SEPTEMBER 2013 PLUSPublic Officials Offer

Views on Regionalism

Big Ten Commissioner Kicks Off Fall Economic Club Series

President’s Message: Higher Ed is More than Bricks and Mortar

HigHER EdUcaTion TaLEnT PiPELinE foR THE KnowLEdgE EconoMy

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Tim damanPresident and CEO

Lansing Regional

Chamber of Commerce

Our higher education institutions should be applauded

for their efforts at forming community partnerships that are creating jobs and helping attract and retain talent in the region.”

As a life-long resident of the Lansing area, I’ve had a pretty good window through which to view the impact of higher education in our region. As a graduate of Michigan State University, I’ve enjoyed the campus experience first-hand. Through the years, I’ve cheered for my Spartans both on and off the field.

In my professional career, I’ve been fortunate to view higher education in our region from a totally different perspective. I’ve had the privilege of working with talented professionals from all of the higher education institutions in our region, and have come to understand that higher education is much more than buildings, classrooms and athletic teams. It represents one of our most important market sectors, one that holds the keys to our dreams of achieving status as a world-class community.

Consider the economic impact higher education represents in our region. In a seven-county region, which includes Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties, Michigan State University has an estimated $2.47 billion economic impact annually. MSU’s extensive research programs attracted more than $500 million in external funding to the region in fiscal year 2012.

Lansing Community College, Davenport University and Thomas M. Cooley Law School collectively form a significant education corridor that has a major impact on downtown Lansing. LCC recently completed a $20 million renovation of its Arts and Sciences building. Davenport’s new nine-story downtown campus is an impressive building housing 800 students with the capacity for 2,000. Cooley Law School’s support and impact on the downtown area has been significant, most recently demonstrated by its investment in the home of the Lansing Lugnuts, now known as Cooley Law School Stadium.

Our higher education institutions should be applauded for their efforts at forming community partnerships that are creating jobs and helping attract and retain talent in the region. LCC’s Business and Community Institute helps develop a trained workforce by serving as an employer’s gateway to a full spectrum of services. Davenport has invested $2 million in career counseling and advising, helping its students land vital internships. Cooley has launched joint degree programs with both Olivet College and Western Michigan University.

We are also privileged to have the enormous alumni base that contributes to our community every day in so many ways. Most recently, MSU was the proud recipient of a generous donation from Eli and Edythe Broad that made possible the construction of the Broad Art Museum, which serves as the cornerstone of a new cultural and economic era for East Lansing and the entire region.

Our challenge as a region is to recognize the opportunities that we can leverage because of these great institutions, and build on those opportunities for a better future.

A Message from The President

Higher Education Means More Than Buildings and classrooms

Blue Cross Blue Shield ...........................6

Capital Area Michigan Works! ..............17

C2AE ......................................................5

Fit Leader’s Program ............................12

Flagstar Bank ..........................................7

Greater Lansing Business Monthly Financial Expo ......................................12

LSJ Media .............................................18

McLaren ..................................................9

Mercantile Bank ................................... BC

MSUFCU .................................................4

Physicans Health Plan ...........................13

WKAR .....................................................8

advERTiSERS

2013 Board of directors

officersBoaRd cHaiR Paula Cunningham

Capitol National Bank

PaST cHaiRNancy McKeague

Michigan Health and Hospital Association

cHaiR ELEcTBill Kimble

C2AE

LEgaL coUnSELJeff Hicks

Dart Container Corporation

TREaSURERJeff Fineis

Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC

PRESidEnTTim Daman

Lansing Regional Chamber

division directorsinT’L BUSinESS SERvicES

Jean SchtokalFoster, Swift, Collins and Smith, P.C.

govERnMEnT RELaTionS Kevin McKinneyMcKinney & Associates

MaRKETing & coMMUnicaTion Joe Ford

Netvantage Marketing

MEMBERSHiP SERvicES Deb Muchmore

Marketing Resource Group

at-Large

FocusEdiToRS

Ross Woodstock Michelle Rahl

dESign & PRinTingSpartan Printing, Inc.

MaiLingBRD Mailing Incorporated

covER PHoTogRaPHyTrumpie Photography

inTERioR PHoTogRaPHyFresh Image Design, LLC

Dave Baker Farm Bureau Insurance

Melanie Bergeron Two Men & A Truck

Mark Burnham Michigan State University

Leslie Brogan Comcast

John Brown Jackson National

Life Insurance

Stella Cash Sparrow Health System

Patrick Dean Dean Transportation

Andre Hutson Conquest Fitness and Health

Dave Mulder Meijer, Inc.

Steve Reynolds Accident Fund Holdings

Patrick Salow Hayes Green Beach Hospital

Jason Sanders Fifth Third Bank

Tim Salisbury PNC Bank

Heather Shawa-DeCook Demmer Corporation

Tom Stewart Common Wealth Enterprises

Bob Trezise LEAP, Inc.

Ryan Vartoogian Spartan Internet Consulting

Bill Woodbury Auto-Owners Insurance

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News & Events

wEdnESday, SEPTEMBER 4 Delta Government relations Committee, 8 – 9:30 a.m. Lexington Lansing Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. The Delta Government Relations Committee is meeting on the first Wednesday of September to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues affecting Delta Township. This month, we are joined by the Delta Side Business Association in a joint meeting. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to receptionist@lansingchamber.org.

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 5 Chamber 360, 8 – 9:30 a.m., Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48912. New, veteran and prospective members are encouraged to attend Chamber 360, sponsored by ASK, to learn about the full range of Chamber benefits and how to maximize your investment. Meet our staff and find out how we are working for you through business growth and advocacy initiatives, exclusive member benefit programs, member exposure, networking and educational event opportunities. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

TUESday, SEPTEMBER 10 member mixer, 5 - 7 p.m., Lansing Lugnuts, 505 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912. Cost is $10 member, $30 non-member. Just because the Lansing Lugnuts’ season has come to an end, doesn’t mean their doors are shut! The Lugnuts host special events offseason, too, and they are excited to show off their newly remodeled luxury suites to the business community during the September Member Mixer! Includes hors d’oeuvres.

THURSday, SEPTEMBER 12 eConomiC Club, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Jim Delany, Commissioner, Big Ten Conference. Delany will be joined by Mark Hollis, Athletic Director, Michigan State University, for a short panel discussion. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single tickets $40, or tables of 8 $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org. Sponsored by Foster Swift Collins & Smith P.C.

TUESday, SEPTEMBER 24 10 over the next ten awarDs, 6 – 8 p.m., University Club, 3435 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910. Jointly presented by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and Grand River Connection, these awards recognize the young professionals in our region who will be tomorrow’s business and community leaders. The awards will be presented in conjunction with GRC’s Fourth Tuesday networking event. This is a free event. Visit www.lansingchamber.org to RSVP. For any questions, contact Jennifer Wagemann, manager of events & programming, at 517-853-6456 or jwagemann@lansingchamber.org. Thank you to our sponsors: Independent Bank and University Club.

wEdnESday, ocToBER 2 Delta Government relations Committee, 8 – 9 a.m. Lexington Lansing Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues affecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, RSVP to receptionist@lansingchamber.org.

TUESday, ocToBER 8 member mixer, 5 - 7 p.m., AL!VE, 800 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813. Grab your tennis shoes and gym shorts and let’s sweat at AL!VE, an experience-based destination health park that provides inspiration and support for greater mid-Michigan communities to transform, empower, and enhance their personal well-being. $10 member, $30 non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.

THURSday, ocToBER 17 healthCare Forum, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. This year’s Healthcare Forum will focus on Practical Healthcare and will include an ACA Bootcamp (in which we walk through and calculate several different pay-or-play scenarios) and a presentation on Building a Culture of Health in the Workplace . Tickets are $99/members or $149/non-members and includes admission to the Economic Club Luncheon immediately following. Pre-registration is required. Register at www.lansingchamber.org. For more information, contact Jennifer Wagemann at 517-853-6456 or jwagemann@lansingchamber.org.

THURSday, ocToBER 17 eConomiC Club, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (immediately following the Healthcare Forum), Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Shirley Weiss, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, The Mayo Clinic, with an introduction and additional remarks from Dennis Swan, President and CEO, Sparrow Health System. Sponsored by Sparrow Health System. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single tickets $40, or tables of 8 $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

EaST LanSing/MERidian govERnMEnT RELaTionS coMMiTTEE MEETingS HavE BEEn PoSTPonEd foR THE REST of THE 2013 SEaSon.

HEaLTHcaRE foRUM/EconoMic cLUB LUncHEon

PRacTicaL HEaLTHcaRE & aca BooTcaMPTHURSDAy, OCTOBER 17

8:00 A.M. -1:30 P.M.KELLOGG HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER

EconoMic cLUB LUncHEonFEATURED SPEAKER: SHIRLEy WEIS

PRESIDENT & CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERMAyO CLINIC

TicKETS: ENTIRE PROGRAM - $99/MEMBER, $149/NONMEMBER. MORNING PROGRAM ONLy - $50

EvEnT coST iS coMPLiMEnTaRy foR THESE EnHancEd MEMBERSHiP LEvELS:

Bronze Silver Gold Platinum

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JTd EnTERPRiSE, LLc6140 Worthmore Ave. Lansing, MI 48917 (231) 557-5400 www.jtdcycleparts.com

La-Z-Boy fURniTURE gaLLERy6025 W. Saginaw Hwy.Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 321-5176 www.lzbmi.com

woodBRidgE coMMonS cooPERaTivE 2011 Georgetown Blvd. Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 882-5901

MaTTHEw Ryan SaLon 108 E. Grand River Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 484-9299 www.matthewryansalon.com

SHoE caRnivaL 1982 W. Grand River Ave. Okemos, MI 48864 (574) 807-2678 www.shoecarnival.com

THE wiLLowS aT EaST LanSing 3500 Coolidge Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 230-2524 www.willowsateastlansing.com

SUPER MERcado La PaLoME 685 MLK Blvd. Pontiac, MI 48432 (248) 451-0888

ManniK & SMiTH gRoUP 721 N. Capitol Ave., Ste. 2 Lansing MI 48906 (517) 316-9232

w-a-y widEning advancEMEnTS foR yoUTH 369 Main Street Belleville, MI 48111 (313) 444-9292 www.wayprogram.net

Rodan & fiELdS dERMaToLogiSTS 2600 Wyckham Drive Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 528-4924 alincoln.myrandf.com

Please remember to use the member login portion of the Chamber website to keep your contact information up-to-date. this will

ensure that you receive all Chamber communications in a timely manner. Contact us at 517.487.6340 if you have any questions or

are not receiving our communications.

Welcome new Members

Federally insured by the NCUA

517-333-2365 • 800-678-4968www.msufcu.org/business

Branch Locations East Lansing • 3777 West Rd. 4825 E. Mt. Hope Rd. 523 E. Grand River Ave. MSU Union, 49 Abbot Rd., Rm. 108 Lansing • 104 S. Washington Sq. 653 Migaldi Ln. 200 E. Jolly Rd. Sparrow Professional Bldg. Haslett • 16861 Marsh Rd. Okemos • 1775 Central Park Dr. Charlotte • 180 High St. Auburn Hills • 3265 Five Points Dr.

MSUFCU’s startUP Loan* is perfect for getting your new business up and running. Borrow the funds you need to purchase equipment, rent space, or pay creditors—how the funds are used is completely up to you.

Each startUP Loan includes:• Credit limit up to $15,000• No application fee• No prepayment penalty• Loan checks available• 24/7 remote access to funds

If you’re an entrepreneur with a new business less than two years old located in Ingham, Clinton, or Eaton County and need cash to jump-start your company’s growth, contact MSUFCU and apply for a startUP Loan today.

Your Business Is OperationalBut you still need a few things

* MSUFCU employees, board members, and their families are not eligible to apply for the startUP Loan.

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Access BIDCO, L.L.C.

Adams Outdoor Advertising

Alliance Obstetrics & Gynecology

American Red Cross-Mid Michigan Chapter

Arcpoint of Mid-Michigan

Bobcat Central, Inc./dba Bobcat of Lansing

Bornor Restoration, Inc.

Capital Area Massage Therapy

Capitol Income Consultants

Care Connections

Castillo & Associates Consultants, Inc.

CBI Rehabilitation Services Inc.

CG Financial Services

Clark Foundation Co.

Congregation Shaarey Zedek

Costco Wholesale

Culver’s Okemos

Cusmano Kandler & Reed, Inc.

Dean Trailways of Michigan

Dickinson Wright PLLC

Downtown Lansing, Inc.

Eaton Rapids Medical Center

Ecosynthetix, Inc.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Gatehouse Suites - East Lansing

Global Ops Now, LLC

Gongwer News Service

Gordon Food Service Marketplace

Great Lakes Engineering Group, LLC

Hanes & Associates, PLLC

HBC Contracting

Holt Public Schools

Hooters of Lansing

ITC Holdings Corporation

Jones Vision Center

Kitsmiller RV

La Fille’ Gallery

Lansing Board of Water & Light

Lansing Lugnuts

Lansing Radiology Associates, P.C.

Lansing State Journal

leapdoctor.com

Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting, P.C.

Mark Spagnuolo

Mayberry Homes

McCardel Restoration, LLC

McLaren Health Plan

Mercantile Bank of Michigan

Meridian Mall Office

MESSA

Michigan Dental Association

Mid-Michigan Building Owners & Managers Assoc. Inc.

Milestone Construction Company

Moore Trosper Construction Co.

Myers Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Netvantage Marketing

Paychex

Quest Software, Inc.

Ralya House Beeswax Essentials

Re/Max Real Estate Professionals, Inc.

RSI Logistics, Inc.

Shroyer’s, Inc.

Sign-A-Rama

Spicer Group, Inc.

The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan

The Cottage Gardens, Inc.

Two Men And A Truck Moving & Storage

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

Victory Limited Partnership

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart-Okemos

Western Michigan University-Lansing Campus

Young Automotive Group, Inc.

Young Chevrolet Cadillac

Thank you Renewing Members

LanSing BoaRd of waTER and LigHT

30 years

LanSing RadioLogy aSSociaTES, P.c.

25 years

Two MEn and a TRUcK Moving and

SToRagE25 years

RE/Max REaL ESTaTE PRofESSionaLS, inc.

25 years

SHRoyER’S, inc.25 years

cLaRK foUndaTion co.

25 years

HoLT PUBLic ScHooLS

15 years

BoRnoR RESToRaTion, inc.

15 years

EcoSynTHETix, inc.10 years

waL-MaRT10 years

JonES viSion cEnTER

5 years

nETvanTagE MaRKETing

5 years

cBi REHaBiLiTaTion SERvicES, inc.

5 years

gREaT LaKES EnginEERing

gRoUP, LLc5 years

gaTEHoUSE SUiTES - EaST LanSing

5 years

chamber MilestonesWe’d like to offer a special salute to these great organizations that reached milestone anniversaries as Chamber members this month. Thank you for your continued support through the years!

Sometimes, the work we do can only be seen on our faces.

P 866.454.3923 C2AE.COM

E L E VAT I N G H U M A N A C H I E V E M E N T

ARCHITECTURE • ENGINEERING • PLANNING

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JULiE BRixiE, MERidian TownSHiP SUPERviSoR As our economy evolves from manufacturing to an entrepreneurial global economy, government has to find ways to provide services more efficiently and help smooth the transition. Regional economic development is vital. Quality of life issues and good urban planning are crucial for success in the global economy. Education is essential. Municipalities should work together with each other when possible and with our

schools to have excellence in K-12 education for our kids, and higher education for adults. Meridian is working regionally in a myriad of ways: assessing, inspecting, police services, recreation services, planning, and economic development. Together we can achieve great things.

JoHn ELZinga, dELHi TownSHiP SUPERviSoR Regionalism is the calculated business model of collaboration between one or more units of government when doing so will improve the efficiencies, effectiveness and quality of service to our residents at the lowest cost possible. Our region cannot sustain current levels of services with declining revenues and ever increasing legacy costs. The most expensive service we provide is public safety (police/fire/EMS) and, therefore, it is

incumbent upon all of us within the region to collaborate and calculate the business model for how to deliver the services residents desire efficiently and effectively using best practices at the lowest cost possible while preserving quality of life.

Public officials offer Their views on Regionalism

Government Relations

When anything can happen, you should be confident that you’re ready for anything.

Find out what thousands of Michigan businesses already know. Contact the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce at 517-487-6340 or visit them at www.mychamberadvantage.com/lansingchamber.

Your Chamber Exclusively Endorses

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

is the reason.

is the reason.

the road ahead

R019334

BoB SHowERS, cLinTon coUnTy coMMiSSionER For me, regionalism at this point and time means finding ways of overcoming political and demographic differences in order to pursue the common goal of expanding and enhancing employment opportunities for everyone in Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties. This common goal begins with it a recognition that a viable and prosperous City of Lansing will be the key to our success or failure. Those of us who hold public office in

the Tri County region must recognize we can no longer hold to parochial views of our importance and put aside sectarian political differences that will hamper job growth.

KEn fLETcHER, dELTa TownSHiP SUPERviSoR In recent years, Delta has formed partnerships with the City of Grand Ledge for assessing services, and with Watertown and Eagle Townships for fire and EMS services. These shared service agreements have improved public services in the area and have saved the taxpayers money. We’re excited to see what additional savings and efficiencies can come about as a result of the Shared Fire Services initiative that is

currently underway. Another area for potential regional collaboration is in the area of public transportation. We are currently working with EATRAN and CATA to work out an agreement that will lead to expanded fixed bus routes throughout Delta.

Member FDIC

We can build a strong case for proving that a local banking relationship is important. It only makes

sense that decisions get made faster from across a desk than from across a time zone. And when

your business needs a hand, shouldn’t it come from one you can actually shake? Local matters.

Accelerate Collections • Optimize Cash Flow • View Real-time Cash Positions

Switch to a bank that knows

Michigan like the back of its hand.

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flagstar.com/businessTalk to us today. (888) 324-4100

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force in promoting regionalism in the Greater Lansing area. The concept of regionalism means different things to different people. We asked some of the region’s elected officials to offer their view.

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Member FDIC

We can build a strong case for proving that a local banking relationship is important. It only makes

sense that decisions get made faster from across a desk than from across a time zone. And when

your business needs a hand, shouldn’t it come from one you can actually shake? Local matters.

Accelerate Collections • Optimize Cash Flow • View Real-time Cash Positions

Switch to a bank that knows

Michigan like the back of its hand.

File Location: bb-ad-BackOfHand-LansingFocus-10x12Creation Date: 03/06/13 Modification Date: August 6, 2013 9:09 AMProject Type: Newspaper Ad Pub: FOCUS Magazine Dimensions: 10x12 in Bleed: .125 in Color Mode: CMYKRouting: CD AD CW PM Review: Cncpt[] 1prf [] 2prf [] 3prf [] Fnl[X] Notes: Stroke around ad should only be on non-bleed ads

flagstar.com/businessTalk to us today. (888) 324-4100

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Economic club

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to an impressive speaker lineup for the fall Economic Club Luncheons. The fall schedule is as follows:

SEPTEMBER

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany and Michigan State University athletic director Mark Hollis will kick off the fall Economic Club series by taking the podium on Thursday, September 12. Celebrating 25 years as Big Ten Commissioner, Delany has led the Big Ten through significant periods of change and growth that have helped the conference maintain its preeminent position as one of the nation’s leaders in providing quality athletic and academic experiences for young student-athletes.

Delany is an expert of his trade. He has guided the conference through an expansion to 14 teams with the addition of Penn State in 1991, Nebraska in 2011, and Maryland and Rutgers in 2012. The Big Ten now administers more than $136 million in athletic scholarship aid to nearly 10,000 student-athletes, which is more than any other conference. Under Delany’s guidance, the Big Ten Conference has been a national leader in student-athlete welfare, gender equity and innovation.

Hollis is considered one of the most innovative ADs working today. Chosen as the 2012 Athletic Director of the Year, Hollis was the mastermind behind the 2011 “Carrier Classic”, the 2001 “Cold War” hockey game, continued improvements to the athletic facilities and the academic success of the MSU student-athletes.

This Economic Club luncheon will be sponsored by Foster, Swift, Collins and Smith, P.C.

ocToBER

A joint presentation by Shirley Weiss, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, The Mayo Clinic, with an introduction and additional remarks from Dennis Swan, President and CEO, Sparrow Health System will be held at the Economic Club Luncheon on Thursday, October 17. Weis is the first woman to hold the number two post at Mayo Clinic, a $9 billion system that treats more than one million people annually in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. She has been instrumental in diversifying Mayo’s business model with the addition of health information publishing, clinical laboratory reference services and technology commercialization. Prior to assuming this responsibility, Weis spent a decade in Michigan hospitals as an emergency department nurse and administrator and outpatient clinics before becoming

medical administrator and eventually chief operating officer of Blue Care Network, Mid-Michigan.

The October Economic Club luncheon will be held in conjunction with a half-day Healthcare Forum where regional leaders in health care, insurance and various legal sectors gather to discuss the latest issues in health care reform.

novEMBER

The seventh annual Celebration of Regional Growth Awards will take place on Thursday, November 21 and will honor businesses in the Lansing community for their significant investments to the region. In 2012, five businesses were honored for their economic contributions: Bekum America Corporation, Capital Steel & Wire, Inc., Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, Lansing Board of Water and Light, and Netvantage Marketing.

This event, hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, is co-sponsored by Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis and Gotting P.C., and PNC Bank.

Big Ten commissioner Jim delany and MSU ad Mark Hollis Kick-off fall Economic club Series

Jim Delany

Mark Hollis

Shirley Weis

Dennis Swan

8:30p FridaysCheck local listingsacross Michigan

with Tim Skubick

Call about underwriting

opportunities

517.884.4761

WKAR viewers and listeners are...Boomers. Educated. A�uent.Your community is tuned in to WKAR.

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Economic club

For cardiovascular care, we go to greater lengths.

mclaren.org/lansingcardiac

y e a r s o f g r e at e r c a r e

Whether it’s treatment, diagnosis or prevention, expect only the absolute best cardiovascular care from McLaren Greater Lansing. Our affiliated practices— including McLaren Cardiovascular Group and McLaren Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeons—pair expert cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons to provide the highest quality of services and procedures.

As pioneers in the development of both open-heart surgery and valve replacement, we have a long and proud history of offering excellent services, and today, our commitment is just as strong.

For more information, visit mclaren.org/lansingcardiac.

Greater doctorsGreater experience

Greater careGreater technology

Greater results

dEcEMBER

Jonathan W. Kozy, senior vice president and senior research analyst for Bank of America Private Wealth

Management, will be the keynote speaker for the 2014 Economic Preview on Thursday, December 19. This Economic Club luncheon is sponsored by Bank of America.

Kozy is a senior research analyst in the macro strategy research division at U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. In this role, he is responsible for the analysis of global economic trends, market research and financial developments in support of economic forecasts, strategy and tactical asset allocation decisions for investment professionals and high-net-worth clients for U.S. Trust®.

All ticket prices for the Economic Club luncheons are $40 for individual tickets and $300 for tables of eight. Programs are from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, with networking and registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets include a plated lunch. Registration information can be completed at www.lansingchamber.org.

The Honorees at the 2012 Celebration of Regional Growth included: Adam Henige (Netvantage Marketing), Joe Ford (Netvantage Marketing), Steven London (Bekum America Products), Michael Rush (Broad Art Museum), J. Peter Lark (Lansing Board of Water and Light) and Dustin Preston (Capital Steel & Wire, Inc.)

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It’s been estImated by 2018 that 62 percent of Michigan’s jobs will require higher education. The result of people transitioning out of the workforce in the next decade will also mean that our state will need 900,000 new workers with at least an Associate’s degree by 2025.

The need for talent may be the most critical challenge facing our state and employers seeking to compete in the 21st century economy, according to the nonprofit think tank, Michigan Future, Inc., which wrote in its annual report:

“Michigan’s fundamental economic challenge is that we rank 34th in the proportion of adults with a four-year degree. States without concentrations of talent will have great difficulty retaining or attracting knowledge-based enterprises, nor are they likely to be the place where new knowledge-based enterprises are created.”

Greater Lansing may be as well positioned as any region in Michigan to meet the talent needs required to successfully compete in the new economy. The exceptionally strong higher education sector not only produces thousands of highly qualified graduates each year, but also serves as an economic and cultural engine that fuels our regional economy and helps make our quality of life as good as any in the country.

“Higher education is generally acknowledged to be one of the ingredients communities need to promote a world-competitive culture of innovation,” said Michigan State University (MSU) president Lou Anna K. Simon.

Michigan State University is widely regarded as a world-class institution, currently offering more than 200 programs to its 48,000 plus students, many of whom attend the sprawling 5,200-acre campus in East Lansing. Though by far the largest entity, MSU is hardly the only significant player in the Greater Lansing’s education sector. Lansing Community College, Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Davenport University have collectively become a strong education corridor in downtown Lansing. MSU, LCC, Cooley and Davenport form the nucleus of an education powerhouse primed to meet the talent needs of the Greater Lansing region and beyond.

“For the size of our region, education has a greater impact in Lansing than other areas of the country,” said Thomas M. Cooley president Don LeDuc.

Michigan’s transition from its historic rust belt image to a knowledge-based economy has forced higher education institutions to become more flexible and nimble when it comes to providing programs that are relevant in the new economy. At LCC, the focus has been on science, technology, engineering and math. Among new programs offered are mobile and convergence technologies, electric and hybrid car repair and smart building technology.

“We work closer than ever with our business and industry partners to make sure our students receive relevant training and education in new economy jobs,” said LCC president Brent Knight. “We value being able to respond quickly to changes in the economy by developing or revamping our academic offerings.”

LCC is also launching unique programs that challenge old assumptions. For example, military veterans rarely get college credit for what they have learned during their service. LCC is offering a first-in-the-nation training program for military medics to help them gain civilian certification as EMTs.

Greater LansinG is fortunate to have an outstandinG hiGher education sector, incLudinG these Great institutions:

Central michigan university – east lansing global.cmich.edu/eastlansing

Cornerstone university Professional & Graduate studies – lansing Campus cornerstone.edu

Ferris state university lansing ferris.edu/statewide

Great lakes Christian College glcc.edu

michigan virtual university mivu.org

northwood university northwood.edu

siena heights university www.sienaheights.edu

spring arbor university www.arbor.edu/lansing

western michigan university – lansing Campus lg.wmich.edu

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“Some of the EMTs can then move into our fast track nursing program or move on to becoming physician assistants,” said Knight. “This helps deserving veterans gain well-paid employment and helps fill the need for health care workers.”

Davenport University responded to the need for more flexibility in degree offerings by creating a position for a director of market intelligence to identify new directions that were needed. Where it used to take a year-and-a-half to approve a new degree, Davenport can now grant that approval in 60 days. Recent additions include a new master’s in nursing, a master’s in analytics and an advanced degree in physical therapy.

“Our focus is to make sure there are real jobs for every degree we offer,” said Davenport president Rick Pappas.

Thomas M. Cooley Law School has stepped up in recent years to meet the needs of Greater Lansing’s booming insurance industry. Cooley partnered with Olivet College to allow students who graduate from Olivet’s insurance program to transition to Cooley for their law degree. In 2013, Cooley graduated its first students from a new Insurance Law master’s degree program.

MSU has taken steps recently to meet the needs of Michigan’s rapidly growing craft beer industry by expanding its course offerings in its artisan drilling program. The university opened a new facility for the program complete with commercial scale equipment and a tasting room.

“In all three phases in Michigan- distilling, brewing and wine making - we’re seeing pretty significant growth. And what we’re hearing from the people in the industry is that they need people with some good, solid formal training to have as employees,” said Kris Berglund, MSU Distinguished Prof. of Food Science and Engineering.

No single program speaks of our own ambitions for the community more than the Facility for Rare Isotope Beans (FRIB) project being developed at MSU. FRIB will exceed a half-billion in development costs, with total economic activity to exceed $1 billion over the next decade. FRIB is expected to generate $187 million in new tax revenue, support 5,000 construction jobs, employ 400 scientists, engineers and other staff, and make MSU an international center for innovation for decades.

“We have every reason to believe FRIB will also attract important private sector development,” said Simon. “More than a boon to our economy, we expect FRIB to be a cultural game-changer. It shows that we in this community are serious about developing a knowledge economy and can build the assets needed to push the frontiers of science.”

Beyond the demonstrated economic and talent boost provided to our region, students and graduates will become the heart of the community, buying homes, raising families and contributing to the region’s quality of life in other ways, including volunteerism. A prime example is the thousands of hours of donated legal services by Cooley students, staff and alumni.

“We are the largest provider of pro-bono legal services in the United States, most of it in Greater Lansing,” said LeDuc.

The new frontier of the 21st century knowledge economy represents many challenges for our region. However, the new economy also presents us with an opportunity to move to the top of the class in global competiveness. The region’s higher education sector is putting Greater Lansing in position to succeed.

The exceptionally strong higher education sector not only produces thousands of highly qualified graduates each year, but also serves as an economic and cultural engine that fuels our regional economy and helps make our quality of life as good as any in the country.”

higher ed Producing a Wealth of talentThousands of talented graduates of local higher education institutions are entering the workforce in the Greater Lansing region. We’d like to introduce you to the four alumni/students who graciously agreed to appear in our FOCUS cover photo this month. They are left to right: John Duda (MSU), Kristen Finkbeiner (Davenport), Christina Minnis (LCC) and Janene McIntyre (Thomas M. Cooley Law School).

John duda, MichiGan state universityMajor: Political Sciencegraduation: Spring 2014career ambitions: involved in politicsQuote: “MSU has opened a lot of doors for my future aspirations.“

Kristen finKbeiner, davenPort universitydegree: Human Resource Managementoccupation: Quoting and Enrollment Specialist, SET SEGQuote: “Davenport University helped me reach my educational goal quickly. The staff was instrumental towards my success.”

christina Minnis, LansinG coMMunity coLLeGedegree: General AssociatesNorthwood University: Marketing and Managementoccupation: Vice President of Marketing, MSU Federal Credit UnionQuote: “LCC was the right start for me. It allowed me to reach my goals and lead me into a marketing career where I could be successful.”

Janene Mcintyre, thoMas M. cooLey LaW schooLdegree: Juris Doctarateoccupation: Lansing City AttorneyQuote: “Cooley taught me that vision supersedes circumstances.”

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You can feel good about choosing PHP as your health plan. We’re locally based

with an extensive physician network. In fact, mid-Michigan physicians prefer PHP

over other plans. PHP members are more likely to recommend us to friends and

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Step 1: Enroll. Step 2: Relax.

Membership Services SAVEDATE10/24

Learn how to make smart business decisions and savvy financial choices at the Greater Lansing Business Monthly’s Financial Expo October 24, 2013. Learn more at www.glbmfinancialexpo.com.

It’s one thing to have a great looking website. Turning your website into a destination for customers and converting those customers into dollars is a perplexing challenge for most business people. A rock star panel of local experts offered an attentive crowd of Chamber members tips on website design and functionality, search engine optimization, search engine marketing and much more during the most recent Business Education Series program sponsored by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Panelists included: Joe Ford, Netvantage Marketing; Sarah Dejong, MLive; and Nicole Arnold, Little Cottage Services.

Ford provided insight into the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). He encouraged participants to develop a SEO process that would include determining and testing keywords for their own business and their competitors, mapping keywords and the layout of your website, and getting links back to your website.

“You have to match your keywords to what the market is going to type when people conduct a search,” said Ford.

Arnold offered suggestions for bloggers interested in generating the most traffic for their posts. She emphasized the importance of having a plan and thinking about the end goals for the blog.

“What is your call to action?” said Arnold. “What is the next thing you want people to do?”

Some businesses choose to pay for ads through search engines such as Google. Even though research shows most people don’t click on paid ads, Dejong noted there are plenty of ad viewers who make the investment smart for many businesses.

“15 percent of the time people click on paid ads,” said Dejong. “You only pay when people actually click on your ad.”

The program was the third Business Education Series offering of the year. A fourth program is planned for the fall and will be focused on small business tax issues.

gaining an Edge with your websiteSmart Planning is Essential

Chamber members at the Business Education series benefitted from an expert panel that shared insights on issues including website design and functionality, search engine optimization, and search engine marketing.

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You can feel good about choosing PHP as your health plan. We’re locally based

with an extensive physician network. In fact, mid-Michigan physicians prefer PHP

over other plans. PHP members are more likely to recommend us to friends and

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Mix together a warm, sunny August day on one of Greater Lansing’s premier golf courses, and you have the recipe for a highly successful event. An energergized crowd of 140 golfers enjoyed the golf, food and fun at the annual Lansing Open, held on August 20 at Eagle Eye Golf Club. Thanks to all of our participants and to the awesome staff at Eagle Eye for their great work. Congratulations to our winning team of Tom Ruis, Andre Hutson, Evan Pinsonnault and Jeremy Nordquist. Other winners included: Jeremy Nordquist (Men’s Longest Drive), Paula Cunningham (Women’s Longest Drive), Vince Spagnuolo (Men’s Closest to the Pin), Brenda Geohegan (Women’s Closet to the Pin), Dennie Hilliard (Men’s Longest Putt) and Julie Howe (Women’s Longest Putt).

College students now have the opportunity to connect with Mid-Michigan professionals as members of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). Membership at the student level allows students to take advantage of Chamber benefits that will support them in their growth as young professionals. Student membership is ideal for the pro-active and engaged student looking to make connections with businesses and professionals across the greater Lansing region.

“We are really looking at this as a talent initiative,” said Rich Howard, LRCC vice president business development. “If we can connect current college students to area companies, we stand a better chance of keeping talent in the region.”

Student membership benefits include: a named listing in FOCUS Magazine as a student member, a subscription to FOCUS Magazine and FOCUS online, access to events and networking opportunities,

two free member mixers and discounted student pricing for additional mixers, one free economic club luncheon with student pricing thereafter, and access to quarterly student workshops. There is a $100 institutional sponsorship fee to become a student member. For more information on how to become a member, please contact Rich Howard at (517) 487-6340 or rhoward@lansingchamber.org.

Membership Services

Lansing open was a Real chamber of commerce day!

chamber Membership Program to connect college Students to Local Employers

Nobody notched an ace, but the weather for the Lansing Open was a hole-in-one!

Enjoying the fun at the Lansing Open are from left: Kristin Beltzer, Cameron Gnass, Paula Cunningham, Chris Holman, Tim Daman and Lauren Aitch.

thanks to our many sponsors whose generous contributions made the Lansing open a huge success!

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored the second of a three part series of workshops aimed at helping employers keep up on changes related to Obamacare. An expert panel shared insights with Chamber members in the program “Maximizing Your Healthcare Dollars for Small Employers.” L-r: Don McAnelly, Rehmann; Elizabeth Latchana, Fraser Trebilcock; and Michael James, Fraser Trebilcock.

Great food, fun and networking were in ample supply at the Chamber’s August Member Mixer thanks to the team at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing.

thanks to our many sponsors whose generous contributions made the Lansing open a huge success!

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Members on The Move

PEoPLE nEwSMSU federal credit Union has announced the promotion of Sarah Bohan to the newly created position of vice president of corporate relations.

Rebekah faivor has been named team leader for Peckham farms. Faivor will manage and coordinate the daily responsibilities of Peckham’s 10-acre farm that produces fruit, flowers and vegetables.

insty Prints downtown owners Mike and annette Bruce, as well as store manger Jennifer Berkompas, were recently honored with an Operational Excellence Award from Alliance Franchise Brands, Marketing and Print Division. The award is based on sales performance.

MSU federal credit Union has hired Thomas E. Bell as the assistant vice president of business lending.

Two MEn and a TRUcK®/inTERnaTionaL, inc. recently assigned Jon nobis, former chief information officer, to chief operating officer at its corporate headquarters in Lansing, Mich.

Pat cebelak, cPa, ccifP® has joined Rehmann as a principal in the firm’s Lansing office.

davenport University is proud to announce that dr. andre Perry, a nationally renowned education

reformist, has been named the Founding Dean for a College of Urban Education currently in development stages. Dr. Perry most recently served as the associate director for educational initiatives for the Loyola Institute for Quality and Equity in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans.

MSU federal credit Union has announced the promotions of allison archocosky to assistant manager at the East Lansing branch and Brionna d. Blackwell to assistant manager at the Oakland branch.

The american council of Engineering companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) has announced its new board officers: John Hiltz, PE, of oHM advisors (Livonia) as its 2013-2014 president; amy Trahey, PE - great Lakes Engineering group, LLc, Lansing, president-elect; Michael cooper, PE, Harley Ellis devereaux, Southfield, treasurer; wally alix, PE, Hubbell, Roth & clark, inc., Bloomfield Hills, national director; Keith Swaffar, PE - nTH consultants, LTd, Detroit, past president. Robert Rayl, PE, RS Engineering, LLc, Lansing was elected to the board of directors.

nai Mid-Michigan commercial Real Estate is pleased to announce the arrival of gino Baldino to its sales force. He will specialize in commercial real estate sales and leasing.

MSU federal credit Union has promoted Blake Johnson to manager at the Marsh branch.

a.B. dalimonte is pleased to announce that John Roy castillo has joined the Senior Citizen Law Center, PLC and Dalimonte Law, PC as an associate member.

gallagher Law firm attorney Jennifer Tichelaar was the lead attorney representing a creditor in connection with obtaining a $9,674,057.18 judgment of non-dischargeability in Bankruptcy Court. The litigation involved a failed casino development project in Nevada.

The greater Lansing convention and visitors Bureau is pleased to announce Linda a. Sims-wright, cTa, senior advisor on community development and engagement, has recently been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority.

Ronda Thompson, vice president of business development at capitol national Bank, was recently honored with the Outstanding Community Business Leadership Award from the Rotary Club of Haslett-Okemos.

caSE credit Union has selected nicole Putnam, a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor, to manage the new West Saginaw Branch. courtney Minor assumed the branch management role at the Lake Lansing Branch.

capital Strategies advanced wealth Management, local experts in investments and insurance services, recently hired Jody coutler as their operations director.

Maner costerisan is pleased to announce the addition of Ryan w. Sugg, Katie L. Kennedy and abigail M. daugherty as staff accountants in the audit department.

Sarah Bohan

Jennifer Tichelaar

Thomas E. Bell

Jon nobisgino Baldino

Ronda Thompson

Blake JohnsonPat cebelak

Rebekah faivor

allison archocosky

nicole Putnam

Brionna d. Blackwell

courtney Minor

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MSU federal credit Union has announced the appointment of Michael Hudson to serve as chairman of its Supervisory Committee.

coMPany nEwSBekum america corporation has been honored by the German American Chamber of Commerce with the 2013 MERLIN Award for Excellence in Workforce Development. Bekum was recognized for the development of its apprenticeship program, which encompasses 8,000 hours of hands-on training and 60 credit hours of course work.

Community leaders from across mid-Michigan are supporting the Big challenge, a campaign to recruit 200 big brothers and big sisters in 200 days. You can start something today by visiting bbbsmcr.org or calling 517.372.0160.

greater Michigan construction academy (GMCA) has opened their registration for fall 2013 classes. New and returning students can now contact the academy to reserve their seat. For more information and class fees contact GMCA at (989) 832-8879, (989) 698-0939, lbishop@abcgmc.org, sdavis@abcgmc.org or visit www.gmcacademy.org.

clark construction has been selected as Construction Manager for Oakland University’s Upper Playing Fields project.

Publicom inc., a full-service marketing communications firm, has won three national awards in the 30th annual Healthcare Advertising Awards competition, hosted by Healthcare Marketing Report. The winning entries were developed for McLaren Greater Lansing, McLaren Health Care and Gateway Community Services.

The american Red cross has launched the Team Red Cross App, which allows people to sign up to help, get an overview on basic tasks and receive notifications about Red Cross disaster volunteer opportunities in their community.

western Michigan University trustees approved an affiliation agreement July 18 that will allow the Thomas M. cooley Law School to become the western Michigan University Thomas M. cooley Law School, a move Cooley’s board of directors already approved.

The Mid-Michigan chapter of the american Red cross received a check for $556.87 from

the Midland Radio Corporation today. This gift was prompted by a collaboration of WLNS, ABC Warehouse and Midland Radio Corporation to promote weather radios as an essential part of a preparedness kit.

MSU federal credit Union (MSUFCU) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of their future MSUFCU Mason branch, located between Cedar Street and Jefferson Street in Mason, near the Kipp Road exit on US-127.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by several graduates of Thomas M cooley Law School, who had claimed the law school misrepresented the percentage of its graduates who obtain legal employment after graduation. The Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that the plaintiffs could not prove Cooley’s reported employment statistics were false because the numbers Cooley reported were instead literally true.

greater Michigan construction academy will be offering an Advanced Electrical – Journeyman Electrician License Prep course in the upcoming fall semester.

The greater Lansing convention and visitors Bureau is pleased to announce regional hotel room occupancy is up 7.51 percent for the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, out-pacing competing cities across Michigan, according to data collected by nationally-recognized hospitality research firm Smith Travel Research.

capital Strategies advanced wealth Management, leaders in the use of the Endowment Model of Investing, is launching mini monthly workshops at their new office located on Legacy Parkway in Lansing.

greenStone farm credit Services’ quarterly stockholder report shows earnings of $32.1 million in

the second quarter of 2013. The cooperative’s earnings through the first half of 2013 totaled $65.6 million, an eight percent decrease compared to record earnings of $71 million posted by the cooperative over the same time period in 2012.

Hobbs + Black associates inc. is pleased to announce the opening of the Tucson Medical Center West Pavilion in Tucson, AZ. Hobbs+Black completed a tremendous building program encompassing multiple projects, including construction of a new west hospital, and a new five-story parking structure.

Michigan State University will host a conference on October 4 that focuses on the growing field of big data analysis and how it is shaping the future. “Analytics 2013: The Face of Analytics,” to be held 1–5 p.m. at the MSU James B. Henry Center for Executive Education in Lansing, is free and open to the public.

Huntington Bank was named the top performing bank in the nation by Bank Director Magazine in its recent annual Bank Performance Scorecard issue.

Customers of greenStone farm credit Services have spoken, and their opinion is clear; they are satisfied with the products, services and customer service provided by the cooperative. GreenStone scored a 96 percent satisfaction rating among customers on a recently completed survey conducted by Michigan-based Advantage Research and Analysis.

Members on The Move

Michael Hudson

msuFCu representatives at the groundbreaking from l-r: Patrick mcPharlin, ernest betts, william latta, angela brown, sue Carter, Gregory Deppong, and april Clobes.

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A Lansing Community College professor is offering area employers a unique opportunity to connect with potential future employees. In an ongoing attempt to make his management and leadership courses more useful to students and local

employers alike, David Schwinn is interested in asking local employers to:1. Speak to his class about their organizations as a way to make his classes

more relevant to today’s management and leadership problems and opportunities.

2. Provide a “plant” tour of their operation as a way for his students to get a hands on feel for the kind of world they will be entering as they take on the jobs to which their education is leading.

3. Identify a project or projects that student teams might take on that would simultaneously make their classroom learning more practical and improve some aspect of the sponsoring organization.

“These connections are great for the students in that they have an opportunity to interact with real-world business people,” said Schwinn, noting that most of his students are business or management majors. “The business people get to connect with students who might be potential employees.”

Schwinn is a full-time professor of management and leadership at Lansing Community College and a part-time consultant in its Small Business and Technology Development Center, InGenius Consulting, and INTERACT Associates. Interested employers can contact David at 517.483.1547 or schwinnd@lcc.edu.

NerdWallet, a financial literacy and consumer advocacy website, has compiled a list of the best places for work-life balance in a nationwide study- and the Lansing-East Lansing metro area is among the top 20.

NerdWallet ranked the Lansing-East Lansing area as the 16th best place for work-life balance after assessing the area’s median hours worked per week, average commute time and median earnings for full-time, year-round workers.

“With fair pay and reasonable hours, workers in the area have more time to do what they need to or want to do,” said NerdWallet analyst Divya Raghavan.

Workers in the Lansing-East Lansing region work 35.7 hours a week and have an average commute of 21.1 minutes, leaving time for everyday errands, quality friends and family time and anything else they may want to do. Median salaries ranges from $40,268 to $48,266.

connecting Learning to the community

Lansing-East Lansing among nation’s Best in work-Life Balance

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Chamber in action

on monday, July 22, members of the community gathered at the ribbon cutting for the new valu land grocery store in the Colonial village neighborhood, replacing the l & l that closed in 2010. the new store located at 1601 w. mt. hope ave. in lansing is a mid-sized grocery store with low prices and a basic selection of goods, exactly what local residents told community leaders they wanted. Celebrating the ribbon cutting (from l to r): Dave hogoboom, District manager, valu land, spartan stores; Craig singer, building owner; Karl biasi, President of the Colonial village neighbor association; Kathie Dunbar, lansing City Council; Jennifer wandel, valu land store manager; Derek Jones, executive vice President, retail operations, valu land, spartan stores; Jim Clapp, Director of sales, valu land, spartan stores; and tim Daman, President & Ceo, lansing regional Chamber of Commerce.

on tuesday, July 30, the lansing regional Chamber joined with the old town community and lansing mayor virg bernero to welcome two new businesses to the old town neighborhood. spherion (picture at top), opening at 1036 east Grand river ave., lansing, is a recruiting and staffing leader that will focus on connecting top talent with top jobs here in lansing. the matthew ryan salon (picture at bottom), located at 108 east Grand river ave., lansing, will provide exceptional and sophisticated salon services and products in the charming old town shopping district.

on July 1, Penn station east Coast subs celebrated the grand opening of their second location in the Greater lansing region at 4758 marsh road in okemos. Joining in the ribbon cutting are (from l to r): Jason Green (lansing regional Chamber), rich howard (lansing regional Chamber), Kaelee o’brien, Julia Dane, Cheryl Kellogg (owner), mark Kellogg (owner), brent Dreyfus (meridian township Clerk), and melissa nay (lansing regional Chamber ambassador).

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPaidLANSING, MIPERMIT NO. 622

The Stadium District500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200Lansing, MI 48912Ph. 517.487.6340lansingchamber.org

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