Detroiter articles from November 2007

Detroiter archives from November 2007

A voice for business.(FROM THE PRESIDENT)(Viewpoint essay)
November 1, 2007... As I write this column, there is a debate raging over the future of the new service tax that was passed by Lansing as part of the recent budget deal. The new tax is set to take effect on December 1. My hope is that by the time you are reading...

Letter to the editor: regarding the october border feature, october 19, 2007.(FOR OUR MEMBERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2007... The Chamber has played an important role in bringing together key border stakeholders from industry, government and the operators who manage the border everyday. The Chamber understands the importance of keeping the border open, safe, secure...

Innovative leader chooses detroit.(FOR OUR MEMBERS 7)(Intuit Lender Services Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Dan Gilbert, long known in the Detroit Region as an innovative thinker, announced recently that Quicken Loans will relocate its headquarters to downtown Detroit. Gilbert, the chairman of the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender, made...

An arbitrary tax; The proposed service tax will cost our region jobs.(VOTE4BIZ)
November 1, 2007... On October (1), the Michigan Legislature passed several bills to raise $1.7 billion needed to balance the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The bills included an increase in the personal income tax from 3.9 percent to 4.35 percent, a tax on select...

Ax the tax: the Detroit Regional Chamber joins a new coalition for its members.(VOTE4BIZI)
November 1, 2007... The Detroit Regional Chamber wants to see this new tax repealed and is urging politicians to go back to the drawing board. On behalf of its members, the Chamber has gotten involved in the Coalition to Ax the Tax. The coalition-on behalf of...

Legislative profiles get the stats on your legislators.(V0TE4BIZ)
November 1, 2007... Senator Bruce Patterson 7th Senate District, Canton * Elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1999 and served as Majority Floor Leader in his second term. He was elected to his first term in the senate in 2003. ...

The art of support: a new DIA emerges with an army of business leaders behind it.(Detroit Institute of Arts)(Cover story)
November 1, 2007... It may be an art museum, but the people running it have a mind for business. A new Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) opened to the public this November, the end result of a six-and-a-half year, $158 million building renovation and expansion. ...

Relearning innovation.(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... What comes naturally to children is harder for adults: how to make it easier [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Let's get the obvious out of the way: Motown and the cars that put it in motion clearly originated in Detroit. As did the highway, the...

Creating a culture of innovation; Sometimes you have to step outside the box to change your company.(FEATURE)
November 1, 2007... How does it feel when innovation happens once in a blue moon by accident? What if your company could count on it--like 3M and Apple--to deliver new sources of revenue and profitability decade after decade? You can. The answer lies not only...

Sandy Heng: Author and former television reporter Sandy Heng productions.(What's Your Tool?)
November 1, 2007... Ideas can come from exploring new disciplines. One year I did a deep dive on physics, devouring books, visiting race shops and building experimental models. Last year I spent an enormous amount of time learning about the plant kingdom,...

John Mitchell:professional trainer, retired executive lieutenant wayne county sheriff's department.(What's Your Tool?)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... I take a position that something will happen, and I am unwilling to have it not happen. Then I just play with possible ways to have it happen, trying things that appear even remotely useful. In the play (thinking, talking, listening) what...

Tom Peters; Director of design, rear wheel drive and performance car exteriors General Motors Corp.(What's Your Tool?)
November 1, 2007... Here's how I approach new design solutions: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Be open to any ideas from anywhere * Look for non-traditional sources of inspiration (music, art, fashion and non-related technical sources, such as aircraft...

Julie Vitale: continuous improvement/special projects henry ford health system.(What's Your Tool?)
November 1, 2007... A walk in the woods or a bit of wine, a bubble bath with candles and music, a drive to the country (out of rush hour!), a day in the snow sledding with plenty of warm clothing, good company with a knack for bringing out the creative thinking...

Andreas Vetter; CEO ACTANO, Inc.(What's Your Tool?)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... I have the most creative ideas and issue resolutions when I'm brainstorming within a t team or if I'm able to change the current point of view. To change the current point of view, I like walks in nature, mountain climbing (not that easy in...

Abizer Rasheed president Netfusions and CnC. controls.(What's Your Tool?)
November 1, 2007... I begin from the place of "I do not know." This reduces my urge to use the built-in response I like to call, "I already know the answer." Then I black box the key steps involved and see how many different paths can be created to achieve the...

Amaury diaz-serrano: industrial designer from the real wheel drive studio, exterior group.(AN Array of Innovation)
November 1, 2007... The Chamber members featured here are working to stay on the cutting edge of innovation in their industries. The Detroiter asked them to share their expertise with our readers. General Motors Diaz-serrano put his job skills to use in...

Chip McClure: Chairman, CEO & president ArvinMeritor, Inc.(AN Array of Innovation)
November 1, 2007... As a leader of one of the world's largest and most globally diverse automotive suppliers, McClure is working to be a part of the health care solution. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Health care and retirement costs are a major concern for...

Cindy Ciura; Principal Ciura consulting.(An Array of Innovation)
November 1, 2007... Ciura has been involved in some of Michigan's most high profile developments, including the opening of the Somerset Collection and the inception of the Campus Martius development, Ciura's clients include the Hitch family, Forbes Management....

Richard Sheridan president Menlo Innovations.(An Array of Innovation)
November 1, 2007... Sheridan and his company Menlo Innovations have changed the face of the software industry by integrating anthropological techniques into their business. All of us have been frustrated by a piece of software that didn't work as we expected....

Bill Michels; CEO ADR North America.(An Array of Innovation)
November 1, 2007... Michels has worked with gloabl multinational companies in regulated and non-regulated industries across a wide spectrum of business sectors. Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine has recognized Michels as a "Pro To Know" three times. ...

Getting creative a look at what service-industry stake holders in Michigan are doing to loster innovation.(FEATURE)(Company overview)
November 1, 2007... The service industry is one of Michigan's fastest growing industries, and it is thriving despite the state's economic downturn. In fact, pundits claim that the service industry will be responsible for hiring more Great Lakes professionals than...

Innovation in your backyard: the center for innovative materials research at Lawrence tech university is unlike any other laboratory test facility in the nation.(FEATURE)
November 1, 2007... Lawrence Tech has long been a regional feaser in applied research in the fields of materials, structures, energy and automotive engineering, but now the university is gamering national attention with the Center for Innovative Materials Research...

Innovation incubator: Tech Town is looking to transform the region's future.
November 1, 2007... Nearly fifty years ago, North Carolina's economy relied on textiles and tobacco. Today the area is known for high-technology innovation and its economy continues to grow, thands to the Research Triangle Park, an area where educators,...

Life in the colourful lane: Joan LeMahieu, president of the parade company, keeps some of Detroit's most important traditions alive.(DAY IN THE LIFE 31)(Occupation overview)
November 1, 2007... Joan LeMahieu's daily life consists of fairies, wizards, giant caterpillars and mystical creatures. Her job description includes securing Santa's guest appearences. Sound odd? Not to LeMahiey. It' s al in a day's work as president of the Parade...

Bringing European business to North America; The partnership's North American Navigation System launched at the Frankfurt Auto Show.(WELCOME TO OUR REGION)
November 1, 2007... The European program of the Detroit Regional Economic partnership recently launched its newest business development service, the North American Navigation System (NAVS), at the Frankfurt Auto Show. NAVS is a holistic and integrated business...

Racing to the Motor city The partnership shows off the region during the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.(WELCOME TO OUR REGION)
November 1, 2007... Site-selection consultants either own or work for companies that advise businesses across the country on real estate location decisions. The Detroit Regional Economic Partnership frequently hosts these consultants to influence a company in its...

A logo does not a brand make; Understand how to make your logo work for your company's brand.(HOW DO)
November 1, 2007... To those not living day-to-day in the world of marketing, the terms "logo" and "brand" can be confusing, even intimidating. What does each mean, exactly? are they the same? Different? Interchangeable? Let's take a look. [ILLUSTRATION...

Applying innovation across industry; The Detroit Region is home to high levels of research and development.
November 1, 2007... In the past decade or more, the regional Detroit automotive industry has experienced a shift from production to global leadership in research and development. Of course, more cars are still assembled in the Detroit Region, than any other U.S....

The State of our economy: Regional Detroit business confidence index.(EYE ON OUR ECONOMY)
November 1, 2007... The Regional Detroit Business Confidence Index made an amazing recovery in the third quarter of 2007, gaining 78 points to 102.7 (third quarter 2005 = 100). Although news from the auto front was not necessarily positive during the quarter,...

Innovation is top priority.(CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE)
November 1, 2007... Innovation is the trademark of any great organization. Those who embrace and practice innovation are generally the ones who succeed. Because the Chamber adheres to this belief, innovation has become a central focus for us. [ILLUSTRATION...

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)
November 1, 2007... GOLD Gibbs Technologies Neil Jenkins 45355 Helm St., Ste. A Plymouth, MI 48170 (877) 230-0888 Lafarge North America Alexis Langlois 30600 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 4000 Bingham Farms, MI 48025 (248)...

Henry Ford Health System.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... Henry Ford Health System has received a $250,000 grant from The Skillman Foundation to open a school-based health center in Southwestern High School this fall. Southwestern is the 11th site in which Henry Ford has a health center under its...

Global LT.(Awards & Achievenments)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Global LT, a leading provider of language services headquartered in Troy, Ml., has been recognized by prudential Relocation for outstanding performance and consistent demonstration of Prudential core values. Global LT was one of only three...

Foley & Lardner, L.L.P.(Awards & Achievements)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Foley & Lardner, L.L.P. announced that the firm received a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2008 Corporate Equality /index and Best Places to Work Survey. The firm also was recognized as one of the "Best Places...

Atwell-Hicks.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... Land development consulting firm Atwell-Hicks ranked #2,940 on Inc. magazine's first-annual Inc. 5,000 list, which honors the 5,000 fastest growing private businesses in the country. An extension of the magazine's annual Inc. 500 list, the...

Bodman, L.L.P.(Awards & Achievements)(Bodman, Longley and Dahling L.L.P.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Detroit-based law firm Bodman, L.L.P. has been recognized by the State Bar of Michigan as a member of the "Pro Bono Circle of Excellence. "Bodman attorneys have significantly exceeded the voluntary standards set by the State Bar of Michigan for...

Books Kushman P.C.(Awards & Archievements)
November 1, 2007... Books Kushman P.C.'s John S. LeRoy and Brian S. Tobin were recently honored for their voluntary pro bono work during the past year at the Annual State of the Court and Pro Bono Recognition Luncheon hosted by the United States District Court,...

Henry Ford Hospital.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... Anne Eshelman, Ph.D., a boardcertified psychologist a Henry Ford Hospital, received the Timothy B. Jeffrey Memorial Award for her contributions to clinical health psychology at the American Psychological Association's national conferance in San...

The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn.(Awards & Achievements)(Ritz-Carlton Dearborn (Dearborn, Michigan))(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn has been named among the Worlds's Best Business Hotels in the annual Reader's Poll of Traval + Leisure Magazine (September, 2007 issue). the Dearborn property was the only hotel in the entire state of Michigan to...

Brooks Kusahman.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... In honor of her professional success and community involvement, Anessa Kramer, an associate at Brooks Kusahman law firm, was recently named to Crain's Detroit Business Magazine's "40 Under 40, Class of 2007" list.

Hennessey Captial.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... Mike Semanco, 39, president and COO of Hennessey Captial, a Michigan-based speciality finance company providing working captial to small and mid-sized businesses, has been included on Crain's Detroit Business list of the Detroit area's "40...

Dickinson Wright.(Awards & Achievements)(Veme C. Hampton of Dickinson Wright P.L.L.C. gets award)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Dickinson Wright Member Veme C. Hampton It has been honored by the State Bar of Michigan's Business Law Section with the Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award. The award, in its second year, honors business attorneys by the...

Wayne State University.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... Wayne State University Assistant Professor of Law Noah D. Hall has been honored by the School with the Donald H. Gordon Award for Excellence in Teaching.

The Parade Company.(Awards & Achievements)(Internal Festivals & Events Association )(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The Internal Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) paid tribute to the Target Fireworks, Detroit International River Days Festival and America's Thanksgiving Parade during the IFEA/Hass & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony held at the IFEA's...

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... Molina Healthcare, Inc. announced that all Molina eligible health plans have earned the highers accrediatation accorded by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an indipendent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to measuring...

ASG Renaissance.(Awards & Achievements)
November 1, 2007... Lizabeth Ardisana, CEO of ASG Renaissance, was recently recognized as one of Metro Detroit's Most Influential Women by Crain's Detroit Business. Ardisana was selected from hundreds of nominations based on her professional and personal...

Anderson Economic Group.(New Hires & Promotions)
November 1, 2007... Darci Keyes has joined Anderson Economic Group as a senior consultant. She has a background in finance and business law. and she will work in the firm's Finance and Business Valuation practice area with clients requiring expert report and...

Clark Hill, P.L.C.(New Hires & Promotions)
November 1, 2007... John Van Fossen has joined the Lansing office of Clark Hill, P.L.C. as Director of Governmental Affairs. Van Fossen most recently served as Diector of Public Affairs for the Van Ancel Institute, a private canacer research institute in Grand...

Honigman Miller Schwarts and Cohn, L.L.P.(New Hires & Promotions)
November 1, 2007... Honigman Miller Schwarts and Cohn, L.L.P. announced that Barbara A. Kaye will join the firm's Ann Arbor office as a partner in the Corporate and Securities Department. Kaye has sextensive background in mergers and acquistions, debt financing...

Tanner Friendman.(New Hires & Promotions)
November 1, 2007... Tanner Friendman has named Zak Walsh account manager. In this positon, Walsh is responsible for overseeing and facilitating public relations and marketing communications activities for clients in a range of inducstries across a wide array of...

Wayne State University Law School.(New Hires & Promotions)
November 1, 2007... Wayne State University Law School is strengthening its leadership by naming Mary L. Hollens former director of development for the Wayne State University Nursing School as the new senior director of development and alumni relations. As Director...

Marx Layne & Company.(New Hires & Promotions)
November 1, 2007... Marx Layne & Company has named Kanika Williams account assistant. Williams is responsible for supporting public relations strategies for clients in the communications, environmental, financial, hosbitality, non-profit, real estate development,...

Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C.(Appointments)
November 1, 2007... Michael S. Khoury, a partner with Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C., has been elected chair of the State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section Khoury will lead the 4,000 member Section and its Council for a one-year term that...

Dykoma.(Appointments )(Mark W. Peters of Dykema Gossett P.L.L.C.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Dykoma announced that Mark W. Peters, member of the firm's Business Services Department in the Corporate Finance practice Area, was elected to serve as Secretary of World Services Group (WSG) for 2007-2008 at WSG's 6th Annual Meeting in...

Dickinson Wright.(Appointments)
November 1, 2007... Dickinson Wright attorney Kevin O'Dowd has been elected President of the Western Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for the 2007-2008 term, beginning in mid-October. O'Dowd is a Member in Dickinson Wright's Grand Rapids office. His...

Dickinson Wright.(Appointments)
November 1, 2007... Dickinson Wright Member Rebecca Takacs has been elected to the position of the Chair of the Alumni Society Board of Governors for the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She will be serving her third term as Chair of the Board.

Dykema.(Appointments)
November 1, 2007... Dykema announces that Kiffi Y. Ford member of the firm's Employment Practice Group, was recently appointed to a three-year term on the Judicial Qualifications Committee of the State Bar of Michigan (SBM). The purpose of this committee is to...

Contracts.
November 1, 2007... The Elliott Bay Group, a Seattle-based public relations firm, is allying with Tanner Friedman for the west coast agency's Midwest-focused client efforts. As part of this collaboration, Tanner Friedman will provide market specific counsel and...

McGraw Wentworth.(Community Outreach)
November 1, 2007... McGraw Wentworth employees, family members and their "best friends" joined the Michigan Humane Society's 2007 Mega March for Animals on October 7. The team joined other supporters and their pasts, walking the two-mile route, which began at Hart...

Olympis entertainment.(Community Outreach)(Olympis Entertainment Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Olympis Entertainment has created affordable and flexible options for businesses to entertain clients and staff. The Comerica Bank Legends Club is the latest addition at Joe Louis Arena. With its nightclub-like atmosphere, exceptional view, ful...

Around the region: October: small business conference.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Conference news)
November 1, 2007... * Far Left The Detroit Regional Chamber held its Small Business Conference October 10. * A technology center was available for attendees to use. ** Members had the opportunity to network during the Conference. ** Below Center...

The Innovative Leaders stresse the importance of innovation and creativity.(Following the Buzz Inspire innovation in your office with hese tools.)
November 1, 2007... * The Innovative Leaders stresse the importance of innovation and creativity in modern business to help organizations secure competitive advantage over rivals. It shows how to apply methods of innovation and creativity to the individual, to...

One of the core principles behind the design of ThinkCube.(Following the Buzz Inspire innovation in your office with these tools.)
November 1, 2007... * One of the core principles behind the design of ThinkCube is that the best ideas occur at the intersection of two unrelated disciplines. Therefore, to generate ideas, you combine the contents of two or more of the cards to see what ideas...

Featuring articles on creativity.(Following the Buzz Inspire innovation in your office with these tolls.)
November 1, 2007... * Featuring articles on creativity and reviews on products, software and books designed to keep you innovative, Innovation Tools is a Web site designed to help busy executives get more out of their ideas. * Find out more at:...

If all else fails?(Following the Buzz Inspire innovation in your office with these tolls.)
November 1, 2007... * If all else fails? Take a day off and walk around the Hands On Museum in Ann Arbor. One of the more than 250 interactive exhibits is sure to get your creative juices flowing. * Find out more at: www.aahom.org. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Ask Einstein.(Following the Buzz Inspire innovation in your office with these tools.)
November 1, 2007... Ask Einstein is a deck of 150 thought-provoing "imagine if..." questions that are designed to stretch your thinking in new, creative directions. Developed by Gary Bertwhistle of Blue Moon Creative in Australia, this brainslorming too was...

Up and coming: mark your calendar with these regional business events.(MEMBERSHIP MATTERS)(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... December 6 Jingle Bell Bash Presented by: Detroit Regional Chamber Usher in the holiday season at the Chamber's annual jingle Bel Bash. Connect with over 300 professionals while enjoying a festive night of musicm food and fun. Join us...