Detroiter articles from January 2007

Detroiter archives from January 2007

All about 'One D': this is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.(FROM THE PRESIDENT)
January 1, 2007... You probably heard the buzz this past November when the Detroit Regional Chamber and five other leading business and civic organizations announced a new regional alliance called One D: Transforming Regional Detroit. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Join our Detroiter Reader Panel.
January 1, 2007... The Detroiter magazine is for our members and about our members. We're currently looking for members to be part of a new volunteer group. As a member of the Reader Panel we will invite you to participate in Web-based surveys, phone interviews...

Brandon Garrison.(FOR OUR MEMBERS)
January 1, 2007... The illustrations used in this issue of the Detroiter (cover and 2007 NAIAS Innovation Inc. feature) were created by Brandon N. Garrison, art director, graphic designer, production artist and illustrator at MARS Advertising in Southfield. A...

Regionalism and the new world economy: the No. 1 message for Southeast Michigan is that metropolitan regions--not cities, counties or states--define the natural market areas in the 21st century global economy.
January 1, 2007... For most of the 20th century the global economy was split into two trading blocs--the Free World and the Communist Bloc--with competing ideologies and a focus on the nation-state. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A change of seismic proportions...

Alternative energy: the cost of going green: can we afford to pursue renewable energy? Can we afford not to? The Chamber is examining all aspects of this critical issue.
January 1, 2007... Alternative energy has much greater implications for policy makers and the business community today than it did just five years ago. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] An estimated 80 percent of the world's population feels that global warming is...

One D: Transforming Regional Detroit: let the word go forth--this unprecedented regional initiative is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Southeast Michigan.
January 1, 2007... Something huge is happening in our community, and you as a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber will want to be part of it because it will have tremendous long-term impact on the environment in which you do business. This past November,...

One vision, one plan: a message from the chairman.(FEATURES)
January 1, 2007... We are at a turning point in our region. With the One D: Transforming Regional Detroit initiative, we have a once-in-lifetime chance to bring positive and dynamic change to our region. If we don't act now, we may not have this chance again. ...

Regionalism is good for business: each of One D's six priorities will have a major impact on the business community in Southeast Michigan.(FEATURES)
January 1, 2007... Economic prosperity--Historically, Southeast Michigan has been subjected to wild economic swings due to our over-reliance on a single industry. Now we are seeing a change as our economy diversifies in such areas as alternative energy and life...

So what's next? One D: Transforming Regional Detroit is a long-term process but a lot of work is well under way.(FEATURES)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Research findings to date have already been announced or will be announced over the next few months, including the work of the Detroit Regional Chamber's groundbreaking Design Regional Detroit initiative (visit www.designregionaldetroit.com for...

Feedback: an award-winning journalist and a prominent businesswoman share their personal thoughts on One D: Transforming Regional Detroit.(FEATURES)
January 1, 2007... Put Skepticism Aside, This is an Excellent Start By Nolan Finley Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News Metro Detroit has talked about making regional cooperation a priority for so long, it's tempting to be skeptical when yet one...

Regionalism in action: businesses and communities are collaborating to transform our riverfront.(FEATURES)
January 1, 2007... When the Detroit River was designated as one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the nation in 1998, it marked the beginning of a regional collaboration that will vastly enhance the quality of life in Southeast Michigan for generations to...

Saving time, saving money, saving lives: regional collaborations abound across Southeast Michigan. Here are some great examples of intergovernmental and public/private initiatives.
January 1, 2007... Public Safety When the Plymouth and Plymouth Township fire departments merged in 1995, the goal was to provide better services at less cost or the same joint cost, or the same service at a lower cost. The merger has resulted in $6 million...

2007 NAIAS Innovation Inc.: welcome to the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center--where we dare to dream, dare to think big and dare to show the world our bright future.(FEATURES)(Cover story)
January 1, 2007... Think Detroit. Think cars. Think again! It's more than that, so much more--and the 2007 North American International Auto Show is the place where you will experience how the Detroit Region is successfully re-inventing itself as the Automotive...

Sound off! With big changes in store after last November's midterm elections, the Detroiter asked the region's big four political leaders ...(REGIONAL LEADERS)
January 1, 2007... What impact will this have on our region's economy over the next couple of years? Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano The contraction of the automobile industry has obviously had a negative impact on Southeast Michigan. But this...

Accent on Asia: the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership is 'on the job' in China, India and South Korea.(WELCOME TO OUR REGION)
January 1, 2007... The Detroit Regional Economic Partnership wrapped up the fourth quarter of 2006 by participating in critical missions to China, India and South Korea that will yield both short-and long-term positive results for economic development in...

Clean machine: a day in the life of ... John Ezzo, president and CEO of New Image Building Services Inc.(Diary entry)
January 1, 2007... For John Ezzo, the workday wouldn't be complete without a workout. He's up by 6:30 each morning and off to the gym for a session with his personal trainer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I try to work out every day, Monday through Friday,"...

Ready ... aim ... roll it out! 10 steps to make your next product introduction a success.(HOW DO I)
January 1, 2007... "If you build it they will come" may be true for baseball fields, but not necessarily for new product launches. In fact, regardless of what the new products or invention is, chances are that your consumers won't come--unless you follow some key...

Readers want to know: Alan S. Schwartz, chairman and CEO of the Detroit-based law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, answers your questions *.(LEARN FROM LEADERS)(Interview)
January 1, 2007... Jumana Judeh, president of Judeh & Associates Inc. in Dearborn, asks: "What is the best way to handle an employee complaint in order to help protect against future legal action?" A: The relationship between employer and employee is governed...

A deeper look into our auto industry: the Detroit Region continues to maintain its edge as one of the top manufacturers of cars and car parts in the United States.(EYE ON OUR ECONOMY)
January 1, 2007... Here's the big picture: The motor vehicle industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the United States, and it has a huge economic impact on every segment of on our nation's economy--from construction to retail. It goes without saying, of...

We must move forward: I urge the business community to seek workable solutions to the challenges posed by Proposal 2.
January 1, 2007... We got a reality check on Nov. 7, 2006 when Michigan voters approved Proposal 2, a constitutional amendment to ban affirmative action programs in state government and state-supported colleges and universities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

New members: please join us in welcoming these companies to the Detroit Regional Chamber. We encourage you to contact them for future business opportunities.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Directory)
January 1, 2007... Gold Accretive Solutions Accretive Solutions David Flynn 2800 Livernois Rd., Ste 400 Troy Ml 48083-1215 (248) 643-9480 www.accretivesolutions.com Accretive Solutions, formerly Horn Murdock Co e and Dickson...

Alliances/joint ventures.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... Detroit-based Bodman LLP, one of Michigan's largest business law firms, has formed a strateg c alliance with Kilpatrick and Associates, an Auburn Hills-based firm that qualities as a minority-owned business under Michigan Minority Business...

Contracts.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... Bloomfield Hills-pasec advertising agency BERLINE has been named agency of record for Buffalo Wild Wings' Detroit Co Op. Minneapolis-based Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar is one of the top 10 fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country. ...

Expansions.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... Office furniture retailer McMillan Bros. coubled its showroom size to 5,000 square feet when it moved from Royal Oak to its new headquarters at 11800 Eleven Mile Road in Warren. The newly renovated showroom features more than 50 different...

New products/services.(Allen Brothers Inc. launches Retrofit Roofing Inc. for roofing services)(Garan, Lucow, Miller, Seward, Cooper and Becker launches Electronic Discovery Practice Group)(Philip F. Greco Title Co. launches Philip F. Greco Exchange Agency LLC)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Allen Brothers Inc., a roofing and sheet metal contractor based in Rochester Hills, has opened a new division called Retrofit Roofing Inc. to do work exclusively on roofs of occupied buildings. The Detroit-based law firm Garan Lucow Miller...

Grants.(Members in the News ...)(Presbyterian Villages of Michigan)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Southfield-based Presbyterian Villages of Michigan $5.2 million in funding for construction of a senior living community in northwest Detroit. Are you a member who is making...

Awards and honors.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... The Tarik Daoud Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to Gary Popiel, current chairman of the Macomb Foundation and Macomb Chamber and retired chairman of Henry Ford Bi-County Hospital in Warren. The award is the highest honor bestowed...

Dickinson Wright PLLC.(Members in the News ...)(John E. S. Scott awarded Richard B. Baxter Trial Lawyer of the Year Award)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... John E. S. Scott, a member of the litigation practice at Dickinson Wright PLLC since 1962, received the Richard B. Baxter Trial Lawyer of the Year Award from the Michigan Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. The award recognizes...

Dykema.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan honored the Detroit-based law firm Dykema for its "unwavering commitment to justice" at its annual dinner. Dykema was citied for working with the ACLU of Michigan to improve the criminal defense...

GHAFARI Associates LLC.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... GHAFARI Associates LLC in Dearborn has been named to the Zweig Letter Hot Firm 2006 List, which identifies the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, planning and environmental firms in the United States. GHAFARI placed No. 53 in making...

Henry Ford Hospital.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit was named one of the top 59 hospitals nationally by The Leapfrog Group, a coalition of Fortune 500 companies and other large private and public health-care purchasers. Henry Ford was the only hospital from...

John Bailey & Associates Inc.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... John Bailey, president of John Bailey & Associates Inc. in Troy, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Public Relations Society of America's Detroit chapter. The honor recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the...

Kelly Services Inc.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... The American Staffing Association presented its Leadership Hall of Fame Award to Terrence E. Adderley, chairman of the board of directors of Troy-based Kelly Services Inc., for his dedicated service to the association and the staffing industry....

Lawrence Technological University.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... Nabil Grace, chair of the Civil Engineering Department and director of the Center for Innovative Materials Research at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield has been named the first university distinguished professor at Lawrence Tech...

Smith Group.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... The Clark Street Technology Park designed by Detroit-based Smith Group was awarded The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) Award by the Building Owners and Managers Association in the Office Technology Park category. The TOBY Award is the...

The Townsend Hotel.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham received the Mobil Four-Star Lodging ranking for 2007 from Mobil Travel Guide. Mobil's hotel rankings are based on a rigorous inspection process that analyzes more than 750 factors.

Volkswagen of America Inc.(Members in the News ...)
January 1, 2007... For the third year in a row, Southgate-based Volkswagen of America Inc.'s Certified Pre-Owned Program has been named by IntelliChoice as "Best Non-luxury Certified Pre-Owned Program." VWA's CPO program is noted for its comprehensive two year,...

Region loses a remarkable leader.(Members in the News ...)(Michael A Guido dies)(Obituary)
January 1, 2007... The Detroit Regional Chamber was saddened at the death of Dearborn Mayor Michael A. Guido, one of the region's longest-serving, hardest-working and best-known political leaders. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Mayor Guide's nearly 21-year...

Become a lifelong leader.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... What do Gov. Jennifer Granholm and White House Press Secretary Tony Show have in common? They are both graduates of the Detroit Regional Chamber's Leadership Detroit program, and you could be too. If you are looking to make a difference in your...

New opportunities provide benefits for members at all levels.(Membership Maximizers)
January 1, 2007... Based on feedback we have received from our members, the Chamber has four new FREE opportunities for members to network and gain information to help them do business in the Detroit Region. Membership Maximizers will be held throughout the...

Members on the scene.(business conferences and speeches by eminent people)(Conference news)
January 1, 2007... November: 2006 Small Business Conference Representatives from Michigan Economic Development Corp., a Silver level soorsor, were onsite to educate attendees on how they can help entrepreneurs grow and prosper in the state of Michigan. ...

People on the street.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Q: What would you like to achieve for your business in 2007? Ann Williams, Michigan Dept. of Transportation I would like to see more companies, which are minority and women-owned companies, become certified into the Michigan Unified...

The buzz: the latest people, events, places, gadgets and things that have Southeast Michigan's business community buzzing ...
January 1, 2007... As each month passes, the renaissance of Detroit's International Riverfront is a visible and exciting reality. From the popular outdoor concert series this summer to the opening of the Asian Village complex in early 2007 there is plenty of buzz...

Upcoming business events.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Calendar)
January 1, 2007... Jan. 10 Erosion of the Industrial Base: Lessons from the Congress Hosted by The Strategy Forum Speaker: Sheila Ronis, Ph.D., president. The University Group 5:30 - 8 p.m. Embassy Suites Hotel, Troy $25 members,...