Crain's Detroit Business articles from February 2009

Crain's Detroit Business archives from February 2009

BUSINESS DIARY.(Brooks Kushman P.C has published the Brooks Kushman IP Primer)(Velcura Therapeutics Inc. has completed its investigation for lead compound VEL-0230)
February 2, 2009... CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Women's Council of Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti, is seeking nominations for the Athena Award. Recipients are individuals who demonstrate excellent creativity and initiative in their business or profession, provide...

Bridge duel continues between state, Moroun; Government gives nod for both spans.(bridge construction planning contracts)
February 2, 2009... Byline: BILL SHEA The high-stakes standoff between Manuel Moroun and an international coalition of governments continues as both make incremental progress toward competing billion-dollar Detroit River crossings. The situation got fresh...

House leader raises concern over MBT bill.(Michigan Business Tax)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Amy Lane Business groups made progress last week in repealing the nearly 22 percent surcharge on the Michigan Business Tax. But the first bill to fly through the 2009 Senate has a long way to go. Senate Bill 1, sponsored by...

Moroun offers up credits for transportation projects; no takers.(Department of Transportation)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Bill Shea It's possible the Michigan Department of Transportation could benefit from Manuel Moroun's $1 billion construction budget for the planned twin span to the Ambassador Bridge even while it continues to plan a competitor...

COMPARING THE BRIDGES.(Detroit River International Crossing)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Detroit River International Crossing Owner: To-be-established public-private multinational authority. The project is a joint effort of the Michigan Department of Transportation, the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, Transport Canada...

BANKRUPTCIES.(One Stop Auto Clinic Inc)(Machinery Maintenance Specialists Inc)(Huckleberry I Ltd)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Mark Lewis The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Jan. 23-29. Under Chapter 11, a company files for reorganization. Chapter 7 involves total liquidation. One Stop Auto...

Confusion spans approval process of both projects.(Detroit International Bridge Co.)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Bill Shea The paper trail of government approvals for the competing Detroit River bridge projects is a long, confusing maze where the tour guides provide conflicting directions and nothing appears to be final. If you ask the...

CALENDAR.(NEWS)(Calendar)
February 2, 2009... WEDNESDAY FEB. 4 Managing a Business in Tough Economic Times. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. A workshop to help you manage and grow your business in an economic downturn. Detroit Entrepreneurship Institute. $15, includes lunch and training...

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY FOR BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST FEB. 10 IN DETROIT.(NEWS)
February 2, 2009... Join Crain's Detroit Business for our next Business Over Breakfast, as we discuss how entrepreneur-ship can be increased in Michigan. The event takes place 7:30-9:30 a.m. Feb. 10 and is to feature Robert Fowler, president and CEO, Small...

A CONVERSATION WITH; Harvey Berman.(Interview)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Chad Halcom Harvey Berman, partner and chairman of the construction practice group at the Ann Arbor offices of Bodman L.L.P., spoke to Crain's reporter Chad Halcom about the increasing significance of green building to the firm's...

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 40 UNDER 40.(NEWS)
February 2, 2009... Crain's Detroit Business is seeking nominations for the 2009 class of 40 under 40, which recognizes young achievers based on factors such as financial impact, and leadership. Winners will be profiled in the Oct. 5 issue, and Crain's will...

Cobo plan could be a model - if it works.(Cobo Center)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Mary Kramer Some of the best news of this still-new year has been state legislation paving the way to expand Cobo Center and create a five-member authority to run it. But the devil is always in the details. This new structure...

OPINION.(NEWS)(Viewpoint essay)
February 2, 2009... Do we really need 2 new border bridges? How would Southeast Michigan like to get an extra billion dollars or so from the federal government to help pay for planned light-rail mass transit? That's just one of the carrots that supporters...

EMPLOYMENT CALENDAR.(NEWS)(Calendar)
February 2, 2009... "Moxie' on Inforum menu Inforum presents "Moxie, a luncheon meeting to help motivate attendees to face the personal and professional challenges of a shrinking job market and a poor economy. Scheduled panelists at the event, 11:30 a.m....

GREEN IS GROWING.(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... The phrase "going green is moving away from being just a business buzzword to include a whole menu of ways to save energy costs, attract new customers and plan for the future. This Focus section includes a look at the wind companies gaining...

2 shuttle companies shift to "green' vehicles.(Metro Cars Inc. invest in green initiative )
February 2, 2009... Byline: JULIE DAWSO Two metro Detroit shuttle services have adjusted their business models to promote the use of green vehicles. Taylor-based Metro Cars Inc. began investing in a green initiative in 2005 and to date has converted 60...

Career Transition.(NEWS)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Name: Chris Ramos, 27 Vitals: Ramos started college at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York studying photography and heading for a career in advertising. He finished his education at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in...

Motown movies; 2 groups shooting to have 1st studio.(S3 Entertainment Group plans for construction of new studios)
February 2, 2009... Byline: DANIEL DUGGAN AND BILL SHEA As momentum for Michigan's film industry grows, two groups are vying to have the state's first studio complex. In Oakland County, Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group has narrowed its search for a...

Several other studio projects under way.(S3 Entertainment Group and 23rd Street Studio plans for building studios)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Daniel Duggan S3 Entertainment Group and 23rd Street Studio have been public about their intentions, but other projects are under way. Allen Park city officials have discussed a studio in the industrial-engineering facility...

PEOPLE.(Sean Donovan joins as director of auditing in Tama, Budaj & Raab P.C)(LaTrice Hogan joins as director of marketing)(Scott O'Rourke joins as senior manager in Gordon Advisers P.C)
February 2, 2009... ACCOUNTING Sean Donovan to director of auditing, Tama, Budaj & Raab P.C., Farmington Hills, from audit manager. DESIGN LaTrice Hogan to director of marketing, Airea, Farmington Hills, from marketing specialist, CB Richard Ellis,...

Driven by the wind; Turbine companies chart course for billowing sales.(Global Wind Systems Inc.)
February 2, 2009... Byline: JAY GREENE Knowing which way the wind blows when it comes to alternative-energy trends is never an easy task. But the fortunes of a number of startup and retooled automotive supply companies seeking to manufacture and sell wind...

Environmental groups seek moratorium on new coal-fired power plants.(NEWS)
February 2, 2009... Byline: AMY LANE Environmental groups battling new coal plants being developed by Consumers Energy Co. and other utilities are calling on Gov. Jennifer Granholm to issue a moratorium halting permits for the plants. Opponents say the...

Bills expected to fuel increase in renewable-energy ventures.(11-bill package)
February 2, 2009... Byline: AMY LANE Production and use of renewable fuels could see a boost in Michigan as the result of a bipartisan package of bills recently signed into law. The 11-bill package, among other things, allows for more tax-free zones in...

Caraco stock slips over lower earnings, weak product pipeline.(NEWS)
February 2, 2009... Byline: CHAD HALCOM Shares of Detroit-based generic drugmaker Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd. dipped last week after soft quarterly earnings and reports that the company may be short on new product launches for a while. Caraco...

Small businesses can go green and not break the bank.(Canine to Five )
February 2, 2009... Byline: NANCY KAFFER Liz Blondy's Canine to Five has fared well in the past four years. The Detroit doggy day care's business has more than tripled, from nine dogs per day in 2005 to 31 in 2008, and revenue has grown accordingly. ...

Fiscal rehab; New leadership puts nonprofit on road to recovery.(Self Help Addiction Rehabilitation Inc)
February 2, 2009... Byline: SHERRI BEGIN WELCH When the board of Self Help Addiction Rehabilitation Inc. recruited new executive director Dwight Vaughter to the center in February 2008, it was facing a $950,000 deficit. By October, the agency faced...

The deals are in the details for RenCen leases.(Renaissance Center )
February 2, 2009... Byline: DANIEL DUGGAN When the leasing team for the Renaissance Center sits down with a prospective retail tenant, they say what most brokers say, that consumers will frequent their business. But in this case, they have data to back it...

CLOSING THE DEALS.(NEWS)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... 2008 was a good year for the leasing team at the Renaissance Center and connected Millender Center across the street. Some of the successful lease deals included: CVS 7,190 square feet Rice Bowl 2,270 square feet De'Spa...

RUMBLINGS.(Merchant's Fine Wine department manager pass the cicerone examination)(Colin Hubbell Memorial Fund)
February 2, 2009... May is the first woman at the "head' of the class Dearborn's Annette May, beer department manager at Dearborn-based Merchant's Fine Wine, has become the first woman worldwide to pass the cicerone examination, a professional credential for...

Kaydon CFO changes jobs, to quit.(NEWS)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Chad Halcom Kaydon Corp. (NYSE: KDN) CFO Kenneth Crawford took another position last week at the Ann Arbor company and will resign June 30. Crawford, 52, moved from CFO, senior vice president and corporate controller to become...

Esperion hunts biotech bargains; Revamped company looks for next Lipitor.(Esperion Therapeutics Inc. acquires with Pfizer Inc)
February 2, 2009... Byline: TOM HENDERSON The reborn Esperion Therapeutics Inc. began growing tissue culture in its new lab in Plymouth Township this week, an important step for one of the most successful biotechs in state history as it continues its...

New wet lab, technology incubator filling quickly.(Ann Arbor Spark Foundation )
February 2, 2009... Byline: Tom Henderson A new wet lab and technology incubator in Plymouth Township has two anchor tenants and another six may be added in the next two months, bringing the 58,000-square-foot building close to full capacity. The Michigan...

Interest in energy efficiency recharges Myron Zucker Inc.
February 2, 2009... Byline: MIKE SCOTT A renewed interest in energy and manufacturing efficiency has led to the rebirth of a Sterling Heights company that helps commercial and industrial customers become smarter about energy use. In five years, Myron...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT.(Keith Sirois joins Big Boy Restaurants International L.L.C )(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Keith Sirois has been named CEO of Warren-based Big Boy Restaurants International L.L.C. Sirois, 57, and a Wyandotte native, replaces interim CEO and board member Jim Jensen. Sirois was most recently president and CEO of Tampa,...

Let's be creative with costs and revenue.(methods for costs cutting)(Viewpoint essay)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Keith Crain Last week, while I was traveling, I happened to stop in a local restaurant for a meal and was pleasantly surprised to see a page of "recession relief meals on the menu. We're not talking about senior citizen dinners...

Help for job-seekers.(CareerWorks)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... CareerWorks is a weekly collection of advertising, news and information geared toward readers in career transition or looking for new jobs. Included in our coverage: "CareerTransition, highlighting a person who has made a successful leap...

IT professionals group networks "one beer at a time'.(detroitNET.org)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Mark Lewis About seven years ago, Bob Waltenspiel, an IT professional with Hewlett-Packard, decided the networking scene in Detroit needed an upgrade. That's why he launched detroitNET.org, a casual networking group for...

Adult psychiatric center to open at Samaritan Center.(Samaritan Behavioral Center)(Brief article)
February 2, 2009... Byline: JAY GREENE A 55-bed inpatient adult behavioral health facility is expected to open in March at Detroit-based Samaritan Center. The Samaritan Behavioral Center, 5555 Conner Ave., eventually will employ 100 nurses, psychiatrists...

CORRECTIONS.(NEWS)(Correction notice)
February 2, 2009... A photo caption on Page 27 of the Jan. 26 edition misidentified Stephen Cassin, executive director of the Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department, as his deputy director. A story on Page 30 of the Jan. 26 edition should...

WEEK IN REVIEW.(Models & Tools Inc plans for incentive aid for major expansion)(Robert Bobb joins Detroit Public Schools)(Flagstar Bancorp Inc )
February 2, 2009... Models & Tools plans Shelby expansion Models & Tools Inc., a Troy-based maker of gauges and specialty tools for the aerospace and defense industries, will ask the Michigan Economic Growth Authority this week for incentives to aid with a...

State's UI debt may mean higher taxes; Business groups, state look for fed help.
February 2, 2009... Byline: AMY LANE Michigan employers will face higher federal unemployment taxes next year if the state doesn't repay the federal government loans used to pay unemployment insurance benefits. The outstanding loans have ballooned to more...

This Just In.(Dana Johnson the chief economist for Comerica Bank)(Jennifer Granholm fiscal 2010 budget )(Huron Capital Partners L.L.C acquires Michigan Orthopedic Services Inc)
February 2, 2009... Comerica economist: Recession is widening Dana Johnson, the chief economist for Comerica Bank, said the current recession is almost certain to become the longest since the 16-month downturns of 1973 and 1981, which would make it the longest...

Amid financial turmoil of "08, Michigan VC investment soars.(Venture capital companies)
February 2, 2009... Byline: TOM HENDERSON Ah, 2008, the good old days. As the rest of the financial world went to hell in a hole-filled handbasket, venture capital activity in Michigan had a standout year, though no one expects the pace to continue in...

WIND ENERGY CONFERENCE.(NEWS)
February 2, 2009... What: Michigan Wind Energy Conference When: March 3-4 Where: Cobo Center, Detroit Things to do: Workshops on manufacturing, commercial wind, resources, community wind, small wind and offshore wind. Contact: John Sarver, Great...

Our e-mails can keep you ahead of the game.(NEWS)
February 2, 2009... Byline: Alan Baker How did you find out about the state Senate's vote to repeal the MBT's surcharge? If you're one of our e-mail subscribers, that story landed in your inbox just moments after it broke last Thursday. Did you know that...

Year-end charity drives have mixed results; Weak economy hurts fundraising.(Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit)
February 2, 2009... Byline: SHERRI BEGIN WELCH As many nonprofits wrap up their year-end annual giving campaigns, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit is just beginning its biggest fundraising push of the year. It's a strategy that helped the...

Aerospace group aims for supplier pipeline; MAMA wants to help companies transition.(Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association)
February 9, 2009... Byline: RYAN BEENEAND MARK LEWIS A fledgling trade group for state aerospace parts manufacturers wants to become a pipeline that in three years will source $100 million in aerospace industry purchase orders to Michigan manufacturers that...

Business Diary.(Beckett & Raeder acquires Grobbel Environmental & Planning Associates)(Helm Inc contracts with Tecumseh Products Co)(Big Boy restaurant group opened new restaurant)
February 9, 2009... ACQUISITIONS Ann Arbor-based nonprofit Altarum Inc. has completed the acquisition of Rockville, Md.-based KAI Research Inc. KAI will operate as a for-profit, wholly owned subsidiary of Altarum, and continue to operate from Maryland with...

Bridge plan has Delray waiting; Fates of businesses, homes hang on decision.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Byline: NANCY KAFFER Bob Evans is waiting for a check. Evans and wife Delores bought Kovacs Bar in tiny Delray, a neighborhood on Detroit's west riverfront, about 13 years ago. It was a second career that Evans, a former real estate...

DIA may loan out parts of its permanent collection.(Detroit Institute of Arts)
February 9, 2009... Byline: SHERRI BEGIN WELCH The Detroit Institute of Arts is considering loaning out parts of its permanent collection to improve its cash flow. "Traditionally, you'd say this is a last resort, said DIA Director Graham Beal. The...

Nonprofits survery: Arts groups' hit hardest by down economy.(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Arts and cultural groups are seeing steeper cash flow declines than other nonprofits, according to a new survey due out today. The Michigan Nonprofit Association and the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University surveyed over 200...

Musicians tune in cash with touring productions.(Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
February 9, 2009... Byline: JULIE YOLLES "Spamalot is music to Alice Sauro's ears. While audiences are treated to the glitz, glamour and Holy Grail of the Monty Python Tony Award-winning musical spoof, she and four other local musicians are treated to a...

Jobless rates jump statewide in fourth quarter, year.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Byline: AMY LANE It wasn't a pretty fourth quarter. Job losses accelerated in Southeast Michigan and statewide in 2008's final three months and over the year as the impact of the national recession continued to sink in. Data from...

LANSING.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Byline: Amy Lane Controversy and questions are flaring up over Gov. Jennifer Granholm's directive requiring more scrutiny of proposed coal-fired power plants. The directive, issued in conjunction with the State of the State address...

Career Transition.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Name: Shawn Stafford, 36 Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration from Michigan State University in 1990, master's degree in business administration from University of Detroit Mercy in 2000. Last career: Eight years in...

Calendar.(NEWS)(Calendar)
February 9, 2009... TUESDAY FEB 10 Business Over Breakfast: Increase Entrepreneurship in Michigan. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Crain's Detroit Business. With: Robert Fowler, president and CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan; and Mark Clevey, vice president...

CHANGES TO CDB CALENDAR.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Crain's Detroit Business can no longer guarantee that we will use telephone, mail or e-mail contributions for our weekly print calendar and online calendar listings. If you want to ensure listing online and be considered for print...

HEAR COKIE ROBERTS FRIDAY IN BLOOMFIELD HILLS.(NEWS)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Cokie Roberts will speak at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills on Friday. A private conversation and Q&A session for patrons and community leaders, moderated by Mary Kramer,...

Economy stalls emerging sectors; Most industries have shaky "08; Plex bucks trend.
February 9, 2009... Byline: CHAD HALCOM The "emerging sector industries, where local governments offer incentives to grow and add jobs in Southeast Michigan, haven't done much emerging lately, according to recent employment data. But experts agreed 2008...

Area dealers bank on used-car service to offset low new-car sales.(local car dealers forecasting the balance sheet)
February 9, 2009... Byline: DANIEL DUGGAN Local car dealers are preparing their businesses and especially their balance sheets for another bad year of sales. Estimates forecast another low-volume year for sales, and additionally the profits for selling...

Asterand sees first yearly profit, wants acquisitions, partnership.(Asterand plc)
February 9, 2009... Byline: TOM HENDERSON Asterand plc, a human tissue-bank company traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: ATD) but headquartered in Detroit's TechTown, has seen its stock price soar over the last year 12 months, from 6 pence (a bit less...

Collaborative retraining.(Oakland University intoduces program to automotive industry workers)
February 9, 2009... Byline: Ryan Beene It may not single-handedly solve the nursing shortage, but a new collaboration between a health care system and a local university is an example of retraining creativity. The automotive industry is at its lowest...

Employment Calendar.(Workshops (Educational programs))(Brief article)(Calendar)
February 9, 2009... Market yourself On Wednesday Northwood University's Troy campus, 1900 W. Big Beaver Ave., Suite 200, is playing host to a free career seminar and workshop titled "Marketing Yourself in a Changing Economy. One-on-one coaching will be...

Economy by the Numbers.(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Byline: Daniel Duggan Each quarter, Crain's will take a look at the economic indicators that drive metro Detroit, giving a look at the economy by the numbers. In the fourth quarter of 2008, there were few indicators showing positive...

Colleges, state coordinate efforts to help displaced workers.(Keep Michigan Working Talent Action Committee )
February 9, 2009... Byline: RYAN BEENE Nine local colleges and universities are working with the state to align curricular and extracurricular offerings with industries that are seen as having high growth potential. The goal of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's...

Employers group helps with job-hunting skills, has jobs board.(American Society of Employers)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Byline: Sherri Begin Welch Many of the calls the American Society of Employers gets from its business members these days are inquiries about handling layoffs and requests for assistance for the employees those companies have laid off. ...

Bankruptcies.(Stewart's Menswear Inc)(Mexus Transport Inc)(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Byline: Compiled by Mark Lewis The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Jan. 30-Feb. 5. Under Chapter 11, a company files for reorganization. Chapter 7 involves total liquidation....

LOCAL ACTION IN FILM.(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Byline: Daniel Duggan Four studio projects are in the works around metro Detroit right now, offering a range of film infrastructure services. On tap: * Motown Motion Pictures L.L.C. Total investment: $70.7 million Project:...

What business needs to know about Granholm's plans.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Byline: AMY LANE LANSING The state of Michigan is changing the way it does business. Gov. Jennifer Granholm outlined her vision for the business of government in her State of the State address last week. The next shoe to drop...

Food industry work helps Kwasny Co. grow fatter.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Byline: CHAD HALCOM Despite a sputtering economy, U.S. consumers will continue to eat in 2009, which puts Keith Kwasny on sounder footing than in his past years serving automotive clients. Kwasny is president and CEO of Farmington...

Democracy isn't free, even in Detroit.(Local elections)(Viewpoint essay)
February 9, 2009... Byline: Keith Crain In just a couple of weeks, the city of Detroit will have its first of four elections with a huge slate of candidates vying for the top two spots in the first primary for an election for mayor for six months. The top...

Training programs spring up around state's growing film industry.
February 9, 2009... Byline: MARK LEWIS Six weeks ago, Ferndale resident Julie Goode was making $54,000 a year working as a textiles designer and engineer for supplier Lear Corp. Then, three days before Christmas, she was laid off. Goode, 28, now is preparing...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT.(Amanda Totaro joins as vice president of marketing )(Brief article)
February 9, 2009... Amanda Totaro, a senior vice president of the Las Vegas-based The Fine Point Group, has been named vice president of marketing at Greektown Casino Hotel in Detroit, subject to regulatory approval. Totaro, 47, is a turnaround specialist who...

People.(Mark Brucki joins as executive director Lawrence Technological University)(Greg Bernas joins Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing)
February 9, 2009... EDUCATION Mark Brucki to executive director of economic development and government relations, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, from director of technology partnerships. I.W. Winsten to chairman, Wayne State University Law...

ESD arm seeks Indian model; Symposiums planned to foster collaboration.(Engineering Society of Detroit)
February 9, 2009... Byline: TOM HENDERSON Christopher Webb, director of a new institute announced last week by the Southfield-based Engineering Society of Detroit, hopes to use lessons learned by American Indians in running their sovereign nations to help...

Letters.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Apology to frustrated job seeker Editor: In response to "A tale from the front of the Michigan unemployment line written by Jennifer Knighstep (Other Voices, Jan. 26), the board of directors of the Macomb-St. Clair Workforce...

CORRECTIONS.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... * A story on Page 1 of the Feb. 2 issue should have said the first phase of a twin span to the Ambassador Bridge had been approved for $212.6 million in private activity bonds. The number was incorrectly stated in billions. * A story on...

Granholm should listen to commission.(Jennifer Granholm)
February 9, 2009... There was much to like in Gov. Jennifer Granholm's State of the State address last week, but then, there it was another commission. The governor said she was asking Lt. Gov. John Cherry to "lead a comprehensive effort to dramatically...

Michigan bolsters Comerica profits, but layoffs on tapBITS & PIECES.
February 9, 2009... omerica Inc. ought to thank goodness for Michigan, which practically single-handedly has kept the now-Texas-based bank's earnings afloat in recent quarters. Instead, more than 100 Michigan employees were terminated in January, and more...

Road to recovery; Colleges, universities guide displaced workers.(Chrysler L.L.C.)
February 9, 2009... Byline: RYAN BEENE When Chrysler L.L.C. said in late October that it planned to eliminate about 4,300 salaried jobs by January, Lewis Walker knew something had to be done. The scale of Chrysler's cuts drove home to Walker, president...

Where dispaced workers can find help.
February 9, 2009... New programs and resources for displaced workers offered by local colleges and universities: Oakland Community College OCC Worker Transition Helpline, (248) 232-4000 Free "Transitions Seminar Series: The series started in late...

PAL develops, seeks backers for "pillars of prosperity' to help state.(People and Land)
February 9, 2009... Byline: SHERRI BEGIN WELCH People and Land, a coalition working to spur Michigan's prosperity, is attempting to forge regional support and action on a number of initiatives it believes will better position the state for the future. ...

Alternative energy projects win tax breaks.(Michigan Economic Growth Authority )
February 9, 2009... Byline: DANIEL DUGGAN AND RYAN BEENE Two alternative energy-related projects were advanced by the Michigan Economic Growth Authority last week. Ann Arbor-based Atwell-Hicks received an incentive to expand its practice in consulting for...

St. John, Oakwood lose $7M contract lawsuit appeal.(NEWS)
February 9, 2009... Byline: JAY GREENE The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld a $7 million judgment against St. John Health in Warren and Dearborn-based Oakwood Healthcare for breaching a contract with a consulting firm over a Medicare geographic wage index...