Detroiter articles from January 2008

Detroiter archives from January 2008

Getting the facts straight: the Chamber's Research and information center works for members.
January 1, 2008... Chamber members have another benefit at their fingertips-a Research and information department. The Research and Information Center, a department of the Chamber, supports, supports Detroit Regional Chamber members and Detroil Regional Economic...

Available research.(FOR OUR MEMBERS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Research and Information Team provides frequently updated demographic, economic and community information on the Detroit Region. Business & Industry Fact Sheets Advances Manufacturing Alternative Energy Automotive Industry...

Driving the D: one D continues to work towards a spirit of regionalism.(FOR OUR MEMBERS)
January 1, 2008... Edsel B. Ford II, lead champion of One D, hosted a breakfast meeting in December at Tiger's Club in Comerica Park to update the boards of the organizations supporting One D on the initiative. Fond began the meeting with the mission of One D-to...

What can I do? Edsel B. Ford 11 suggested implementing these actions for regional unity in your everyday life.(FOR OUR MEMBERS)
January 1, 2008... * Focus on the power of one voice and put the common good of the region above individual interests, both personal and organizational * Take ownership of the region's future * Encourage regional thinking in every sector within your...

Service tax axed! Chamber staff works round the clock to repeal terrible tax.(V0TE4BIZ)
January 1, 2008... In the early hours of the morning on October 1st 2007, the Michigan Legislature passed a service tax to balance the 2007-2008 budget. The tax had no committee hearings and was opposed by every business group. The language used was vague and...

Legislative profiles get the stats on your legislators in this section of the Detroiter.(VOTE4BIZ)
January 1, 2008... Representative Dan Acciavatti 32nd House District, Chesterfield Township * Elected to the Micaigan House in 2002 and re-elected in 2004 and 2006. he serves as the ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee. ...

Consolidating services to save money: the case of repeal PA 312.
January 1, 2008... In her State of the State address in February 2007, Governor Granholm implored local units of government to do more to share and consolidation of services makes sense, and it saves money." Local units of government are generally eager to...

Facing forward: the automotive industry gets in position to move the region.
January 1, 2008... From new communication technologies to the research and development underway to make cars more fuel efficient, the auto industry is changing. Advanced manufacturing, alternative energy, globalization, logistics and the changing face of health...

What's new at NAIAS 2008? The reinvention of the 100-year-old automobile special submission from the North American International Auto Show.(COVER STORY)
January 1, 2008... For roughly 100 years, the automobile generally has been configured the same way it was after it replaced the horse and buggy-four wheels, a steering wheel, an engine in the front. Albeit with massive improvements along the way, the automobile...

The next motor city: Detroit can lead the way in fuel efficiency.(COVER STORY)
January 1, 2008... Among the cars visitors will be oohing and ahhing over at the North American International Auto Show this year will be models showcasing the latest research into fuel economy and alternative fuels. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From plug-in...

Adapting to the times: communication technologies are shaping the future of the industry.(COVER STORY)(North American International Auto Show)
January 1, 2008... As the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) dawns in Detroit, the auto industry greets it at the threshold of yet another transformation that will leave a changed industry in its wake. Given the number of transformations this...

Last chance? This year brings a critical of the industry's commitment to continuous improvement in cost, efficiency, product design and innovation.(COVER STORY)
January 1, 2008... America's auto industry was a relative paragon of stability in the 1950s and 19G0s. Sure, lliere were recessions and layoffs. But business always snapped back to "normal" -after every economic dip. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Those were...

It's not Dirty and Dying like people think: advanced manufacturing is helping to push the auto industry into its next phase.
January 1, 2008... The automobile is arguably the most technological product on the market today, and because of that, the manufacturing industry has entered a new, highly automated, machine-driven level of operation. "When people think of manufacturing they...

Private equity's new role: there are pros and cons to private equity's new role in the automotive sector. While private equity firms new ideas and methods to run the company more effectively, they also come with a very short-term perspective.(COVER STORY)(Discussion)
January 1, 2008... There are pros and cons to private equity's new role in the automotive sector. While private equity firms new ideas and methods to run the company more effectively, they also come with a very short-term perspective. Sound Off: What does...

Putting the pieces of a logistics hub together.(COVER STORY)
January 1, 2008... The French established Fort Detroit in the early 1700s because of the strategic importance the region held for international commerce. These early settlers understood Detroit was a gateway into the heart of the New World. They established the...

The health care vortex: the ailing effects of rising health care costs on the automotive industry.(COVER STORY)
January 1, 2008... The cost of health care is a topic no one can avoid, especially the American automotive companies, it is an issue at the heart of the industry's struggle to remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace filled with aggressive rivals....

Putting it all together: Michigan leads the way in advanced manufacturing.(EYE ON OUR ECONOMY)
January 1, 2008... Advanced manufacturing began in Detroit with Ford's implementation of the assembly line to improve the production of the automobile. Since the initial advancements in automotive production in the early 20th century, the Detroit Region has...

Tactics and strategies: How Beth Ardisana runs ASG Renaissance.(DAY IN THE LIFE)
January 1, 2008... A conversation with Lizabeth Ardisana is a bit like charting with two people. One of them is the Lizabeth Ardisana who heads ASG Renaissance, Inc., a Dearborn-based professional services firm with $25 million in annual revenue, 250...

Connecting Africa's automotive industry to ours: the partnership is on a mission to create more jobs at home.(WELCOME TO OUR REGION)
January 1, 2008... The Detroit Regional Economic Partnership led a business mission to Africa from November 12-17 to conduct seminars on doing business in Detroit and attend the Corporate Council on Africa's 2007 U.S. -Africa Business Summit. [ILLUSTRATION...

On the roster: join us in welcoming these new members to the Chamber. We encourage you to contact for future business opportunities.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)
January 1, 2008... GOLD GIBBS TECHNOLOGIES INC Gibbs Technologies Neil Jenkins 45355 Helm St. Ste. A Plymouth, MI 48170 (877) 230-0888 Gibbs Technologies, Inc. is the developer of High Speed Amphibian (HSA) technology. The...

Bodman, L.L.P.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Carl F. Stafford, a partner in the Detroit office of the law firm Bodman, L.L.P., received the Freedom Symphony Award from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition at its recent Annual Automotive Symposium. The award recognizes Stafford's seven years of...

Wayne State University Law School.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Wayne State University Law School Dean Frank H. Wu was recently selected as a 2007 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Traiblazer Award recipient. The Trailblazer Award recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitments...

St. John Health (GOLD).(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Five St. John Health (GOLD) facilities have received Michigan's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization's Governor's Award for Improving Patient Safety and Quality of Care in the Hospital Setting. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm presents the...

ZenaComp Incorporated.(Awards & Achievements)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... ZenaComp Incorporated, a full-service technology consulting firm for small to medium size businesses and municipalities, announced that Utley Brother's website, www.utleybros.com, was named a finalist in the Troy Chamber's 8th Annual Helen...

Skidmore.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Skidmore, a Royal Oak creative studio, announced several recent honors from the national design community, including the American Graphic Design Awards and the Create Awards. Both prestigious honors are presented by news magazines for creative...

Henry Ford Hospital.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... The Neurofibromatosis Clinic at Henry Ford Hospital has been awarded Network Affiliate Status by the Children's Tumor Foundation. The clinic is the one in Michigan and one of 21 in the country to receive this prestigious recognition. Members of...

Skidmore.(Awards & Achievements)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Design USA, recognized Skidmore's design of a self-promotional brochure and DVD highlighting the studio's storyboard and animatics work as well as a logo and identity system created for Global Automotive Systems, an automotive parts supplier...

Focus: HOPE.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Eleanor Josaitis, co-founder of Focus: HOPE, has been named one of Northwood University's Distinguished Women 2007. Josaitis is one of eight top national female business leaders, philathrophists and educators to be recognized.

Berline.(Awards & Achievements)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... BERLINE, a leader in advertising, marketing communications and public relations, is celebrating a landmark 35th anniversary in October 2007. The award-winning agency is recognized as one of the region's premier advertising agencies with...

Henry Ford Health System.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Gary E. Rounding, senior vice president for Philanthropy at Henry Ford Health System, received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Greater Detroit Chapter. The association fosters the...

Mollina Healthcare Inc.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Mollina Healthcare, Inc. announced that U.S. News and World Report has ranked Molina's subsidiary Modicaid health plans in New Mexico and Utah among "America's Best Health Plans" in the magazine's annual report measuring the quality and...

Comcast.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... The Detroit Chapter of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NsHMBA) has named Comcast its "Corporatior of the Year" for 2007. Comcast received the honor for its dedication to fulfilling the mission of the NSHMBA, which strives Hispanic...

The Townsend Motel in Birmingham.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Dean Burnett, bartender at The Corner Bar at The Townsend Motel in Birmingham, has been named "Best Bartender in Metro Detroit" by Ambassador magazine. Burmett was selected by the magazine's readers through print and online surveys.

Merrill Lynch.(Awards & Achievements)
January 1, 2008... Merrill Lynch announced that Dana Locniskar from Detroit has been named one of the "Top 100 Wealth Advisors" in Worth magazine's annual ranking. This is the fourth year in a row that Locniskar has been recognized by the magazine's list. With...

Dickinson Wright.(Awards & Achievements)(Dickinson Wright P.L.L.C.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Dickinson Wright Member Timothy H. Howlett was inducted November 10 as a Fellow of the Coilege of Labor and Employment Lawyers. Election as a Fellow as the highest recognition by one's colleagues of sustained out standing performance in the...

McGraw Wentworth.(Contracts)
January 1, 2008... McGraw Wentworth has been retained by Hungry Howie's Pizza of Madison Heights, M1 to manage health benefits for its 160 employees based in Michigan and Florida.

Marx Layne & Company.(Contracts)
January 1, 2008... Marx Layne & Company announced that it has been named public ralations agency of record for the Chaldsan American Chamber of Commterce.

Identity Marketing & Public Relations.(Contracts)
January 1, 2008... Birmingham, M1-based Strength Capital Partners (SCP) has retained the services of Identity Marketing & Public Relations to provide marketing and public relations services and support.

Marx Layne & Company.(Contracts)
January 1, 2008... Marx Layne & Company announced that it has been named public relations agency of record for East Lansing, Mich-based Anderson Economic Group, LLC

McGraw Wentworth.(Contracts)
January 1, 2008... McGraw Wentworth has been chosen to manage health benefits for the 90 employees of the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B). a non-profit 501 (c)3 organizations serving Southeast Michigan residents.

Butzel Long.(Expansions)
January 1, 2008... The law firm of Butzel Long has established two new Alliance offices in Mexico in the cities of Mexico City and Monterrey. The firm has two existing Alliance offices in Shanghal and Beijing, and nine offices in Michigan, Florida, Washington...

Dickinson Wright, P.L.L.C.(Expansions)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Dickinson Wright, P.L.L.C. has expanded its international gaming practice by estaplishing an associated office in Macau in Southeast Asia. The firm has associated with the Ramirez Law Firm, led by Antonio Ramirez Law Firm, led by Antonio...

Strategic Staffing Solutions.(Expansions)
January 1, 2008... Strategic Staffing Solutions has branchea into San Antonic and Dalls, which adds two new offices to its existing Taxas operations with one office in Houston.

Planterra Corporation,.(Expansions)
January 1, 2008... Planterra Corporation, the region's leading interior landscape provider, has expanded its service area into the Toledo market. The expansion will allow Planterra to better service its core Michigan customers with locations in Northeast, Ohio....

Garan Lucow Miller, P.C.(Appointments)
January 1, 2008... The Law Firm of Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. announces associate attorney Megan K. Cavanagh has been elected Treasurer of the Appellate Practice Section of the State Bar of Michigan effective September 2007 through September 2008.

The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division.(Appointments)
January 1, 2008... The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division recently appointed Many Fowlie Chair of its Advisory Board of Directors for Metropolitan Detroit. Fowlie will oversee the Advisory Board and is responsible for assisting, as a volunteer, in all...

The law firm of Miller Canfield.(Appointments)
January 1, 2008... The law firm of Miller Canfield announces that Beverly Hall Burns, a principal and member of the firm's Labor and Employment law Group, has been elected to the board of directors of the Michigan Humane Society (MHS).

Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C.(Appointments)
January 1, 2008... Jeremy D. Bisdorf, a partner with Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C., has been elected Secretary of the State Bar of Michigan Computer Law Section.

Henry Ford Health System.(Appointments)
January 1, 2008... Charles Barone II.M. D., chair of pediatrics for Henry Ford Health System, was appointed president of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He served as president elect since 2004. The Michigan AAP has more than 1,700...

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.(Community Outreach)
January 1, 2008... Twelve area charities have been awarded grants totaling $350,000 from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan's Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Charitable Foundation Fund. The DADA Chairtable Fund supports southeast Michigan...

Strategic Staffing Solutions ($3).(Community Outreach)
January 1, 2008... Strategic Staffing Solutions ($3), Detroit's largest staffing company for information technology consultants, has raised $26,346 this year for My Sister's Place, a Detroit shelter for abused women and their children. This contribution will...

AT&T Inc.(Community Outreach)
January 1, 2008... AT&T Inc. has announced the donation of a magnificent sculpture, "Jeune fille et sa suite (Young Women and Her Suitors)," which was created in 1970 by renowned American artist Alexander Calder, to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). The...

Clark Hill, P.L.C.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... Four attorneys in the Michigan offices of Clark Hill, P.L.C. have been selected as Top 100 Attorneys in the state of Michigan by Law & Politics magazine's Super Lawyers publication. The attorneys include Daniel Bretz in the area of Labor and...

Henry Ford Hospital.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... A U.S. State Department delegation from the Near East and North Africa recently visited Henry Ford Hospital to explore breast cancer awareness and community outreach. The visit included a conversation with S. David Nathanson, M.D., director of...

Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The following Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C. Lawyers have been named Best Lawyers in America for 2008: Brian G. Shannon, Arthur A. Weisss, Robert S. Bolton, Shirley A. Kaigler, Louis P. Rochkind, Ira J. Jaffe and Richard Zussman, Mark L....

Warner Norcross & Judd, L.L.P.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... Two partners in the Metro Detroit office of Warner Norcross & Judd, L.L.P. have been named Super Lawyers in the second annual publication of Michigan Super Lawyers magazine. William R. Jansen and Steve C. Kohl were among the 44 Warner Norcross...

Miller Canfield.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)(Charles Mishkind awarded)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Charles (Sandy) Mishkind, a principal in the Grand Rapids office of Miller Canfield, has been selected as one of the World's Top 25 Lawyers in labor and employment law by the Guide to the World's Leading Labour and Employment Lawyers, 7th...

Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth & Heller, P.C.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... Three Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth & Heller, P.C. attorneys have been named Best Lawyers in America. They are: Richard J. Maddin, Michael W. Maddin and Mark R. Hauser.

Plunkett Cooney.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... Michigan Super Lawyers magazine recently named 25 attorneys from Plunkett Cooney to its 2007 list of "Super Lawyers".

Dykema.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... Dykema announced that 50 of its lawyers have been ranked by their peers as leaders in their respective fields in the newly published Woodward/White Best Lawyers in American guide. The legal referral guide includes 25 attorneys based in Dykema's...

Clark Hill, P.L.C.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... Four attorneys in the Michigan offices of Clark Hill, P.L.C. have been selected as Too 100 Attorneys in the state of Michigan by Law & Politics maganzine's Super Lawyers publication. The attorneys include Daniel Brez in the area of Labor and...

Foley & Lardner.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... George W. Ash, partner at Foley & Lardner's Detroit office, was named to the 2008 Best Lawyer list.

Hertz, Schram, P.C.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)
January 1, 2008... Howard Hertz, co-founder at the Bloomfield Hills-based Hertz, Schram, P.C., was named one of Michigan's Super Lawyers by Law & Politics in its 2007 issue of Michigan Super Lawyers. He was also selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in...

Strobl & Sharp, P.C.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)(Dennis M Devaney, Lynn M. Brimer and Alan M. Kanter awarded)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Strobl & Sharp, P.C. announced that four shareholders of the aw firm have again been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2008. The four are Lynn M. Brimer (Tax Law) Dennis M Devaney (Labor and Employment Law). Philip A....

Dickinson Wright, P.L.L.C.(Super Lawyers & Best Lawyers in America)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Dickinson Wright, P.L.L.C. has been named "Law Firm of the Year" by Community Legal Resources, which delivers free legal services to nonprofit organizations building neighborhoods in Detrcit and throughout Michigan. The mission of Community...

Looking for new funding?(About your Benefits)(Hennessey Capital)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Are you looking for unique financing solutions for your business? Do you need non-traditional financing options? Hennessey Capital, a finance company providing working capital solutions for growing companies, can help! The Detroit Regional...

The eDetroiter Weekly.(About your Benefits)
January 1, 2008... Driven by members. Written for members. The eDetroiter Weekly is a new e-newsletter designed to supply you with news, tips, events and information to help Chamber members do business. Are you a Chamber member that can help other businesses grow...

Governor Jennifer Granholm addresses Chamber members.(About your Benefits)
January 1, 2008... The Chamber is offering its members of a first-of-its-kind benefit: a chance to connect with Governor Granholm during an unprecedented State of the State address to Southeast Michigan's economy and highlight how her agenda, as outlined in the...

Chinese connection.(About your Benefits)(China Chamber of International Commerce)(Detroit Regional Chamber)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Detroit Regional Chamber, through the Detroit regional Economic Partnership, has signed an agreement of cooperation with the China Chamber of International Commerce, Chongqing Chamber. This agreement will lead to the development of...

Around the region: October: 5-minute networking on the Detroit people mover.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)
January 1, 2008... * The Detroit People Mover was as crowded as a NYC train (but much more fun!) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Some participants stayed at their tables in the stations and waited for networkers to arrive. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] *...

Around the region: November: 5-minute networking at Joe Louis.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... * Far Left The Chamber held a 5-Minute Networking session at Joe Louis Arena on November 16. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Participants had time for freestyle networking before and after the event. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * After...

Around the region: December, jingle bell bash.(EYE ON OUR ECONOMY)
January 1, 2008... * Attendees had a chance to meet Chamber staff. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Far Right Food stations were set up throughout the museum. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * The Chamber held a food drive for Gleaner's Food Back during the...

Off the Cuff: we asked and you answered ... what's your 2008 business forecast?(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)
January 1, 2008... Quentin King Minority Broadcasting Company, Inc. This is a sports-crazy town, and the acquisitions the Tigers made recently tell me it's going to be a very good year. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lillian Preston Our Health Media Network,...

Look for Motor City Dream Garages at a Borders bookstore near you.(Following the Buzz)
January 1, 2008... What luxurious vehicles does GM's Bob Lutz have in his own garage? Where can you fine the world's largest and most complete antique electric vehicle collection? The Motor City is bursting with cool cars owned by industry insiders and lifelong...

Yoggie Pico Personal is smaller than your thumb.(Following the Buzz)
January 1, 2008... Yoggie Pico Personal is smaller than your thumb, yet it blocks big security threats by keeping them outside. Your laptop. This USB security server packs 12 built-in security applications, including Firewall, Antivirus, Anti Software and more....

Museum adventure pass.(Following the Buzz)
January 1, 2008... The Museum Adventure Pass, presented by Macy's. is a partnership between 162 metro area libraries and 25 local arts and cultural organizations that provides public I barry cardholders free passes to local museums cultural centers and historical...

LawLink is a now professional and social networking site for attorneys.(Following the Buzz)
January 1, 2008... LawLink is a now professional and social networking site for attorneys. Members can network with other attorneys. develop new business leads, share information, post and review job listings and other classified advertisements and discuss legal...

Dial Directions is a new service available.(Following the Buzz)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Dial Directions is a new service available to all cell phone users. Get instant driving directions to any destination by dialing DIRECTIONS (347-327-4667). Tell the voice activated service your starting location and destination and receive...

Up and coming: mark your calendar with these regional business events.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Calendar)
January 1, 2008... January 18 5-Minute Networking Westin Southfield-Detroit Hotel 8- 10:30 a.m. $.35 for members. $70 for nonmebers Gain new contacts for the New year! All attendees must be pre-new stered and pre-paid to attend....