Detroiter articles from January 2009

Detroiter archives from January 2009

Unfamiliar Territory: The 2009 social media for business challenge.
January 1, 2009... Social media has quickly changed the way we communicate and share ideas as a society. But for businesses, all this talk of blogging, microblogging and social networks has generated plenty of curiosity and skepticism. There hasn't been a proper...

Find your niche: business opportunities available in conventions and conferences.(SMALL BIZ BEAT)(Conference news)
January 1, 2009... According to the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitor's Bureau, there are already 100 conventions and conferences scheduled in the Detroit Region in the next 10 years. Haven't had time to figure out how your business can fit in? Cobo may...

Consumers for innovative technology (CIT).(Entrepreneurial spotlight)(Interview)
January 1, 2009... What's it like being a young professional in the Detroit Region? Detroit is one of the best places for a young professional because it is a hotbed of opportunity and potential. There are so many organizations with which young professionals...

Managing collections: how to collect outstanding debts in a tough economy.(SMALL BIZ BEAT)
January 1, 2009... Nobody needs to be reminded how tough these economic times are. One of the keys of surviving and thriving in this economy is keeping accounts receivable in check. In collecting outstanding accounts receivable, a balance must be struck between...

Small business club: New chamber programming offers edge.(SMALL BIZ BEAT)
January 1, 2009... The chamber's Small Business Club can help you meet new clients, get an edge in your industry, help your business get valuable exposure and recognition and help you learn skills to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. [ILLUSTRATION...

2009 legislative priorities.(VOTE 4BIZ)
January 1, 2009... The Chamber's Government Relations team defends Detroit Regional businesses at all levels of government. Keeping business costs low, our team fends off new taxes and regulation. Improving our business climate, we promote more efficient and...

Improving transportation: Southeast Michigan comes together for advocacy on future federal transportation.
January 1, 2009... Yes, we in Southeast Michigan can band together for our common good. Nowhere is this more important and actively occurring than in collaborative advocacy by both the public and private sectors to promote federal transportation legislation...

Assisting the domestic auto industry: congressman Mark Schauer's plans for 2009.(VOTE4BIZ)
January 1, 2009... Congressman Mark Schauer was elected to serve as U.S. House Representative for Michigan's 7th Congressional District in November 2008. A native of mid-Michigan, Schauer's career has primarily been focused in the community services field. In...

Bring federal money into Michigan: congressman Gary Peters shares his plans for 2009.(VOTE4BIZ)
January 1, 2009... A fifth-generation Oakland County native, Congressman Gary Peters defeated incumbent Joe Knollenberg in the race for Michigan's 9th District during the November 2008 general election. Throughout his positions in government and business, Peters...

Looking to the future: how will manufacturing help diversify our economy?(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The manufacturing industry is still largely misunderstood, and yet it has consistently played a vital role in our economy, both nationally and regionally, for nearly a century. Even though the shift to advanced manufacturing is challenging...

Economic impact: what manufacturing means to our economy.(FEATURE)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2009... Detroit's Manufacturing Legacy Detroit's early economic development was spurred by a combination of factors: the opening of the Erie Canal in 1826, the city's Great Lakes location, the increasing use of rail transport, the growing lumber...

The need to diversify: understanding the broader manufacturing industry in Michigan.(FEATURE)
January 1, 2009... "Why don't we make things in this country anymore?" You hear people asking that question all the time. The simple answer is: We DO make things in this country, and we DO make things here in Michigan--particularly in the Detroit Region. ...

Open Innovation: how local companies are using existing resources to tap into new industries.(FEATURE)(Interview)
January 1, 2009... The Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, the economic development arm of the Detroit Regional Chamber, recently launched a new, collaborative initiative called "Open Innovation." Its goal is to help members connect with other businesses...

Where we're headed: take a look at the types of manufacturing jobs today and what they'll look like tomorrow.(FEATURE)
January 1, 2009... Aerospace products and parts [Industry projected to grow and create more jobs] [Earnings are higher than other industries] * Production and professional jobs account for the largest share of employment. * Earnings are higher, on...

Shaping our future workface: chamber convenes Regional Skills Alliance to bring together job providers and educators.
January 1, 2009... Throughout the country, public-private partnerships have developed to address regional workforce needs. These have come to be known as Regional Skills Alliance (RSAs), and they prepare unemployed and low-income workers for entry and higher...

The chamber's role: manufacturers in our region received value from their membership in many ways.
January 1, 2009... The Chamber's Government Relations Team * Passed a pro-manufacturer replacement to the SBT that provides significant tax reductions for businesses who invest heavily in Michigan. The Michigan Business Tax (prior to the surcharge) is a tax...

What's new at the auto show? Check out their new site for updates and what to watch for.
January 1, 2009... Entering its 21st year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most--up close and in one place. ...

Collective power of business: ensuring the auto industry remains vibrant.(FROM THE PRESIDENT)
January 1, 2009... If there ever was any doubt that the Detroit Region needs to do a better job telling its story about the progress and innovation happening here, the congressional committee hearings that dominated the national news coverage last month should...

Niche broadcasting: Jadan brings MBN TV and radio to an international audience.(Wally Jadan)
January 1, 2009... Wally Jadan is all about building bridges among local, national and global communities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jadan, the CEO and president of MBN TV and Radio in Southfield, is a leading proponent of publicizing the good news stories...

China trade misson: partnership works to bring business home by John Carroll.
January 1, 2009... In November, I traveled to several cities in China on behalf of the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, supporting The fourth annual mission to China, led by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wayne...

New tools for a tough economy: WSU's Stephanie Fries uses Fusion to build networks and forge partnerships.(INFUSED)
January 1, 2009... Stephanie Fries, associate director of community affairs at Wayne State University, has been a member of Fusion, the Chamber's young professionals organization, since its inception back in the spring of 2007, and she has been a true advocate...

Top - Tier technology: how small businesses can upgrade communications technology without breaking the bank.
January 1, 2009... Even in a challenging economic atmosphere like Metro Detroit, businesses of all sizes are achieving productivity and profitability gains without pumping up payrolls or marketing budgets. Nimble entrepreneurs work smarter by using affordable...

Headlines that are still relevant today ... If the Chamber is anything, it certainly is persistent. Some of these issues have been almost a century-long battle.(100 years strong)(Excerpt)
January 1, 2009... News that's still under review Good Roads--Will Detroit Set the Pace?" (September 1910) The article examines how updated infrastructure benefits the region's economy--not far off from the Chamber's current TranslinkeD initiative....

On the roster: join us in welcoming these new members to the Chamber. We encourage you to contact them for future business opportunities.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)
January 1, 2009... BRONZE Office Team - Robert Half International Amy Maktari (313) 240-8204 www.rhi.com WALDTV 38-DETROIT Donna Alexander (586) 790-3838 www.wadldetroit.com BUSINESS BUILDER ASC Security Systems ...

Awards and achievements.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Global LT was honored as a Diversity Focused Business by Corp! Magazine due to its outstanding leadership in Diversity and Multiculturalism in the state of Michigan. Global LT is a provider of language services, including language and cultural...

Identity Marketing & Public.(In the News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Identity Marketing & Public Relations, a full-service marketing and public relations agency, has earned a place on the Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country for the second consecutive year. The Inc. 5,000, an...

The Rehmann Group.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... The Rehmann Group has been named one of the best accounting firms to work for in the country by Accounting Today. The Rehmann Group, LLC, is a holding company that brings all of the Rehmann companies under one umbrella with a single mission: to...

Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc., a regional civil engineering and surveying firm, has been named to the Detroit Free Press: Top Workplace list. Established in 1954, Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc. is an engineering consulting firm...

Detroit Renaissance.(In the News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognized Detroit Renaissance with two Honorable Mention awards at IEDC's Annual Conference. Competing in the categories of Neighborhood Development Initiatives and Regionalism and Cross-border...

American Lawyer Magazine ranked the Dykema summer associates program.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... American Lawyer Magazine ranked the Dykema summer associates program 15th on the publication's national annual list. Dykema, a leading national law firm, was ranked 8th in firms offering "real" work to summer associates. Dykema's Summer...

The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau and BERLINE.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Caption: The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau and BERLINE have captured a top international advertising honor, the "2008 Odyssey Award," from the Travel Industry Association, in partnership with National Geographic Traveler. The award...

Automation Alley.(In the News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Automation Alley announced that its Executive Director, Ken Rogers, was recognized by the Michigan Economic Development Agency (MEDC) with the CEO Award of Excellence in Economic Development. Automation Alley is a technology business...

Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.(In the News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals has honored Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications with four 2008 MarCom Awards and two honorable mentions. The team was awarded two platinum, two gold and two honorable mentions in...

Doeren Mayhew.(In the News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Doeren Mayhew, Troy-based public accounting and management consulting firm, was named by Inside Public Accounting (IPA) as one of the five "Best of the Best" CPA firms in the Great Lakes Region. IPA's Best of the Best recognition honors 25...

Eisbrenner Public Relations.(In the News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Eisbrenner Public Relations has been honored with a design award in the 2008 Awards for Publication Excellence (APEX) competition. The firm received the Award of Excellence in the Design and Illustration: Exhibits, Displays and Signage category...

P2R Associates.(In the News)(Automotive Public Relations Council)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... P2R Associates announced the receipt of a Silver Award in the New Product Launch category for its public relations work on the Toyota Truck "Salute to the Military" program. The award was made by the Automotive Public Relations Council's (APRC)...

Michigan super lawyers magazine awards.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... "Super Lawyers" - The Super Lawyers list, published annually since 1991, is a comprehensive and diverse listing of the top five percent of licensed active attorneys in each state, selected through a unique multi-step process of peer recognition...

Norcross & Judd LLP.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Three partners in the Southfield office of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP-William R. Jansen, Steven C. Kohl and Mary Jo Larson - were among the 47 Warner Norcross partners selected for the award.

Foley, Baron & Metzger PLLC.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Clyde M. Metzger Ill, a founding member of the Foley, Baron & Metzger PLLC law firm (FBM). FBM is a broad-service law firm with a strong focus on complex litigation, including products and commercial liability, environmental and health care...

Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Christopher A. Andreoff, a partner with Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C.

Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Two Warner Norcross & Judd LLP attorneys in Southfield: Michael G. Brady, who concentrates in business litigation, and Dennis W. Loughlin, who concentrates in bankruptcy, were among eight Warner Norcross attorneys selected as Rising Stars...

Best & brightest.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For The annual "101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For" listing features companies who recognize employees as their greatest asset and demonstrate best practices in human...

Farbman Group.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... For the fifth consecutive year, Farbman Group has been named as one of Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA). Farbman Group has offered real estate...

Identity Marketing & Public Relations.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Identity Marketing & Public Relations, a Bingham Farms, Mich.-based full-service marketing and public relations agency, has been selected by the Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) as one of Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best &...

The Best Lawyers in America.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... This publication is a guide to the nation's leading legal practitioners. The Best Lawyers list, representing 80 specialties in all 50 states and Washington, DC, is compiled through an exhaustive peer-review survey in which thousands of the top...

Bodman LLP.(In the News)
January 1, 2009... Dykema, a national law firm, announced that 56 of its lawyers have been ranked in the Best Lawyers in America guide. The legal referral guide includes 25 attorneys based in Dykema's Detroit office, and five attorneys based in Dykema's Ann Arbor...

Public Relations Group.(Contracts and Expansions)(Franco Public Relations Group)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Franco Public Relations Group a Detroit-based, full-service public relations agency, announced the addition of six new accounts including Kiekert Automotive, Forbes Tax Advocates, Milford Downtown Development Authority, Feld Entertainment Inc.,...

The law firm of Miller Canfield.(Contracts and Expansions)
January 1, 2009... The law firm of Miller Canfield announced that the Ministry of Justice of the People's Republic of China has approved its application and granted it a license to open a representative office in Shanghai. The Shanghai office serves both North...

Credit Union one.(Mergers)
January 1, 2009... Credit Union ONE and Member First Mortgage (MFM), LLC, of Grand Rapids, announced their new owner-partner relationship. CUO will hold stock in MFM and will be represented on the MFM Board of Directors. MFM is a Credit Union Service Organization...

The Rehmann Group.(Mergers)
January 1, 2009... The Rehmann Group, the state's second largest Michigan-based CPA, wealth management and consulting firm, announces its intent to merge with Muskegon-based Pridnia LaPres, PLLC effective January 1, 2009. The Rehmann Group's core industry...

Meadowbrook Insurance Group.(Mergers)
January 1, 2009... Kim Newberry, an associate at Meadowbrook Insurance Group, was presented with the Professional Underwriter of the Year Award by the Michigan Council of the National Association of Insurance Women (NAIW) at their annual convention in Grand...

Up and coming: mark your calendar with these regional business events.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Calendar)
January 1, 2009... Feb. 4 [Chamber Event] Hotels Begin Accepting Reservations for 2009 Mackinac Policy Conference Visit www.detroitchamber.com/mpc for hotel information and to register for the conference. Feb. 9 [Chamber Event] Maverick...