20090209-NEWS--0001-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/6/20096:15PMPage1 ©Entire contentscopyright2009byCrainCommunicationsInc.Allrightsreserved tection, CFO company toseekcourtpro- credit markets,causedthe factors, combinedwithweak terial costsincrease.Those as thecompanysawraw-ma- Routing Solutions’revenue the U.S.draggeddownFluid in vehiclesegmentmix duction volumeandchanges lion in2008revenue. company posted$211.5mil- Carolina andFlorida.The tions inTennessee,South The companyalsohasloca- Hills andasiteinBigRapids. headquarters inRochester North America,includingits about 1,700atfivelocationsin truded hoses.Itemploys ponents, fuelfillersandex- ponents, fuel-handlingcom- supplies powersteeringcom- tive L.L.C. Fluid RoutingSolutionsAutomo- case alsoincludesaffiliates Holding Corp. Routing SolutionsIntermediate tions’ parentcompany, filed byFluidRoutingSolu- assets, accordingtoamotion company’s remainingU.S. ness andliquidationofthe company’s fuel-relatedbusi- rectors approvedasaleofthe Delaware bankruptcycourt. for Chapter11protectionina in anaffidavit. id RoutingSolutionsInc. Hills-based autosupplier victim FridayasRochester downturn claimedanother Page 3 loan partofcollection, Art ontheroad?DIAmight Page 3 await newsonbridgeplan, Delray businessowners Supplier filesChapter11
NEWSPAPER www.crainsdetroit.com Vol.25,No.6 Inside This JustIn Significant dropsinpro- Fluid RoutingSolutions The company’sboardofdi- The automotiveindustry See ThisJustIn,Page2 and The bankruptcy John Curson Detroit FuelInc. Fluid filed said Flu- years ago,theorchestrawastwice synthesizers insteadofmusicians. productions savemoneybyusing mance orchestrasisshrinkingas because overalldemandforperfor- complement. cal director,tosupplementand Sauro, theFisherTheatre’smusi- with fivemusiciansandlookedto trumpet player.“Spamalot”came a drummerand,sometimes, sists ofaconductor,keyboardist, orchestra, whichnormallycon- “Grease,” theybringtheirtouring rus Line,”“AvenueQ”and come throughDetroit,like“ACho- thanks tothetouringproduction. treated toasteadypaycheck, four otherlocalmusiciansare winning musicalspoof,sheand of theMontyPythonTonyAward- the glitz,glamourandHolyGrail Sauro’s ears. productions with touring tune incash Musicians from touringtheatercompanies. supplement theirincomewithwork Alice Sauroandotherlocalmusicians SPECIAL TOCRAIN’SDETROITBUSINESS “When “Spamalot”cametwo The workisespeciallywelcome Typically, whenbigproductions While audiencesaretreatedto “Spamalot” ismusictoAlice B Y J ULIE See Musicians,Page27 Y OLLES MARK LEWIS/CDB FEBRUARY 9–15,2009 MAMA wantstohelpcompanies transition $209 billionaerospaceindustry, pliers intransitiontosupplythe primarily onassistingautosup- says theorganizationisfocused ufacturers Association tor ofthe tionally servedtheautoindustry. manufacturers thathavetradi- try purchaseorderstoMichigan $100 millioninaerospaceindus- that inthreeyearswillsource turers wantstobecomeapipeline state aerospacepartsmanufac- for supplierpipeline Aerospace groupaims positions overthenextfiveyears fer trainingastheyhireupto 413 tion, filmandgamestudio of- casino intoafull-serviceanima- geles investorswillconvert the Richards andagroupofLosAn- that movieindustryveteran in Detroit. MGM Grand ners arecreatinginthevacant troit CenterStudios animators atthe$86million experience —totrainbecome automotive engineerswithCAD Richards saidshewants— changer thatMichele and computergraphics. doors panelsforcartoons els, centerconsolesand abandon instrumentpan- computer geek,”isreadyto calls himself“abitofa neer NickMcGuire,who Job seekersdrawntoprospectofworkingincartoon,videodesign Gavin Brown,executivedirec- A fledglingtradegroupfor Visteon Corp. The announcementlastweek He’s thesortofcareer CRAIN’S DETROITBUSINESS CRAIN’S DETROITBUSINESS AND B B Y Michigan AerospaceMan- Y R temporary casinosite M B YAN ARK ILL design engi- Invasion for B S L HEA EENE she andpart- EWIS , orMAMA, animation De- tially providefinancingto ing ontheeconomiccase,poten- space supplychainand,depend- the nuancesofglobalaero- MAMA membercompanieson partner withMAMAtoadvise Bank signedanagreementto its membercompanies. 340 differentparttypesmadeby in multi-yearsupplycontractsfor generated morethan$13million manufacturers andsofarhas terested insupplyingaerospace is workingwith45companiesin- sociation hasastatewidereach, 10 percentoverthenextyears. which isanticipatinggrowthof8- ground inthearts,havingstarted “Ialsohavesomeback- said. derstanding of3Dmodeling,” he rience. spite nothavinganimationexpe- interest intoanewcareer,de- infrastructure providers. coming fromanimatorsandfilm hook,” Richardssaid,withcalls has openedafloodgateofinterest. “ In lateJanuary,Comerica Based inGrandRapids,theas- “What Idohaveisasolidun- McGuire iseagertogrowhis “The phone’sringingoffthe This seemslikea design engineer Nick McGuire, to bring (my) opportunity together. interests great ” Page 14 in action, Local programs F can maketheprimesnervous ders. “primes,” toearnpurchaseor- companies likeBoeing,knownas gan supplierswithaerospace trade groupalsoconnectsMichi- translated toaerospace.The and makeproductsthatcanbe bers iftheyarefinanciallysound only admitcompaniesasmem- the aerospaceindustry.They translate theirexpertisetoserve identify areaswheretheycan the aerospacemarket. companies astheytransitionto $2,000 perjobforupto106new po- dio withtraininggrantsofup to ties toconsider.” tolerances, nomaterialproper- siderations, nomanufacturing “Notoolingcon- world,” hesaid. have tobefeasibleinthereal imation —theCADmodelsdon’t traction ofgraphicdesignandan- play. physics, butgetalotofroomto follow thesameprinciplesof lates intoanimationbecausethey engineering backgroundtrans- these twointereststogether.” like agreatopportunitytobring L TRAINING ILM But theautoindustry’swoes MAMA workswithsuppliersto The stateisprovidingthestu- “In fact,thatispartoftheat- He’s hopefulhismechanical . See Aerospace,Page25 See Animation,Page28 $2 acopy;$59year This seems ing toCAD. fore switch- University ern Michigan ship at art scholar- college onan ® East- be- 20090209-NEWS--0002-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/6/2009 6:11 PM Page 1
Page 2 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 9, 2009
Suppliers are in discussions cording to Fred Solomon, vice presi- DEGC hires Duistermars Granholm creates wind energy with the Treasury Department and dent of communications for Pitts- THIS JUST IN Congress about the urgent need for burgh-based PNC Financial Services The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. advisory council to study sites has named a new business-attrac- ■ aid but have not made a formal re- Group Inc. From Page 1 tion manager, Eric “Dusty” Duister- Gov. Jennifer Granholm has cre- quest, said Ann Wilson, senior vice PNC bought Cleveland-based Na- ated an advisory body to look at president for governmental affairs tional City Corp., for almost $5.6 bil- mars, to court new businesses to Detroit from the suburbs. how and where wind turbines The company is asking the for the Motor & Equipment Manufac- lion in stock and cash shortly after could be placed in the Great Lakes. court to approve $12 million in turers Association. it received an infusion of $7.7 bil- Formerly a senior transaction adviser with UGL Equis Corp. spe- The Great Lakes Wind Council, debtor-in-possession financing Neil De Koker, CEO of the Original lion in cash from the Troubled As- made up of members representing funded by Sun Fluid Routing Fi- Equipment Suppliers’ Association, set Relief Program. cializing in Detroit office broker- age, Duistermars will be recruiting environmental, shipping, fishing nance L.L.C. said the $18.5 billion figure was Last week, PNC announced that, electric utilities, wind energy, gov- The entities’ parent holding part of an informal presentation unlike many of its competitors, it new businesses from the suburbs and the rest of the country. ernment and other interests, will company, Delaware-based Fluid made to the Treasury Department. made money in 2008, $882 million, identify criteria that can be used to Routing Solutions Group L.L.C., He called it a “discussion figure.” compared with net income of $1.5 Duistermars was also the founder of Detroit Office Inc., a non- review applications for offshore did not file for bankruptcy. Suppliers have suggested three billion in 2007. wind development. It will develop — Ryan Beene ways for the government to help. PNC also said it would reduce its profit devoted to bringing busi- nesses to Detroit. criteria to determine areas that are One is to provide General Motors workforce by 5,800. Solomon said favorable for turbine development. Corp. and Chrysler L.L.C. extra feder- the company will not disclose the He was a Crain’s “20 in their Granholm staffer goes to MEDC 20s” honoree for 2008. A report is due by Sept. 1. al loan money so they can pay sup- number of job cuts in Michigan. — Amy Lane A member of Gov. Jennifer pliers earlier. A second is to guar- — Tom Henderson — Daniel Duggan Granholm’s executive office has antee payments due suppliers moved to the Michigan Economic from the Detroit 3 so that the parts Development Corp. to lead small- makers can use the guarantees to PSC to meet on new rules CORRECTIONS business development and at- get new bank loans. The third is to The Michigan Public Service Com- A story on Page 1 of the Feb. 2 issue should have said the first phase of traction. give direct loans to suppliers from mission has scheduled a March 3 a twin span to the Ambassador Bridge had been approved for $212.6 Daedra Von Mike McGhee has the $700 billion originally set aside public hearing to look at changes to million in private activity bonds. The number was incorrectly stated in been named managing director to rescue financial institutions. rules affecting utility customers’ billions. of the MEDC’s business sup- Wilson estimated “we have three ability to supply their utility with A story on Page 28 of the Jan. 26 edition incorrectly stated that Health port services division. She re- weeks” before disruptions in the power they independently generate. Plan of Michigan and Aetna Health Inc. earned lower net income for the first places Penny Stump, who re- supply chain could occur. Compa- The hearing at the PSC’s Lans- nine months of 2008 than in the same period in 2007. Both had higher net tired. Von Mike McGhee was nies are getting about a quarter of ing office involves “net metering” income. Granholm’s director of busi- the revenues they normally would — in which utility customers that In all, four of nine HMOs, not two, posted higher net income for the nine- ness and civic affairs. because so many assembly plants generate their own power can pro- month period. The story and the headline both incorrectly stated that net — Amy Lane were slowed or closed in late 2008. vide excess power to their utility income was down for the majority of the HMOs. — Crain News Service and receive a credit. The hearing The story also incorrectly stated the percentage drop in investment income also will review rules involving as- at Health Alliance Plan. HAP’s investment income declined 79 percent, not Suppliers discuss federal aid 385 percent. pects of connecting independent Representatives of U.S. auto NatCity signs to stick around generators to a utility’s system. On Page 15 of the Jan. 26 issue, the law firm Baker & McKenzie should not have been listed as an adviser on Meadowbrook Insurance Group Inc.’s suppliers and U.S. Treasury De- Despite its sale in October, cus- The PSC is looking at changes to July acquisition of ProCentury Corp. partment officials are dis- tomers can expect to see the Nation- encourage more business and resi- In the Big Deals 2008 Office Leases list on Page 19 of the Jan. 26 cussing government aid of al City name remain on the bank’s dential customers to generate pow- edition, the landlord of the property at 3155 W. Big Beaver Road should about $18.5 billion to help sup- 272 branches in Michigan at least er from sources like wind and sun. have been identified as Nemer Property Group. pliers. through the end of the year, ac- — Amy Lane UP
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February 9, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 3 ESD arm seeks Indian model Focus: Business Education
ESD headquar- Symposiums planned to foster collaboration SYMPOSIUM ters in South- field. What: Legal risk BY TOM HENDERSON dispute resolu- which drastically reduces a wide Webb said mitigation CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS tion and is head range of insurance costs for indi- he hopes to of the ESD Insti- viduals and businesses on reserva- Where: ESD in have about 30 Southfield Christopher Webb, director of a tute, flew to Col- tions, as a template for reducing government, new institute announced last week When: March orado on insurance and legal costs in the 19-20 union and in- Need to find work? Colleges, by the Southfield-based Engineering dustry leaders Wednesday to ESD’s proposed enterprise zone. Contact: Society of Detroit, hopes to use meet with attor- “Part of my mission to get on a www.esdinstitute. at the sympo- universities have programs to lessons learned by American Indi- neys of the law plane and go out there is to say, org sium, whose ans in running their sovereign na- firm of Freder- ‘What do you have that we can topic is legal help, Page 11. tions to help rebuild the state econ- icks, Pelcyger, use?’ to see if we can bring their risk mitigation. omy and to create a Michigan Webb Hester & White expertise back to our symposium, He said ESD hopes to host a two- Green Enterprise Zone without L.L.C., which to see if it works in the context of day symposium every three government funding. specializes in Indian Nations law. our culture,” said Webb just before months, with subsequent topics Company index Webb, an attorney who special- Webb said he hopes to use the In- he left, referring to a symposium These organizations appear in this week’s Crain’s See ESD, Page 26 izes in mediation and alternative dian model of dispute resolution, scheduled for March 19-20 at the Detroit Business: Anderson Economics Group ...... 17 Ann Arbor Automotive ...... 19 ArvinMeritor ...... 29 Asterand ...... 4 Atwell-Hicks ...... 19 Automation Alley ...... 18 Baker College ...... 12 Center for Film Studies ...... 14 Bridge plan has Delray waiting Consumers Energy ...... 7 Detroit Federation of Musicians ...... 27 Detroit Institute of Arts ...... 3 Detroit Renaissance ...... 26 Fates of businesses, Detroit Symphony Orchestra ...... 27 Engineering Society of Detroit ...... 3 Great Lakes Towers ...... 19 homes hang on decision Gorno Ford ...... 19 Henry Ford Community College ...... 12 Henry Ford Health System ...... 11 BY NANCY KAFFER Karmanos Cancer Institute ...... 24 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Kinetic Post ...... 28 Kovacs Bar ...... 3 Bob Evans is waiting for a check. Kwasny Co...... 16 Evans and wife Delores bought Kovacs Bar in Lawrence Technological University ...... 11 tiny Delray, a neighborhood on Detroit’s west Lockeman’s Hardware and Boats ...... 29 riverfront, about 13 years ago. It was a second Macomb Community College ...... 13 career that Evans, a former Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Assn...... 1 real estate agent, describes as a Mich. Econ. Development Corp...... 6 FOR SALE? “fling.” Mich. Dept. of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth 19 Mich. Dept. of Environmental Quality ...... 7 ArvinMeritor It’s a fling that’s lost its lus- Michigan Film Office ...... 14 mulls selling ter. Michigan Nonprofit Assn...... 26 Delray tech Layoffs at the Zug Island Michigan Production Alliance ...... 14 center. plants that line Delray’s south- Michigan Suburbs Alliance ...... 7 Page 29 ern border effectively ended MichiGinns Real Estate ...... 19 Evans’ lunch trade. The bar Models & Tools ...... 19 owner says he would have sold five or six years NSS Technologies ...... 25 ago, but the poor economy put an end to those Oakland Community College ...... 12 prospects. Oakland University ...... 11 Oakwood Healthcare ...... 24 Two years ago, Evans learned about the De- Page Toyota ...... 19 troit River International Crossing. People and Land ...... 6 NATHAN SKID/CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Kovacs Bar is among the 43 to 56 Delray busi- Plex Systems ...... 18 Bob Evans and his wife, Delores, have owned Kovacs Bar for about 13 years. The bar is among 43-56 nesses marked for relocation, should the Michi- Public Sector Consultants ...... 6 Delray businesses slated for relocation if a bridge plan moves forward. He’s waiting for his check. See Delray, Page 29 S3 Entertainment Group ...... 14 Schoolcraft College ...... 12 Southwest Detroit Business Assoc...... 29 St. John Health ...... 24 Stardock Systems ...... 19 Stephen M. Ross School of Business ...... 15 Suburban Collection ...... 19 TechTown ...... 4 DIA may loan out parts of its permanent collection Trenton Forging ...... 25 University of Michigan ...... 15 BY SHERRI BEGIN WELCH unavailable to patrons at the peers around the country for loaning out the Village Ford ...... 19 W Industries ...... 19 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS collection’s home museum. collection for what ultimately amounted to a The DIA loaned 90 pieces seven-figure sum the DIA put toward renova- Walsh College ...... 11 The Detroit Institute of Arts is considering of its American Beauty col- tions. Wayne County Community College ...... 13 Wayne State University ...... 13 loaning out parts of its permanent collection to lection to Europe a few years “But since then, it’s become a common prac- improve its cash flow. ago and then to a limited tice,” he said. “Traditionally, you’d say this is a last re- number of U.S. museums, be- The “Monet to Dali” exhibit, which ran from Department index sort,” said DIA Director Graham Beal. tween 2002 and 2004 during October through mid-January at the DIA, was The Association of Art Museum Directors — of the museum’s renovation, on loan from the Cleveland Museum of Art. BANKRUPTCIES ...... 6 which Beal is a member —prefers loaning out Beal said. And the Art Institute of Chicago recently BUSINESS DIARY ...... 21 permanent collections for academic rather Beal But it stopped the tour at a loaned a major portion of its impressionist col- CALENDAR ...... 20 than financial reasons, he said. certain point “not because lection to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, CAREERWORKS ...... 22 Loaning collections puts the artwork in dan- there weren’t more interested venues, but be- Texas, said Dewey Blanton, manager of media CAPITOL BRIEFINGS...... 7 ger of being damaged from the jostling of re- cause the artworks — painting and sculptures relations at the Washington, D.C.-based Ameri- CLASSIFIED ADS ...... 22 peated transporting, uncrating and installa- — needed to come back and rest,” he said. tion, Beal said, and in some cases, makes them At the time, Beal said he was chided by his See DIA, Page 26 KEITH CRAIN...... 8 LETTERS...... 8 OPINION ...... 8 OTHER VOICES ...... 9 A new blogger Video tour of UM biz school Small talk THIS WEEK @ Reporter Ryan Beene offers insight into See inside the new The smart PEOPLE ...... 23 the auto supplier and steel industries and Stephen M. Ross School businesses face RUMBLINGS ...... 30 WWW.CRAINSDETROIT.COM of Business. 2009 head-on. higher education. WEEK IN REVIEW...... 30 20090209-NEWS--0004-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/6/2009 5:10 PM Page 1
Page 4 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 9, 2009
What in the World? TAKING STOCK Today, she plays with a beach NEWS ABOUT DETROIT AREA PUBLIC COMPANIES ball. Tomorrow, the weight of the world will be on her shoulders and the shoulders of all our children. What sort of world will it be? Asterand sees first yearly profit, There are men who are committed to building a world that values the worth of the individual, that will allow every child to reach his/her potential. There are men who are wants acquisitions, partnership committed to building a world in Inc., had agreed to license a series of posal 2 in November and by Presi- which morality, character and BY TOM HENDERSON compounds discovered by Asterand dent Obama’s approval of federal traditional values matter. CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS that have promise in treating such funding for research on expanded Who are these men? Asterand plc, a human tissue-bank eye diseases as glaucoma. lines of embryonic stem cells. They are Scottish Rite Masons. company traded on the London Stock Allergan agreed to an upfront “That’s complementary to what Exchange (LSE: ATD) but headquar- payment of $6.25 million with mile- we do. We’re looking at ways to ex- tered in Detroit’s TechTown, has stone payments that could boost pand there, and we’re excited about seen its stock price soar over the the total licensing agreement to the possibilities,” said Coombs, Scottish Rite Masonry last year 12 months, from 6 pence (a $56 million. who said collaboration with an ex- Making a Real Difference! bit less than 9 cents) last February Coombs said he would like to isting company that does cell re- to a close of 17 pence on Friday. eventually list Asterand on the search is a likely way for Asterand Final figures for 2008 won’t be Nasdaq exchange but needed to to enter that business. www.32ndDegreeMasons.org 877.320.6432 released until March 30, but CEO grow the company substantially, When asked if he was in talks Martyn Coombs confirmed for to make the membership fees and with any such companies about a Crain’s last cost of Sarbanes-Oxley compliance joint venture, he said: “We’re in week that the worthwhile. these discussions all the time.” company had Asterand is growing. About two- Coombs said he hopes to further the first prof- thirds of its 90 employees are in De- drive revenue by a new line of itable year in its troit, where Coombs hopes to add business. Asterand recently fin- history. three sales reps, a human resources ished a $2.9 million U.S. Department Coombs said manager, two IT staff and a chief of Defense contract to do an inven- he expects to in- science officer this year. There are tory and quality analysis of the ex- crease the bot- no plans to add to its UK operations. tensive tissue bank at the Armed tom line again Coombs said he is also in negoti- Forces Institute of Pathology in this year and is Coombs ations with Charlton to expand Washington, D.C. on the prowl Asterand’s presence in TechTown, Coombs said there are many both for acquisitions and for a where it already takes up most of biotech and pharma companies partnership to break into the em- the fifth floor. and university researchers that bryonic stem-cell market. One driver for growth is the push have tissue banks but aren’t sure “We’d like to do the acquisitions for large pharmaceutical compa- what tissues are still viable or sooner rather than later,” said nies such as Pfizer Inc. to downsize, even the extent of what they have Coombs, who replaced founder requiring them to outsource more stored, and having finished the Randal Charlton, now the execu- of their work. Companies that used DOD contract, Asterand has a tem- tive director of TechTown, in 2007. to maintain their own stockpiles of plate for doing that work. On Dec. 31, the London Daily human tissue are more likely to or- He said the company will make Mail ran its annual Hero and Zero der it from Asterand, or its competi- a presentation at a National Cancer feature to honor and dishonor the tors, which include German-based Institute conference in Maryland in CEOs of the best- and worst-per- Indivumed Gmbh and California- March and at other conferences forming stocks on the London ex- based Cureline Inc. elsewhere in the year to promote change for the year. Coombs was “We should see 40 percent that business. the hero, Asterand’s stock having growth in our core business year “We hope to build a substantive risen then by 150 percent, from a this year,” said Coombs. business in that area,” said low of 5 pence at the end of 2007. He hopes another driver could be Coombs. Two English research firms rate stem-cell research in Michigan, Tom Henderson: (313) 446-0337, the stock a buy — Edison Investment buoyed first by the passage of Pro- [email protected] February 14th - 22nd Research Ltd. and Daniel Stewart & Co. “Asterand’s transformation has COBO CENTER been driven by a revamped senior management team, which is build- ing on credibility and delivering on STREET TALK promises made a year ago,” said a THIS WEEK’S STOCK TOTALS: 20 GAINERS, 40 LOSERS, 12 UNCHANGED HUNDREDS of Boats & report Edison issued in September. The Stewart report, issued in CDB’S TOP PERFORMERS 02/06 01/30 PERCENT August, projected a target price of CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE Accessories at HUGE Savings! 22 pence. 1. BorgWarner Inc. $21.05 $16.88 24.70 Edison projected net income of 2. Amerigon Inc. 4.26 3.43 24.20 Financing Available! 3.3 million pounds for 2008, follow- 3. Pulte Homes Inc. 12.34 10.15 21.58 ing losses of 8.8 million pounds, 2.5 4. Kelly Services Inc. 10.66 9.06 17.66 million pounds and 1.9 million 5. Asset Acceptance Capital Corp. 4.91 4.19 17.18 Discount tickets and more info available at pounds, respectively in 2005, 2006 6. Caraco Pharm. Laboratories Ltd. 5.27 4.60 14.57 and 2007. www.DetroitBoatShow.net 7. Penske Auto Group Inc. 8.47 7.42 14.15 Currently, a pound is worth 8. Rockwell Medical Technologies Inc. 4.10 3.61 13.57 $1.45. 9. Universal Truckload Services Inc. 14.00 12.36 13.27 Daniel Stewart predicted an op- 10. Kaydon Corp. 30.80 27.20 13.24 erating profit in 2008 of 3.1 million 02/06 01/30 PERCENT pounds. CDB’S LOW PERFORMERS CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE Asterand nearly broke even for 1. TechTeam Global Inc. $4.00 $4.80 -16.67 the first six months that ended June 2. Saga Communications Inc. 4.05 4.41 -8.16 30, with a loss of 61,000 pounds or 6 3. Perceptron Inc. 3.24 3.44 -5.81 pence a share, compared with a loss 4. Syntel Inc. 20.50 21.55 -4.87 of 971,000 pounds or 94 pence for the 5. Eagle Capital Growth Fund Inc. 4.19 4.35 -3.68 first six months of 2007. 6. TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. 3.00 3.09 -2.91 Revenue in the six months was 7. Ramco-Gershenson Prop. 4.82 4.92 -2.03 5.1 million pounds, compared with 8. Credit Acceptance Corp. 17.75 18.05 -1.66 3.6 million for the first half of 2007 9. Tecumseh Products Co. 8.16 8.20 -0.49 and 7.6 million for the full year. 10. Oxford Bank Corp./MI 9.00 9.00 0.00 On Aug. 27, Asterand made an Source: Bloomberg News. From a list of publicly owned companies with headquarters announcement that sent its price in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw or Livingston counties. soaring, from 7.5 pence to 16 pence — a biotech in California, Allergan DBpageAD.qxd 1/26/2009 3:39 PM Page 1
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Page 6 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 9, 2009 PAL develops, seeks backers for ‘pillars of prosperity’ to help state
BY SHERRI BEGIN WELCH The other co-director of the ef- units,” said Brad Garmon, land CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS fort is Soji Adelaja, John A. Han- programs director at the Michigan A lot of Michigan’s challenges are nah Distinguished Professor in Environmental Council and a mem- People and Land, a coalition “ Land Policy at Michigan State Uni- ber of PAL’s leadership council. working to spur Michigan’s pros- because we haven’t been ready for the versity’s Land Policy Institute. In the run-up to the 2010 elec- perity, is attempting to forge re- future. PAL is also trying to get Michi- tions, PAL hopes to push a number gional support and action on a ” gan residents to focus on how the of issues it feels are important. It number of initiatives it believes state’s natural and cultural assets has developed what it calls “Six William Rustem, Public Sector Consultants will better position the state for figure into our economic develop- Pillars for Prosperity.” the future. ment strategy, said Julie Bennett, They include: The group has begun meeting PAL, founded in 2000 and funded “A lot of Michigan’s (current) program manager of PAL for Pub- Rebuilding attractive cities with lawmakers, media, chambers by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is challenges are because we haven’t lic Sector Consultants. and neighborhoods to attract and of commerce and the broad range seeking both legislative and non- been ready for the future,” he said. “We need to act regionally, to get retain young talent. of PAL’s coalition members to pro- legislative actions, said co-director “The Michigan Economic Develop- more bang for our buck from feder- Supporting highly competi- mote six areas the group has iden- William Rustem, president and ment Corp. has traditionally been al dollars that are expected to tive schools and lifelong learning tified as pivotal for the state’s fu- CEO of Public Sector Consultants in chasing factories, now they’re fo- come into Michigan, rather than opportunities. ture. Lansing. cusing on talent.” acting as individual government Shifting attention to knowl- edge-based technologies for Michi- gan’s future. Strategically planning for a thriving agriculture industry to spur Michigan’s economy. Enhancing and promoting
SM natural resources for recreation and job creation. Creating an inclusive and en- trepreneurial culture. “In the last election, nobody was talking about those things,” Ben- nett said. PAL wants the candi- “I can’t afford health dates to talk about issues it has identified as paramount. Over the past nine years, PAL has made grants to groups work- care for my retirees.” ing on land-use issues in Michi- gan, such as farmland preserva- Sound familiar? In today’s challenging economy, businesses like yours are struggling tion and forestry initiatives. Last fall, it shifted those grants between offering health care to Medicare-eligible retirees and maintaining a healthy to groups working regionally on bottom line. the pillars, awarding $1.3 million total to nine collaborations. Our Medicare Advantage plan, BCN Advantage, can help you do both. Among them was a grant of $75,000 to the Tourism and Economic Development Council of the Metro De- Thousands of Michigan retirees are already enrolled in BCN Advantage through troit Convention & Visitors Bureau for businesses that are realizing significant cost-savings and are providing their retirees “Developing the D,” a project to or- BCN Advantage with outstanding benefits. In fact, a typical employer who offers BCN Advantage saves ganize communities in the region as destination districts for resi- anywhere from 20 percent to 45 percent on retiree benefit costs and enjoys: dents, visitors and investors. In addition, the Michigan Suburbs Alliance, which also received a PAL Benefits grant of $75,000 last fall, will use its s #HOOSE FROM TWO PLAN OPTIONS SMALL GROUPS ONLY funds to support its Millennial May- or’s Congress project aimed at en- s #USTOMIZE SELECT COPAYMENTS AND COINSURANCE LEVELS gaging city leaders with the mil- (large groups only). lennial generation. s !DD A "#. COMPREHENSIVE DRUG PLAN ALL GROUPS THAT 866-966-BLUE Sherri Begin Welch: (313) 446- qualifies as Medicare Part D, and eliminate the hassle of Call (2583) 1694, [email protected] filing for the retiree drug subsidy. or 800-431-7944 (TTY) any Access day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. s 4HOUSANDS OF PHYSICIANS IN A STRUCTURED NETWORK OF PRIMARY care physicians, specialists and hospitals to help your or retirees get the right care at the right time and place BANKRUPTCIES Contact your Blues The following businesses filed Travel for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Jan. s %MERGENCY AND URGENT CARE COVERAGE ANYWHERE representative or 30-Feb. 5. Under Chapter 11, a com- s #OVERAGE FOR ROUTINE AND FOLLOW UP CARE FOR EXTENDED STAYS independent agent. pany files for reorganization. anywhere in the USA Chapter 7 involves total liquida- tion. Quality Stewart’s Menswear Inc., 5368 Dix- ie Highway, Waterford Township, s .#1! ACCREDITATION voluntary Chapter 7. Assets and li- abilities not available s $EDICATED "#. !DVANTAGE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT Mathson Industries Inc., 1845 Thunderbird St., Troy, voluntary Chapter 7. Assets: $2.3 million; lia- bilities: $8 million SGB Acquisitions, 1045 Brush St., Detroit, voluntary Chapter 11. As- MiBCN.com/medicare sets and liabilities not available Mexus Transport Inc., 18600 H5883_09 O BCNARetHthCr_013009 Northville Road, Suite 900, Blue Care Network contracts with the federal government and is a nonprofit Northville, involuntary Chapter 7. corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Assets and liabilities not avail- CDB able. — Compiled by Mark Lewis 20090209-NEWS--0007-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/6/2009 5:11 PM Page 1
February 9, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 7 Plan for coal-plant scrutiny draws fire
LANSING – Contro- gan’s energy demands ment than proposed plants. cost,” Holyfield said. “We’ll now Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire, versy and questions are should be met through “It is frustrating because we were have to see what we have to do to and Rep. Ken Horn, R-Franken- flaring up over Gov. Jen- Capitol renewable energy and so close to having our draft permits validate that in their eyes.” muth, have asked Michigan Attor- nifer Granholm’s direc- Briefings energy efficiency, and issued. We were within weeks if not DEQ public information officer ney General Mike Cox to issue an tive requiring more that the proposed plants’ days of having that happen, and Robert McCann said the state will opinion on the directive’s legality. scrutiny of proposed emissions of carbon diox- now this is going to cause a delay,” now be able “to take a more com- coal-fired power plants. ide and other greenhouse said Jeff Holyfield, director of news prehensive approach” to applica- The directive, issued gases will exacerbate en- and information at Consumers par- tions, instead of limiting DEQ re- Short takes in conjunction with the vironmental problems. ent CMS Energy Corp. view to air quality requirements. The state Senate has passed a State of the State address Mike Shriberg, policy “It just adds another hurdle to get “This isn’t a moratorium on bill designed to block a proposed er- last week, requires state director of the Ann Ar- over to get the plant permitted, and coal,” McCann said. But he said gonomics rule. Senate Bill 93, ap- regulators to consider bor-based Ecology Center, in our view, it just duplicates the that if the state is to make deci- proved 20-16, would prohibit the factors that include less- said Granholm’s overall process that is going to take place at Amy Lane sions on power in Michigan “for state from establishing its own rule polluting alternatives, energy proposal “would the Michigan decades to come, let’s make sure for workplace ergonomics. The bill before granting air permits. put Michigan among the leading Public Service it’s the right decision and look at now goes to the state House. Republicans are challenging states in advocating for jobs-rich Commission.” everything on the table. And that’s Attorney General Mike Cox on Granholm’s legal authority, and clean energy and moving away Under Michi- what we’re going to do.” Monday asked the Michigan Court of business interests question how the from dirty energy sources. gan’s 2008 ener- McCann said DEQ will analyze Appeals to reverse two rulings that added review meshes with power “The governor put out a bold gy laws, utilities if there “is really a need to build allow Accident Fund Insurance Co. of plant approval processes estab- goal that would completely change must apply to this plant at this time,” looking at America, a for-profit subsidiary of lished by 2008 energy legislation. the energy future of the state, if the PSC to build issues such as customer base and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, to The broadened scrutiny is part completely implemented,” he said. a plant or enter electricity demand. buy other companies. of an energy platform Granholm But the additional air permit- into a long-term The DEQ also will require an The Michigan Nonprofit Associa- unveiled that focuses on increased ting factors immediately raise the power purchase Holyfield analysis of less-polluting alterna- tion is working with Johns Hopkins renewable energy, gains in energy bar on four coal-fired plants mov- agreement. The tives, such as plants that use still- University in Baltimore to compile a efficiency and reducing Michi- ing through the permitting PSC will review analysis of cus- developing technology to reduce or list of “shovel-ready” projects to gan’s reliance on imported fossil process, the largest of which is tomer demand, technology, costs, capture emissions, other sources get before legislators as they make fuels for generating electricity by Consumers’ proposed 930 timetable and other factors before of electricity generation, energy ef- decisions on economic recovery 45 percent by 2020. megawatt plant near Bay City, ex- issuing a certificate of necessity. ficiency programs or load manage- programs the federal government As Crain’s reported last week, pected to cost more than $2 billion. Holyfield said the DEQ has noti- ment programs to reduce overall will fund. environmental groups battling Granholm has directed the fied Consumers that its permit ap- electricity demand. The Michigan Supreme Court on new coal plants being developed Michigan Department of Environmen- plication is now on hold and will Granholm cites the federal Thursday let stand a ruling that by Consumers Energy Co. and other tal Quality, assisted by the Michigan be considered incomplete. Clean Air Act as giving the DEQ prevents the city of Detroit from utilities had called on Granholm to Public Service Commission, to scruti- “We’ve already done an exten- discretion to consider alternatives selling the Rackham Golf Course issue a moratorium halting per- nize the need for additional elec- sive analysis and determined a to proposed sources of air emis- in Huntington Woods to a housing mits for the plants. tricity generation and all “feasible coal-fired power plant represented sions when determining whether developer, the AP reported. Opponents have said the new and prudent” alternatives that the best option to serve our cus- or not to grant air permits. Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, plants aren’t needed, that Michi- could better protect the environ- tomers, in terms of reliability and But House Minority Leader [email protected].
By linking business theories and practices, our three-year Informational Sessions: Doctor of Management in Executive Leadership – the • Thursday, February 26, 6-8pm – Novi campus highest Walsh degree – can help take your business, • Wednesday, March 4, 6-8pm – Troy campus mentoring, or teaching career to the next level. Upcoming info sessions feature a presentation by Dr. David Allardice Questions? Ready to RSVP? Contact 248-823-1207, and a panel of faculty and current cohort students. [email protected], or visit walshcollege.edu/dmel 20090209-NEWS--0008-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/6/2009 4:17 PM Page 1
Page 8 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 9, 2009 OPINION LETTERS Granholm should Apology to frustrated job seeker Editor: against the onslaught of negative Crain’s Detroit Business In response to “A tale from the publicity. Rather than join that welcomes letters to the editor. front of the Michigan unemploy- chorus and list all Detroit’s virtues All letters will be considered for listen to commission ment line” written by Jennifer publication, provided they are (of which there are too many to Knighstep (Other Voices, Jan. 26), signed and do not defame enumerate and because of which I the board of directors of the Ma- would live nowhere else), allow me here was much to like in Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s individuals or organizations. comb-St. Clair Workforce Develop- Letters may be edited for length to recount my last two Sundays as State of the State address last week, but then, there it ment Board, members of the admin- and clarity. a snapshot of what makes me love istrative staff of the Macomb-St. this area. T was — another commission. Write: Editor, Crain’s Detroit Clair Michigan Works Agency as The governor said she was asking Lt. Gov. John Cherry to Business, 1155 Gratiot Ave., On Jan. 25, I had the honor of well as contracted staff of Macomb- meeting youth from the Mosaic “lead a comprehensive effort to dramatically change the shape Detroit, MI 48207-2997. St. Clair Michigan Works service Youth Theatre of Detroit. They E-mail: [email protected] and size of state government,” including the reduction of the centers, have expressed a sincere will be doing a show in May called number of state departments from 18 to eight, adding technolo- apology to Ms. Knighstep for frus- “Crossing Eight Mile,” and execu- gy and reforming civil service. tration she encountered while try- We assure Ms. Knighstep and tive director Rick Sperling asked We’d like to stand up and cheer. We really would. It’s the ing to access the No Worker Left Be- the thousands of customers who that I provide the historical popu- hind program. visit a Macomb or St. Clair County kind of structural change the governor has been avoiding lation patterns that have resulted There is never an excuse for the Michigan Works service center while she tinkered around the edges of the budget through her in our city-suburb split. The two frustration she experienced. each month that we are committed hours that I spent were a gift, as Michigan Works service centers first six years of office. (The governor noted in her address to doing better. each of the youths (living in both have an unprecedented number of that she has made more budget cuts than any other previous Charles Shaw Detroit and a variety of suburbs) job seekers visiting each week due governor. We won’t dispute that, but simply note that from Chairman of the Board of Directors provided his-her view of our re- to Michigan’s high unemployment Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board gion. Each showed passion in his- where we sit it has always looked more reactive than part of a rate. Case managers are dedicated, larger plan. The executive budget of 2006, for example, accept- yet sometimes overwhelmed with The riches of Detroit her comments, and I was struck by ed the fact of a structural deficit but relied on fostering eco- their caseload numbers. But, Editor: the fact that these important voic- es are not part of the dialogue. nomic growth as a solution. That’s an important state goal, but everyone visiting our centers de- There have been a number of ar- it’s not a budget strategy.) serves a quality experience. ticles recently defending Detroit See Letters, Page 9 The state of Michigan has had some experience with the governor’s commissions. She has shown laudable willingness to appoint smart, qualified experts to commissions and to con- duct studies, but not nearly the same enthusiasm for adopting their recommendations. TALK ON THE WEB John Bebow notes these among many commissions and From www.crainsdetroit.com studies on a Thursday posting at www.centerformichigan.net: A 2006 local-government commission that proposed ways RE: 2 groups vie for movie studio: Reader responses to stories and RE: Plan to cut agencies, State Fair to promote service sharing and other cost-lowering measures. Over the years hazardous waste blogs that appeared on Crain’s The Michigan Legislature has A panel of budget experts in 2007 that offered ways to cut was not properly disposed of in those Web site. Comments may be lost sight of the fact that they are costs and increase accountability. facilities. This should cause major edited for length and clarity. public servants. In addition to tak- concerns and could cost a fortune ing pay cuts, they need to take In both cases, many good ideas were left on the table. for cleanup. more responsibility for their own Due to report in a few weeks is a commission of financiers, Anonymous could see the kind of revenue film health care. lawyers, and budget experts appointed by House Speaker Andy work gets, I’d vote to give them an in- Anonymous Dillon and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop that is finishing Our industry needs the work of pio- centive, too. neers such as S3 and 23rd Street Mark Adler a two-year project to reinvent state government. RE: Senate votes to repeal surcharge Studios as well as the hard work of Will this panel’s work be used in paring the number of the legislators that brought this in- Andy Dillon has already said the state departments? Or will Cherry start from scratch? centive package to life. RE: ‘Let’s meet in the D’ program repeal of the MBT surcharge will have With less than two years left to go before she exits the gov- Anonymous Changing our brand because the to be “revenue neutral,” just as the governor said, meaning any reduc- ernor’s office, Granholm is running out of time to leave state city has suffered manifests a desire to hang a new facade in front of a grim tion in state income will be made government in structurally good shape. From a pragmatic RE: Mary Kramer’s ‘Gran Torino’ blog: up by taxing small businesses reality. We need to clean the grim I believe that tax credits are a some other way. standpoint, she needs to protect her own political future and reality, not pretend it does not ex- that of her party’s next candidate for governor. But the larger great way to bring a portion of the jobs Anonymous related to filmmaking to our state. It’s ist. Let’s leave the “D” to Dallas issue — which we do believe the governor sincerely cares great to have an industry like film- and be ourselves. There should be no Small Busi- about — is that this state needs to see that its leaders can do making that is growing and not Anonymous ness Tax whatsoever. Small busi- the hard work of moving into the future. And it needs to see feeling the downsizing that most ness should not have to carry the bur- that sooner than two or three or four years from now. other industries are experiencing. Perhaps it’s time for the Detroit den of lousy state government. Regional Chamber’s management Granholm has an opportunity to show she’s serious about Roman Nestorowicz Everyone is struggling as it is. conference to meet in Detroit instead This tax destroys any profits for government reform in her budget address this week. We hope If a pharmacy company or auto of on Mackinac Island. small businesses. she takes it. manufacturer or tool and die shop Agostinho Fernandes Anonymous
KEITH CRAIN: Democracy isn’t free, even in Detroit In just a couple of weeks, the facing each other in when we get around to mocratic or Republican candidates. to learn to lower expectations and city of Detroit will have its first of May, we’ll just have to voting. They should The election of the next mayor of do more with less revenue. It is four elections with a huge slate of wait and see. know the candidates and Detroit is critically important for amazing that there is anyone who candidates vying for the top two But the real travesty is the issues. I have often the survival of this city. There are is willing to take on this difficult spots in the first primary for an going to be the turnout suggested that if they going to be some huge budget is- task, much less more than a dozen election for mayor for six months. for this first and perhaps don’t have any idea as to sues as well as governance and ed- individuals. The top two candidates will face the most important pri- the values of the candi- ucation. Chances are almost cer- Rather than dwell on the low each other in the general election in mary election. dates or have never tain that the mayor and the city voter turnout, perhaps it makes May. Chances are pretty good that I have heard numbers heard of the issues, then will become responsible for the De- more sense to hope that the city whoever wins the first six-month that only 15 percent to maybe it’s just as well troit Public Schools. will see 100 percent of educated, in- election is going to have a real ad- 20 percent of the regis- that they don’t vote. It is also certain that the rev- formed voters turn out for this vantage in the next primary and tered electorate will ac- Although that’s con- enues flowing to the city are going first and most important primary. election for the full four-year term, tually vote in that primary. That’s trary to the whole philosophy of get- to continue to fall as taxpayers in It’s an important election for the which will be held in November. sad and disappointing. ting everyone to vote, it certainly the city pay less and less property, future of Detroit but more impor- Although I have my own guesses I have always believed that we makes the most sense in a nonparti- sales and income tax. tantly the future of Southeast as to which two candidates will be need to have an educated electorate san election where there are no De- The next mayor is going to have Michigan and the entire state. 20090209-NEWS--0009-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/5/2009 4:53 PM Page 1
February 9, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 9 OTHER VOICES: Let’s grow the urban appeal of Detroit We can call to spine along Wood- Promising neighborhoods along isting businesses and can attract is working for organizations such mind the chal- ward Avenue and this spine should be identified, and visitors. To jumpstart the ailing as the DIA and the Detroit Zoo. The lenges in Detroit, close by, from city services and support to neigh- residential market, anchor institu- envisioned remodeling of Cobo Cen- but we must also Grand Boulevard borhood associations should inten- tions might collectively fund ter will be a litmus test for our re- remember its at- to the riverfront. sify within these areas so that they rental and mortgage subsidies for gion. Once tackled, it sets the stage tributes: its river- Critical anchors become clean, safe and attractive their employees. for regional cooperation for more front, architec- in the extended to new residents and investment. We can learn from the Chicago arenas. Some private concepts are tural gems, and a Midtown include Yes, this is a form of triage. How- model, says Lou Glazer of Michigan already underway and welcomed. stabilized and po- Wayne State Uni- ever, these times call for bold ap- Future Inc. Essential components of We should find ways, such as light tentially enlarged versity, the DMC, proaches, which may even mean this model include a development- rail, to better connect our central central city em- Bieri Boyle the DIA and Or- relocation of residents to solidify and business-friendly zoning and core, bringing folks from our air- ployment base. chestra Hall. We those regions with the most regulatory environment, contribu- port to destinations like downtown Detroit has an opportunity to re- must strengthen this cluster and promise for livability. tions from many cultures, an invit- Detroit or Ann Arbor, and make it shape itself as a distinctive urban further improve infrastructure and We should stimulate the cre- ing arts and culture scene, quality easier for suburbanites to enjoy a environment that works. As pro- enhance entrepreneurship here. ation of small businesses, loan pro- outdoor spaces, involvement of revitalized city center. fessionals, we would like to offer And with the construction of transit grams, tax credits and other finan- young career people in the commu- The next moves are up to us. observations and suggestions on systems proposed for Woodward, cial incentives to help grow and nity, and good policing. Robin Boyle and James Bieri are where to go from here. the opportunity for “transit-orient- sustain businesses that serve resi- We need more practical regional- co-chairs of Urban Land Institute We already have a strong central ed development” comes ever closer. dents well, have synergy with ex- ism, as has been demonstrated and Detroit.
LETTERS CONTINUED ■ From Page 8 These are our future leaders, but they will be leaders in Chicago, At- lanta, Boston, etc., unless we begin to listen and learn from them. Sev- eral of us have come together with Rick, his staff and youth, to begin planning for community dialogues in April — prior to the show. We hope that youth and adults across the region will join us in this en- deavor. This past Sunday I attended the 12th Annual Sphinx Competition for young black and Latino string players. The Sphinx Organization, developed and led by Aaron Dworkin, has as its vision “a world in which classical music reflects cultural diversity and plays a role in the everyday lives of youth.” Its goal is to increase the participa- tion of black and Latino youth in classical music endeavors. The inspiration I felt as I sat in the audience listening to the Sphinx Orchestra and the finalists in both the junior and senior divi- sions is indescribable. If everyone could have the opportunity to see the film that described the five ma- jor programs within Sphinx and ANYWHERE EVERYWHERE see the faces of the children hold- ANYWHERE EVERYWHERE ing their first violin, or “learning A degree accessible from in the world... prepares you to go you want to go. the ropes” from the Harlem Quar- tet, funding would be a nonissue. We are truly fortunate to have these two organizations call De- Graduate Degrees Offered You shouldn’t have to choose between convenience troit home. They represent our and prestige… s -"! Evening and Online ambassadors to the wider world, Concentration areas: and they represent the future of s %NROLL IN ONLINE CLASSES EVENING CLASSES ON CAMPUS OR OPT FOR A !CCOUNTING our region and our nation. When- COMBINATION OF BOTH &INANCE ever you have the opportunity to )NTERNATIONAL "USINESS experience either, please take it. s &ORGE