November-December 2012
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Mike Chirco's Big Adventure
A metro Detroit homebuilder brings his live-action film to the big screen.
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Follow That Hunch
Gerard van Grinsven was a highly successful general manager of the Ritz-Carlton in Dearborn, but he took a chance and made an improbable job transition.
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Top Lawyers 2013
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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May It Please The Client
When a business relies on an attorney to steer it through a legal matter, the stakes are often high. But if the attorney fails to do the job, the cost to the business can be stratospheric.
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Dykema Chairman Named To Advisory Board
DETROIT — Dykema announced that Rex Schlaybaugh Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Dykema and member of the firm’s Corporate Finance practice, has been named to the advisory board of the Demmer […]
Ford Names Fields COO; Mulally Remains CEO
DEARBORN — Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) is further strengthening and developing its leadership team while continuing to deliver the One Ford plan for profitable growth. Ford Executive Chairman Bill […]
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Blue Filament Expands, Relocates in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM — After a year in business, Blue Filament Intellectual Property LLC has outgrown its original location and will be moving to allow for continued expansion as the firm evolves. […]
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Rock Ventures to Build Retail Space, Parking Garage in Detroit
DETROIT — Rock Ventures LLC announced today it will build 33,000 square feet of ground floor retail space and a 1,300 space parking garage in downtown Detroit’s Central Business District. […]
Kid Rock Anthem to Detroit Available Exclusively at Pure Michigan
LANSING — Fans looking to get a sneak peak of Kid Rock’s new album “Rebel Soul” can head to michigan.org starting today. The world premiere of “Detroit, Michigan” is available […]
GM Announces $11 Billion Revolving Credit Facility
DETROIT — General Motors Co. today announced a new $11 billion revolving credit facility consisting of a $5.5 billion three-year facility and a $5.5 billion five-year facility. The new facility […]
Meijer Launches Simply Give Campaign, Double Match Days to Support Midwest Families During Holiday Season
GRAND RAPIDS — Meijer will double match every customer’s $10 Simply Give donation made Nov. 9-10 to help boost support for local food pantries before the holidays. The Double Match […]
Flint-based Pharmacy Continues Hiring
FLINT — Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, one of the nation’s largest privately held specialty pharmacy company servicing the needs of patients and physicians nationwide, is on target to meet its long-term […]
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Brogan & Partners Names Senior Copywriter
BIRMINGHAM — Brogan & Partners, an advertising and marketing agency in Michigan, today announced the addition of Laura Pryor to its team, in the role of senior copywriter. The announcement […]
Feature Film “Misled” Approved for Film Incentive
LANSING — The Michigan Film Office announced today the feature film Misled has been approved for a film incentive from the state. The screenplay, written by Michigan native Jonathan Stanley […]
PwC Autofacts Forecasts Global Light Vehicle Assembly of 79.1 Million in 2012, 83.9 Million in 2013
DETROIT — PwC’s Autofacts Global Light Vehicle Assembly forecast is 79.1 million units in 2012, increasing to 83.9 million units in 2013. Although a strong rebound in the automotive industry […]
Nuspire Networks Provides Security Solutions Against Global Cyber Attacks
COMMERCE – The end of October brings the close of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Each October the National Cyber Security Alliance partners with organizations to promote network security awareness […]
Hennessey Capital Partners with Hitachi Capital America
Rochester – Hennessey Capital, providing working capital financing to help companies increase cash flow and enhance profitability, is joining forces with Connecticut-based Hitachi Capital America Corp. to further improve their […]
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Turning Decay into Green Spaces
Detroit is on track to remove thousands of vacant structures.
WA3 Selects Parsons Brinckerhoff for Complete Streets Work on Woodward
ROYAL OAK — The Woodward Avenue Action Association (WA3) announced today the selection of Parsons Brinckerhoff to lead the development of the Woodward Avenue Complete Streets Master Plan. The Complete […]
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Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group Names New Chief Compliance Officer
ANN ARBOR — Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, one of the country’s top mortgage originators, has named Ingrid Amberg as its Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). Ms. Amberg will be responsible […]
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How Windows 8 Can Touch Your Business
New operating system will run tens of thousands of Microsoft apps.
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Wolfgang Puck's Newest Restaurant Opens at MGM Grand Detroit
DETROIT — Celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck returns to MGM Grand Detroit, the city’s premier entertainment destination, with the opening of Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina, the first of two new […]
Ford Launches C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid
WAYNE — Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant is making history with each new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid that rolls off the line. It is the only manufacturing site in the world […]
USDA Confirms Growth in Michigan’s Wine Grape Industry
LANSING — Michigan’s wine grape acreage doubled over the past decade, according to a report recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service. While acreage […]
Blue Cross Named “Corporation of the Year”
DETROIT — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) recently received three awards from the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), including “Corporation of the Year” for the fifth time […]
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Pierce Joins Barton Malow Board of Directors
SOUTHFIELD — Former Charter One Bank CEO and President Sandra Pierce has joined the board of directors for Barton Malow Enterprise. The announcement was made by Barton Malow President Ryan […]
Pistons and Forgotten Harvest Join to feed Detroiters in Need
AUBURN HILLS — The Detroit Pistons and Forgotten Harvest are teaming up to help feed Metro Detroit families who could go hungry this Thanksgiving and holiday season. A portion of […]
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Dedication of Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University
SOUTHFIELD — The Zaha Hadid-designed Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University celebrated its opening this weekend. Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, known for the “unbuildable” […]
Meritor Announces Revised Business Segments
TROY — Meritor Inc. today announced that it has revised its reporting structure to drive efficiencies across the corporation. Going forward, the company expects to report future results under two […]
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Southfield PR firm Wins Marketing Awards
SOUTHFIELD — Your People LLC recently won three 2012 MarCom Awards for excellence in marketing and public relations. The awards are as follows: Gold Award, pro bono PR campaign for UCP Pucksters […]
Somerset Collection Hires Parade Co. for Holiday Décor Makeover
DETROIT — Somerset Collection’s legendary holiday décor will get a complete makeover this season through the work of the creative artists at The Parade Co. The new holiday experience was […]
Syntel Partners with Micro Focus
TROY — Syntel Inc., a leading global provider of integrated information technology and Knowledge Process Outsourcing services, today announced it has entered into a System Integration partnership with Micro Focus, […]
Eagles for Children Donate to Children's Charities
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Eagles for Children, a nonprofit organization founded earlier this year and funded by pledges from golfers from various country clubs, will donate more than $40,000 to 14 […]
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Evans Distribution Systems Names New GM of Transportation
MELVINDALE – Evans Distribution Systems has promoted Tony Trocki to general manager of transportation and has hired a new warehouse manager. Trocki is responsible for overseeing the company’s transportation division, […]
U-M Holiday Inn Launches Over $4 Million Renovation
ANN ARBOR – The Holiday Inn near the University of Michigan announced it has started a more than $4 million complete renovation. From the guest rooms, restaurant and ballroom to […]
Motown Construction Fill Apartments at Broderick Tower
DETROIT – Five days after the first residents moved in to the Broderick Tower, Motown Construction Partners leased the last of the 124 residences. Residents with reserved apartments began moving […]
Henrob Moves HQ to Lyon Township
LYON TOWNSHIP — Henrob Corp. has announced it will bring its North American headquarters to Lyon Township, bringing with it investment of $68.5 million and creating 154 new jobs. The […]
D:hive Seeks Input on Transforming Public Spaces
DETROIT – D:hive, a hub for resources to live, work, engage or start a business in Detroit, is teaming up with Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a nonprofit planning, design […]
Biogenic Regents Opens Largest US Biocarbon Facility
MINNEAPOLIS – Biogenic Reagents, a new producer of high-value carbon products from renewable biomass, has completed construction and initiated commercial production at its $30 million facility in Marquette. The company’s […]
Housewares Store Finds Permanent Home in Midtown
DETROIT — Hugh, a housewares and personal accessories store, will open Friday in Midtown’s new Auburn building. Joe Posch, who opened Hugh as a pop-up store concept for the last […]
Detroit Yacht Club Foundation to Host Inaugural Gala
DETROIT — The Detroit Yacht Club Foundation, a newly formed non-profit supporting the preservation and restoration of the historic Detroit Yacht Club (DYC), announced it would begin operations with an […]
Oakland University, Changchun University Offer Joint Courses
ROCHESTER — Recognizing the world wide need for engineers with broad international experience, Oakland University Interim Vice President and Provost Susan Awbrey and Changchun University of Technology Vice President Ying […]
Tree Lighting Kicks Off Campus Martius' Winter Magic Season
DETROIT — Winter Magic, Campus Martius Park’s seasonal celebration, will kick off 5 p.m. on Friday with the traditional Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by the DTE Energy Foundation. Quicken […]
Production of High-Speed Sports Amphibian Begins in U.S.
AUBURN HILLS — The GIBBS Quadski, the world’s first high-speed sports amphibian, went into production at a new Detroit-area assembly plant here today. The Quadski, a product of millions of […]
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Crestmark Makes Corporate Changes
TROY — To continue to strengthen their support of businesses in need of working capital financing, Crestmark has made the following management changes: Steven Tomasello named group president of the […]
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione to Open Detroit Office
DETROIT — Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., will open a new Detroit office next month, in the same building […]
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MGM Grand Detroit Hires Spa Manager
DETROIT — MGM Grand Detroit, one of the city’s premier entertainment destination, announced today the recent hire of Meghan Rundell as spa manager, retail operations, for its IMMERSE spa, a […]
Next Generation Corvette to Debut in Detroit in January
DETROIT — Chevrolet confirmed that the seventh-generation Corvette will debut the evening of Jan. 13, 2013 in Detroit. To kick off the countdown to the debut, Chevrolet debuted the new […]
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Top Lawyers 2013
VIEW THE 2013 TOP LAWYERS For our 2013 Top Lawyer peer review survey, we polled more than 18,000 attorneys practicing law in 50 legal specialties in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, […]
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Turner Construction Names New Executive
DETROIT— John Czarnecki, AIA, LEED AP, DBIA, has joined Turner Construction Co. as a preconstruction executive. Czarnecki will work regionally in Michigan, Illinois, Indianapolis, and Eastern Canada. Czarnecki’s career began […]
Avalon International Breads' Detroit Expansion
DETROIT — Avalon International Breads is nearing completion of a $2.2 million economic growth project that will mean more jobs and a much-needed boost for the economy of Detroit. Construction on […]
Oxford Bank Corp. to Merge With Level One Bancorp, Inc.
FARMINGTON HILLS — The shareholders of Oxford Bank Corporation approved a definitive agreement under which Oxford will merge into Level One Bancorp, Inc. This deal will create one of the […]
Quicken Loans Earns Customer Satisfaction Award Again
DETROIT — Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc., the nation’s largest online home lender and fourth largest retail lender, today announced that for the third-straight year it ranked highest in the United […]
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BorgWarner Appoints New CEO
AUBURN HILLS — The BorgWarner Board of Directors today announced the appointment of James R. Verrier, 49, to president and chief executive officer effective Jan. 1, 2013, at which time […]
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5 Rader, Fishman & Grauer Attorneys Named Super Lawyers
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Attorneys R. Terrance Rader, Michael D. Fishman, Glenn E. Forbis, Kristin L. Murphy, and Michael B. Stewart of Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC, have been named Michigan […]
Group Launches Campaign to Fix State Debt
LANSING — The Campaign to Fix the Debt, a national nonpartisan coalition of business leaders, elected officials, community leaders, academics, and individual citizens, officially launched its state chapter in Michigan, […]
Comerica Bank-Michigan President to Retire
DALLAS — Comerica Bank today announced that President Thomas D. Ogden of Comerica Bank-Michigan will retire in July 2013, culminating a career that spans more than 41 years with the […]
Chrysler Invests $240 Million to Increase Engine Production
DETROIT — Chrysler announced that it will invest nearly $240 million to increase engine capacity and add about 1,250 new jobs at several Michigan facilities, reaffirming the company’s commitment to […]
Six Companies to Invest, Add Jobs in Michigan
LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of Michigan Business Development and Community Revitalization program incentives to six companies planning expansions in the state. […]
U-M's North Campus Research Complex Expands
ANN ARBOR — The University of Michigan will invest $17.5 million to further expand research space at its North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), even as a new analysis shows that […]
Search Optics Named Turnkey Dealer Marketing Partner by GM
DETROIT— General Motors has named Search Optics, one of the nation’s leading automotive digital marketing solutions providers, a turnkey marketing partner for digital marketing initiatives within its dealer base nationwide. […]
“Parts Per Billion” Approved for Film Incentive
LANSING — The Michigan Film Office announced today the feature film Parts Per Billion has been approved for a film incentive from the state. The film tells the interwoven stories […]
National Kidney Foundation of Michigan's 8th Annual Kidney Ball
DETROIT —The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan will gather friends and supporters for the 8th Annual Kidney Ball on Dec. 1 at the MGM Grand Detroit. The event, which features […]
Future Investment for Oakland County, China on Horizon
WATERFORD — Oakland County officials signed a memorandum of understanding with a major Chinese city that could lead to significant economic development investment and hundreds of jobs in Oakland County […]
Two Men And A Truck Looks to Expand
LANSING — Double-digit growth for a record 36 months, new milestones for number of moves and franchise locations, and record revenue figures are responsible for increased franchise development activity for […]
MIPRO Achieves Oracle Specialized Status
MILFORD – MIPRO, a Milford-based consultancy specializing in implementations, upgrades and optimizations of Oracle’s PeopleSoft applications, announced it has achieved OPN Specialized status for Oracle’s PeopleSoft 9.1 Financial Management. To […]
Tickets On Sale for Chevrolet Grand Prix
DETROIT – Tickets for the 2013 Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix are now on sale. Race officials announce that Free Prix Day, a Grand Prix tradition in Detroit, will […]
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Dearborn Mid-West Co. Names New Vice President
TAYLOR — Dearborn Mid-West Co., an innovative global leader of integrated automotive and industrial manufacturing systems technology, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeffery A. Brinker from director, construction […]
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Seventh Annual Big Wine Classic
The RAS Scholarship Fund held its Seventh annual Big Wine Classic on Aug. 27 at the Birmingham Country Club. The event, which offers a four-year scholarship to a deserving college student each year, included 18 holes of golf and strolling wine dinner where each player shared a bottle of wine valued at $100 or more. Photographs by Nick Martines.
Quicken Loans to be 2013 Dual in Detroit Presenting Sponsor
DETROIT — The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has announced that Detroit-based Quicken Loans, the nation’s largest online mortgage lender, will serve as presenting sponsor of both IZOD IndyCar […]
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2012 Henry Ford Clambake
Henry Ford Health System hosted Clambake at the Cottage on Sept. 8 at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. The evening affair on the shores of Lake St. Clair benefited the Henry Ford Medical Center-Cottage Emergency Department in Grosse Pointe Farms.
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Southwest Detroit Business Association President Receives Adelita Award
DETROIT — Kathy Wendler, president of Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), received this week the 2012 Adelita Award by MANA de Metro Detroit, for her leadership and passion in helping […]
Henry Ford Health Serves Up Leaner, Healthier Food
DETROIT — Henry Ford has transformed the way it prepares food for its thousands of employees, patients and guests who work, receive medical care and visit Henry Ford, Henry Ford Macomb, […]
Vail, Colo. to Increase Efficiency With New World's Integrated Solutions
TROY — The town of Vail, Colorado has selected New World Systems’ completely integrated Logos.NET Public Administration suite of solutions to replace an older financial system. New World’s software will help the popular resort […]
2013 Detroit Knows Cars Auto Art Exhibit
DETROIT — The 2013 Detroit Knows Cars Automobile Art Exhibit is set to open in the lobby of the Compuware Building on Jan. 4, 2013, featuring about two dozen pieces […]
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Greenleaf Trust Names New President
KALAMAZOO — Greenleaf Trust, a Michigan-chartered trust-only bank, announced today that Michael F. Odar has been promoted to president, effective immediately. Greenleaf Trust Board of Directors, by unanimous consent, approved […]
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Valassis Names New Board Member
LIVONIA — Valassis (NYSE: VCI), one of the nation’s leading media and marketing services companies, has named Luis A. Ubinas, president of the Ford Foundation, to the Valassis Board of […]
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Plante Moran Names New Managing Partner
SOUTHFIELD — Plante Moran PLLC, one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and business advisory firms, has apponted Sue Novak, CPA, office managing partner of the firm’s Southfield office. […]
7 For All Mankind Opens at Somerset
TROY — 7 For All Mankind is bringing its California lifestyle home with the opening of a new, branded store at the Somerset Collection. This will be the 45th retail […]
Calley, lawmakers Offer Plan to Reform Personal Property Tax
LANSING — A plan to keep Michigan’s economy driving forward by reforming the burdensome personal property tax was outlined today by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville […]
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Honigman Welcomes 6 New Attorneys
DETROIT — Six new attorneys, who have recently been admitted to practice in Michigan, have joined Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP in its Detroit office. They are: Amber A. […]
The Greening of Detroit Names Leadership Officers
DETROIT —The Greening of Detroit announces the appointment of new leadership to its 2013 Board of Commissioners. The are: Keith Cooley, president & CEO, Principia LLC has been named board […]
Carhartt, Chrysler Team Up for 'Imported from Detroit' Work Wear
DEARBORN — Two metro Detroit-based companies are joining forces to pay homage to the city they call home. Carhartt and the Chrysler brand have launched a new line of limited […]
Study Shows Correlation Between Parent,Teen Driving Distractions
ANN ARBOR — Toyota today announced preliminary findings from a major, national study of teen drivers (ages 16 to 18) and parents of teen drivers conducted jointly with the University […]
Orlans Associates Receives USFN Award for Outstanding Service
TROY — Orlans Associates, a Michigan law firm specializing in serving the real estate financial industry, has been awarded the USFN Diamond Award of Excellence for the fourth year in […]
Ram Launches New Commercial Truck Division
AUBURN HILLS — Ram Truck is launching a new division to focus on commercial truck development, sales and support in a growing market. Embodied by the Tradesman trim level available […]
Ram Confirms All-new Large Van
AUBURN HILLS — Ram Truck today announced that it will develop a new large van for the North American market, which will go on sale beginning 3rd quarter 2013. Joining […]
Snyder: Adaptability key to state’s energy, environmental future
LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today delivered a special message on energy and the environment, calling for long-term, adaptable policies that ensure Michigan has the energy future generations need to […]
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Brogan & Partners Names New Web Developer
BIRMINGHAM — Brogan & Partners, one of the leading advertising and marketing agencies in Michigan, today announced the addition of Eric Bunch to its team, in the role of associate/web […]
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David Billings joins Honigman’s Corporate Department
DETROIT — Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP is pleased to announce that David W. Billings has joined its Corporate Department and will be located in the firm’s Detroit office. […]
DIA Elects New Board Members From Tri-County Art Institute Authorities
DETROIT — The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) announced the election of 11 members to its board of directors at its meeting on Nov. 14. As part of an agreement […]
Company Responds to Growing Demand for Non-Profit Executives
TROY — Almost 1.5 million non-profit organizations are currently operating in the U.S. today. All together, the sector currently outpaces the national job growth average and is the third largest […]
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Farbman CEO Named to Real Estate Forum's 40 Under 40
SOUTHFIELD — Farbman Group today announced President, CEO, and director of brokerage Andy Farbman has been recognized by Real Estate Forum magazine as a 40 Under 40 honoree. Real Estate […]
Dart to invest $47 million, create 325 jobs in Mid-Michigan
LANSING — The Michigan Economic Development Corp. today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a $3 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for the expansion of Dart Container Corp.’s […]
Bagger Dave's to Open in Downtown Detroit
SOUTHFIELD — The owner, operator, and franchisor of the full-service, casual restaurant and bar Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burgers Tavern and the largest franchisee for Buffalo Wild Wings, announced today it has signed a long-term […]
Lawrence Tech University to Launch Design Training Program
SOUTHFIELD — Lawrence Technological University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sustainable Water Works located in Midtown Detroit’s TechTown to provide a certificate program in virtual design and support […]
Chrysler Group Purchases Museum's Historic Collection
AUBURN HILLS — The Walter P. Chrysler Museum will write a new chapter as it merges with The Chrysler Foundation effective December 31, 2012. Subsequently, the museum’s historic collection of […]
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MEDC Names New Top Executive
LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder today announced chief regulatory officer and director of the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Steve Hilfinger is leaving his post to become chief […]
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ROUSH CleanTech Hires Director for Transit Fleet Sales
LIVONIA — ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader in propane autogas vehicle technology, announces the appointment of Randy Veenhoven as executive director of sales for public transit. Veenhoven will emphasize sustainability […]
