Detroiter articles from April 2009

Detroiter archives from April 2009

Managed IT Services does your business need them?(SMALL BIZ BEAT)
April 1, 2009... Managed IT services is rapidly becoming one of the hottest solutions in business today because it dramatically improves an organization's profitability, frees up internal resources and offers a unique competitive advantage. Simply put, managed...

Survive the Economic Crunch with e-marketing: reach clients and save money with email and web tactics.(SMALL BIZ BEAT)
April 1, 2009... If you own and operate a small business today, your biggest challenge is building and retaining a client base. Traditional methods such as newspaper advertising, print and local television are costly and don't provide an avenue to build long...

How other chamber members use e-marketing.(SMALL BIZ BEAT)
April 1, 2009... Anita Mitzel President, GraphiColor Exhibits We have been sending out monthly newsletters for about a year and a half. We use an affordable web-based e-mail marketing software program to minimize any chances of our emails being caught...

Don't commit these email crimes.
April 1, 2009... 1) Incorrectly linking to URLs. Instead of typing www.informz.com in your email, type Informz and then hyperlink just that word to the Web site. This will help your deliverability since spam filters are very suspicious of URLs that are...

Find your niche: Your everyday office provides plenty of business opportunity.(SMALL BIZ BEAT)
April 1, 2009... Gift stores and boutiques can generate more revenue by creating "send to work" specials. IT service providers, computer repair services and computer retail stores can all benefit from the amount of technology businesses need. ...

Entrepreneurial spotlight.(SMALL BIZ BEAT)
April 1, 2009... Walter Bender Tim Hortons Location Millender Center and Van Dyke & 9 Mile What do you do? I own and operate two Tim Hortons locations in the Detroit Region Why Tim Hortons? The passion started when I began my football...

Chamber leads federal policy effort: partnership between the federal government and the Great Lakes states to provide an immediate boost to the region's economy.
April 1, 2009... The Great Lakes region is the world's most important economic engine, covering all or parts of twelve states and two Canadian provinces. Indeed, it is the second largest economy in the world, the cradle of innovation, ingenuity and...

The race is on: Detroit voters choose a mayor May 5. Which is the best for business?
April 1, 2009... Why should the Detroit region's business community support your candidacy for mayor? I have supported the growth of various kinds businesses in Detroit during my entire tenure as a public official. I encourage Detroiters to start their own...

A no-win situation: the Card Check bill would allow the federal government to set wages, benefits, and work rules in a wide variety of industries.(VOTE4BIZ)
April 1, 2009... By now, many people know that the so-called Employee Free Choice Act - also known as "Card Check" - would strip workers of the protection of a secret ballot vote in union organizing elections. This inherently undemocratic proposal would make it...

Global economic transformation: May is World Trade Month - start thinking globally.(World Trader Preview)
April 1, 2009... International trade is vital to our region's economic transformation. To continue the chamber's long-standing tradition of paying honor to the Consular Corps of Detroit and recognizing a World Trader of the Year, this issue of the Detroiter...

Thoughts from a global perspective; Yousif B. Ghafari reflects on term as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia.(World Trader Preview)(Company overview)
April 1, 2009... Yousif Ghafari is a well-traveled and well-versed man. Born in Lebanon, Ghafari immigrated to the United States in the early '70s and founded his business, GHAFARI Companies, in 1982. What started as a small architecture and design firm in...

Editor's correction.(Correction notice)
April 1, 2009... The March Detroiter article on Yousif Ghafari did not specify that he had to gave up his seat on the Board of Trustees at the College of Creative Studies and his seat on the Board of Directors at the Automobile Club of Michigan, Dura Automotive...

Honoring the Detroit Consul Corps: the partnership and Detroit's Consular Corps work in tandem.(World Trader Preview)
April 1, 2009... The first World Trade Week was officially proclaimed by President Franklin Roosevelt as a week of national observance to recognize the importance of international commerce to our economy and way of life. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

New partnerships World trade will pave the way for our future economy.(WELCOME TO OUR REGION)
April 1, 2009... I traveled to India on behalf of the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership in early February to meet with Indian companies interested in learning more about expanding their business to the Detroit region. Traveling with me were Dr....

Expanding to India: how to "zig" your business plan as the local economy "zags".(HOW DO I)
April 1, 2009... Reading accounts of the slowing economy and national recession day after day, it is easy to become discouraged about the prospects for local business in the year or two to come. However, there is also an opportunity to recognize that while...

Bad times, good deeds: despite a rough economy, corporate philanthropy is thriving.(Corporate Philanthropy)
April 1, 2009... Consumers are more likely to buy from businesses they associate with good causes. So giving back to your community by donating your money, your time or your product is good for your business and good for your bottom line. [ILLUSTRATION...

Paying it forward: The Detroit Regional Chamber's RV became a vehicle for chamber-to-chamber support and a case study on how corporate philanthropy can go a long way.(Corporate Philanthropy)(Case study)
April 1, 2009... It's been dubbed the "Think Tank," and most recently, the "Pay-It-Forward" trailer. The Detroit Regional Chamber's RV, originally donated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce in 2005, has made its way to three other chambers in...

Rescuing the good stuff: chamber member forgotten harvest continues to grow by utilizing new opportunities, technologies and methods.(Corporate Philanthropy)(Forgotten Harvest )
April 1, 2009... As Michigan residents face bleak economic times, Forgotten Harvest is helping out Michigan residents, one meal at a time. Forgotten Harvest rescues surplus perishable food that otherwise would be thrown away and delivers that food to 150...

Don't wait for talent to come knocking ... MGM Grand Detroit aims to shape the region's workforce by creating a talent pipeline.(REGIONAL AFFAIRS)
April 1, 2009... Talent pipeline development is a proactive talent supply strategy involving the creation of a continuous stream of highly qualified candidates in anticipation of filling critical and recurrent positions. Simply put: it's all about positioning...

Building leaders: Leadership Detroit prepares for 30th anniversary event, recruits for new class.(REGIONAL AFFAIRS)
April 1, 2009... The development of leaders in southeast Michigan is vital to economic growth in the Detroit region. For 30 years, Leadership Detroit, the Detroit Regional Chamber's premier leadership program, has challenged leaders to create positive change in...

A YP take on corporate giving; inside Detroit's Jeanette Pierce gave it all up to promote Detroit.(Corporate Philanthropy)(Inside Detroit)(Interview)
April 1, 2009... Born and raised in Detroit, Jeanette Pierce began Inside Detroit to connect the community to the best kept secrets in Detroit. Inside Detroit has been going strong for three years, giving Michiganders and out-of-staters an inside look into...

Fusion perspective: last year's Fusion Track at the Mackinac Policy Conference.(INFUSED)(Mackinac Policy Conference)(Column)
April 1, 2009... Last year's Mackinac Policy Conference was absolutely an incredible experience, especially for the relatively small investment. I've been to numerous conferences and seminars over the years and have to say that going to Mackinac with Fusion was...

Trends to know: the latest in health care news for the business community.(Health Care Trends)
April 1, 2009... A midst such difficult economic times, Michigan hospitals continue to produce encouraging outcomes and lead by example in providing safe, high-quality health care to all who walk through their doors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This special...

From paper to electronic: economic stimulus offers electronic health record incentives.(Health Care Trends)
April 1, 2009... The healthcare resources in our region and our area's healthcare professionals are among the most elite in the nation. Many, in fact, are pioneers in their fields and experts in a range of specialties that include orthopedics, pediatrics and...

5 tips: taking the sting out of health insurance premiums.(Health Care Trends)
April 1, 2009... It's no secret: the cost of providing health insurance benefits is high enough to give everyone headaches-not to mention straining business budgets and employees' paychecks. Rather than battle the insurance blues, however, there are a number of...

Patient care: Detroit employers: use your collective power to open the door to the patient-centered medical home.(transforming)
April 1, 2009... In a new era where change is the mantra, it's important to incorporate meaningful and timely change into the discussion as it relates to health care. While staggering health care costs and insurance premiums are pressing issues on almost any...

Making health care safer for all: MHA Keystone Center for patient safety & quality.(Health Care Trends)
April 1, 2009... While faced with continuing uncertainties regarding the state and national economies, growing optimism can be found in the high-quality, life-saving and cost-lowering health care services delivered in Michigan hospitals. These patient safety...

Immune to the recession? The economic impact of the biomedical and biotechnical industry.(Health Care Trends)
April 1, 2009... At a time when the world economy is faltering, there are but a handful of industries still experiencing growth. There has been some talk of job reductions and lower earnings in the health care industry, but as a whole the industry continues to...

Lessons learned? Detroiter coverage during and post depression era may lend some insight into today's economic crunch.(100 years strong)
April 1, 2009... A Post-Depression Decalogue "As we emerge from the depression - and authoritative testimony indicates that the upward climb is at last underway - there is a growing realization that once more, as in every period of trial, business has...

Mackinac Policy Conference preview.(Case note)
April 1, 2009... Featured Mackinac speaker T. Boone Pickens is the founder and chairman of BP Capital Management. With years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Pickens uses his wealth and knowledge to make predictions in the field and pursue...

Join us in welcoming these new members to the chamber. We encourage you to contact them for future business opportunities.(On the Roster)
April 1, 2009... SILVER Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories Daniel H. Movens 1150 Elijah McCoy Detroit, MI 48202-3344 (313) 556-4104 www.caraco.com Detroit-based Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd., develops, manufactures,...

Global LT.(Awards and Achievements)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... In recognition of the economic power of privately held businesses, DiversityBusiness.com recently named Global LT as one of the Top 100 Diversity Owned Businesses in Michigan for 2008. Global LT is a leading supplier of language services,...

Judeh & Associates.(Awards and Achievements)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Jumana Judeh, president and CEO of Judeh & Associates, an appraisal and consulting firm in Dearborn, Mich., was awarded Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) designation, which is reserved for individuals who have not only distinguished...

Bodman LLP.(Awards and Achievements)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Christopher A. Ballard, a partner in the law firm Bodman LLP, has been elected to a three-year term as a member of the Internal Revenue Service Great Lakes Area Tax Exempt and Government Entities Council. The IRS Great Lakes Area TE/GE Council...

Biz X "Oscar".(Awards and Achievements)
April 1, 2009... A Biz X "Oscar" is presented to companies and individuals for hard work, dedication and talent. The 2008 recipients from Michigan included "Michigan Biz That Best Caters To Canadians," Mexican Town Restaurant. Pictured here is "Oscar" winner...

Tina and Leland Bassett of Bassett & Bassett, Inc.(Awards and Achievements)
April 1, 2009... Tina and Leland Bassett of Bassett & Bassett, Inc. have been honored with the dedication of the "Tina and Leland Bassett Lounge" at Music Hall. They have been tireless supporters of the historic, art deco arts venue, helping to build it into a...

ZenaComp Incorporated.(Awards and Achievements)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... ZenaComp Incorporated was recently selected as Corp! magazine's Best of Michigan Business, as was BERLINE. For the second year running, Crop! magazine asked its readers to nominate businesses they considered to be the Best in Michigan Business,...

Qualis Corporation.(Awards and Achievements)
April 1, 2009... The US Army Program Executive Office for Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS) awarded Qualis Corporation an Omnibus III Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), indicating an increased partnership between the U.S. Army and the...

The Indus Entrepreneurs.(Awards and Achievements)
April 1, 2009... The Detroit Chapter of TiE, The Indus Entrepreneurs, announced that it has signed on as a network partner with Microsoft[R] BizSparktim. The program is specifically designed to help TiE put promising startups on an even faster track to success....

Jackson Lewis LLP.(Awards and Achievements)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Jackson Lewis LLP announced that Maurice Jenkins, Managing Partner of the firm's Detroit office, was appointed to a two year term as a Trustee of the Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital Board of Trustees. Jenkins, a Detroit native, has been...

Beaumont Hospitals.(Awards and Achievements)
April 1, 2009... Gene Michalski, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Beaumont Hospitals, recently became a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation's leading professional society for health care leaders. Fellow...

Colonial Life.(Awards and Achievements)(Colonial Life Insurance Company of America)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Fellows are committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years. Gerald L. Scruggs, Sr. was named Public Sector Area Manager of the Year for Colonial Life public sector channel. The company gives this...

www.OfficeArrow.com.(Following the Buzz)
April 1, 2009... Check out the new Web site www.OfficeArrow.com, which aims to provide office professionals a trusted, relevant and highly-valued destination where they can connect and collaborate with each other, experts, vendors and other reliable resources...

www.cableorganizer.com.(Following the Buzz)(Website overview)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... For just a few dollars ($0.65/ft), that wire octopus behind the computer can be easily gathered and shielded with CableOrganizer.com's split wire loom - flexible and durable corrugated tubing with a slit down the side allowing for easy...

Maggie F Keenan.(Following the Buzz)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Whether in tough economic times or more prosperous ones, small businesses can and do give big to their communities. Maggie F Keenan, Ed.D., a nationally recognized expert on strategic philanthropy, knows that charitable giving can make a...

www.bizkids.com.(Following the Buzz)
April 1, 2009... Biz Kid$ is a new public television series that teaches kids about money and business. Created by the producers of Bill Nye, the Science Guy, the series focuses on topics like what a recession is, how to manage credit, how the stock market...

Up and coming: mark your calendar with these regional business events.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Calendar)
April 1, 2009... April 14 [Chamber Event] Industry Coffee Westin Southfield - Southfield 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Free for Business Builder level members and above Industry Cluster featured: General Business Operations-IT/Tech, Facility Management,...