WIDGETS & CO.

PROPOSAL FOR WIDGETS & CO. TO MOVE TO FLINT, MI

By Allan Burk

Rebecca HautalaJoe Bean

Bryan InghamJill Dehmel

Prepared for:

Richard Ranville, Jr. &

Widgets & Co.

Opportunities

In the past year Widgets & Co. has seen rapid growth, this growth is expected to take place throughout the near future.

Therefore, the need to expand by constructing a new building and hiring new employees is obvious.

50 of Widgets & Co. employees and their families will move to Flint to work in the new expansion.

Widgets & Co. will also hire 50 new employees to work at the expansion.

Widgets & Co. Will have a substantial growth

opportunity if they choose to move to Flint, MI. Benefits include:Growing the businessEarning more revenueBecoming more widely know

Summary This report recommends that Widgets & Co.

expand their business by moving to Flint, MI. Details are given as to what needs to be done to move the company:

possible locations are suggested, costs to build, contractors, molding machines, travel and emigration issues, schools, housing, utilities, phone and internet, health care and transportation.

Expansion This will take approximately 18 months

to complete. The process includes:coming to the US to inspect the Brownfield

propertypreparing the propertyconstructing the new buildingobtaining the machinerymoving your employees and their families getting settled in your new community

Business ReestablishmentDevelopment of Land

The property found best suited to the needs laid out by Mr. Rainville is:property 100521BC as provided by the

Genesee County Land Bank and Genesee County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

‘Buick City’ The site formerly known as ‘Buick City’

has a lot size of: 30,000,000 m². length =1,800 m width =1,650 m.

The lot use to house the General Motors production facility for the Buick line of cars.

The land has inbound and out bound rail ways

close to the major interstate, US highways, and Canada.

Cost of Clean Up

The property is registered as a “brownfield”.

A brownfield is a parcel of property where commercial, industrial, or agricultural use may have contaminated the site with a hazardous substance,

complicating redevelopment and reuse of the property.

. To help with the cleanup of a brownfield the

Genesee County/City of Flint Coalition Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund or BRLF was created. The BRLF facts are as follows:

The BRLF facts are as follows:

BRLF is a loan program—repayment is required BRLF monies can only be used to pay for

remediation/cleanup activities Minimum $150,000 USD (1,025,000 CNY)

Maximum $1 million USD (6,800,000 CNY) (Outside of core communities)

Minimum $150,000 USD (1,025,000 CNY)—Maximum $2 million USD (13,675,000 CNY) (Within the City of Flint)

May require up to a 20% match

Eligibility Facts:

All real property with environmental issues are eligible for the BRLF program

Eligible applicants include private, public, and non-profit organizations which are not responsible for or have not contributed to the contamination existing on the property at the time of application (Potential Responsible Party)

Borrowers must own the property at the time of cleanup

Borrowers must demonstrate the ability to re-pay

Financial Facts:

Repayment terms are flexible and negotiated on a project by project basis

Below market interest rate No Penalty for early payoff Funds can be used in combination with other

financing sources Disbursement of loan funds are through

reimbursement process Use of Brownfield Tax Increment Financing

(TIF) can be used to repay loan

The Authority may also recommend the creation of a Local Site Remediation Fund to cover eligible expenses on other eligible properties.

The estimated cost of cleanup for property 100521BC is $3.2 million USD (21,900,000 CNY).

Distribution Network

Property 100521BC has a well defined shipping and distribution network established.

The property contains three miles of standard railroad divided up into 2 main sections.

The two main sections deposit into two rail yards on each end of the property. The main rail system of which the track joins to is ran by two very well respected companies,

CSX and Canadian National. The CSX line will be responsible for intermodal rail

transportation of raw and finished goods, while the Canadian National line will deliver to and from

Canada.

Over the Road Transport The property is in very close proximity .25 km to US Interstate

75 for over the road transportation. I-75 connects to several other interstates within Michigan

including I-69, I-94, I-96 and US - 23. I-75 runs north till it meets Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and

Canadian border and ends at Hialeah, Florida. I-69 runs east to the Canada and then southwest to

Indianapolis, Indiana. I-94 runs east to Canada where it joins I-69 and west to Billings,

Montana. I-96 runs east to Detroit, Michigan and to the west were it

terminates in Muskegon, Michigan. US-23 runs north to Mackinaw City, Michigan and south to

Jacksonville, Florida.

Laws and Taxes

There are several laws of which must be followed before moving the business to Flint, MI. The business must:

File your business name with a local county clerk's office or the Bureau of Commercial Services, Corporation Division

Apply for an Employee identification number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service Submit the business structure to the United States Government

Business Licenses / Tax Permits - from your city or county clerk or revenue department. Many jurisdictions require a trader's license or tax certificate in order to operate.

Building Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. This permit is generally required if you are constructing or modifying your place of business.

Health Permit - from your city or county health department. Occupational Permit - from your city or county building and planning development

department. This permit is required for home-based business in some jurisdictions. Signage Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. Some

jurisdictions require a permit before you can erect a sign for your business. Alarm Permit - from you city or county police or fire department. If you have installed a

burglar or fire alarm, you will likely need an alarm permit. Zoning Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. This permit is

generally required if you are developing land for specific commercial use.

Permits Occupational Permit - from your city or county building

and planning development department. This permit is required for home-based business in some jurisdictions.

Signage Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. Some jurisdictions require a permit before you can erect a sign for your business.

Alarm Permit - from you city or county police or fire department. If you have installed a burglar or fire alarm, you will likely need an alarm permit.

Zoning Permit - from your city or county building and planning department. This permit is generally required if you are developing land for specific commercial use.

ContractorsNew Construction

Rhoads & Johnson (Provided by www.rhoadsjohnson.com)

Rhoads & Johnson are innovative industrial, commercial and institutional designers/construction managers.

They also specialize in industrial process and equipment installation.

The longevity of their company, which was established in 1902, has allowed them to gain knowledge and expertise in the various project types, which is why they are one of the premier design-build firms in Michigan.

Creative Foam Corporation

In 1999 Rhoads & Johnson completed a 120,000 square foot (11,150 square meters) foam fabrication and manufacturing facility in Fenton, MI for the Creative Foam Corporation.

Atlas Technologies

In 1999, Rhoads & Johnson completed a 60,000 square foot (5,574 square meter) automation equipment and manufacturing facility in Fenton, Michigan for Atlas Technologies.

Wolverine Building Group

Wolverine Building Group is a diverse construction company, consisting of four divisions, each with their own focused specialties in the construction industry.

The four divisions are Wolverine Building, Inc.Wolverine Construction ManagementFryling Construction CompanyWolverine North America

SignCompProject

The SignComp project was developed by Robert Grooter’s Development Team and Design/Built by Wolverine Building Group.The new pre-engineered building includes a 5,000 square foot (465 square meter) office area and another 45,000 square feet (4,200 square meters) of warehouse for the manufacturing of frames and extrusion systems.  

Advance Packaging

Wolverine Building, Inc. and Robert Grooters Development Company completed a state-of-the-art facility for Advance Packaging, a local manufacturer of corrugated containers. Advance Packaging was operating out of three different buildings throughout the Grand Rapids area. Construction of the new 400,000 square foot facility was a decision to trim costs by consolidating their operation.

Injection Molding Machine

The Widget Maker

Mitsubishi (Provided by www.mhiinj.com)

The exclusive North American manufacturer of leading Mitsubishi Injection Molding Machines, MHI Injection Molding Machinery, Inc. offers complete quality sales, service and support.

Their technical center centrally located outside of Chicago in Bensenville, Illinois, is available for machine demonstrations and/or mold/material trials.

em SERIES (950-1200-1600 tons)

Mitsubishi The more than 40 years of experience

can be seen in today's Mitsubishi Injection Molding machines.

They include leading edge technology and superior performance

Which belong in plastics molding facilities where precision, energy-savings and maximum productivity are critical to the success of your business.

RelocationLet’s go.

Visas

In order to visit the U.S. a visa must be obtained.

During your first visit to the United States, you will need a Business Visa.

A Business Visitor Visa will allow your company’s management team to survey the potential business site and/or lease the premises.

Each applicant for a Business Visitor Visa must submit these forms and documentation as explained below: An application, Nonimmigrant

Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed

A passport valid for travel to the United States is needed, with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.

One (1) 2x2 photograph

Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age.

It is also required for all applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, without exception.

Four countries are now designated as state sponsors of terrorism, including Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran.

SchoolsVital Education

Flint Community Schools (K-12)

The school year for students in elementary, middle, and high school generally begins the second week in September and ends in the second week of June.

The area colleges vary slightly as when each school’s semester or quarter begins.

Available in ALL the Flint Community Schools

The “English Plus”/Bilingual Program offers special academic support services for English Language Learners.

These services are: English As A Second Language (ESL) instruction by certified ESL/Bilingual teachers.

Bilingual support in Chinese is provided by bilingual paraprofessionals.

Academic support in core academic subjects such as: reading, writing, mathematics, sciencesocial studies

Are conducted by paraprofessionals and Title I staff.

Colleges

The Flint area has many colleges that are high quality, accessible, and affordable. Many offer Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees.

The following is a list of colleges that you may contact to suite your needs: Baker College

G1050 W Bristol Rd. Flint Township, MI 48507 (810) 766-400

Davenport University4318 Miller Rd. Ste A Flint, MI 485071267 (810) 732-9977

Eastern Michigan University (on Mott Community College Campus)1401 E Court St. Flint, MI 48503 (810) 762-0303

Ferris State University (on Mott Community College Campus)1401 E Court St. Flint, MI 48503 (810) 762-0461

Kettering University1700 University Ave. Flint, MI 48504 (810) 762-9500

Mott Community College1401 E Court St. Flint, MI 48503 (810) 762-0200

Spring Arbor University4458 Oakbridge Dr. Flint, MI 48532(810) 733-7740

University of Michigan Flint353 E Kearsley St. Flint, MI 48501 (810) 762-3000

ApartmentsA little place to live

The following apartment complexes are just some that have flexible lease options ranging from monthly to 6-12 month leases. Georgian Court

Apartments501 Lyon St. Flint, MI 48503(810) 233-4211

Maple Park Terraces5410 Maple Park Dr. Flint, MI 48507(888) 788-0698

River Forest Apartments3500 Rue Foret Flint, MI 48532(866) 766-7950

Stonehenge Gates Apartments1171 Ramsgate Rd. Flint, MI 48532(866) 526-6354

Purchasing a HomeA bigger place to live.

House Hunting With the tax credits and low interest

rates, there is no better time than now to purchase real estate in the City of Flint or surrounding areas.

Selecting a qualified realtor will be able to assist in selecting a home, determining whats affordable, help with loan application, and making recommendations.

A list of quality area realtors is as follows:

American Associates1453 N. Elms Rd. Flint, MI 48532(810) 733-3333

Century 212849 Miller Rd. Flint, MI 48507(810) 768- 2100

Le Valley Real Estate1210 S. Elms Rd. Flint, MI 48532(810)230-3900

Remax Select1320 W. Hill Rd. Flint, MI 48507(810) 238-8888

Public TransportationWhen you need a ride.

Public Transportation Over the course of the year, more than 6-million people use

public transportation in Genesee County alone for: work, school, medical runs, errands, and recreation. The MTA-Mass Transportation Authority offers routes that

are designed to travel to major traffic areas leading to major businesses, shopping centers, colleges and hospitals. You may call or visit the website for routes, fare and pass prices, and general information at:

Mass Transportation Authority 1401 S. Dort Highway Flint, MI 48503 (810) 767-0100 Mtaflint.org

Contact info: The MTA-Mass Transportation Authority offers

routes that are designed to travel to major traffic areas leading to major businesses, shopping centers, colleges and hospitals.

You may call or visit the website for routes, fare and pass prices, and general information at:Mass Transportation Authority

1401 S. Dort Highway Flint, MI 48503(810) 767-0100Mtaflint.org

Things to See and Do in Flint

Have some fun.

See and Do The Flint area has many fun things to do

as a family or getting together with friends.

Of all of the attractions Flint has to offer, here are just a few of some of the best options Group One Management recommends:

The Flint Cultural Center Institutions on campus include:

Sloan Museum, Buick Gallery & Research Center,Longway Planetarium, The WhitingFlint Youth Theatre, Flint Institute of Arts and Flint Institute of Music.

Flint Culture The Flint Cultural Center

campus provides area residents with an array of cultural, scientific, and artistic experiences and promotes understanding of the diverse cultures reflected in the Greater Flint community. The Center is a major educational resource, and a welcoming and inclusive community center.

Showcase Cinemas Flint West

The Showcase Cinema is the place to see all of the latest movies while grabbing a snack at the same time.

The cinema also offers special discounts in the afternoons

discounts are also available for senior citizens and students.

Genesee Valley Center The area’s largest shopping center with

over 1.3 million square feet of shopping 130+ retailers anchored by:

Macy’sJCPenneySearsBurlington Coat Factory

References City of Flint. (2009). City of Flint, MICHIGAN. Retrieved October

06, 2009, from City of Flint, Michigan: www.cityofflint.com Cyborlink.com (2009). Chinese Business Etiquette, Manners,

Cross Cultural Communications, and China Geert Hofstede Analysis. Retrieved October 5, 2009 from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/china.htm

Department of Human Services (n.d.). Assistance Programs. Retrieved October 3, 2009 from http://www.michigan.gov/dhs

Flint Community Schools (2009). English Plus/ Bilingual. Retrieved October 30, 2009 from http://www.flintschools.org/bi001.htm

Genesee County Land Bank ((Wolverine Building Group, 2008)2009). Genesee County / City of Flint Coalition Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF). Retrieved on October 5, 2009 from http://www.thelandbank.org/downloads/brlffa1.pdf

Genesee Fun (2009). Genesee Valley Center. Retrieved on November 28, 2009 from http://www.geneseefun.com/business/detail/223

Internal Revenue Service (2009). First-Time Homebuyer Credit. Retrieved on November 8, 2009 from http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html

Mass Transportation Authority (2009). General Information Page. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from http://mtaflint.org/geninfo.html

Mitsubishi Injection Molding Machine. (2009, May 19). Retrieved November 17, 2009, from Mitsubishi Injection Molding Machine Index Page: www.mhiinj.com

Rhoads & Johnson . (2008). Retrieved October 29, 2009, from Rhoads & Johnson: www.rhoadsjohnson.com

The Flint Cultural Center (2009). Our Vision. Retrieved on November 28, 2009 from http://flintculturalcenter.org/about_us.html

Trulia (2009). Flint Home Prices. Retrieved on November 25, 2009 from http://www.trulia.com/home_prices/

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (2009). Working in the U.S. Retrieved on October 3, 2009 from http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a39e901bf9873210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=a39e901bf9873210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

U.S. Department of State (2009). Visas. Retrieved on October 30, 2009 from http://travel.state.gov./pdf/businessvisa.pdf

Wolverine Building Group. (2008). Retrieved November 5, 2009, from Wolverine Building Group, West Michigan General Contractor, Design/Build, and Construction Management Provider: www.wolvgroup.com

YellowPages (2009). Real Estate Agents, Apartments, Colleges, Theaters. Retrieved on November 1, 2009 from http://www.yellowpages.com