DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 9 CDB 2/9/2007 11:27 AM Page 1

February 12, 2007 CRAIN’S BUSINESS Page 9 MARY KRAMER: Tough choices should favor good schools

There are 232 schools in the De- and other such mea- practices and work lieve there are really no successful younger teacher right out of the troit Public Schools, and the dis- sures. rules that have proven urban school systems, but there building. trict is planning to close 52 of them But what if the dis- successful in the best- are a lot of individual urban Some lucky principals operate because, as the district’s facilities trict used a different performing schools? schools that work. with a no-bumping waiver. A top director told The Detroit News re- yardstick? What would that say What makes a difference? DPS official told me recently that a cently, the district has about 60,000 What if high-perform- to principals, teachers, The size of the school matters. grand total of seven schools in the empty seats. ing schools went to the unions, parents and How involved parents are does, city system have that waiver. Angry students and parents are top of the “save” list, children about what it too. But the ability of the princi- That’s out of 252. lining up at meetings to argue that even if they moved, en takes to have a school pal, as CEO of that building, to We know what makes a differ- their school should remain open. masse, to a newer build- that survives? help shape the school’s perfor- ence. Do we have the guts to use You can be sure no one — in- ing nearby, and schools Schools like Chadsey mance culture by infusing teach- the school closings to make a state- cluding school administrators and with the lowest test High School, a high- ers and staff with a common vision ment on what will be rewarded? board members who are part of the scores would close? And performing school in is important, too. Unfortunately, Mary Kramer is publisher of closing decisions — is happy about what if the board told southwest Detroit that work rules under union contracts Crain's Detroit Business. Her weekly closing schools. They say the deci- parents and teachers: OK, we’ll has, I understand, 22 nationalities allow “bumping,” which can upset take on the latest business news airs sions are based on housing pat- have a moratorium on some of the represented among 700-plus stu- that team approach. Too often, a at 6:40 a.m. Mondays on the Paul W. terns, demographics, the age and marginal but improving schools, dents, would survive. more-senior but less-effective Smith show on WJR AM 760. E-mail condition of the school buildings providing we agree on programs, Some education advocates be- teacher can bump an energetic but her at [email protected].

LETTERS CONTINUED ■ From Page 8 You can stop waiting now. short term.” I’m not sure if three or four years would be considered short term, but one only need to look at federal receipts (not expen- ditures) and our national unem- ployment rate of 4.5 percent to see “real solid proof” that the Bush tax cuts are doing exactly what they were expected to do. S. Rose Detroit Leave my food alone Editor: I do not think the residents of Michigan elected State Rep. Lee Gonzales or any other member of our state government to legislate what we eat (“State joins war on use of trans fats,” Jan. 29). Estate tax repeal is dead. As a libertarian, I think that our government robs us of our right to make our own decisions regarding Now, moremore thanthan ever,ever, estateestate planningplanning our habits. The U.S. was founded on the idea of an individual’s right and wealth transfer planning are critically important! to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Where do you think the At the Advanced Strategies Group, Inc. we can assist you in planning government will draw the line if At the Advanced Strategies Group, Inc. we can assist you in planning we continue to give it the power to forfor youryour lovedloved ones,ones, basedbased onon today’stoday’s factsfacts notnot tomorrow’stomorrow’s what-ifs.what-ifs. legislate away our rights? Tytti Newton Vice president of operations Office Star L.L.C. Join us to learn more! Westland Saturday, February 24, 2007, 8:30 a.m. Seeking top CFOs The Townsend Hotel, Birmingham Crain’s is seeking nominations for its first-ever CFO Awards. Winners will Call us to reserve your spot at this important event. You don’t want to miss it! be recognized at a May 17 dinner and featured in the May 28 issue. Estate values of $4 million or more required. Please, no financial advisors. To be eligible, nominees must be CFOs, or hold an equivalent job, who have displayed excellence in financial or other corporate operational management. Nominees will be considered for these categories: public companies, private companies and nonprofits; as well as a community service category that recognizes CFOs or treasurers whose leadership has led to significant financial or organizational improvement for a nonprofit. Wealth Preservation & Transfer Specialists To nominate someone, go to crainsdetroit.com and click on “Surveys and Forms” in the left-hand bar. Nominations are due by March 2. 1-877-ASG-Ø-TAX (1-877-274-0829) Presenting sponsor of the event is Marsh. Clark Hill plc, DaimlerChrysler New York • Boston • Detroit • Florida • Los Angeles Financial Services, Interior Dynamics, Financial Executives International and www.AdvancedStrategiesGroup.com the Michigan Association of CPAs are also sponsoring the event. DBpageAD.qxd 10/13/2006 10:52 AM Page 1

With over 60,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 512 luxurious rooms, a full-service spa, exciting gaming and decadent dining, your group will always experience more at Soaring Eagle.

Mt. Pleasant, MI 1-888-7-EAGLE-7 Ext. 55385 www.soaringeaglecasino.com DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 11 CDB 2/9/2007 11:43 AM Page 1

February 12, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 11

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK Shiny and new Jennette Smith writes about Influx of glitzy new real estate and hotels in Detroit could hospitality. Call spell trouble for older (313) 446- 0414 or write lodgings. Page 16. jhsmith@crain. com meetings/conventions

Jennette Smith Bureau to go after smaller conventions A new branding campaign for the region isn’t the only thing going on to boost Detroit’s odds of attracting visitors — including meetings and conventions prospects. Crain’s readers: We need a bigger convention hall, While the new campaign and its brushed-metal “D” logo were the big news in late January, there are some other tactics in play by the Detroit but do it economically and run it better Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. Chief among them is a plan to shift resources around to go after BY JENNETTE SMITH es were new suggestions, big and small, about not only big citywide conventions, CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS how to drastically make over Cobo and how it but small and medium-size events. is run. major expansion for Cobo Center has Carla Conner-Penzabene, director Recurring themes in the survey results of sales for the bureau, said the lingered on the region’s “to-do” list for were recommendations to tap private exper- bureau has added two new sales A nearly a decade, but new ideas about tise whenever possible, and to demand im- executives and shifted resources so how to pull it off resonate with provements to not only the that more people are working on the business community. building, but to customer ser- bringing corporate meetings and A group of Crain’s readers MORE COBO OPINIONS vice and event costs. Survey re- smaller conventions to Detroit. For participated in a January sur- Read more of what Crain’s spondents wanted to hear how example, two staff members were vey about Cobo and the majori- readers said about Cobo previously based in Washington. the center could be renovated ty supported the most recent Center, how to improve it and Now, there will be one based there, affordably and operate with a how to pay for those and the other person will be focused plan unveiled by Wayne Coun- renewed mission. improvements at on corporate business. ty Executive Robert Ficano in Cobo’s expansion has been YOUR THOUGHTS ON COBO December. And we conducted crainsdetroit.com/cobo. Why the change? For many hotels, slow to start largely over dis- Until Oakland County Executive L. Brooks a good small convention is just as an informal survey after Oak- agreement about the scope of Patterson rolled out five new options valuable as a big blockbuster event. land County Executive L. CONVENTION LIST ONLINE the project and how to pay for Wednesday evening, there were two main Getting 100 hotel rooms filled, or Brooks Patterson rolled out it. Proponents argue an ex- proposals for renovation of Cobo Center. even fewer, can make a big impact See a list of upcoming five new options to finance a panded convention center The first, proposed by Wayne County for a single property. conventions in the Detroit Cobo expansion. area at crainsdetroit.com/ would help the city ensure the Executive Robert Ficano, calls for “A group of 20 to 50 rooms is just Admittedly, neither survey conventions. North American International Auto demolishing Cobo Arena and converting as important to a Holiday Inn in was scientific. Crain’s e-mailed Show keeps its clout, and could Cobo Center’s Riverfront Ballroom into an Livonia as a huge citywide about 6,000 subscribers a series help bring more events. Others exhibit hall (See Crain’s, Page 1, Dec. 11). convention,” Conner-Penzabene of questions to get their opinion on the best The plan also would add enclosed walkways said. say expanding or replacing Cobo is only part plan for Cobo (see box at right for a sample of to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance This new strategy doesn’t mean the survey). Among the more than 400 respons- See Survey, Page 12 Center. It would cost $465 million for Detroit won’t consider going after big construction plus $180 million for an events, even possibly another Super endowment to pay operating expenses. Bowl, but it does mean the smaller stuff is becoming more important. The second, proposed by a group funded by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, would To help pull this off, the bureau expand Cobo Center to about 1 million and some local hotels are going square feet, and provide room for alternative through a new sales-training program. The program, offered by fuels research and development. The cost of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.- the plan is unknown. based Master Connection OK, then. How In an e-mail survey, we asked Crain’s Associates, is meant to sharpen readers whether they favored one of those skills on topics like new ways to two plans, a complete teardown and rebuild prospect using the Internet, and how of the entire site, or to do nothing. to make the most powerful Here’s how you voted: presentation. do we pay for it? Ficano plan 52.5% And, using the new marketing materials, Detroit sales executives DADA plan 21.1% Ficano Patterson can walk into meetings with a better- Tear down and rebuild 16.4% looking presentation. The logo features the metallic “D” followed by Patterson proposals broaden discussion; Do nothing 10.0% Detroit attributes “Cars. Culture. Under Ficano’s plan, ownership and Gaming. Music. Sports.” It’s not a management of Cobo would go to a new slogan, but a graphic element to be Ficano says there’s not enough time regional authority with representatives from used as part of Detroit’s new brand. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, the Larry Alexander, president and BY JENNETTE SMITH ing counties recognize the importance of the city of Detroit and the state. Is this the right CEO of the bureau, also said at the CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS (North American International Auto Show) form of governance? bureau’s annual meeting Jan. 31 for the image of the city of Detroit, for that that the organization is forming a Yes 66.6% Last week, Oakland County Executive L. matter the image of the entire region. But we partnership with Cleveland to Brooks Patterson offered up five alternative No 15.0% promote the two cities as a music simply cannot be asked to sit down and write options to finance a Cobo Center expansion, destination. blank checks. We have the right, and I think Not sure 18.5% reaching to cigarette taxes, new casinos, or While this is more about leisure the responsibility, to raise legitimate ques- additional fees for airplane passengers. What about financing? Ficano’s plan would travel and isn’t directly related to tions,” he said. extend liquor and hotel room taxes for 35 increasing convention business, it During his state of the county address, Pat- Instead, he outlined five options: terson said that although the most recent years after their scheduled expiration in stands to reason that making the Ⅲ An “enplanement fee” of $1.50 per passen- 2015. About 52 percent of respondents to Cobo plan announced in December by Wayne most of Detroit’s music heritage ger who boards or connects at Detroit Metropol- the January survey favored this plan. gives sales staff a more interesting County Executive Robert Ficano made itan Airport. Crain’s conducted an informal e-mail survey pitch. progress on reducing the cost, adding a re- Ⅲ Funneling a portion of taxes, revenue or on Thursday, and about half of respondents gional governance board and using private Let’s see … Detroit Rock City. both from a fourth casino in Detroit. still favored Ficano’s plan. The other half Detroit Rap City. Motown. Works for management, he simply will not back a liquor Ⅲ Using gambling taxes raised from a slot favored one of the five options presented by me. and hotel tax increase to pay for it. Patterson. “Clearly Oakland County and the surround- See Cost, Page 13 DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 12,13 CDB 2/9/2007 11:25 AM Page 1

Page 12 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 12, 2007

FOCUS:MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS Survey: Crain’s readers go beyond space in Cobo discussion ■ From Page 11 of what’s needed to increase the ers, automakers, auto dealers, ven- of Royal Transportation Co., a Detroit- retired electrical engineer from a Cobo expansion with tax revenue area’s convention business. dors and Gov. Jennifer Granholm. based shuttle service, said ratchet- Ford Motor Co., said he’d like to see from slot machines at six of the “I would get the politics out of “It’s time to move as a region.” ing up the resources for booking a portion of the project paid for state’s horse tracks “a common- it,” said Peter Wilde, managing di- Ficano said he wants the region events should be a priority. through citizens being offered the sense approach to the problem.” rector of The Townsend Hotel in to have an agreed-upon final plan Cobo needs to “bring in the best chance to buy stock. Ficano said that if Cobo is suc- Birmingham. “Whatever company within the calendar year. Yet, in and brightest and fill the space ... Detroit’s legal experts could cessful at bringing in more events, is brought in to manage it … every- the interim he’s willing to hear that should be a priority versus a come up with a structure that or if the state kicks in more sup- body should get out of their way. about alternative ideas on some of platform of building it bigger and would allow a portion of the project port for the project, it would be Detroit is going to have to do some- the details. they will come,” he said. to be paid for through a plan that possible to reduce the liquor-tax thing revolutionary. Detroit is “We’re not married to all the Other survey respondents were would allow individuals or groups extension. He also emphasized competing with a lot of really great specifics of the plan,” he said. concerned about the project’s to buy shares for $100 or so, he said. that the tax is only for poured convention centers in great cities.” “We’re open to suggestions.” price. Ficano’s plan includes $465 “Stock groups or groups of stu- drinks at bars and restaurants, not John Hopper, owner of Livonia- Ficano’s plan million for con- dents could buy in,” he said. “Open for alcohol purchased at stores. based construction company J.J. calls for Cobo to struction costs plus it up.” But some respondents said that Hopper Inc., pointed to the new pri- be owned and gov- Whether $180 million for an Jean Chamberlain, president of Cobo shouldn’t be expanded at all vately owned Rock Financial erned by a region- endowment whose JNC Consulting, a Huntington “ unless it can be self-reliant. Showplace, a 320,000-square-foot al authority, that annual earnings Woods-based consultant to politi- suburban “Cobo Hall should not be ex- expo center built for about $20 mil- would hire a pri- would pay operat- cians and small businesses, said panded unless it can be funded by lion. While that project had con- vate management ing expenses at she’d like to see a shorter time- communities like those who use the facility,” said tractor disputes, the result was a company. A study Cobo. frame for the liquor-tax extension. one reader. “That is, event cost large space built on a budget. that summarized it or not, we’re Peter Basso, Ficano’s plan would extend liquor should include the fees necessary There should be a way to plan a past research and chairman of Peter and hotel room taxes for 35 years Cobo project for under $200 mil- gathered addition- all in it. Basso Associates, a beyond their currently scheduled to fund this expansion.” lion, Hopper said, adding that al data to support ” Troy-based engi- 2015 expiration. Ten or so years is Despite the concerns about building new elsewhere in the city the plan was con- Peter Wilde, Townsend Hotel neering and con- more reasonable, she said. costs, many survey participants should still be evaluated. ducted by contrac- sulting company, Others thought that Ficano’s agreed that expanding Cobo is a re- When interviewed last week for tor Walbridge said that local ex- timeline was reasonable. gional issue, not something for this story, Ficano reiterated that Aldinger Co. and Hines Interests L.P. pertise in architecture and engi- “The taxes are already in place only Wayne County and the city of the financial analysis favors the Hines manages the Coleman A. neering should be tapped to come and have been for some time. … Detroit, which owns Cobo, to be re- existing location as opposed to Young Municipal Center in Detroit up with a way to do a great renova- The other proposals from Patter- sponsible for. building new. He added that he and has saved more than $5 million tion with a smaller budget. Basso son require new actions that may Said The Townsend’s Wilde, senses a growing consensus about a year, a sign of what a private man- suggested a design charette meet- not be passed, developed or take who actually favors tearing Cobo getting a Cobo improvement plan ager could do for Cobo, Ficano said. ing be organized to get these minds place,” said one respondent. down and building a new center: from ideas to blueprints. “We want to make this results- in one room for a brainstorming But Ed Kelly, vice president and “Whether suburban communities “It seems to be gaining momen- oriented,” Ficano said. “It’s all on session. general manager of Sterling like it or not, we’re all in it.” tum,” he said, referencing recent the (idea) board.” And, to get a true regional buy- Heights-based Energy Products Inc., Jennette Smith: (313) 446-0414, meetings with local political lead- Donald Fitzsimmons, president in for the project, Robert Jones, a called Patterson’s proposal to fund [email protected] DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 12,13 CDB 2/9/2007 11:26 AM Page 2

February 12, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 13

FOCUS:MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS Cost: Execs push plans ■ From Page 11 machine room at Cobo Center. “This is a difficult road to trav- Ⅲ Adding slot machines at the el,” he said. ® state’s six horse racing tracks, of- The enplanement fee, mean- ten called “racinos.” while, would require an act of the A legacy of larger- Ⅲ Diverting a 4 cents-per-pack Congress, because federal regula- cigarette tax beginning in 2010. tions stipulate that airport rev- than-life events. When interviewed after the enue be used for airport purposes. speech, Patterson said he likes the Similarly, the cigarette-tax idea There is only one Rosa Parks cigarette tax idea best. After fiscal would not kick in until 2010. stabilization bonds stemming “We don’t have time for something Bus. There is only one Kennedy from a 1980s Wayne County budget like that,” Ficano said, pointing to crisis are paid off, the tax could be the decline in vehicle introduc- Limousine.There is only one place shifted to retire the bond debt for a tions at the auto show as one rea- Cobo project. Patterson’s next fa- son for urgency. Ficano added that with the unique venues to make vorite proposal is racinos. he has an open mind and Patterson your next event unforgettable. Ficano said after the speech that is a friend, but he already has sup- none of Patterson’s ideas could be port from many of the stakehold- pulled off in the time frame neces- ers in a Cobo expansion for the sary to get going on a Cobo project. plan announced last year. New casino bids would take two to Richard Blouse, president and three years to get on a statewide CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber, ballot, he said. The fourth casino said that while Patterson’s speech option could be crafted in a variety showed why the region has made Henry Ford Museum® of ways, pulling from sources such progress — for example, Patterson as gaming, liquor, and even prop- agrees a Cobo expansion in Detroit Lovett Hall erty taxes, according to the Patter- is important — it’s obvious Patter- son plan report. son, Ficano and Detroit Mayor Greenfield Village® One possibility, Patterson said Kwame Kilpatrick need to keep Ford Rouge Factory Tour in his speech, would be for the talking about Cobo until they can three casinos to form a joint ven- agree on a financial plan. ture to operate the fourth casino. “You’ve got to get all the players 313.982.6220 Roger Martin, media and public- to the table,” he said. “It may not www.TheHenryFord.org/catering affairs consultant for Greektown be easy, but I know they can do it. Casino L.L.C., said no one has talked It behooves the three of them to sit to Greektown about this possibility down and find the right solution.” so far, and reiterated the need for a Jennette Smith: (313) 446-0414, city of Detroit and a Michigan vote. [email protected]

Nobody Rock star

Impress your clients even before the meeting begins. Checker Sedan offers luxury from our sedans to our 56-passenger coaches. They will take your clients to and from the airport, hotel, meeting, or anywhere they want to go, in style. Professional drivers meet them curbside. Dark-tinted windows will make them feel like a celebrity. Complimentary bottled water and magazines make them feel like a star — while you come off looking like one.

Checker Sedan.The official luxury sedan service of Detroit Metro Airport — and the obvious choice for people who are going places.

CheckerSedan.com N 313.963.1000 N Where can we drive you today? DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 14 CDB 2/9/2007 10:10 AM Page 1

Page 14 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 12, 2007 Group readies push to help Casting about for a great convention city? nonprofits lobby effectively

BY SHERRI BEGIN bers of Congress and can better in- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS form them of the impact of nation- al policy on local communities and The Michigan Nonprofit Associa- their organizations,” he said. tion is forming a Southeast Michi- Nonprofits also can help lobby gan council to help it take a larger on state matters that affect them, role in forming public policy. such as the state budget and The Non- changes to the Charitable Solicita- profit Public Policy Council will be tions Act, Singh said. patterned after nonprofit public- About half of Michigan’s 43,000 policy councils already operating nonprofits operate in Oakland, in Calhoun and Genesee counties. Wayne, Macomb, Livingston, Groups such as the National Coun- Washtenaw, Monroe and St. Clair cil of Nonprofit Associations and counties, the area the council will Washington-based Independent Sec- represent, he said. tor, a coalition of about 600 nonprof- Many nonprofits are confused its and founda- about what they legally can and tions working to can’t do when it comes to advoca- With a salmon-rich river running right behind our cutting-edge convention center, strengthen the cy, Singh said. While nonprofits it’s no wonder Grand Rapids is one of America’s Top 10 Fishing Cities. We’re also nonprofit indus- can’t endorse a candidate or party, try, are urging they can lobby for legislation or a Top 10 Livable City, with a safe, friendly downtown where you can easily walk state nonprofit funding, provided they are not us- to 60+ hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and museums. Plus, we’re a Top 10 Fun & associations to ing government funding to do so. Recreation City, with a Top 10 Beach, Arts Destination and Roller Coaster just get their mem- MNA plans to invite nine to 13 minutes away. Choose Grand Rapids bers engaged in nonprofits that already lobby to sit federal policy is- on the council when it begins meet- for a top-notch convention! sues such as the Singh ing in June, he said. recently passed MNA plans Feb. 27 to kick off a Pension Reform Act, which allows six-month series of seminars on lob- individuals to make donations of bying and advocacy for nonprofits. MeetGrandRapids.com up to $100,000 from their individual The $25 sessions run through July retirement accounts, tax-free, MNA 24 at YouthVille Detroit. For more 800-678-9859 President Sam Singh said. information, visit www.mna “There is a belief that the local online.org or call (313) 309-1650. organizations back home have a Sherri Begin: (313) 446-1694, stronger relationship with mem- [email protected] DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 15 CDB 2/9/2007 10:11 AM Page 1

February 12, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 15 ASC sells off equipment from specialty-car biz

BY ROBERT SHEREFKIN ASC’s largest specialty-vehicle CRAIN NEWS SERVICE project was the Chevrolet SSR. Production ended last year. A dearth of new contracts has Still, Theodore, a former Ford prompted ASC Inc. to retreat from Motor Co. executive, says ASC is its high-profile specialty-vehicle not abandoning specialty cars, business. which are a cyclical business. The Late last month, liquidators sold industry is two years away from presses, paint lines, sanding sta- seeing new product, he said. tions, injection-molding machines ASC employed more than 1,300 and other equipment that filled people during the Chevrolet SSR three of the plants Southgate- program. Theodore says current based ASC closed last year, accord- employment is below 500. Last ing to Hilco Industrial L.L.C., an in- year, ASC closed plants in Livonia dustrial equipment liquidator. and Gibraltar, as well as in Bowl- With the decline in specialty-ve- ing Green, Ky. hicle programs, Vice Chairman Still, Theodore said, ASC is on Chris Theodore said, the company track for a good year this year. is focusing on convertible tops and This summer ASC plans to be- other open-air systems. gin production in Lexington, Ky., The company has been owned of a sliding-roof system called In- since 2002 by a private-equity fund finiVu for an unidentified au- controlled by Questor Management tomaker. The sliding-roof system Co. L.L.C., but was founded by the is designed for use with sport-utili- late Heinz Prechter as American ty vehicles, minivans and cross- Sunroof Co. in 1965. It made sun- over vehicles. roofs for American and Japanese ASC also announced in October automakers and later expanded to an agreement with Paris-based specialty vehicles. Heuliez Group, which also produces The business has since become designs and develops niche vehi- crowded, with competitors from cles and specialty products such as Europe and Japan. Few specialty- retractable roofs, to help market vehicle contracts are expected un- each other’s products. til the domestic automakers im- From Automotive News. Brent prove their financial condition. Snavely contributed to this story. DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 16 CDB 2/9/2007 11:32 AM Page 1

Page 16 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 12, 2007

HOTEL PROJECTS ABOUT THIS FEATURE Besides Greektown Casino What’s driving the latest trend? What are the hidden (pictured at right), other major factors? How do things really work? Detroit hotel plans: Metro is dedicated to a behind-the-scenes look at business and lifestyle trends and topics in . Have an idea for a future Metro story? Send it to Executive Editor Cindy Goodaker at [email protected].

the why and how of here and now

The Motor City Casino Hotel will have 400 rooms. Giffels Inc. is the architect and Michigan Industrial Group is the general contractor. Room rush Upcoming influx of glitzy hotels might make it hard for older lodgings to compete

BY JENNETTE SMITH CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS

he Las Vegas-style glitz of permanent casino hotels T and two major historic hotel renovations are coming to Detroit at the same time, adding 1,850 hotel rooms during the next two years and bringing new competition for Detroit’s existing hotels and those The Book Cadillac project includes in the inner-ring suburbs. 455 hotel rooms. Kaczmar Detroit’s three casino hotels will Architects Inc., Madison Madison International and Hamilton add 1,200 new rooms alone. That’s Anderson Associates are the project on top of two large historic renova- architects. Jenkins Construction tion projects, The Westin Book Cadil- Inc. and Marous Bros. Construction lac and the Pick-Fort Shelby. are the general contractors. The benefit of the construction boom will be lush accommoda- tions with a high-design look, ranging from automotive-influ- enced retro to sleek and modern. Concierge services, new restau- rants and lounges, and lobbies meant to serve as popular gather- ing spots are all in the works. “It will be very difficult for any The Greektown Hotel and Casino design calls for glass towers anchored by a brick base. Luxury suites will have glass- of the existing properties to com- enclosed walk-out areas. Hnedak Bobo Group, Rosetti, SDG Design and Rich and Associates are the architects. Jenkins Construction Inc. and Skanska USA are the general contractors. pete on the aesthetic level,” said Matthew Rossetti, president of Ros- while, another high-end, three- percent, up from 53.2 percent. colors, Moten said. Similar to the setti, the Southfield-based architec- meal restaurant is planned. Rates were up substantially, from Book, the 206-room hotel building tural firm on the design team for Michael O’Callaghan, executive $119.71 to $134.85. will have 63 condominiums. Greektown Casino’s permanent casi- vice president and COO of the De- Richard Vroegindewy, general Planned restaurants for the no hotel. “The troit Metro Convention & Visitors Bu- manager of the 226- room South- Pick-Fort Shelby include a Finn & The 206-room Pick-Fort Shelby other two (MGM reau, said while absorbing such a field Marriott, said the hotel plans Porter, a Hilton restaurant with calls for a suites-only design and a Grand Detroit large inventory to stick with promoting its quality beef and fish. 38,000-square-foot international Casino L.L.C. and of rooms at once service and competitive prices to Moten said the new hotels cu- conference center. Quinn Evans MotorCity Casino will be a chal- counter the growing inventory of mulatively will make the city Architects and Hobbs + Black are L.L.C.) are retro, more marketable. the architects on the project. L.S. lenge, hotel Detroit hotels that are opening up. a lot of fun, a lot Brinker is construction manager. managers will The Book Cadillac’s true four- “The more the merrier,” he of Vegas. We’ve be creative star status will make the hotel said. “All of us have a different been pushing about trying stand out as a hub for conventions, product and are supportive of for an urban new sales tac- said Chris Ferchill, vice president each other.” Rossetti look.” tics. Plus, the of development for developer The But Donald Fitzsimmons, presi- MotorCity, meanwhile, has bureau has re- Ferchill Group of Cleveland. dent of Detroit-based shuttle ser- brought in designer Chip Foose of deployed its Meanwhile the Doubletree, a vice Royal Transportation Co., said O’Callaghan TLC series “Overhaulin’ ” fame to sales teams that Hilton brand planned at the Pick- he’s worried about the large in- assist the architectural team with pitch meetings and conventions to Fort Shelby calls for a suites-only ventory being added within a the final build-out. MotorCity’s put emphasis on small and medi- design and a 38,000-square-foot in- short time, especially for the sake casino expansion will open no later um-size events that can help prop- ternational conference center. of hotels beyond downtown. than the second quarter, said Jacci erties downtown and in the sub- Room suites will range from 400 “Are we just forcing the outer Woods, director of public relations. urbs. to 1,000 square feet. ring of properties out of the mar- The hotel and restaurants will Current data from Smith Travel The project will meet the certifi- ket?” he said. “There’s going to be follow in the fourth quarter with Research estimates metro De- cation standards of the Internation- a fight. There’s going to be win- an automotive-influenced retro troit’s average occupancy rate for al Association of Conference Centers, ners and losers.” theme that uses glass, steel and 2006 at 56.9 percent and average which dictates amenities, technol- Ferchill said he’s optimistic creative lighting elements. room rate at $85.80 a night. While ogy and staff expertise, said Em- about the investment in expand- The MGM Grand Detroit Hotel will Woods said the Iridescence fine- occupancy is flat from the 2005 mett Moten Jr., CEO of developer ing Detroit’s hospitality business. add 401 rooms. Hamilton Anderson dining restaurant will be moved to “All development is good devel- and the Smith Group are the rate of 57 percent, average room The Moten Group of Detroit. architects and Tre Builders L.L.C. an upper floor with a 40-foot unin- rate is up from $79.75. In the city The design “is going to be bright opment,” he said. is the construction manager. terrupted, glass-enclosed view of of Detroit, occupancy was a little yet keep with the historic charac- Jennette Smith: (313) 446-0414, the Ambassador Bridge. Mean- higher last year, averaging 57.9 ter of the building,” using cheerful [email protected] DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 17 CDB 2/9/2007 10:13 AM Page 1

February 12, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 17 BRIEFLY Washtenaw bond rating raised and Marble Slab Creamery. Max & Aastrom gets ‘orphan drug’ and reduces normal circulation. prepare Detroit eighth-graders for Erma’s also will open a location at The FDA gives the orphan desig- high school and college. Washtenaw County expects a re- the shopping center. designation for heart treatment nation to companies developing a Beginning next fall, all eighth- cent improvement to its bond cred- About 20 other tenants were an- drug for rare disorders. If Aas- grade students in Detroit Public it rating to save about $200,000 on a Aastrom Biosciences Inc. has re- nounced for Partridge Creek in trom’s treatment is approved by Schools will take an online course $21.6 million expansion and reno- ceived an orphan-drug designation April, including Apple, Ann Taylor, the FDA, the company would be el- through the community college to vation to the county’s jail. from the U.S. Food and Drug Adminis- Banana Republic and California Pizza igible for incentives such as a sev- skills including goal setting, note Standard & Poor’s boosted its as- tration for a chronic heart-disease en-year patent on the product, tax taking, time management, conflict sessment of the financial risk of Kitchen. treatment it has developed, accord- incentives and exclusive selling the county’s bond rating from Partridge Creek, which is being ing to a statement issued Feb. 1. resolution, information literacy rights for the treatment. “AA” to “AA+” on Jan. 16. developed on the south side of Hall Ann Arbor-based Aastrom re- and career planning. — Sheena Harrison Moody’s maintains an “AA” rat- Road between Garfield and Romeo ceived the designation for its Tissue The college said in a release that ing for Washtenaw County. Plank roads, is scheduled to open Repair Cells, a product that con- it will waive all fees for the one- — Bill Shea Oct. 18. The 640,000-square-foot tains stem and progenitor cells ob- Detroit eighth-graders to take hour college credit course and is- center is expected to include about tained from a patient’s own bone community college class sue identification cards to the stu- AlixPartners names 2 co-presidents 90 stores and restaurants, and will marrow. The treatment is used to dents to give them access to its be anchored by Parisian, Nordstrom regenerate heart tissue in patients Detroit Public Schools and Wayne resources, including a 24-hour on- Stefano Aversa and Peter and MJR Theatres. with dilated cardiomyopathy, a dis- County Community College District line help desk. Fitzsimmons have been promoted — Sheena Harrison ease that causes heart enlargement have forged an agreement to better — Sherri Begin to co-presidents of AlixPartners L.L.C. in Southfield, where both had been managing director. Aver- sa, who had been based in Detroit, will oversee Asian and European markets from a yet-to-be-deter- mined location; Fitzsimmons, who had been based in London, will oversee North American opera- tions from New York. Denso exec to lead Auto Alley John Voorhorst, vice president of Southfield-based Denso Interna- tional America Inc. and president of the Denso North America Foundation, has been elected to a two-year term as president of Troy-based Automa- Problems no longer tion Alley. He replaces Jerry Rush, senior director of government and community affairs for Troy-based keep you up at nıght. ArvinMeritor Inc. “Jerry Rush has been an amaz- ing ambassador for the Alley over the last two years. We greatly ap- Solutions do. preciate his service,” said Ken Rogers, Automation Alley’s execu- tive director, in a press release. “I att.com/OnwardSmallBiz look forward to working with John Voorhorst and the new board in furthering the Alley’s efforts to grow the region’s economy.” Three new board members were elected to the 19-member board — You are the small business owner. Always thinking, planning and solving. Adam Wilburn of Troy-based SuSoft Solutions Inc.; Lou Longo, a partner Introducing a program that’s uniquely yours. An online resource rich with in Southfield-based Plante & Moran inspiration. Where relevant content comes to you, based on your industry or P.L.L.C.; and Turkia Mullin, assis- interest. With online courses, one-on-one consulting, and constructive news to tant Wayne County executive. — Tom Henderson help keep you at the forefront of your world. Get ready to engage, exchange and excel. Log on, and it’s onward, business. att.com/OnwardSmallBiz More tenants set for Mall at Partridge Creek Brighton Collectibles, The Levi’s Store and Samsonite are among sev- eral retailers that plan to make their debut in Macomb County when The Mall at Partridge Creek opens this fall, according to a state- ment issued Jan. 31 by Taubman Centers Inc. Bloomfield Hills-based Taub- man (NYSE: TCO) announced 25 additional tenants for the lifestyle center it’s building in Clinton Township, several of which will be new to Macomb County. Those in- clude J. Jill, Janie and Jack, Lucky Brand Jeans, Lucy, Sunglass Designs, Swarovski Gallery Store, Crabtree & Evelyn, Papyrus, Rockport, Skechers and The Walking Co. Other retailers announced were Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Kay Jewel- ers, Victoria’s Secret and Victoria’s Secret Beauty, Zales Jewelers and H&M. Several restaurants also plan to make their Macomb County debut at Partridge Creek, including Bar Louie, Nestle Toll House Café by Chip, © 2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. Page 18 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 12, 2007

Confidential Reply Boxes Available Call Us For Personalized Service: See Crainsdetroit.com/Classifieds (313) 446-6068 CRAIN’S CLASSIFIED for more classified advertisements See our Classified ads on www.crainsdetroit.com FAX: (313) 446-1757 MAIL: Classified Advertising, Crain’s Detroit Business, CLOSING TIMES: Monday 3 p.m., PAYMENT: All classified ads must be prepaid. E-MAIL: [email protected] 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207-2997. one week prior to publication date. Checks, money order or Crain’s credit approval INTERNET: www.crainsdetroit.com/classifieds Include name, company, address and phone number. Please call us for holiday closing times. accepted. Credit cards accepted.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUCTIONS BUSINESS ASSETS SERVICES Broadband VOIP Telephone Services APARTMENT COMPLEX PORT SANILAC DOWNTOWN Hosted PBX, Business & Consumer Macomb County, 12 units, 100% occu- DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FORMER Kmart Corp Headquarters CONSULTANTS Use your Broadband Connection to Save Up to 80% pied, good gross. $495,000. Seeking to partner with private developer for state signa- PBX.NET Corporation - www.pbx.net 2 DAY PUBLIC AUCTION th MT. CLEMENS ture grant. $210,000 available for corner property pur- Call Toll Free 866-342-5864 or [email protected] FRIDAY FEBRUARY 16th & SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17 P & C Broker and Insurer Turnkey restaurant with Class C Liq- chase. Renovation of the existing Blue Water Inn building AUCTION@10:00 A.M. REGISTRATION @ 9:00 A.M. required, located at M-46 & M-25. Liquor license may be LUCENT . . . AVAYA. . . PARTNER. . . Preview on Thurs. Feb 15th 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. Performance Reviews & RFP’s uor License. $50,000 down, aggres- available. MAGIX. . . VOIP. . .LEGEND . . . sive lease rates. MERLIN. . .SPIRIT Systems/Parts New/refurbished. HUGE OFFICE FURNITURE/EQUIP, CORP ART COLLECTION, VIDEO Clients include Public Entities, Public & Private Cor- Please reply DDA Chairman Omnicall Equipment Corp. (248) 848-9282 PRODUCTION/AUDITORIUM EQUIP. AUCTION! porations, Large Non-Profits, and HC Providers. Also WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT Chester S. Kolafcz 810 622 9651 or 3100 W. Big Beaver Rd., TROY, MI 48084 expert testimony, alternative risk evals, professional Marina, restaurant/bar, 54 slips, Clay WE HAVE USED PHONES Email : [email protected] DIRECTIONS: Located at WEST END of the Somerset Mall on liability product development, & policy drafting for in- Township, 5.5 acres. $2,450,000. Nortel, Lucent, phone systems. Almost any new or West Big Beaver & Coolidge. surers of all sizes. Joseph M. Inwald, JD, CPCU used phone available. Expert installation available. Use Liquidation Showroom "T-DOOR" entrance (north rear of buildings). 2 rings JInwald comcast.net or 248-406-5038. @ Enjoy fixed annual returns of 12% Call (248)548-6404 selling simultaneously! Items include 1000+/- Steelcase metal or wood-top desks; 400+/- Steelcase rolling office chairs (valued at $600 if NEW), Steelcase office Receive collateral values at up to 50% greater than your in - AUCTIONS furniture including 1000+/- office cubicle panels, workstations, metal lateral & vested capital and receive interest, tax deferred, compound - BUSINESS ASSETS vertical filing cabinets, credenzas, computer desks, Dell PC's, laptops, printers, mail MISCELLANEOUS ed monthly, directly into your I.R.A. or Retirment Program. bin sorters, microfiche reader/printers; Auditorium equipment including theater Imagine $100K in tech for your office. We can also accommodate straight capital investments! seating, rear projector, projector screen, lighting control system, sliding auditorium Sail a Magnificent Yacht In Detroit Imagine free publicity for your small business. Fractional Use Across The Entire Season Visit www.peacetreeinvestments.com wall system; Video production equipment; Security equipment; Shipping/receiving The $100,000 Total Tech Makeover Contest. equipment, forklift, commercial trash compactors; Building/maintenance equipment From $5,250 All-Inclusive Learn more at: www.sbsummit.com/tech for a free special report. 800-725-4953 Williams & Lipton Professional Instruction Available & tools; Satellite transmission equipment; Store Fixtures, PINNACLE YACHTS HATE YOUR KRONOS® TIME-KEEPING SOFTWARE - PUBLIC AUCTION CORPORATE ART COLLECTION (BEING SOLD SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17 th ) 800.285.7495 - www.pinnacleyachts.com Many do! We can replace it for FREE. Call me to LOOKING FOR INVESTOR Tues. Feb. 27 @ 10 a.m. with 400+/- works of fine art including a rare Picasso tapestry, Ansel Adams find out how. Steve Rupe 248-346-5823 or OR WORKING PARTNER photograph, large outdoor sculptures, paintings, prints, lithographs, etchings, visit www.provect.com $20,000 - $200,000 By order of the Trustee pastels, posters; 1991 Dodge Ram 350 4x4 Truck; 1991 Ford Aerostar Van, plus NORTHWEST MICHIGAN-ELK RAPIDS - CALL (248) 613-5367 TAWAS INDUSTRIES, INC. items are still being added. Call National Retail Equipment Liquidators (under BUSINESS & Landscape / Floral / Nursery. Land, buildings, tools, 905 Cedar Street the direction of Abacus Advisors) (248) 463-5819, auctioneer, for terms/brochure equipment. Includes 3 bdrm home, will train. $500K Tawas City, Michigan 48763 or view online at: www.nrel.com/liquidations INVESTMENTS Call Dave at REMAX of Elk Rapids 231-633-4677 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TERMS & CONDITIONS: (6) Paper Air & Fuel Filter Removal will be Sunday Feb 18 - Feb 23 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. Exceptional Business Opportunities in Downtown BUSINESSES FOR SALE Investment Opportunity in New Medical Office Manufacturing Product Lines, Full payment due day of auction. Cash, Check with Bank Letter, MasterCard or Detroit. Seeking investors, venture capitalists, po- Building development. Average 25% annual return Filter Assembly Equipment, tential partners for several Restaurants/Bar ventures. Visa only. 15% Buyer's Premium. Any other terms or conditions will be with 40% IRR in 12 years. CNC Toolroom Equipment, announced day of auction and will take precedence over printed matter. Buyers Marketing Franchise For Sale Contact Ms. Frederiksen@ 586-722-4798. Tube Bending and Forming Fast growing franchise opportunity. Phone 248 745 3510 shall rely entirely on their own information, judgment, and inspections of property Equipment, Air Compressors, Marketing, advertising, PR. Prime location. FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES and record. Auctioneer and assistants are seller's agents. Please call (248) 982 4600 Hilos, Truck Auction will be conducted, rain or shine. Brilliant Franchise Opportunity EQUIPMENT & Desirable 84,000 sq.ft. PROXIBID AVAILABLE! Bid on CORPORATE ART, Sculptures, Join America’s finest specialty toy store family. Manufacturing Facility is Audio/Video Production Equip & other selected items Liquidating ITALIAN Decorative Hardware World class support and much more. MERCHANDISE Available. Please Call. ONLINE at: www.proxibid.com [email protected] or 517-333-0802 A 10% Buyer’s Premium will (Cabinets, Handles, and Knobs), Classic and Mod- www.brilliantskytoys.com apply at this sale. ern line. See www.imosline.com. Various styles OFFICE FURNITURE Advertise your and finishes. Also included, metric screws, hand- BUSINESSES WANTED For Further Information or Circular out brochures, full trade show display, CUSTOM- MUST SELL, OFFICE CLOSED Call: (2 4 8 ) 6 4 6 - 7 0 9 0 goods and services in ER DATA BASE, shelving. $300,000 to $325,000 LOOKING TO BUY: Residential and/or Commer- Desks $99, Chairs $39, Files $49, Partitions $50, Web: www.williamsandlipton.com retail value. Liquidate for $40,000.00 cash. Can cial Plumbing Service & Drain Cleaning Compa- Lateral Files $99, Cubicles, Office Phone Systems Crain’s Detroit Business be run as part time/Full time, and as one man nies; Southeast Michigan Preferred; 5 Trucks or Call (248) 548-6404 or (248) 474-3375. operation. Huge profit margin. Sterling Heights. more; Fast close with substantial CASH DOWN pay- Call: 586-264-2838 ment. Confidentiality assured. Fax information Toll Free to 866-402-5260 or email to: [email protected] CRAIN’S CRAIN’S REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVE CRAIN’S RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES APARTMENT BUILDINGS COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES WE BUY SHOPPING CENTERS RECRUITER We are principals who can close quickly. FOR SALE Call David at Next Realty 847-881-2007 CONDOS Lantern Arms Apartments or email: [email protected] WATERFRONT PROPERTY Brokers Protected MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT PROPERTY IN SARASOTA, FL. FLORIDA WATERFRONT HOME - SW Florida Canal Gratiot/12 Mile - 1360 - 7800 SF Comm, Lease/Sale Model leaseback available and condo’s from $590K. front home with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Harper/11 Mile - 10,700 SF Comm - Must Sell Inventory available. Developer owned. Luxury pool, 10k boat lift. $475k. Chief Financial Officer Harper/11 Mile - 3,400 SF, Office, Great Parking Call 239-777-4280 Call 239-823-3469 Mack/9 Mile - 9,400 SF, Office/Comm Reduced A private & closely held professional firm, recog- St. Clair Shores - 3 great development sites LUXURY PROPERTY LAKEHOUSE / Waterfront Prop AT A STEAL. J.E. DeWald & Assoc (313) 884-2200 Waterford, MI. Seller to pay ALL COSTS / Free Fi- nized as the leading provider of international cus- nancing, 0 Down. Private Showings By Appt. Only. toms & trade consulting services seeks a highly Beautiful Brighton Property www.2730dixie.com motivated experienced professional to lead our fi- Whyleasewhen Secluded 2 Level Brick Home on 2 Acres •Substantial Upside youcanBuildtoOwn. 0-DOWN FINANCING - SELLER TO PAY COSTS nancial operations. •49 Units (7 Story Mid-Rise) Letmeshowyou Lease to Own Option NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS! Our Firm has experienced dramatic growth over •Minutes from Downtown Dayton Visit: www.9356northboro.com •Close to Major Employment how-exploreyouroptions. Beautiful waterfront 1 acre estate lots the last decade and we expect continued growth. BUYING A HOME? SELLING A HOME? Our 270 employees are located in 3 countries on •Easy Access to Major Freeways (SR-35, I-70 & I-75) D.J. MALTESE Call in Brighton. New exclusive 10 lot com- •No Set Asking Price Dominic www.freehomeinfo.listingbook.com munity on large all sports Woodland 2 continents. at Barry Swatsenbarg/Richard Deptula Designers & Builders 734.737.0500 Lake! Each lot has appx. 160’ of front- Responsibilities: direction & management of stra- or Scott Barrie RECREATIONAL PROPERTY age on paved road. Brighton Schools. tegic as well as day to day cash & accrual finan- 248.324.2000 Easy X-way access. Have "up north" cial operations & reporting & managing the rela- [email protected] CLARE COUNTY: 320 acres w/duck marsh & stream, lakefront living minutes from work! tionships with banks, creditors & external profes- [email protected] [email protected] CLINTON TOWNSHIP turn-key furnished modern lodge, 5 bed, 4 1/2 bath, Call Vantage Construction sional service providers & facilities management. 2 suites, food plots, tower blinds, superb hunting, Company For More Details Vacant land zoned multiple. Residen- Min. qualifications: Include but are not limited to excellent genetics, $1.6M 1031 INC. 616-774-1031 810-220-8060 34975 W Twelve Mile Rd tial or office condos on main street. extensive experience in finance and accounting; Farmington Hills, MI 48331 Only $99,000. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY 5 years experience with time & billing accounting www.friedmanrealestate.com 1031 OPPORTUNITY Advertise your practices; Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Fi- Property portfolio. Macomb County A Beautiful Clinton Twp. Executive Home goods and services in nance from an accredited institution & a CPA or and B Properties. 135,000 SF office Included 4 bed / 2 bath, central air, fireplace, & heat - an Advanced Degree in Accounting or Finance; Apartment Buildings For Sale and commercial, all or part, asking ed garage. Completely remodeled. Renting $1250+ impeccable business & work ethics; skilled at op- Sec. 34616 Chope Pl. Contact: 586 530 0019 Crain’s Detroit Business • 6-Unit Birmingham townhouse building. In $12,500,000 or best offer. erating in a team oriented environment. come of over $62,000/year. Great invest- VAN DYKE & CHICAGO RD. Other qualifications: Include but are not limited to ment potential. Hard commercial corner. 2 +/- acres, 3 years experience with the FAR & other govern- • 8-Unit Royal Oak apartment building. Over perfect for coffee or phone anchored ment contract accounting requirements; experi- $52,000/year income. development. Join Lowes, Wendys, ence with multi-business line, multi-location, Package deal for both properties. Serious and Pizza Hut. Steal it at $650,000. multi-company, international presence financial qualified buyers only. operations; financial operations transition & sys- tem transition experience; & experience with Please call Kimberly for details. Thompson Elite. (248) 635-0089 or Wage and benefit package commensurate with [email protected] position. Qualified candidates please email your experi- AUCTIONS INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY ence, qualifications and compensation require- ments to [email protected]. AUCTION Commercial Property FOR LEASE • Parcel 1 - 12,000 sq.ft. building, built 2003, DEARBORN, MICHIGAN Office, Retail, Medical. On 1.4 acres. • Parcel 2 - 1.4 acres - Vacant Land 7,500 sq. ft. Repair Facility CRAIN’S EXECUTIVE • Parcel 3 - 7.3 acres - Vacant Land With large fenced yard RECRUITER WORKS! Located on M-15, Davison MI. Utilities on site. 313-506-0534 Parcels must be sold, contact Tavis at 989-551-2010 DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 19 CDB 2/9/2007 11:09 AM Page 1

February 12, 2007 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 19 CRAIN’S REAL ESTATE PEOPLE BIOTECHNOLOGY Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Founda- tion, Southfield, from director of de- COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES Mukul Rathi to interim CFO, Caraco IN THE SPOTLIGHT velopment, children and women’s Pharmaceutical Laboratories Ltd., De- health, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, troit, from controller. Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Ann Arbor. EDUCATION Centers on Feb. 1 named David Tania McGee to executive director, Morlock CFO. The Sphinx Organization, Detroit, from Marla Stone to administrative manag- Morlock has director of education and community er, business office, The Eugene Apple- affairs, and competition director. baum College of Pharmacy and Health been with the Sciences, Wayne State University, De- health system SERVICES troit, from administrative officer, since 1990 WDET 101.9 FM, Detroit. and served as Bobbi Socall to vice president of busi- director of ness operations, Business Success FINANCE financial Group L.L.C. & Training Success Group planning since L.L.C., Troy, from business-develop- John Krakowiak to partner, DeRoy & De- ment expert. vereaux Private Investment Counsel 1997, and Inc., Southfield, from consultant, New director of finance for UTILITIES England Pension Consultants, Detroit. Morlock UM’s C.S. Mott JoAnn Chavez to vice president and Grantham Spencer to director of mort- Children’s Hospital and Women’s chief tax officer, DTE Energy Co., De- gage banking, Quicken Loans, Livo- nia, from mortgage banker. Hospital since 2004. troit, from director of taxation, Atlas Oil Co., Taylor. Daren Shavell to Before joining the health system, associate, Tele- Morlock was a commercial lender mus Capital Part- with City Bank & Trust Co. and OTHER ners L.L.C., South- business manager with Visiting Bob Klapish to vice president of opera- field, from senior Care Home Nursing, which later tions, Ideal Setech L.L.C. and Ideal financial analyst, become UM’s Michigan Visiting Setech Share-the-Spare L.L.C., Howell, Dominion Bond Nurses. from director of corporate accounts, Rating Services, He earned an MBA at Eastern Setech L.L.C. New York City. Michigan University and was a Donald Soenen, graduate fellow at the Owen chairman and School of Business. He lives in PEOPLE GUIDELINES CEO, Sensors Jackson. Shavell Inc., Saline, and Announcements are limited to chairman of All Weather Inc., Sacra- Morlock replaces Doug Strong, management positions. Nonprofit mento, Calif., to chairman of the who became CEO Aug. 1. and industry group board board, Plymouth Financial Corp., Ply- appointments can be found at ./6)/&&)#%"5),$).'&/23!,% mouth, parent company for New Liber- from vice president, management su- pervisor; Anthony Takla to senior vice www.crainsdetroit.com. Send ty Bank, Plymouth. submissions for People to Joanne W. Emery Matt- president, from senior client represen- tative/account manager, Acxiom Scharich, Crain’s Detroit Business, hews to chief in- Corp., Little Rock, Ark.; Robert Mone- 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI vestment officer, ment to vice president, senior produc- 48207-2997, or send e-mail to MayfieldGentry er, from vice president, senior produc- [email protected]. Releases Realty Advisors er, BBDO Detroit, Troy; Clifton Inc., Detroit, from must contain the person’s name,  SQFT Simmons to vice president, copy super- director of leasing, new title, company, city in which visor, from senior copywriter, BBDO ALLORPART Hines Interests the person will work, former title, Detroit, Troy; and Jennifer Swantek to L.P., Detroit. former company (if not promoted vice president, account supervisor, from within) and former city in Steve Stuart to from account supervisor. 7 4EN-ILE2OADAT(AGGERTY vice president, which the person worked. Photos property risk se- are welcome, but we cannot Matthews NONPROFITS s4/015!,)49#/.3425#4)/. nior consultant, guarantee they will be used. s3!,% ,%!3%OR#/.$/-).)5- Hylant Group, Troy, from vice presi- Douglas Stewart to executive director, s!3)3OR2%-/$%,TO35)49/52"53).%33 %773'-%8)7-2' dent and senior consultant, Marsh s()'(,9%80!.$!",%  Risk Consulting, Detroit. s02)-%#/--%2#)!,#/22)$/2 HIPSVIERMRG$GSQGEWXRIX HEALTH CARE )  )  )  - ).4%2#(!.'%!2%! Gloria Brooks to president and CEO, Arbor Hospice Inc., Ann Arbor, from INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY OFFICE BUILDING COO, Visiting Nurse Association of IN COOPERATION WITH Southeast Michigan, Oak Park. FOR LEASE - 3,500 SQ.FT. - 300,000 SQ. FT . CLINTON TOWNSHIP $1.60 S.F. LAW 2,500 SF, 2 unit office. Harper near (313) 963-8790 Brokers Protected 15 Mile Rd. $275,000. James Adams to shareholder in the Bloomfield Hills office, Butzel Long, AVAILABLE NOW Detroit, from attorney, Ufer & Spanio- la P.C., Troy. Presents 4,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. Ideas Also 10,000 & 25,000 sq. ft. MARKETING Free Standing Bldgs w/truckwells. OFFICE CONDO FOR SALE - ROCHESTER HILLS Alice Miles to vice president, global 1 Mile from Metro Airport 1250 sq. ft. + full basement. Great location, beautiful, data acquisition, R.L. Polk & Co., Before Dawn immediate occupancy, ample parking. Southfield, from director, corporate REA CONSTRUCTION Magar & Company - Call Sam Magar 248-358-3775 business strategy, Ford Motor Co., Breakfast Meeting at NextEnergy (734) 946-8730 Dearborn. OFFICE SPACE Also Heavy Industrial Jennifer Frustaci Adlhoch to sales and Land Available What’s Next for Midtown/New Center? marketing director, Harrington Com- Join us for a panel discussion with the players who are making things www.reaconstruction.net munications, Woods, from assistant prosecuting attorney happen at NextEnergy, Wayne State University’s Tech Town and the for Macomb County, Mt. Clemens. ambitious $1.3 billion redevelopment strategy linking New Center to James Brunk to senior vice president, WSU, championed by Henry Ford Health System. Could the People FOR LEASE creative director, Campbell-Ewald, Mover be expanded to link downtown to New Center? Find out at the DEARBORN, MICHIGAN Warren, from creative director, ePrize Feb. 28 Ideas Before Dawn to take place at NextEnergy. 60,000 sq. ft. Building, 4,000 sq. ft. Office L.L.C., Pleasant Ridge. Also, Anne Feighan to senior vice president, direc- Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Sprinklered / 6 Truck Docks tor account planning, from vice presi- 313-506-0534 dent, manager account planning; 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast and Networking Ronald Parkinson to senior vice presi- 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion dent, management supervisor, from vice president, senior account supervi- NextEnergy • 461 Burroughs, Detroit Grosse Ile – Commerce Park facilities. sor; Lisa Richland to senior vice presi- ( 2 blocks West of Woodward, North of I-94 ) 10,000 ft2 light industrial w/offices-$65K/yr. dent, director ac- 4,400 ft2 warehouse/light industrial- count planning, TICKETS $30 • REGISTER by Feb. 26 $20K/yr. Utilities incl. from senior vice president manag- at www.DowntownDetroit.org www.grosseileairport.com link to Commerce ing strategic plan- Park. 734.675.0155 VACANT LAND ning and brand- PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS ing activities, FLORIDA RESIDENTIAL LOTS FOR SALE Bates Worldwide, RETAIL SPACE 47 Large Lots, Fully Developed, Children’s Park area, Immediate School Availability. Less than 1 hour NW New York City; of Orlando International Airport. ALL or PART, Debra Spencer to 333 S. Main, Ann Arbor. Prime, Beautifully redone Terms to Builders. Call 352-742-7558 or 586-764-7444 senior vice presi- 2,400 Sq. Ft., Unbelievable price. dent, manage- Call (734)-761-6170 or (734) 761-6163. Crain’s Classifieds Gets Results www.curtiscommercialllc.com Spencer ment supervisor, DETROIT BUSINESS MAIN 02-12-07 A 20 CDB 2/9/2007 10:20 AM Page 1

Page 20 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 12, 2007 CALENDAR TUESDAY Good Morning Livingston: Google gional Economic Partnership, Comer- or www.detroit.marketingpower.com. NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR Comes to the Region. 7:30-9 a.m. How- ica Bank and the Detroit Chinese FEB. 13 ell Area Chamber of Commerce. Business Association. Automation Al- Macomb County Economic Forecast. Who: Dan Speaker: Grady Burnett, head of online ley, Troy. $35 members, $50 nonmem- What’s in Store for the 2007 Econo- 11:30 a.m. Feb. 20. The Chamber Al- Gilbert, sales and operations for the Google of- bers. Contact: Freia Boeckel, (248) 457- liance of Macomb County. Speaker: my? 7:30 a.m. The Association of Cor- founder/ fice in Ann Arbor. Crystal Gardens- 3283, [email protected] porate Growth Detroit Chapter. Jim Jacobs, associate vice president of chairman, Rock Livingston, Howell. $15 members, $20 or www.automationalley.com. Speaker: John Olivo, vice president, Macomb Community College, and at the door, $25 nonmembers. Contact: economist. Macomb Community Col- money market portfolio manager, Financial/ (517) 546-3920 or [email protected]. lege, Clinton Township. $25 members, Goldman Sachs. Glenn Oaks Golf & Quicken Loans. COMING EVENTS $35 others. Please RSVP by Feb. 16. Country Club, Farmington Hills. $25 When: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Re- Contact: (586) 268-6430 or www. members, $40 others. Contact: (877) Wednesday. Branding the United Way. 5:30 p.m. macombchamber.com. 894-2754 or www.acg.org/detroit/ Where: Detroit Feb. 20. The American Marketing As- calendar/register.asp. Marriott THURSDAY sociation Detroit chapter. Speakers: Renaissance FEB. 15 Detroit Economic Club. Noon Feb. 20. Sandra Rupp, president of United Way Gilbert Center. Speaker: Hector de J. Ruiz, chairman ESD Engineering & Technology Job Fair. International Trade Workshops: Devel- Washtenaw County and Deborah and CEO, Advanced Micro Devices 2-7 p.m. The Engineering Society of De- Tickets: $40 for Inforum members, oping Effective Cross-Cultural Commu- Bratkovich, director of resource devel- Inc. Royal Park Hotel, Rochester $35 troit. Southfield Town Center Atrium, $50 for others. nication Skills. 8-11:30 a.m. Miller Can- opment for United Way Washtenaw members, $40 guests of members, $50 Southfield. $12. Contact: Ramona Reservations: inforummichigan.org. field Paddock & Stone plc, Plante & County. Iroquois Club, Bloomfield others. Contact: (313) 963-8547 or Spencer, (248) 353-0735, Ext. 4114, Call (313) 578-3230. Moran P.L.L.C., Oakland University, Hills. $35 members, $20 student mem- www.econclub.org. [email protected] or www.esd.org. U.S. Commercial Service, Detroit Re- bers, $50 guests. Contact: (248) 622-8247 Single Business Tax: What’s Next? 2 p.m. Feb. 22. National Association of Women Business Owners Greater De- troit Chapter and the Asian-Pacific American Chamber of Commerce. Central Michigan University, Troy. Free. Contact: (313) 961-4748 or www.nawbogdc.org. His story reads like the American dream. The Black Busi- ness Conference. Fifty years ago he started his business 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. selling lawn mower parts. Today he Feb. 27. The U.S. Small Business owns a Mercedes dealership in Administration and the Alpha Phi Bloomfield Hills. His success was Alpha Fraternity founded on a selfless concept. Take Inc. Speaker: Den- nis Archer, former care of your customers and your Detroit mayor and current chair- employees. Focus on everyone else. Archer man of Dickinson Wright. Also includes business work- The Ghesquiere family connection to shops and a motor coach tour of east side business and residential develop- Beaumont goes back a long, long time. ments. Golightly Career and Techni- Two of his children and all twelve of his cal Center, Detroit. $25 includes breakfast, lunch and the bus tour. grandchildren were born at the hospital. Contact: (313) 256-0576.

That’s why the idea of funding the new Adcraft Club of Children’s Surgery Center was really Detroit. Noon Feb. 28. Ted Koppel, appealing. Because it reflected Chuck managing editor for the Discovery Ghesquiere’s core beliefs. A leading Channel, and for- edge facility where patients are offered mer anchor and managing editor the best options pediatric medicine has of ABC News’ to offer. “Nightline.” Troy Marriott. $37 members, $30 ju- So, it is fitting that the new Ghesquiere Koppel nior members Family Center for Children’s Surgery, (under age 25), $20 students (with ID), $42 others. Contact: (313) 872-7850 or that was created to serve our community www.adcraft.org. better, is named for a man who has been Wireless Oakland- doing exactly that for the last Building the Com- half century. munity and Work- force of Now thousands of families will be Tomorrow. 8 a.m. Feb. 28. Greater touched by the Ghesquieres’ kindness. Brighton Area And all of us at Beaumont are Chamber of Com- merce and GLI- very grateful. MA-Livingston. Speakers: L. Patterson Brooks Patterson, Oakland County executive; Phil Bertolini, deputy county executive and COO; and Paul McNamara, director of information technology for Liv- ingston County. Crystal Gardens-Liv- A National Reputation. ingston, Howell. $20 members, $30 oth- ers Contact: (810) 227-5086 or A Local Conscience. [email protected].

CALENDAR GUIDELINES Charles J. Ghesquiere made generous More Calendar items can be found donations to Beaumont’s Research Institute on the Web at www.crainsdetroit. and education programs. Recently, he helped com. Please send news releases for Calendar to Joanne Scharich, found the Ghesquiere Family Center for Crain’s Detroit Business, 1155 Children’s Surgery at Beaumont Hospital Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207- in Royal Oak. 2997, or e-mail jscharich@ crain.com. You also may submit Calendar items in the Calendar section of crainsdetroit.com.