November-December 2011
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Top Lawyers 2012
For our list, DBusiness magazine polled more than 21,000 attorneys in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties among 51 specialized practice areas. The lawyers were asked to nominate up to three attorneys in a given area of law. Of the more than 900 honorees selected by votes cast electronically, special weight was given to lawyers chosen by attorneys working at firms other than their own. Additionally, favor was given to prior honorees.
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Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Alan T. Ackerman Partner Ackerman Ackerman & Dynkowski, Bloomfield Hills The proposed government bridge between Detroit and Windsor will require as much as two square miles of land, or some […]
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Banking and Financial Service Law
Robert J. Diehl Jr. Member Bodman, Detroit Commercial and industrial loans across the country expanded by more than $60 billion in the first three quarters of the year — an […]
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Immigration Law
Eli Maroko Partner Jaffe Raitt Heure & Weiss, Southfield One of the challenges of reviving Michigan’s economy is finding a way to create jobs. And there’s one avenue of employment […]
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Health Care Law
Linda S. Ross Partner Honigman, Detroit Linda S. Ross, who chairs the health care department at Honigman, one of the state’s largest law firms, sees a common challenge among businesses […]
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Intellectual Property Law
John M. Halan Shareholder Brooks Kushman, Southfield Metro Detroit will benefit directly from the recent passage of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, which designates that one of three new regional […]
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Top Lawyers 2012
For our 2012 Top Lawyers peer review survey, we polled more than 21,000 attorneys in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties among 51 specialized practice areas. For the poll, lawyers were asked to nominate up to three attorneys in a given area of law. Special weight was given to lawyers chosen by attorneys working at firms other than their own. Additionally, favor was given to prior honorees.This list is a resource for anyone seeking professional legal advice or counsel, but by no means does it fully represent all of the fine attorneys in metro Detroit. The lawyers selected reflect the confidential opinions of the poll participants. Moreover, voters and honorees chosen in the voting process were not required to advertise. Please join us in congratulating all of the winners. All of the results will be available online at www.dbusiness.com as of Nov. 15, 2011.
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New Tax Changes Will Hurt Michigan Charities
Elimination of Michigan tax credits could cause donors to decrease donations to charities
Melinda Conway Callahan Elected to Grantmakers in Aging Board
Melinda Conway Callahan of Rochester Hills was elected as a member of the Board of Directors for Grantmakers in Aging (GIA).
2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Debuts with 650 Horsepower, Top Speed of 200+ MPH
The ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – raises the bar high on performance with the introduction of the new 2013 model that goes on sale next year delivering 650 horsepower and a top speed of more than 200 mph.
Fathead Takes its Brand Global with FiftyOne
Partnership brings full Ecommerce experience to consumers in 90-plus countries worldwide.
Workforce Intelligence Network Responds to Southeast Michigan's Real-time Workforce Needs
New collaboration between eight community colleges, seven workforce boards and economic development partners will serve as a resource hub for talent partners including regional businesses, policy makers, and others.
Tradefirst.com Celebrates the Holidays and its 33rd Year in Business with a Unique Holiday Trade Expo
Tradefirst.com – Michigan’s largest barter exchange company – is holding an Holiday Expo trade exchange where some 2,000 members are expected to get a jump on holiday shopping without using cash or credit cards.
Chevrolet Unveils 2012 Corvette Daytona Prototype
Chevrolet’s 2012 Corvette Daytona Prototype will debut in GRAND-AM Road Racing Series Rolex 24 in January.
Ford Escape Delivers New Look, Features
Ford’s all-new Escape delivers the versatility and cargo capacity SUV customers expect with a sports-inspired design they desire.
Troy Company Expands Facilities – Creates High-Tech Studio Space
Midcoast, a Michigan-based creative studio, announced the expansion of their Troy headquarters to meet a growing demand for 3D imaging services.
J.D. Power and Associates Ranks Quicken Loans Inc. Highest U.S. Home Lender for Customer Satisfaction for 2nd Consecutive Year
Clients rate nation’s leading online mortgage lender highest among its peers.
O’Keefe & Associates Hires Mike Deighan as Director
O’Keefe & Associates, a financial consulting firm in Bloomfield Hills, announced today Mike Deighan has joined the organization as a director.
Michigan's Economy Will Continue to Add Jobs
The Michigan economy appears poised to continue its recovery, although full economic health is still well in the distance, say University of Michigan economists.
SmithGroup and JJR Join Brands to Become a Single, Multi-disciplinary Company
SmithGroup, one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and planning firms, today becomes SmithGroupJJR.
Used Commercial Vehicle Registrations Hit Record Levels, According to Polk
Used commercial vehicle registrations in the U.S. during the first three quarters of 2011 reached record levels at 649,900 units, according to Polk, the recognized leader in data-driven solutions for the commercial vehicle industry.
Chrysler Group Appoints Timothy Kuniskis Head of Fiat Brand for North America
Chrysler Group LLC today named Timothy Kuniskis Head of the Fiat Brand for North America.
Record Number of Student-Run Ventures Moves into TechArb
A record 19 new companies founded by young University of Michigan entrepreneurs will share space in the TechArb student business incubator for the next six months.
Patterson Names Director of Economic Development & Community Affairs
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has appointed Irene Spanos as Director of Economic Development & Community Affairs.
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Parade Company VIP Pancake Breakfast
The Parade Company kicked-off the holiday season with its annual VIP Pancake breakfast on Nov. 4 at the Parade Studio in Detroit. Parade sponsors, media, and business and community leaders came out to celebrate the event featuring celebrity flapjack flippers showcasing their cooking skills. Paul W. Smith broadcasted his WJR morning show live from the breakfast.
TRW to Open New Braking Plant in Mexico
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., the global leader in automotive safety systems, will open a new facility in the state of Queretaro, Mexico, to produce a range of advanced brake systems.
The Battery Show sees success in metro Detroit, plans 2012 expansion
The Battery Show announced today that it will return to metro Detroit Nov. 13-15, 2012.
Masco Names Keith Allman Group President
Masco Corporation announced Keith Allman has been promoted to Group President for Masco Corporation effective immediately.
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan Appoint New Leadership
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan announced new staff appointments.
Henry Ford Health System Receives Prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
Henry Ford Health System has been named a 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient, one of the most prestigious national awards for performance excellence.
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Sixth Annual Golden Cedar Awards
Many prominent national figures converged on Birmingham Nov. 22 to ‘Celebrate Friends of Lebanon’ when the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce held its Sixth Annual Golden Cedar Awards Gala Spectacular at Zazio’s in the Greenleaf Trust Centre Building.
Kirkpatrick & Company Announces Investment in Carstin Brands
Kirkpatrick & Company is pleased to announce its third investment over the past six months.
North American International Auto Show Adds European Industry Executive to Team
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today announced that it has named to its team former director of the Frankfurt International Motor Show, Dr. Kunibert Schmidt.
Perrigo Receives Final FDA Approval for Store Brand Equivalent to Generic Version of Mucinex
Perrigo Company today announced that it received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Guaifenesin Extended-Release Tablets, 600 mg.
Turner Gives Back to the Community
On Nov. 27, Turner employees, families and friends gathered in Dearborn to volunteer and assist the Michigan-based charity wrap and package trees.
Southeast Michigan Wins Funding for Advanced Energy Initiative
State and federal officials today announced a $2.1 million federal grant for a collaborative effort to create new jobs and technologies related to the rapidly emerging advanced energy storage system (AESS) in Southeast Michigan.
Smart Cover-Compatible iPad Case Announces Partnership with Apple-Certified Retailer for Product Availability
US-made SofShell, which reduces drop shock on iPad by 43 percent and offers super anti-slip protection, will be available at four locally-owned MacExperience stores in Indiana.
Happy First Birthday to Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit’s Flagship Upscale Resale Store in Canton, Mich.
Goodwill celebrates successful first year of “shopping for jobs” in Canton by offering free merchandise via Facebook and Twitter and in-store deals throughout December.
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America's Thanksgiving Parade 2011
Crowds lined Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit on Nov. 24 for the 85th America’s Thanksgiving Parade, one of the nation’s largest parades. This year’s theme, chosen by The Parade Company, was “So Much To Believe In,” and featured The Distinguished Clown Corps, the Big Head Corps., floats, balloons, and marching bands. The parade began at 9:05 a.m. on Woodward Avenue and Mack and ended at Woodward Avenue and Congress.
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Corporate Fleet Services Works to Increase Employment
Beginning as a small business on a mission to help other small businesses become mobile, Corporate Fleet Services has kept companies growing across the nation during the recession, and […]
Visteon Signs MOU to Sell Majority of Consolidated Interiors Business to Chinese JV
Visteon Corporation and Huayu Automotive Systems Co., Ltd. announced today that the companies’ existing China joint venture, Yanfeng Visteon Automotive Trim Systems, Co. Ltd. (YFV) and Visteon have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU).
BorgWarner Agrees to Sell Tire Pressure Monitoring Business to Huf Electronics
BorgWarner has agreed to sell its tire pressure monitoring business to Huf Electronics GmbH.
TRW Unveils New Generation of Adaptive Airbags to Help Protect Passengers
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., the global leader in automotive safety systems, today announced its next generation of adaptive frontal passenger airbags.
1-800-HANSONS Wins 2011 Replacement Contractor of the Year Award From Replacement Contractor Magazine
Annual award goes to 1-800-Hansons for growth, longevity, ethics, and customer satisfaction.
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Opa! A Restaurant Venture Takes Off
Two local brothers of Greek heritage plan to light up the fast-casual dining industry.
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Showtime Starring The Scintas
The Ambassador Club of Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals hosted its annual fundraiser Sept. 21 at Penna’s of Sterling. “Showtime Starring The Scintas,” presented by Fifth-Third Bank, featured a show and dinner, with proceeds benefiting the Neighbors Caring for Neighbors Clinic and Continuous EEG Monitoring System.
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March of Dimes City Loft Event
Somerset Collection’s City Loft hosted an evening of shopping to benefit March of Dimes Nov. 30 at their store in Detroit. The event featured wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. Ten percent of the evening’s sales went directly to March of Dimes, whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
Focus: HOPE will continue programs with help of MEDC grant
Detroit-based Focus: HOPE will receive a one-time $1 million transitional grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to continue the operations of some of its programs.
American Axle & Manufacturing Announces Expanded JV with JAC Group Subsidiary in China
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) today announced the expansion of its existing joint venture with Hefei Automobile Axle Co., Ltd. (HAAC).
International Soccer Match Tournament Coming to Metro Detroit in February featuring teams from Mexico, Argentina and Hungary
AmeriSoccer USA, LLC and Silverdome operators are pleased to announce it will host an invitational International Soccer Tournament at the Pontiac Silverdome on February 4 & 6, 2012.
Chrysler Group LLC Reports November 2011 U.S. Sales Increased 45 Percent
Chrysler Group LLC today reported U.S. sales of 107,172, a 45 percent increase compared with sales in November 2010 (74,152 units), and the best year-over-year sales gain this year.
Snyder urges better alignment of talent with current, future career opportunities
Michigan must better align the talent of its people with the needs of job providers to ensure success in the new economy, Gov. Rick Snyder said today.
Driving America, The World's Premier Automotive Exhibition, To Open January 2012 at The Henry Ford
Driving America, a brand new, one-of-a-kind automotive experience at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan will open to the public January 29, 2012.
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22nd Annual Fiesta Hispana Gala
More than 600 guests attended Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Fiesta Hispana Annual Gala Dec. 2 at The Henry in Dearborn. At the event, Chrysler Foundation announced that it will provide a $50,000 grant to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the nation’s largest provider of college financial aid for Latino students.
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The 2011 Annual Kidney Ball
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan hosted its 7th Annual Kidney Ball Dec. 3 at the MGM Grand Detroit. More than $500,000 was raised and 700 guests attended the event and enjoyed cocktails, dinner, a silent and live auction, and live entertainment by the Jerry Ross Band. Event proceeds benefited the NKFM’s programs and services that help over 900,000 Michigan residents living with chronic kidney disease.
Strategic Staffing Solutions Expands U.S. Operations with Hartford Branch
Strategic Staffing Solutions (S3), the Detroit-based global information technology and business services company, has opened its 24th branch location, in Hartford, Connecticut.
Entergy to Divest and Merge Electric Transmission Business Into Nivi-based ITC Holdings
Entergy Corporation and ITC Holdings Corp. today announced that the Boards of Directors of both companies have approved a definitive agreement under which Entergy will divest and then merge its electric transmission business into ITC.
Urban Science Growth Leads to $10 Million Office Expansion and Renovation in the Renaissance Center
Urban Science, a $125 million automotive retail consulting firm based in Detroit, announced its move to a larger and completely renovated 100,000-square-foot space at 400 Renaissance Center to accommodate its growing business and work force.
Dickinson Wright, PLLC Enters Into Referral Agreement With Peru Gaming Law Firm
Dickinson Wright and Peruvian law firm Varela & Fonseca Abogados, headed by gaming attorneys Jaime Varela Vidal and Carlos A. Fonseca Sarmiento, announce that they have entered into a strategic referral arrangement to provide comprehensive legal services to their respective clients.
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2011 Conway MacKenzie Holiday Party
More than 100 guests enjoyed a seafood ice sculpture tower, roasted pig, rack of lamb, multiple Italian dishes, and gourmet desserts on Dec. 5 at Bacco Ristorante in Southfield. The holiday affair was hosted by Conway MacKenzie, a turnaround and crisis management firm in downtown Birmingham.
Concours d’Elegance Will Feature Pioneer Car Class
Concours Car Selection Chair, Brian Joseph announced the debut class, Pioneer Cars pre-1900.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan Honored For Innovative Programs That Use Patient Data And Outcomes To Improve The Quality Of Care
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School Department of Health Care Policy, recognized Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) with theBlueWorks® award for two programs that address surgical healthcare quality and outcomes for patients.
Business Leaders for Michigan Creates First Michigan Ambassador Program
Global executives with strong Michigan ties engaged to help turn state around.
MGM Grand Detroit Earns Three Forbes Travel Guide Honors
Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, today unveiled its 54th annual listing of 539 Five-Star and Four-Star hospitality establishments worldwide.
Attorneys Title Agency Acquires Pinnacle Title Agency
Transaction expands Agency’s West Michigan presence.
Ford Grows Best-Selling Commercial Vehicle Lineup with New Products
Ford Motor Company, the best-selling commercial vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., will grow its product lineup in 2012 to meet the rapidly changing needs of its commercial customers.
Baker Tilly Continues to Expand Resources
The recent addition of six new staff members helps the firm meet the ever-changing needs of its clients and the Michigan business community.
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Heritage Private Wealth Holiday Party
On December 6, Heritage Private Wealth hosted a holiday party at Churchill’s Cigar Bar (both businesses based in West Bloomfield). Guests were treated to fine cigars, a strolling dinner by Ginopolis’ Bar-B-Q Smokehouse in Farmington Hills, and plenty of good cheer.
CAR Releases New Report on Repurposing Former Auto Manufacturing Sites
Almost half of closed former automaker sites have transitioned to new, productive uses.
Bloomfield Hills Attorney Appointed to State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications Committee
David H. Fink, managing partner of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based Fink + Associates Law, was recently appointed to the State Bar of Michigan’s Judicial Qualifications Committee.
MyInsuranceExpert.com Recognized As One of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation, Credits Commitment to Core Values
MyInsuranceExpert.com, one of the 10 largest direct marketers of life insurance in the nation, announced it was named one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in the nation for 2011.
Ford Board of Directors Reinstates Quarterly Stock Dividend
The Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company today declared a quarterly dividend of 5 cents per share.
Village of Milford Installs 6 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The Village of Milford now offers access to six charging stations at no charge to users. The stations are located in the East and West public parking lots in the center of the downtown district.
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Troy’s X-Ray Industries Acquires Fla-based Testing Company
Company invests in expanding carbon fiber component inspection capability.
Small Business Growth Program in Livonia to Start in January
The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) will present Venture Forward, starting January 20 at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, to help the existing business owners looking to grow.
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A Wine Brokers Holiday Tradition
More than 60 guests gathered for Wine Brokers’ Annual Holiday Party on Dec. 9 at a private home in Milford Township. The event included plenty of good cheer, a strolling dinner, dessert table, and live entertainment by Doug Cassens and Dan Veleen.
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Henry Ford Hospital Grand Ball 2011
More than 900 guests attended the Henry Ford Hospital Grand Ball on Dec. 10 at the MGM Grand Detroit. The black tie affair included a cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, and live entertainment. The evening included awards for Fredrick A. Hessler and the late Sophie Melneck.
Goodwill and Judge Group Help Unemployed Use Social Media to Find Jobs
Dozens of Goodwill clients seeking employment are expected to attend the first “Job Technology Workshop” Dec. 13 in Detroit.
Ford Environment and Safety Chief Sue Cischke Retires After A 35-Year Career
Cischke will be succeeded by Robert Brown, the current vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering for Ford of Europe.
Revived Plants Among $1.2 Billion in New Investments for State
Dozens of employment projects are expected to generate more than 7,000 jobs across Michigan.
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What Lay Beneath?
As I was sitting in my office looking out the window deciding what topic to write about, I watched the last leaves fall from the trees and I realized how similar this annual occurrence was to what was happening in the equity markets.
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DBusiness Top Lawyers Party 2011
The region’s finest barristers attended the second annual Top Lawyers reception, hosted by DBusiness magazine, on Dec. 1 at 24 Grille inside the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. More than 300 guests enjoyed strolling hors d’oeuvres and plenty of good cheer.
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Going Mobile — Discounts By Phone
Two brothers take smart phone apps to the bank, literally, with Mobibo.
OnSite Energy Announces Partnership with Michigan State University Extension's Freeway to Fuels Project
In an effort to GO GREEN, OnSite Energy is announces a partnership with Michigan State University Extension’s Freeway to Fuels project.
U-M's Ross School of Business Partners with MSU's Broad College of Business to Launch Michigan Entrepreneurship Education Leaders Forum
University Entrepreneurial Programs from Across Michigan Join Forces to Foster a Culture of Entrepreneurship Among Students, Regional Business Community.
Page Named Chairman of Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation
David K. Page, Partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, has been named chairman of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan (CHM) Foundation Board of Trustees.
Plans Unveiled for Annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium
2012 event will continue to foster the midwest’s burgeoning innovation and investment communities.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and St. John Providence Partner on Outcome-Based Hospital Payment Model
First health system in Michigan to commit to performance-based reimbursement; The Physician Alliance also a key partner.
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Karmanos at Ford Field
Celebrating the philanthropic legacy of the 18th Annual Partners Night at Ford Field, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute also hosted The Field of Detroit golf tournament.
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High Seas: Joe Muer Opening
An inside view of the rebirth of the new Joe Muer Seafood restaurant at the pre-grand opening event. Built from the remnants of Detroit’s memories in the Renaissance Center, and still features original menu items .
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Fine Wine: Frescobaldi Wines at Bacco
Bacco Ristorante in Southfield hosted a gourmet dinner featuring selections from The Marchesi de Frescobaldi, one of Italy’s oldest wineries. Extending through 30 generations
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30 in Their Thirties 2011
DBusiness celebrates the top regional business leaders for the 2011, “30 in Their Thirties” at the Planterra showroom on October 6, 2011.
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Noble Cause: Crush Benefactor Dinner
The Crush Benefactor Dinner hosted by Tom and Vicki Celani raised funds for the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan.
Linda Kinau Treat Named Executive Vice President, Business Operations and Strategy for Palace Sports & Entertainment
Lucinda Kinau Treat has joined Palace Sports & Entertainment, LLC as Executive Vice President, Business Operations and Strategy, effective Wednesday, November 30 2011.
Walsh College Announces New Chief Academic Officer, Executive Vice President
Walsh College President and CEO Stephanie Bergeron today announced the appointment of David Shields, Ph.D., as executive vice president and chief academic officer, effective Jan. 2, 2012.
North American Bancard Launches Free Open SDK for Apple iOS
Pay Anywhere mobile payment platform now available for third-party developers.
Talmer Bancorp Completes Merger with Lake Shore Wisconsin Corporation
Talmer Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Talmer Bank and Trust, today announced that it has successfully completed its merger with Lake Shore Wisconsin Corporation.
Altair Engineering Opens High-Powered Data Center to Support Cloud-Based HyperWorks On-Demand
New center in Troy, Mich., will manage large-scale high-performance computing jobs for customers.
Moheeb H. Murray Named Partner at Bush Seyferth & Paige PLLC
Bush Seyferth & Paige PLLC, a leading boutique litigation firm in Troy, is pleased to announce that it has made Moheeb H. Murray a partner.
