MONEYBALL MAKES HIS MARK - c.ymcdn.comc.ymcdn.com/sites/ · The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee ... Town and Country Auto Service Center LLC ... LLC

PB FOCUS / OCTOBER 2017 LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 1

T H E M O N T H LY N E W S M A G A Z I N E O F T H E L A N S I N G R E G I O N A L C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

DESMOND FERGUSON CEO & FOUNDER

MONEYBALL SPORTSWEAR

MONEYBALL MAKES HIS MARK

MEET THE 10 OVER THE NEXT TEN RECIPIENTS IMPORTANT CHOICES ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOTFOCUS ON SMALL BUSINESS: AW BODY SHOP

2 FOCUS / OCTOBER 2017 LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 3

Our region has made great progress in becoming a competitive and attractive place for businesses to invest and grow. Even more, our region has succeeded in diversifying its economic foundation.

This year’s City of Lansing elections matter because maintaining and building on our success will require electing leaders who not only recognize the importance of Lansing’s financial health, but share the vision of the city as an anchor for the entire region’s economic strength.

The City of Lansing faces serious threats to its fiscal future as the result of retiree pension and health care obligations. This $600 million liability will be a top priority facing the new administration and council. It is something that the Chamber is watching closely. The City of East Lansing also faces severe fiscal challenges, which are being worked on by its own Financial Health Team.

This November’s local elections offer our region the opportunity to chart our course as we move the region forward towards a brighter future. It is critical to have leaders who will face the tough issues and adopt policies that create a fiscally sustainable environment conducive to supporting jobs, growth and investment.

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (LRC-PAC) has endorsed four candidates in the City of Lansing that we believe will work together to address these serious challenges. We feel State Representative

Andy Schor’s blend of experience in county government and in the state legislature makes him the best person to be the next Mayor of Lansing. City Council incumbents Kathie Dunbar and Tina Houghton have demonstrated a willingness to work in a collaborative manner to move the city forward and deserve reelection. Peter Spadafore has shown strong leadership during his time on the Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and will make an outstanding addition as a member of the Lansing City Council.

An equally important vote will be cast on November 7th by voters in the City of East Lansing, when they determine the fate of a proposed income tax. A poll of 400 East Lansing voters, conducted in August by the Chamber, shows that only 41 percent of voters support the proposal while only 10 percent of voters said they strongly supported the tax proposal. We believe this is the wrong approach to dealing with East Lansing’s fiscal challenges and will only serve to hamper business investment and talent attraction efforts in our region.

We want every community within our region to be the kind of place where business is welcomed and wants to be. That means we need to put aside any parochial approach to community and economic development. City leaders next year will serve the city and surrounding communities well by maintaining a regulatory approach that makes investing in and doing business in Lansing and East Lansing just as attractive as doing so in Grand Rapids, Indianapolis or Austin.

A healthy business landscape is rooted in a positive economic climate where business can succeed and grow. Elected leaders at every level play an important role in maintaining the climate that attracts business, or doesn’t. On November 7, we must choose wisely. n

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER

Important Choices on the November Ballot

“This November’s local elections offer our region the opportunity to chart our course as we move the region forward towards a brighter future. It is critical to have leaders who will face the tough issues and adopt policies that create a fiscally stable environment conducive to jobs, growth and investment.”

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP CIRCLELeadership Circle members are proven business and community leaders. We value their commitment and applaud their efforts to strengthen our region with their leadership and appreciate the important role they play in advancing our organization.

TRANSPORTATION

TIM DAMANPresident and CEOLansing RegionalChamber of Commerce


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 / HEALTHCARE FORUM: TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE THROUGH THE INNOVATION CYCLE 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing.

Speaker: Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS, Dean of Michigan State University College of

Human Medicine. $55/individual ticket or $425/table of eight. Pre-registration is required. Register

at www.lansingchamber.org. Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, McLaren Greater

Lansing, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan State University and Sparrow Health

System.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 / MEMBER MIXER 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ServiceMaster Absolute Home

and Restoration Services, 210 State Street, Mason. ServiceMaster Absolute Home and Restoration

Services provides a suite of specialized cleaning services including residential, commercial and

restoration. To keep your home or office in outstanding shape, call the professionals at ServiceMaster

Absolute Home and Restoration Services. No charge for Chamber members ($15/nonmembers).

Includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 / LEGISLATIVE DINNER 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Country Club of Lansing,

2200 Moores River Drive, Lansing. Speaker: Rob Engstrom, Senior Vice President, Political Affairs

and Federation Relations and National Political Director at the United States Chamber of Commerce.

$55/individual ticket or $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 / LANSING ECONOMIC CLUB 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Kellogg Hotel and

Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Danton Cole, Head Coach, Michigan State University

Hockey. Program begins at noon. Please arrive early for registration and networking. $55/member

ticket, $75/non-member ticket or $425/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is

required.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31 / BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES - HOW TO CREATE A FUN AND POSITIVE COMPANY CULTURE 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce,

Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing. To grow your business, you

need good people. To get and keep good employees, you need to build and nurture a strong company

culture. Here’s how you do it. Programs are sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Fraser Trebilcock

Davis & Dunlap, P.C. No cost to attend.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 / BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES – HOT TRENDS AND TOOLS IN MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce,

Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing. It’s a fast-changing media

world and you need to keep pace or risk losing customers. Our panel of marketing and social media

experts will update you on the latest tools, techniques, and analytics to help drive sales growth and

new customer acquisition for your business. Programs are sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Fraser

Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, P.C. No cost to attend.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2017 Board of Directors

Board Chair Deb Muchmore / Kandler, Reed, Khoury & Muchmore

Past Chair Joe Ford / Netvantage Marketing

Chair Elect April Clobes / MSU Federal Credit Union

Legal Counsel Steve Owen / Foster Swift Collins & Smith P C

Treasurer Jeff Fineis / Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC

President Tim Daman / Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

Officers

Marketing and Communications Lisa O’Connor / Publicom

Regionalism Initiatives Mark Burnham / Michigan State University

Membership Services Patrick Dean / Dean Transportation

Government Relations Matt Resch / Resch Strategies

Division Directors

Editors Ross Woodstock

Eric Dimoff

Design Tandem Studios

Cover Photography Trumpie Photography

Photography Hanna VonAchen

Printing BRD Printing, Inc.

Mailing BRD Printing, Inc.

FOCUS

Thursday, November 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference CenterTickets: www.lansingchamber.org

DON’T MISS! Celebration of Regional Growth Awards

Lauren Aitch / Our Own Products

David Baker / Farm Bureau Insurance Company

Stella Cash / Sparrow Health System

Rick Calk / Neogen

Denise Droscha / Two Men & A Truck

Jenn Dubey / University Club

David Ferguson / Ferguson Development

Wendy Hamilton / TechSmith

Teri Hull / Dart Container

Van Martin / CBRE|Martin

Tom Mee / McLaren Greater Lansing

Steve Notar Donato / General Motors

Tonia Olson / Granger

Steve Reynolds / AF Group

Fathy Shetiah / 7C Lingo

Tom Stewart / Common Wealth Enterprises

Bill Woodbury / Auto-Owners Insurance, Co.

David Zyble / Jackson National Life Insurance

At-Large

LEAP, Inc.Bob Trezise / LEAP, Inc.

Grand River ConnectionTyler Dyke / State of Michigan

ATHENA WINJenn Sturdy / PNC Bank

Lansing Black Chamber of Commerce Reshane Lonzo / DRM Health Care

Greater Lansing Hispanic ChamberJose Yanez / Full Circle Financial Planning

Board Partnerships

STAY CONNECTED. STAY SOCIAL.

facebook.com/LansingChamber

twitter.com/LansingChamber

@LansingRegionalChamber

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

2017 LRCC EVENTS

For more information about Chamber events, tickets or sponsorships, contact Travis Richardson at 517-853-6463

or [email protected].


Allegra Marketing Print Mail - OkemosAlliance Payment SolutionsApplebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-

CharlotteApplebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-

Cedar St.Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-

Coolidge Rd.Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-

OkemosApplebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-

Saginaw Hwy.Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-St.

JohnsArchitectural Solutions LTDArnouts Insurance Agency, Inc.Baryames CleanersBetter Business Bureau of Detroit &

Eastern MichiganBurger King - 505 E. Saginaw StC2AECapital Area District Library-

AdministrationCapital Area Manufacturing CouncilCapitol Research Services, Inc.Cellular & More (Lansing)ChaseClark Hill PLCClinton County Board of CommissionersConsumers Concrete CorporationCottage Gardens, The, Inc.Country View EstatesCourtesy Ford, Inc.Crandell Brothers TruckingCrowne Plaza Lansing WestDC Engineering, PCDisability Network Capital AreaEG Workforce SolutionsEyde Company, TheF.D. Hayes ElectricFarm Bureau Insurance - Mark Voss

AgencyFirst National Bank of AmericaGillespie GroupGleaner Financial CorporationGreater Lansing Convention & Visitors

BureauGreater Lansing Food BankGreater Lansing United Nations Assn.-

USAGreene Wealth ManagementH & H Inc.Hacker-King-Sherry Agency, Inc.Happy Clean LLCHenderson GlassHiring SolutionsHobbs + Black Architects, Inc.Holt & Dimondale AgencyHub InternationalHude Legal Services, PLLCJohnny Mac’s Sporting Goods, Inc.Kentwood Office FurnitureKramer Management Group Inc.Lake Trust Credit UnionLake Trust Credit Union- Dewitt BranchLake Trust Credit Union- Lake Lansing

BranchLake Trust Credit Union- Okemos BranchLake Trust Credit Union- South Lansing

BranchLake Trust Credit Union- West Saginaw

Branch

Lake Trust Credit Union-Capitol BranchLake Trust Credit Union-Dimondale

BranchLambert, Edwards & Associates, Inc.Lansing Moving Agent For Allied Van

LinesLansing Urgent CareLayton & Richardson, PCLeague of Michigan BicyclistsLiquid Web, Inc.LJ Ross AssociatesMcCormick Rehabilitation Associates, Inc.Meat Southern BBQ Carnivore CuisineMercantile Bank of MichiganMerchant SolutionsMichigan Association of BroadcastersMichigan Credit Union LeagueMichigan Federation For Children And

FamiliesMichigan Forest Products CouncilMidwest CommunicationsNick Nauta FinancialNip-N-Sip Catering, Inc.Pleune Service CompanyPublic Sector ConsultantsRiverfront Business CenterRunaway Bay ApartmentsSiena AccountingSiena Wealth AdvisorsSleep InnSpotlight Media Marketing Productions,

Inc.SpringHill Suites by MarriottStaybridge Suites Lansing - OkemosStudio C!Sun Realty & Chuck Pantera AppraisalsSusan Maples, DDSSwan Electric Company, Inc.Town and Country Auto Service Center

LLCTri-County Office On AgingValu Land-Saginaw HwyWal-Mart-OkemosWillingham & Cote Law FirmWindow WorldWoodworks & Design Co., Inc.

STERLING CORP 106 West Allegan Street, Floor 2 Lansing, MI 48933 517-267-9012

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MICHIGAN 348 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-349-0100

ASPPIRE 3815 W. Saint Joseph Street, Ste. B400B Lansing, MI 48917 989-272-2977

GREAT LAKES FIRE AND SECURITY, LLC 602 W Bellevue St. Leslie, MI 49251 517-694-0033

ONE-COMMUNITY CONSULTING, LLC PO Box 411 Haslett, MI 48840 810-553-7389

WINDSOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP 405 W. Jefferson Dimondale, MI 48821 517-648-3528

LINCS (LANSING INTENTIONAL COMMUNITIES) 2611 Okemos Road Mason, MI 48854

EAST MAIN APARTMENTS 206 E. Malcolm X Lansing, MI 48933 517-372-1170

GREAT LAKES INTERIORS & DESIGN 2076 Towner Rd Haslett, MI 48840 517-204-6501

T-MOBILE 9010 Warner Road Haslett, MI 48840 517-303-8433

COMCAST BUSINESS 1401 E. Miller Lansing, MI 48911 517-200-8553

SUSAN COMBS COACHING & CONSULTING, LLC P.O. Box 21162 Lansing, MI 48909 517-231-7606

CONNECT HEARING 733 N. Creyts Road, Suite A Lansing, MI 48917 517-323-7986

THE RECOVERY PROJECT 3960 Patient Care Drive, Suite 117 Lansing, MI 48911 855-877-1944

HASLETT EAST LANSING DENTAL 1451 East Lansing Dr., Ste 221 East Lansing, MI 48823 517-332-1000

TOTAL BODY BOOTCAMP 8741 W. Saginaw Hwy., Suite D Lansing, MI 48917 517-925-1692

THANK YOU RENEWING MEMBERS

CHAMBER MILESTONES

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

We’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!

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce members have unparalleled access to their company and staff profiles on the LRCC website. To access and update this information at any point, visit lansingchamber.org and enter your username and password. If you have not yet logged into the site, please follow the simple password reset instructions. Call 517-487-6340 with any questions.

MICHIGAN AUTOMOBILE DEALERS

ASSOCIATION 50 years

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA (MICHIGAN)

35 years

CASE CREDIT UNION 35 years

T.L. HART, INC. 30 years

MID-MICHIGAN BUILDING OWNERS & MANAGERS ASSOC.

INC. 25 years

PARAMOUNT COFFEE 25 years

TEACHOUT SECURITY SERVICES 15 years

ON THE SPOT ENGRAVING

10 years

INDIAN TRAILS, INC. – MICHIGAN FLYER

10 years

ARMOND DALTON PUBLISHERS, INC.

10 years

WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 10 years

MARK SPAGNUOLO 5 years

SIGNARAMA 5 years


IN 2013, THE PALMER FAMILY purchased an old printing company building that would become AW Body Shop. It was a bold move and success was not guaranteed, especially in the midst of the Great Recession. They had previously leased half of the building and after two years, decided it was time to take their business to the next level.

“After we purchased the building in 2013, we began renovating the old print shop into the fully-functioning 11,000 square foot auto body repair facility that it is,” said Tyler Palmer, the shop’s manager. “We’ve put basically everything we had, put all of our eggs in one basket, and swung as hard as we could.”

That risk paid off. As the economy recovered, business picked up, and with quality service and a little elbow grease, AW Body Shop has quickly become a leader in the industry. Today, the shop is a full-service collision repair facility, specializing in insurance claims and handling everything from car accidents to deer collisions. They guarantee that customers will be completely satisfied with their work, offering a lifetime warranty on all repairs.

“Being here for five and a half years now, coming to work every day and doing the best job we can, that’s seemed to translate into a lot of success,” said Palmer.

“We’re experts at going step-by-step through the claims process to get your car back in perfect condition as fast as possible,” says Palmer.

Pushing AW to the front of its industry has been far from a solo effort - it has taken a village and three generations to raise the shop. Grandfather, father and sons have worked hard to get the shop to where it is today and are still proudly involved with the family business.

“Family owned, family operated, we’ve been that way ever since we started, and before we opened up here in Lansing, it was just me and my dad,” said Palmer.

“We were doing this behind his house in St. John’s in his pole barn. So, from our inception, we’ve been family owned and family operated and we intend to try to keep it that way as much as possible.”

Almost six years ago, the Palmer family decided to open their shop on Lansing’s northside and have put in the hard work required to see a return on their investment. Although successful, AW is still relatively young and Palmer foresees the potential for growth in the next five years, including setting their sights on a new investment - the community. The family has already cultivated a positive relationship with the City of Lansing and has sponsored local teams in the past, but intends to expand this effort.

“We’d like to provide a lot of jobs for the community. And, give back to the community as much as we can. Sponsoring more golf outings, more softball teams, more cheerleading teams, high schools, middle schools,” said Palmer. “As we grow and become more established within the community, the community is really going to feel that coming back from us as well.” n

AW Body Shop: A Return on InvestmentBY MADISON JONES, KOLT COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

FOCUS ON SMALL BUSINESS

group

• Gain awareness through earned media • Stay top of mind with your target audience • Manage your reputation

What’s your plan?

517.203.3333www.m3group.biz

BRAND FORWARD WITH PUBLIC RELATIONS


THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION announced a record number of large Impact Grants awarded to 14 nonprofits throughout the region, totaling $632,000 in its 2017 grant cycle.

Impact Grants of up to $75,000 each are awarded annually for strategic projects that transform nonprofits and the community. Projects must increase the long-term impact of an organization, reach underserved populations, or support innovative, collaborative efforts for transformative change.

Organizations that received Impact Grants this year are:

• Arts Council of Greater Lansing - $31,000 for cultural economic development strategic plan

• Burcham Hills Foundation - $20,000 for new Volunteer-to-Employee Pathway program

• Capital Area College Access Network/CAUW - $36,000 for expanded Pathways to Potential program

• Asset Independence Coalition/CAUW - $30,000 for expanded Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

• CASA for Kids – Barry and Eaton County - $54,000 for expansion to Ingham County

• CASA – Clinton County - $62,340 for new child advocacy center • Greater Lansing Food Bank - $75,000 for new warehouse• Lansing Community College Foundation - $75,000 for new Center for

Manufacturing Excellence• Meridian Charter Township - $75,000 for new Farmer’s Market

• Old Town Commercial Association - $75,000 for new Chavez Plaza• Peckham, Inc. - $32,000 for new skilled trades education program• Potter Park Zoological Society – $16,500 for new zoo outreach program • St. Luke Lutheran Church - $40,000 for community kitchen renovation• YMCA - $10,000 for new Healthy Living Mobile Fitness Bus

The Community Foundation also created a new Capacity Building Grant Program, investing in 18 nonprofit partners with grants totaling nearly $300,000 to help strengthen their organizations through fundraising training, board development, strategic planning and other assistance. The Community Foundation also expects to grant approximately $3 million this year from funds that support specific charities and causes. n

#LOVELANSING

Community Foundation Awards Record Number of Impact Grants


THE ALLEGRA MARKETING - PRINT - MAIL FOOTPRINT FUND®, launched this month, will help Lansing area nonprofit organizations “leave a footprint” in the community by awarding marketing and print services for promotional and informational materials.

The Allegra FootPRINT Fund will provide support to nonprofit organizations and associations seeking assistance for graphic design and printing of brochures, newsletters, forms, invitations, posters, signs and other print communications. The annual awards total up to $20,000 and applicants that qualify are eligible to receive up to $2,500 each in services in 2018.

“Giving back to the community is an important goal at Allegra in Okemos,” said Dave Muhleck, owner. “The FootPRINT Fund was created to provide a means of helping local organizations receive assistance in an area that may not be addressed by other funding sources.”

To be considered for a FootPRINT Fund award, nonprofit groups, associations and charitable organizations with a main office or branch in the Greater Lansing area must submit a completed application by October 15, 2017. Application forms may be obtained on the company’s website at www.allegra-okemos.com.

Award recipients are selected by an independent review panel based on how

the services will be used to further organization goals including service expansion, program enhancement and maximization of existing resources, as well as the organization’s innovation and resourcefulness. All applicants will be notified of their award before November 15, 2017.

“This program is a way for us to make a difference in our community,” said Muhleck. “At Allegra, we feel that it is extremely important to reach out to those in need and help

our local organizations and associations leave their ‘footprints’ in the community.”

Allegra Marketing of Okemos is a full-service marketing communications provider with in-house printing technologies including full-color printing, variable data capabilities, color signs, posters and banners, graphic design, mailing services, print management solutions and project consulting.

Allegra is locally-owned and operated and is a member of Alliance Franchise Brands network, a world leader in marketing, graphics and visual communications, linking more than 600 locations in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom.

For more information, call 517-333-0713 or visit the company’s website at www.allegra-okemos.com. n

#LOVELANSING

Allegra Print – Mail – Marketing FootPRINT Fund® to Award Print Services to Local Nonprofit Organizations

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VOICE OF BUSINESS

THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER Political Action Committee (LRC-PAC) announced in May that it was endorsing State Representative Andy Schor as its choice for the next Mayor of Lansing.

“Like Lansing’s mayors before him, we are confident Representative Schor will successfully make the transition from the state legislature to the mayor’s office,” said Tim Daman, President and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC).

“Andy’s combination of leadership, municipal experience, history of building regional partnerships, and commitment to our community will help foster a new era of collaboration that will move the city forward and strengthen our region.”

Schor is currently in his third term in the Michigan House of Representatives serving residents of the 68th House District, which includes most of the City of Lansing and all of Lansing Township. Prior to serving in the House, he served as an Ingham County Commissioner for 10 years. Schor is actively involved in community organizations that are dedicated to enriching and growing the Lansing area. He is a founding member of the Ingham County Land Bank and has served as a Board Member of the Tri-County Office of Aging and the South Lansing Community Development Association.

Schor will face Lansing City Councilmember Judi Brown Clarke in the November 7 General Election for the right to serve as mayor for the next four years. Schor recently sat with FOCUS and shared shared some of his vision for Lansing.

FOCUS: If elected, what is your first order of business as the new Mayor of Lansing?

REP. SCHOR: I have many things that we are going to do immediately. You can look at my platform online (www.andyschor.com), but we are going to work on creating stronger neighborhoods. We are going to focus on job growth and economic development, working with the business community, small business and entrepreneurs to ensure that we have the best possible environment to create jobs. We are going to work with our schools to figure out what the city can do to help promote the equality of our schools, and most importantly, we are going to work on the infrastructure. We are going to start working on implementing our roads plan and our sidewalks plan and work with our public safety officers to make sure that we have everything we need in regard to police and fire. We are also going to introduce metrics to make sure that we have the appropriate level of customer service.

FOCUS: What are your plans for working with the business community to advance your vision for Lansing?

REP. SCHOR: We have a diverse business community here in Lansing. I will work with the Chamber. I will also work with our commercial associations, Old Town, REO Town, Saginaw-Oakland as well as several other business districts. They will all have input into what we are going to be working on. I will be talking to developers to hear what their projects are. We will talk with business owners and entrepreneurs to talk about how we can make things happen faster and what they see as barriers right now in city government. We need to review our permitting process. We will work with small businesses, developers and large businesses to make sure that Lansing is open for business.

FOCUS: How can the business community, specifically the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, assist accomplishing your vision as mayor?

REP. SCHOR: Providing feedback and communication. I count the Chamber as good partners in the effort to ensure that we can grow Lansing. I will meet with their leadership and their members often. I can’t promise we are always going to be 100 percent on the same page. Having a back and forth communication with the Chamber has been important to me during the campaign and will be important to me as mayor. I have worked closely with the Chamber on several bill packages I was leading in the House of Representatives such as the Good Jobs and MIThrive bills. They have been a good friend to me when I was with county government and the state house and that will continue in the mayor’s office. We will work together, just like I will with labor and the neighboring communities, county commissioners and other stakeholders that have an important impact here in Lansing.

FOCUS: What action steps will you take to encourage better working relationships with all of the local governments in the region?

REP. SCHOR: There are a few. There is the CAPCOG organization that the Chamber started that I would like to see Lansing be a part of going forward. I plan to meet regularly with our county commissioners, which was done previously. I plan to talk regularly with our neighboring communities, whether it is Lansing Township, East Lansing, Delhi Township or Dewitt Township. We are going to engage with the other local leaders for efficiencies and for coordination and make sure we are effective as a region.

FOCUS: How do you feel you can improve relations between the mayor and Lansing City Council?

REP. SCHOR: Coming from the legislature, I have good relationships with all of the city’s councilmembers. I don’t see this as a pro-mayor or anti-mayor group. There will be eight people that I believe I can work with, that I can share my vision with and seek their input. Often times we will move forward together for the good of the city and it won’t be controversial, so you won’t see it in the media. Sometimes we will disagree. We can do that respectfully and have a good conversation and discussion. When we disagree, we’ll do what is best for the city and move on to the next issue. I don’t see it as divisive as it has been in the recent past. I believe I can work with all of them. I look forward to working with council as leaders in our community.

FOCUS: Final Thoughts?

REP. SCHOR: I would like to create a business ombudsman. I hear a lot about where people dealing with the city can’t get answers or it is too slow. The ombudsman will cut through some of the red tape on the behalf of our job creators I am going to continue to work with LEAP as our economic development organization. I think we are going to continue to see this city grow. We have ideas on riverfront development, for grocery stores and retail. I’d like to see our corridors come more alive, whether it is Cedar, Pennsylvania, MLK, Waverly, Michigan Avenue or Saginaw and Oakland. I think we can do more work in our corridors and still do work downtown, Old Town and REO Town. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. We can boost the downtown and ensure that our corridors are improving and seeing growth in all these areas. n

Lansing Mayoral Candidate Andy Schor’s Vision for Lansing

Schor


A POLL OF 400 VOTERS in the City of East Lansing shows a very low level of support for a measure on the November ballot calling for a new city income tax. The poll, conducted by Denno Research and commissioned by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC), shows just 41 percent of East Lansing voters are in favor of the income tax proposal, while 32 percent of voters are opposed. Those numbers strongly suggest the income tax plan has very little prospect of being approved.

“Historically, we know that proposals like this should have at least 50 percent support at this stage to have a chance to gain voter approval,” said Dennis Denno, President of Denno Research. “Especially when one considers that only 10 percent of East Lansing voters strongly support the income tax, you have to conclude the ballot proposal faces serious challenges.”

In an August 14th letter, LRCC urged the city to remove the income tax proposal from the November ballot and instead undertake negotiations with Michigan State University for financial support in lieu of the income tax. East Lansing City Council decided to keep the measure on the ballot.

A previous survey conducted by the Chamber showed that 72 percent of members believe the city income tax is not necessary and 85 percent of those members oppose the new tax.

Joe Ford, co-owner of Netvantage Marketing in East Lansing, said the proposal will be a major hindrance to the city’s ability to recruit and retain top talent for companies of all sizes, including small entrepreneurial firms.

“There are many small businesses that call East Lansing home and hopefully many more will be started and developed,” said Ford. “However, imposing this income tax would add another burden for employers and is not conducive to a strong, thriving business climate.” n

VOICE OF BUSINESS

Poll: East Lansing Income Tax Proposal Lacking SupportEIGHTY-FIVE PERCENT OF CHAMBER MEMBERS

OPPOSE THE IDEA

Congressman Mike Bishop visited with Chamber members Bekum America Corporation and North Winds Heating & Cooling on his jobs and economy tour throughout the 8th Congressional District, which includes Ingham County. Congressman Bishop discussed the need for business tax reform, which has not been updated in more than 30 years and the desire for a more streamlined and simplified regulatory process. In addition to tax reform, they discussed the impact of increased healthcare costs and talent needs.

LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER NOVEMBER ELECTION ENDORSEMENTSMayor of Lansing Andy Schor

Lansing City CouncilKathie Dunbar (At Large)Peter Spadafore (At Large)Tina Houghton (Second Ward)East Lansing Income TaxVOTE NO

44

X


LANSING ECONOMIC CLUB returned September 14th as the series kicked off the fall season with international business and sports marketing executive Tom Glick, Chief Commercial Officer of City Football Group.

City Football Group is a privately held company that manages a network of soccer clubs including 2014 Premier League Champions Manchester City, Major League Soccer team New York City FC, Melbourne City FC in Australia and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.

“In Europe, soccer is the first, second and third favorite sport and is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.,” Glick told a sold-out crowd of 500 Greater Lansing business and community leaders. “More than 160 Americans consider themselves soccer fans during a World Cup year while 80 million Americans consider themselves fans during a non-World Cup year.”

In addition to the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S. (and Lansing), Glick highlighted the success of Lansing United and the importance of youth sports in our communities.

“What Jeremy Sampson has done with Lansing United is impressive and incredibly exciting,” said Glick. “The power of soccer can help people live healthier, better lives.”

Prior to his position at City Football Group, Glick held a variety of sports-related positions between the U.S. and the U.K. – including General Manager of the Lansing Lugnuts from 1996 to 1999. Glick shared valuable insights from some of the world’s leading sports and business minds that he has worked with throughout his career.

“Work ethic, not being afraid to challenge the status quo and demanding excellence are keys to success in both business and sports.” n

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AFTER SOME SHAKY early morning weather, the Lansing Open went off on time and without a hitch. 160 golfers enjoyed the Eagle Eye Golf Course, which was again the setting for the Chamber’s annual golf outing, held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. The team scores were low and the fun factor was quite high, as golfers enjoyed the experience of playing and networking on one of mid-Michigan’s most outstanding golfing facilities.

Congratulations to the winning team from BRD Printing, which consisted of Ron Cook, Bob Matthiesen, Dave Lee and Pat McCarthy.

The Lansing Open would not be the success it is each year without the support of our sponsors. A big thank you to this year’s sponsors, including:

Lansing Open Crowd Enjoys Golf, Networking and Good Times

Dave Lee, BRD Printing is on the left and Bob Matthiesen, Pop-ity Popcorn is on the right.

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Stand with the Facts


Desmond Ferguson clearly remembers the day he became known as Moneyball. The Lansing native had already established considerable notoriety as a basketball star. His reputation as a 3-point marksman was on full display one summer day during an AAU competition in Detroit. Desmond couldn’t miss, pouring in shots from seemingly every possible spot in the gym. Among the players wowed by Desmond’s talents that day were NBA stars Robert “Tractor” Traylor and Kevin Garnett. As Desmond made shot after shot, chants of “Moneyball” started to grow louder. The Moneyball moniker became Desmond Ferguson’s trademark as an athlete, and eventually with his growing business empire, now known as Moneyball Sportswear.

“That one day I was making shots from half court and every time the ball was in the air, they were yelling ‘Moneyball,’” said Ferguson. “That was the nickname I got and eventually when I was thinking of a name for my business, Moneyball was it.”

Young Desmond’s athletic career began with soccer and track. Football was actually his first love. However, it was on the basketball court where he eventually became an all-state player at Lansing Everett. After one year at the University of Missouri, Desmond transferred to Detroit Mercy where he led that team to two consecutive NCAA tournament berths. True to his Moneyball reputation, Desmond left Detroit as the all-time leading three-point shooter over a three-year period. He also graduated in 2000 with a degree in business administration.

Desmond went on to an 11-year pro career, mostly overseas and one year in the NBA. He played in 11 different countries and at one point played on a team coached by Lansing native and former MSU star Sam Vincent. Desmond also coached five years at his alma mater, Lansing Everett, stepping down after the 2017 season to spend more time with his family and his business.

The impact of sports and the great coaches for whom he has played, including Johnny Jones at Everett and Perry Watson at Detroit, have been enormous. He cites the learning experiences in a team atmosphere as being particularly beneficial in his business career.

“Sports taught me how to overcome adversity and the importance of a great work ethic and that carries over to business,” said Ferguson. “Sports teaches a lot of important life lessons.”

Johnny Jones said he was first impressed by Desmond’s work ethic that set him apart from others. In Desmond’s sophomore year, he was passed over by more talented players who were selected to go to a basketball camp. That setback served to motivate Desmond.

“He worked so hard on his game that within a year, he surpassed all those other players selected ahead of him,” said Jones.

“His work ethic is very high. That’s a big reason why he ended up being the one receiving a college

scholarship.”

Desmond’s roots as an entrepreneur began as a young man. He credits his mother, Patricia Ferguson-Bell, with encouraging him to develop a hair cutting business in the basement of her home. Just 12 years old when he started, Desmond made enough money to buy his first car at age 16.

During his pro career, Desmond began to think about life after his playing days.

He had seen too many athletes uncertain of their future after sports, and in many

case squandering their earnings. Desmond started his business in 2002 and took it full-

time after his retirement from playing in 2011.

“Going back to the early days as a barber, I always knew I wanted to own something,” said Ferguson. “My

first year overseas, I started to think about how I wanted to invest this money and the thought of doing basketball uniforms

came to mind.”

Desmond had noticed since high school that basketball uniforms looked pretty much the same. He recognized a need in the market for customized uniforms. He started the company as a hobby, and eventually turned it into a full-fledged business now reaching various athletic teams around the world, branching out into multiple lines of sportswear, well beyond basketball and into other sports including football, soccer, hockey, softball, track, volleyball and others. Today, with a stated mission of taking athletic apparel to “the next level,” Moneyball Sportswear provides various kinds of athletic sportswear while specializing in custom made team uniforms - from simple to highly intricate.

“For the past two seasons, we have worked with Desmond Ferguson and Moneyball. For us, it was important to work with another local company,” said Jeremy Sampson, owner of Lansing United. “Desmond and his staff have been excellent to work with. They allow us to set ourselves apart from other soccer teams by allowing us the opportunity to create fully customizable uniforms. There isn’t another soccer team anywhere in the world that has uniforms like we do.”

“SPORTS TAUGHT ME

HOW TO OVERCOME ADVERSITY AND THE

IMPORTANCE OF A GREAT WORK ETHIC AND

THAT CARRIES OVER TO BUSINESS. SPORTS

TEACHES A LOT OF IMPORTANT LIFE

LESSONS.”

M O N E Y B A L L M A K E S

H I S M A R K


“We have found that we can meet the market desire for quality, customized sportswear and sell it at prices below what others in the industry are charging,” said Ferguson. “We have also placed a high emphasis on customer satisfaction, which has led to consistent growth for our company.”

Moneyball Sportswear also recently announced a partnership with a new premier basketball tour which emerged in 2017 called the Powerade Platform. The nationwide tour consists of travel teams showcasing top Division I basketball talent to NCAA coaches during the key recruiting periods of April, May, and July. Events were held in D.C., Indianapolis, Nashville, and Charlotte. In addition, the tour provided individual skills camps and has big expansion plans for 2018. The Powerade Platform tour was founded in Detroit more than 15 years ago. Moneyball Sportswear will now be the sole and exclusive uniform and apparel provider for the Powerade Platform tour.

“In year two and beyond, we are looking forward to growing together with Moneyball Sportswear,” says Powerade Platform Tour owner and founder DeShawn Bean.

One of most rewarding parts of being a successful businessman has been the ability to give back to the community. Among his many endeavors, Desmond has produced a free basketball clinic for the past 14 years. He developed the basketball clinic to teach youth the importance of good physical conditioning, healthy eating habits, teamwork, good sportsmanship, self-discipline, and self-esteem. The free, three-day summer clinic puts many children’s aspirations in perspective. Ferguson and his team serve as mentors, providing insight on basketball and life skills.

“I believe if you have any kind of success, you should give back to where you came from,” said Ferguson. “That’s the fabric of who I am and who we are as a business.”

Perhaps the most visible community endeavor Ferguson has spearheaded is the annual Moneyball Pro Am, a summer basketball league at Aim High, featuring current and former college and pro players. Seeing the success of similar programs in Detroit and Flint, Desmond felt Lansing

could support a similar program. After receiving support from Michigan State University basketball coach Tom

Izzo, Desmond recruited college players from MSU, Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Oakland

universities. The program struggled in the early years, sometimes only having as few as 20

people in the stands. The decision to move the program from weekends to weeknights helped bolster attendance. Today, the highly successful Moneyball Pro Am enjoys standing room only crowds, many of whom want to get a sneak preview of star players who will lead the MSU basketball team in the coming season.

“The overall goal was just to have a good summer league that people could attend,

because I feel that Lansing is a basketball city,” said Ferguson. “I remember Denzel

Valentine and those guys he played with coming here as little kids, and now those guys

are playing in the league and in some cases in pro ball. The league gives young people a chance to see

college and pro players they look up to and hopefully gives them something to which they can aspire.”

Desmond has big aspirations for the continued growth of his company.

“I

BELIEVE IF YOU

HAVE ANY KIND OF

SUCCESS, YOU SHOULD

GIVE BACK TO WHERE YOU

CAME FROM. THAT’S THE

FABRIC OF WHO I AM

AND WHO WE ARE AS

A BUSINESS.”


In the immediate future, he will open what he calls a pop-up store in the Meridian Mall. The store will be open from October through December. He remains open to the idea of a more permanent mall presence. Longer term, Desmond has it in his mind to be one of the largest athletic sportswear companies in the industry.

“I want to compete with the big boys – the Nikes, Adidas and Under Armours of the world,” said Ferguson. “We want to continue to grow and

think on a global scale. I want to be known as the number one sportswear company in the world.”

The combination of his entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic and a value system that emphasizes a team approach and a commitment to giving back to the community have led Desmond Ferguson to considerable success in life. Those attributes should also ensure that Moneyball will continue to leave his mark in a very real and sustainable way in the years ahead. n

• M O N E Y B A L L M A K E S H I S M A R K •


CHAMBER IN ACTION

The Gillespie Company broke ground on Esker Square, their newest mixed-use development in the Greater Lansing region. Esker Square is a joint venture between The Gillespie Company and Delhi Charter Township’s Downtown Development Authority. It will feature two, three-story, mixed-use developments that will include 60 loft style apartments and 28,000 square feet for restaurant, office, and retail space. Over the years, the DDA has acquired numerous properties, including some which have been environmentally compromised. The overall goal has always been to turn those properties into viable, attractive development opportunities. The future redevelopment of N. Cedar St. represents an opportunity for Holt and Delhi Township to attract the types of businesses and activities residents of this area have communicated. Construction on the site will begin Spring, 2018 and the project is estimated to be completed by Spring, 2019. From left to right: Lauren Martin, Jodi Weber-Crouch, Scott Gillespie (all from TGC), Corey Rees (from ASL Architecture and Design) and James Styka (from TGC).

All About Art is an art gallery, teaching studio and gift shop located at the corner of Okemos Road and Jolly Road in Woodland Square in Okemos. The store aims to provide creative and unique products and experiences to everyone in the community. All About Art has something for everyone here - whether you are an adult or a child, a beginning artist or a master, a budget shopper or a spender; and everything in between! Art classes are taught by local artists and co-owners Kimberly Conklin and Anita Covert. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to join in on the fun!

Leisure Living Management, a Michigan based privately owned senior living management company, completed construction on two new locations and a 20-apartment expansion in August and will open an additional location in December. Leisure Living Management now offers 25 communities throughout Michigan where their mission is “to honor God by providing high quality senior lifestyle services that promotes the value and dignity of every person”. On August 15, Grandhaven Living Center expanded its campus to 100 assisted living and memory care apartments to better serve the Lansing area. The 20 new apartments include studio, one-bedroom and one-bedroom deluxe floor plans. The expansion cost approximately $3 million.

Dr. Lisa Knowles was delighted to open her new dental office location. Haslett East Lansing Dental Health & Wellness offers traditional dental care for the whole family and looks at the whole health of their patients. Their quaint setting and personalized care, in an eco-friendly environment, helps patients develop a unique doctor-patient relationship where trust, honesty, and total health flourishes. With nearly twenty years of experience, Dr. Knowles is masterful with children and with cosmetic dentistry. She also has extended training in dental trauma, diagnosis, and medically compromised patient care. New patients, with or without dental insurance, are welcome. Call 517-332-1000 for an appointment, or visit their website at HaslettEastLansingDental.com.


PEOPLE NEWS

Rick Harrison recently joined leading national architect and engineering firm, Bergmann Associates as an electrical discipline specialist for the Midwest Buildings team in Lansing, MI. Harrison comes to Bergmann from Wood Harbinger, Inc., in Bellevue, Washington,

where he was an electrical senior designer.

Eaton Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) has announced the recent hire of three new administrators to the team. Jane Miller-Brinkley is the new principal of Meadowview School, Eaton RESA’s center-based school serving students with severe cognitive and emotional impairments. Ms. Miller-Brinkley has over 24 years of experience working in the field of special education. Jennifer McCaffrey is Eaton RESA’s new early childhood supervisor. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 24 years. Dr. Sean Williams has assumed the role of assistant superintendent of instructional services at Eaton RESA. Dr. Williams most recently served as the director of student instructional services at Ingham ISD.

Five members of the Okemos-based law firm of Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 Edition of the national

publication, The Best Lawyers in America. The attorneys included are W i l l i a m K . Fahey, Admin-istrative and R e g u l a t o r y

Law, Appellate Practice, Energy Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Municipal, and Municipal Law; Stephen O. Schultz, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Municipal Law; Mark J. Burzych, Franchise Law and Government Relations Practice; Stephen J. Rhodes, Energy Law; and Stacy L. Hissong, Municipal Law and Natural Resources Law.

Sparrow’s Physicians Health Plan has named Scott Norman, who has wide experience in healthcare insurance, as its new vice president of business development. In his new role, the East Lansing resident will be responsible for sales, marketing, and product and market development for PHP, an

award-winning, not for profit health plan. He will also oversee expanding PHP’s support of Affirmant, a statewide coalition of clinically integrated health systems, and development of new products and

markets. Sparrow has been a leader in the creation of Affirmant.

John Lindert, Country Club of Lansing chief operating officer and director of golf, had the distinguished honor of announcing at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., on August 10-13.

EG Workforce Solutions is excited to welcome Becca Dernberger as senior vice president, staffing services. Becca has over 30 years of experience in the workforce solutions industry. She will lead the company’s staffing division by deploying innovative approaches for today’s tight labor market.

For the third time, William K. Fahey of Okemos-based law firm Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC was selected by his peers as “Lawyer of the Year” in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Mr. Fahey is one of two of the firm’s members designated as a 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” and

one of five firm attorneys recognized by The Best Lawyers in America as preeminent attorneys.

Dave Heisey, president of DRH Enterprises, LLC attended the 2017 Crestcom International Conference, held in Denver, Colorado. There were more than 200 franchisees from all over the world in attendance. He was presented with a “Brand” award, for his work in building awareness

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Williams

Burzych

McCaffrey

Schultz

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MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

of Crestcom’s Management and Leadership Development services on social media.

The 2017 LAFCU Women Helping Educate Every Lady, or W.H.E.E.L. Scholarships have been awarded to three women who see education as the direct path to a new career and a more financially secure future for their families. The winners are Emily Martin, St. Johns; Sheri Haviland, Lansing; and Rita Ashcroft, DeWitt. Each received a $1,000 scholarship to attend Lansing Community College (LCC) beginning this fall.

For the third time in the last five years, Stephen Schultz of the Okemos-based law firm Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, has been selected by his peers as “Lawyer of the Year” in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Mr. Schultz is one of two attorneys in the firm designated

as a 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” and one of five firm attorneys recognized by Best Lawyers in America as preeminent attorneys.

25 attorneys from Foster Swift’s Lansing office were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best

Lawyers in America© 2018 list. Firm-wide, 46 Foster Swift attorneys were included. Each year’s new edition is launched for the following calendar year. Listed attorneys and their areas of practice: Allan J. Claypool (Tax Law, Trusts and Estates); Anna K. Gibson (Trusts and Estates); Brent A. Titus (Litigation – Real Estate); Brian G. Goodenough (Insurance Law, Litigation – Municipal, Litigation – Real Estate, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers); Charles A. Janssen (Elder Law, Trusts and Estates), Charles E. Barbieri (Environmental Law, First Amendment Law, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – First Amendment, Natural Resources Law); David M. Lick (Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Mediation, Project Finance Law); Deanna Swisher (Commercial Litigation); Douglas A. Mielock (Elder Law, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Non-Profit/Charities Law, Trusts and Estates); Frank H. Reynolds (Bet-the-company Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Family Law); Gary J. McRay (Health Care Law); James B. Jensen, Jr. (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Tax Law); Jean G. Schtokal (International Trade and Finance Law); Matt G. Hrebec (Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law); Melissa J. Jackson (Employment Law – Management); Michael D. Sanders (Workers’ Compensation – Employers); Richard C. Kraus (Health Care Law); Scott A. Chernich (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law); Scott A. Storey (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate, Product Liability Litigation – Defendant); Scott L. Mandel (Bet-the-company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation – Antitrust); Stephen I. Jurmu (Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law); Stephen J. Lowney (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law); Steven L. Owen (Banking and Finance Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Real Estate Law);

Thomas R. Meagher (Commercial Litigation); Webb A. Smith (Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, First Amendment Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law).

Matt Ash, of Lansing, is the recipient of the 2017 LAFCU Community Champions Scholarship. Ash is a firefighter and paramedic with the Delta Township Fire Department. He was awarded the $1,000 scholarship to Lansing Community College at the Aug. 19 Lansing Lugnuts LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular. Ash was selected as the scholarship winner based on his essay about what compelled him to serve his community.

The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) has awarded the Conboy Award to Steven L. Willobee, who is chief operating officer at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). The award is given to one MEDA member who has made substantial, long-term contributions/commitment to MEDA, specifically focusing on the advancement

Delta Township firefighter and paramedic Matt Ash is honored at a Lansing Lugnuts LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular as the recipient of the 2017 LAFCU Community Champions scholarship. He is with his wife, Michelle, at left, and, from center, LAFCU’s Alyssa Sliger and Kelli Ellsworth Etchison.

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LAFCU scholarship selection committee members Emily White, Alyssa Sliger and Lindsay Walters; Dan McKean with the LCC Foundation; and W.H.E.E.L. scholarship recipients Rita Ashcroft, Sheri Haviland and Emily Martin.

Schultz


of the economic development profession through support of education and training, and by expanding the knowledge base of economic developers.

The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) is pleased to announce it has hired two new full-time staff members and has promoted two current members of the organization’s executive staff. Corri Harvey, CTA has accepted the position of sales coordinator. Lauren Williams, CTA has been named manager of graphic design & content marketing. Julie Pingston, CMP, CTA, executive vice president & chief operating officer and David Buckenberger, CMP, GMS, CTA senior vice president of business development were promoted and given new titles to better reflect their leadership roles in the partnership between the GLCVB and the Lansing Center.

DeltaTownship said goodbye to Mark Graham, p l a n n i n g director, who retired on August 4, after having been employed for

41 years. Mark began his career at Delta as a senior planner on August 8, 1976 and was promoted to planning director February 5, 1979.To begin a new era, the Township is very pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Bozek as planning director. Gary has been with the Township for 32 years as assistant director and has been instrumental in the planning and growth of Delta Township.

Each year, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) honors healthcare industry leaders with the MHA Healthcare Leadership Award. This year, Tom Mee, MBA, BSN, RN President and CEO of McLaren Greater Lansing was one of two recipients of the Award. The award

recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided exceptional leadership to healthcare organizations and to the health and well-being of the community. McLaren Greater Lansing’s improvements in clinical quality, operations, finances, and engagement were among the reasons Mee was nominated and recognized with the award.

Fraser Trebilcock is pleased to announce that attorney Elizabeth H. Latchana has been selected as one of the Top 30 “Women in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. The award is given annually to women who are inspiring and accomplished lawyers, who also serve as mentors to others and

contribute significant time giving back to their communities.

Greater Lansing Food Bank is pleased to announce that Camille Jensen of McLaren Greater Lansing and Kevin Zielke of AF Group have joined its Board of Directors. Both individuals bring management expertise, community leadership and commitment to ending hunger to the GLFB team. GLFB Board Leadership for 2016-2017 will be: John Pirich – Chair; Leslie Brogan - Vice Chair; Nikali Luke – Treasurer; Lavon Dennis – Secretary.

Tom Judd, service manager at Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, has been elected Vice President of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council.

COMPANY NEWS

Maner Costerisan, a full-service public accounting and business advisory firm based in Lansing, was recently named as one of the 2017 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for. Accounting Today has partnered with Best Companies Group to identify companies that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees. This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in the accounting industry, benefiting the industry’s economy, workforce and businesses. The list is made up of 100 companies.

Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan has been honored by the 2017 Ward’s 50® group as a top performing U.S. insurance company. This list is compiled by the Ward Group after analyzing the financial performance and written net premiums (by National Underwriter) of the more than 700 life-health — and nearly 3,000 property-casualty — insurance companies serving the United States.

Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants was proud to join with the Young Professionals group of the Leading Edge Alliance (LEA YPs) for its annual LEA YP Global Volunteer Days. LEA member firms worldwide were encouraged to donate to or volunteer for a local charity. During July and early August, 55 Yeo & Yeo employees volunteered at seven different animal shelters and humane societies throughout Michigan.

The St. Vincent Catholic Charities Children’s Home is now offering Community Trauma Workshops, informal, awareness raising sessions on the basics of childhood trauma for Greater Lansing neighborhood associations. “Our goal of the initiative is to build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods and communities in the Lansing area” said by STVCC Children’s Home Program Manager Alysia Christy. Trauma treatment professionals from the Children’s Home will conduct hour-long sessions that will

address what trauma is, how it manifests in children, and how individuals can support one another within their community.

The Dart Foundation and Mason Public Schools Foundation shared their continued support of local students by announcing gifts of $500,000 and $90,000 respectively with the goal of providing students access to Chromebooks in the classroom. The Dart Foundation and Mason Public Schools Foundation grants plan to distribute the proceeds over a three-year period. The grants will pay for approximately 833 Chromebooks and 34 Chromebook carts each year for the next three years totaling approximately 2,500 Chromebooks and 102 carts for student use.

Maner Costerisan, a full-service public accounting and advisory firm, is among the top accounting firms in the nation according to a recent financial performance report and analysis. Maner Costerisan is nationally ranked and recognized as the 182nd largest firm in the 2017 INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) Special Report. The annual ranking of the largest public accounting firms is now in its latest year of giving industry leaders the competitive advantage, painting a clear, comprehensive picture of the profession and where it stands.

MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) recently partnered with the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) and the City of East Lansing to plant 10 new trees at the East Lansing Aquatic Center and Softball Complex. The Credit Union donated $2,000 to help support MADA’s efforts in maintaining an environmentally friendly community. During the event, eight MSUFCU employee volunteers planted Red Oak and Tulip Poplar trees, enhancing the community so that individuals are proud to live and work there. The

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Graham

Mee

Latchana

Bozek

MSUFCU Helps to Make the Community Greener Planting Trees with Michigan Arbor Day Alliance

Dart and MPS Foundations Present Check to Mason Public Schools


new trees will help provide shade for East Lansing Aquatic Center and Softball Complex visitors.

We’re proud of our members who are making efforts to attract and retain talent by embracing creative, fun and productive workplaces! Kapnick Insurance Group, Warner Norcross & Judd, Lambert Edwards & Associates, Cinnaire, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Lake Trust Credit Union were named to Crain’s Detroit Business list of 100 Cool Places to Work in Michigan. Read about what makes these companies stand out at crainsdetroit.com/coolplaces.

MSUFCU is pleased to once again partner with The Aitch Foundation to help raise funds and awareness for early detection of hidden cancers at the recent Hidden Key Fashion Show. In its seventh year of hosting local celebrities wearing local fashions, the Hidden Key Fashion Show raised $69,863 toward its initiatives. The evening included silent and live auctions, the fashion show, research presentations, and an in-memoriam segment. Additionally, MSUFCU is pleased to sponsor an Aitch Fellow for the second year. This year’s MSUFCU Aitch Fellow is Sean Misek, an MSU student conducting research into the early detection of hidden cancers. MSUFCU employees also helped create marketing materials and volunteered to clean up after the show.

Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants, a Michigan accounting firm, has been named one of Metropolitan Detroit’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the Michigan Business & Professional Association for the sixth consecutive year.

Auto-Owners Insurance, a sponsor of Furniture Row Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, announced a Win One + Give One sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive a $10,000 shopping spree at Furniture Row/Denver Mattress. Simply by winning the sweepstakes, that fan will also help their community win big, as Auto-Owners Insurance and Furniture Row will both make $10,000 donations to a local chapter of the Salvation Army. Fans can enter by visiting autoownerswinonegiveone.com or www.facebook.com/AutoOwnersInsurance, and completing the online entry form. The sweepstakes began on Aug. 30, 2017 and end Oct. 15, 2017.

Pleune Service Company received a 2017 Platinum Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP)

Award on September 7 from the ABC Greater Michigan Chapter. STEP recognizes ABC member companies who consistently excel in the field of safety.

On the basis of a 15% increase in customer demand for foreign currency exchange services thus far in 2017, Liberty Coin Service in Lansing has added five more currencies to those it regularly stocks for immediate delivery to travelers. The additional currencies now stocked are from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, India, and Israel.

Health care, assisted living and other services for Burcham Hills residents will continue to improve and expand with proceeds from a car raffle donated by Graff Chevrolet. Tickets for the drawing are on sale now. The vehicle purchase credit, valued at $30,000, can be redeemed for a 2017 Chevrolet car, such as a Camaro or a vehicle of similar value. The drawing will be on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Graff Chevrolet of Okemos. Proceeds from the raffle will be used exclusively for the benefit of the Burcham Hills community, enhancing services such as memory care, rehabilitation and assisted living.

Davenport University has received the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual award — recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — Davenport will be featured in the November 2017 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine along with 79 other recipients.

MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) is proud to announce that it has been named as a 2017 Michigan Economic Bright Spot by Corp! Magazine. MSUFCU was awarded this honor in the Large Business category for its continued operational expansion and contributions to Michigan’s overall economic growth through hiring and retaining Michigan talent and helping drive forward the state’s economy and business profile.

In the spring of 2016, reconstruction on the front nine at Groesbeck Golf Course began. Development of new tee areas and a redesign of holes 6 and 7 required portions of the course to be closed during construction. Management made the decision to reverse the back nine to the front nine until the project was complete. This allowed the course to better play as a nine hole or 16 hole layout. The course has announced completion and on Friday, September 1st, all 18 holes were opened.

Managing health care for seniors can be confusing but Burcham Hills has a panel of experts who can present to groups on relevant topics such as memory care, end of life care and the benefits of yoga.

Burcham Hills speakers are available for service clubs such as Rotary clubs or Kiwanis, churches or other local groups. For more information on Speakers Bureau topics and scheduling, call 517-827-1035 or visit www.BurchamHills.com.

PM Environmental was awarded an Indefinite-Scope, Indefinite-Delivery contract by the State of Michigan (2017 Tank and Soil Removal ISID). The three-year contract, with an option to extend for two additional years, focuses on orphan underground storage tank (UST) sites where there is no longer a viable responsible party to conduct cleanup activities required under state law.

MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) announces a $5.5 million donation to Michigan State University (MSU) to support ten university programs over the course of five years. Each year, $1.1 million will be donated to support: Broad Art Museum, College of Arts and Letters, College of Business, College of Communications Arts and Sciences, College of Music, College of Social Science, Residential College in Arts and Humanities, Science Gallery, Wharton Center, and WKAR.

ABC Greater Michigan Chapter held its annual award presentation event on Thursday, September 7th at the H Hotel, downtown Midland. The chapter was proud to announce the member companies that won the 2017 Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) Awards. STEP recognizes ABC member companies who consistently excel in the field of safety, but more importantly it provides an evaluation tool to help identify areas to improve a company’s safety program.

Application Specialist Kompany (ASK), announced a formal partnership with American Office Solutions (AOS). The partnership will allow ASK’s clients to have access to a complete suite of Managed Print Solutions offered by AOS. Likewise, AOS’s clients will be able to leverage ASK’s Managed IT Services, Backup and Rapid Recovery services, and Enhanced Security Services. n

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE


FOCUS ON TALENT

TEN OF THE GREATER LANSING region’s top young professionals were honored at the 11th annual 10 Over the Next Ten awards. Each candidate was selected based upon professional achievement, community involvement and personal success - all indicators that he or she will contribute to the community significantly over the next 10 years. Co-hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and Grand River Connection, the event was held on September 26th at the University Club of Michigan State University. Congratulations to this year’s honorees.

Cameo King is with the team at MacDonald Broadcasting company as a reporter for WILS 1320 AM, Power 96.5, and Mike 101.7 FM. King has received three Michigan Association of Broadcasters awards. She was also selected as one of twelve journalists to participate in a German and American journalist exchange program. King’s professional work also extends into youth empowerment. She managed multiple city-wide youth focused projects as well as

advocated youth through policy advocacy and policy work. King is the visionary and founder of Grit, Glam & Guts. Grit, Glam, & Guts Teen Conference is embarking on its 5th year as a movement of empowerment for teen girls across the state of Michigan. Every year, through interactive workshops, in-depth honest discussions, and practical teaching, the Grit, Glam, & Guts conference touches the lives of hundreds of young women throughout the state. Most recently the growing partnership with the Residential College of Arts in Humanities at Michigan State University, Grit, Glam & Guts has produced spring and fall programming for teens at Lansing’s Eastern High School and the Lansing Art Gallery.

Josh Holliday is the Tri-County Development & Placemaking manager for Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) where he joined the team in December 2016. He works closely with LEAP members as well as the private and public sectors throughout Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties, providing economic development assistance specifically to the tri-county area. Prior to LEAP, he served as the program manager for the Arts Council of

Greater Lansing, coordinating, marketing and implementing smARTS – a professional development program for creatives, overseeing six funding initiatives that provided more than $275,000 in grants, along with implementing and managing placemaking driven initiatives throughout the region. Additionally, he planned the annual Creative Placemaking Summit, which brought residents and community leaders together to discuss art and placemaking.

Julie Holton serves as the chief marketing officer at Fraser Trebilcock. Under her leadership, the firm has dramatically expanded its marketing efforts, including the launch of an award-winning website, honored by the Legal Marketing Association in 2015. The Firm’s Board of Directors has also entrusted her with high-level projects that include a new business development initiative for their attorneys, as well as involvement in the hiring committee and technology

team. During Holton’s nearly five years at Fraser, the firm has grown its client and community connections by establishing educational programs including a series of seminars on Health Care Reform and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Series. Fraser Trebilcock has also greatly expanded its community involvement, by both financial contributions and volunteer-hours, with a variety of area non-profits.

Danielle Lenz injects energy and enthusiasm into every aspect of her life. As the director of public relations and social media at Edge Partnerships, she brings fresh ideas and a love for new technology. Lenz graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in communication. Before coming to Edge, she served as marketing coordinator at Classic Travel and a public relations, marketing and sponsorship intern for Lansing

Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority. Edge’s clients look to Lenz to learn about the newest strategies in technology and choose the best for online marketing. She is currently directing social media accounts for several of Edge’s loyal clients. Lenz has a love for event planning and is currently spearheading Edge Events. She began her event planning at an early age volunteering at the Tom Izzo Sparrow Health Classic golf outing and has since added some of Michigan’s best celebrations to her impressive resume.

Nick Nauta founded Nick Nauta Financial in 2015 with the mission of helping people achieve their deeply held life goals through financial planning. He believes that financial planning should be the roadmap his clients take to living a successful life. His client’s financial plans should incorporate their values, inspirations, and lifelong goals for living the best life possible. Once they have the plan in place, Nauta is dedicated to helping his clients put their resources in the

best position to support all of the things that are important to them so that they can aspire to achieve the things that give their life meaning. His financial planning philosophy was born from years of study at Northern Michigan University where he graduated with a double major in Financial Management and Economics. Nauta is a lifetime learner dedicated to enhancing his ability to help his clients achieve their goals. He has completed several certifications in financial planning and continued to pursue a greater knowledge to serve his clients.

Luan Nguyen currently serves as a dispositions relationship manager at Cinnaire, which is a community development finance institution that supports community stabilization and economic development by developing and nurturing partnerships with investors and mission-focused organizations. They provide creative loans, investments, and best-in-class services to partners. Nguyen is responsible for all aspects of analyzing, negotiating, and deal closings

with partners as they move towards a year-15 disposition of their partnership interests in LIHTC developments. Nguyen has been recognized by his company and others as one of the emerging leaders in the industry. Within his own organization, Nguyen has embraced several leadership roles with new and existing staff as a leadership coach and Staff Engagement Committee (SEC) member. He is responsible for rolling out department wide projects as the asset management project team lead.

Corey Rees works as a designer and business development specialist for ASL architecture | design. He has been involved with unique projects and worked nationwide with high-end retailers like Montblanc, Coach, Burberry, and others. Rees has worked with the American Institute of Architects Mid-Michigan Chapter and with the ACE Mentor Program of America to promote careers in architecture to young professionals and

10 Over the Next Ten: Recognizing the Region’s Top Young Professionals

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19


FOCUS ON TALENT

LEADERSHIP LANSING, a talent initiative of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will open its third annual cohort on October 9, 2017. Forty outstanding leaders representing a diverse number of industries in the region have enrolled in this year’s program. The program aims to help develop the next generation of community leaders by exposing them to a variety key institutions and leaders from around the region while providing individual leadership training experiences. Congratulations to this year’s Leadership Lansing cohort:

Amy Hanson Independent BankAnna Bates Two Men and A TruckBarb Whitney Lansing Art GalleryBrice Blossom ThriventChris Harkins Jackson NationalCynthia LaFountain SparrowDayana Alfonso Lake Trust Credit UnionEmily McElmurry PeckhamEric Dimoff Lansing Regional Chamber Eric Musser Auto-OwnersErin Davis General MotorsGrant Snyder Eaton Federal Savings BankJason Ballah PeckhamJoe D’Alessandro FD Hayes Electric

JP Buckingham TriterraJuan Loaiza AJ BoggsJustin Huan Lake Trust Credit UnionJustin Sheehan Dean/Lansing PromiseKyle Schafer Maner CosterisanLyndsay Torres Michigan.comMark Pawlowski On Target LivingMatt Bozung Granger ConstructionMegan Wills SparrowMic Shupe LAFCU Michelle Massey DewpointMichelle Reynaert Sparrow FoundationMike Maurer Accident Fund/AF GroupMike Nelson Farm Bureau

Nicole Perry Dart BankPatrick Harrison DeanRobert Johnson MSUFCUSarah Ferguson McLarenSue Webster Michigan State UniversityTeresa Vicary McLarenTim Mielak MSUFCUErin Carter Michigan State UniversityAllison Lowe First National Bank of MichiganEric Waggoner Waggoner Group Inc.Ryan Larsen LAFCUJosh Irving Lansing Board of Water and Light

Leadership Lansing Welcomes 2017-18 Cohort

10 Over the Next Ten, CONT.

high school students. He is currently involved in making connections as an Ambassador for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Rees also sits on Lake Trust Credit Union’s Board of Directors as an Associate Board Member. During his time at ASL, the company won the Merit Award for a design at the Atlanta International Airport. Rees has worked on projects for K-12, State of Michigan, MSU, office buildings, retail and restaurants. He is proud to be with a company that has completed a store within the new World Trade Center. The firm recently finished a mixed-use building in Williamston and is working on Gillespie Company’s Esker Square project in Holt.

JJ Ubonwan Saeung is an associate dentist with Schaefer Dental Group and Volunteers of America. She started practicing dentistry with the focus of complex health, TMJ pain therapy, and oral surgery since early 2015. With community health being one of her top priorities, she was able to be connected with the local chapter of Volunteers of America and be honored to be a part of executive board that brought about the recent Delta

Dental Clinic (420 N. Larch St, Lansing, MI), in which she is one of the original dental teams to provide urgent dental care to the homeless and underserved adults and children of Greater Lansing area. It is rare for young dentists to be able to dedicate their time to helping low-income patients. Saeung feels fortunate that she is able to treat various ranges of patients throughout Lansing and greater area through private practice setting, as well as the public health setting. She prides herself in using her skills in treating the medically complex to provide the best quality care she could offer, regardless of income status.

Dan Wilkinson is a commercial loan officer with Dart Bank. As a community banker, Wilkinson has been able to successfully help many local businesses and individuals reach their financial goals by offering exceptional advice,

support, and service. Wilkinson has built many strong relationships and connections with a variety of business owners in the region and will continue to do whatever it takes to provide financial assistance to promote the growth of the Greater Lansing region. As a community banker, he is able to personally assist his clients realize their goals by discussing financial strategies critiqued to their unique goals. Wilkinson loves being able to drive

down the street and see new businesses that he has supported - everything from apartments, to salons, coffee shops, and an urgent care facility. His greatest accomplishment has been his career progression as a community banker and he hopes to continue to grow professionally and in doing so better the community that he loves.

Ashlee R. Willis, owner of Michigan Premier Events and Lansing Mosaic has been an active member in the Lansing area and has been recognized throughout the community for her exceptional leadership, professional achievement and personal dedication to the community. Willis loves the entrepreneurial scene in Lansing and wanted to help highlight the diversification of business

owners in Lansing. Lansing Mosaic is an online publication highlighting a diverse range of small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Lansing region showcasing their unique products and sharing their journey in business. Her business is writing content and in her videos she is interviewing entrepreneurs. Her interview videos have captured an audience reaching more than 28,000 viewers. Willis is part of numerous organizations such as the Old Newsboys of Lansing as Board of Directors, Lansing Black Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Aitch Foundation Hidden Key Fashion Show Committee - just to name a few. Willis was also the instructor for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce 1st Young Entrepreneur Academy in


BARB WHITNEY, executive director of the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center will attend the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce’s leadership initiative, Leadership Lansing, at no cost this year thanks to a scholarship provided by Resch Strategies.

This will be the third year that the scholarship is being offered, according to Matt Resch, who heads the Lansing-based public relations and public affairs firm.

“Leadership Lansing is dedicated to building skills and establishing connections for new talent in our community,” Resch said. “Our goal with the The Resch Strategies Leadership Lansing Scholarship is to assist non-profit leadership, so organizations like the Lansing Art Gallery can further impact the Greater Lansing area.”

Leadership Lansing participants have the opportunity to participate in seven workshops and an overnight retreat where they are exposed to key local institutions, industry sectors and business leaders. Facilitated by coaches and local area leaders, monthly topics range from advocacy, education and manufacturing to entrepreneurism and business leadership.

The Lansing Art Gallery is the first permanent art gallery in Lansing and is the oldest nonprofit gallery. Their mission is to provide public awareness, education and enjoyment of the visual arts by promoting the works of Michigan artists.

“We are so appreciative of this opportunity to participate in the Leadership Lansing program,” said Barb Whitney, Executive Director of the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center. “It will be great to connect with and learn from fellow Lansing professionals to fulfill our mission and grow our impact.”

The Resch Strategies Leadership Lansing Scholarship was established in 2015 to cover the full cost of tuition for an area non-profit

leader to participate in the program. Past recipients were leaders from the Origami Brian Injury and Rehabilitation Center, the Davies Project for Mid-Michigan Children and the First Tee of Mid-Michigan.

For more information about Resch Strategies or the Leadership Lansing Scholarship, please visit www.reschstrategies.com or call 517-371-7843. n

FOCUS ON TALENT

Matt Resch (Resch Strategies), Barb Whitney (Lansing Art Gallery) and Sarah Ombry (Resch Strategies)

Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center Awarded 2017-2018 Leadership Lansing Scholarship

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MEMBER NEWS

GRANGER HAS ANNOUNCED the sale of Granger Energy Services to Energy Developments (EDL). EDL is a global provider of safe, clean renewable energy solutions. This is an exciting opportunity for both parties and the Greater Lansing region.

Under EDL ownership, additional development opportunities will be pursued in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry that would otherwise not be possible. EDL plans to retain all current Granger Energy associates and to move its North America headquarters to the greater Lansing region. All current contracts and operations will remain through the acquisition with Granger’s Wood Street and Grand River Avenue landfills continuing to supply landfill gas for EDL’s renewable energy projects.

With the sale of the Energy Services, Granger will focus on strengthening the Waste Services Division, which has seen substantial growth in the last several months with the acquisition of companies in Grand Rapids and Remus. Granger will continue to provide service to its residential, commercial and industrial trash and recycling customers with a commitment to customer satisfaction.

“We’re excited to welcome EDL to Greater Lansing,” said Granger CEO Keith Granger. “We believe that as well as successfully taking Granger’s Energy Division to the next level, EDL will be a valuable addition to our local business community.” n

Granger Announces Exciting Addition to Greater Lansing Business Community

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24 FOCUS / OCTOBER 2017 LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG PB

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