September-October 2009
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Peaks and Valleys
How did Michigan office and resort owner Mike Biber and his banking team see the global financial meltdown coming two years before anyone else?
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Old Time Rock ’n’ Roll
A Ferndale inventor puts an old spin on new technology, offering Internet radio and commercial-free music free of charge.
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Old-Line Retailers
The full list of old-line Detroit retailers, continued from “The Way We Were” in the September/October 2009 issue of DBusiness Magazine.
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Jill Jones
Jill Jones, Vice President and Co-Owner, Cadillac Travel Group, Southfield.
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Community Newspapers Taken for Granted?
I was really interested in Jack Lessenberry’s feature on the newspaper business (“Freedom of the Press,” July/August 2009) and particular the sidebar on suburban newspapers, “Who’ll Mind the Store?” In our communities of Oxford, Lake Orion, [Clarkston] and Ortonville/Goodrich the answer is, “us.”
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Robots in the Emergency Room
Metro Detroit hospitals are driving revenue and profits by drawing patients from around the world to their robotic surgical systems.
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The Coercion of Cuisine
Looking to spur sales and stir up repeat business, metro Detroit’s resourceful restaurateurs are combining new menus with upgraded décor — and adding a pinch of piquant promotions.
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Dave Bing
When he’s not running the nation’s 11th largest city, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing likes to tour the links.
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Soccer Cities
Soccer’s growing popularity around the world and in the U.S. is creating new opportunities for a team of Southfield architects better known for their design of professional sports arenas.
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Prescription for Success
A unique drug company’s distinguishing virtues are helping to heal its discriminating patients.
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Meet Me in Midtown
By embracing basic business principles like capital management, board oversight, and long-term planning, Detroit’s flourishing cultural district is marching past $2 billion in redevelopment.
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The Business of Education
For years now, elected school officials, appointed managers, and everyday employees allowed an air of entitlement and a lack of dedication to greatly outweigh their chosen mission of educating and promoting children in the Detroit public-school system.
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Retail Reimagined
Detroit’s shopping lore is replete with riveting tales of retail — from the death of its salesmen to the rise of its newest generation.
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Gambling on Green
By mandating renewable-energy standards that would elevate employment and alleviate environmental woes, Michigan has jumped aboard the ‘green’ bandwagon. But at what cost?
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Center of the Universe
Michigan State University’s $550-Million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Could Prove a ‘Big Bang’ for Business.
New Detroit Edison Program Will Enable Customers to Cut the Cost of Installing Solar Energy
Detroit Edison has introduced a new program that will make installing a solar energy system 50 percent more affordable for homes and businesses.
Global Steel Industry Developing Vehicle Concept Around Next Generation Electrics, Hybrids
Lighter, stronger, greener steel bodies to help automakers increase efficiency at lower cost.
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Survival of the Fittest?
How businesses can not only survive — but thrive — in a tough economy.
International Detroit Cup Sailboat Racing in the Detroit River
Olympic gold medalist to race in Detroit.
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Operation 3-D
A Livonia-based company’s new holographic imaging device could radically alter the face of surgery.
TiE Detroit Seeking Nominations for Inaugural TiE20 Midwest Industry Awards
The Detroit chapter of TiE, also known as Talent, Ideas, Enterprise, is pleased to announce its inaugural TiE Midwest 20 Industry Awards at its TiECon Midwest annual conference to be held at Ritz-Carlton Dearborn, October 23 and 24, 2009.
Local Credit Union Builds Their Business on Real Change
When Livonia-based Co-op Services Credit Union’s management team sat down to determine how their business could make an impact in the southeast Michigan communities that it serves, they didn’t mess around.
Detroit Regional Chamber Does Not Support Tax Increases to Balance the Budget
The Detroit Regional Chamber supports short, medium, and long-term government reforms as a solution to the State of Michigan’s budget crisis.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Becomes First to Launch an Integrated Contract Data Validation System
Advent Resources Inc. completes integration of eValidate at its M-B dealerships; Automatic Data Processing (ADP) next on the rollout schedule.
Anna Tunnicliffe Wins Match Race for the Detroit Cup
2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist Anna Tunnicliffe sailed against 11 competitors from five nations to win the Second Annual International Match Race for the Detroit Cup Labor Day weekend.
Film Industry Insiders Share Secrets to Profits in Michigan’s Hollywood
Exhibitors, Chambers join MichiganMall.com for a free day of networking and learning.
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Plex Systems, Inc. and EnteGreat, Inc. Form Strategic Alliance
Shared vision to drive new growth opportunities for manufacturing companies.
Atlas Oil Company Opens Albuquerque, NM Rail Fuel Transfer Terminal
Terminal to Address Growing Demand in Southwest for Ethanol/Green Fuels.
State Agency Says Michigan Doesn’t Need New Coal Plants
Michigan Public Service Commission Report Could Block Permits for Controversial New Coal Plants.
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IMU Launch Party
IMU, a new line of socially conscience apparel by David Merritt, former co-captain of the University of Michigan basketball team, debuted on September 4 at the Michigan League in Ann Arbor.
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Meadow Brook Wine Festival
Dozens of wine producers and restaurants gathered in Rochester Hills on Aug. 30 for the Meadow Brook Wine & Food Festival.
Stardock Unveils Impulse Phase IV
New digital distribution platform gives gamers an improved experience with a revamped client, online store, a new tray program, and paves the way to a new feature: Ready to Play.
Development of New Lightweight Battery for Electric Cars
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 announced that the award of $2.1 million (GBP1.3m) of funding has been made …
Statewide CEOs Unite and Layout Plan for Michigan’s Turnaround
Form “Business Leaders for Michigan” to advance the work
Ford Adopts Tax Benefit Preservation Plan
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a tax benefit preservation plan designed to preserve substantial tax assets.
TRW Automotive Puts the Thinking Into Safety Systems
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (NYSE:TRW) is demonstrating its leadership in cognitive – or intelligent – safety solutions designed for a full range of vehicles, at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA), International Motorshow, in Frankfurt, Germany, which will open tomorrow.
Fuel economy higher, thanks to Cash for Clunkers
Thanks to the federal program, the average fuel economy of all new vehicles purchased in the United States in July and August improved about 3 percent, according to a University of Michigan study.
Low-Cost Discount Card Can Save Small Businesses Money and Keep Employees Smiling
Small-business owners are facing tough decisions to survive the current economic downturn as healthcare costs are rising. Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana is offering an alternative to help keep employees healthy. The Delta Dental Patient Direct® discount card provides individuals and families significant discounts on dental, vision and hearing care, and prescription drugs.
Dow Corning Begins Construction at Solar Monosilanes Facility
At an event the company is calling “Solar Day,” Dow Corning will announce the start of construction in Thomas Twp., Mich. of a manufacturing plant that will manufacture monosilane gas-a key material used to manufacture thin-film solar cells.
WSU Researchers Receive $1.32 Million to Develop Technology for Clean, Renewable Fuel Alternative
Understanding the process by which solar energy can be used to create an alternative to fossil fuel is the focus of $1.32 million Department of Energy grant recently awarded to three faculty members in the Wayne State University Department of Chemistry.
TRW Green Button Concept Highlights Fuel Efficiency Potential Beyond Powertrain
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. is demonstrating a number of ways in which it is supporting vehicle manufacturers to reduce fuel consumption and emissions – beyond powertrain solutions.
Ford Researchers Look to Mother Nature for Clues on How to Create Greener, Lighter Plastics
Auto researchers and engineers are examining the use of lighter-weight materials and components in their quest to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Brain Training Keeps Older Drivers Safe Behind the Wheel
Two Studies Indicate Seniors Drive Longer and Drive Better after Cognitive Exercises.
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HORIBA Teams With SAIC to Build Dynamometer System
HORIBA Automotive Test Systems has been awarded a subcontract by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to be the sole supplier helping to design, build and support a dynamometer system that will be used to develop, test and validate hybrid and other advanced powertrains for a wide range of vehicles at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Mich.
Dataspace and Central Michigan University Introduce Patient Volume Forecaster
Analytic Model Helps Health Care Organizations Predict Demand for Services.
Michigan Regional Future City Competition Seeks Funding
It has inspired countless number of middle school students inMichigan to pursue careers in math, science and engineering.
Wayne State Breaks Ground Sept. 18 on A. Paul Schaap Chemistry Building
WSU professor turned bio-tech entrepreneur recommended $10 million grant to erect chemistry headquarters with energy-efficient “green” roof on Cass Ave.
Mercedes-Benz Financial Participates in ‘Manheim Monday’ with Great Results
Weekly online event sale puts luxury captive on pace to sell an additional 5,000 auction vehicles annually.
Chrysler Group LLC is First Automaker to Provide Digital Owners’ Manuals
For all 2010 model-year Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge vehicles, automaker will provide a consolidated, customer-friendly user guide and DVD – Digital move to save 930 tons of paper, the equivalent of 20,000 trees annually.
Voice, Medical Records iPhone Apps Launched for Physicians
Webahn, Inc. announces the launch of two new iPhone Apps for physicians. Capzule for its online Electronic Medical Records service Capzule.com and Accent, a voice recording application, for its online transcription service OvernightScribe.com.
Former Mayor Dennis Archer Advocates for Federal Transportation Policy Reform at Detroit Forum
National Transportation Policy Project Report Stresses the Need for Metropolitan Connectivity and Economic Growth.
Ann Arbor Franchise Industry Leader Urges Congress to Consider Small Business in Health Care Debate
Donald DeSmith, President of Servant Systems, Inc. of Ann Arbor, Michigan, along with several other Michigan franchise industry executives, met with members of the Michigan congressional delegation in Washington, DC about healthcare reform and other issues important to the franchise industry during the International Franchise Association (IFA) 10th Annual Public Affairs Conference held in Washington Sept. 14-15.
Two TARDEC Technologies Touted at 2008 Army’s Greatest Inventions Ceremony
Two military technologies saving Soldiers lives on today’s battlefields were designed by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and are among 10 innovations recognized as 2008 Army’s Greatest Inventions.
Spartan Chassis Secures Additional Contract From Fleetwood RV
Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPAR) , today announced Fleetwood RV, Inc., will begin offering its 2010 Fleetwood RV brand Class A motorhomes on Spartan’s custom diesel chassis.
Ford’s Global CEO Reveals New Ford Figo Targeting India Market and Export Sales
India’s role as an important player in the future of Ford Motor Company’s (NYSE:F) international strategy was underscored today when the company’s President and CEO, Alan Mulally, unveiled an all-new car targeting the heart of the Indian car market – the new Ford Figo.
Mclaren Health Care Forming Partnership with Protom International
McLaren to Co-Develop New Technology that Allows Smaller Centers to be Built at One-third the Cost of Conventional Centers.
Survey: U.S. Drivers Say Texting While Driving Should be Banned; Voice Technology Seen as Safer
The vast majority of U.S. drivers believes handheld texting while driving is very dangerous and should be banned nationwide, according to a new national survey released today.
Automation Alley Recognizes Technology Leaders at Ninth Annual Awards Gala
T. Adderley, Kelly Services, Receives Legend CEO Honor
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Vine and Dine at Cranbrook
The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber hosted its 6th Annual Vine and Dine at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills on Sept. 23.
Whirlpool Corporation To Produce One Million Smart Grid-Compatible Clothes Dryers by the End of 2011
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) continues its legacy of innovation leadership with the announcement that it will produce one million Smart Energy clothes dryers by the end of 2011 as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Smart Grid Investment Grant program.
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Detroit Lions Kickoff Luncheon
Honoring prowess on the gridiron, the Detroit Lions held their Kickoff Luncheon at Ford Field in Detroit on Sept. 2.
ITC Holdings to Host Analyst Day at New York Stock Exchange
Company Will Ring Closing Bell Following Event.
Dow and K+S Confirm FTC Clearance
The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) and K+S Aktiengesellschaft announced jointly today that the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voted to accept a consent decree agreed to by K+S Aktiengesellschaft.
Tullymore Real Estate Continues Boom With New Home Construction
As the real estate market continues to suffer around the country and across Michigan, new home construction is booming at the $55 -million Resorts of Tullymore & St. Ives where a family of four determined developers is successfully challenging popular practice of cutting back in a bad economy.
Hennessey Capital Announces Corporate Partnership with Macomb-OU INCubator
Hennessey Capital LLC, a Michigan-based specialty finance company providing working capital to small and mid-sized businesses, announces it has become a corporate partner in the Macomb-OU INCubator.
Two Proposed Michigan House Bills Puts 2,500 Michigan Jobs at Risk, and Further Tax its Residents
Two proposed Michigan House Bills (HB 5389 & HB 5388) will mean more taxes levied on Michigan consumers and companies.
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ICOM Believes U.S. Clean Cities Grant Will Boost Propane, CNG use
Icom North America, a leading supplier of alternative fuel systems and tanks for commercial and passenger vehicles, believes the recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grants to Michigan and 24 other Clean Cities clusters of government-industry partnerships, will stimulate use of liquefied propane, compressed natural gas (CNG) and other “clean”alternative fuels.
New Ziplines, Activities and Programs for BOYNE’s 2009-10 Season
Last winter was one for the history books.
DTE Energy Offers Free Seminars to Help Businesses Save Energy
DTE Energy will hold a series of free energy efficiency seminars around the Detroit metro area to help small and medium size businesses learn simple and practical ways to reduce their energy costs.
Business Leaders for Michigan Urge Lawmakers to Take Three Steps Immediately to Regain Confidence
Business Leaders for Michigan, a private, non-profit leadership organization dedicated to making Michigan a “Top 10” state, today released the following statement in reaction to the Legislature’s failure to produce the 2010 State budget on time.
Silver Still Entrenched as World’s Favorite Vehicle Color, According to PPG Data
Company introduces 70 new shades at annual Automotive Color Trend Show.
WSU and KCI Sign Affiliation Agreement to Accelerate Breakthroughs in Cancer Research
Wayne State to establish dedicated Karmanos department in School of Medicin.
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MOCAD Gold at the Whitney
The Museum for Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) held its second annual Gold fundraiser at the Whitney Restaurant in Detroit’s Midtown district on Sept. 26.
Beaumont Hospitals Announces Leadership Appointment
Beaumont Hospitals President and CEO Kenneth Matzick has announced a series of executive appointments to fill positions created under a new organizational structure and others held by retiring executives.
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One Night in Cuba at the Detroit Yacht Club
More than 300 people attended One Night Night in Cuba at the Detroit Yacht Club on Sept. 25.
U.S. Labor Department Proposes Exemption to Allow New Health Plan for Chrysler Retirees
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today announced a proposed exemption that, if granted, would allow the New Chrysler Corp. to transfer approximately $4.59 billion promissory note and company securities to a Voluntary Employees Benefit Association (VEBA) Plan established to provide health benefits for the company’s retirees.
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Vital Infrastructure
When Warren Mayor Jim Fouts called Detroit’s aging infrastructure a “ticking time bomb that’s ready to go off” earlier this year, he was referring to the state of Southeast Michigan’s water and sewer system
Honigman and Faegre & Benson Form International Automotive Legal Team
Honigman possesses more than 50 years automotive industry experience, and Faegre & Benson 40 years collective experience representing businesses in China
IAoDT Detroit Announces New Construction Management Degree
The International Academy of Design & Technology (the Academy) – Detroit recently announced the addition of a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management & Design (CMD).
Mercedes-Benz Financial launches “The Coolest Way to Pay” with New Apple iPhone App
Mercedes-Benz Financial is the first automotive financial services company to launch personalized and convenient account management features with the unveiling of its new iPhone™ App.
Michigan Security Network and WSU Launch Joint Venture to Spur Entrepreneurship
In support of its mission to accelerate homeland security technology development, investment and jobs in Michigan, the Michigan Security Network has developed a joint venture with Wayne State University to provide training for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as mature businesses interested in this growing market.
Sound Effects: Ford Using Virtual Reality to Fine-Tune Sound Quality Inside Future Vehicles
It looks a bit like a racing game in a video arcade, but the driver wears headphones.
Compuware Hiperstation Helps Control Costs by Protecting Sensitive Data Across Platforms
New Release Extends Application Coverage, Reaches Into Distributed Environments
Environmentally Friendly Lighting Company Comes to MAREC
Fledgling startup company Logical Lighting Systems, LLC plans to take high efficiency, environmentally friendly lighting options beyond America’s living rooms and into its malls, hospitals and office buildings.
Compuware to Acquire Gomez
Category Frontrunners Unite to Deliver the First Unified Solution for Optimizing Application Performance Across the Enterprise-Internet Delivery Chain.
AZ Automotive Posed For Growth After Realigning Finances
AZ Automotive, a Tier One full-service engineering and production supplier of metal stampings, assemblies, and modules to automotive manufacturers, is poised for growth after significantly reducing its debt and realigning its cost structure.
Space-Age Safety: Ford, Auburn Explore How GPS Satellites Could Help Prevent Auto Accidents
A groundbreaking research project by Ford Motor Company and Auburn University shows that global positioning system (GPS) satellites that can “talk” to cars could help prevent serious accidents in the future.
Oakland County Retains its Prized AAA Bond Rating
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announces that Wall Street has reaffirmed the county’s coveted AAA Bond Rating on $12.88 million in debt for the construction of the new 52-3 District Court building.
S3 Entertainment Group’s Distinguished Film Industry Training Program Leads to Successful Job Placement
Program success extends classes with Oakland Community College.
BASF and Dow Announce Support for New Patent Asset Index
Patent-based indicator provides better measurement of Innovation Strength — Dow leads in Competitive Impact(TM) — BASF leads overall Patent Asset Index(TM).
University of Michigan Wolverine Venture Fund Invests in Direct Flow Medical
Participation in Series C Round of Financing Follows Original Investment from 2005
Perrigo Confirms Filing for Generic Version of Men’s Rogaine(R) Foam
Perrigo Company (NASDAQ: PRGO) today announced that it has filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application for over-the-counter (OTC) Minoxidil topical aerosol foam, 5%, a generic form of Men’s Rogaine® Foam.
New Report: Nearly 650,000 ‘Middle-Skill’ Job Openings Projected for Michigan By 2016
Michigan’s Economic Recovery Tied to Preparing Workers for Jobs Requiring More than High School Diploma, Less than College Degree; Michigan Must Use Economic Downtime to Invest in Training Time To Meet Future Demand.
Automotive Authors Book Fair
The fourth annual gathering of selected automotive authors will take place at the Detroit Public Library’s Skillman Branch on Saturday, November 21, 2009.
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Michigan Governor’s Race — Rick Snyder
Businessman Rick Snyder, a candidate for governor of Michigan in 2011, has been advocating for change in Lansing and across the state.
Ford’s Strong Hybrid Sales Buck Industry Trend
Ford Motor Company’s hybrid vehicle sales have risen 73 percent this year in sharp contrast to a 14-percent decline in hybrid sales across the industr.
USCAR Works to Get Clean Diesel Technologies
As diesel engines gain momentum as one cost-effective means to improve fuel efficiency, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are working collaboratively through the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR) to adapt and develop selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technologies that will help bring more clean-diesel technologies to the U.S. and global markets.
New Michigan Solid-State Lighting Association Seeks to Make Michigan a Global Leader
Corporations, universities and state agencies connect to promote Michigan-based environmentally friendly lighting initiatives.
Oakland County Awarded Membership in the Association of Film Commissioners International
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is pleased to announce that the Oakland County Film Office has been awarded full membership in the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI).
