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MAY 2013MAY 2013

Financial Health Team Briefs Business Leaders

Trade Mission to Germany

2013 Member Benefit Programs

GreaTer LansinGMicHiGan’s FesTivaL caPiTaLGreaTer LansinGMicHiGan’s FesTivaL caPiTaL

Financial Health Team Briefs Business Leaders

Trade Mission to Germany

2013 Member Benefit Programs

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Tim DamanPresident and CEO

Lansing Regional

Chamber of Commerce

Our festivals and the cultural economy give our

region a source of identity. They communicate a great deal about who we are as a community and

our quality of life. ”

Everybody loves a good festival and springtime is when the festival season swings into full action. Festivals are a terrific source of family fun, a way to celebrate the many great attributes in our region, and a source of promoting community pride. As this month’s cover story in FOCUS points out, festivals are also good business, as patrons attending their favorite festivals pump millions of dollars into the local economy.

Festivals are part of what is often referred to as the “cultural economy”, an essential component for a region’s economic development strategy. In 2009, leaders from the cultural and economic development sectors in Lansing and East Lansing completed what is known as a Cultural Economic Development Plan (CED). I was privileged to serve on the steering committee that helped create and approve that plan.

The goals of the CED plan were to identify cultural assets, opportunities and needs, and define a set of economic development goals around those assets. Four key initiatives were identified during the CED process, including: building cultural and creative sector leadership to implement the plan; cultivate a spirit of creative entrepreneurism; identifying sources of financing; and the development of a Michigan Avenue Center for Creative Business and Arts.

The CED plan recommended that the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing be the Midwest’s most welcoming and supportive destination for creative innovators and entrepreneurs. There is strong evidence that our region is well on the way to that important distinction. Old Town is a perfect example of a community that is carving out an identity as a center for cultural and creative leadership.

The opening of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University is perhaps the most significant new development in the growth of our cultural economy. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world will visit the Broad Museum, which may eventually result in a “new look” downtown East Lansing in the form of new art galleries, restaurants and related projects.

Our festivals and the cultural economy give our region a source of identity. They communicate a great deal about who we are as a community and our quality of life. Our ability as a region to effectively leverage our cultural and creative assets will help drive new business investment, and allow us to successfully attract and retain the talent needed to succeed in the knowledge-based economy of the 21st century.

Get out and enjoy a festival or two!

A Message From The President

Festivals and the cultural economy

Accident Fund ......................................13

Blue Cross Blue Shield .........................11

Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle ...........17

Capitol National Bank ..........................14

C2AE ......................................................3

LSJ Media ...............................................5

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

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

MSUFCU .................................................6

Sparrow ..................................................7

WKAR .....................................................4

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

Hicks & Mullett, PLLC

TreasUrerJeff Fineis

Andrews Hooper and Pavlik

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.

MaiLinGHot Prospects Direct

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

Shelly Davis-Mielock K-12, Inc.

Patrick Dean Dean Transportation

Andre Hutson Conquest Fitness and Health

Dave Mulder Meijer, Inc.

Steve Reynolds Accident Fund Holdings

Patrick Salow McLaren Greater Lansing

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, May 1 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, please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingchamber.org.

TUesDay, May 14 the afforDable Care aCt: an overview of what to expeCt, 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Insurance Capital Boardroom, 500 E. Michigan Ave. Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48912. Alisa C. Bennett, manager, group business health care reform team for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, will present a comprehensive overview of what businesses can expect for the 2014 implementation of the Affordable Care Act. In-depth Q&A with a panel of experts will follow. There is no charge to attend this presentation, but seats are limited to 50. Please RSVP at www.lansingchamber.org.

THUrsDay, May 16 member mixer, 5 - 7 p.m., Location: Northwood University, 1600 Abbott Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.Complementary attendance provided by Northwood University. Food and beverage provided by Amy’s Catering. Tours of the Lansing graduate facility will be provided. There will also be a special grand prize drawing for one lucky attendee!

THUrsDay, May 23 eConomiC Club, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: James Lammers, executive vice president and general counsel, Dart Container Corporation. Sponsored by Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC. 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.

WeDnesDay, JUne 5 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, please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingchamber.org.

THUrsDay, JUne 6 Chamber 360, 8 – 10:00 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 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, JUne 11 Grub Crawl, 5 - 8 p.m., Eastwood Towne Center, 3003 Preyde Blvd., Lansing, MI 48912 and The Heights at Eastwood. Enjoy food samplings and drink specials from select restaurants located in Eastwood Towne Centre and The Heights at Eastwood . Wristbands - Pre-sale: $20/person, $35/couple; Night of: $25/person; $40/couple. A bundle of 10 is $150, perfect to reward your team! For more information on sponsorships, contact Jennifer Wagemann at (517) 853-6456 or jwagemann@lansingchamber.org. To purchase wristbands, visit www.lansingchamber.org or the Eastwood Towne Center Management Office.

LansinG reGiOnaL cHaMBer OF cOMMerceannUaL GrUB craWL

Tuesday, June 11, Eastwood Towne Center$20/Single Wristband • $35/Couples Wristbands

$150/Bundle of 10Reward Your Staff & Promote Team Building

evenT cOsT is cOMPLiMenTary FOr THese enHanceD MeMBersHiP LeveLs:

Bronze Gold Silver Platinum

keeping things onthe up-and-up.

(and the down-low)

Reaching new heights,building stronger foundations, elevating human achievement.

Architecture, Engineering & Planning

c2ae.com • 866.454.3923

MichiganLansing • Gaylord

Grand Rapids • EscanabaKalamazoo

New YorkCanton

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cOnsUMers MUTUaL insUrance OF MicHiGan2601 N. Coolidge, Suite 200East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 492-9026 consumersmutualinsurance.org

aDvanceD FUnDraisinG5376 Ann DriveBath, MI 48808 (517) 231-9120

cLinTOn cOUnTy ecOnOMic aLLiance 12800 Escanaba Drive, Suite DDeWitt, MI 48820 (517) 669-1345 cceami.org

FaiTH caTHOLic1500 E. Saginaw St.Lansing, MI 48906 (517) 853-7600faithcatholic.com

BiKraM yOGa caPiTaL area1355 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 862-8926 bikramyogacapitalarea.com

UniversiTy MOTOr MaLL LLc6420 S. Cedar St.Lansing, MI 48911 (517) 394-5400 universitymotormall.com

nOnPrOFiT neTWOrK536 N. JacksonJackson, MI 49201 (517) 796-4750 nonprofnetwork.org

aFLac4131 Okemos Rd., Suite 11Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 349-7002aflac.com

LansinG asPHaLT3888 S. Canal Rd.Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 775-2344 lansingasphalt.com

ParK DenTaL OKeMOs2685 Jolly Rd.Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 993-5924 parkdentalokemos.net

airsHiP cineMa525 N. Cedar, Apt. 103 Lansing, MI 48912 (989) 293-7251airshipcinema.com

GO Greener LLc4520 N. Grand River AvenueLansing, MI 48906 (517) 703-2131 gogreenerllc.com

PrevenTiOn neTWOrKP.O. Box 4458East Lansing, MI 48826 (517) 393-6890preventionnetwork.org

rainBOW cHiLD care cenTer-LansinG8161 Executive Ct.Lansing, MI 48917517.622.8458rainbowccc.com

rainBOW cHiLD care cenTer-OKeMOs3682 Okemos Rd.Okemos, MI 48864517.347.1919rainbowccc.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

THOMas M. cOOLey LaW scHOOL

40 years

MsU FeDeraL creDiT UniOn30 years

cHarTer TOWnsHiP OF DeLTa

30 years

BLUe crOss BLUe sHieLD OF MicHiGan

30 years

DeLaU Fire & saFeTy30 years

GTecH cOrPOraTiOn25 years

B & D eLecTric, inc.25 years

MccarTney & cOMPany, Pc

20 years

eDWarD JOnes10 years

MaUrer’s10 years

UniversiTy reFOrMeD cHUrcH

5 years

asK5 years

Warren saLvaGe & DisManTLinG cOrP.

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!

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A/V Consultants & Rentals

Abraham Real Estate

Allstate - The Norris Agency

Arcpoint of Mid-Michigan

ASAP Printing

ASK

B & D Electric, Inc.

Black Box Network Services

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Candlewood Suites At The Henry Center Complex

Capital Area Center for Independent Living

Capital Area Massage Therapy

Capital Urological Associates

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Centry Corp./Charlotte Mini Storage, L.L.C.

Charter Township of Delta

Chase Creative Unlimited

Clear Channel Airports

Collegeville Textbook Company

DeLau Fire & Safety, Inc.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Edward Jones

Gillespie Company, LLC

GrandAir Aviation

GTECH Corporation

Hacks Key Shop

Hampton Inn - East Lansing

Heights Auto Parts

Johnston Consulting

Lansing Community College Foundation & Alumni Assoc

Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission

Liskey’s Auto & Truck Service

Maplegrove Property Management, LLC

Maurer’s

Max & Erma’s

McCartney & Company, PC

Metalist International, Inc.

Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Michigan Creative

Michigan Orthopedic Center

MIRS - Michigan Information & Research Service

Moore Plumbing Shop, Inc.

MSU Federal Credit Union

Murphy & Murphy, D.D.S.

Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center

Panera Bread Company - Frandor

Personnel World, Inc.

Petra Flowers

Pines Healthcare Center

Practical Political Consulting

Resch Strategies

Special Olympics Michigan - Area 8

Sunrise, SRL

The Bluffs at Lakes of Milford Association

Theroux Development Co., Inc.

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Trees, Inc.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission

Troppo

Truscott Rossman

University Reformed Church

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Village Green of Lansing Apartments

Warmels & Comstock, PLLC

Warren Salvage & Dismantling Corp.

Wharton Center for Performing Arts

Wolverine Development Corporation

WorkSquared

Thank You renewing MembersREPUTATION MANAGEMENT

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The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP, Inc.) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will lead an export trade mission to Germany to help build business relationships and develop worldwide expansion strategies with Europe. The mission will target the automotive, drug and pharmaceutical, information technology, machining and tooling, medical equipment, renewable energy and plastics industries.

“Germany is Michigan’s fourth-largest export trading partner with nearly $1.8 billion in export revenue,” said Tim Daman, President and CEO of the LRCC. “This is a great opportunity for Greater Lansing businesses to expand their reach into the European market.”

As the top importer of goods in the European Union, Germany acts as the ideal location for businesses seeking training and resources through expansion. While on the mission, there will be four days of individual meetings with prospective buyers, distributors and partners.

LRCC has taken an active leadership position in assisting Greater Lansing businesses establish international connections. In 2012, LRCC led a local delegation of business leaders to China for exposure to new business opportunities.

Lansing regional chamber and LeaP to Lead export Trade Mission to Germanyvisit Frankfurt and Munich from June 8-14

International Trade

Federally insured by the NCUA

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

Branch LocationsEastLansing•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.AuburnHills•3265 Five Points Dr.

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Let Sparrow help your business evolve. Sparrow’s new Be Well at Work program

can improve the overall health of your employees, reduce unnecessary costs,

and inspire productivity in today’s dynamic environment.

Getting on the path to wellnessSparrow can provide a comprehensive, integrated platform to improve wellness at your company.

Be Well at Work provides the tools to get on a path to wellness, including:

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To schedule a free Be Well at Work

consultation, contact Sparrow’s Worksite

Wellness Coordinator Brad Gebauer

at 517.364.8167 or visit us at

sparrow.org/bewellatwork.

Improve the health of your workforce

with Sparrow’s Be Well at Work

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Business leaders attending a briefing involving members of Mayor Virg Bernero’s Financial Health Team (FHT) were urged to be actively involved in advocating for necessary action to address the financial difficulties facing the City of Lansing. The call-to-action was made during a recent briefing held at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The business community is absolutely critical to this process,” said Eric Scorsone, an MSU economist serving on the FHT.

Scorsone outlined many of the challenges facing the City of Lansing, most notably the so-called legacy costs, led by pensions and retiree health care. Lansing has estimated unfunded liabilities of $649 million.

“Budgets are balanced according to the law, but not from an accounting perspective,” said Scorsone. “Without solving this problem, not much is going to happen.”

Mayor Bernero noted that 56 percent of the city’s budget is related to police and fire, and that though unions are making some concessions, state laws supporting binding arbitration hinder the ability to make all the changes many feel are needed. The Mayor said that he will continue to support privatization of some city services and consider the sale of some assets. The Mayor also noted that the City of Lansing subsidizes the Lansing Center and Cooley Stadium to the tune of $1.5 million and indicated that other regional entities should share that responsibility.

“Regional assets deserve regional support,” said Mayor Bernero.

FHT chairman David Hollister urged the Mayor to move immediately to implement a proposal from his committee to establish a joint authority with the Lansing School District which would allow for consolidation of services.

“The city and the school district can immediately begin to share services and create efficiencies,” said Hollister.

Panelists agreed that the business community will have to assume an active role in whatever strategies are implemented to help Lansing’s financial recovery. Forum moderator Ron Simon, who also served on the FHT panel, called upon business leaders to give their support for tough action.

“We have to look upon the business community to support what we need to do to get the City of Lansing on track,” said Simon.

Government relations

Business Leaders Urged to get involved in city of Lansing Financial recovery efforts

Business leaders attending a briefing at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce hear from Mayor Virg Bernero and members of his Financial Health Team.

Governor Rick Snyder was recently honored with the first annual Moving Michigan Forward Award, sponsored by Dean Transportation. The award was presented to the Governor at the recent 2013 Legislative Dinner hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes outstanding leadership to develop a new level of excellence in which Michigan is a leader in the 21st century economy and enjoys a quality of life that is second to none. Pictured from left: Paula Cunningham, Capitol National Bank, 2013 Chair of the LRCC Board of Directors; Governor Rick Snyder; Kellie Dean, Dean Transportation & Dean Trailways; and Tim Daman, LRCC President & CEO.

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Economic club

Dart executive James Lammers to Keynote May 23 economic club Luncheon

Dart Container Corporation executive James Lammers will share insight into the company’s recent $1 billion acquisition of Solo Cup, its expansion plans in mid-Michigan, and their overall commitment to Michigan as the keynote speaker of the Economic Club luncheon on May 23.

Lammers has been with Dart Container Corporation (DCC) since 1986, and was named Vice President of Administration and General Counsel in 1993. In 2012,

when Dart acquired Solo Cup Company, Jim was named Executive Vice President of Administration. In addition to serving as General Counsel, Jim is responsible for Dart’s Accounting, Corporate Communications, Governmental and Environmental Affairs, Human Resources, Tax and Treasury functions. He is involved in Dart real estate development activities, domestically and abroad, and also serves as Vice President of the Dart Foundation.

In May 2012, Dart Container acquired Illinois-based Solo Cup Company and now has approximately 15,000 employees and more than 45 production, distribution centers, and office locations in eight countries. To integrate Solo Cup corporate and administrative operations into Dart’s location in Michigan, Dart plans to build a new corporate headquarters building and warehouse facility as well as expand existing buildings on its Alaiedon Township campus. The employment growth will be fueled both by the relocation of some Solo Cup Company staff from the Chicago area and new jobs that will be available to Michigan residents. A recent job fair held at the Capital Area Michigan Works’ Lansing office attracted over 450 individuals looking to fill more than 100 positions at Dart Container.

The Economic Club luncheon on May 23rd is sponsored by Fahey Schultz Burzych and Rhodes PLC. Doors open for networking at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and the program beginning at noon. Single tickets are $40 or tables of eight are $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required and can be completed at www.lansingchamber.org or by contacting Jennifer Wagemann at jwagemann@lansingchamber.org of 517-853-6456.

Caption

Lansing Regional of Chamber of Commerce president & CEO Tim Daman were among the panelists featured as part of the first New Michigan Summit hosted by Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM). Daman participated in a panel discussion entitled Higher

Education Marketplace that discussed the importance of considering colleges and universities as talent factories that are also part of the economy. Picture l-r: Doug Rothwell, BLM CEO; Michael Hansen, president of the Michigan Community College Association; Kenneth Nisbet, executive director of U-M Tech Transfer; and Tim Daman.

for joint replacement in MichiganMcLaren Orthopedic Hospital is the region’s leader when it comes to offering orthopedic care, including state-of-the-art treatments and highly experienced specialists. Time and again, we are recognized for the high caliber of care we provide, and we are especially proud of our latest designation from CareChex, ranking us No. 1 in the state and among the top 10 percent in the nation for joint replacement.

If you want the finest in orthopedic care, there’s no need to look any further than McLaren Orthopedic Hospital—Michigan’s largest dedicated orthopedic hospital and a center for national orthopedic research in partnership with Michigan State University.

For a physician referral, please visit mclaren.org/lansingortho.

2727 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48910 | (517) 975-6000 mclaren.org/lansingortho

1#James Lammers

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you don’t have to travel very far on any spring or summer weekend to understand why the Greater Lansing region is often referred to as Michigan’s Festival Capital. More than 60 festivals are hosted in the region, beginning with Frost Fest in downtown Lansing during February

and concluding with a variety of holiday traditions in December.

We love our festivals in Greater Lansing. During the course of the year, our communities celebrate with music, arts, crafts, and color cruises. We celebrate our rich ethnic heritage, life in the city, and the frontier of the Wild West. We have festivals to celebrate all forms of transportation, including cars, boats, horses and bath tubs. What would festivals be without eating? We have festivals that offer foods from over 100 countries, and domestic favorites including chili, maple syrup and pancakes, and yes, even gizzards!

In addition to being a lot of fun and a source of community pride, festivals contribute a significant economic impact on the Greater Lansing region. One of the most successful annual events is the East Lansing Arts Festival, which on May 18 and 19 will celebrate its 50th anniversary. More than 200 juried artists will participate, many of whom will stay in local hotels and eat in local establishments. An economic impact study completed in 2005 estimated that 70-80,000 visitors attend the arts festival, spending some $2.2 million. East Lansing merchants say the Arts Festival is their biggest weekend of the year, even more so than the Christmas season.

“People come to the event anticipating they are going to spend money,” said Corinn Van Wyck, East Lansing Arts Festival Director. “They are going to purchase art and eat at their favorite restaurants.”

There has not been a study that solely addresses the economic impact of festivals in

the region. However, a recent report from Creative State Michigan revealed that arts and culture generate $2 billion annually in Michigan.

“That counts for more than golf, boating and sailing, hunting and fishing, hiking and biking combined,” said Leslie Donaldson, executive director of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.

Perhaps no community has seen a bigger turnaround that could be directly attributed to festivals than Lansing’s Old Town on the city’s north side. Old Town festivals helped revitalize the area, bringing visitors and attracting new businesses. Old Town annually hosts Jazzfest, Octoberfest, the Renegade Theater Festival, Festival of the Sun and the Festival of the Moon.

Five years ago, the community created a new event called Scrapfest, in which teams have an hour to collect up to 500 pounds of scrap from Friedland Industries’ scrapyard in Old Town. They then have two weeks to conceive and execute their artistic vision and drop off their completed masterpiece to display and auction off during the Festival of the Sun and Festival of the Moon. Last year, 20 teams participated by turning scrap into art.

“If we look at Old Town today as compared to 25 years ago, we see a dramatic difference,” said Donaldson. “Festivals are a major reason why Old Town has turned the corner, become vibrant and alive again, and brought more small businesses to the region.”

The attraction of festivals is an asset in helping draw out-of-town visitors to the region, which is the responsibility of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB). The region annually draws 4.7 million visitors, resulting in an economic impact of $424 million.

Greater Lansing:Michigan’s Festival capitalGreater Lansing:Michigan’s Festival capital

east lansing arts festival

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in addition to being a lot of fun and a source of community pride, festivals contribute a significant economic impact on the Greater lansing region. ”

“When there is a group that is looking for something to do for free, we send them the list of festivals,” said Tracy Padot, CTA, GLCVB vice president, marketing communications. “It is one more thing they can do in this area.”

For the past 19 years, GLCVB has used its own event, “Be A Tourist in Your Own Town,” to help educate local residents about the numerous attractions in Greater Lansing - many of which are under appreciated. For a passport that costs just $1, folks who participate will have an opportunity to gain free admission to 60 great attractions on Saturday, June 1. GLCVB hopes those who participate will “spread the word.”

“We would hope that our residents will become ambassadors for the region,” said Padot.

In an effort to facilitate, promote and support many of the festivals in the region, the Greater Lansing Festival Alliance has brought together the directors of 30 arts and cultural festivals. Started in 2009 as a membership group of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, the Alliance sponsors workshops for arts coordinators that offers educational programs, strategies on how to support best practices, and insights on how to leverage promotional dollars.

“Festivals brand us as a region,” said Donaldson who serves as the president of the Alliance. “It’s been a great model. People are learning a lot from each other.”

Festivals contribute a great deal to our region. In addition to the economic

impact, festivals create energy and vitality in our communities and allow us to celebrate the many diverse characteristics that make our region great.

“People want to be connected to their communities,” said Donaldson. “They bring people together and define who we are as a region.”

There are a few sure signs of spring including warmer weather, the greening of grass and trees, and a multitude of outdoor activities kick off, including a fun-filled festival near you.

Let the festival season begin!

For a listing of festivals in the Greater Lansing area, see page 12.

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

Individual Plans || Group Coverage || Dental || Vision

Carrying a card from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or Blue Care Network means you have a health plan that provides access to practically any doctor or hospital in Michigan. Our wide range of health plans are flexible. Plus, our experience and expertise can protect your business and help your employees stay healthy. Simply put, it’s a card you can count on.

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

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R015441_FOCUSAd.indd 1 4/16/13 9:51 AM

red Cedar Jubilee

bwl Chili Cook off

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Greater Lansing: Michigan’s Festival capital

cOMMUniTy FesTivaLs May Through august

May 2 - 5spring Fling Festival Community: Mason www.masonchamber.org

May 4victorian Festival Community: Grand Ledge www.victoriandays.org

May 18 – 19 Michigan state University spring arts and crafts showCommunity: East Lansing www.uabevents.com/artsandcrafts

May 24- 26cristo ray Fiesta 2013Community: Lansingwww.cristoreylansing.catholicweb.com

May 31Lansing Board of Water and Light chili cook-OffCommunity: Lansingwww.lbwl.com

June 1Be a Tourist in your Own Town Community: Community-widewww.lansing.org/batyot

June 7 -9 Gizzard FestCommunity: Pottervillewww.gizzardfest.com

June 13 -15Lansing Juneteenth celebrationCommunity: Lansingwww.lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org

June 15annual Oldsmobile HomecomingCommunity: Lansingwww.reolds.org

June 20-22summer solstice Jazz FestivalCommunity: East LansingWeb URL: www.eljazzfest.comJune 16 -22

red cedar JubileeCommunity: Williamstonwww.facebook.com/redcedarjubilee

June 21Festival of the MoonCommunity: Old Town Lansing www.festivalofthemoon.com

June 22Festival of the sun Community: Old Town Lansingwww.festivalofthesun.com

June 22Dam FestivalCommunity: Eaton Rapidswww.damfestival.net

June 23 Delta rocks! Family FestivalCommunity: Delta Township

July 7 – 13 eaton county FairCommunity: Charlottewww.eatoncountyfair.com

July 8 -14 common Ground Music Festival Community: Lansingwww.commongroundfest.com

July 20Taste of DowntownCommunity: Lansingwww.tasteofdowntown.org

July 27 car capital celebration Community: Lansingwww.reoldmuseam.org

July 29 – August 3 ingham county FairCommunity: Masonwww.inghamfair.org

August 2 -3 Bath Days Festival Community: Bathwww.bathdaysfestival.com

August 2 -3 Lansing JazzFestCommunity: Old Town Lansing www.jazzlansing.com

August 3island art FairCommunity: Grande Ledgewww.ledgecraftlane.com

August 9 - 11Great Lansing Folk Festival Community: East Lansingwww.greatlakesfolkfest.net

August 9 - 11st. Johns Mint Festival Community: St. Johnswww.clintoncountychamber.org/mint

August 15 – 17 renegade Theatre Festival Community: Old Town Lansing www.renegadetheatrefestival.org

August 15 – 17 DeWitt Ox roastCommunity: Downtown DeWittwww.dewittoxroast.net

August 21Old 27 Motor TourCommunity: Lansingwww.old27tour.com

August 24Michigan Pride March, rally and Festival Community: Lansingwww.michiganpride.org

August 23 – 24 Mason sun Dried Music FestCommunity: Downtown Masonwww.masondda.com

August 30 – September 1Michigan Mosaic Music Festival Community: Lansingwww.michiganmosaic.org

For more information and a complete listing of all 2013 festivals in the Greater Lansing region, visit www.lansing.org/events/local-festivals

louie longoria is always a popular act at the st. Johns mint festival

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Economic club

Patrick Kennedy Tells economic club crowdsupporting Mental Health Treatment is Good Business

Employers should feel a strong sense of responsibility to ensure that employee health care policies contain coverage for mental health issues. That was part of the message delivered to the March Economic Club crowd by mental health advocate and former Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy. According to Kennedy, mental health issues including depression, anxiety and addiction are the leading costs of disability in business, often resulting in dramatic declines in productivity.

“This is your business,” said Kennedy.

In Michigan, almost two million adults experience a mental disorder each year which contributes to almost $5 billion in lost productivity. Kennedy said it is important that society break the stigma associated with mental health, which he said results in two-thirds of people who need treatment for mental health issues not seeking help. Removing the stigma associated with mental health disorders would result in more people getting help earlier, according to Kennedy.

“If we treated mental illness like we treat cancer, we would treat it early on,” said Kennedy. “Today, we only treat people with mental illness after they are already in critical condition.”

Kennedy, who has battled his own mental health challenges including bipolar disorder and addictions to alcohol and OxyContin, was a champion for mental health issues during his 14-year career in Congress. He travels the country speaking out in support of mental health care, which he equates to the civil rights movement.

Kennedy also urged Michigan to reconsider its decision to not set up a state health exchange when the Affordable Care Act takes effect in 2014. Kennedy said the failure to have an exchange will mean Michigan residents will not have guaranteed insurance coverage for mental health issues and addictions which citizens will have in states with exchanges.

The WorkSafe People™The WorkSafe People™

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Book Smart. Business Wise. Battle Tested. This is the mantra of Spartan Consulting Inc. (SCI), Michigan State University’s only student run, fee-based consulting firm operating since 1997. SCI draws from the diversity and expertise of the MBA students at the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, to deliver high value, custom fit solutions to clients ranging from startups to fortune 500 corporations.

As a non-profit, SCI is able to provide the link between classroom and boardroom and help both the student and companies develop cutting-edge management and strategic solutions in a variety of business areas including: supply chain management (optimization, analytics, logistics and procurement), marketing, finance and accounting, human capital development and business development (business plan drafting and capital sourcing).

Recent clients of SCI include Meijer, FANUC Robotics, and the MSU HealthTeam. SCI has also partnered with the Michigan Economic Development

Corporation and become a member of their Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative. As a member, SCI has agreed to provide reduced rate services to small Michigan companies looking to grow.

“We offer a unique value proposition to our clients,” said Sean Harness, president of Spartan Consulting Inc. “Our consultants are all MBA students who already have years of diverse industry experience, plus we have access to world-class faculty and databases. So, when a client hires Spartan Consulting they get big firm consulting services, but they do not have to pay the big firm price.”

“Often, business challenges require completely new viewpoints, insights and problem solving capabilities―the kind Spartan Consulting provides,” said R. David Nelson, former vice president, global supply group, Delphi Corp. “Delphi believes that working with Spartan Consulting provides access to outstanding academic research, innovation and solutions, as well as to potential future employees.”

Davenport University (DU) is interested in recognizing up-and-coming DU student leaders who are employed by Greater Lansing businesses. In the fall of 2012, Davenport announced their new Community Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship is available to Davenport University students who are employed at a company that is a good-standing member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce or any Chamber of Commerce in Michigan.

“The Community Leader Scholarship is a great opportunity for any Davenport student that is an employee of any Chamber of Commerce member business to take advantage of some additional dollars

for their education,” said Danielle DeLonge, Executive Campus Director in Lansing. “This scholarship continues to strengthen the relationship between Davenport University and our Chamber of Commerce partners across Michigan.”

Eligible students can receive up to $1,500 annually based on the number of credit hours taken as follows:• Studentsenrolledin6creditspersemesterwill

receive $750 per semester, up to the annual limit. Students enrolled in less than six credits per semester will receive $375 per semester.

• TheCommunityLeaderScholarshipcanbecombined with other qualifying Davenport

University discounts and scholarships, except for students who are eligible for the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce discount.

• Thescholarshipmaybeusedtowardundergraduate or graduate classes.

• DavenportUniversityoffersdegreesinBusiness,Technology and Health.

For more information, call 800-686-1600 or visit www.davenport.edu.

Book smart. Business Wise. Battle Tested.

Davenport University announces new community Leader scholarship: available to DU students employed by any Michigan chamber of commerce Member Businesses

Membership services

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Membership services

The St. Johns High School Band hit a high note on Thursday, March 21 as LAFCU presented the band with a check for $1000. This donation was made possible by LAFCU’s generous Band Sponsorship at the 2013 Lansing Regional Chamber Annual Dinner. These funds will be used to purchase raincoats for the band. From L-R: Tim Daman (LRCC), Kelli A. Ellsworth-Etchinson (LAFCU), members of the St. Johns High School Band, Roy Davis, Jr. (St. Johns High School Band Director), and Patrick Spyke (LAFCU).

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer to our membership a series of exclusive Member Benefit Programs. These programs, offered exclusively to Chamber members, are designed to save you time and money and encompass a variety of business services including insurance, advertising and office furniture, to name a few.

In 2013, we proudly offer to our membership the following Member Benefit Programs:

acciDenT FUnD insUrance cOMPany OF aMerica The one and only Chamber program for workers’ compensation coverage in the Lansing region. Members receive a 5% discount in premiums and may also qualify for a year-end dividend check. Since 2004 Accident Fund has paid participating Lansing Regional Chamber members dividends in excess of $1.2 million. Auto-Owners Insurance

aUTO-OWners insUrance Auto-Owners Insurance is proud to offer special savings programs on commercial and personal lines of insurance. Chamber members are eligible for discounts of 12% on business, 10% on home and personal umbrella, and 8% on personal automobile insurance.

BLUe crOss BLUe sHieLD OF MicHiGan The Chamber’s exclusive sponsored plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offers businesses a wide variety of choices for traditional coverage. Your group contract in the Chamber’s program will receive free direct billing and administrative assistance, saving you time and money.

cOMcasT BUsiness cLass The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and Comcast Business Class offer exclusive pricing options for Chamber members.

DBi...We DO OFFice Your membership allows you to enjoy discounts of up to 60% on over 200 Best Value Items! Free next day delivery, no minimum order.

LsJ MeDia New advertising clients get 50% off your first month of advertising with LSJ Media with a three-month contract. Plus, we’ll provide you with a free evaluation of your top 5 SEM keywords.

cHaMPiOn cHrysLer * JeeP * DODGe This unique members-only program allows you to enjoy:• Preferredpricingonnewandusedvehicles• ComplimentarymembershipintheOwnerCareprogram• Anadditional$500trade-inallowance• 10%offallpartsandservicework

saM’s cLUB Chamber members will receive a $10 Sam’s Club Gift Card if you sign up or renew your membership. If you upgrade to Sam’s Club Plus, you will receive a $25 Sam’s Club Gift Card.

JMann cOnsULTinG GrOUP, LLc JMann Consulting offers a 10% discount on a human resources review. This recognizes strengths and identifies any needs for improvement in your HR “people practices.”

For more information, please contact Shannon Lounsberry or Jason Green, our business development managers. Shannon may be reached at (517) 853-6463 or slounsberry@lansingchamber.org and Jason may be reached at (517) 853-6474 or jgreen@lansingchamber.org.

Lansing regional chamber Offers exciting Member Benefit Programs in 2013

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PeOPLe neWsabraham & Gaffney, P.c., certified Public accountants, is pleased to announce the accomplishments of one of our Auburn Hills audit team members. Michael Thompson who was hired in August 2012, has just passed the fourth and final part of the CPA exam.

MayOTTegroup architects would like to welcome sara Tripp and Marie Broxholm as new members of the organization. Sara joins the production team and Marie is the new receptionist and executive assistant.

Nearly nine-year-old design and marketing firm rizzi Designs has added two new team members to the growing organization. Graphic designer sarah Garner and media developer Kristen Overberg bring the total staff at Rizzi Designs to ten.

The capital region airport authority announces that Brent case, director of foreign trade zone and global logistics development, recently received the Certified Global Business Professional credential.

MsU Federal credit Union has announced the hiring of christina Minnis as vice president of marketing.

Attorney Brian Gallagher of the Fraser Trebilcock law firm has been named one of this year’s ‘Top 5 Under 35’ by the Ingham County Bar Association.

Park Dental Okemos is now open in the beautiful and newly renovated Doctor’s Approach building located just minutes from Michigan State University and I-96. Wallace Walker, DDs, of Park Dental Okemos is a board-certified dentist, offering a variety of

specialty and affordable general dentistry services.

christine chesny, a member of Leadingage Michigan, has been approved by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Foundation Board as a member of the MHA Keystone Center’s

Board of Directors for being the not-for-profit lead on patient safety.

Thirty-six Tomie raines, inc. real estate agents were awarded Quality Service Certified Gold and Platinum status in recognition of exceptional service satisfaction, measured and compiled for 2012 by Leading Research Corporation. All Tomie Raines, Inc. agents are QSC Certified and detailed results of the agents’ customer surveys are posted online at tomieraines.com, QualityCertified.org and RatedAgent.com.

Five coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood Realtors were recently honored by Coldwell Banker®, as “Best of the Best”, ranking in the top one percent of the 82,000 Coldwell Banker Agents International for residential real estate units sold in 2012:

Lynn vanDeventer, number one in volume for Michigan and the northern region; Mike Parsley, number seven in units sold in the nation. Also ranking in the top one percent were angela averill, Kim Laforet and carin Whybrew.

coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood has been named to the prestigious Coldwell Banker®

Chairman’s Circle. As a privilege of membership, Broker/Owners Bob Hubbell and Bill MacLeod are invited to attend a retreat exclusively for Chairman’s Circle members to be held in Aspen Colorado.

Karen Grannemann, currently serving as the University club’s chief operating officer, has been chosen to lead the U-Club following the retirement of current chief executive officer/general manager Richard Bruner in 2014.

Ten high school students from Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia and Shiawassee counties who are interested in pursuing careers in health care have been awarded college scholarships by Physicians Health Plan.

MsU Federal credit Union awarded nathaniel Pasmanter and alexandra Tricozzi, two spring Michigan State University graduates, with $3,200 professional makeovers in its ninth annual Graduate Makeover Contest.

Granger construction has announced that christian cole has been hired as the firm’s new sales manager.

Lynn vanDeventer

angela averill

Bob Hubbell

carin Whybrew

Mike Parsley

Kim Laforet

Bill MacLeod

christina Minnis

Brian Gallagher

Wallace Walker

Congratulations to the 2012 php familyCare scholarship winners, who were honored at a recent php board meeting. pictured (from left) are: Dr. David Kaufman, php board member; scott wilkerson, php president/Ceo; alex Cousineau, $1,000 scholarship winner; allison middleton, $1,000 scholarship winner; paige Groom, $1,000 scholarship winner; lea schafer, $500 scholarship winner; Katherine hart, $500 scholarship winner; and Dr. timothy hodge, php board member.

nathaniel pasmanter and alexandra tricozzi

Members On The Move

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The Michigan nonprofit association named Donna Murray-Brown as president and chief executive officer of the group that serves as the collective voice advocating for Michigan’s nonprofit organizations.

Karen selin has joined the team of Tomie raines, inc. as sales and training manager.

Portland Federal credit Union (PFcU) has announced that CEO & president Gary May retired, effective April 27, 2013. PFCU also announced the selection of Harvey Hoskins as the new CEO/president and Michele Makley as executive vice president.

On April 1, 2013, christopher vanDeventer became the president of the regional steel Distribution center (rsDc). RSDC, a subsidiary of Marubeni-ITOCHU Steel America Inc., is the largest metal coil and blank processor in North America.

Michael J. Krzyminski, MBa has joined aTiGrOUP as the general manager.

shelley Mannino has been named business services assistant director for Peckham, inc’s Business Services Division.

nai Mid-Michigan has announced the following additions to their sales force: Marc Mellor will specialize in commercial real estate sales and leasing; Peter roffle will specialize in the sales and leasing of retail and office properties.

William Lemanski of Meiers & Lombardini insurance services in East Lansing has been named chair to the Young Agents Council of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents.

summit community Bank recently announced the addition of Jane sherzer to their commercial lending executive team.

Congratulations to Marie Mason, staffing specialist at elwood staffing, for achieving her certification as a Certified Staffing Professional (CSP). The company also announced that emily yelvington has been promoted to customer service manager

Hospice of Lansing, a nonprofit community-based independent hospice, is pleased to welcome John Person as its new executive director.

McLaren Medical Group welcomes Labony Mookerjee, M.D. to McLaren Greater Lansing–Okemos Community Medical Center, located at 2140 Jolly Road, Suite 240, Okemos.

Attorney Brian Gallagher has been elected as chair of the Board of Directors for Highfields, inc. Gallagher joined the board in 2009, continuing a long legacy of lawyers from Fraser Trebilcock who have served on the Highfields board for more than 35 years.

Marc Mellor

Marie Mason

Peter roffle Labony Mookerjee

emily yelvington

Members On The Move

September 19, 2013Timber Ridge Golf Club

Visit www.cawlm.com or call 517.203.0123 to register

First time golfers welcome!

Save the Date!

C A P I T A L A R E A

M A G A Z I N E

Karen selin

William Lemanski

Jane sherzer

John Person

Michael Krzyminski

christopher vanDeventer

shelley Mannino

Brian Gallagher

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Thomas Korff has been named IT Help Desk program manager for Peckham inc.’s Business Services Division.

cOMPany neWsThe five-acre parcel of land at 810 W. Ottawa in downtown Lansing has been sold for future development by re/MaX commercial Brokers. The new owner intends to begin consulting with City and neighborhood officials to work within the City of Lansing Master Plan to best utilize the site.

McLaren Greater Lansing has been named a Blue Distinction Center+ in the areas of knee and hip replacement and spine surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

clark construction company has been awarded the Associated General Contractors of America’s 14th Annual Construction Safety Excellence Award.

Registration is now open for cooley Law school’s 5K Race for Education and Impression 5 Half Marathon, both part of the Capital City River Run Weekend of Races, a premiere annual running event in downtown Lansing. Participants may register for the Sunday, Sept. 15 races at www.ccriverrun.com, active.com or in person at Playmakers, 2299 West Grand River Ave. in Okemos.

Jon’s country Burger (3015 S. Cedar Street, Lansing) a former 1960s drive-in turned family-style restaurant, is changing once more. The restaurant has been sold to experienced restaurateur Anton Prenja. The new restaurant will feature Greek, Mediterranean and American food selections and will be called Athena’s Diner.

sparrow clinton Hospital in St. Johns recently earned national recognition from iVantage Health Analytics as one of the top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States.

The 2013 Greenlight Business Model Competition, created by Spartan Innovation and MsU Federal credit Union (MsUFcU) offered entrepreneurs from around Michigan an opportunity to pitch their business ideas and compete for $50,000 in

prizes. The grand prize of $25,000, sponsored by MSUFCU, went to Kymeria advanced Materials, created by cameron smith, vincent alessi, Dave Hatfield and reed schick. They are currently developing new chemistry for ceramics, which brings the benefits of existing advanced ceramics to new parts and markets.

Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest accounting and business advisory firms, was named Employer of the Year at the second International Accounting Bulletin Awards celebration, held March 14 in London. This is the second year in a row Plante Moran was recognized with this honor.

East Lansing’s Art for Charlie Foundation, created by a local family with a terminally ill child, marked its first anniversary this week by donating $20,000 to the sparrow Foundation to fund pediatric palliative care at Sparrow. Named in honor of charlie Waller, the four-year-old East Lansing boy diagnosed with terminal brain stem cancer, the Foundation raises money through art events and art sales to provide hospice care for very ill children and to help families who suffer from the loss of a child.

MsU Federal credit Union was recently recognized as one of West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the Michigan Business and Professional Association.

McLaren Greater Lansing has acquired Redi Care South—an urgent care office located at 6910 S. Cedar Street in south Lansing—that has been treating the emergency medicine needs of greater Lansing for 30 years. The operation will be rebranded as McLaren Redi Care South Lansing.

For the second consecutive year, Greenstone Farm credit services has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). This honor comes after GreenStone was recently recognized as one of West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the Michigan Business and Professional Association.

Greenstone Farm credit services celebrated National Ag Day in a big way with Patronage Day on March 19, when the cooperative disbursed a record-setting $26.5 million patronage payment to its members. GreenStone has paid more than $134 million in patronage to its members during the eight-year history of the program.After six weeks of competition with 19 other local charities, the Boys & Girls

Members On The Move

east lansing’s art for Charlie foundation presented a $20,000 donation to the sparrow foundation during a recent event in the lobby of sparrow hospital. at the ceremony were (l-r): Charlie waller, his mother abigail, father John, Dr. stephen Guertin, pediatric nurse, Cheri salazar, pediatric oncologist, Dr. bradd hemker and Jodi spicer, art for Charlie foundation.

accepting the aGC of america Construction award on behalf of Clark Construction are, l-r: Ken lawless, sam Clark and Chuck Clark.

Thomas Korff

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club of Lansing was awarded the grand prize in the University club of MsU’s Big Bang-quet community charity challenge – a $10,000 credit toward a fundraising event at the University Club, plus $15, 781.50 earned from their votes. The program is co-sponsored by MsU Federal credit Union and the capital region community Foundation. The event raised $61,070 for 20 local charities.

Internet innovator conpoto LLc announced that the company and Albion College have agreed to provide an original new service to Albion students and their friends and families. With just a couple of taps on their smart phone, parents can now buy their students a delicious coffee drink or baked treat at the college’s Read Between The Grinds coffee shop located in Stockwell Memorial Library. MsU Federal credit Union has announced a $1 million donation to the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan state University for the MSU Federal Credit Union Artist Studio Series Endowment. This gift will bring renowned artists to MSU’s campus to provide engagement opportunities for MSU students and faculty, school children throughout Mid-Michigan and the general public.

crosaires, a home for aging adults in Williamston has been selected to receive the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center’s Best Small Business Award.

Hobbs + Black associates, inc. has been awarded the Two Men and a Truck Headquarters Expansion project. The $4.25 million project will add approximately 25,000 square feet to their existing 35,000 square foot facility.

astera credit Union is celebrating the grand opening of its Saginaw Hwy. location, 5615 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing, MI.

Thomas M. cooley Law school hosted the 59th Annual National Conference of Law Reviews in Lansing, Mich., from March 21 through March 23, 2013. Some 250 law students from 62 different law schools attended the conference, where legal experts shared their experiences related to student-edited law publications.

Greenstone Farm credit services has released its 2012 Annual Report, Our Story.The report highlights the exceptional year the association experienced in 2012, including the cooperative’s record net earnings of $126.2 million.

rizzi Designs announces the launch of their new 3D animation division, RD3D. This most recent addition to the offerings at the full-service marketing firm gives current and new clients a unique way to enhance their promotional and internal materials.

Building on more than a decade of cooperation that has led to a number of joint degree programs and shared facility initiatives in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Western Michigan University and the Thomas M. cooley Law school are discussing the possibility of a stronger alliance that would create a formal affiliation between Cooley, a private law school, and WMU.

Blue Diamond concierge has signed a Partnership Agreement with Grayce Gilette-Drummond Langheine of York Pennsylvania. That office is expecting to open by the end of May. Blue Diamond is fine tuning the processes developed to launch franchise opportunities by the end of 2013.

A local TV show, Lrn 101, has won a national award for their educational programming in the Greater Lansing area which promotes keep learning. LRN 101, produced by such video, won the 2013 Hometown Media Award in the Independent Producer Category for Best of Magazine Shows hosted by the Alliance for Community Media, which recognizes the best community media programming each year.

spencer abraham speaks to students during the march 21 national Conference of law reviews.

Members On The Move

msufCu check presentation for the broad art museum, l-r: John r. brick, ph.D., Chairman of msufCu’s board of Directors, presenting msufCu’s donation to msu president lou anna K. simon along with members of the msufCu board of Directors and msufCu’s president and Ceo, patrick mcpharlin.

l to r: patrick mcpharlin (msufCu), april Clobes (msufCu), robin miner-

swartz (CrCf), Carmen turner (boys & Girls Club), robin Grinnell (CrCf),

Karen Grannemann (u-Club) and evan pinsonnault (wlns-tv).

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPaiDLANSING, MIPERMIT NO. 622

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

Address Correction Requested

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