in the North-American market in early 2010. The new Hybrid material is environmentally-friendly and meets California’s 2032 legislation today –22 years early.
Detroit Architect Fulfills Childhood Dream and Opens Model Train Shop
Detroit native Rainy Hamilton, Jr. shares his love of model trains at Ferndale-based Rainy Day Hobbies
Attorneys Title Agency and Seaver Title Company Merge to Form the Largest Title Services Network in the State
Combined entity has 18 offices and 400 employees throughout Michigan.
Pentastar Aviation Now Manages Entire University of Michigan Survival Flight Fleet
The University of Michigan has signed a multi-year agreement with Pentastar Aviation to provide management and support for all emergency medical operations for the Survival Flight program.
Asterand Announces Agreement to Acquire BioSeek
Next step in consolidating Asterand’s leadership position in the global human tissue market.
Ralph E. McDowell to Succeed Larry R. Shulman as Chairman of Bodman LLP
Detroit-based law firm Bodman LLP has announced that Ralph E. McDowell will succeed Larry R. Shulman as chairman of the firm’s executive management committee on January 1, 2010.
Recession May Be Over, but Recovery Will Be Gradual
With the severe national recession of the past two years finally behind us, the pace of economic recovery will be slow and unemployment will remain high for quite some time, say economists at the University of Michigan.
David T. Provost and First Michigan Bancorp, Inc. Complete Private Placement of Common Stock
Investors Demonstrate Confidence in Michigan-based Bank.
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DIA Gala Fundraiser — To The Nines
On. Nov. 14, the Detroit Institute of Arts hosted a fashion gala tribute called To The Nines.
GiftZip.com Launches Updates in Time for the Holiday Season
User acceptance grows, while features aim to please
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Business Turnarounds — Due Diligence
Meagan Hardcastle, director of the Corporate Finance practice at O’Keefe & Associates, a financial advisory firm in Bloomfield Hills, addresses Michigan’s troubled economy, potential sources of future working capital in the automotive industry, and the pending downturn in the commercial real estate sector.
University of Michigan Wolverine Venture Fund Achieves Record $2 Million Return on HandyLab Acquisition
Acquired by Becton, Dickinson and Co., HandyLab Marks Third Successful Exit for Country’s First Student-Led Venture Fund.
Small Business Alive and Well in Macomb County
Macomb Foundation Inducts 9 Into Hall of Fame.
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP and Beers + Cutler Announce Merger
Merger to Provide Foundation for East Coast Expansion of Accounting and Advisory Firm.
Mission Point Resort Announces Lowest Price Guarantee For Meeting Planners
Popular Mackinac Island resort offers 2010 meeting special for a limited time!
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Asterand Announces Extension of Agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb
Asterand plc (LSE: ATD), a leading provider of human tissue and human tissue-based services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies engaged in drug discovery research, today announced that it has extended its collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) for access to Asterand’s products and services for up to three years.
Ricardo Kinergy Delivers Breakthrough Technology for Effective, Ultra-Efficient and Low Cost Hybridization
Ricardo, Inc., the US subsidiary of Ricardo plc, the leading independent provider of technology, product innovation and engineering solutions to the world’s automotive, defense, transport and new energy industries, has today revealed details of the company’s Kinergy advanced flywheel technology.
MPowered 1000 Pitches Competition is Huge Success
In its second year, entrepreneurship competition smashes expectations by collecting 2165 innovative pitch ideas within eight categories. MPowered Entrepreneurship team is now preparing for Award Ceremony on December 5th.
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Melting Pot of Troy Wine Extravaganza
An esteemed gathering of culinary enthusiasts celebrated the introduction of Celani Family Vineyards’ award-winning wines at the Melting Pot of Troy on Nov. 17.
TRW Develops Next Generation Airbag Control Unit with Integrated Pre Crash Functions and Inertial Sensors
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW) today announced its next generation Airbag Control Unit designed for maximum flexibility to allow the integration of a range of pre-crash occupant safety functions as well as inertial sensors for stability control.
JINGLE JOBS PUT “JINGLE” BACK IN WORKER’S POCKETS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
In October the national unemployment rate rose to 10.2 %, the highest since April 1983. Michigan’s unemployment rate as of October was 15.1% and retailers across the country plan to do less holiday hiring this year. Daunting figures, but one Troy-based company has good news – There are jobs out there.
National Federation of the Blind Teams with Chevrolet and GM to Incorporate a Safe Sound Alert for Electric Vehicles and Hybrids
Chevrolet, General Motors and the National Federation of the Blind are cooperating to identify a safe level of sound to alert the blind and other pedestrians to the presence of near silent-running electric and hybrid vehicles.
Patience Pays Off for Michigan’s Winemakers
Visitors to Michigan’s 71 wineries can taste the first wines from the 2009 vintage next spring. What they may not realize is that the grapes for those wines had a tough season on the vine. It was cold. It was wet. There was extreme cold in February and unexpected frost in early October. Not ideal growing conditions for wine grapes.
MRI of Southfield Offers No Cost MRI Program to Local Community
When Sue Ann Durso, Executive Director of MRI of Southfield, and compassionate registered nurse, realized that she was expected to turn away a young woman with a large mass in her breast who needed an MRI because the patient’s insurance company deemed it “not medically necessary” she realized that she had to do something.
Detroit Institute of Arts’ Founders Junior Council and American Institute of Architects Host ArtSeen
Founders Junior Council and the American Institute of Architects’ Emerging Professionals Committee are hosting an exclusive ARTSeen event on Thursday, December 10 at the DIA from 7:30 p.m. to midnight, celebrating the exhibition Avedon Fashion Photographs 1944-2000.
Snapfinger Introduces Online Catering Solution SnapfingerCatering.com to Detroit
Web-based Meal Ordering Service Offers Simple Ordering and Transparent Pricing
Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance to Form
Specialty Food and Beverages in the Spotlight.
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Hob Nobble Gobble
The Detroit Parade Co., host of the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, held it annual Hob Nobble Gobble black tie gala on Nov. 25 at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit.
North American Steel Industry Continues Aggressive Efforts to Help Reduce Vehicle Emissions
AISI’s Steel Market Development Institute collaborates with WorldAutoSteel and EDAG on steel-intensive battery-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle designs to be released in 2011.
NDeX Expands Default Processing Services to Florida Through Acquisition
December 1, 2009 — Michigan-based NDeX, a leading provider of technology and processing services for law firms nationwide and subsidiary of Dolan Media Company, announced today that it has expanded into the state of Florida. Dolan Media Company Chairman, President and CEO James P. Dolan made the announcement.
National Launch of Chevrolet Volt to Begin in California with Other Lead Markets to Follow
Chevrolet Also Announces Partnerships with California Utilities to Study Regional Electric Vehicle Use, Infrastructure
Citation Corp. Announces Acquisition of Blackhawk Foundry & Machine Co.
Deals Strengthen Company’s Core Competencies and Markets
TRW Unveils New Compact Driver Airbag Module
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW) today announced a new compact driver airbag module which is over 50 per cent smaller than conventional driver airbag modules.
New IT Company Brings Flat-Rate Billing and “Green” Processes to Businesses in Southeastern Michigan
Small and mid-sized business owners have a new option for IT services and it isn’t your typical IT company.
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Back From The Brink — Detroit’s Cadillac Ace Hardware
After seeing his hardware store destroyed in a fire last year, Sal Yono, a longtime successful small business owner, is reopening Cadillac Ace Hardware in Detroit, on Davison, west of the Lodge Freeway, with his brother, Bashar, in January.
New Website Engages Public in Plan to Create a Better Future for Michigan
Business Leaders for Michigan is pleased to announce the launch of www.MichiganTurnaroundPlan.com, a public education and advocacy website for the Michigan Turnaround Plan.
GM Announces Leadership Changes
To improve accountability and responsibility for market performance in North America and around the world, several key leadership changes were announced today by GM Chairman and CEO, Ed Whitacre.
Better Health Market on the Move and Expanding In
Sterling Heights and Plymouth.
The Henry Ford Partners with MAKE Magazine for 2010 Maker Faire Detroit
Makers from all over the nation will make their way to The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan for Maker Faire, July 31-August 1, 2010. This two-day, family-friendly event celebrates creative and resourceful people in the areas of science and technology, engineering, food, and arts and crafts.
Van Andel Institute Cuts Ribbon on $178 Million Expansion
Rafael Vinoly-designed building creates capacity for 550 new jobs and expanded cancer and neurodegenerative disease research, features the latest in intelligent building design, and adds to West Michigan’s burgeoning life sciences sector.
EEI Global Adds Virtual Events to Marketing Solution Offerings
EEI Global’s partnership with 6Connex offers clients a new digital engagement option.
North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) Primed, Expanded and Ahead of Pace
While still December on the calendar, organizers of the North American International Auto Show are ready to fast forward to 2010.
Renaissance Venture Capital Fund Invests in 5 AM Ventures
Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, the venture capital fund-of-funds created by some of Michigan’s largest organizations, announced today that it has invested in 5AM Ventures III, L.P., a nationally prominent life science venture capital fund.
