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Communication & IT 2

Social Media: A Marketing Tool for TodayBy Jane Whittington

Have you tweeted lately? How up todate is your Facebook page? Are youLinkdin? Can you Digg it? Have you post-ed to your blog lately? Pinned anything?And how many You Tube hits did you getthis week?

If these questions mean nothing toyou, it’s time to get with the program(s).Social media, in all its forms, is increas-ingly important in the business world,and businesses that don’t participate willbe left behind.

What is social media? Wikipedia(another online tool) defines social mediaas “the means of interactions among peo-ple in which they create, share, andexchange information and ideas in virtu-al communities and networks.”

Using mobile- and web-based tech-nology, social media is a low-cost andeffective method of creating, communi-cating, sharing and discussing content.

Social media can include social net-works (like Facebook), blogs, wikis, pod-casts, forums, content communities andmicroblogging (like Twitter). For a down-loadable eBook (of course) discussingsocial media, go towww.icrossing.co.uk/fileadmin/uploads/eBooks/What_is_Socia

l_Media_iCrossing_ebook.pdfKaty Atchison, Social Media and

Marketing Manager at The Skye Group inGrand Rapids, which offers marketing,communications and consulting, says,“While there are over 200 social mediasites, some of the most used includeFacebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube,Google+, Pinterest, Instagram andFourSquare.”

She continues, “Social media inte-grates technology, social collaborationand content to connect online informa-tion. This can be used for both profes-sional and personal reasons.”

James Barry, President andMarketing Strategist of bevelwise, a digi-tal marketing company in Grand Rapids,says, “Using social media is a key strate-gy for businesses. As I explain it to myclients: Suppose you have a pizza place,and I have a pizza place. You have fivesites online about pepperoni pizza, and Ihave 50 pages on pepperoni pizza. Justfrom a sheer volume of content, when acustomer Googles ‘pepperoni pizza’,they’ll bring up my pizza place first.However, if your five pages of contenthave 50 links to or from other sites, andmy 50 pages have five links, Google looksat you and says, ’Well, there’s only five

pages, but an awful lot of people seem tothink it’s great pizza, so let’s bring thatone to the top.’ Links are a form ofauthority according to your searchengine. So it’s a balancing act. “

Both Barry and Atchison agree thatsocial media is a powerful tool for busi-ness marketing.

Atchison says, “Social media allowsbusinesses to reach more people in atimely way. It has visual appeal, can tar-get messaging and advertising to certainaudiences and is easy to use.”

Barry says, “The number one thingyou need to do is using social media ismaking sure your content is relevant toyour audience. If businesses are postinggood content and things that are of inter-est, timely, intentional and/or communi-ty-oriented, the outcome will be positive.There’s no cookie cutter approach to this;you have to analyze the data. You look atwhat’s getting the audience to respond,see, know, discuss, retweet and reference.That’s what creates good social media.”

He continues, “Large companies nowhave social media command centers wherethey monitor what’s trending. They seewhat people are talking about online.That’s real-time research that companiescan jump on immediately.”

Atchison points to one large corpora-tion. She says, “Ford Motor Company, forinstance, does a great job with theirFacebook page and fully engages theircustomers. They have over 1.8 million‘likes’ and keep users engaged with eyecatching photos, questions and productinformation.”

According to Barry, “Done right,social media can put you out there in frontof thousands and thousands of peoplecheaper than any other form of market-ing.”

If have a Facebook account, go toyour page, and notice the ads along theside. Those are specifically placed there foryou, based on information you have givento the site. The advertiser is specificallytargeting you. Obviously, a mass mailing,magazine or newspaper ad or billboarddoesn’t have the capacity to do that.

Businesses use social media both fora specific campaign or rollout as well ason an ongoing basis. The best do both:they maintain a constant presence butalso introduce new products or serviceswith a specific “push.”

Is social media just for the youngergeneration? Definitely not. Atchison says,“The average age of a Twitter user is 37,and the fastest growing age group onFacebook is 55-65 year-olds. All demo-graphics use social media; current andpotential customers are there every day.”

Barry says, “Sometimes technologyscares people. It’s different, and peopletend to resist change. But we don’t justput things out there; we analyze the data,and we can prove the effectiveness of ourcampaigns. It’s measurable; we can showthe return on investment (ROI). Andsocial media definitely delivers.”

Companies like The Skye Group andbevelwise are the social media expertswho can work with businesses to devel-op, maintain and maximize the use ofsocial media in all its forms. And whenthe brand new social media tool emergestomorrow, they’ll be on top of that one,too!

For more information on bevelwiseand the Skye Group, go to www.bevel-wise.com and www.theskyegroup.com

Jane Whittington is a freelance writerand editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

TiimFocus Launches TakeOn Asana

March 19th, 2013 — StartupTiimFocus announces the launch of itscollaborative task system as a solution forthe increasingly remote workforce, andprovides organizations with the ability toeasily keep track of tasks and workassignments.

The B2B software is a comprehen-sive product and was designed from thestart to evolve as an organization grew.

Examples of features in the productinclude Workflow, which allows individu-als to determine and push tasks that have

been sitting idle and are causing bottle-necks, and Metrics, which helps workersfocus on completing the right tasks athand. A full API will also be released laterthis year, which will allow companies touse TiimFocus workflows and storage intheir own applications.

TiimFocus is free for the first 10users, and charges a monthly subscrip-tions for subsequent users. Learn moreabout TiimFocus at: http://www.tiimfo-cus.com/about-us/

By, Joseph W. Berlin

People do not often think of theenvironmental consultant as a key advi-sor in a merger or acquisition (M&A). Infar too many cases, however, ignoringor delaying an assessment of either spe-cific or general Environmental, Health &Safety (EHS) issues can have a verynegative impact on a transaction. Theplanning and implementation of a welldone transaction can take time, espe-cially related to EHS issues.

We often find the resistance to con-duct environmental due diligence (EDD)strongest in related party transactionand generational transitions.

So what do we recommend?First, get your key advisors togeth-

er, including your accountant, attorneyor consultants. Although not often atthe top of people’s list, we suggest thatEHS should be included early in theprocess. All too often the environmentalwork is done at the very end of thetransaction process and issues that mayhave been resolved either kill or delaythe deal and almost certainly will affectprice and terms.

We often see M&A transactionsdelayed for months while issues areaddressed because the environmentaldue diligence had not been ordered untilthe last minute. At that point someenvironmental issues should havealready been addressed, including per-mit renewal, programdevelopment/implementation, requiredtraining updates and site investigation.Business owners often focus on poten-tial local purchasers whereas the bestpurchaser may not be from outside yourgeographic area or even the UnitedStates, and that the perception andimportance of environmental, especiallyenvironmental cleanup liability, canbecome a major transaction hurdle.

Here is an example.The seller had several suitors, one

of which was a European company. Theseller had conducted some level of envi-ronmental due diligence which it dis-closed to the prospective purchasers.The US-based suitors were not as con-cerned as the European companyregarding environmental issues. TheEuropean company was ultimately suc-cessful in the purchase. However, anumber of items beyond the standard

environmental due diligence (Phase I/IIESA, BEA, Due Care Plan) wererequired. These items included anassessment of overall EHS compliancefrom both a simple compliance and pro-gram effectiveness point of view.Opportunities for reductions in GHGemissions were not even on the radarscreen of the seller.

The item that should have beenforeseen was to have a very rigorousEDD/EHS package available to anyprospective purchaser. Using a localconsultant not well versed in dealing

with M&A transactions and the types ofM&A-specific assessments and reportscan put you at a big disadvantage.

In this case the European purchas-er required the full extent of soil andgroundwater contamination to be fullydefined, a range of cleanup/mitigationoptions assessed, an environmentalescrow developed and backup environ-mental legal liability insurance pro-cured. This was all in addition to thestandard EDD.

The seller was amazed and frus-trated, at times, at the level of concern

and importance that the environmentalwas to this company.

The purchaser also has standardpost-acquisition inspections to ensurecompliance with the due care plan. Eventhough the closing process took longerand was more expensive, the seller net-ted a significant windfall by his willing-ness work through the process.

Joseph W. Berlin, PE, CFE, QC, isPresident, BLDI, Inc.

4328 Three Mile Rd., NW, Ste. 200 • Grand Rapids, MI

616.791.7100www.rosewestra.com

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Environmental Process& Treatment Design

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3Mergers & Acquisitions: Cleaning up

Your Balance Sheet

Furniture City: Home to Kindel Furniturefor Over 100 Years

By Jane Whittington

Grand Rapids used to be called the“furniture city”. Most of the businesseswhich once created fine furniture for cus-tomers throughout the country are nowgone, victim to globalization, rising costsand falling demand. But KindelFurniture, founded in 1901 remains avibrant and flourishing company, whichcontinues to make finely-crafted furni-ture right here in Grand Rapids.

Kindel Furnitur’s roots began whenCharles Kindel founded the DenverBedding Company. In 1904, he sold thecompany and bought the Evansville SmithBedding Company in St. Louis, renamingit the Kindel Bedding Company. By 1911,with plants in New York, Toronto andChicago, he established a wood workingfactory in Grand Rapids.

By 1926, both of his sons, Tom and

Chuck, were involved in the KindelFurniture Company whose mission hadturned to reproductions of American his-torical furniture. In 1932, the companyintroduced a reproduction bed fromMount Vernon to commemorate the 200thbirthday of George Washington.Throughout the 1940s, Washington’s sil-houette appeared in advertising.

During WW II, Kindel Furniture pro-duced wood glider plane parts for the wareffort.

During the 1950s, Kindel began tointroduce new, European-influenced fur-niture lines. New collections includedFrench Provincial, Viennese Classical andLouis XVI. At the same time, Kindelbought a chair company and introduceddining room furniture.

In 1964, the company was purchasedby John Fisher who served as chairman ofthe board until his death in 2009. His son,James Fisher, is the current chairman.

In 2010, Kindel announced a merger

with Grand Rapids based Taylor Company,a manufacturer of wood and veneeredproducts known for advanced techniquesin woodworking.

According to Amy Wolbert, SeniorVice President of Sales and Marketing,“We’re the only maker of residential fur-niture left in Grand Rapids and areextremely proud of our persistence andstrength. We care about the high level ofcraftsmanship to which we are committed.Our furniture is made with artistry, beau-ty and flawless execution.”

She continues, “Our 60 employeesmake highly complex designs with exact-ing detail. We employ highly skilled cabi-net makers, machinists, hand carvers,painters and finishers. Kindel furniture isbench made, one at a time. We have pur-posely elevated our designs and continueto pride ourselves on our legacy of furni-ture making.”

Kindel Furniture is sold through dis-tributors such as interior designers and

fine retail stores. They manufacture theirown brand but also manufacture prod-ucts for private labels. They are 100 per-cent domestic in their production andimport nothing.

A fire in 2010 at their 100 year-oldbuilding resulted in the loss of some partsinventory and models used in hand carv-ing. However, most of the contents of thebuilding had already been moved toanother facility. According to Wolbert, “Itwas difficult because many of ouremployees had worked in that buildingfor many years.”

The tradition of excellence, pride incraftsmanship and a legacy of commit-ment to their artisanship and to theircommunity is still strong—100+ yearsand counting.

Jane Whittington is a freelancewriter and editor who lives in GrandRapids.

4

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Contributing Writers: JaneWhittington, Joseph W. Berlin, MicheleBuckler

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Legal/Accounting/Consulting BriefsKalamazoo – Plante Moran FinancialAdvisors announced: Mark Dixon willfocus his efforts on leading the firm’s rap-idly growing institutional practice; andJim Baird will expand his scope and takeover as new Chief Investment Officer.

Grand Rapids – Hilger Hammondannounced Attorney Mark Rysberg wassworn into United States District Court forthe Eastern District of Michigan, beforeU.S. District Court Judge Gershwin Drain.

Grand Rapids – Baker Holtz, CPA andAdvisor, announced Layna Buthkerjoined as Associate after completing herMaster’s of Science in Taxation fromGrand Valley State University.

Grand Rapids – Echelbarger, Himebaugh,Tamm & Co.’s Development Committeeannounced recipient of the 28th AnnualChipping for Charity Golf Outing - SouthEnd Community Outreach Ministrieswith plans to use the money by providingfresh food to 12,390 pantry clients, andincreasing pounds of fresh food availablefrom approximately 2,000 pounds in 2012,to 5,000 pounds in 2013.

Grand Rapids – Scott Keller was namedchair of Technology and IntellectualProperty Group of Warner Norcross &Judd, LLP, and will lead a 21-memberpractice group providing full service in allareas of intellectual property.

Grand Rapids – Richard A. Roane, part-ner with law firm Warner Norcross &Judd LLP, joined International Academyof Matrimonial Lawyers.

Muskegon – Institute for OrganizationManagement, professional developmentprogram of the U.S. Chamber ofCommerce Foundation, appointed DawnJohnson, IOM, Vice President ofMuskegon Lakeshore Chamber ofCommerce, to Midwest Board of Regents,and will implement policies created byInstitute’s National Board of Trustees.

Grand Rapids – Warner Norcross &Judd, LLP, elected three partners to serveon its Management Committee: CharlieGoode, James J. Rabaut, and W. MichaelVan Haren, and will each serve three-year terms on the law firm’s 10-memberManagement Committee, which is chairedby Managing Partner Douglas E.Wagner.

Grand Rapids – Warner Norcross &Judd, LLP, was named “West Michigan’s101 Best & Brightest Companies to WorkFor™” for the 11th consecutive year.

Grand Rapids – Plante Moran, account-ing and business advisory firm, wasnamed Employer of the Year at the secondInternational Accounting Bulletin Awardscelebration in London, for the second con-secutive year.

Grand Rapids – John Inhulsen, Attorneywith Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC,was appointed as Chairman of the Boardof Directors for Grand Rapids March ofDimes, and is also a member of theMichigan March of Dimes Board ofDirectors.

Grand Rapids – Joel Mitchell, CPA, joinedPlante Moran, PLLC as Partner, and con-centrates his practice in international tax.

Grand Rapids – Charter Group, mergerand acquisition advisory firm, announcedaddition of William L. Johnson - formerChairman, President and CEO of SEMCO -to its Advisory Board.

Grandville/Wayland – Twelve companiesfrom around Michigan have been selectedto receive Michigan Small Business &Technology Development Center’s (MI-SBTDC) Best Small Business Award.These companies were chosen from over13,000 small businesses and will be hon-ored at Michigan Celebrates SmallBusiness awards ceremony May 2, 2013,including: MFP Automation Engineering(Grandville) which provides completeengineering systems, not just compo-nents; and Servo Innovations, LLC(Wayland), Southwest Michigan’s leadingA2LA Accredited Laboratory able to test,calibrate, service and certify hydraulicactuators.

5

Federal Small Business Association and MI-SBTDCHelping Small Businesses Succeed

By Jane Whittington

According to President Obama,“Small businesses are the backbone ofour economy and the cornerstones of ournation’s progress.”

An article in the Houston Chronicleconsiders the definition of a small busi-ness and their importance in today’s mar-ketplace. They reported, “A small busi-ness is defined as a business with 500employees or less. According to the U. S.Small Business Association (SBA), smallbusinesses represent 99.7 percent of allemployer firms. Since 1995, small busi-nesses have generated 64 percent of newjobs and paid 44 percent of the totalUnited States private payroll.”

While, starting a small business is adream for many people and can reap greatrewards, it is not without risk. The SBAreports that while seven out of ten newsmall businesses survive at least twoyears, only half are still operating afterfive years. A third of these businesses lastat least ten years, and only one quartercontinue for 15 years or longer. It is a leapof faith to become an entrepreneur, butthere is help out there for those who areconsidering such a venture.

The Michigan Small Business andTechnology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) is a statewide network offering

services both for new small businessesand those who are growing. MI-SBTDC ispart of a national network of such centerscommitted to the launch of new business-es and the growth of those already exist-ing. The Michigan Center partners withthe U.S. Small Business Administration togive technical assistance, market researchand counseling to small companies. Theyhave four teams of consultants to provideservices. These teams are small businessregional teams; the growth group team;the finance specialist team; and the tech-nology commercialization team. Moreinformation about the teams can beaccessed at www.misbtdc.org

The Federal SBA reports, “America'sSmall Business Development CenterNetworks, in fiscal year 2011, providedassistance to an estimated 1.25 millionclients. Of this number, approximately710,000 counseling and training clientsreceived a minimum of one hour of indi-vidual counseling or two hours of grouptraining. The network’s clients includesmall business owners and aspiringentrepreneurs.”

Originally, Michigan’s Center wasaffiliated with Wayne State University inDetroit but moved to Grand Valley StateUniversity in 2001.

Jennifer Deamud, Associate StateDirector of MI- SBTDC, says, “There are

small business development centers inevery state. Some larger states have sev-eral, but Michigan has just the one here inGR. Most state centers are connected withuniversities, just as ours is connectedwith GVSU. We also have regional centerswithin other universities, community col-leges and Michigan Works offices.”

She continues, “Fifty percent of ourfunding comes through the federal SBA;about 26 percent comes from theMichigan Economic DevelopmentCorporation (MEDC); the remaining 24percent comes from our hosts. We haveregional offices at Eastern MichiganUniversity, Western Michigan University,Lansing Community College and others.So they, along with GVSU, fund some ofour operations. They also provide in-kindservices.”

She says, “Actually, both our stateorganization and a regional office arehoused at GVSU. However, they arestaffed separately.”

The GR state headquarters overseesstrategic planning, communications andworks with stakeholders in securingfunding. Deamud says, “The regionaloffice and the state headquarters play twodifferent roles.”

GVSU provides a team of graduateassistants in the regional office who doprovide market research for the entire

state. Deamud says, “The majority of our

clients come to us through referrals fromour partners or through networking—clients telling other people about us.”

She continues, “About 40 percent ofour clients are those who are just startinga new businesses and the other 60 per-cent are growth companies, those who arelooking to go to the next level.”

Five years ago, the Growth GroupTeam was launched. This group focuseson growth strategy for existing compa-nies. Deamud says, “We continue to servestart-ups, but many of our services nowtarget existing businesses in helping themgrow.”

Deamud continues, “With those whowant to start a new company, we leadthem directly into training, so they take acourse on just exactly how to start a newbusiness. Some realize in the course oftheir training that this may not be the bestchoice for them. And if they decide to goahead, we work with them to achieve suc-cess.”

MI-SBTDC and their regional officeshave about one hundred paid businessconsultants across the state, almost all ofwhom still own and operate their ownsmall businesses or have had successfulbusinesses in the past.

Continued on page 6

6

Federal Small Business Association and MI-SBTDCHelping Small Businesses Succeed

Continued from page 5

Deamud says that West Michiganhas seen an increase in capital formationwhile other parts of the state have notbeen as successful.

The MI-SBTDC assists clients inacquiring funds but does not providefunds. Deamud says, “Banks won’t evenconsider a small business loan, either fora new business or an existing business,unless the client has a sound businessplan, marketing research, a feasibilitystudy, sales projections etc. We help themmake sure all those things are in placebefore they go to apply for a loan.”

She continues, “In 2011, we helpedacquire $234 million in capital across thestate.”

The U. S. Small BusinessAdministration operates a district office inDetroit and an area office in Grand

Rapids. Brian Picarazzi is the Senior AreaManager of the U. S. SBA MichiganDistrict Office. He says, “Our goal is towork with both potential and existingsmall businesses to help them grow andprosper. We do this by providing smallbusiness counseling and low-cost trainingthrough our resource partnerships withother organizations like the MI-SBTDC,SCORE (a network of volunteer businesscounselors), Women’s Business Centersand the U. S. Export Assistance Centers.We also help our clients apply for federaland other contracts.”

It is important to note that they workwith both new businesses and with exist-ing businesses looking to grow.

He continues, “While we do notdirectly provide capital, we provide bor-rowers with access to capital. We workwith local lenders, and they would workwith business owners. If the lender can’t

do a conventional loan, they would turnto us, and we would guarantee that loan.”

According to Picarazzi, “Some peoplethink you only get an SBA guaranteewhen it’s a ‘bad loan’, but that really isn’tthe truth. Banks will use us for companieswho have strong balance sheets and cashflow, but they may be in an industry riskybusiness (like restaurants or hotels).Collateral shortfalls are another reasonbanks might ask for an SBA guarantee.”

He says, “The bank will make theloan to the borrower, and, if the bank usesthe SBA guarantee, the bank holds andservices the loan, but the SBA is there incase the loan ever goes into default or liq-uidation. If that happens, the bank isguaranteed anywhere from 75 to 85 per-cent of their losses back from the SBA.”

Picarazzi says that when businessowners call him, he will refer them to fouror five active banks in their area. Many go

directly to the bank for a loan, while oth-ers go first to SBA.

The Grand Rapids office employsonly Picarazzi who works throughout 20counties in West Michigan. He travelsoften, bringing outreach efforts to eco-nomic development groups, Chambers ofCommerce, banks and other organizationsand individuals throughout the entirearea.

Last year, the SBA Michigan DistrictOffice led the nation in SBA lending forthe first time. Picarazzi says, “That’s atribute to our lenders, our partners andthe collaboration we have in the state.”

For more information, go towww.sba.gov

Jane Whittington is a freelance writerand editor who lives in Grand Rapids.

Finance/Insurance/Banking BriefsGrand Rapids – Brewers ProfessionalAlliance, along with The WhiteInsurance Agency and FremontInsurance, announced they specificallydeveloped an insurance package endorse-ment with over 50 coverages unique tothe Craft Brew Industry.

Sparta – ChoiceOne Bank announcedJason A. Parker re-joined as ChoiceOne’sAssistant Vice-President of CommercialLending, and will working in area of com-mercial lending needs.

Grand Rapids – Blackford Capital, LLCannounced appointment of AndreaWood, Assistant Controller, with respon-sibilities including accounting adminis-tration, presentation of monthly finan-cials, and monitoring portfolio companycompliance with financial and reportingobjectives.

Grand Rapids – Founders Bank & Trustannounced Greg Randall joined as VicePresident - Commercial Lending GroupManager.

Traverse City – Lighthouse Groupannounced hiring Nicki Klama, TitleSettlement Officer, in their Douglas loca-tion.

Grand Rapids – Lake Michigan CreditUnion announced hiring: Greg Runnels,Loan Officer at their Holland - Lakeshoreoffice; and Lisa German, Loan Officer attheir Muskegon - Lakeshore office.

Grand Rapids – Macatawa Bank namedJonathan N. Dewey as Private BankingBusiness Development Office.

Grand Rapids – Lake Michigan CreditUnion (LMCU) announced a marketingpartnership with builder, carpenter, andHGTV host Carter Oosterhouse, who willbecome the “face” of LMCU going for-ward.

Grand Rapids – Paul Hascher joinedLighthouse Group, Kentwood location,as Director of Risk Control in theirBusiness Insurance Department with over20 years of experience in risk control.

Caledonia – Campbell Group, division ofAcrisure, LLC, announced addition ofDave Palmisano, Commercial MarketingManager, who will be responsible for carri-er relations and new business marketing.

Lansing – Accident Fund InsuranceCompany of America announced OttawaKent Insurance Agency, Inc., a recipientof its esteemed 2012 President’s ClubAward, an annual award presented to aselect number of independent insuranceagencies who meet specific criteria for writ-ten premium and sustained profitability.

Kentwood – Regal Financial Group,LLC, was recognized by MichiganBusiness and Professional Association asone of “West Michigan’s 101 Best andBrightest Companies to Work For™.”

Lansing – Lake Trust Credit Unionannounced plans to build a new $30 mil-lion headquarter on a 17-acre site adjoin-ing US 23 just north of I-96 nearBrighton, and expand throughoutMichigan. Lake Trust plans to invest atotal of $40 million in Michigan over thenext five years.

Grand Rapids – Pamela Caul joinedLighthouse Group as Senior MarketingProject Manager with over 20 years expe-rience in marketing and communications.

Holland – For the third year, MacatawaBank was named West Michigan’s 101Best & Brightest Companies to WorkFor.

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By Jane Whittington

We in Michigan are blessed withincomparable natural resources. We liveamongst lush forests, verdant fields ofcorn or wheat, groves of apples or cherriesand, of course, the Great Lakes. Althoughthe automotive industry still holds firstplace in the economic landscape, the nexttwo, agriculture and tourism, depend onthe bounty of nature.

But responsibility comes along withnature’s largess. It is up to us to protect theland and water, to be good stewards ofwhat nature has given us. We can do thisin our daily lives, and that is certainlyimportant. Just as important are the organ-ized efforts that make Michigan a wonder-ful place to live, now and into the future.

One of these organizations is theWest Michigan Environmental ActionCouncil (WMEAC) right here in GrandRapids.

Established in 1968, the agency hasevolved over the years. According to DanSchoonmaker, Director ofCommunications and Member Services,“WMEAC is the region’s largest environ-mental advocacy group. We initiallylaunched as an action council, writing leg-islation, filing law suits and operating ona more grassroots level. WMEAC’s firstaction was to work toward banning DDT,and that was successful. We also wrote

the Michigan Environmental ProtectionAct, the Michigan Inland Lakes andStreams Act, and we were closelyinvolved with the Michigan Bottle Bill.”

He continues, “Our work is generallydecided by what’s most important in theareas we serve. We plan this in strategysessions every few years. But if somethingdire occurs, we react to that situationquickly. We also monitor environmentalpolicy and legislation very closely.”

WMEAC covers seven counties inWest Michigan, with its primary focus onKent, Ottawa and Muskegon Countieswith a special interest in Grand Rapids.They employ no lobbyists and maintain astaff of nine (including three part-timeemployees). They rely heavily on volun-teers. According to Schoonmaker, “Wehave about 40 regular volunteers withmany who come onboard for special proj-ects and events.”

WMEAC is funded by contributions,grant support and consulting work.Experts within the agency are hired toprovide outside entities with non-techni-cal support, and monies for that work arepaid to WMEAC.

Schoonmaker says, “One of ourlargest projects last year in terms of ourconsulting work was the facilitation of theGrand Rapids Community Storm WaterPlanning Initiative.”

One of WMEAC’s most important

goals is to increase energy efficiency.Schoonmaker says, “Our belief is that weshould be working for ways to eliminatethe need for projects like the XL Pipeline.Protecting Michigan’s waters and energyefficiency are our priorities.”

He continues, “We believe that if weeliminate the need for new energy, mostof our other concerns will fall in line.”

Energy efficiency has been proven bymultiple studies to be the cheapest, clean-est and most efficient form of using avail-able energy and reducing the need formore energy.

Schoonmaker says, “We have a pro-gram through which people are able to getcomplete home energy assessments. Weprovide this through a number of differ-ent contractors, and it’s available to any-one in West Michigan.”

WMEAC was the founder of the WestMichigan Sustainable Business Forum,

which spun off in 2010 but remains close-ly involved with WMEAC. Schoonmakerpoints out that WMEAC is in no wayadversarial to the business communitybut wants to work in partnership withthem to sustain Michigan’s resources.

In terms of sustainability,Schoonmaker says, “West Michigan hasgood awareness. It has become a sourceof community pride that Grand Rapids isa ‘green city’. But there is a long way togo from simply aspiration to accomplish-ment. We do have a lot to be proud of, butwhat we should really be proud of is thewillingness of people here to do better.”

For more information about WMEACand its other programs, visitwww.wmeac.org.

Jane Whittington is a freelancewriter and editor who lives in GrandRapids.

7Michigan’s Natural Resources Need

Citizens to Be Good Stewards

Transformation Begins atHistoric UP School

Grand Rapids - Developer Tim Hoveywith the Gryphon Group is pleased toannounce that the rehabilitation of the oldCentral School in the City of Iron River,Michigan is approved for constructioncommencement. Mr. Hovey closed withthe equity provider - Lake MichiganFinancial Corporation (Holland, MI), con-struction financing - The Bank ofNorthern Michigan (Traverse City, MI),and permanent financing - MSHDA(Lansing, MI) in March 2013 and con-struction is scheduled to begin in April.

Constructed in 1902 as a high school,Central School also served as an elemen-tary / middle school, and closed down in1980. Realizing the building’s potentialand importance in revitalizing the commu-nity’s core, the property was purchased bythe Iron River Downtown DevelopmentAuthority in 2004. The City and the DDAhave been great supporters of the develop-ment both economically and in spirit.

General contractor WolverineBuilding Group and architect Barry J.Polzin will soon begin work on the $6.6Million adaptive reuse project to trans-form the century-old school into AppleBlossom Apartments. Comprised of 22affordable one-, two-, and three-bedroomunits, this historic preservation develop-ment will provide much needed housingfor the citizens of Iron River.

“I'm eager to take part in the trans-formation of this unique community land-mark,” says Wolverine’s Project ManagerMarcus Ringnalda. “The City of Iron Riverhas been immensely supportive of theproject and it will be exciting to be part ofthe team bringing the vision to reality.”

The project is scheduled for comple-tion in December 2013. Apple Blossom isan Enterprise Green -certified sustainableproject to reduce life cycle costs and envi-ronmental impact, and to provide ahealthier environment for residents.

Health Care BriefsDetroit – Blue Cross Blue Shield ofMichigan recognized 39 hospitals forBlue Distinction Centers for SpecialtyCare® program in areas of spine surgery,and knee and hip replacements. Since2006, Blue Distinction program has iden-tified hospitals delivering quality care inbariatric surgery, cardiac care, complexand rare cancers, knee and hip replace-ments, spine surgery and transplants.

Grand Rapids – Priority Health joinedMichigan’s largest health informationexchange, Michigan Health Connect -the first major insurer to join a healthinformation exchange in Michigan.

Grand Rapids – Spectrum Health’s can-cer program was granted three-yearaccreditation with commendation by theCommission on Cancer of the AmericanCollege of Surgeons. While SpectrumHealth has been accredited for cancer caresince 1934, this is the first time theorganization was commended for its workin all areas.

Wyoming – Metro Health Hospitalannounced it is the first hospital in WestMichigan to use the new Zilver® PTX®drug-eluting stent in the fight againstamputation resulting from peripheral vas-cular disease and critical limb ischemia,by combining benefits of mechanical anddrug therapies to provide physicians andpatients with longer-lasting results in thesuperficial femoral artery.

Grand Rapids – Grand RapidsOphthalmology announced the first pri-vate practice in Michigan able to manu-facture digitally designed lenses and anti-reflective coatings. The lab moved to a new2500 sq. ft. facility Wyoming, Michigan,making room for new equipment and theaddition of ALLVUE™ lenses, which pro-vide a larger, sharper viewing area whileminimizing peripheral distortion, andLasAR™ anti-reflection coating.

Grand Rapids – Munson Healthcare’seight northern Michigan hospitals cansecurely and efficiently exchange patientinformation electronically with medicalproviders across the State, thanks to apartnership with Michigan Health Connect.

Grand Rapids – Metro Health announcedit will expand its partnership withOrthopaedic Associates of Michigan(OAM) to develop an orthopaedic centerof excellence in West Michigan, projectedto begin service autumn 2013.

Grand Rapids – Doug Dietzman,Executive Director of Michigan HealthConnect, was appointed to LeadershipCouncil of eHealth Initiative, a nationalgroup of 200 health care leaders seekingto improve patient care and provider effi-ciencies through new technologies.

Grand Rapids – Spectrum Healthacquired new high-resolution guidanceiMRI (Intraoperative Magnetic ResonanceImaging Technology), which will enablefeedback to surgeons during procedures,indicate critical areas near a tumor need-ing to be avoided during surgery, andhelp surgeons confirm overall removal oftumors. Spectrum Health is the onlyprovider in West Michigan, and one ofonly 40 in the country.

Kalamazoo – Borgess Health was namedone of “West Michigan’s 101 Best andBrightest Companies to Work For” byMichigan Business and ProfessionalAssociation, for the tenth consecutive year.

Kalamazoo – Borgess Health will honorthe following exceptional nurses for 2013with Friends of Borgess Nursing Awards,at the annual Endowment Fund AwardsDinner, 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2013, atFetzer Center on campus of WesternMichigan University: BorgessLamplighter Award - The Surgical Groupof Southwest Michigan; Rising StarAward - Tera Cruz, RN; Excellence inClinical Practice 1 Awards: KathyCoopmans, BSN, RN; Holly McDonald,RN-BC; and Dorothy Matlock, ADN, RN;Nursing Leadership Award - Lois VanDonselaar, MSN, RN; Sisters of St.Joseph Legacy Award - Kathy Grueter,MSN, MA, RN; 2013 Friends of BorgessNursing Certification Grants: AmyBennett, BSN, RN; Judy Cooper, BSN,RN; Paul Hoffman, BSN, RN; Deb Jorae,MSN, RN, NE-BC; Tim Nicaise, BSN, RN;and Gwendolyn Finney, RN;Recertification Grant - Linda Brown,MSN, RN, ONC; and Scholarly Grants:Tim Nicaise, BSN, RN; and PaulHoffman, BSN, RN.

Grand Rapids – The VA Ann ArborHealthcare System announced ground-breaking of the new VA Grand RapidsCommunity-based Outpatient Clinic,which will replace the existing facility locat-ed at 3019 Coit Ave., NE, and provide95,986 net-usable square feet. The replace-ment Outpatient Community will provideSpecialty Care, Mental Health, Radiology,Pharmacy, and Primary Care Services.

Grand Rapids – James M. Tucci, MD,MMM, (founding President of SpectrumHealth Medical Group) was namedSpectrum Health’s Chief Clinical SystemsIntegration and Improvement Officer -supporting quality, safety, care manage-ment, clinical informatics, clinical riskreduction, patient experience, and processimprovement areas - and will assume thisnewly created position July 1, 2013.

Grand Rapids – ComForcare SeniorServices announced its new communityliaison, Kathy Dunlap, who brings agreat deal of related experience includingmanaging a subsidiary office of a multi-state law firm, and serving as a volunteerboard or committee member of HopeNetwork Foundation, Pine Rest,American Cancer Society, and SpectrumHealth.

Kalamazoo – Community leaders, healthcare advocates, and the general publictoured CentraCare's new 16,000 sq. ft.facility, 445 West Michigan Ave., whereCentraCare expects to serve 225 PACE(Program of All-Inclusive Care for theElderly) participants with 65-70 employ-ees. PACE is a unique managed care pro-gram that provides comprehensive med-ical and social services for older adults(who may otherwise need nursing homecare) eligible for both Medicare andMedicaid benefits, and supplemented byin-home services in accordance with eachindividual’s needs. Currently, there areabout 90 PACE programs in the U.S. withfive in Michigan - Battle Creek, Detroit,Grand Rapids, Muskegon and St. Joseph.

Grand Rapids – Ronald Palmer, GrandValley Health Plan’s (GVHP) foundingPresident and CEO, announced comple-tion of his planned transition (fromPresident and CEO) to focus his role asPresident and Chairman of GVHP’s parentcompany, Grand Valley HealthCorporation. Pamela Lea Silva, GVHP’slong time Vice President of Operationsand Chief Operating Officer, assumed thepositions of GVHP President and CEO.

Allendale – Michigan Autism SpectrumDisorders Plan, released by Departmentof Community Health and MichiganAutism Council, focuses on several keyareas to support those with Autismincluding family involvement, educationsupport, early identification, intervention,and health care. Amy Matthews, Directorof Autism Education Center at GrandValley State University, led the effort increating the plan, overseeing two commit-tees of 51 people from across the State.Jamie Owen-DeSchryver, Project Facultywith Statewide Autism Resources andTraining project at Grand Valley, co-chaired the plan development committee.

Kalamazoo – Brenda Shinabarger-Howe, MA, LPC, NCC, joined DeLanoOutpatient Clinic as its newest therapist.For over 30 years, DeLano Clinic andBorgess Behavioral Medicine have offeredservices from a team of dedicated behav-ioral health professionals with a broadrange of expertise in fields of psychiatry,psychology, social work and nursing.

Kalamazoo – Bronson Orthopedics &Sports Medicine with Services byHealthCare Midwest welcomed JasonRoberts, MD – with subspecialty trainingin orthopedic trauma surgery and post-traumatic reconstruction - to its orthope-dic trauma team.

Kalamazoo – Saurabh Bhan, PA-C,joined Borgess Cardiothoracic Surgery,which provides patients with access to themost advanced procedures for disordersof the heart, lungs, trachea, esophagus,chest well and mediastinum, and headedby Medical Director David Martin, MD,and Jerry Pratt, MD.

Grand Rapids – Holland Homeannounced US News & World Reportreleased their 2013 nursing home rank-ings and Breton Rehabilitation & LivingCentre was awarded five out of five stars- being picked as 2013 Best NursingHome.

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9Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Prepares

to Become a Nonprofit Mutual InsurerJane Whittington

As the Affordable Care Act (ACA)wends its way to implementation, statesare scrambling to establish the mandatedinsurance exchanges stipulated in the leg-islation. These exchanges will allow indi-viduals and businesses to compare plansand purchase coverage at reasonable cost,a prime objective of the ACA. After theACA goes into effect, everyone (with veryfew exceptions) will be required to havehealthcare insurance. If states don’t set uptheir own exchanges, the federal govern-ment will provide them to that state’s cit-izens. As part of the ACA, insurers will bemandated to offer coverage to anyonewho applies, including those with pre-existing conditions, and must chargeeveryone comparable and affordablerates.

As of March 7, Michigan's proposalto create a health insurance exchangecooperatively with the federal governmenthas been conditionally approved by theU.S. Department of Health and HumanServices. Michigan is one of four states

that have been approved.In a related development, Governor

Snyder earlier proposed legislation thatwould establish consistent regulations forall Michigan health insurers and wouldenable the BCBSM Board of Directors totransition the company into becoming anonprofit mutual insurer by the end of2013. This legislation was supported bymajorities in both the Michigan Houseand Senate and received final legislativeapproval on March 5, 2013.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association isa federation of 38 independent, communi-ty-based, locally operated business cover-ing over 100 million consumers in all 50states. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan(BCBSM) serves 4.4 million Michigan res-idents.

The process of transitioning the com-pany will be regulated under Michigan’sInsurance Code and should be completedby the end of 2013.

The legislation as signed by the gov-ernor:

• Requires BCBSM to pay taxes,which are estimated to total $1.8 billion

over the next 18 years. This includes newproperty taxes for many municipalities inMichigan including Detroit, Lansing andGrand Rapids. Previously, BCBSM wastax-exempt.

• Allows BCBSM to continue as anonprofit company and requires it to con-tribute $1.5 billion over the next 18 years.These monies will be placed in a separateand independent nonprofit fund to beinvested in programs aimed towardsimproving public health and protectingour most vulnerable citizens. BCBSM haslong espoused a social mission, and thiswill continue and that mission.

• Sustains BCBSM’s commitment tooffer approximately $800 million in sub-sidies for its Medigap supplemental insur-ance plans for Medicare beneficiariesthrough July of 2016 and to freeze ratesin those plans to current levels.

• Allows BCBSM to be regulatedunder the same laws as its competitors.

• Bans favoritism clauses in con-tracts between hospitals and insurers.

• Secures BCBSM assets for the state.There is language in the legislation that

guarantees a full valuation of the compa-ny in the unlikely event that it becomes afor-profit company or is acquired by one.

On the BCBSM blog,MiBluePerspectives, Daniel J. Loepp,President and CEO, said, “By establishingconsistent regulations for all health insur-ers, the legislation ensures that BCBSM,which next year marks 75 years of doingbusiness, can continue its commitmentsto a healthier Michigan and its nonprofitmission. I am personally committed tomaking sure that the transition to thenonprofit mutual structure is seamless forour customers and business partners,with no interruptions in service orchanges in health coverage. At a time ofgreat change in the health care industry,we have an enormous responsibility tohelp point the way forward for our cus-tomers and help them to make goodchoices.”

Jane Whittington is a freelancewriter and editor who lives in GrandRapids.

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Mercy Health Partners Embraces Health Care ReformMuskegon - Mercy Health Partners’

community benefit program, theMuskegon Community Health Project(MCHP), in Muskegon, MI is known local-ly and nationally for expertise in improv-ing the health of their community. Theirwork is now getting attention fromregional officials at Health Resources andServices Administration (HRSA).

Under health care reform, new regu-lations will require hospitals to offer char-itable care and provide health services tobenefit the communities they serve.Hospitals will also be required to directlyaffiliate with a community program tostrategically address the health improve-ment needs of the people. Mercy HealthPartners and MCHP merged in 2009,establishing MCHP as the communitybenefit ministry for the health system andfulfilling the requirement.

For twenty years, MCHP has beenreducing health disparities, increasinghealth access, and coordinating patient-centered care. They standardize enroll-ment practices and connect financially eli-gible patients with multiple entitlementssuch as; Medicaid, Food Stamps, visionservices, and other programs.

“The result has been a decrease inoverutilization of the emergency depart-ments and many with newfound access tohealth care,” said Vondie Woodbury,Executive Director, who also serves as theDirector of Community Benefit for TrinityHealth’s 45 hospitals throughout thenation.

Woodbury supports Michigan'sexpansion of Medicaid allowed under theAffordable Care Act (ACA). If Michigan'slegislature passes the expansion,Medicaid eligibility would increase to up

to 133% of the federal poverty limit.MCHP wants to make sure those whoqualify get enrolled, so they are preparingtheir Community Health Workers now toassist those eligible with the enrollmentprocess. MCHP's Community HealthWorkers are trained to help individualsaccess care before their health care issuesget expensive or critical.

MCHP is also deploying 25Community Health Workers who willserve thousands of chronically illMedicaid and Medicare patients by con-necting them to needed medical and socialservices through funding received as partof The Centers for Medicare and MedicaidServices (CMS) Innovations Grant.“Community Health Workers create animportant link between the patient andprovider. They help providers understandsocial factors patients face that can keep

them from achieving a positive health sta-tus and they help patients receive andunderstand the care they need,” saidWoodbury.

Dan Hale, Executive Vice Presidentof Community Benefit and Advocacy,Trinity Health, shared, “Thanks to thework of MCHP, we are well positioned forhealth care reform. The need for a strongpartnership between our hospitals and thecommunity has never been greater.”

Woodbury agrees there is much workyet to be done. MCHP will host Dr. MarciaBrand, Deputy Director of the HealthResources and Services Administration(HRSA) in Muskegon on April 11. Dr.Brand will experience firsthand MCHP?scommunity benefit programs and howMercy Health Partners is preparing forhealth care reform.

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10Seven Tips for a Terrfic Indoor Tan

North Canton, OH - With winterwinding down and spring just around thecorner, people are ready to come out ofhibernation and put a little color back intotheir cheeks. What better way to get palecomplexions glowing again than by fol-lowing a few tanning tips from self-tan-ning expert Toni Brattin?

“There’s something about having abit of tan on your skin that everyoneloves,” said Brattin. “Not only does a lit-tle color make us look healthy and fit; italso tends to make us look younger and,more importantly, feel younger.”

Brattin’s seven tips for getting agreat-looking indoor tan:

1. Exfoliate and Moisturize“During the colder months of the

year people often don’t keep their skinproperly moisturized or cared for,” saidBrattin. “And they develop what I call‘winter skin’; very dry skin covered by an

accumulation of dead surface cells.Attempting to tan without first removingthis layer of dead surface skin is probablythe most common tanning error.”

When the exfoliating step getsmissed, people wind up tanning dead sur-face skin, which soon sloughs off, leavingsplotches of lighter colored new skinwhere the old, dead skin cells were.

“When you self-tan with lotions orsprays, the drier areas of your body, likeelbows, knees and ankles are going toabsorb more of the product,” said Brattin.“And, therefore, they often turn darkerthan other areas of the body. By thor-oughly exfoliating first and then moistur-izing these problem areas before youbegin tanning, you’ll ensure a more evendistribution of the tanning product andget a more even tan.”

2. Jumpstart An Indoor TanDue to concerns about premature

wrinkling and skin cancer, gone are thedays of lying on a hot beach for hours andhours soaking up the rays. A little bit ofnatural sun is okay for some people andprovides the body with vitamin D. It alsostimulates the melanin in skin which cangive self-tanning a bit of a boost for fasterand darker results.

“Enjoy the outdoors, but protectagainst dangerous sun exposure,” saidBrattin. “With a little exposure, you canachieve a great tan safely, without dam-aging your skin."

3. “Shows Where it Goes” - TheKey to Even Tanning

“One of the biggest problems peopleexperience when they use self-tanningproducts is streaking and unevenness,”said Brattin. “That’s because many of thetanning creams and lotions have no coloror a very light color, so you have to sit andwait – sometimes for hours -- to see if theproduct was evenly applied or whetheryou missed an area entirely.”

Brattin says she solved this problemby creating Tan Secret® Instant TanningFoam (www.tansecret.com), a rich, choco-laty mousse that shows exactly where thecolor is going as it is being spread overthe body.

“Adding dark pigment to the formu-lation has two benefits,” she said. “First,it gives the user the ability to see that theproduct is being evenly dispersed on theskin, so they are confident they won’tend up with a streaky mess or lookinglike a zebra. Second, the pigment givesthe user a little bit of instant tan coloringon their skin.”

4. Spot-Test First“Many tanning products can create

adverse skin reactions under certain con-ditions, especially for those with sensitiveskin,” said Brattin. “I recommend that anindividual spot test a small area on theirbody before widely applying any cosmeticproduct, including a self-tanner they’venever used before.”

5. Do Not Get Trapped By A Self-Tanner

“The active ingredients that causetanning to occur, dihydroxyacetone anderythrulose, are chemicals with veryunpleasant odors,” said Brattin. “Manytimes a person applies a tanning productonly to later discover that the chemicalodor left on their skin remains so strongthat they can’t comfortably go out in pub-lic, even after showering.”

Although the smell eventually sub-sides, it can still embarrass self-tannerslater on if they engage in sports or otherphysical activities, because, perspirationcauses the chemical odor to re-emerge

from the pours. “Better quality tanning products use

advanced chemistry to eliminate thosenoxious odors,” said Brattin. “So be surethe self-tanning product you choose torub on to your skin has no noxious odor.”

Some self-tanning systems require aseveral-hour waiting period before dressing.

“If you’re thinking you can quicklyslap on a tan before your date arrives, besure the product you’re using is truly aquick tanning one, like my new TanSecret® Instant Tanning Foam, which takesonly seconds to apply and rinse off in theshower, letting you step out looking tanand feeling fresh, with no odor, no waiting,and no worry about streaking, missedspots or discoloring your clothing.”

6. Spray on Tans - Better HoldYour Breath

“Sometimes people grab a spray-ontan at the store because it looks fast andeasy,” said Brattin. “But some of the tan-ning sprays are very apt to produce over-spray which is then inhaled, and somepeople don’t react well to that.”

The overspray can also settle on car-pet, tiles and furniture.

“Some who use spray tanning prod-ucts have discovered the best place to applythem is outside or in the garage,” saidBrattin. “If you’re going to have a spray tanapplied at a salon, the amount of overspraythat you may inhale could be considerable,so try not to breathe during the process, orwear a mask when possible.”

7. Simple Tanning Tools HelpCreate Professional Results

It seems logical that anyone rubbingtanning lotions or gels onto their bodywould want to use gloves to protect theirfingers and palms from becoming over-pigmented.

“Many people are so eager to rub thetanning product onto their bodies thatthey don’t stop and consider what willhappen to their bare hands after being incontact with the lotion for extended peri-ods,” said Brattin. “Well, we’ve alreadybeen there and done that, so that’s whywe provide gloves and an applicator wandwith every bottle of Tan Secret® InstantTanning Foam.”

Toni Brattin is an entrepreneur dedi-cated to creating customized products forthe enhancement of women's self-confi-dence and visual appeal. She is thefounder and owner of Toni Brattin & Co.,Inc., a beauty and cosmetics companybased in the Oklahoma City, Okla., area.

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Chia Seeds, the NextSuperfood?

Grand Rapids – You may havenoticed chia seeds popping up at yourlocal grocery store. Yes, these are thesame seeds that grow on the pottery inthe perennial television commercials withthe catchy jingle.

According to a Spectrum Health die-titian, those tiny seeds have several nutri-tional benefits and are starting to gainpopularity as part of a healthy diet.

“Chia seeds, or Salvia Hispanica, aretiny black or white seeds that were a partof the ancient Aztec culture,” said JillGraybill, RD, a dietitian and educator withSpectrum Health Healthier Communities.“The seeds absorb water to become morelike a gel and have a nutty flavor whichgoes well with cereal, sauces, stir fries,yogurt, smoothies and rice dishes. Unlikeflaxseed, chia does not need to be groundup because the whole seeds are absorbedwell.”

Chia seeds are high in Omega-3 fattyacids, whole grain, fiber, antioxidants,calcium and phosphorous. Eating twotablespoons would provide you with 11g

of fiber and more Omega-3 fatty acidsthan three ounces of salmon, says thedietitian.

Graybill cautions that chia seedshave not been comprehensively studied inhuman trials so evidence is limited whenit comes to their ability to reduce heartdisease, diabetes or other chronic healthconditions. There is also no evidence thateating the seeds can lead to weight loss.

“Often we see foods gain popularitywith promises of curing several medicalconditions. Keep in mind that what mat-ters is the whole diet, not a single food,”she explained. “Chia seeds are a greataddition to a healthy diet since they are sopacked full of beneficial qualities.”

Graybill recommends chia becausethe typical American diet lacks Omega-3fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants, whichare easy to get from the seeds.

“Try working in up to two table-spoons a day, increasing the amountslowly, especially if your diet is currentlylow in fiber.”

11Industrial BriefsGrand Rapids – Cascade Engineering(CE) announced promotion of MarkMiller to President, who will focus onCE’s manufacturing-based business unitswhile continuing to report directly to com-pany founder, Chairman and CEO - FredKeller.

Washington, DC – National Associationof Manufacturers (NAM) awardedCongresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI-10) NAM’s Award for ManufacturingLegislative Excellence after supporting100% of the policies identified by NAM ascritical to the success of manufacturing inthe United States during the 112thCongress.

Benton Harbor – New Products Corp.revealed it was the highest bidder on amortgage loan for Modern PlasticsCorp., a neighboring manufacturing com-pany that went out of business and isnow in bankruptcy. Bank of America,which owns Modern Plastics’ mortgage,with an unpaid balance of approximately$1.2 million, recently offered it for salethrough a sealed bid process.

Lansing – According to a report releasedby Environmental EntrepreneursMichigan was ranked 8th in the countryfor number of clean energy and cleantransportation jobs. Companies and com-munities announced 19 projects inMichigan last year, creating more than3,700 jobs.

Benton Harbor – New Products Corp.purchased the mortgage loan for ModernPlastics Corp., neighboring manufactur-ing company that went out of businessand is now in bankruptcy, from Bank ofAmerica through a sealed bid process.The mortgage loan had an unpaid balanceof approximately $1.2 million.

Ann Arbor – Don Hicks, President andCEO of LLamasoft, will speak to an audi-ence of global supply chain leaders in hispresentation, “Designing Supply Chainsfor Breakthrough Performance” toaddress how top companies use supplychain design technology to improve upontheir legacy supply chain, and dramaticimprovements in terms of cost, service,carbon emissions, and risk mitigation.

Grand Rapids – Custer ArchitecturalProducts announced addition of BrookeBenfield, who will be working closelywith Custer designers and sales represen-tatives to ensure a successful outcome forall Custer Architectural Products projects.

Holland – Code Blue Corporationannounced hiring Mike Roark, RegionalSales Manager for Western NorthAmerica, where he will oversee relation-ships with rep firms and dealers coveringthe U.S. Pacific Coast, Rocky Mountains,Southwest U.S., plus all of WesternCanada.

Allegan – Perrigo announced JeffreyKooiker was hired as Controller for theirOperations Finance team, and will beresponsible for finance operations atPerrigo’s Holland location.

Kalamazoo – Newell Rubbermaid willopen a state-of-the art 40,000 sq. ft. facil-ity at Western Michigan UniversityBusiness Technology and ResearchPark by early 2014, with up to 100employees. The company's move is beingassisted with a $2 million award fromMichigan Strategic Fund.

Allegan – Perrigo announcedShaquanda Gordon was hired as SeniorHuman Resources Manager for theirHuman Resources Department.

Detroit – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,Detroit District, announced the Soo Locksin Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., openedMonday, March 25, marking the begin-ning of 2013 Great Lakes shipping sea-son. Upbound 1,013-foot Paul R.Tregurtha was the first ship to enter thePoe Lock at 12:01 a.m. headed from itswinter layup in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., toDuluth, Minn. By 9 a.m., six vessels hadpassed through the Poe.

St. Joseph – Hanson Logisticsannounced Phase 3 expansion of thecompany’s temperature-controlledChicago Velocities™ Multi-VendorConsolidation program - a solution to on-demand complexity of filling multipleSKU frozen food orders shipping to allmajor retail, wholesale, and foodserviceDCs throughout the US - currently locatedin Hobart, Indiana, will be domiciled inChicago. Construction of the project willbe handled by Fort Wayne, Indiana basedTippmann Construction.

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Bring Back that New Car Love

Grand Rapids - There’s nothing likefalling in love for the first time with a newcar. The smell of the new interior, theshine of the brand new paint and the thrillof those first few drives just made yourappreciation for your new vehicle grow.Now, after a few years, it sits in the streetlooking faded and in need of some help torestore its once beautiful shine.

But you can give your car amakeover that will cost a lot less than anew car. Your car will look like the brandnew beauty it once was, and you’ll fall inlove with it all over again.

“It’s sad to see a car that used to bethe pride and joy of its owner become rundown, lose its looks and be cast aside infavor of a newer, shinier model,” saidRoger Williams, owner, STAR CollisionCARSTAR Grand Rapids, MI. “Ratherthan go to the expense and trouble ofreplacing a car, there are a number ofaffordable improvements that a collisioncenter can do that will take years off of acar’s looks.”

Williams suggested that for a $500investment, a local body shop can makethe following updates to restore the looksof your car just in time for the summerfun:

1. Conduct a thorough cleaning ofthe car’s exterior and interior

2. Restore the headlights to removescratches and yellow hazing that age thecar and diminish visibility.

3. Clean the wheels and tires toremove brake dust and highway grime.

4. Restore black plastic bumpers,door handles and tires to brand new fin-ish.

5. Repair small scratches in the clearcoat and paint to a like-new surface.

6. Repair minor dings and dentswithout replacing the body panels.

7. Replace missing or damaged trimor decorative elements.

8. Update all of the light bulbs withnewer long-lasting bulbs.

9. Restore the finish of the car, start-ing with clay bar and rubbing compoundand finishing with a long-lasting synthet-ic wax.

“With these simple updates, you’llfall in love with your car all over again,”said Fisher. “Not only will your car lookjust like it once did, you’ll preserve thevalue of the vehicle for years to come.”

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12Construction BriefsKalamazoo – CSM Group welcomednewest member Suzanne Otten,Administrative Assistant, who will pro-vide assistance to both ExecutiveAdministrator and Accounting Manageron a daily basis.

Grand Rapids – Wolverine BuildingGroup welcomed Jason S. Barnes, LEEDAccredited Project Manager to overseeconstruction of apartments, studenthousing, affordable housing, seniorhousing, mixed use developments, andhistoric renovations.

Grand Rapids – Integrated Architectureannounced 2013 Associate ProjectManagers: Darrel DeHaan, AIA, ProjectManager, has guided several significantWest Michigan projects to fruition; andEd Talaga, AIA, Associate, has demon-strated success managing diverse teamsand complex projects.

Rockford – 5 Star Window Coatingsowner Randy Hutson was awardedMidwest Regional Excellence awardfrom Solar Gard window films.

Lansing – C2AE announced addition offour new employees: Cory Davis, ProjectManager specializing in transportationand infrastructure construction engineer-ing services; Tim Cane, ArchitecturalDesigner specializing in healthcare andeducation; Jennifer Middlin, MarketingCoordinator; and Trystin Vanderstelt,Marketing Coordinator.

Grand Rapids – Vos Glass, Inc. wasnamed Top Women Owned Business byGrand Rapids Business Journal.

Grand Rapids – ABC/WMC Board ofDirectors elected the following 2013officers: Chairman - Ken Bailey,Rockford Construction Company; Chair-elect - Paul Lemley, Van Haren Electric;and Secretary/Treasurer - Stan Sterk,Ferris Busscher & Zwiers. The Board ofDirectors members are: Julie Byrne,CSM Group, Stephen Hilger, HilgerHammond P.C., and Rachel Snyder, BCTBenefits Plan. Frank Stanek,Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. was re-elected to asecond three year term. Other Directors:Jeff Ammon, Miller Johnson; BrianCrissman, Christman Company; TerrellDaniels, Modern Fire & SecuritySystems; Chuck Geenen, GDKConstruction; Jack Holwerda, River CityMechanical; Nate Koetje, Feyen Zylstra,Inc.; Mike Poggi, Pinnacle InsurancePartners; Anita Rathbun, TriangleAssociates; Dave Turner, KentCompanies; and Dick VanderZyden,Wolverine Building Group.

Holland – Elzinga & Volkers construc-tion professionals announced appoint-ment of two new hires: Ali Nedved,Marketing Assistant, who will be respon-sible for coordinating marketing andoperation activities; and ScottWondergem, Field Manager, who hasextensive construction background.

Grand Rapids/Lansing/Kalamazoo/Farmington Hills, and Cincinnati, OH –Board of Directors of Fishbeck,Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc.,announced promotion of Philip M.Davis, AIA, LEED AP, to position ofPrincipal, their highest management andleadership honor.

West Michigan - Signature Associateshas negotiated:• the lease of 1,200 square feet of retailspace located at 1655 E. Apple Avenue,Muskegon, Michigan for the landlord,Gluck Properties, LLC, and the tenant,Sun Beauty.• the sale of a 22,029 square foot indus-trial building located at 87 AnilineAvenue, Holland, Michigan to SquareFoot Leasing for the seller, Don Van’tHof Trust.• the sale of 3.16 acres located on HarveyStreet, Muskegon, Michigan for the sell-er, TMT Development, LLC, and thebuyer, First General Credit Union.

Michigan - Signature Associates hasnegotiated:• the lease of 24,710 square feet ofindustrial space located at 6990Murthum Avenue, Warren for the land-lord, JRW Ventures and the tenant,MAG. • the lease of 10,000 square feet ofindustrial space located at 13370 BarryStreet, Holland to TrendwayCorporation for the landlord, HDNHoldings.

Holland – Elzinga & VolkersConstruction Professionals announcedthey were selected by Michigan Businessand Professional Association as WestMichigan’s Best and Brightest Company toWork For, for the sixth consecutive year.

East Lansing – Oetzel-Hartman Groupannounced it combined with 41 otherappraisal firms to form ValbridgeProperty Advisors, which providesindependent valuation and advisoryservices to local, regional, multi-marketand national clients.

Holland – Elzinga & VolkersConstruction Professionals announcedappointment of new hires: DanFaulkner - Field Manager; and SueHarrington - Facilities ServiceDepartment Coordinator.

Lansing – Hobbs + Black Associates,Inc., was awarded Two Men and a TruckHeadquarters Expansion project, a $4.25million project that will add approximately25,000 sq. ft. to their existing 35,000 sq.ft. facility, remodel existing space, andupdate corporate work environment.

Pollutant Transfer byMigrating Salmon

Muskegon - Two Grand Valley StateUniversity researchers, who have studiedaccumulation of contaminants in non-native salmon in the Great Lakes and trib-utary watersheds, are beginning a newresearch project with a team from theUniversity of Notre Dame to see if variablesin watershed landscapes impact contami-nant levels in stream resident fish.

Rick Rediske, professor of waterresources at Grand Valley’s Annis WaterResources Institute (AWRI) in Muskegon,said the purpose of the study is to findenvironmental factors that have an impacton how much contamination, includingPCBs, PBDEs, and DDE, is transferred tostream resident fish in areas wheresalmon spawn compared to areas wheretheir access is restricted.

“Conservation of native fish commu-nities in Great Lakes tributaries isextremely important,” Rediske said. “Wehope to learn how to predict how differentwatershed environments impact howmuch contamination from spawningsalmon is being taken in by native fish.”

Rediske said the research is impor-tant to help give scientists and fisherymanagers an idea of the impact removingbarriers in certain waterways might haveon the native fish population, as well as abetter understanding of the impact thespawning non-native fish have.

Much of the research will take placeon Brook and Brown trout streams wheredam and barrier removal could allowsalmon further upstream. Researcherswill take samples from 15 different sites,and will include different landscape vari-ables and watersheds. Rediske said theresearch team hopes to develop a mathe-matical process that will predict changesto the watershed landscape on the resi-dent fish.

The research will be funded by atwo-year grant from the Great LakesFishery Trust. James O’Keefe, researchassociate at AWRI will conduct the con-taminant analyses. Rediske and O’Keefewill work with a research team from theUniversity of Notre Dame on the project.

13Sustainability Reporting:

What is Just Right for your Organization?By Michele Buckler

As the need to demonstrate sustain-ability continues to become more impor-tant for municipalities, companies, andinstitutions, voices demanding trans-parency and accountability are growinglouder.

Disclosing sustainability planningefforts and results helps satisfy stake-holder demands for transparency. Theseefforts require a good deal of vision andstrategy. Revealing too much or too littleeach has its own risks.

What do you do? What protocols doyou follow? How do you spend your timeand resources?

Aggressive sustainability reportingprotocols are being used by a variety oforganizations and becoming common-place to frame communication with stake-holders. These standards focus on a cus-tomized mix of social, economic, andenvironmental metrics or indicators (triplebottom line). The selected metrics or indi-cators are intended to increase trans-parency so stakeholders have a betterview of the organization’s true perform-ance and ability to stay healthy in thelong term. These stakeholders include: amunicipality’s residents and businessowners; a company’s customers andshareholders; or an institution’s patients,students, alumni, and faculty.

The benefits to an organization thattackles quality sustainability reporting areclear: it allows them to demonstrate theirinterest in both the internal and externalcommunity; it builds trust and promotestransparency; and solicits feedback onperformance from a diverse set of stake-

holders. As a practical matter, there is no

need to tackle every sustainability-relatedissue on the horizon. An organizationshould focus on its core value issues, orcore performance indicators, that are rele-vant to its operations and activities.Determining the “materiality” of eachfocus area allows an organization to useits limited resources to analyze the issuesthat will resonate with its stakeholders.For instance:

A manufacturer could focus onimproving the recycled content of itsproduct instead of investing in selectedhigh-cost, low-return alternative energytechnology that does not support its corevalues.

A city could evaluate and report onits “walkability,” which measures howfriendly an area is to walking, andincludes a variety of indicators such assafety, access to businesses or schools,and connectivity to public green spaces.

An institution might focus on theefficiency of how it delivers core serviceswith respect to economic and social con-siderations.

Determining the best sustainabilityreporting framework to adopt is depend-ent on your organization’s structure andobjectives for reporting. Common frame-works like the Global Reporting Initiative(GRI) are well-suited for a multinationalcorporation but may be too lengthy andcomplex for organizations like municipal-ities or small businesses. ICLEI – LocalGovernments for Sustainability offers atool-kit and guidance to its municipalmembers. There are also sector-basedframeworks that may be explored for uni-

versities, hospitals, and non-manufactur-ing companies. Protocols should belooked upon as reference tools, notrequirements. Because there are nomandatory or market-preferred protocols,an organization should develop a relevantframework based on suitable protocolsthat is challenging and helps it to identify,deliver, and track sustainable outcomes.

The major focus areas for measuringsustainability success include environ-mental, economic, and social.

Many indicators fit into all categoriesdepending on how they are defined by theorganization and the metrics selected todefine the baseline conditions and targetoutcomes.

It is most beneficial to include narra-tive and metrics for all three focus areas—social, economic, and environmental.How much emphasis is placed on each ofthe three areas will be guided by theorganization. The environmental effectsof some organization activities may bequite small and further reducing themwould make little economic or socialsense.

There is tremendous flexibility inhow an organization can present itsprogress and results. Some organizationsrely strictly on presenting goals andprogress in the form of metrics. Otherspresent long case studies on programsdeveloped specifically to improve theorganization’s sustainability.

Organizations that develop andreport on sustainability measures must bemindful it is not a one-time effort. It takesconsistent evaluation and attention. Asan organization moves forward throughits sustainability planning and reportingactivities, the qualitative naturally movestowards the quantitative. Complexityincreases. The meaning of its efforts andresults increases.

To avoid some of the pitfalls to sus-tainability reporting, an organizationcould hire a third party to verify the sus-tainability report. This may improve thecredibility and transparency of the infor-mation provided. The results of the exter-nal verification can help an organizationreevaluate and strengthen its frameworkfor future improvements.

ConclusionCareful sustainability planning and

reporting can enhance an organization’slongevity and reputation. The key is tostay focused on sustainability practicesand indicators related to core values. Startsmall. Establish goals that challenge theorganization. Define and measure the keyindicators early. Create a sensible path forthe organization. Stay focused on thetriple bottom line.

For more information regardingsus-tainable reporting, please contact MicheleBuckler, P.E., LEED APBD+Cmjbuckler@ftch.com.

Communications & ITMuskegon – RC Productions underwent aname change from RC Productions toRCP Marketing and launched a newwebsite. In addition, RCP announced theyare expanding and opening a new down-town Grand Rapids location, officiallyopening in mid-March.

Traverse City/Novi – AccessPoint, humanresource management company, isexpanding through its recent acquisitionof Bonita Springs, FL-based hospitalityhuman resource company, VeritasEmployer Services, in an asset purchasetransaction. The new company, APVeritas, and Veritas’ ten employees, willcontinue to be based in Bonita Springsserving clients in all AccessPoint marketswith expanded and improved humanresource management in county clubs,hotels, and hospitality sectors.

Grand Rapids – Service Express, Inc.,hired Rob McGuire, Production Engineer,and Chris Borek, Hardware Consultant.

Madison, WI – Esker, worldwide leader indocument process automation solutions, ,announced it was selected by AustinPowder - Argentina, a subsidiary ofAustin Powder of Ohio.

Grand Rapids – Custer Technology,audio/visual company, experienced 333%growth since breaking ground in October2011, with 13 full time employees, andthis month signed a long-term lease withCuster - 217 Grandville Ave. SW. CusterTechnology employees hired since thebeginning of the year include: Joe Troyer(Corporate and Health Care TechnologySales), Trisha Latta (Technology Designand Project Manager), and Matt Duff(Technology Project Manager).

14General BusinessLansing – Michigan Women'sHistorical Center & Hall of Fame ishosting a reception with free admissionto celebrate Women’s History MonthThursday, March 14, 5-7 p.m., andincludes opening of new exhibits,refreshments, and presentation plaquesfor 2012 Michigan Women’s Hall ofFame inductees: Dr. Gladys Beckwith(Lansing); Patricia Caruso (Sault Ste.Marie); Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray (GrandRapids); Judith Karandjeff (EastLansing); Les Meres et DebutantesClub of Greater Lansing; and SerenaWilliams (born in Saginaw). The 2012historical honorees are: Dr. L. AnnaBallard (1848-1934) of Lansing, EvaMcCall Hamilton (1871-1948) of GrandRapids, and Mary E. McCoy (1846-1923) of Detroit.

Muskegon – West Michigan Symphonyannounced Cathleen Dubault joined asBusiness Development Manager.

Grandville – Lane Bryant opened a newstore location at Bucktown, completewith brand new interior design thatincludes expanded fitting rooms, décor,and new branding elements recentlyintroduced by the brand.

Washington, DC – U.S. Department ofAgriculture (USDA) announced aninterim rule setting thresholds on inter-est rates charged by lenders on guaran-teed farm ownership and operatingloans. The changes will amend guide-lines for interest rates and establish newpolicies that clearly set maximum inter-est rate lenders may charge to borrow-ers. USDA's Farm Service Agency guar-anteed loans reduce risk of loss tolenders (banks, farm credit institutions,and credit unions) by guaranteeing up to95% of loss on principal and interest ofa loan, thus reducing a lender's risk, andborrowers benefit from a lower rate.

Washington, DC – U.S. Fish andWildlife Service announced that morethan $882.4 million in excise tax rev-enues generated in 2012 (by sales ofsporting firearms, ammunition, archeryand fishing equipment and tackle, elec-tric outboard motors, and fuel taxes onmotorboats and small engines), will bedistributed to all states and territorialfish and wildlife agencies to fund fishand wildlife conservation and recreationprojects across the nation. The Service’sMidwest Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohioand Wisconsin) will receive more than$102 million in Pittman-RobertsonWildlife Restoration funds and morethan $69 million in Dingell-JohnsonSport Fish Restoration funds this year.

Kalamazoo – Housing Resources, Inc.,(HRI) announced diversified industrialmanufacturer Eaton contributed$20,000 through its “PoweringCommunities Grants” helping supportHRI’s effort to end homelessness.Allendale – To help boost the number ofwomen serving in Local, State andNational politics, Grand Valley StateUniversity’s Women’s Center willagain host "Ready to Run Michigan," abipartisan campaign training programdesigned to encourage women to run foroffice.

Traverse City – Creator Karl Hitchcockof FishMich.com launched a search forthe largest state wide Fishing Pro Staff,and will nominate one applicant fromeach county as fishing authority in thatarea. Membership is free and anyone canjoin to share reports, tips and advicewith others in the forum. Pro Staff mem-bers receive a T-shirt, business cards,and will have a personal bio page dedi-cated to their fishing experiences. Withinformation on over 6,000 lakes, rivers,bait shops, accommodations, and guideservices all divided by county,FishMich.com is the largest resource forMichigan anglers.

Grand Rapids – The newly opened BoxLunch Company, 122 South Division, isthe first local catering company offeringonline ordering specializing in meetingsand drop-offs, from box lunches to plat-ters and appetizer drop-offs. Grand Rapids – Grand Rapids BrewingCompany celebrated four award-win-ning brews at the World BeerChampionship: Rosalynn Bliss Blondereceived a gold medal in Fruit Beer cate-gory; Fishladder IPA received a silvermedal in American IPA category; SenatorLyon Stout received a silver in Dry Stoutcategory; and John Ball Brown received abronze in American Brown Ale category.

Grand Rapids – YMCA Farmers’ Markethas set their opening date for Thursday,June 6, 2013.

Grand Rapids – Michigan Departmentof Agriculture, Michigan StateUniversity, and Ottawa ConversationDistrict will recognize Dale Buist andfamily of Countryside Greenhouse fortaking lead in environmental responsi-bility by becoming Michigan’s largestretail greenhouse-only operation tobecome verified by Michigan AgricultureEnvironmental Assurance Program - aprogram assisting farmers in complyingwith State and Federal environmentalregulations as well as right-to-farmpractices.

Muskegon – Hot Rod Harley-Davidsonwas named Dealernews (premier busi-ness information resource for NorthAmerican power-sports retailer) top 100dealer for 4th year in a row. Hot Rod H-D® was also a finalist in two meritaward categories including “Best Event”for Muskegon Bike Time, 2nd runner-upfor “Dealer of the Year”, and was alsorecognized for having most dealers hon-ored in the competition for which HotRod H-D® was ranked number one.

Communications & ITGrand Rapids – WGVU FM was named2012 Public Radio Station of the Year byMichigan Association of Broadcasters;WGVU Public Media received a total of 18awards – including Merit, Excellence, andhighly coveted Station of the Year - fromMichigan Association of Broadcasters.

Grand Rapids – AT&T upgraded threeadditional mobile internet cell sites toexpand AT&T’s 4G LTE coverage for arearesidents and businesses. AT&T’s 4G LTEis the latest generation of wireless net-work technology which provides internetspeeds up to 10 times faster than 3G.

New York – T-Mobile launched its 4GLTE Network Service in seven majormetropolitan areas and introducedSimple Choice Plan - eliminating restric-tive annual service contracts by movingto one simple rate plan with unlimitedtext, talk and web allowing customers toupgrade their devices anytime they want.

Grand Rapids – CU*Answers NetworkServices announced it added ITILFoundation to its growing list of profes-sional certifications. ITIL is a mature,well thought-out approach for providingIT service management, and uses a prac-tical framework for identifying, planning,delivering, and supporting IT services tobusinesses.

Grand Rapids – MeDirect announceddevelopment of technology that automat-ically posts patient payments (for patientresponsibility balances) directly intoclients’ systems, streamlining self payreconciliation process, providing signifi-cant staffing and time cost-saving bene-fits, and accelerating self pay reimburse-ments.

Troy – Altair announced release ofHyperWorks 12.0, the most comprehen-sive computer-aided engineering plat-form in the PLM market, and offers newproduct optimization, finite elementmodeling, multiphysics analysis, power-train durability analysis, lightweightdesign, and many others.

Muskegon – LongerDays.com, virtualassistance firm, recorded 112% increasein revenue during 2012 – surpassing its2011 record growth of 93% - created 10full-time jobs with estimates to add addi-tional 10 jobs in 2013, and expand itsoffice to accommodate 32 full-timeemployees upon completion.

Grand Rapids – WOOD TV8 was namedStation of the Year 2012 by MichiganAssociation of Broadcasters. This is the10th time in 12 years the station hasreceived top honor.

15Education BriefsMuskegon – LongerDays.com - providesAmerican outsourcing services such asWeb design, copy writing, and adminis-trative support to more than 100 clientsworldwide - has increased revenue by112% since entering the business incuba-tor program at Grand Valley StateUniversity’s Michigan Alternative andRenewable Energy Center in 2012, andplans to add 10 more positions in 2013.

Kalamazoo – Kellogg CommunityCollege is one of just two two-year col-leges, and one of just 15 schools, inMichigan to be listed on 2013 President’sHigher Education Community ServiceHonor Roll, the highest honor a collegeor university can receive for its commit-ment to volunteering, service learning,and civic engagement.

Big Rapids – Ferris State UniversityAlumnus celebrated as Matt Nawrocki,1995 Surveying Engineering graduate,and his wife, Sara, 1995 Pharmacy grad-uate, established the Matt and SaraNawrocki Gratitude ScholarshipEndowment for students working towarda Bachelor of Science in SurveyingEngineering.

Kalamazoo – Western MichiganUniversity Board of Trusteesannounced 2013 elected officers: JeanneH. Carlson will replace William D.Johnston as Chair; and James F.Hettinger will replace Jeanne H. Carlsonas Vice Chair.

Grand Rapids – Davenport Universityheld a dedication ceremony for the newFarmers Athletic Complex. FarmersInsurance Group of Companies donated17 acres on which the complex was built,and includes baseball and softball stadi-ums, and eight tennis courts. Artificialturf was installed for both baseball andsoftball fields, which will seat 300 and200 spectators respectively.

Kalamazoo – National Council forMarketing and Public Relations hon-ored Kellogg Community College withfour district awards - for its efforts torecruit students and publicize their col-lege in 2012 - at the Council’s “MedallionAwards” dinner in Chicago.

Grand Rapids – Officials from localNational Weather Service presented cer-tificates to Calvin College designatingCalvin as a StormReady Campus.

Grand Rapids – According to PrincetonReview, the nation’s best-known educa-tion service company, ranked FerrisState University’s Digital Animationand Game Design on their “HonorableMentions” list of top undergraduateschools studying video game design.

Grand Rapids – Davenport Universityannounced Society for Human ResourceManagement acknowledged that its MBA,Human Resources Management isrenewed for alignment with SHRM’s HRCurriculum Guidebook and Templates.

Kalamazoo – A Western MichiganUniversity professor won a $13,500grant from Google’s Science for HighSchool program, an initiative to promotecomputer science and computationalthinking, to teach skills in 3-D computermodeling and game design to high schoolcomputer science instructors.

Grand Rapids – Calvin College wasnamed, for the second time, to the 2013President's Higher Education CommunityService Honor Roll, highest federal recog-nition a college or university can receivefor its commitment to volunteering, serv-ice-learning, and civic engagement.

Cadillac – Baker College appointedBrian Jones as Campus Director of BakerCollege West Michigan Trucking andLogistics Center in Zeeland, and will beresponsible for all facets of its truck driv-ing program, including marketing,recruiting, enrollment, and registration.

Muskegon – Diana R. Osborn was named2013 recipient of the MuskegonCommunity College DistinguishedAlumni Award, the highest honorbestowed upon outstanding alumnuswhose professional achievements, com-munity service, and advocacy of highereducation exemplify the foremost idealsof their alma mater.

Kalamazoo – Western MichiganUniversity named Carrie Cumming toposition of Registrar, and will be respon-sible for accuracy and security of all stu-dent records.

Grand Rapids – Summit Training Sourceannounced DVD training programWorkforce Hazard Recognition:Identify & Eliminate was recognized fortheir excellence as recipient of the BronzeAward, at the 34th Annual Telly Awards.

Ohio and Michigan Electronically Connect DoctorsGrand Rapids, MI/Columbus, OH –

Two of the nation's fastest-growing healthinformation exchanges – Michigan HealthConnect and Ohio's CliniSync – can nowhelp physicians in both states securelyexchange patient information using Direct.

The medical records of Michiganpatients who receive care in Ohio can besent securely through Direct, usingencrypted email to the doctor who is pro-viding treatment – and the same goes forOhioans who cross the border for care inMichigan.

"With this connection to MichiganHealth Connect, we're able to servepatients and physicians on one of the bor-ders of our state,” says Dan Paoletti, chiefexecutive officer of the Ohio HealthInformation Partnership, which manages

CliniSync, Ohio’s statewide health infor-mation exchange. “This electronic com-munication shows how we're heading intothe future where technology will allowproviders to exchange information thatfollows patients, despite geography.”

Doug Dietzman, executive director ofMichigan Health Connect, says such col-laboration between states provides moretimely and efficient care for patients, giv-ing physicians current and historicalhealth information that can speed diagno-sis and treatment.

“We know patients regularly crossthe Michigan-Ohio border to receive careand we are committed to making surethose transitions of care are as seamlessand coordinated as those that occur with-in state borders,” Dietzman said.

“The significance of connecting tech-nical platforms between states is that thereare real patient-centered use cases behindit,” Dietzman said. “This partnership withOhio is about leveraging technology toserve people – it’s not simply technologyfor technology’s sake.”

The partnership means non-electron-ic communications – faxing, telephonecalls, or mail – are replaced with faster,more comprehensive, encrypted emails ina trusted environment among authorizedphysicians and personnel, so physicianshave information when and where theyneed it.

The primary care physician of a stu-dent attending college in Michigan orOhio, for example, can securely and effi-ciently send pertinent information to the

doctor who is out-of-state. Or a physiciantreating an elderly person with multiplechronic conditions such as diabetes, heartdisease and high cholesterol can beassured a specialist across the bordertreating the patient has everything neededto provide optimum care.

Health records can include suchinformation as patient discharge sum-maries from hospitals, radiology or imag-ing reports, medication lists, annual phys-icals, lab results, immunization or vacci-nation reports and other informationenabling physicians to provide better care.The exchange of complete patient healthinformation means physicians can reduceduplicative tests and get a “whole” pictureof a patient.

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