Spotlight on Business from RECESSION to RECOVERY

ISSUE 33 VOLUME 1 August 16, 2010 www.thembng.com

ADRESSING THE NEEDS OF MICHIGAN BUSINESS AS WE MOVE Spotlight on Business FROM RECESSION TO RECOVERY

Welcome to the Michigan Business Networking Group's Spotlight on Business. Each week we will spotlight several Michigan Businesses to help them grow. As Michigan moves from recession to recovery it is important that we help each other during these tough times. Please take a moment to read each of these businesses’ stories and work to support them. Perhaps you may not need their services at this time, but a friend or neighbor may. Please be sure to add them to your contact lists.

It’s All About the Woodward Dream Cruise This

Detroit, MI Week in Detroit In This Issue It’s All About The Woodward Dream I love going to the Wood- Cruise This Week In Detroit page 1 ward Dream Cruise and More Tips On the Dream Cruise page 4 watching the classic cars drive up and down Dream Cruise Rolls into Larger Cele- bration Page 5 Woodward in downtown Pontiac but reaches far Seven Ways to Connect at a Network- across all the way too ing Event Page 7 Royal Oak, Ferndale, Look Younger, Thinner and More Vi- Birmingham, Bloomfield brant with Color page 9 Hills and more (see be-

Reduce Risks with One Insurance low) It is a grand time Agent page 10 with different places to go eat, live music bands to hear and businesses trying to show off there cool newest stuff. Give to Charity and Guarantee Income Page 12 The Woodward Dream Cruise actually started as a small fundraiser to Employment Opportunities Page 13 raise money for a soccer field in Ferndale, Michigan.

Spotlighted Businesses Page 18 In August 1995, Nelson House and a group of volunteers looked to relive and recreate the nostalgic heydays of the 50s and 60s, when youth, music and Motor City steel roamed Woodward Avenue, America's first high- way. That year, 250,000 people participated-nearly ten times the number expected. The rest, as they say, is history. (continued)

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Today, the Woodward Dream Cruise is the world's largest one-day automotive event, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe-from as far away as New Zealand, Aus- tralia, Japan and the former Soviet Union. North American cruisers from California, Georgia, Canada and all points in between caravan to Metro Detroit to participate in what has become, for many, an annual rite of summer.

Drivin' from Drive-In to Drive- In Ted's, Totem Pole and The Varsity, Hollywood, Wigwam and Suzie Q's, and, of course, Big Boy. These old- time drive-ins and restaurants that dotted Woodward Avenue were the places to see and be seen during an era remembered perhaps most famously by Hollywood in American Graffiti and Happy Days. These locations were the turn- arounds, stopping points and social hangouts for the cruisers of the era.

Ted's Drive Inn, Michigan's first near Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills, became a hangout and one of the avenue's most popular destina- tions. It had begun in 1934 as a lunch wagon/trailer and was known for "the world's largest hot dog," priced at 35 cents.

The Totem Pole opened in Royal Oak in 1954 and featured a 16-foot totem pole hand carved by Ojibway chief White Wolf of St. Ignace. The restaurant introduced the "Teletray," a 2-way speaker through which customers could order the popular Big Chief Burger.

At these locales and others, roller-skating waitresses sporting white bobby socks and serving trays deliv- ered hamburgers and milkshakes to duck tailed greasers in leather and beauty queens sporting class rings and letter jackets. The real attractions, though, were the cars.

Hot rods and muscle cars. Convertibles and hard tops. Oversized tires and custom-painted flames. These marvels of machinery were cool and hot; street machines that cruised Woodward emanating vintage rock and roll from the AM radio coupled with the rumble of a big block V8. (continued)

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

The Motor City-The Automotive Heritage Continues GM, Ford and Chrysler-The Big Three-all have roots tied to Woodward Avenue. In the cruisin' era, urban legends grew that the Big Three tested their prototypes on Woodward. Famous nameplates such as Pontiac's GTO, Chrysler's Hemi cars, and Ford's Mustang variants.

Such introductions continue to this day, including the latest iterations of the Mustang GT, Chevy Camaro and Dodge Charger; all have made their presence known at the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Dedicated Volunteers, Supporters Taking place the third Saturday in August and now in its 16th year, the Woodward Dream Cruise is run and governed by WDC, Inc., a volunteer com- mittee that comprises a state-registered non- profit organization with 501 (c)(4) status. It consists of a board of directors and officers who represent and co- ordinate the efforts of the Cruise's nine host communities.

The Dream Cruise re- mains a free event due to the support of a range of corporate sponsors, most significantly: MotorCity Ca- sino, the event's entertainment sponsor; EATON, General Motors and SMART.

Significant Community, Economic Impact A market research study conducted after the 2007 event found that the Woodward Dream Cruise gener- ates more than $56 million each year for the Metro Detroit economy. The Cruise's economic impact to the region is more significant than any other major event in Michigan, recurring or otherwise; that includes 2006 Super Bowl XL at Ford Field ($49.3 million), the 2005 MLB All-Star Game at Comerica Park ($42 million) or the 2006 Detroit Tigers post season run ($37.8 million).

Nearly 100 area charities benefit from the sale of official Dream Cruise merchandise and refreshments each year.

David Banet– Your Health Insurance Expert Health & Life Insurance

I am a Health & Life Insurance Broker repre- Quality Affordable Health Insurance Plans senting several insurance companies. I work with you to help you understand the features of health insurance which allows you to make a · Individual · Families good decision about the coverage you are look- · Self Employed · Small Business ing for. Please give me a call for a review of your health insurance . · Long Term Care · Seniors

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

More Tips on The Dream Cruise

Who? Established in 1996, Woodward Dream Cruise, Inc. (WDC, Inc.) is a state-registered, non-profit organization with 501 (c)(4) status, that runs and oversees the Woodward Dream Cruise. WDC, Inc. consists of a board of directors and officers who serve on an annual basis, comprised of representatives from the nine host communities, Oakland County and media sponsors WXYZ-TV Channel 7, WOMC- Radio and the Oakland Press.

What? The Woodward Dream Cruise is the largest one-day celebration of classic car culture that attracts over 1 million visitors in the world This event has more than 40,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles.

When? The Woodward Dream Cruise takes place each year on the third Saturday in August. This year, the 16th annual Cruise is Saturday, Au- gust 21, 2010. It runs between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Where? The Dream Cruise takes place along a 16- mile stretch of legendary Woodward Avenue through the nine host communities of Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak, in Southeast Michigan.

Why? The Dream Cruise started as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale in 1995. In just a few short years, it has evolved into the world's largest one-day automotive event. Spectators and cruisers travel to Metro Detroit, the birthplace of the American automobile, to demonstrate and participate in an event that cele- brates an ongoing love affair with the automobile.

Cost? There are no fees to drive in the Woodward Dream Cruise. Anyone can participate although those not driving a classic car are asked to stay out of the two right, or curb lanes.

Parking? The Woodward Dream Cruise is a spectacular experience to drive in, or, merely watch and marvel at from the sidelines. Public parking is available along or near the Cruise route.

We offer the latest cutting edge in men’s grooming, women’s styling and children’s cuts, to DYE for hair color, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, make-up lessons, bridal parties, birthday parties, perms, up-dos, blowouts, conditioning hair treatments, brow shaping, Making an Impression Image branding, Shopping your closet, Body assessments, and much more!

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Dream Cruise Rolls Into Larger Celebration

Cashing in on the crowds drawn by the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, a number of local groups have expanded their activities, transforming the Cruise into a multi-day celebration of automotive design, engineering and history.

The Dream Cruise attracts around one million people the third Saturday of August each year, but note- worthy vehicles and large numbers of spectators flock to Woodward Avenue for days before the event. The Metropolitan Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates that the Dream Cruise in Oakland County pumps $50 million into the region's economy.

The Dream Cruise originated 15 years ago in Ferndale when resident Nelson House, who died Thursday at age 70, came up with the idea as a fund-raiser for a children's soccer field.

This year, Ferndale extended its Cruise activities from 1 p.m. Thursday through late Saturday, with music, cars and vendors in its business district on Nine Mile Road west of Woodward.

Some cash-strapped communities along the cruise's 18- mile route have cut back on events, however. Cruise party starts early

Charity fund-raisers, a street fair and world-class car- and people-watching will get the party started days before the Woodward Dream Cruise officially begins Saturday.

"People are excited before the Dream Cruise," said Michael Lary, Ferndale's event director. "We wanted to tap into that and give people things to do before Saturday."

Ferndale's party begins with kid-friendly events at 1 p.m. Thursday and runs through Saturday night. "It only makes sense to piggyback on the excitement of the Dream Cruise," said Heather Carmona, ex- ecutive director of the Woodward Avenue Action Association. WA3 hosts a party in Pontiac on Wednesday for the unveiling of a lighted glass tower that illustrates the region's history. It's the second of the illumi- nated tributes, following one at Nine Mile Road and Woodward in Ferndale.

Some events benefit local charities.

Forgotten Harvest food bank will hold its Friday evening Champagne Cruise at Westborn Market grocery store in Berkley for the eighth year. The event pays for 840,000 meals for needy local residents.

Corvette owners from around the country will donate food to Open Hands Food Pantry when they parade as many as 400 of the sports cars from Bloomfield Hills to Royal Oak on Wednesday. Last year's 280-car parade contributed more than 2,000 cans of food. (continued)

WebvertiseIT! is a Web Ad Agency and more….

21st Century Technology to Showcase YOUR Biz & Make IT Shine !

Web site: http://WebvertiseIT.com

: http://companies.to/webvertiseit

Susan M. Tabar : http://twitter.com/webvertiseit The MichiganPresident Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

"The Woodward Dream Cruise is the biggest automotive event in the world," said automotive journalist John McElroy, host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit." McElroy will move his live Webcast, "Autoline After Hours," to the parking deck of the Balmoral Centre on Woodward in Royal Oak on Wednesday.

"The Dream Cruise puts out the most incredibly positive picture of Detroit," McElroy said. "A million-plus people out on the street, and there's never a hint of a problem. People from overseas are blown away by the Dream Cruise. It's a natural for us to take the Webcast to Woodward to share the Dream Cruise with auto en- thusiasts from all over."

Hotels along Woodward rely on the Cruise's growth to charge higher special-event rates. Several require visitors to book rooms for up to four days.

Larry Courtney expects the Corvettes on Woodward event he organized to draw as many as 400 of the Chevrolet sports cars from around the country. The Radisson Hotel in Bloomfield Hills will have food stands using Michigan- made products during the pre-parade party in its parking lot.

To give visiting Corvette owners something to look forward to every day from Wednesday through Cruise Saturday, Courtney arranged a rare tour of General Motors' Heritage Center and a visit to GM's performance build center, where engines for the most powerful Corvettes are hand-built.

Ferndale's three-day celebration includes displays of vintage military and emergency vehicles, music, the Dream Cruise ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m. Friday, Mustang club events and displays by Ford's racing group -- including the company's NASCAR teams. The schedule is available at: WoodwardDreamCruise.com.

"The object is to draw people to our downtown businesses," Lary said. A tent Ford will set up for VIP visitors will feature food from two Ferndale businesses, Christine's Cuisine and Apple Fritter Donut Shop.

Despite the enthusiasm, the weak economy has reduced the number of corporate events and sponsorships. Some communities along the route have cut back, though most have something planned for Friday.

Birmingham withdrew from the Woodward Dream Cruise a year ago. The upscale suburb hosts its own gen- erically named "Cruise Event" Saturday. Birmingham's parking lots remain popular with Cruise fans who are expected to line Woodward from dawn 'til way past dusk.

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Seven Ways to Connect at a Networking Event

So your going to a networking function that you have never been to before (or maybe even one you have) deter- mined to crack the networking code and start building priceless business relationships. Be aware that it’s possible to go to a networking event and not have any ‘networking mo- ments.’ It is not just about showering and showing up. It’s about connecting with people and finding ways to help them progress. Here are seven proven strategies for making contact at networking events.

1. Go it alone. When attending networking functions, go by yourself or at least communicate to your carpool buddies that you should all fan out. Moving about a networking event solo encourages people to approach you and makes it easy to mingle and initiate conversations. It may be more comfortable to have a friend right there with you, but remember: you are there to grow your network, not hang with the people already in your network.

2. Stand near the registration table. After you have registered and put on your nametag, take advantage of the many opportunities to make small talk with new arrivals after they have signed in. These are the couple of minutes when most people are alone and interested in someone new to communicate with. Even something really easygoing like, "Looks like a good turnout..." is probably good enough to get a friendly conversation started. Remember that like you, people are there to make new contacts. And if they are not, they are in the wrong place.

3. Study the tags. If nametags are preprinted and on display at the registration table, scan the tags of the other attendees to see what opportunities await you. Here’s something, though I have not tried this myself, Rachel Wood, a top financial advisor in the Boston area who introduced herself to me after one of my CODE Crackers Networking semi- nars, does something pretty neato. If she spots a nametag on the registration table of someone she would like to meet, she asks the people manning the table if she can clip a note to their tag saying she would like to meet them. She swears by it.

4. Circle and scan. Before diving into the event, try circling the room and checking out the nametags for people or companies you defi- nitely want to make contact with while there.

5. Look for people standing alone. These folks may be nervous, and your initiative will often endear you to them. Plus, one-on-one networking is the best networking. It is hard to join a group unless invited. (continued)

Representing: Ronald Dwyer Citizens Your Michigan Grange Independent Insurance Agent Progressive Berkfield Ins. Co Ltd Michigan Insurance Co 2625 Pontiac Lake Road State Auto Waterford, Michigan 48328 Frankenmuth Phone : 248-390-6345 Encompass Fax : 248-524-2668 Chubb and more www.roninsureme.com HOME - AUTO - BUSINESS INSURANCE

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

6. Sit between people you do not know well. If the event is a sit-down affair, do not sit by a friend or business associate. You already know that person! You might be sitting there a while, so make sure you are going to be sitting by someone you can form a new relationship with. Plan who you want to sit by, but wait until the last minute to actually sit down so you can keep making new contacts.

7. Hang out at the food table. I know it sounds like I’m joking, but people tend to be easily accessible around food. Stand near the food table, but not the bar. People tend to grab their drinks and move away from the bar, but are more likely to linger near the grub.

As people check out the buffet table, small talk comes more easily. "That Danish looks good..." is as good an opener as any. Once they have their hands full, people often look for a flat surface where they can place their plate and beverage. Take a spot next to them and get to chatting.

Check this out. Our endorphin levels are higher when we are close to food, which boosts our memory and the chance that we will remember and be remembered. We humans are a trip, aren’t we?

One quick DON’T Don’t go to networking functions hungry.

Eat before you go so you can focus on the person, not the cantaloupe.

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Looking Younger, Thinner and Vibrant with Color

Color is key to a youthful glow, appearing thinner, and vibrant while maintain- ing your personal style. Avoid the mistakes of magnifying looking older, heav- ier or dowdy.

•Wrinkles be gone: Avoid Dark colors around your face that will magnify wrinkles and imperfections.

•Introduce the use of lighter or brighter colors around the face to reflect a By: youthful glow and soften lines. Angela River Image Consultant •Using monochromatic col- And Stylist ors schemes to flatter any figure.

•Bright tones are best for pop on flattering areas you want to emphasize.

•Keep it Mid- tones on your middle of the road body zones.

•Avoid light shades (white) on the not so hot areas to minimize self-conscious areas .

Only wear the colors that attract compliments, and make you feel confident and happy. These are the ones you all ways receive compliments when wearing.

Learn which colors are best for flattering your body shape, skin tone and eye color with a color analysis to achieve optimum success of a younger, vibrant and thinner appearance. Modern clothes that fit your lifestyle, figure and budget are obtainable. Learn more tips and figure flattering necessities from a customized one on one with a professional image consultation.

Angela River is member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) through Image Resource Cen- ter of New York. She uses her experience, inspiration, and sensitivity to educate businesses and individuals in: business etiquette and communication skills; team building and customer service; wardrobe planning, color and makeup application; personal style communication, image psychology and non-verbal communication. Her Facebook address is http://www.facebook.com/dare2impress / E-mail is [email protected] and business phone is 248- 293-3273. You can also learn more at http://www.thembng.com/personal/hairsalon/dare.html

We offer the latest cutting edge in men’s grooming, women’s styling and

children’s cuts, to DYE for hair color, hair extensions, eyelash extensions, make-up lessons, bridal parties, birthday parties, perms, up-dos, blowouts, conditioning hair treatments, brow shaping, Making an Impression Image branding, Shopping your closet, Body assessments, and much more!

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Reducing Risks by Having One Agent

From a risk management perspective, consumers are better off having all their personal liability insurance coverage with the same company. If that is not possible, then consumers should at least have all their liability insurance with the same agent.

One big advantage of having all your coverage with the same insurance company is that the risk of having the By: wrong underlying limits, especially Ronald Dwyer after an insurer has just raised their Insurance Agent required underlying limits, is greatly reduced or even eliminated. Here's why. While the umbrella contract makes it the insured's responsibility to maintain the proper underlying limits, if the insurer has both the umbrella and all underlying policies, it can automatically raise the underlying limits with just an explanatory letter to the insured. This strengthens the insured's position in the event of a lawsuit. The insurer would be hard pressed to try to hold the insured responsible for the financial difference between the original and new underlying limits when it had the power to rectify the situation. If making the change automatically is not feasible or legal, the insurer would at least have an obligation to send a cancellation notice on the umbrella if the insured did not accept the underlying limits change.

Coverage Congruency A second advantage of having all insurance with the same insurer is congruency of coverage. There is a much lower chance of an umbrella policy not covering what a primary policy covers. As an example, consider a family with working children and the risk that liability arising from that work would be excluded under the homeowners policy's definition of "business." That definition often has an exception for children of the insured who babysit, deliver newspapers, provide lawn care, etc. There are usually three requirements that must be met as part of the exception:

1. The children have to be under a certain age (i.e., 23). 2. They have to earn less than a specified amount per year (i.e., $2,000). 3. They cannot have any employees.

It's imperative that the three requirements that allow coverage for children's business activities in the umbrella policy are no less broad in scope than the same requirements for the underlying homeowners policy, or there could be no excess coverage. With all policies with the same insurer, this type of umbrella coverage gap is much less likely to occur. A company's umbrella coverage should never be less broad than the same company's underlying policies (i.e., "following form" coverage at a minimum). (continued)

Ronald Dwyer Representing: Your Michigan Citizens Independent Insurance Agent Grange Berkfield Ins. Co Ltd Progressive 2625 Pontiac Lake Road Michigan Insurance Co Waterford, Michigan 48328 State Auto Phone : 248-390-6345 Frankenmuth Fax : 248-524-2668 Encompass www.roninsureme.com HOME - AUTO - BUSINESS INSURANCE Chubb and more The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Notice of Change Requirements A third advantage of having underlying and umbrella policies with the same insurer is that notification of any new primary exposures (e.g., a secondary residence, a boat, or an incidental office) would also be considered notification to that company's umbrella department. That would not be the case if the affected underlying policy exposure and the umbrella policy were not with the same company.

Clearly, having the umbrella policy with the same insurer as the underlying policy greatly improves the chances that a large liability claim will be covered by both policies. This is good for both the customer and the agent. It's good for the customer, because he has the coverage he needs. And it's good for the agent because his errors and omissions (E&O) exposure is reduced significantly.

Using One Agent but Different Insurers If having all underlying policies and the umbrella policy with the same insurer is not feasible, it is imperative that they at least all be handled by the same agent. When there are increases in the umbrella insurer's underlying insurance requirements or new exposures to be added to the underlying policies, the agent, armed with the awareness of these changes, can adjust the customer's underlying policy liability limits or endorse the umbrella to cover the new exposures. Having different insurers for the umbrella and the underlying policy transfers the responsibility for making these types of changes from the insured to the agent. It correspondingly increases the agent's E&O risk.

In addition, when using different insurers, there will certainly be incongruence of coverage. Definitions won't match up, and neither will the exclusions. If there is a lawsuit that is covered by the underlying policy but not by the umbrella, there will be hell to pay! (And it won't be the insured who pays.) The best way an agent can protect himself from this incongruence happening is to always write the umbrella policy with an insurance company whose coverages are almost universally broader than the standard Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), auto or homeowners policy. For example, when I have to use different insurers for the umbrella and underlying policies, I use Auto-Owners for the umbrella, whenever possible. I learned this because of research I conducted comparing umbrella insurers. See Creating and Using a Personal Umbrella Comparison Form. Auto-Owners will write a freestanding umbrella policy but, without the underlying auto insurance, limits coverage for cars to "following form" only. Without the underlying homeowners insurance, it takes away nonowned watercraft liability coverage.

Using Different Agents for Underlying and Umbrella Policies The situation that is toxic to agents, customers, and companies alike is where the agent who handles the underlying policies is different from the agent handling the umbrella policy for the same customer. When an umbrella insurer raises its underlying limit requirements, it is up to the insured to notify all agents to make the change to whichever policies are affected. And, when the customer has a new exposure and requests coverage be added to her auto or homeowners policy or other underlying policy, it is that customer's job solely to notify the umbrella policy's agent.

Leaving these important responsibilities in the hands of an insured who is not an insurance expert is just too risky, and really unnecessary, for both the consumer or the agent. This is why I will not represent a customer who wants just an umbrella policy through me. I would not be doing either of us a favor.

Summary Whenever possible, it's important to keep underlying liability insurance with the same insurer who handles the umbrella policy. The further you get away from that model, the more likely the risk of something falling through the cracks, and the greater the responsibility of coordinating underlying and umbrella coverages as it shifts from the insurer to the agent and ultimately to the customer

Ronald Dwyer is an independent insurance agent licensed in Michigan for Home - Auto – Business Insurance. He can be reached at [email protected] or 248-390-6345. His website is www.roninsureme.com or Facebook: www.facebook.com/dwyerinsurance / Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddwyer

Give to Charity and Guarantee Retirement Income

Fundraising is the lifeblood of non-profits. When the economy is unsteady, as it has been for a while, these organizations must work harder than ever to maintain and expand donor contributions in order to advance their mission. The non- profits’ search for attractive ways to encourage donations has led to the rising popularity of Charitable Gift Annuities.

A “Win-Win” Situation Many altruistic individuals express an interest in gifting assets to a non-profit they support. Yet, a common concern is that the donors themselves may need the assets personally, especially during retirement. A Charitable Gift Annuity By: Paul Compeau (CGA) is an arrangement whereby the donor gifts cash or other assets to a non- Financial profit in return for regular, guaranteed income payments for life. The contract is Services mutually beneficial: the charity gets a donation it may not have otherwise re- Professional ceived, and the donor enjoys a tax deduction for a portion of the donation as well as guaranteed lifetime income.

The Risk of CGAs As useful as they are for fundraising purposes, CGAs can be challenging for non-profit organizations to administer. Since a CGA promises to pay income to the donor for life, the non-profit must make sure there are always enough funds to meet its contractual obligations. Usually, the charity will invest the entire gift and not use any portion of the gift for its charitable endeavors until the payment obligation ends. Market risk can threaten the value of the organization’s invest- ments. This is certainly happening now. And, the longevity of donors (and, hence, the number of years the non-profit must pay income to them) can erode the residual value of the gift – in some cases, leaving no gift at all for the non-profit.

Transferring the Risk Reputable insurers like New York Life are in- valuable for helping non-profits mitigate the risks of CGA programs. Through an arrangement com- monly known as “reinsurance”, the non-profit can use a portion of the donation to purchase a Lifetime Income Annuity from New York Life.* The income paid from the insurer on the income annuity will cover the non-profit’s obligation to the donor, and the non-profit can put the remainder of the donation to work immediately (subject to state insurance department regulations).**

Reinsurance helps non-profits transfer risk to insurers whose business it is to manage precisely the risks associated with income annuities. By purchasing an income annuity that matches the charity’s scheduled payments under its CGA, the charity can ensure that there will be funds available to support the charity’s payment obligations to donors, regardless of market ups and downs.

This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Paul E. Compeau. For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Paul E. Compeau at 248.672.6588

Paul E. Compeau New York Life Insurance Company 4000 Town Center, Suite 1300 Southfield, MI 48075 248.672.6588

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Job Postings

We are looking for two Oncology RNs with Tele and M/S St. Daniel Job Ministry Presentation experience. One out of the two nurses brought on will The next St. Daniel Job Ministry Presentation will take need to be Chemo certified. ACLS preferred. place on Monday, August 16th at 730 P.M. in the St. Shift - 7:00p-7:30a Daniel Cushing Center Social Hall. The topic “Financial 3 days week/ 12 hrs shift Survival during a Career Transition" will be presented by 248-461-6815 Eudora Adolph, a Certified Wealth Strategist and Finan- Michelle Fisher, CPC cial Growth Engineer, an entrepreneur, and Lawrence Advantage Professional Staffing, LLC Tech University adjunct professor. As a results-oriented Managing Partner decision maker and an enthusiastic visionary leader, she Professional Recruiter applies engineering diligence, detailed problem-solving, Career Mentor financial acumen and a motivational management style to CIT Facilitator help both businesses and individuals achieve greater suc- [email protected] cess. RSVP to stdanjobhelp@ yahoo.com. St. Daniel is located at 7010 Valley Park Dr, Clarkston, MI 48346. 248-625-4583. URGENT Display Setup @ Barnes&Noble We encourage you to bid on WIN#235223 in Saginaw,MI. The Project to be completed on Thursday 8/19/10 during The PIC Group Mini Job Fair for Quality Inspectors normal business hours. Thursday, August 19th At Michigan Works! Southgate Service Center, Downriver Community Conference in Pay: 85.00 per site. room 158 Walk-Ins at 9:00 AM If requesting travel please include that in your bid amount. Quality Inspectors Your profile indicated you have a high skill level which is Automotive Background is preferred, not required though needed for this work order. Bring a valid driver’s license and your resume This is a display set up. Please see work order for further Positions in Monroe or Trenton $9/hr details. Michigan Works! Southgate Service Center To place your bid please login to your account at http:// Downriver Community Conference www.fieldsolutions.com and then go to Work Orders > 15100 Northline Rd., Southgate, MI 48195 Available Work Orders > Advanced WO Search, here you Email: Zach.Everingham@ dccwf.org can enter WIN#235223. To place your bid please click Direct: 734-362-7037 Fax: 734-281-3418 Apply at the bottom of the page. Website: www.dccwf.org

The Michigan Business Networking Group is Seeking Do you dream in chocolate? Part time Sales Staff (less than 20 hours) to sell website Find Something you love to do and it won't feel like work. listings in its new directory www.thembng.com sup- Chocolate is a treat in any economy and people's taste for porting Michigan Business. The website offers Business chocolate never wavers. Last year U.S. chocolate sales to Business sales as well as sales to the public. Generous were over $17 Billion. And because chocolate is a con- commission, Work when you want to. Supplement your sumable, people keep treating themselves to current income please send your inquiry/ resume to em- more of it. As a part of the MARS, Incorporated, a global [email protected] leader, Dove(tm) is the fastest growing premium chocolate and a nationally recognized name. When you're a chocolatier, you're the boss. You decide how much youwant to earn and how much your willing to More Jobs @ www.thembng.com/employment work.You''l be in business for yourself but not by yourself. You'll have professional training, and access to men- Businesses post your jobs opportunities for free at tors and friends you can call on who want you to [email protected] succeed. There is no sweeter business the the chocolate business! Contact Stacey Wenklert at (248)346-4992 or email [email protected] -- Stacey Wenklert 248-346-4992 www.dove-chocolate-discoveries.com/ stacey Do You Love Chocolate? Have a Dove Chocolate Tasting Party and get it for free! ORBecome a Choco- latier, And Love What You Do!

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Announcements/Events

Third Thursday Roundtable Business Networking Event

Date: Thursday, August 19th, 2010 Time: 11:30am - 1:30pm Location: Sheild's Pizza Street: 1476 W Maple City/Town: Troy, MI

Description .The Michigan Business Networking Group is pleased to present the following business networking event:

ROUND TABLE PROMOTION’S AND PUBLICITY’S THIRD THURSDAY ROUNTABLE

Michigan's Favorite OPEN Business Networking Event wants you to prosper by making new connections for your business or services.

August's Featured Presenter: Michael L Schwartz, PE, PMP President, Positive Concepts, Inc. ... Do you know the most valuable asset any business has? Do you know the single largest expense item any business has? Michael's "mission" is to increase the value of that asset and increase the Return on Investment of your highest single expense. Come maximize the positive!

THIRD THURSDAY ROUND TABLE AGENDA 11:30 am - Early Bird Networking 12:05 pm - Lunch Seating 12:35pm - Speaker's Presentation 1:30 pm - Post Event Networking

Shields Restaurant 1476 West Maple Road, just West of Crooks, Troy, MI 48084

Room Admission: $10. Guests order from Shields lunch menu and are responsible for their own meal, beverage and gratui

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

My name is William Bowers and I am an Event Management Specialist with Plan Ahead Events, the fastest growing, full-service event and meeting planning company in the world. At Plan Ahead Events, we develop creative solutions for our client's meeting, convention, trade-show, special event and incentive travel needs. We handle all the details involved in planning your event from concept through completion. We take the time -consuming, labor-intensive details of planning off your desk, and pull from the latest trends in the industry, to ensure your event is an outstanding success!

At Plan Ahead Events, we believe in providing each client with an unrivaled level of service. We use our expertise and enthusiasm to deliver innovative and creative solutions that capture the magic of your event.

Whether you are planning a business meeting or convention for a thousand people, an intimate dinner party, or a large black tie gala to celebrate a milestone, you can reach me by phone at: (248) 609-0547 or e-mail me at [email protected] to schedule a no cost/no obligation consultation. SERVICES OVERVIEW

• Budget Creation & Mgmt. • Entertainment Booking • Site Selection • Off-Site Programs • Vendor Negotiation •Travel Arrangements (air/ground) • Website Creation • Theme Development • Online/On-site Registration • Décor & Props • Invitations & Program Design • Food & Beverage Planning • Printing & Mailing • AV Management • Marketing Materials • On-site Management • Promotional Products • Stage Management • Corporate Gift Giving • Security & VIP Handling • Agenda • Event Evaluation (Surveys & ROI) • Meeting Materials • Photography & Video • Signage • Press Releases • Equipment & Supply Rentals • Communications • Exhibitor Sales & Mngmt. The Michigan Business• Sponsorship Networking Acquisition Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

ELEGANT GIFTS FOR EVERY BUDGET We all have those times in our lives when we need to buy a gift for someone and don’t know what to buy. This is when prepaid gift booklets become the perfect choice. You control your costs and the recipient can pick his/her own gift. For a Friend or Family Member… We all know someone who is hard to buy for. That person who exchanges gifts received by others. Anyone will be happy with the Ribbon Gift booklet because s/he can pick their own gift from the selections in the booklet. So you know the gift will be used. These booklets are perfect for a birthday, baby shower, or anniversary. Any occasion. For a Client or Business Associate… Would you like to thank a loyal client, or business associate that helped you with a project? Look to the Ribbon Gift Booklet. No one will know what you paid for the booklet but you. No prices listed. You will look wonderful and the recipient will be happy. You will be remembered and praised. You will get repeat business. For Employees… Do you have a company with hard working employees and you want to say ‘thank you’? Do you have employees with low morale or problems meeting deadlines? Ribbon Gift Booklets are your answer. Your employees will work harder, and longer hours because they know they are appreciated, and the cost to you will be minimal. Are You Interested Yet??? My name is Lisa Williams. I sell Ribbon Gift Booklets. Elegant Gifts for Every Budget – ranging from $30 - $1,000. My website: www.amway.com lwil- liams90 (see gifts before you buy at : ordermygift.com). There are pictures of 10-15 gifts inside each booklet. Various booklet selections: Omaha Steaks, ‘I-DO”, Guy Gear. Make everyone in your life happy. Don’t spend hours at a store or drive out your gas trying to find the perfect gift. Buy a gift booklet. The shipping is free for you, and the recipient when the gift is redeemed online. Now you can thank yourself for having such a great gift idea by shopping at one of the partner stores, Choco- holic

.Elegant Gifts For Every Budget – The Right Choice Lisa Williams (313) 682-1503 Amway Global Affiliated IBO www.amway.com/lwilliams90

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Spotlighted Michigan Businesses

Get your business spotlighted free by sending your company biography and contact information to [email protected] as these businesses did

Wagner Sales Training

Recently retired from 35 years in corporate sales and sales training, I have developed a new sales training website. Wagner Sales Training Services primarily designs workshops by examining actual B You would like to give your business more expo- to B selling obstacles, the selling processes under- sure and you are interested in incorporating social taken and their revenue generating solutions over a media into your business promotion. You want to 35 year career in sales. This less academic, real life engage your customers and have them talking examples approach to sales training is content rich about you and your product or service, but you and makes for highly interactive, idea generating have a business to run, not a computer depart- workshops that participants can immediately apply ment. to their own territories or areas of responsibility.

If you want to revamp your online presence but While the training itself takes a less academic ap- don’t know where to start, Rumspeed can help. proach, believe me the fundamentals of selling are We use creative, modern technology to build a evident! While I am located in Saint Joseph, MI my complete online strategy. We set up the tools you website offers a package of low cost workshops and need to get your message out, train you how to facilitator guides that can be purchased online from use them and monitor your stats for continued anywhere. I will also travel to facilitate custom de- success. The tools we implement are easy to use signed workshops to meet more specific needs a and don’t require much of your time. Rumspeed is company may have. about building long term relationships with our customers so you can, too. www.wagnersalestraining.com At Rumspeed, we help businesses and companies become more successful utilizing all that modern technology has to offer Please let me know if I can help as we all strive to

Scot Rumery improve the business climate in Michigan. (Have Founder you read or heard about the Harbor Shores project Rumspeed designed to give southwest Michigan a major 269.200.4900 boost? Exciting stuff)! Www.rumspeed.com GO TIGERS!

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010

Look for the Michigan Business Networking Group on both Linkedin and Facebook!

www.tinyurl.com/mbngonlinkedin www.tinyurl.com/mbngonfacebook

If your business would like to be featured in the Michigan Business Networking Group’s weekly e- newsletter, please send an e- mail describing your business and provide your contact information to [email protected]. We will spotlight several businesses on a weekly basis at no cost. The goal is to help Michigan businesses continue to grow in 2010!

Also if you would like to share with other members networking techniques that have worked for you, we will be happy to share the article and provide you with credit. This would be a little extra free marketing for your business.

Sincerely,

Ronald Dwyer

Ronald Dwyer President Michigan Business Networking Group Www.thembng.com

Would you like a place where you can advertise your business or offer your services to residents of Michigan? With over 2,000 readers each week and growing we can help increase your business presence.

E-mail us at [email protected] for details.. 1/8 page to full page available

The Michigan Business Networking Group (MBNG) www.thembng.com August 16, 2010