DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 1 CDB 3/2/2007 6:12 PM Page 1

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http://www.crainsdetroit.com Vol. 23, No. 10 MARCH 5 – 11, 2007 $2 a copy; $59 a year

©Entire contents copyright 2007 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved THIS JUST IN Corktown Indian company buys Telecom expansion Lason in $148M deal group pushes HOV Services, a business- process outsourcing firm based in Pune, India, has plan for Tiger acquired Troy-based Lason Inc. for $148 million, ac- cording to a statement is- drives hiring binge sued Tuesday by HOV. Stadium The sale came just two- and-a-half years after New York City-based private-eq- Works with city, Comcast to add 500 people uity firm Charterhouse Group Inc. bought the once- troubled company in Au- sports hall as competition heats up gust 2004 for $30 million. The company previously BY SHERRI BEGIN BY AMY LANE sell small and medium-sized busi- had been mired in an ac- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT nesses bundled video and high- counting scandal, debt speed Internet, potentially joined from too-rapid expansion A new conservancy formed by LANSING — After adding by phone service later this year. and a shareholder lawsuit the Greater Corktown Development more than 500 people in Michi- “The demand for products and that led to a Chapter 11 fil- Corp. is working on plans to rede- gan in 2006, cable provider Com- services is really driving it,” said ing from which it emerged velop the baseball field at Tiger cast Corp. is planning to hire 500 Jerome Espy, director of commu- in July 2002. Stadium into a park for youth more this year. Most of the hires nications for Comcast’s Michigan Three former executives sports programs and is talking are in Southeast Michigan. operations, based in Southfield. with the Michigan Sports Hall of Technicians who install ser- — Chairman Gary Monroe, Comcast faces a major heavy- GETTY IMAGES CFO William Rauwerdink Fame about making the site its per- vice and call-center representa- weight wading into its video ter- and COO John Messinger — manent home — possibly in a tives who work with customers ritory, with AT&T Inc.’s expected all pleaded guilty to crimi- piece of the existing stadium. are among the jobs Comcast is launch this year of its new video WHERE THE JOBS ARE nal charges related to in- The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. looking to fill, to meet demand for service. But Comcast isn’t alone Which telecom companies are flating company earnings. has a letter of existing and new residential prod- in its hiring plans. Competition staffing up locally? See box, The three have sentencing understanding ucts like local-phone service and Page 36. dates later this month and for the project INSIDE to support intensified efforts to See Telecom, Page 36 in April. with Corktown Development Want to buy a See This Just In, Page 2 serving as fidu- seat? City ciary for the prepares to auction off parts newly formed of old stadium. Old Tiger Stadi- Page 37. LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE um Conservancy On the road: The Who is the smartest, brightest until it secures Michigan Sports and most creative 20-something its own non- Hall of Fame The last dance businessperson you know? profit status, looks to take Nominate him or her for our said Cork- exhibits on tour. second-annual “20 in their 20s” town’s Project Page 37. feature to be published April 30. Manager Jeff With D.O.C sold, marketing for Golden’s We want to identify young Wattrick. people whose promise already The conservancy, which has SEE chain will follow a different tune is shaking been quietly building its board and up the capacity for fundraising, plans to BY BILL SHEA The low-key marketing and status quo launch a campaign later this year CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS advertising of the SEE stores where they to fund redevelopment of the field, won’t include Golden’s tanned work. some sort of memorial to the site Richard Golden is still selling image talking about the latest and an endowment to pay for the Who had eyeglasses, but he won’t be danc- deals (and occasionally danc- the “it” park’s upkeep, he said. It’s uncer- ing or offering deals on televi- ing), as he had done on the air idea at your tain what form the memorial sion or radio. for D.O.C since 1988. company? Examples could be might take. Golden spent nearly 20 years The strategy for SEE is far dif- the Web guru with cutting-edge Locating the Michigan Sports as the iconic pitchman for his ferent. The chain’s 19 stores rely designs, a young researcher Hall of Fame at the site would be Southfield-based D.O.C Optics on associations with a trio of na- with a major breakthrough, the ideal, Wattrick said. “They have a Corp. He, along with a brother tional causes — breast cancer, marketing whiz who isn’t 50-year history of this; there seems who co-owned the eyewear AIDS and animal rights — to constrained by traditional no reason to duplicate what chain, last week closed on a $110 connect with a more-limited tar- thinking. they’re already planning to do.” million sale of D.O.C’s 100 stores get audience. To nominate, visit The hall of fame, which has been to Italian optical giant Luxottica “We’re very cause-marketing crainsdetroit.com and click on looking for a permanent home for Group S.p.A. related,” Golden said. The com- “20 in their 20s” in the left- several years, hopes to save part of Now, Golden is concentrating hand column under “Forms and pany’s target audience is young, the stadium for its permanent lo- on his Selective Eyewear Elements Surveys.” Nominations are due hip, upscale people for which cation, said President Jim Stark. Well-known ads featuring Richard retail chain that sells glasses to Tuesday. Nominees can be no such causes are important, but The organization would need be- Golden can run for up to 90 days during older than 29 on April 30. fashion-conscious shoppers at See Stadium, Page 37 a transition period to new owners. affordable prices. See Golden, Page 36

Big cases, big bucks: Smaller universities speak out 2006’s top verdicts and against separate funding for UM, NEWSPAPER settlements, Page 11 MSU, WSU, Page 3 DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 2 CDB 3/2/2007 6:33 PM Page 1

Page 2 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS March 5, 2007

Bank president resigns the units sold and are ready to be- ing said Thursday that it will re- business development and man- THIS JUST IN gin construction. ceive more than $3.15 million in agement consulting company, be- Kathy Bledsoe has left as presi- The 50-unit project is being de- federal funding in 2007 to provide fore he joined Kuka. ■ From Page 1 dent of First Independence Bank of veloped by Peter Allen and Mark transitional and permanent hous- Kuka Robotics is owned by Detroit to help a new Detroit bank Berg and is using many green- ing to homeless families in Oak- Augsburg, Germany-based Kuka HOV’s acquisition took effect raise money for its scheduled building practices and construc- land County. Roboter GmbH. Wednesday, and Lason’s manage- launch in the second quarter. tion materials. Units range from The task force said it has been — Brent Snavely ment will remain in place, ac- Bledsoe replaced Joseph Scott, 515 square feet to 2,300 square feet awarded a McKinney Grant from cording to the statement. The president of the city’s only and prices range from $230,000 to the U.S. Department of Housing and combined companies are expect- African-American-owned com- $775,000. Urban Development. Symposium seeks presenters ed to have annual revenue of mercial bank, in 2004. She de- — Jennette Smith The funds will be distributed to The annual Growth Capital Sym- more than $200 million. clined to comment beyond saying eight agencies. They are: Commu- posium, hosted by the Stephen M. Lason is a document- and data- she and Don Davis, chairman of Strategic Staffing posts nity Housing Network, Lighthouse of Ross School of Business at the Uni- management company. First Independence, “came to a Oakland County, Training and Treat- versity of Michigan, is looking for — Sheena Harrison meeting of the minds and decided 34% revenue increase ment Innovations, Common Ground companies that want to make a to go our separate ways.” Sanctuary, Word of Faith Agape Strategic Staffing Solutions Inc. presentation to the May 15-17 con- Blue Cross earnings drop Davis didn’t return three calls House, Housing Plus, Oakland Coun- ference. last week asking for comment on generated revenue of $139 million Net earnings for Detroit-based ty Community Mental Health Authori- The symposium is open to Mid- Bledsoe’s departure. in 2006 — a 34 percent increase Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan ty and Creative Housing Resources. west companies seeking growth Donald Snider, president and over 2005. fell $127 million in 2006, the orga- The task force, founded in 1987, capital who are in information CEO of Detroit-based Paper-Plas Detroit-based Strategic Staffing is a consortium of agencies that nization said Friday. technology, life sciences and al- Inc. and chairman of First Spirit Solutions provides contracted in- work to provide services to the The Blues’ consolidated net in- ternative energy. Each company Bancorp Inc., confirmed he had formation-technology services. In homeless. come totaled $210 million for 2006, makes a 10-minute pitch in front hired Bledsoe as a consultant. His a company statement, President — Brent Snavely down from $337 million in 2005. bank is in the midst of fundrais- and CEO Cynthia Pasky attributed of angel investors, venture capi- Consolidated earnings include ing and hopes to begin operating the company’s growth in part to talists and institutional in- revenue generated by health in- in the Brinker Building in south- the acquisitions last year of Kuka Robotics has new chief vestors, followed by five minutes surance sales, investments and west Detroit at the corner of Kendall Placement Group in St. Clinton Township-based Kuka of questions and answers. subsidiaries that include Blue I-Tech Solutions Michigan Avenue and West Louis and , which Robotics Corp. said Friday it has Applicants will be narrowed to Care Network of Michigan, Accident has offices in Boston and Orlan- Grand Boulevard later this year. appointed Stuart Shepherd as its a field of 40. For information, go Fund Insurance Co. of America and do. — Tom Henderson president. to www.michigangcs.com/new DenteMax. Newly opened offices in Dallas, Shepherd has 27 years of expe- registration.asp, or call Mary Nick- The for-profit Accident Fund San Antonio and Chicago also rience in the robotic automation son at (734) 615-4424. The deadline and DenteMax had net income of Ann Arbor development contributed to the company’s rev- industry and was founder and is March 13. $33.3 million and $1 million, re- enue growth, Pasky said in the president of Shepherd Solutions, a — Tom Henderson spectively. The Blues earned $265 to break ground March 21 statement. million on investments. The Kingsley Lane Lofts in Ann — Sheena Harrison Total revenue in 2006 was $16.3 Arbor plans to break ground billion compared with $15.3 bil- March 21. The developers said de- Task force to get over $3M CORRECTION lion in 2005. The company paid spite local economic uncertainty A story in the Feb. 26 issue incorrectly said Beth Acton, CFO for out $14.6 billion in claims in 2006. linked to the Pfizer Inc. shut- The Oakland County Taskforce on Comerica Inc., was a senior vice president. She is an executive vice — Andrew Dietderich downs, they have 50 percent of Homelessness and Affordable Hous- president.

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March 5, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 3 CRAIN’S Schools spar over funding INDEX Smaller schools don’t want separate category for ‘big three’

BY SHERRI BEGIN embodies Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s mer provost at Wayne proposal has the very real AND BILL SHEA proposal to place funding for the Uni- State, said Friday in testi- potential to be divisive and CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS versity of Michigan, Michigan State mony before the House Ap- counterproductive, and University and Wayne State Univer- propriations Subcommittee on damaging to Michigan’s A coordinated bid for more fund- sity in a separate appropriations bill Higher Education at the Uni- economy,” he said. One on one: ing by the University of Michigan, from other universities — even versity of Michigan-Flint. He said students are the Mentors help younger executives. Page 23. Michigan State University and Wayne though all would get the same 2.5 per- Oakland University Presi- ones who would suffer most. State University is being seen as a hos- cent increase. dent Gary Russi also was “The proposal splinters Tall order: Magna purchase of Chrysler tile move by the state’s other public However, other university offi- critical of the plan. what we all consider one of Group would mean universities. cials have questioned why there is a “At this critical juncture the nation’s finest public changes. Page 31. university systems. It cre- And that’s despite the fact that need for separate bills unless there in Michigan’s history, Russi Easy sell: Brokers like funding bills introduced last week are funding differences in the future. when more than ever the 15 ates a wider chasm between former CompUSA don’t play favorites. “It’s a bad idea whose time has state public universities should the three largest universities and locations. Page 34. House Bill 4351, introduced last come,” Western Michigan University stand together as a unifying force for See Funding, Page 35 These organizations appear in this week by Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Chelsea, President Diether Haenicke, a for- higher education in Michigan, this week’s Crain’s Detroit Business:

ABN Amro Mortgage...... 12 American Axle & Mfg. Co. . . . . 16, 33 American Laser Centers L.L.C. . . . . 22 Arbor Consulting Group ...... 31 Asterand plc ...... 20 AT&T Inc...... 1 Baskin Law Firm P.C...... 12 Berry Johnston Szlykiel & Hunt . . . . 14 Bloomfield Park ...... 28 BorgWarner Inc...... 24 Banks see rush for new $1 coins Brooks Kushman P.C...... 11 Charfoos & Christensen ...... 14 Charter One ...... 34 Chrysler Group ...... 31 said this set has the potential to be Cingular ...... 36 Gerald Ford coin not due until 2016 valuable for collectors. Cochran Foley & Associates P.C. . . 14 Comcast Corp...... 1 Lorie Dietz, Troy-based marketing Comerica Bank ...... 24, 34 Y OWDEYA WEH ey, will give each U.S. President face manager for Huntington Bank’s East CompUSA ...... 34 B B T Computer Builders Warehouse . . . . 34 ATTER DAY PRESIDENTS SPECIAL TO CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS time on a one-dollar coin. Michigan region, said she was initial- Cox Hodgman & Giarmarco ...... 11 L - “They’re selling like hotcakes,” ly skeptical that the coins would be D.O.C Optics Corp...... 1 Local banks are seeing a greater Dean Foods Co...... 31 What about Jimmy Carter, Ronald said Kim Gabbert, spokeswoman for popular, but that Huntington has dis- Delphi Corp...... 4, 23 than expected rush for the newly Detroit Medical Center ...... 31 Reagan, Bill Clinton and the two Dearborn-based DFCU Financial Feder- tributed at least $540,000 worth in George minted Detroit Pistons ...... 14 al Credit Union. “Members are pleased Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky DFCU Financial ...... 3 Bushes? presidential and West Virginia. Dickinson Wright P.L.L.C...... 12, 14 they’re being offered. They’re so pop- Congress dollar coins. Some branches already have or- Dow Chemical Co...... 15 passed a law ular, we’ve been limiting (customers Downtown Detroit Partnership . . . . 20 Banks dered more. Each of the 41 branches Driggers, Schultz & Herbst ...... 16 in December to) $50 purchases at a time.” Federal-Mogul Corp...... 33 started cir- in her region received between 1,000 2005 that says A spokesman from the U.S. Mint Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse . . . . . 26 a president’s culating and 1,500 coins to start and have re- FMF Capital Group L.L.C...... 15 coins they said that the coins are provided to the Foley & Lardner ...... 16 image can’t be ceived more as needed, she said. Frank, Haron, Weiner & Navarro . . . 15 minted on the received banks in $25 rolls or $1,000 boxes and The plan is for four new dollar Greater Corktown Develop. Corp. . . . 1 presidential from the it’s up to the bank whether to dis- GroupeSTAHL ...... 31 coins to be released by the U.S. Mint Handleman Co...... 4 dollar coins U.S. Mint via burse individual coins. Gabbert said each year in the order the presidents Henry Ford Health System . . . . 14, 20 until he and his the Federal DFCU Financial doesn’t offer the served. Washington dollar coins are Honigman Miller . . . . . 12, 14, 15, 16 immediate Huntington Bank ...... 3 NEWSCOM Reserve Feb. $1,000 option. in supply now and John Adams, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss ...... 11 predecessors have been dead for 15 featuring Gabbert estimates that more than Thomas Jefferson and James Madi- Kaydon Corp...... 4 at least two years. As a result, LaKritz-Weber & Co...... 34 the face of George Washington. This Reagan won’t be on a coin until $35,000 in new dollar coins have been son will be distributed later this year. LaSalle Bank ...... 3 program, launched in December 2005 sold to customers at its 11 branches. Lear Corp...... 33, 35 Carter has been dead for two The manganese-brass coin has the Magna International Inc...... 31 years. through Congressional legislation She said the popularity is somewhat Marx Layne & Co...... 36 authorizing the mint to coin the mon- typical for new introductions, but See Coins, Page 34 Masco Corp...... 33 McCurdy & Wotila ...... 15 Menttium Corp...... 23 Mich. Sports Hall of Fame ...... 1 Michigan State University ...... 3 Miller Canfield ...... 15 Nat. Org. of Minority Architects . . . 32 NAWBO ...... 23 NextEnergy ...... 20 Pure Laser Michigan ...... 22 RFD Insight Inc...... 23 Rona Lum P.C...... 23 $85M in changes afoot for Pointe district Seibert and Dloski ...... 14 Selective Eyewear Elements ...... 1 Soar Technology ...... 31 Somerset Collection ...... 28 BY JENNETTE SMITH ers for more than 70 percent of the 79 Sommers Schwartz P.C...... 13 Space of Possibility ...... 23 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS units, said Sherrie Harder, general Sprint Nextel Corp...... 36 manager. With prices starting at Sterling of Grosse Pointe ...... 3 It won’t be long until retired nurse Sunrise Senior Living ...... 3 $400,000, the strategy is to attract af- Thomas DeGrood & Witenoff P.C. . . 13 Marilyn Rizzo can walk from her fluent buyers from the Grosse Tower Automotive ...... 32 new condominium at The Sterling of University of Michigan ...... 3 Pointes who want to remain close to Urban Properties Inc...... 34 Grosse Pointe to Trader Joe’s to shop family, friends and doctors and like Valassis Communications . . . . . 4, 16 for gourmet food. Verizon Wireless ...... 36 the idea of living in a downtown Visteon Corp...... 16 The addition of The Sterling, a shopping district. A handful of units Wayne State University . . . . 3, 20, 25 luxury retirement community, sev- Western Michigan University...... 1 will be priced at just over $1 million. Westrate & Thomas ...... 15 eral new retailers and the redevelop- The four-story, 148,000-square-foot Young & Susser P.C...... 13 ment of other city-owned parking development planned by McLean, z4 Technologies ...... 11 lots is expected to change the face of Va.-based Sunrise Senior Living is con- BANKRUPTCIES ...... 6 BRIEFLY ...... 29 the Grosse Pointe business district sidered an independent-living cen- BUSINESS DIARY ...... 20 known as The Village during the ter, but the condominiums are being CALENDAR ...... 18 next two years. designed to accommodate medical CAPITOL BRIEFINGS ...... 6 Including the completed redevel- equipment and safety features resi- CLASSIFIED ADS...... 30 opment of the former Jacobson’s The English Tudor-style retirement community, The Sterling of Grosse Pointe, plans dents may need as they age, Harder DIVIDENDS...... 4 store site and a new parking deck, to open the fall of 2009 and has deposits for more than 70 percent of the 79 units. said. EARNINGS ...... 4 KEITH CRAIN ...... 8 the Sterling and the expected rede- Rizzo, 73, and her husband, retired distance and being part of a commu- Luxury features include an on-site LETTERS ...... 8 concierge, fine and casual dining, velopment of the two other parking surgeon Paul Rizzo, 84, the real es- nity of people our own age,” she said. OPINION ...... 8 lots into housing and retail, more tate investment is coming at the per- The Sterling, at Kercheval and St. wireless Internet, a resident-driven OTHER VOICES ...... 9 than $85 million in real estate up- fect time. Clair, plans to open in the fall of 2009. roster of activities and a cocktail PEOPLE ...... 17 grades are under way or planned. “We just like the whole concept of The English Tudor-style retirement lounge, Harder said. RUMBLINGS...... 38 For longtime Grosse Pointers like everything being within walking community has deposits from buy- See Sterling, Page 37 WEEK IN REVIEW ...... 38 DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 4 CDB 3/2/2007 5:36 PM Page 1

Page 4 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS March 5, 2007

Are you responsible for planning meetings & special events for your company? If so, TAKING STOCK JOIN US FOR A BITE NEWS ABOUT DETROIT AREA PUBLIC COMPANIES Delphi loss grows in January day said it had finalized its $1.2 bil- the unpaid dividend. lion acquisition of direct-mail gi- “At this time it is prudent for us And some priceless face-to-face interaction Delphi Corp.’s losses widened in with representatives from the area’s best event service providers ant Advo Inc. to protect our balance sheet and the first month of 2007 as Big Valassis, known for its slick preserve our cash for the execu- Audio Visual Services • Caterers • Entertainers • Event Rentals Three production cuts continued Sunday newspaper coupon inserts, tion of our business plan,” Handle- Event Venues • Event Planning & Staffing • Floral & Favors to plague the bankrupt auto parts paid $33.02 per share of Advo stock man Chairman and CEO Stephen supplier. and assumed refinancing of $125 Strome said in the statement. “We Luxury Transportation & Valet Services Delphi posted a net loss of $186 million in debt from the Windsor, are in the process of expanding the million in January, compared THE 2007 SOUTHEASTERN Conn.-based company. Advo will Company’s category management, with a net loss of $121 million in no longer be traded as of March 5. distribution and in-store service MICHIGAN CORPORATE the year-earlier period. Sales for Valassis used an $870 million se- operations in the United Kingdom the month dropped to $1.28 billion nior secured credit facility from a to accommodate new customers EVENT IDEAS EXPO from $1.47 billion in January 2006. variety of lenders, $540 million in and products, and are undertaking A World of Opportunity The figures are contained in senior notes due in 2015 and exist- other activities to improve our Delphi’s court-required monthly ing cash to finance the deal. performance and streamline our Thursday , March 15, 2007 operating report. All figures are “Today is a historic day as it operations.” 11am – 4pm unaudited. Delphi put its U.S. op- marks the largest acquisition in — Sherri Harrison Laurel Manor Special Events Center erations in Chapter 11 bankruptcy Valassis history, further advanc- 39000 Schoolcraft Road protection in October 2005. ing a key growth strategy put into Livonia, Michigan 48150 Sales to General Motors Corp., Del- effect eight years ago,” Valassis Kaydon CEO to retire May 1 phi’s largest customer, fell in Jan- Advanced registration preferred. FREE ADMISSION Chairman, President and CEO Brian Campbell, president and uary to $707 million from $835 mil- Register at www.corpeventexpo.com Alan Schultz said in a statement. Kaydon Corp. A bounty of food samples from the lion in the year-earlier period. CEO of , plans to retire or by calling 248.649.9008, x 228 area’s leading caterers & event venues The combined company, which International operations were from the company on May 1, ac- will maintain its headquarters in cording to a statement issued last one of the few bright spots. Net in- Livonia, will have 15,000 advertis- come in January from overseas op- week. ers worldwide, including 96 of the Ann Arbor-based Kaydon erations rose to $61 million, com- top 100 advertisers in the United pared with $25 million a year ago. (NYSE: KDN) makes bearings, fil- States, and 7,500 employees with tration devices Troy-based Delphi hopes to operations in 22 states and nine emerge from Chapter 11 protection and other parts countries. for aerospace, this year after restructuring its — Bill Shea U.S. operations with massive job military and cuts and the closing of all but eight other indus- of its 29 U.S. plants. Handleman suspends dividend tries. Campbell An investment group led by Ap- as part of new credit deal joined the com- paloosa Management L.P. and Cer- pany in Septem- berus Capital Management L.P. has Handleman Co. will suspend its ber 1998 after agreed to buy Delphi for as much quarterly dividend of 8 cents a spending nearly as $3.4 billion. The deal is subject share because of a change to its Campbell 25 years work- to court and creditor approval as credit agreement, the company ing with Masco well as the completion of new la- said in a statement Thursday. Corp. and Masco-owned companies bor agreements with the United The Troy-based music and en- such as TriMas Corp. Auto Workers and Delphi’s five oth- tertainment distributor amended “Despite my decision to retire er unions. its credit agreement with several from Kaydon, I am dedicated to en- Delphi has reached an agree- lenders on Feb. 26. The amended suring that this transition is exe- ment with the potential buyers to agreement prohibits Handleman cuted as flawlessly as possible,” extend the terms of the buyout of- from declaring or making any div- Campbell said in Tuesday’s state- fer until at least March 15 and pos- idend payments, or from repur- ment. “With my departure from sibly further. chasing any of its common stock. the company in mind, I have After March 15, the agreement Handleman said it will use the worked extensively with the board gives the parties a day-to-day right unpaid dividend to pay down debt. to develop a sensible strategy to to terminate the agreement and Handleman expects the unpaid transition the executive leader- also gives them an option to pro- dividend will save the company ship.” vide a 14-day termination notice. about $6.4 million during its fiscal Kaydon’s board expects to select — Crain News Service 2008, which starts May 1. The com- a new CEO by March 31. pany plans to pay down debt with — Sheena Harrison Valassis finishes Advo purchase Livonia-based coupon maker Valassis Communications Inc. on Fri- STREET TALK THIS WEEK’S STOCK TOTALS: 13 GAINERS, 60 LOSERS, 9 UNCHANGED

3/2 2/23 PERCENT CDB’S TOP PERFORMERS CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE 1. Saga Communications Inc. $9.76 $9.33 4.61 EARNINGS 2. Champion Enterprises Inc. 7.57 7.37 2.71 Asset Acceptance Capital Nasdaq: AACC 3. Origen Financial Inc. 5.75 5.60 2.68 4th Quarter Dec. 31 2006 2005 4. TechTeam Global Inc. 12.35 12.09 2.15 Revenue ...... $61,540,444 $53,829,518 5. FNBH Bancorp Inc. 26.50 26.20 1.15 Net income ...... $8,808,239 $6,097,664 6. Oxford Bank Corp. 48.05 47.58 0.99 Earnings per share ...... $.28 $.16 7. PSB Group Inc. 16.10 15.95 0.94 12 months Revenue ...... $254,872,766 $252,683,867 8. Dearborn Bancorp Inc. 18.91 18.75 0.86 Net income ...... $45,517,998 $51,266,819 9. Perceptron Inc. 9.07 9.01 0.67 Earnings per share ...... $1.24 $1.38 10. Community Central Bank Corp. 11.20 11.20 0.00 Saga Communications Inc. NYSE: SGA 3/2 2/23 PERCENT CDB’S LOW PERFORMERS CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE 4th Quarter Dec. 31 2006 2005 Revenue ...... $38,219,000 $35,445,000 1. Universal Truckload Services Inc. $23.25 $26.93 -13.67 Net income ...... $3,671,000 $1,889,000 2. Visteon Corp. 8.00 9.17 -12.76 Earnings per share ...... $.18 $.09 3. ArvinMeritor Inc. 17.51 19.75 -11.34 12 months Revenue ...... $142,946,000 $140,790,000 4. United American Healthcare Corp. 5.54 6.24 -11.22 Net income ...... $12,448,000 $10,556,000 5. General Motors Corp. 30.62 34.26 -10.63 Earnings per share ...... $.61 $.51 6. Syntel Inc. 34.64 38.67 -10.42 7. Handleman Co. 6.78 7.55 -10.20 8. Credit Acceptance Corp. 23.39 25.84 -9.48 DIVIDENDS 9. Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. 4.63 5.11 -9.39 10. American Axle & Mfg. Holdings 23.65 26.10 -9.39 Company Amount Payable Record Date date Source: Bloomberg News. From a list of publicly owned companies with headquarters 2007 2007 in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw or Livingston counties. Note: Stocks trading Flagstar Bancorp Inc. $.10 3-30 3-16 at less than $5 are not included. Noble International Ltd. $.08 3-30 3-16 DBpageAD.qxd 2/21/20074:31PMPage1

© 2007 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS brandmark, and the color brown are registered trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Avery, Marks-A-Lot, the Crown Cap Design, and all other Avery brands are trademarks of, and used here under license from, Avery Dennison Corporation. DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 6 CDB 3/2/2007 6:11 PM Page 1

Page 6 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS March 5, 2007 Legislature works on its own budget plan

LANSING — As Gov. Friday. Detroit forum at 7 p.m. on Tues- have a selection of their work re- Peer-review requirements now Jennifer Granholm takes The discussions follow day, broadcast by WXYZ-Channel 7. viewed by a team of other CPAs. take effect on: March 1, 2008, for to the road this week to the Republican-controlled The peer review, which the in- firms whose services include au- discuss her economic plan Senate Appropriations CPA peer-review rules delayed dustry has practiced on a volun- dits; March 1, 2009, for firms whose for the state and to seek Committee’s February re- tary basis, became a requirement services include reviews or compi- citizens’ input, legislative jection of Granholm’s ex- Michigan certified public ac- of license renewal under legisla- lations with disclosures; and March leaders are moving for- ecutive order to balance countants will see a one-year delay tion passed in 2005. 1, 2010, for firms that perform com- ward budget talks of their the fiscal 2007 budget. Re- and phase-in of a new state re- However, reviews can take as pilations without disclosures. own. publicans said the order quirement that industry peers re- long as a year and the March 1 Senate Majority Leader didn’t go far enough to cut view their work. start of the requirement could State launches Web site Public Act 1, approved last week have left insufficient time for some Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, CAPITOL BRIEFINGS state spending, and they and House Speaker Andy have drafted their own by the Legislature and Gov. Jen- reviews to be completed by Dec. 31, to help workers retrain Amy Lane Dillon, D-Redford Town- proposal, which has not nifer Granholm, pushed back the the date by which all firms must The state has launched a new ship, this week are expected to be- been publicly released. March 1 start of a requirement renew their licenses. Web site designed to help unem- gin meetings to discuss ways to Granholm this week is holding a that all Michigan CPA firms or Under PA 1, sponsored by Sen. ployed workers find education and eliminate the state’s current-year series of televised town-hall meet- sole practitioners performing au- Randy Richardville, R-Monroe, the training for new careers in high- budget deficit, Bishop’s office said ings around the state, including a dits, reviews and compilations requirement will begin in 2008. demand occupations. The site, www.michigan.gov/ nwlb, has information that in- cludes occupations by region and associated wages, certification and licensure requirements; a directo- ry of short-term, accelerated train- ing programs and courses offered through community colleges for in-demand and emerging industry occupations; financial-assistance Introducing the programs; and employment and training assistance offered SM AT&T Unity plan for through Michigan Works! agencies. 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Page 8 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS March 5, 2007 OPINION Funding pool can help all research ichigan has 15 publicly funded state universities. But only three of them attract large numbers of federal M research dollars — $1.3 billion a year by one recent tally, but other estimates peg it closer to $900 million. By either estimate, it’s a lot of cash. And last week, the presi- dents of the “big three” research universities — University of Michigan, Michigan State and Wayne State — asked lawmak- ers to recognize that difference by funding them at higher lev- els than the other 12 universities. Not surprisingly, that touched off bitter sparring with some of the smaller universities, including those with smaller research budgets of their own. This is a no-win academic dogfight to which we propose a modest solution first suggested by Ann Arbor’s Lou Glazer and his nonprofit think tank, Michigan Future Inc. In his June 2006 paper, “A New Agenda for Michigan,” Glazer suggested that Michigan create a supplemental funding pool to provide a state match for each research dollar attracted by any state university. His ideal match is 20 percent, but that level isn’t likely in the state’s current financial straits. So start more modestly. And, while we’re at it, include a slightly lower match for contract money that universities re- LETTERS ceive from corporations for applied research. Private-sector research, whether it’s solving an engineering problem for the auto industry or studying new ways to recycle waste products, is a direct way universities can help the state economy grow. Talented teachers aren’t free Research dollars can boost the state economy with direct em- Editor: economic recovery for Southeast ployment, through spinoff companies and licensing and in at- Crain’s Detroit Business Crain’s Feb. 12 editorial, Michigan now and in the future. tracting companies that want to be close to the research action. welcomes letters to the editor. “Granholm’s proposal not bold While the quality of education is It’s time to stop pitting one university against another like All letters will be considered for enough,” complains that too much publication, provided they are extremely important, I think we it’s a basketball tournament. Michigan lawmakers should cre- of the proposed 2007-08 increase in must also address the cost of edu- ate a funding model to encourage universities to grow their re- signed and do not defame the foundation allowance would individuals or organizations. cation in Michigan. We must search base. be to employees and not enough to Letters may be edited for length strive to improve quality while the classroom. I must ask, what is and clarity. lowering overall cost. While the public sector does not the classroom if not the teacher Write: Editor, Crain’s Detroit create as many jobs as the private Diamond worth keeping and other employees whose essen- Business, 1155 Gratiot Ave., sector, the public sector does cre- tial work allows learning to take Detroit, MI 48207-2997. The future of Tiger Stadium long has been debated by fans ate some jobs. And lower tax rev- who had tried to block the move to Comerica Park in the first place? Want to retain and attract E-mail: [email protected] quality employees? Fair and com- enues not only mean program cut- place. backs but also fewer programs. petitive compensation is para- es of the rich. And Michigan cannot suffer any The empty stadium, long an anchor in Corktown, is now a mount. neglected relic. It’s slated to be demolished later this year. David Hecker more program cuts or job loss. Crain’s real point is obvious a President As Sherri Begin reports on Page 1, a new nonprofit conser- School boards and unions must few paragraphs later when you de- American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, sit down and hammer out longer AFL-CIO vancy formed by the Greater Corktown Development Corp. cry the governor’s proposed high- contracts that freeze salary costs Detroit wants to save the playing field as a youth sports playfield. The er tax for estates valued over $2 for part of the contract and pro- conservancy would develop the park, operate and maintain it. million. This increase, you claim, Schools can cost less vide for modest increases in The city would retain ownership. would result in a “talent drain” as health care co-pays. In return Editor: This plan has the blessing of both the mayor’s office and these 350 individuals just may there would be no layoffs, and loss leave the state. I agree with the suggestions in the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. of employees would be by normal If only Crain’s would care about Mary Kramer’s Feb. 12 column, attrition only. Preserving the playing field as a park won’t appease the retaining and attracting talent to “Tough choices should favor good How about a five-year contract hard-core stadium fans, but it’s a good idea for the neighbor- educate our children as much as schools.” I’ve always believed edu- hood and for the city. you care about protecting the rich- cation is one of the critical keys to See Letters, Page 9 KEITH CRAIN: Entrepreneurs can drive big changes It was great fun to watch and lis- city administration who preneurs who, if un- going to get it done, simply because kids are educated. Businessman ten to Dan Gilbert, of Quicken understands that the city shackled from bureau- he won’t quit. and philanthropist Robert Thomp- Loans, at our Crain’s Newsmaker of Detroit can’t afford to cracy, might do exciting Sure, we’ve got some great en- son knows all about that. of the Year luncheon on Feb. 14. He run many of the institu- things with these com- trepreneurs in private business. There are all sorts of opportuni- gave a riveting, enjoyable talk that tions that were tradition- munity assets. We applaud them, and I hope that ties for innovation and creativity. was full of great ideas just about ally funded by the city. There is great poten- everyone does whatever it takes to Dan Gilbert is just one of the great anyone could apply to their own The city has turned tial for entrepreneurs in nurture them as they grow and examples of not only being an en- business. He started a mini-uni- over Eastern Market to government. All it takes grow and grow. trepreneur but trying to spread versity in downtown Detroit that see what some entrepre- is creativity and think- But the fun is seeing whether it’s the gospel. It’s not always easy, but is teaching and training tomor- neurs can do with an ing outside the box. possible to promote entrepreneurs it’s always worth trying. row’s entrepreneurs. It’s going underutilized resource You have to hand it to within the public sector. Wouldn’t When you see it, encourage it, re- great guns and is a great success. of our city. Wayne County Execu- it be great if the Detroit Board of ward it and praise it. Developing en- But entrepreneurs can be found The Detroit Zoo, the tive Robert Ficano, Education found a new CEO for the trepreneurs in our community is all over our city. We just might not Detroit Institute of Arts and the De- who’s trying to think outside the public schools who was an entre- going to be one of the great differ- use that word to describe them. troit Historical Museums are all box to obtain financing to expand preneur? Before long, we’d see sig- ences. Believe me, it’s worth the I have to credit everyone in the now in the hands of potential entre- Cobo Center. Sooner or later, he’s nificant changes in the way our effort. DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 33 CDB 3/2/2007 4:41 PM Page 1

March 5, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 33

Bleak 4Q earnings numbers Law Offices of Stephen M. Landau, P.C. skewed by automotive woes Solutions for Serious Litigation SM

BY TOM HENDERSON tion plans. AND BRENT SNAVELY 4TH QUARTER EARNINGS “We expect 2007 to be a transi- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS For complete results visit tion year,” said Richard E. Dauch, crainsdetroit.com American Axle’s chairman and 49 companies reporting, The fourth-quarter numbers CEO, during a conference call with painted a bleak picture for earn- including Ford Motor Co.* analysts in February. “This is a ings for Southeast Michigan pub- $1.65 billion 489% year in which we restructure, re- lic companies, but this is one time size and recover.” the numbers may have lied, said The company expects to net in- David Sowerby, portfolio manager come of between $1.25 and $1.50 a Lawsuit headed in the wrong direction? and chief market analyst in the Bloomfield Hills office of Loomis, $6.42 share in 2007 and to increase rev- We specialize in turning cases around. Sayles & Co. L.P. billion enue $3.2 million to $3.3 billion. The first 48 reporting public 2006 2005 “We ended the year on a dim companies in Southeast Michigan, note, and it’s hard to see how earn- • Phone calls not Delay is not your friend. 48 companies reporting, ings will get better in the first not counting Ford Motor Co. and not including Ford Motor Co. returned? Consider changing General Motors Corp., had combined quarter,” said David Allardice, an $1.73 associate dean and director of the attorneys now. losses for the fourth quarter of billion • Don’t know the $624.83 million, compared with doctoral program at Troy-based combined net income of $1.73 bil- Walsh College and for seven years status of your You owe it to yourself 136% case? lion for the same quarter of 2005, a manager of the Detroit branch of to visit our website for swing of more than $2.3 billion. $624.83 the Federal Reserve Bank. But, Sowerby said, large losses million “Things have been grim, but our • Can’t get a specific information 2006 2005 by big companies — including $645 stock portfolios were doing well, so straight answer? and to call today million by Lear Corp., $467 million *General Motors Corp. said March 1 it would delay filing its we could at least feel clever over earnings report until March 16. for a confidential by Federal-Mogul Corp., $188.6 mil- Source: Individual companies what we were investing in,” he • Feel like you’re lion by American Axle & Manufactur- said on Tuesday, minutes after the wasting your consultation. ing Inc. and $187 million by Masco Dow had finished its plunge of tal $1.1 billion in the fourth quar- money? Corp. — distort the overall picture. more than 400 points on the day. ter, compared to gains of $85.27 “It’s more appropriate to look at “But if the market continues to www.slandau.com million in the fourth quarter of the median, because you can have drop, there’s going to be a totally 2005. But stock prices for many of 248.358.0870 one or two companies reporting different tone.” Stephen M. Landau, PC, has those companies are up substan- large losses that distort the pic- Allardice oversees Walsh’s decades of experience substituting 30100 Telegraph Road, Suite 428 tially. in all types of civil litigation in ture,” he said. monthly report of Detroit area pur- Bingham Farms, MI 48025-4564 Sowerby’s said the 90 public “It was a tough quarter for prof- federal and state courts. chasing managers, whose figure © 2007 Stephen M. Landau, P.C. companies in Michigan he tracks its, but a pleasant surprise for for February, released on March 1, had a median gain of 6 percent in stock prices. American Axle is up was 44.4, up from January’s 43.2. A fourth-quarter earnings, com- 29 percent. TRW is up 18 percent. figure below 50 indicates a con- pared with the U.S. median of 10 Lear is up 25 percent. GM is up 4 tracting local economy. percent. percent. It’s a combination of very The local technology sector, led “State companies actually low expectations and a buyout ma- closed the gap on the U.S. as a nia that has begun to help out com- by a rebound by Syntel Inc., showed whole, so I’m going to give state panies as far as their share prices a gain over the fourth quarter a companies a B-minus,” he said. have behaved,” Sowerby said. year ago. Syntel turned a loss of Another picture of area public “Long term, stocks and earning $980,000 into net income of $13.3 companies can be taken by exclud- go hand in glove, but not every million, and the seven area report- ing the auto sector. Eliminate Ford quarter. The stock market is for- ing companies increased their and the 11 auto suppliers who have ward-looking. The market realizes combined net income from $44.65 reported to date — GM has yet to things are near to bottoming out, million to $57.7 million. file — and the other 37 public com- and that’s combined with buyout The finance sector looked panies in Southeast Michigan had activity that’s bordering on a fren- strong, but looks there were de- combined net income in the fourth zy,” he said. ceiving, too. Twelve reporting quarter of $1.7 billion. In the BorgWarner’s net income drop- companies had combined net in- fourth quarter of 2005, they com- ped from $64.6 million in the come of $337.3 million, up from bined for $1.6 billion in net in- fourth quarter of 2005 to $40.9 mil- $295.8 million over the same quar- come. lion for the recent quarter, but ter a year ago. But exclude Comeri- “The rest of the economy contin- Tim Manganello said cost-cutting ca Inc. — which had a big boost ues to perform rather well,” said measures have positioned the auto from its sale of Munder Capital Man- Dana Johnson, chief economist at supplier for a rebound, even if agement in the fourth quarter and Comerica Inc. “Technology is hold- sales by the Big Three continue to improved net income from $207 ing up pretty well and financial in- decline. million to $299 million — and the stitutions are doing fairly well. In February, the company re- rest of the sector was down about vised its earnings projections for “This is a reflection of the sharp $50 million, quarter over quarter. distinction in the national econo- 2007 upward by 10 cents, from a Do you have Exclude the after-tax gain of range of $4.60-$4.80 a share to $4.70- my. Most of the pain is concentrat- $108 million that Comerica booked $4.90. ed in manufacturing related to in the fourth quarter from the sale, a candidate housing and automotive. ... Out- “I think we’ve done a real good, and the sector would have been off side these sectors, most people are proactive job of managing our way $158 million. making money.” through a difficult North Ameri- that stands out? The four reporting life-science Champion Enterprises Inc. slipped can business environment,” he and medical companies broke into Our pre-employment background checks from net income of $6 million to said. “As a result, BorgWarner is a Caraco Pharmaceu- can verify the credentials of your prospects. $3.6 million, and Pulte Homes Inc. pretty balanced company right the black, led by tumbled from net income of $575.5 now.” tical Laboratories Ltd. They went million to a net loss of $8.4 million. American Axle’s losses were from a combined loss of $330,000 to Masco Corp., a manufacturer of a sparked by an employee buyout a gain of $7.45 million, with Caraco wide range of products for the program in the fourth quarter that going from losses of $680,000 to net housing industry, went from net involved about 1,400 employees at income of $10.1 million. income of $173 million to a loss of a cost of $181.1 million. The compa- In energy, DTE Energy Corp., off $187 million, quarter over quarter. ny also recorded asset-impairment from $382 million in net income to Sowerby said that the seemingly charges of $196.5 million in the $142 million. disastrous numbers for auto sup- fourth quarter related to plans to Tom Henderson: (313) 446-0337, pliers are better than they look. idle parts of its U.S. production [email protected] (248) 353-4500 ASEONLINE.ORG The reporting auto suppliers in capacity for midsize light-truck Brent Snavely: (313)446-0405, 
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 Southeast Michigan had losses to- parts and to other capacity-reduc- [email protected] DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 34 CDB 3/2/2007 6:23 PM Page 1

Page 34 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS March 5, 2007 Magazine looks at Detroit homes CompUSA locations should be BY SHEENA HARRISON many of her favorite spots, includ- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS ing the Detroit Institute of Arts, John K. King Used & Rare Books and Slows Traditional Home found enough Bar-B-Q in Detroit. treasures in metro Detroit to fill Contributing Editor Sandra easy sell, real estate brokers say a 42-page special section in its Mohlmann said the magazine want- March issue. ed to highlight Detroit’s assets, The section, dubbed “Detroit which she said are mostly hidden BY SHEENA HARRISON near Great Lakes Crossing. The firm Davidowitz & Associates Inc. Confidential,” highlights the ar- to readers outside of the region. CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS CompUSA Detroit store is visible Davidowitz said Wal-Mart has chitecture and interior design of Mohlmann grew up in Livonia from the Southfield Freeway, been able to draw shoppers in with With CompUSA exiting the De- several homes, including a reno- “I think we brought a real while Ann Arbor’s location sits budget-priced computers, while troit market, the Dallas-based elec- vated Lafayette Park loft and a friendly kind of perspective that near I-94, Terebelo said. Best Buy has appealed to con- tronics retailer is leaving several Birmingham home owned by Lisa an outsider might not have seen,” Terebelo said he expects to see sumers with Geek Squad — a tech big-box locations that real estate Schrenk Bouchard, former owner she said. national retailers fill the empty support service that can fix or help executives say should be relatively of Dickson Associates in Troy. The magazine can be found at CompUSA loca- set up computer systems. easy to fill. The section was written by De- traditionalhome.com. tions within the Meanwhile, other players such troit native Ann Berman, who Sheena Harrison: (313) 446- “They’re all very good real es- COMPUSA next nine to 18 as Office Depot and Staples have en- opens the section by highlighting 0325, [email protected] tate locations,” said Bennett Tere- CLOSINGS months. tered the consumer electronics belo, president of Urban Properties “Nationals Inc. in Southfield. “They were well- Locations set to market and created a tough envi- close as part of are still experi- ronment to succeed in. placed, well-spaced and well-ex- encing good the retailer’s “When something is good, you posed.” corporate sales in metro get a lot of competitors,” David- Dallas-based CompUSA an- restructuring: Detroit despite owitz said. “And CompUSA was nounced last week that it was clos- ■ Detroit some of the never that good.” ing all its metro Detroit stores, and ■ Troy fears of the Davidowitz said Detroit’s econo- one in Grand Rapids, as part of a ■ Utica economy,” my likely played the biggest role in corporate restructuring plan to ■ Ann Arbor Terebelo said. close 126 stores nationwide. The ■ Orion CompUSA CompUSA’s decision to leave the company will keep one Michigan Township did not release region. store, in Lansing. ■ Novi figures for the “It’s because of autos, let’s face Each of the six Southeast Michi- square footage it,” Davidowitz said. gan locations that CompUSA is or number of employees for each of Warren-based Computer Builders leaving behind — Detroit, Troy, the stores. The company is pulling Warehouse hopes to pick up some of Utica, Ann Arbor, Orion Township out of Detroit and other markets CompUSA’s customers as the and Novi — sit in areas that real because it is facing increased com- stores close within the next 90 estate brokers say will be attrac- petition, said Jessica Nuñez, presi- days. The company has six stores tive to other retailers. dent of James Nuñez Group in Dallas in Michigan, including one at “Typically, they’re very highly and a spokeswoman for CompUSA. Great Lakes Crossing and another visible sites in a reasonable set- “It’s a very competitive and very near Oakland Mall. ting,” said William LaKritz, presi- tough market right now in the con- CEO and President Perry LaKritz-Weber & Co. dent of in sumer electronics industry, and Daneshgari said he’s concerned Southfield. “Those are what people we’re making these changes to his company will face some down- are looking for.” make the company better able to turn as CompUSA sells off its in- For instance, the Troy location compete,” Nuñez said. ventory. Still, he said CompUSA’s sits next to Oakland Mall, and the CompUSA has struggled to com- exit means one less competitor in Orion Township store is located pete against other big-box retailers the local market. such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart, said “The buyers are not going to dis- Howard Davidowitz, chairman of appear,” Daneshgari said. New York City-based retail-con- Sheena Harrison: (313) 446-0325, sulting and investment-banking [email protected]

Coins: Banks see run on shiny new dollars ■ From Page 3

Statue of Liberty pictured on the quested 120 million of the 300 mil- reverse side with “In God We lion coins the Fed had asked to be Trust” and “2007” inscribed minted for distribution. The around the coin’s edge. The coins spokesperson said it wasn’t possi- will be the same size as the Saca- ble to determine how many coins gawea golden dollar. went to each state or region. White Rob Darmanin, vice president of said the program is slated to pro- LaSalle Bank in Troy, said 1 million duce four coins a year until the George Washington coins were or- coin featuring the 38th president, dered to stock the bank’s 265 Gerald Ford, is released in 2016. branches, almost all of which are Charter One Bank Michigan’s in Michigan. Jacqueline Wiggins said cus- “There’s been quite a demand at tomers seem to be more focused on the branches,” Darmanin said. collecting the coins instead of “Our goal is to deplete the supply spending them. because we anticipate that people “We’re seeing demand for mint will want the next coin.” condition (coins),” Wiggins said, a Kathy Pitton, a spokeswoman Southfield-based vice president for Detroit-based Comerica Bank, and public-affairs director. “We’re said its branches also have had providing them in rolls of $25 to high demand for the coins. She customers rather than breaking said 150,000 were ordered for the rolls.” Michigan, but because of customer She said a high demand for the interest, 500,000 more coins were coins was consistent among al- distributed to its branches. most all of the branches but she A Federal Reserve spokesperson couldn’t disclose how many coins said as of Feb. 15, banks had re- went to each one. DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 35 CDB 3/2/2007 6:21 PM Page 1

March 5, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 35 Six class-action lawsuits filed The numbers opposing Lear-Icahn deal show what we give,

BY BRENT SNAVELY limits the process of selling Lear are without merit and intend to de- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS and that members of Lear’s board fend against them vigorously,” but the faces tell breached their fiduciary duties by Lear said in its annual report. Southfield-based Lear Corp. said accepting the offer and have con- Another class-action lawsuit last week in its annual report that flicts of interest. was filed Thursday in U.S. District six class-action lawsuits have been When Lear accepted the buyout Court in Detroit. That lawsuit the whole story. filed in various courts in attempt offer on Feb. 9, it said it would con- claims management has agreed to to block management’s plans to ac- tinue to consider and solicit addi- sell the company for much less cept a $5.3 billion buyout offer. The buyout offer is from New tional offers, but accepting a com- than it has worth in violation of York-based American Real Estate peting offer would trigger a the company’s duties to properly Partners L.P., a company controlled break-up clause. mange its employee retirement in- by legendary corporate raider Carl Lear said three of the lawsuits come security responsibilities. Icahn. were filed in the Delaware Court of Lear has not yet filed a response In its annual report filed Tues- Chancery and have since been con- to that lawsuit and a spokes- day with the U.S. Securities and Ex- solidated into a single action and woman declined to comment on change Commission, Lear (NYSE: said the other three lawsuits were Friday. LEA) said the lawsuits allege that filed in a Michigan Circuit Court. Brent Snavely: (313) 446-0405, the agreement with Icahn unfairly “We believe that the lawsuits [email protected] Funding: Bills would carve out Schools spar funding for MSU, UM, ■ From Page 3 the other 12, and the only ones hurt by that are our students,” Russi said. WSU — for a price On Wednesday, the presidents of UM, MSU and Wayne State testified that they eign investment and interna- are ready to play an even greater role in BY AMY LANE CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT tional trade; and the impact economic development in the region and of research and technology state, but they need more funding to do so. LANSING — Michigan’s development, including new Wayne State President Irvin Reid said three largest research uni- inventions, licensing agree- the research conducted by the three uni- versities would need to re- ments with corporate part- versities remains the state’s primary port to the state on activities ners, patent applications, and means of producing new talent and of ranging from economic de- jobs attributed to university- bringing back a stronger quality of life, he velopment to university spin- generated research and tech- said. off companies, in exchange nology transfer. “In the past, state government has not for being carved into their Bill Rustem, president and shown the will” to support higher educa- own budget bill. CEO of nonpartisan think tion, Reid said. Students pay the price House Bill 4351, introduced tank Public Sector Consultants with higher tuition costs, and every resi- last week by Rep. Pam Inc., said the question of treat- dent pays the cost “as we struggle to make Byrnes, D-Chelsea, embodies ing separately the universi- do with less.” Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s ties that probably provide the The role of the research universities proposal to place funding for greatest research, entrepre- was recognized in the 1960s through the the University of Michigan, neurial benefit to the state is state’s constitution, which spelled out Michigan State University and a legitimate issue “that the separate appropriations to match the sep- Wayne State University in a sep- state needs to grapple with.” arate missions of research universities, arate appropriations bill He said a goal of the sepa- other colleges and universities and com- from other universities — rate treatment could be to po- munity colleges, MSU President Lou even though all would get the sition the three schools for Last year, we donated Anna Simon said. The role research uni- same 2.5 percent increase. greater funding increases, or versities play must be recognized again “We’re essentially recog- gentler cuts if the state needs for Michigan to recover economically, she nizing that these three re- to reduce higher-education over $8 million said. The universities “are an enormous search universities have a spending. economic engine for the state of Michi- unique mission and task for But Bird said that’s not the to charitable organizations gan.” the state of Michigan. All administration’s intention, It’s unclear how the debate over fund- have large graduate pro- and a separate bill wouldn’t ing will affect the Presidents Council, State grams, like law schools and be needed for that, anyway. that better this community. Universities of Michigan, which acts as an medical schools, and they “You could cut, or not give as advocacy group for Michigan’s 15 public contribute in a very unique much, if they were all rolled universities. way to the state’s economy,” into one bill,” he said. We work here. We live here. Mike Boulus, executive director of the said Greg Bird, director of It’s not clear how the sepa- presidents council, doesn’t expect any communications in the state ration, which is proposed for We give here. spillover from the funding schism, but did- budget office. the 2008 fiscal year that be- n’t acknowledge that the situation hasn’t The bill would require the gins Oct. 1, will fare in the Re- made his job easier. universities to report by Feb. publican-controlled Senate. “There’s no spillover. Does it create a 1, 2008, on items that include: Matt Marsden, press secre- strain? It does. Conflict is not necessarily the number of graduates with tary for Senate Majority bad,” he said. “It balances itself out. I’m advanced degrees in math, Leader Mike Bishop, R- caught in the middle. It doesn’t undermine science, health care or engi- Rochester, said Bishop is fo- our ability to work together on the coopera- neering and the number of cused on solving the state’s tive things that we do.” those graduates that re- current-year budget issues. Boulus is used to higher education fund- mained in Michigan to work; “And as this plan deals with ing disputes: “The issues of distribution the status and value of uni- 2008, it is something that will methods relative to funding are not new.” versity economic-develop- need to be addressed after Sherri Begin: (313) 446-1694, sbegin@ ment activities; partnerships we’ve finished solving the www.comerica.com crain.com with other institutions re- problem of 2007.” Member FDIC. Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, bshea@crain. garding technology develop- Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, com ment; efforts to increase for- [email protected] DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 36 CDB 3/2/2007 4:22 PM Page 1

Page 36 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS March 5, 2007 Telecom: Comcast to add 500 people as competition heats up ■ From Page 1 for customers is propelling job growth in vices. So customers will look at the offers Cingular stores and additional Southeast many areas of Southeast Michigan’s WHO’S HIRING? with some degree of skepticism. Quality of Michigan hiring. telecommunications industry, from wire- service will be an important parameter for Cingular was a joint venture between ■ less providers to Yellow Pages advertising AT&T Inc.: Plans to hire 2,000, including consumers,” he said. BellSouth and AT&T, and Cingular stores 1,200 this year, to deploy a new video sales. previously didn’t sell products like AT&T’s product that will allow TV, voice and high- Indeed, customer service is driving many The question is: How long will the job speed Internet over one customer line. areas of metro Detroit hiring. In the grow- digital-subscriber line, or DSL service. growth last? Positions include technology workers to ing wireless industry, crowded by numer- Tara Traycoff, regional public-relations State 2002-2012 industry employment fore- extend fiber-optic lines and install the ous providers, customers reign. director, said Cingular has hired 15 new em- casts show metro Detroit telecommunica- service. Verizon Wireless, for example, is adding 175 ployees for its 31 Detroit area stores and tions employment growing at just 3.9 per- ■ Comcast Corp.: Added more than 500 jobs positions in its Southeast Michigan cus- plans to hire five more to support the sales cent over the 10-year period, compared with last year and is hiring 500 people this year, tomer service and financial service depart- of AT&T products. 10 percent employment growth overall. including technicians and customer-service ments, including representatives to take Separately, Cingular plans to open a new Statewide, telecommunications employ- representatives. Growing residential sales of general customer calls and work with cus- store in Green Oak Township, staffed by ment is projected to grow at 5.7 percent over bundled phone, high-speed Internet and tomers on bill payment. Verizon plans to about 15 new employees. It has also assem- video services, and increased targeting of those same 10 years, compared with overall bled a new seven-member team of Detroit business customers are major drivers. lease an additional 30,000 square feet at its statewide employment growth of 10.6 per- Southfield regional headquarters to accom- area employees to target small businesses. ■ : Adding 175 customer- cent, according to the data from the Michigan Verizon Wireless Cingular hired six sales representatives and service and financial-services positions in modate the larger departments. Department of Labor & Economic Growth. Southeast Michigan. Added about 200 sales “Last year our usage was up 30 percent a manager to staff the team. Jim Rhein, labor market analyst at the de- and service positions last year. over the year … and based on trend pat- Another AT&T operation is also expand- partment, said the slow, moderate growth is ■ Sprint Nextel Corp.: Hiring 30 to 50 terns, we know that that’s going to go up ing locally. AT&T is hiring 123 people at a a conservative estimate, and it’s difficult to salespeople to work in metro Detroit retail again this year. So we are always looking to Yellow Pages sales center in Troy. The com- know if the current hiring is a spike or sus- stores and to call on small and medium-sized plan for future growth and make sure that missioned telephone sales representatives tainable trend. businesses. our customers don’t have a wait time,” said will sell advertising for AT&T Yellow Pages “This is a very hard industry to call, be- ■ AT&T Yellow Pages: Hiring 123 people at a Michelle Gilbert, public-relations manager. printed directories and yellowpages.com. cause it changes so fast,” he said. sales center in Troy to sell advertising and “We know that in order to keep our cus- The new employees will nearly double the For example, the current projections, services for printed directories and tomers happy and keep them with us, we current roster of 64 telephone sales reps at which will be updated in a few months, don’t yellowpages.com. know we’ve got to maintain and frankly im- the Troy office. The office also houses 118 reflect 2,000 planned new AT&T jobs, includ- ■ Cingular: The wireless operation of AT&T prove our level of customer service. We’ve salespeople who visit businesses. ing 1,200 this year, to deploy a video product has hired 15 employees locally and plans to got to make sure that we’ve got enough peo- Bob Mueller, director of marketing that will compete with services like cable TV. hire an additional five to support new sales ple on hand to manage the calls.” communications for AT&T Yellow Pages, said of AT&T products. Cingular also plans to The jobs will include technology workers the expansion in part reflects growth of open a store in Green Oak Township, staffed Verizon added about 200 sales and service to extend AT&T’s fiber-optic lines and in- by about 15. To target small businesses, positions last year in the Detroit area. yellowpages.com and strong Southeast stall the service. AT&T last week would not Cingular has hired seven people to form a Sprint Nextel Corp. is beefing up its Detroit Michigan use and growth of its print direc- say what other types of positions it is look- small-business sales team. area sales staff, adding about 30 to 50 people tories. ing to fill, or when or where it would start this year to work in its retail stores and to He said the new hires will enable AT&T to hiring. The new offering will enable AT&T new business models, in which customers call on small and medium-sized businesses. beef up efforts to sell small and medium- to provide TV, voice and high-speed Internet can purchase bundled services at a dis- “It’s a prioritization on servicing the cus- sized businesses “a whole suite of products,” access over one customer line. counted price compared with stand-alone tomer and providing a better customer expe- from print and online advertising to Web Johannes Bauer, executive director of the services, will last, he said. “We don’t know if rience, as well as the obvious demand for site development and hosting. And the James H. and Mary B. Quello Center for Telecom- this is where the market will go in the long wireless services, things like wireless data,” struggling economy isn’t a deterrent. munication Management and Law at Michigan term, and how attractive these bundles will said communications manager Mark Elliott. “It may be counterintuitive for some of State University, said that “as cable tries to remain,” Bauer said. As Crain’s reported in January, wireless us, but … when the economy is slower than enter traditional telephone service, as the Nonetheless, he said, it’s “absolutely criti- service providers and retailers are vying to other times, is the time when a small and telephone company tries to enter video ser- cal” for AT&T to adequately staff its video fill business’ needs, particularly as work- medium business needs to be making more vices, you have competition among some service rollout. “The telephone companies forces become more mobile. sure than ever that they’re getting their very powerful players.” at this point … they don’t have high cus- At Cingular, parent AT&T’s recent merger word out,” he said. And while the changing landscape is ini- tomer recognition as a provider of enter- with BellSouth Corp. is leading to the intro- Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, tially prompting jobs, it’s not clear if the tainment services, multichannel video ser- duction of AT&T products and services in [email protected]

Golden: Marketing for SEE chain will follow a different tune ■ From Page 1 Golden cautioned that SEE’s par- “I think a lot of Golden said cluding LensCrafters, Pearle Vision Bernacchi said. “His iconic exis- ticipation in such causes is from it is led by design SEE will occa- and several other retail chains. tence was D.O.C. Will a lower-pro- genuine concern and not merely to and location and I think a lot of it sionally advertise “They are so big they can buy file way of doing business be suc- draw customers. product. It’s buzz “ in national fash- product cheaper. They can offer cessful? You’re giving up a huge “We believe in it. We believe in marketing,” said is led by design and ion magazines. the customer a better deal. They’ve advertising niche in a smaller mar- being a good corporate citizen and Marx, a longtime And even if he got tremendous product develop- ket. They will have to come up with supporting the community,” he friend of Golden. location and wanted to use ment and fashion skills,” David- a way of maintaining that market.” said. Accessories related to the The philosophy broadcast ads, the owitz said. “Look for the stores Some companies that have causes are for sale in the stores, behind SEE is to product. It’s buzz small number of they’re buying to be improved.” changed hands have kept their icon- which are all in higher-end neigh- offer its own line marketing. stores wouldn’t It’s still unknown if Luxottica ic pitchmen. Don Massey for many borhoods. Four are in Michigan of glasses that ” justify the ex- will rebrand D.O.C. Three calls to years did well-known radio spots cities: Ann Arbor, Birmingham, compare in style pense, he said. In the company’s Mason, Ohio-based for his Plymouth-based chain of Fred Marx, Marx Layne & Co. Lansing and Rochester Hills. and quality to the the past year, U.S. headquarters were not re- Cadillac dealerships, which he sold “(SEE) couldn’t be any more dif- hot, high-end eye D.O.C spent be- turned. Davidowitz said Luxottica in 2002 to Charlotte, N.C.-based Son- ferent than D.O.C in how they’re wear, Golden said. The glasses will tween $5 million and $6 million on has rebranded some companies it ic Automotive Inc. As part of the deal marketed,” said Golden, who come from the same European fac- advertising. Golden declined to has bought in the past, but not oth- Sonic acquired the rights to radio joined the company, founded by tories that produce designer spec- discuss the company’s revenue. ers, such as Pearle Vision. His pre- spots featuring Massey and contin- his father in 1946, as advertising tacles. Broadcast ads for SEE could diction is for an eventual rebrand. ues to use them. director 30 years ago. Howard Davidowitz, chairman happen in the future because Gold- “(Luxottica) is one of the most There’s a 90-day transition peri- How they’re marketed is partici- of New York City-based retail-con- en said it’s very likely SEE will ex- successful retail operations in the od during which Luxottica can pation in events related to the vari- sulting and investment-banking pand in coming years to match or world. They really know this busi- continue to use the current batch ous causes, such as walks and firm Davidowitz & Associates Inc., exceed the size of D.O.C, which has ness,” he said. “They know how to of television and radio spots fea- fundraisers, including events in said Golden is doing exactly the 100 stores in six states. SEE’s 19 do this better than anyone else.” turing Golden, which were done the stores. D.O.C, on the other sort of advertising and marketing stores are in eight states and University of Detroit Mercy market- through Lerner Advertising Inc. in hand, featured Golden as the he should to make SEE a success. Washington, D.C. ing professor Michael Bernacchi Beverly Hills. spokesman for the brand, and he “He’s made a decision to get out What Golden’s old company will said Luxottica runs a risk with the “Very shortly I will disappear did commercials offering dis- of the business of glasses for the do for marketing in the hands of D.O.C deal because Golden was an from the air and that will be it. counts and other deals. masses, and move into glasses for its new owner remains unknown. integral part of the eyewear com- There are no plans using me for The SEE chain will also rely on the classes,” Davidowitz said. Davidowitz believes Milan, Italy- pany’s success. Now, he’s a com- anything new,” Golden said. word-of-mouth advertising in up- “The marketing (for SEE) has to be based Luxottica will improve petitor. So will he ever appear in anoth- scale neighborhoods to attract cus- more subtle, more elegant, more D.O.C because it has the money to “(D.O.C) was so dependent on his er commercial? tomers, said Fred Marx, a former re- glossy. You’re appealing suddenly do so. It’s the world’s largest opti- imagery, on his involvement and “Never say never and never say tail executive for Hudson’s and a to 1 percent of the population. Be- cal retailer, with worldwide sales the constancy of Richard Golden. no,” he said. partner at Farmington Hills-based fore, it was 50 percent of the popu- of about $4.4 billion in 2005 and it Can you continue to have the same Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, public-relations firm Marx Layne & Co. lation.” owns 5,700 optical retail stores, in- kind of success without him?” [email protected] DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 37 CDB 3/2/2007 4:39 PM Page 1

March 5, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 37 Sterling: Stadium: Group pushes new plan www.crainsdetroit.com ■ From Page 1 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Keith E. Crain PUBLISHER Mary Kramer, (313) 446-0399 or [email protected] Changing tween 40,000 and 50,000 square ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Christopher Crain, (313) feet for a permanent home, he 446-1645 or [email protected] EXECUTIVE EDITOR Cindy Goodaker, (313) 446- said. One possibility: The portion 0460 or [email protected] from dugout to dugout, including DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR Michael Lee, (313) Pointes 446-0416 or [email protected] the locker rooms for display areas ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR/FOCUS Michelle ■ From Page 3 and the seating behind the in- Martinez, (313) 446-1622 or [email protected] field, Stark said. BUSINESS LIVES EDITOR Shawn Selby, (313) The Sterling’s sales office on “What’s intriguing to us is inte- 446-1654 or [email protected] Kercheval hosts events for buyers grating the stadium as part of the GRAPHICS EDITOR Nancy Clark, (313) 446-1608 or [email protected] and prospects on a regular basis as display,” he said. “There’s COPY EDITOR Vic Doucette, (313) 446-0410 part of the build-up. Rizzo said nowhere anywhere in the coun- or [email protected] DATA EDITOR Anne Marks, (313) 446-0418 or Sunrise has done a good job re- try that a stadium has been [email protected] sponding to feedback on design reused for any other purpose; WEB EDITOR Dan Eizans, (313) 446-0473 or and features and on having future they’ve all been torn down.” [email protected] WEB DESIGNER/PRODUCER Ai-Ting Huang, residents set the activities agenda. The hall of fame will need to en- (313) 446-0403, [email protected] Pete Dame, city manager of sure the feasibility of locating the EDITORIAL SUPPORT Anita Duncan, (313) 446-0329; Joanne Scharich, (313) 446-0419 Grosse Pointe, said The Sterling museum there, funding it and the NEWSROOM (313) 446-0329, FAX (313) 446- and the other planned develop- city’s support for it before begin- 1687 TIP LINE (313) 446-6766 ment fits together well. ning fundraising, Stark said. REPORTERS “We want to create more mixed- Neither the conservancy nor Robert Ankeny: Covers the city of Detroit, Wayne use development and opportuni- the hall of fame have estimates County government, and law. (313) 446-0404 or GETTY HUTTON ARCHIVE [email protected]. ties to live near the shopping,” he yet on how much to raise. Sherri Begin: Covers nonprofits and education. said. “I’m just pleased that “We don’t know if it’s financial- (313) 446-1694 or [email protected] notwithstanding the overall state CORNER ON THE BLOCK Andrew Dietderich: Covers health care, ly feasible for us to be there, but transportation, international business and of the economy there is clearly the concept is interesting enough The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. is in the final stages of selecting a biotech. (313) 446-0315 or confidence in the private sector to for us to try to find out,” Stark [email protected]. company to auction off the seats and other memorabilia from Tiger Sheena Harrison: Covers small business, retail invest in Grosse Pointe.” said. Stadium. and nonautomotive manufacturing. (313) 446- At the Kercheval Place project, There is still a lot of goodwill 0325 or [email protected]. “One of the crucial things we’re looking at is the marketing capacity of Tom Henderson: Covers banking, finance and the name of the Jacobson’s rede- toward Tiger Stadium, and metro the different firms, because we want to be able to get the word out and technology. (313) 446-0337 or velopment, developers Grosse Detroit and the state have a the maximum number of bidders to drive value out of the memorabilia,” [email protected]. Bill Shea: Covers media, advertising and Pointe St. Clair Associates leased tremendous sports fan base, Wat- said Peter Zeiler, business development representative at the DEGC. marketing, and Livingston and Washtenaw space last year to retailers Coldwa- trick said. “I think it’s possible counties. (313) 446-1626 or [email protected] Similar auctions around the country have pulled in between $250,000 Jennette Smith: Covers real estate and ter Creek and Jos. A. Bank. Those the hall of fame could get the and $1.5 million, he said. hospitality. (313) 446-0414 or stores are on the side of the build- funding to make this happen.” [email protected]. The group plans to hold the auction online in April or May, he said. Brent Snavely: Covers auto suppliers, steel and ing facing Kercheval; Trader Joe’s The city of Detroit doesn’t have The DEGC has reserved two auxiliary scoreboards, the foul poles, the restaurants and entertainment. (313) 446-0405 or [email protected]. plans to lease space in the rear of the funding available to create, flagpole and one neon Tiger Stadium sign for use in the new youth sports the building, across from a $3.5 operate and maintain a new pub- LANSING BUREAU park and memorial or museum area planned for the field at the stadium, Amy Lane: Covers business issues at the Capitol, million parking deck the city plans lic park, said Peter Zeiler, busi- Zeiler said. telecommunications and utilities. (517) 371- 5355, FAX (517) 371-2492, [email protected]. or to build. ness development representative — Sherri Begin 115 W. Allegan, Suite 220, Lansing 48933. Dame said the city will award a at the DEGC. “That’s why we’re ADVERTISING contract in April for demolition of looking to the private sector and ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Marla Downs, (313) the now-closed Jacobson’s deck, the foundation community to be 446-6032 or [email protected] which has outdated features like able to help with preserving this SALES INQUIRIES: (313) 446-6052; FAX (313) sloped floors. In its place, a new portion of the site.” SPORTS HALL LOOKS TO THE STARTING NINE 393-0997 structure should be finished by the The DEGC “would love to see NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Cathy TAKE PLAQUES ON THE ROAD People named to the board of the Ross, (313) 446-0307, [email protected] end of the year, Dame said, around the sports hall of fame there. … Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy so ADVERTISING SALES Jeff Anderson, Terri the same time Trader Joe’s is ex- But the challenge with that large While it negotiates the possibility far: Engstrom, Matthew J. Langan, Tamara Rokowski, of establishing a permanent home Dale Smolinski pected to open. of a public space is that takes up a Ⅲ Richard Buss, vice president, WESTERN ACCOUNTS Ellen Mazen (Los Angeles) The principals of Grosse Pointe lot of the prime development at the Tiger Stadium site, the (323) 370-2477 is National City Bank. St. Clair Associates include busi- space that makes these parcels at- Michigan Sports Hall of Fame CLASSIFIED MANAGER Melissa McKay, (313) working on establishing a mobile Ⅲ Gary Gillette, editor, ESPN 446-1692 nessmen Cullan Meathe and tractive,” Zeiler said. marketing tour. Baseball Encyclopedia and co- CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Christina Frank Torre Jr. If there is a clever way to locate Jaranowski, (313) 446-1655 The group plans to use a 53-foot chair, Society for American MARKETING DIRECTOR Michelle Minor At the same time, plans are in the the hall of fame in part of the ex- semi trailer to display the bronze Baseball Research Business of MARKETING ASSISTANT Jennifer Dunn works for other development be- isting stadium structure, and the plaques now housed in Cobo Baseball Committee. MARKETING ARTIST Sylvia Kolaski hind the strip of stores and offices conservancy and hall of fame are Center and other memorabilia, SALES SUPPORT Suzanne Janik, Andrea Ⅲ Kelli Kavanaugh, vice president, Beckham, YahNica Crawford on the north side of Kercheval. The able to marshal enough resources said President Jim Stark. Greater Corktown Development CIRCULATION Candice Yopp, Manager. city plans to issue a second request to do that, “it’s certainly not off The sides of the trailer would roll Corp. PRODUCTION MANAGER Wendy Kobylarz for proposals for two parking lots the table,” he said. out, providing 800 square feet of PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Larry Williams, Ⅲ Michael Kirk, self-employed (313) 446-0301 totaling about 3 acres. A prior RFP “We also have to move quickly display area. The hall of fame preservation architect. SUBSCRIPTIONS (313) 446-0450, garnered interest from Chicago- on this project; we don’t want to also is considering adding tents (888) 909-9111 Ⅲ , former based Morningside Group, Bingham be stalled with chasing after pro- to give the exhibit a stronger R. Scott Martin Jr. TO FIND A DATE A STORY WAS PUBLISHED: presence as it travels to fairs, executive director, Greater (313) 446-0367 or e-mail the Crain Information Farms-based Burton-Katzman Devel- grams that would take several Center at [email protected]. festivals and sporting events Corktown Development and a opment Co. and Southfield-based Jon- years to fund while stalling devel- around the state, he said. partner in the Vinton Building loft CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS IS PUBLISHED BY na Cos., Dame said, and all three opment in one of the fastest-grow- CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC. The group is soliciting and commercial project. CHAIRMAN Keith E. Crain companies have expressed interest ing areas of Detroit,” Zeiler said. sponsorships for the three-year Ⅲ David Mitchell, president, PRESIDENT Rance Crain in participating in the second re- “We have to balance cost, op- SECRETARY Merrilee Crain tour, which will run about $3.5 Greater Corktown Development. quest the city plans to issue in portunity and speed.” million, Stark said. Current talks TREASURER Mary Kay Crain Ⅲ , executive Executive Vice President/Operations April. The Jonna proposal had The stadium should be largely center on a major retailer that Angela Reyes director, Detroit Hispanic William A. Morrow brought the idea of a relocated and demolished by late summer or may serve as presenting sponsor. Group Vice President/Technology, Development Corp. Manufacturing, Circulation expanded Kroger Co. store in the vil- early fall, Zeiler said. “This is a great thing to do in the Robert C. Adams lage, and all three had included a Under the proposed plans, the short term to help raise visibility,” Ⅲ Daniel Varner, CEO, Think Vice President/Production & Manufacturing mix of housing and retail. city would retain ownership of the Stark said. Detroit/PAL. Dave Kamis Corporate Director/Circulation The City Council will have to field and museum space as public The tour would enable the hall of Ⅲ Kathleen Wendler, president, Patrick Sheposh talk about the mix of retail and the land and sign a long-term operating fame to better meet its mission of Southwest Detroit Business G.D. Crain Jr. Founder (1885-1973) cost of public infrastructure im- lease with the conservancy to oper- educating the public, while giving Association. Mrs. G.D. Crain Jr. Chairman (1911-1996) provements, such as parking, that ate and maintain it, Zeiler said. it a way to raise funds to support EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICES: its bid for a permanent location, 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit MI 48207-2732; (313) would come with a development The DEGC plans to divide the al would locate a gateway to the 446-6000 he said. Cable address: TWX 248-221-5122 AUTNEW DET agreement, Dame said. However, areas around the field where the park and museum space at the “If the presenting sponsor comes Subscriptions $59 one year, $98 two years. Out he expects the city to reach a deci- stadium now stands into develop- corner of Michigan and of state, $79 one year, $138 for two years. through like we hope, we’d have Outside U.S.A., add $48 per year to out-of-state sion during the summer and hope- ment parcels that would include (the tour) on the road this year,” Cochrane, he said. rate for surface mail. fully have a final deal by the end of first-floor commercial space with “That’s probably a little jarring Reprints: For inquiries call the reprints department Stark said. at: (800) 494-9051, Ext. 144 , or at the year. residential above it, he said. “Ex- — Sherri Begin for people used to (hearing about) [email protected] Rizzo, who doesn’t drive, said she actly how that is going to shape the corner of Michigan and Trum- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS ISSN # 0882-1992 is is looking forward to not having to out is what we are in the process published weekly by Crain Communications Inc. at youth sports organizations “is a bull, but that’s where home plate 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit MI 48207-2732. trek to Royal Oak with her daugh- of working out with the conser- Periodicals postage paid at Detroit, MI and is” and the best entry point to al- ter to go to Trader Joe’s along with vancy. Assuming they are able to phenomenal opportunity for the additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send low for mixed-use developments address changes to CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS, the flexible dining options and raise sufficient funds, we will be game,” Wattrick said. Circulation Department, P.O. Box 07925, Detroit, The conservancy is looking at a on the areas surrounding the MI 48207-9732. GST # 136760444. Printed in maintenance-free living in The able to move ahead. “ U.S.A. Sterling. Taking a field that has been number of options for the park’s field, Wattrick said. Entire contents copyright 2007 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Jennette Smith: (313) 446-0414, jh- used for 100 years as a major design and the feasibility of fund- Sherri Begin: (313) 446-1694, Reproduction or use of editorial content in any [email protected] league field and turning it over to ing them, but the current propos- [email protected] manner without permission is strictly prohibited. DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 03-05-07 A 38 CDB 3/2/2007 6:35 PM Page 1

Page 38 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS March 5, 2007 RUMBLINGS WEEK IN REVIEW FROM WWW.CRAINSDETROIT.COM, WEEK OF FEB. 24-MARCH 2

dustries Corp. and owner of The ABC affiliate had a be CEO of the company’s the Pistons since 1974, is O’Reilly to lead cumulative 5.4 rating/12.5 joint venture with Saft, the Karmanos gets one of 15 finalists. share. That’s an improve- French battery company. “There were two owners ment from November, up for this recognition — Dearborn; when WXYZ had a 5.2 rat- BRIEFLY Bill (Davidson) and Jerry ing and 12.4 share, which Dick Purtan of WOMC Buss from the Lakers,” said also led the market. platinum chute 104.3 FM helped raise al- former Piston Dave Bing, Oakland Twp. Ratings are the percent- most $2.4 million Feb 23 who served on the nine- age of households during his 20th an- member selection commit- in the market nual radiothon to tee. “I was very support- nixes rezoning tuned in to a show. for retirement benefit the Salva- ive.” A share is the per- tion Army, accord- Bing, a hall-of-famer him- earborn’s acting centage of those ice retirement if you tions from his ex-wife, ing to a Monday self, played for the Pistons Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. watching TV who can get it. Brooke Grace. statement. N On March 1, De- She claimed that she was from 1966 to 1975. D won a special elec- are watching a par- The Detroit In addition to winning tion Tuesday to become ticular show. Each troit-based Compuware Corp. cheated during the 1990 di- Economic Develop- three champi- mayor, beating nine other ratings point rep- filed paperwork with the vorce settlement when ment Corp. ap- onships, Bing candidates. resents about U.S. Securities and Exchange Grace & Wild was val- proved the selec- said Davidson O’Reilly had been presi- 19,000 households Commission that it had ued as worthless. tion of was the first dent of the Dearborn City in Detroit. Purtan signed a post-retirement Brooke Grace had an Detroit-based De- owner to buy a Council before become act- Coming in second was agreement with chairman expert witness testify Maria Building Co. to be gen- private jet for ing mayor after Mayor Detroit’s NBC affiliate, and CEO Peter Karmanos Jr. that the company was eral contractor for the new team travel and Michael Guido died Dec. 5. WDIV-Channel 4, with a 4.4 Upon retirement at a date worth $4 million to $6 Rosa Parks Transit Center built The Palace O’Reilly received 94 per- rating /10.2 share. to be deter- million and she near Times Square, the De- of Auburn Hills, cent of the votes and will mined, he will won a jury verdict troit Free Press reported. still regarded as serve a partial term ending be retained as for $3.1 million. Construction on the pro- a premier are- Dec. 31, 2009. Committee says Mo. a consultant, Both the Oakland Bing ject, worth $10.8 million to na, in 1988. Residents of Oakland receiving a Circuit Court and woman should head DPS DeMaria, should begin by salary spread the Michigan Court of Ap- To be selected, Davidson Township rejected two or- The Detroit Public Schools midmonth and conclude by out in monthly peals have rejected Har- needs 18 of 24 votes from the dinances that would have Board of Education search July 2008. payments over vey Grace’s legal mal- Naismith Memorial Basketball rezoned 40 acres of proper- committee recommended The state of Michigan four years, or practice allegations Hall of Fame’s honors com- ty to allow the proposed Connie Calloway become the and three physicians — John $300,000 a year, against Leitman. mittee. The class of 2007 700-acre Harvest Corners next superintendent of the Connors of Warren, Surjeet whichever is Leitman’s lawyer, will be announced on April residential and retail pro- Karmanos district in a Thursday vote, Singh of Livonia and Viorel greater. As of Christine Oldani of De- 2 at a news conference in ject. The measures failed according to a district Lupu of Taylor — were cited March 1, his annual salary troit-based Plunkett & Atlanta before the NCAA’s 2,511 to 898 to and 2,519 to spokesman. by the National Association of was $1,050,000. Cooney P.C., argues that Men’s Championship game. 889. The five-member com- Chain Drug Stores, the National Karmanos also will re- lawyers must be immune mittee voted 4-to-1 in favor Community Pharmacists Asso- ceive bonuses; will continue from malpractice charges And in this corner … ‘Dome’ campaigner killed of the move. ciation and Alexandria, Va.- to vest stock options; will for good-faith exercise of based SureScripts for out- Did you or a colleague after slurs on bus ride The recommendation is have unlimited medical, judgment. standing efforts to improve wrestle in high school or subject to approval by the dental, hospitalization, life Harvey Grace’s current Andrew Anthos, who cam- patient safety and practice college? 11-member board March 8 insurance and disability in- attorney, Mark Granzotto, of paigned for more than 20 efficiency through the use of The Detroit Metro Sports and requires six votes to in- surance; and will retain an Royal Oak-based Mark years to light the State electronic prescribing tech- Commission and the Universi- stall Calloway in the posi- office, administrative sup- Granzotto P.C., said he be- Capitol dome red, white nology. ty of Michigan are hoping tion, according to the dis- port and a company car. lieves the high court should and blue to honor veterans, The Detroit Tigers are you’ll buy tickets for the trict spokesman. make clear that such judg- police officers and others, having an online lottery NCAA Division I Wrestling The final two candidates ment must be linked to a died Feb. 23 after a beating through March 11 for the Grace & Wild case Championships March 15- for the position were cur- standard of care that is rea- outside his Detroit home. rights to purchase tickets 17 at The Palace of Auburn rent interim Superinten- goes to state’s high court sonable. He was 72. for the April 2 season-open- Hills. dent William Coleman III and Published reports say Doris Hope-Jackson er against the Toronto Blue A lawyer’s conduct in a The Commission and UM . Cole- Anthos, who lived on dis- man’s contract ends Jun. 30. Jays. Visit www.detroit dispute over the value of a Bing wants Davidson in are hosting the finals. ability much of his life, was Calloway currently is su- tigers.com for details. teleproduction services If the wrestling basketball hall riding a bus Feb. 13 when a perintendent of a 5,700-stu- The Michigan Supreme company that led to a $3.1 events are well-at- passenger asked him if he dent district in Norman, Court on Tuesday reaf- million-plus divorce judg- of fame tended, it will help was gay. When Anthos said Mo. The Detroit district firmed its October decision ment is to be argued before the commission land The Detroit Pis- he was, the passenger be- lists its student population to reject Grosse Ile Town- the Michigan Supreme Court more NCAA events, tons are shooting gan using homophobic as 143,490 as of August 2005, ship’s final appeal in its bid beyond those already on Wednesday. for back-to-back slurs against him. but reports show that num- to acquire the Grosse Ile The case is a legal mal- wins in the bas- on the books. (Crain’s After Anthos got off the ber as significantly lower Toll Bridge through emi- practice lawsuit by Harvey ketball hall of Publisher Mary bus near his home, the pas- now. nent domain. Grace, chairman of Farm- fame. Kramer is a member of senger followed him and For the second straight ington Hills-based Grace & Last year, Joe the sports commis- beat him with a metal pipe, week, the Detroit City Davidson N THE MOVE Wild Inc. against Bruce Leit- Dumars, former sion). paralyzing him below the O Council on Wednesday re- man and the former law Piston player and current A block of 10 tickets for neck. Anthos was taken to Two former Questor fused to approve water and firm of Bruce Leitman P.C. president of basketball op- all six sections costs $1,200. the hospital and was only Management Co. L.L.C. exec- sewer rate hikes for city Grace claims Leitman erations was selected. This For more information, con- able to give a brief descrip- utives have been hired as and suburban customers, failed to call an expert wit- year Pistons owner William tact the Detroit Metro tion of his assailant before global industry partners by The Detroit News reported. ness during a December Davidson, chairman, CEO Sports Commission at (313) lapsing into a coma. New York-based DLJ Mer- Mike Duggan, CEO of 1998 trial to rebut allega- and president of Guardian In- 202-1979. Police have no suspects chant Banking Partners, an the Detroit Medical Center, in the case, which they are investment affiliate of Cred- entered an intensive calling a hate crime. it Suisse, the U.S. subsidiary weight- Anthos was known for of Credit Suisse Group of loss pro- writing hundreds of letters Switzerland; John Janitz, who gram Feb Interactive lists, nomination deadlines to newspapers, politicians had been co-managing prin- 23 at Duke and celebrities in support cipal; and Dominick Schiano University Did you know that the nomination Today also marks the debut of our sec- of his cause, and for carry- a former managing direc- in tor. Durham, deadlines for 20 in their 20s and our ond interactive list, 2006’s Top Ver- ing signs and circulating first ever CFO awards are looming in dicts and Settlements petitions about it in the De- Mary Ann Wright to the N.C., the the days ahead? (crainsdetroit.com/verdicts). There troit and Lansing areas. new position of vice presi- Detroit dent and general manager Free Press The final day to get 20s nominees in you’ll find all the cases profiled in this of hybrid systems, Johnson reported. is Tuesday at 6 p.m. and the deadline week’s Focus section and some addi- Controls Inc., Plymouth, De- Duggan for the CFO awards is Friday at 6 p.m. tional links to video, Web pages and WXYZ-Channel 7 tops in troit Metropolitan Wayne Both of these deadlines have been ex- more. ratings for February from executive vice presi- tended, so get your candidates in be- See footage of the Pacers-Pistons dent of engineering, design, County Airport will shut fore it’s too late! Visit our home page brawl, NASCAR truck series vehicles in Detroit’s WXYZ-Channel 7 product development and down one of its runways in and find your nomination form under action and read up on interesting case was the market’s top overall program management, preparation for a six- the “Surveys and Forms” tab along our WEB WORLD law. What other Web site offers that station, according to a Collins & Aikman Corp., month, $64 million recon- left hand navigation bar Daniel Eizans mix? Nielsen Media Research rating Southfield, effective struction project starting in survey that ended Feb. 28. Wednesday. She will also May. DBpageAD.qxd 1/17/2007 10:06 AM Page 1

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