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www.crainsdetroit.com Vol. 25, No. 7 FEBRUARY 16 – 22, 2009 $2 a copy; $59 a year

©Entire contents copyright 2009 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved Inside Brokerage vs. State to get $18B adviser’s Midtown continues to grow, from stimulus bill Page 3 widow Levin: This will put people back to work State budget draws fire, Lawsuits fly in bid to Page 3 BY RYAN BEENE credit for four years of col- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS READ THE ACT lege for 121,000 Michigan recover stolen assets families, according to a Small Business Michigan civic, economic and business lead- To read a White House state-by-state ers were scrambling Friday to get a handle on complete version BY JEFF BENJAMIN breakdown. the impact of the $787 billion American Recov- of the $787 CRAIN NEWS SERVICE billion American “This is an important and ery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. necessary step,” U.S. Rep. Michigan is slated to receive more than $18.6 Recovery and An eight-year embezzlement scheme Reinvestment Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, allegedly operated by a former broker billion in tax cuts and spending from the bill, ac- Act of 2009, go told Crain’s Friday. “The has left Hantz Financial Services Inc. in cording to estimates released Friday by the Cen- to www.readthe problems are so deep that we Southfield pointing fingers and filing ter for American Progress. stimulus.org. had to just move, and move lawsuits against the broker’s widow in About $847 million is earmarked for highway with some boldness, both on an effort to recover the stolen assets. and bridge projects, $135 million for public tran- the tax side and on the neces- Michael Laursen, a Midland-based sit, $84 million for energy programs, $249 million sary expenditure side.” Hantz broker who died in March after ac- for weatherization assistance, $237 million for Levin dismissed critics of the bill who say the ■ Group buying brings price cidentally shooting himself, allegedly water infrastructure, $1.6 billion for local bud- tax cuts will do little to stimulate economic ac- had skimmed $2.6 million from more gets and $926 million for K-12 education, accord- tivity and the spending will boost employment breaks, Page 11 than two dozen clients beginning in 2000 ing to the office of U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D- marginally. until the time Bloomfield Township. “This is going to put people back to work and ■ Do research before hiring of his death. Tax cuts make up the remainder of the bill, in- (spending is earmarked for) essentially job- The firm is cluding up to $800 for about 3.9 million Michigan a consultant, Page 12 attempting to workers and a $2,500 partially refundable tax See Stimulus, Page 20 recover assets by going after This Just In the Laursen estate as well Bing, Cockrel tally support as his widow, from local business leaders Julie, who was the bene- Science Center builds its future Michael Laursen’s alleged Businessman Dave Bing embezzlement has Hantz ficiary of $1.4 and Detroit Mayor Ken Cock- Financial seeking to million worth rel Jr. have received substan- recover more than of life insur- Exhibit-building tial support from local busi- $1 million in assets. ance and re- ness leaders in the hotly tirement as- contested race for Detroit’s sets upon her husband’s death. arm part of plan top job. Those assets have been frozen pending Bloomfield Hills-based the outcome of at least two lawsuits by Penske Corp. founder Roger Hantz alleging that she was a co-conspir- to boost revenue Penske contributed $3,400, ator. the maximum personal dona- Suits have been filed in the U.S. District tion, to both men, as did A. Al- Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in BY SHERRI BEGIN WELCH fred Taubman, founder and Bay City, Midland County Circuit Court and CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS former chairman of Bloom- Midland County Probate Court. The Detroit Science Center is hoping its new, ex- field Hills-based Taubman “Either Julie Laursen was greatly ig- hibit-building subsidiary will take it a step clos- Centers Inc., according to the norant of the family’s finances or she er to covering its operating costs entirely finance reports. knew what was going on,” said David through earned revenue within five years’ time. Bing remains the fundrais- Shay, Hantz Financial’s in-house legal “The creation of this entity really is the con- ing leader in the race, taking counsel. duit for us to go out and … build exhibits for the in $232,165 between Jan. 1 Even though bank and accounting outside world, either commercially or for other and Feb. 8, the close of the records show that the family’s lifestyle museums,” said CFO Robert Seestadt, who was pre-election reporting peri- — including the purchase of expensive named president of the new subsidiary, Eek- od. He spent $138,404, and cars, horses and recreational vehicles — stein’s Workshop L.L.C., last week. lists $153,631 in debts and was more than four times his $100,000 an- The center already had light industrial space obligations. nual income, it was not until a client com- NATHAN SKID/CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS in Royal Oak Township and the necessary Robert Seestadt (left), president of Eekstein’s Bing ended the period with plained to a regulator about inconsistent equipment to produce its own exhibits. Workshop, and Ed Summers, vice president of a balance of $169,292, accord- account statements that the scheme was “The next natural step was to say at some exhibits at the Science Center, say exhibits such as See This Just In, Page 2 uncovered. point we’re going fill (the science center) up; this one usually take three to six months to See Brokerage, Page 21 let’s start looking on the outside,” Seestadt said. complete. It’s tough to project demand, he said. “We’re draw repeat visitors, said Don Mascot, vice pres- just trying to be open to opportunity as it aris- ident of account development at Warren-based es.” H.B. Stubbs Cos. The science center already is talking with “Museum projects, unlike trade show pro- three nonprofit and for-profit prospects about jects, are a very long term commitment,” he contracts that would be “significant,” Seestadt said, with funding over a number of years. said. “Once (museums) get that funding, they’re Demand for exhibit design and construction committed to making that project happen.”

NEWSPAPER in the museum sector is fairly steady because museums need to constantly update exhibits to See DSC, Page 20 20090216-NEWS--0002-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 6:51 PM Page 1

Page 2 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009

mayor Hendrix filed his report sure sales. Intersouth Partners, from 1994- ArtServe names Goulet president THIS JUST IN but declined to make a copy avail- Towne Mortgage wants an or- 1998; general partner in a ven- able to Crain’s before press time. der and judgment from Judge Paul ture-capital firm in Oklahoma ArtServe Michigan has named di- ■ From Page 1 The special election primary is Borman that Evans has a duty to re- City, Chisholm Private Capital Part- rector of development Jennifer Feb. 24. The top two vote-getters sume regular sales on foreclo- ners, from 1998-2002; and presi- Goulet as its new president. advance to the May 5 general elec- sures. Evans has imposed a mora- Goulet had served as interim ing to a campaign finance state- dent and CEO of i2E Inc. in Okla- tion. torium on the sales since Feb. 3 president of the Wixom-based ad- ment filed Friday. homa City, from 2002 until last — Nancy Kaffer until county homeowners in cur- vocacy group since October, when In contrast, Cockrel ended the June. rent proceedings can exhaust any former president and CEO Neeta period with just $9,776 in the bank, — Tom Henderson Convention bureau hires PR firm relief options. Delaney left the organization. according to a report made avail- John Jacobs, senior partner at — Sherri Begin Welch able to Crain’s. Reports were due to promote Detroit to film execs Brasco wins solar contract Southfield-based Maddin, Hauser, Friday. Both men had filed re- The Detroit Metro Convention and Wartell, Roth & Heller P.C., who rep- Detroit-based canopy and shel- ports with Wayne County Clerk Arboretum Ventures to close on Visitors Bureau, through its film resents Towne Mortgage, said the ter manufacturer Brasco Interna- Cathy Garrett’s office, but only nd marketing division, has hired a firm is considering a request for tional Inc. secured a five-year 2 VC fund of $73 million Bing’s was available for viewing public relations firm to promote class-action status on the lawsuit. contract worth up to $500,000 to Friday. Ann Arbor-based Arboretum Ven- metro Detroit to film executives in — Chad Halcom deliver bus stop shelters and so- Cockrel took in $156,580 during tures L.L.C., a venture-capital firm, Los Angeles and New York. lar-powered lighting systems to the reporting period, with a total St. Louis-based Fleishman-Hillard, is expected to announce today that MEDC names new CEO the Utah Transit Authority. of $424,060 for the election cycle; with offices in L.A. and New York, it has held the final closing on its The contract has renewal op- Bing’s contributions for the cycle has been hired with a contract ex- The Michigan Economic Develop- $73 million second fund. It closed tions running through the end of total roughly $738,089, according ceeding $100,000, said Chris Baum, ment Corp. announced Friday that its first fund of $24 million in 2005. 2012, said Brasco Vice President to the report. senior vice president of sales and pending formal approval by the The firm focuses on health care Also appearing on both men’s marketing for the DMCVB. board of directors on Feb. 26, D. and General Manager Doug Pew. and life-science companies. tallies were John Ferchill, CEO of Baum said the contract is im- Gregory Main will replace James — Chad Halcom — Tom Henderson the Cleveland-based Ferchill Group portant to promote the region as a Epolito as president and CEO of the Inc. and developer of the Westin film hub. The film division of the economic development organiza- Book Cadillac, who donated $2,000 DMCVB has been allocated just tion effective April 1. to each, and the Quicken Loans Polit- over 5 percent of the organiza- Epolito had announced in Janu- CORRECTIONS ical Action Committee, with match- tion’s $10 million marketing bud- ary that he was leaving the MEDC Ⅲ A story on Page 1 of the Feb. 9 issue should have said that a program ing $1,000 contributions. get for this year. to become president of Delta Dental that included the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association was part Cockrel received $500 from — Daniel Duggan of Michigan and president of its of the Oakland County Emerging Sectors program. Ronald Hausman, president of De- parent company, Renaissance of n The editorial on Page 8 of the Feb. 9 issue listed an incorrect Web troit-based Walbridge Aldinger Co. Towne Mortgage sues to resume America. address for The Center for Michigan. The correct Web site is Bing also received $1,250 from Main, a 1970 graduate of Michi- www.thecenterformichigan.net. William Pulte, chairman of Bloom- Wayne foreclosure sales gan State University, was with the Ⅲ After a story on Page 16 of the Feb. 2 issue went to press, Wayne State field Hills-based Pulte Homes. Troy-based residential mort- state’s Department of Commerce University reported an additional $100,000 raised in its year-end campaign. That brought its year-end campaign total to just under Greg Bowens, a representative of gage lender Towne Mortgage Co. from 1983-1991 and was secretary $500,000, up from about $429,000 at the end of 2007. Freman Hendrix’s campaign, said filed a civil lawsuit Friday at U.S. of commerce in Oklahoma from Ⅲ A news item on Page 2 of the Feb. 9 issue should have said that Eric Hendrix raised $178,000 during District Court in Detroit to push 1991-1994. “Dusty” Duistermars’ position at the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. will the reporting period. Wayne County Sheriff Warren He was a partner in a Research entail attracting businesses to Detroit from other states and countries, not Bowens said former deputy Evans to resume mortgage foreclo- Triangle firm in North Carolina, just the suburbs.

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February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 3

Inside Wage index change nets State budget plan draws fire millions for Oakland hospitals, Page 10. doesn’t go fast enough or far Tobacco tax, liquor license fees would go up enough to making Michigan more competitive.” Greektown hotel goes after Some say proposals like dou- competition with low rates, BY AMY LANE including raising the tax on tobac- “The budget recommendation bling liquor license fees and taxes CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT co products other than cigarettes; reflects the economic realities that on non-cigarette tobacco products Page 16. increased liquor license and per- we’re facing in Michigan,” would hit businesses hard, and LANSING — Gov. Jennifer mit fees, and stepped-up enforce- Granholm said. “It is a very tough Granholm’s proposed budget cuts they’re preparing to fight. ment aimed at delinquent business budget.” Lance Binoniemi, executive di- to areas like higher education and taxpayers. But Jim Holcomb, vice presi- arts and cultural grants drew fire rector of the Michigan Licensed Bev- Some of the revenue measures dent of business advocacy at the erage Association, has seen liquor last week, but tax increases and have been previously proposed; Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Company index other changes affecting business license fee increases proposed be- others are new. said $230 million “of increases on fore. But now, the economy “is could also be in store for criticism. They shore up a budget that the individuals and businesses, it’s These organizations appear in this week’s Crain’s Included in the budget proposal even worse off. And business own- Detroit Business: administration has said contains not going to help the economy. ers, especially the hospitality in- are $670 million in spending reduc- difficult decisions and cuts but “We appreciate the governor The Beethoven ...... 3 dustry, have seen discretionary Butzel Long ...... 17 tions and reforms and $230 million moves Michigan toward long-term did propose some modest cuts and in revenue-producing measures, Compuware Corp...... 4 fiscal stability. modest reforms, but her proposal See Budget, Page 18 Consumers Energy ...... 17 Covisint ...... 4 Creative Energy Alliance ...... 14 The Creative Group ...... 14 David Wachler & Sons ...... 13 Dietz Trott Sports & Entertainment ...... 10 Detroit Edison ...... 17 Detroit Department of Transportation ...... 6 TechTown starts Detroit Investment Fund ...... 21 Detroit Pistons ...... 10 Detroit Science Center ...... 1 Dickinson Wright ...... 17 Dykema Gossett ...... 17 global hunt for East Forest Art Project ...... 21 Eekstein’s Workshop ...... 1 Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers ...... 13 EOS Worldwide ...... 12 Fisker Automotive ...... 13 stem cell firms Greektown Casino Hotel ...... 19 Guys N Gals ...... 13 Hantz Financial Services ...... 1 H.B. Stubbs ...... 1 Director to visit Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn ...... 17 Kelly Services ...... 14 Konsyerzh L.L.C...... 10 Metro Trading Association ...... 11 Europe, Mideast MGM Grand Detroit ...... 19 Michigan Business and Professional Assn...... 11 Michigan Chamber of Commerce ...... 3 BY TOM HENDERSON Michigan Economic Development Corp...... 21 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Michigan Licensed Beverage Assn...... 3 Michigan Liquor Control Commission ...... 18 Randal Charlton, executive director of Tech- Michigan Distributors and Vendors Assn...... 18 Town, will hit the ground running this week as NATHAN SKID/CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Midwest Diagnostic Imaging ...... 11 he tries to lure stem cell researchers and compa- Sue Mosey, president of the University Cultural Center Association, stands in front of the Forest Arms Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone ...... 17 nies from around the world to establish a pres- Apartments building, which is to be renovated into room for 75 residential units and two businesses. Modern Professional Services ...... 13 ence in the Stem Cell Commercialization Center MotorCity Casino Hotel ...... 19 that Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano an- RG Medical Diagnostics ...... 13 nounced in his State of the County speech last Razor Threat ...... 13 Thursday. Regional Transportation Coordinating Council . . . . . 6 The center, which will be Small Business Assn. of Michigan ...... 11 Suburban Mobility Authority ...... 6 housed in TechTown’s Tech Midtown beefs up its roster St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland ...... 10 One building on Burroughs State of the Art ...... 12 Street just north of Wayne Tanner Friedman ...... 4 State University, is an out- New loan funds aim to continue growth TechTown ...... 3 growth of the passage of Pro- Transportation Riders United ...... 6 posal 2 by Michigan voters UM Inst. for Labor and Industrial Relations ...... 20 last November. The proposal BY NANCY KAFFER space and 713 new housing units, represent- University Cultural Center Association ...... 3 allows embryonic stem cell re- CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS ing a total investment of $296 million. Wachler Ultimate Expression ...... 13 search in the state. And that’s just Mosey’s winter 2009 Warner Norcross & Judd ...... 17 Ask University Cultural Center Association Wayne State University ...... 3 Charlton President Barack Obama’s roundup. President Sue Mosey what’s happening in William Beaumont Hospitals ...... 10 efforts to end former President George W. Twenty-three new businesses have opened Midtown Detroit and she’ll rattle off a laun- Woodward Garden Block ...... 3 Bush’s restrictions on the number of stem cell in Midtown since 2007, according to informa- dry list of projects recently completed, under tion provided by the UCCA, 60 since 2000. lines could be supported by increased federal way, or planned for 2009. funding through the economic stimulus pack- Midtown’s substantial development Such as the 30 new rental units in The pipeline, financed before the credit market age. Beethoven building on Third Street, or the 17 Charlton told Crain’s Friday he will meet this crashed, means the roster of projects will units at Woodward Row. continue to move forward, Mosey said, week with executives of a Boston company that Or the planned development of 29,000 has asked about locating in TechTown to pursue though she’s realistic about challenges in the Department index square feet of commercial space at the Wood- years ahead. its stem-cell-based product development. ward Garden Block, and the 50,000 square feet And he said he hoped to — “in weeks, rather Amid Midtown activity, the closure of one BANKRUPTCIES ...... 4 of new commercial space at Willy’s Overland high-profile business made headlines last than months” — begin visiting university re- Lofts. BUSINESS DIARY ...... 16 searchers and for-profit companies he has iden- week. Then there are infrastructure improve- Zaccaro’s Market, an upscale grocer that CALENDAR ...... 16 tified that are involved in stem cell research ments, such as the $3.5 million Woodward throughout Europe and the Middle East, includ- opened last spring to much fanfare, an- CAREERWORKS ...... 14 Avenue streetscape project and an $11 mil- nounced that it would close after a liquida- CAPITOL BRIEFINGS...... 7 ing Sweden, Great Britain, Spain, France and Is- lion greenway project connecting Midtown rael. tion sale. CLASSIFIED ADS ...... 14 with Brush Park. Owner Cindy Warner told Crain’s last “Over the last two or three years I have been The list goes on, adding up to 180,400 KEITH CRAIN...... 8 See Stem Cell, Page 18 square feet of new or expanded commercial See Midtown, Page 21 LETTERS...... 8 MARY KRAMER ...... 9 OPINION ...... 8 Newsmaker video Get e-mail Join the community PEOPLE ...... 15 THIS WEEK @ Exclusive video Wednesday of Register for free daily, Like what you’ve read? RUMBLINGS ...... 22 Newsmaker of the Year luncheon weekly, small-biz, tech or Leave a comment. WWW.CRAINSDETROIT.COM featuring U.S. Rep. John Dingell. nonprofit e-mail reports. WEEK IN REVIEW...... 22 20090216-NEWS--0004-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 6:00 PM Page 1

Page 4 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009 TAKING STOCK For Sale or Lease NEWS ABOUT DETROIT AREA PUBLIC COMPANIES Analysts: Kilpatrick hire won’t hurt Compuware’s stock price

BY TOM HENDERSON “The timing only made it organizations. It has been a consis- OLYMPIA MEDICAL CENTER 2221 Livernois, Troy, Michigan CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS worse,” said Friedman, referring tent performer during recent up- to Kilpatrick’s hiring the same day and-down quarters by the parent • 12,500 SqFt Medical Building For Sale An analyst who covers Detroit- the company announced it had ter- company. For More Information, Please Call: • 1,500 - 4,500 SqFt Medical Space based Compuware Corp. (Nasdaq: minated 250 employees, about 4 Karmanos, who moved his com- Available CPWR) said the hiring of former percent of its worldwide workforce pany downtown in 1999, has long • Suite in Move-In Condition 248.324.2000 Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick of 6,000. been a champion of Kilpatrick. He • Near Beaumont and Crittendon Hospitals won’t affect analysts’ rating of the Compuware hasn’t said how and other local business leaders • Convenient Parking company’s stock or its share price, many of the recent layoffs were lo- helped Kilpatrick in his re-election • Signage Available but it raises questions about the cal. Those follow 300 layoffs an- campaign in 2005, when he came judgment of Chairman and CEO www.friedmanrealestate.com nounced in October. from behind in the polls in the clos- Peter Karmanos Jr. Kilpatrick’s duties are not ex- ing days to defeat Freman Hendrix. “I’ve been told by the company pected to involve Michigan-based In August, Karmanos convened that it’s a job where he can add val- companies. His attorneys have a meeting of civic leaders, Kil- ue,” said Walter Pritchard, a se- asked to meet with Wayne County patrick attorneys and Wayne nior analyst at New York-based Circuit Court Judge David Groner County Prosecutor Kym Worthy to Cowen & Co., referring to Kil- this week to ask him to modify Kil- discuss the mayor’s situation. Ja- patrick’s hiring Thursday as ac- patrick’s probation so he can move son Vines, then a senior vice presi- count executive at Covisint, a Com- to Texas permanently. dent of communications at Com- puware business unit. Reports Friday on Kilpatrick’s puware, said then that Worthy was “But if you’re a stockholder, you salary ranged from $100,000 to as urged to let the mayor plead guilty have to ask, ‘Why would you go much as $360,000 a year. to a misdemeanor so he could keep there?’ ” said Pritchard, who after Rumors flew before Kilpatrick’s his law license. She refused. the company’s earnings report on release that Compuware might hire Covisint was formed in 1999 as a Jan. 28 rated the stock a neutral, meaning it is expected to perform him, but Dennis Archer, former De- consortium of General Motors Corp., in line with the S&P 500. troit mayor and member of the Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler, as a por- “It’s not going to affect share Compuware board, denied the ru- tal to improve purchasing. It was price, but it is an unnecessary risk mors. He declined to comment to sold to Compuware in 2004 for $7.1 the company is taking.” Crain’s Thursday, referring a re- million. “I can’t imagine any client listen- porter to Lisa Elkin, the company’s Compuware reported on Jan. 28 ing to a sales vice president of communications. that revenue slipped to $268.7 mil- Elkin and others declined to re- lion for the third quarter of its fis- pitch from this spond to a series of phone calls and cal year that ended Dec. 31, from salesperson and e-mails from 8:30 a.m. Thursday $309.3 million for the same quarter not thinking through Friday afternoon. of 2007, and net income had gone about the sales- In an internal memo to employ- from $35.6 million to $35 million. person instead of ees Thursday, Karmanos wrote: Analysts generally rate the stock a the product,” “We hire people from a variety of buy or outperform. said Matt Fried- backgrounds who will fit in our Since it reported earnings, Com- man, a partner at culture and contribute to the suc- puware’s stock has fallen from the Farmington cess of our business.” $7.04 to $6.44. Compuware’s stock Friedman Hills-based mar- Covisint offers secure Web- closed at $6.46 Friday. It has a 52- keting, public-relations and crisis- based exchange of data and busi- week range of $5.08 to $11.91. management firm Tanner Friedman. ness information for large compa- Tom Henderson: (313) 446-0337, “It’s going to be impossible for nies, agencies and health care [email protected] him to work in relative anonymity. STREET TALK BANKRUPTCIES THIS WEEK’S STOCK TOTALS: 21 GAINERS, 43 LOSERS, 8 UNCHANGED 02/13 02/06 PERCENT CDB’S TOP PERFORMERS CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in 1. Federal Mogul Corp. $7.00 $6.14 14.00 U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Feb 2. Energy Conversion Devices Inc. 28.95 25.75 12.43 6-12. Under Chapter 11, a company 3. TechTeam Global Inc. 4.28 4.00 7.00 files for reorganization. Chapter 7 4. Syntel Inc. 21.82 20.50 6.44 involves total liquidation. 5. Ramco-Gershenson Prop. Trust 5.05 4.82 4.77 Ford & Earl Associates Inc., 350 W. 6. Agree Realty Corp. 15.87 15.20 4.41 Big Beaver Road, Troy, voluntary 7. Rockwell Medical Tech. Inc. 4.30 4.10 4.88 Chapter 11. Assets: $778,234; liabil- 8. BorgWarner Inc. 21.37 21.05 1.52 ities: $1,244,842. 9. Credit Acceptance Corp. 17.90 17.75 0.85 GPS of Michigan L.L.C., P.O. Box 10. Eagle Capital Growth Fund Inc. 4.20 4.19 0.24 993, Novi, voluntary Chapter 7. As- CDB’S LOW PERFORMERS 02/13 02/05 PERCENT sets and liabilities not available. CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE SCR Spraymax Inc., 76939 Van 1. Oxford Bank Corp./MI $4.50 $9.00 -50.00 Dyke Road, Bruce Township, vol- 2. Masco Corp. 6.44 8.13 -20.79 untary Chapter 7. Assets: $25,569; 3. Sun Communities Inc. 10.59 13.04 -18.79 liabilities: $80,016. 4. Universal Truckload Services Inc. 12.14 14.00 -13.29 Town & Country-Sterling Heights 5. Penske Auto Group Inc. 7.26 8.47 -14.29 Inc., 800 W. University Drive, 6. Amerigon Inc. 3.67 4.26 -13.85 Rochester, voluntary Chapter 11. 7. Taubman Centers Inc. 17.66 20.42 -13.52 Assets and liabilities not avail- 8. Pulte Homes Inc. 10.77 12.34 -12.72 able. 9. Asset Acceptance Capital Corp. 4.34 4.91 -11.61 TSCK Enterprises L.L.C., 20036 10. Tecumseh Products Co. 7.38 8.16 -9.56 Woodbridge Drive, Macomb Town- Source: Bloomberg News. From a list of publicly owned companies with headquarters ship, voluntary Chapter 7. Assets in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw or Livingston counties. and liabilities not available. — Compiled by Mark Lewis DBpageAD.qxd 1/19/2009 9:36 AM Page 1

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Page 6 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009 Surprise, doubt meet mayor’s call for transit merger

BY BILL SHEA cember. Legal wrangling over a tion Authority), the idea was floated The city is spending $184 million CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS system merger potentially could to combine the services (DDOT BUS SERVICES on DDOT this budget year, while add hurdles to the regional effort. was known as the Department of SMART’s budget of fares, a dedi- SMART Detroit Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. Hertel won’t say more until he’s Street Railways until 1974). cated local tax and local, state and dropped a mini-bomb last week on Ⅲ 640 buses talked with the mayor. He’s work- It was seriously talked about as Ⅲ federal aid was nearly $124 million mass transit advocates and offi- ing with Deputy Mayor Saul Green, late as 2001, when the “Big 4” that 1,200 square miles of last year. cials when his State of the City ad- charged by Cockrel with overseeing oversee the RTCC (the elected suburban Wayne, Oakland and Other transportation insiders Macomb counties dress dusted off the merger dis- leaders of Detroit and the three also expressed surprise at Cock- the controver- Ⅲ 54 routes cussion, to counties, which included at the Ⅲ rel’s idea. sial idea of arrange a meet- time Hertel as head of the Macomb 7,000 stops “I didn’t see it coming down the merging the city ing with the County Board of Commissioners) Ⅲ 12.2 million riders in 2008 pike. It’s been discussed at various and regional mayor. failed to reach an accord on a deal. Ⅲ Nearly 1,000 employees times over the years,” said bus services. Messages left That impasse gave way to the De- Ⅲ SMART is funded by a four-year Carmine Palombo, director of There had for Green on troit Area Regional Transit Authority 0.59-mill property tax, last transportation planning for the been no warn- Thursday and effort, a 2003 bus merger plan that renewed by voters in the three Southeast Michigan Council of Gov- ing the mayor Friday were not was approved by the Legislature counties in 2006, rider fares, ernments, a regional planning wanted to re- returned. but eventually was killed first by state and federal funds and agency that acts as the conduit for advertising. That accounted for vive the long- SMART itself former Gov. John Engler and then federal money for local transporta- Cockrel Hertel $123.8 million in 2008. dormant discus- was caught un- the Michigan Supreme Court in a le- tion projects. sion of unifying the Detroit aware by Cockrel. gal action brought by the transit “I’m sure he’s looking at saving Department of Transportation’s city DDOT “It was surprising to us and unions. Ⅲ general-fund money potentially, bus service and those of the Subur- seemed a little premature since so Messages were left for American 550 buses but the devil’s always in the de- ban Mobility Authority for Regional many people need to sit at the table Federation of State, County and Mu- Ⅲ 1,200 linear miles in the city tails in these things.” Transportation that serves Wayne, and need to talk about something nicipal Employees Local 312, which Ⅲ 45 routes Those details include solving Oakland and Macomb counties. like a merger,” said Beth Dryden, represents DDOT’s bus drivers, Ⅲ 6,000 stops the question of an unfunded pen- “It was not discussed with me SMART’s director of external af- and for DDOT Director Norman Ⅲ 39 million riders annually sion liability and the question of ahead of time,” said John Hertel, fairs, marketing and communica- White. Ⅲ 1,500 employees what wages prevail in negotiations CEO of the Regional Transportation tions. The region’s grassroots mass Ⅲ $184 million annual city with the unionized bus drivers and Coordinating Council, the legal enti- Such a merger could create a transit advocates are skeptical of a appropriation other employees. ty that acts as the pass-through single entity with 1,190 buses, 51 DDOT-SMART marriage. “That’s why these things need to agency for state and federal fund- million riders and more than 2,000 “We’re not completely con- be very transparent and people un- ing for both bus systems. employees, based on current met- vinced merging is what’s neces- portation access in the region. derstand how the whole thing is Hertel also is the regional tran- rics from both agencies. sary. It might end up being more Any savings from a merger going to go down,” Palombo said. sit czar overseeing the proposed Merging DDOT and SMART is- challenging and complicated than could be eaten up by legal chal- “There’s always concern when you $10.5 billion improved bus and rail n’t a new idea. Not long after anticipated,” said Megan Owens, lenges, Owens said, which jeopar- merge two entities into one and in- plan approved by the leaders of SMART was established by the executive director of Detroit-based dizes the fiscal efficiency justifica- stitutional resistance to change.” Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Legislature in 1967 (then called the Transportation Riders United, which tion for revisiting the idea of Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, counties, and by Cockrel, in De- Southeastern Michigan Transporta- campaigns for improved trans- combining the systems. [email protected]

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February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 7 Bill would give breaks for MBT underpayment

LANSING — A re- tain what their overall not working for Michigan employ- state residents to work on the pro- wage law. That law requires con- prieve from penalties tax liability is going to ees and businesses,” said lead jects unless the applicable state tractors on state construction pro- would be in store for Capitol be” under the new MBT. sponsor Rep. Fred Miller, D-Mt. agency determines otherwise. jects to pay union wages. some businesses that Briefings The bill helps taxpayers Clemens, in a Companies have underpaid their es- that made “a good-faith ef- news release. would also need Comings & goings timated Michigan Busi- fort to make their quar- “With unemploy- It’s more to certify that ness Tax under a bill terly payments” but mis- ment reaching the “ they will not hire ■ Kelvin Scott, chairman of the that’s passed the Senate calculated, he said. double digits in important than ever workers in the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, and has the backing of State Treasurer Michigan, it’s U.S. illegally and has been named director of the the Granholm adminis- Robert Kleine said the more important to make sure that will not contract Michigan Department of Civil Rights. tration. Michigan Department of than ever to make with businesses He replaces Linda Parker, who was Senate Bill 98, spon- Treasury supports the bill sure that Michi- Michigan tax that hire such appointed to be a judge of the sored by John Pappa- as passed by the Senate. gan tax dollars are workers. Amy Lane Wayne County Circuit Court. george, R-Troy, would lift An initial version of creating jobs for dollars are creating In some cases, ■ Frank Houston, political consul- penalties for underpaying quarter- the bill lifted penalties if the busi- Michigan resi- the state could re- tant to the Center for Progressive ly estimated payments if the busi- ness paid 80 percent of its MBT lia- dents.” jobs for Michigan voke the compa- Leadership, has become executive ness paid 80 percent of the tax bility or 100 percent of what it But Wendy ny’s funding — director of Common Cause of Michi- that’s ultimately due. would have owed under the prede- Block, director of residents. and potentially re- gan. He fills a post previously held Currently, businesses that un- cessor SBT. Batterbee said that health policy and ” quire repayment by Karen Holcomb-Merrill. Holcomb- derpay can face penalties of 5 per- while SBAM would have preferred human resources Rep. Fred Miller, D-Mt. Clemens — if it violates the Merrill, most recently a public pol- cent of the tax due for the first two the original language, the Senate- at the Michigan provisions. icy consultant with Tobacco-Free months. Penalties can increase by passed version is “a step in the Chamber of Commerce, said that One chamber concern is House an additional 5 percent per month, right direction.” while “the goal is laudable … there Bill 4085, which would require em- Michigan, has joined the Michigan to a maximum 25 percent. are some practical concerns” that ployers bidding on state building League for Human Services as state In addition, under the bill, tax- may make the bill package’s intent projects to hire 100 percent Michi- fiscal project director. Bills to link tax breaks ■ payers would not have to pay an difficult to achieve. gan residents but exempt employ- Brenda Lawson, policy analyst even 25 percent of estimated tax to hiring of state residents House Bills 4083-4094 would ap- ers that have union collective bar- and legal adviser for the Michigan House of Representatives’ Democrat- due in their quarterly payments. Bills requiring companies that ply to companies interacting with gaining agreements allowing them The bill, passed unanimously get state contracts and tax breaks the state under a variety of pro- to use workers from other states. ic Policy Office, has become leg- and sent to the House, is designed to give hiring preference to Michi- grams, including the Michigan Eco- Block said that if the state is go- islative liaison for the Michigan De- to help businesses in the transi- gan workers are heading for a nomic Growth Authority, brownfield ing to require 100 percent use of partment of Community Health. She tion from the former single-busi- state House vote. redevelopment tax-increment fi- Michigan residents on state jobs, replaces Curtis Hertel Jr., now Ing- ness tax to the new MBT. The Backers say the measures would nancing, renaissance zones, his- there should not be differing rules ham County Register of Deeds. penalty exemption in the bill ap- ensure that Michigan residents get toric preservation tax credits, con- for union and nonunion employers. ■ David Zurvalec, vice president plies only to the 2008 tax year. the first chance at jobs created by struction or repair of state In House Bill 4086, the chamber industrial relations at the Michigan Mike Batterbee, director of gov- taxpayer dollars. A similar pack- buildings, and the state Transporta- wants stronger language to ensure Manufacturers Association, has re- ernment relations at the Small Busi- age passed the House last year but tion Economic Development Fund. that contractors are not disbarred tired. ness Association of Michigan, said died in the Senate. Companies would have to agree from future state work for minor Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, many businesses have been “uncer- “Clearly, business as usual is in writing that they will hire only violations of the state’s prevailing [email protected]. 20090216-NEWS--0008-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 5:08 PM Page 1

Page 8 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009

Campaign for mayor

Business leaders evaluate Detroit’s mayoral front-runners

n Feb. 24, Detroit voters will go to cast, as absentee ballots. And May’s win- next mayor, or mayors, will have to face. the polls to choose the two candi- ner will have to hit the ground running, Who’s the best qualified to lead the city to O dates who will advance to the May in terms of doing the city’s business — better times? contest that will determine the winner of and simultaneously run a re-election Crain’s reporter Nancy Kaffer inter- the special election. campaign. viewed a businessperson supporting each of It’s an unusual election cycle. Primary The stakes are high, not only for residents, the three leading mayoral candidates. turnout could be as low as 70,000 voters. but for the business community. The city’s Each of the top three candidates polled Many of the votes that will determine the staggering $300 million budget deficit is just more than 10 percent in the most recent sur- two winning candidates have likely been the tip of the iceberg of problems Detroit’s vey of Detroit voters.

For Dave Bing For Ken Cockrel Jr. For Freman Hendrix Frank Hennessey, founder of Hennessey Jim Bieri, president and CEO, The Bieri Co. Dennis Archer, former mayor of Detroit and Capital I have known Ken for some time, and I chairman, Dickinson Wright P.L.L.C. My reasons for supporting Dave Bing are think he’s an honest, solid family man who Freman would know what to do, going in threefold — his absolute love of the city of presents a great image for the citizens of De- on May 6, to balance what is projected ... as a Detroit, his impeccable ethics and his very troit. $300 million deficit. And he will move to as- disciplined business approach based on his I think he’s a capable administrator, I sure the rating agencies on Wall Street (that experience. I know Dave, have known him think he has been a credible city council recently downgraded Detroit to junk bond for quite some time. He is an president who has had expe- status). absolutely solid citizen with rience in dealing with the is- Equally important, if you a great reputation. sues, so he certainly under- take a look at the appoint- One of the things we’ve stands them. I think he’s ments made by President heard from all of the politi- probably having to work Barack Obama to Cabinet cians that seek office — they through the issues of four positions, half, if not more, have great aspirations and elections in such a short are former Clinton-Gore ap- say wonderful words, but time — which has got to be pointees. We had a working Hennessey Bieri they’ve never been an exec- distracting, to be in charge, Archer relationship with the Clin- utive. They have no idea what it’s like to mo- taking over a new position — but yet he un- ton-Gore administration. tivate a group of people, create budgets, ne- derstands the positions, and I think he could Witness that we got the Empowerment gotiate with constituents — a CEO does that and would run the city quite well. Zone, we were able to bring on police officers all the time. A CEO has to work with unions, I think he’s the kind of person who could through the Clinton-Gore COPS program. has to work with nonunion employees, has work with the business community. He has- Freman will have the relationships to access to work with customers and suppliers and n’t been in the position in the past, publicly the stimulus package immediately. has a lot of experience bringing folks togeth- at any rate, but I think he’ll adapt rapidly. Put those points together. And then, dur- er to solve the problems that have to be On Cockrel’s work since taking office: ing our administration (Hendrix served as solved. I’m not surprised that he would take a Archer’s deputy mayor), we had $20.2 billion The thing I like about Dave is he’s not the can-do or get-after-it attitude. He’s certainly of economic development brought into the guy who knows everything. He’s the guy familiar with the issues in the city. He lives city. who knows people who know everything. He in the city, his kids go to school in the city. Freman Hendrix has had experience can say, “I need help doing analytics for the He’s not someone who has to be told about working with the business community. city of Detroit,” and he’ll have people calling the issues, he’s aware of them. He has the financial background and the to say, “How can we help you?” knowledge to pull this city together from day one.

KEITH CRAIN: This will be a busy week for Detroit I imagine that there are plenty House members are in esting profiles in this is- ter 11 for one or both. I’m not going to guess on the out- of folks who are spending all their bringing home the sue and they try to zero Needless to say, their survival come of our primary election for time these days reading through “pork.” Washington in on the business of plan that they present this week is mayor, although I have my own the hundreds of pages of the “stim- might not like us to con- government. critical for their future. ideas, and I’m sure not going to ulus” bill and trying to figure out sider all these appropri- And as if that’s not I can’t think of a week that is speculate on the viability of our where and how Detroit, our coun- ations as pork, but trust enough, we have a life- more important for our city, and it automobile company’s survival ties and our state can get their cut me, they are. And now and-death struggle going is interesting to note that those de- plans. It is also anyone’s guess as of this huge appropriation bill. we should make sure on between Washington cisions are all interconnected with to just how much of this “stimu- Certainly with the billions of that our Washington and General Motors and the nation’s capitol. There was a lus” bill is going to end up in our dollars we are all going to be in folks work hard to get Chrysler. Their very sur- time, a long, long time ago, when city or our states. debt for in the future, it would be our unfair share. vival depends on their these sort of events were left to the Who knows how many shovel- nice to know that California won’t Meanwhile we’re go- success in getting more cities and the companies without ready projects we have in this get it all. ing to be, in all probabil- billions of loans out of any federal intervention. state that all they need is the cash. Since we passed it, we’ll see how ity, choosing a new Washington. Now, everything seems to be de- Hold on to your hat for the next effective our congressional delega- mayor of the city of Detroit in just If they don’t get enough, for long pendent on the whims of our feder- few days, chances are pretty good tion of Democratic senators and a few days. We’ve got some inter- enough, then you can bet on Chap- al government. that it’s going to be a wild ride. 20090216-NEWS--0009-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 11:22 AM Page 1

February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 9 MARY KRAMER: Let’s revisit council elections by districts Next week, it’s expected a tiny tracts may eventually ensure greater repre- medical use of marijuana. and civic groups to private indi- fraction of voters in Detroit — per- end up with indict- sentation (most council The reason no other drives have viduals — would help support it. haps 70,000 — will select the two ments of council mem- members now live in been successful is simple, Beck Some argue that Detroit instead candidates who will compete to bers or aides. concentrated pockets of says. They use volunteers to col- should overhaul its charter. finish the term of the disgraced ex- Isn’t it time to recon- the city) and produce lect signatures. In today’s world, Maybe so, but that will take a lot mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick. sider electing council stronger leaders be- you need to pay people to collect longer than this very specific peti- Leading businesspeople outline members by district? cause grassroots candi- petition signatures. tion drive. their support for four of the front- That won’t miracu- dates who don’t have Even L. Brooks Patterson raised Election-by-districts proposals runners on the opposite page. lously ensure that only strong name recogni- money to pay for signature collec- have been kicked around for a long This is a big step in Detroit’s ethical people are elect- tion to win a citywide tion when he circulated petitions time. Isn’t it time to make it hap- path to recover from the bad press ed, but it could improve race could successfully to eliminate the state’s Single pen? and image problems created by the the chances. run and grow in their Business Tax a few years ago. Mary Kramer is publisher of final days of the Kilpatrick admin- Detroit could use a roles. Beck figures a successful cam- Crain's Detroit Business. Catch her istration. hybrid system in which Tim Beck, a Detroit- paign would cost about $70,000, $1 take on business news at 6:50 a.m. At the same time, a new finan- voters would choose at-large coun- based insurance and benefits con- per signature, plus legal advice Mondays on the Paul W. Smith show cial manager for Detroit Public cil members, and the rest would be sultant, ran the last successful pe- and promotions. on WJR AM 760 and in her blog at Schools is arriving to help tame elected by wards or districts. That tition drive in Detroit — the That’s not much if key groups — www.crainsdetroit.com/kramer. the district’s budget problems. will create more accountability, August 2004 proposal to allow the from business groups to church E-mail her at [email protected]. That’s also a big step to improve the city’s ability to attract resi- dents and improve its image. And then there’s City Council. Council President Monica Cony- ers’ temper tantrums have been making headlines again. And an ongoing federal probe of city con- The PLUS makes all the difference for LETTERS a Chan Michigan businesses. Oakland is in sewer deal e ge Editor: k Nancy Kaffer’s Jan. 28 story on a fo www.crainsdetroit.com, “Detroit M r sewer, water dispute deal could hinge on Macomb,” leaves the er- th roneous impression that the trans- HealthPlus is here with NEW e ter. fer of a sewer interceptor is an is- Bet sue confined to Detroit and plans for a healthier bottom line. Macomb County. The proposed transfer of owner- At HealthPlus, we’re working to help make Michigan ship of the interceptor is not from businesses healthier by developing new plans to match We’re here for you! Detroit to Macomb County, but employers’changing needs. from Detroit to an authority com- posed of both Oakland and Ma- Affordable, top-quality health care. That’s the idea For more information, call comb counties. Further, the cur- behind our two newest plans. HealthPlus at 1-800-332-9161. rent costs of operating and maintaining the interceptor are shared by Oakland and Macomb SaverPlus counties. • affordable first dollar coverage The proposed transfer would not only benefit water customers, but • no dollar cap on the preventive service benefits wastewater customers as well. It is members use most an important distinction because much of the service provided to • the ability to be integrated with a Health Macomb County by the Detroit Reimbursement Account which is a great way Water and Sewerage Department to offset out-of-pocket costs. is limited to wastewater cus- tomers. The article noted the pro- posed transfer would save county HealthySolutions water customers an estimated $50 • employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle million over the next 30 years. The savings actually would be for • employees’success impacts their benefit level wastewater customers. • businesses can count on healthier, more productive As one who has advocated re- employees … and a healthier bottom line. gional cooperation as a way to curb litigation and cut costs, the proposed transfer of the intercep- tor from Detroit to an Oakland County and Macomb County au- thority is a positive step. I am opti- mistic that many more will follow. That’s because the interceptor transfer is part of a wider agree- ment that calls for the creation of a five-member directors’ council made up of city and suburban lead- ers to meet quarterly to resolve problems without resorting to law- suits. Litigation is both costly and 1-800-332-9161 time-consuming. As Detroit and its suburban cus- healthplus.org tomers find more areas of coopera- tion, we all benefit. HealthPlus HMO and POS are products of HealthPlus of Michigan, Inc. John McCulloch HealthPlus PPO is a product of HealthPlus Insurance Company. Water Resources Commissioner Oakland County 20090216-NEWS--0010-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 11:21 AM Page 1

Page 10 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009 Wage index change nets millions for Oakland hospitals

BY JAY GREENE vice president of financial opera- “This goes straight to the bottom thin margins. How do you make up (beginning Oct. 1),” Vitale said. CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS tions, said Beaumont lost $16 mil- line and helps our net operating for the money? We are always Wayne County hospitals also re- lion during the 12-month period it income by about $1 million per looking at how to adjust perfor- ceive higher Medicare wage index All 19 hospitals in Oakland was paid under Oakland County month,” Vitale said. mance and be cost effective.” rates by being part of the Ann Ar- County began receiving tens of wage rates. Jack Weiner, St. Joseph’s CEO, In 2007, about bor region, Vitale said. “Flint has millions of dollars in additional “The argu- said the Catholic-sponsored hospi- 36 hospitals in higher rates than Ann Arbor, Oak- Medicare payments last October ment essentially tal lost $3 million in 2008 because it Michigan and land County (and Detroit),” he when they won a Medicare geo- is if there is a was reclassified to Oakland Coun- Connecticut said. graphic wage index reclassifica- higher wage in- try from Flint. were inadver- While Beaumont is in the mid- tion appeal that moved them into dex around you, “We pay our employees higher tently left out of dle of a $60 million turnaround the higher reimbursing Flint area. you are paying wages because we must compete federal legisla- plan to cut expenses and boost Due to a technical glitch in 2007, higher wages. with UAW in Flint,” Weiner said. tion that reau- cash flow in 2009, Vitale said the the Oakland County hospitals, in- As a result the “We are competing with them for thorized hospital system isn’t counting the cluding two of Royal Oak-based market is being resources and talent and face a Medicare to al- additional Medicare funds toward William Beaumont Hospitals’ acute- set at a higher higher cost labor market.” Weiner low hospitals to that goal. care facilities and St. Joseph Mercy Vitale rate,” Vitale St. Joseph expects to receive $3 apply for wage “It has to be sustainable. We Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, were said. “We made our case.” million in higher Medicare reim- index reclassifications to nearby might not get it next year if the reclassified from Flint to Oakland Vitale said Beaumont antici- bursement this year. counties, if they had good reason government doesn’t pass this rule County, where Medicare reim- pates receiving an additional $14 “We had to find ways to make up to do so. again,” he said. bursement for patients is lower. million from Oct. 1, 2008, to Sept. for it. It impacted our profitabili- “Our local legislators got the Jay Greene: (313) 446-0325, Nick Vitale, Beaumont’s senior 30, 2009. ty,” he said. “We already run on language reinstated for fiscal 2009 [email protected] Konsyerzh’s Palace’s digital traffic system uses MDOT, police, media, others high-tech fan perk BY BILL SHEA boost when MDOT launches a new CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS $3 million statewide traffic man- agement software system within Instant messaging just might get the next two years. It’s expected to you home faster after a Detroit Pis- improve the ability of MDOT and scores first venue tons game. outside users such as sports stadi- The team is in its second season ums to more quickly access infor- Touch screens can be used of using a digital traffic operations mation and make traffic changes. center at the Palace of Auburn The traffic system’s nerve cen- Hills with the goal of getting fans ter locally will be a two-story, GuestMVP touch screens will be placed in some of the into and out of the parking lot to see replays, place orders suites and clubs at the Palace of Auburn Hills. 48,600-square-foot command cen- more quickly and safely from ter MDOT is building for $8.6 mil- events. BY BILL SHEA Originally founded in Boston, companies with sponsorships. lion, called the Raymond and Rosa The TOC, as it’s called, is a bank CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Nasto is in the process of moving “It’s direct marketing, for sure. L. Parks Detroit Integrated Trans- the company to Royal Oak to be The reach and frequency won’t be of high-definition monitors that portation Campus, on Fort Street. Royal Oak-based Konsyerzh nearer the Palace, the first venue that high. It’s more of an added display live camera feeds showing Scheduled to open next year, the L.L.C., founded in 2006, will deploy to deploy the technology. value for someone that’s already traffic at the Palace and along local facility will be home to the Michi- its GuestMVP application technol- “The amount of resources to do paying a lot for premium seat- roads, including I-75. The system gan Intelligent Transportation ogy on Hewlett-Packard Touch- this remotely would be costly and ing,” he said. “If it’s going in is tied into the Michigan Department System, the web of more than 200 Smart PCs at the Palace of Auburn our ability to jump on I-75 at any- suites, it’s probably a client high- of Transportation’s network of traf- highway traffic cameras, electron- Hills in time for the Detroit Pistons’ time is big and will allow us to bet- er-end companies would be trying fic cameras, and there is a live ic signs, sensors and other control playoff run later this year. ter manage the installation, the ac- to reach.” MDOT chatroom that brings to- and measurement devices along GuestMVP is a touch-screen, tual event-game work load and The technology stems from a gether Palace traffic staff with the region’s highways. seat-side technology that allows support to the venue,” he said. touch screen IP phone and a soft- MDOT, Auburn Hills police, Oak- The new building, which will be fans in suites, premium seats and Fifteen full-time positions will ware concept for an in-room land County Road Commission, local staffed by MDOT and Michigan elsewhere to do things such as be filled in the second quarter, he concierge for the hotel industry broadcast media, meteorologists State Police troopers, will replace view high-definition instant re- said. initially developed by Gorman, and others who can provide infor- leased space on Howard Street. plays, statistics, scores elsewhere The company forecasts revenue Nasto said, and further develop- mation and affect traffic. The state last year spent $11.5 or order food, drinks, tickets and of $7.5 million this year, $22 mil- ment led the company to the The team can reroute traffic if million to add 32 additional cam- merchandise from a specialized lion in 2010 and $38 million in 2011. venue market. weather, accidents or other road eras and a dozen new, larger road- computer screen. The revenue Plans are in the works to ex- conditions dictate, said Stan Tor- side message boards. Others are “The touch- model is based pand to other markets. res, the Palace’s assistant director being replaced. screen units will It’s more of an on annual soft- “We are also currently develop- of parking, and fans are told during The projects are being paid for be posted around “ ware licensing ing interactive products for the games or events what they need to with Federal Highway Administration The Palace in added value for fees, advertising travel and hospitality industries do. A wrecker service is on site for funds earmarked for traffic con- some of the suites, development and health care and senior citizen instant dispatch to accidents. gestion mitigation. clubs and in The someone that’s and design, tech- markets,” he said. “Our ability to respond to things Using live camera feeds and Palace Grille,” nical support, The company also plans a ma- has greatly improved. It makes us computer and broadcast abilities said Jeff Corey, di- already paying a lot shared ad sales jor marketing push this year to faster and more nimble,” Torres is a growing national trend in traf- rector of public re- revenue and target college venues and certain said. “The ability to look down the fic and parking management for lations for the for premium customization other professional facilities such highway through MDOT’s eyes high-attendance venues such as venue. fees, Nasto said. as American Airlines Center in gives us the best sense of situation- stadiums and even zoos. “Having this seating. The devices Dallas, Rose Quarter in Portland al awareness.” Three years ago, the Los Angeles state-of-the-art ” and technology, and HP Pavilion in San Jose. The system, plus road improve- Dodgers became one of the first to technology will Mike Dietz, three years in “Cleveland Indians are also on ments over the years and special- broadly employ such a system, provide our guests Dietz Trott Sports & Entertainment development, our radar for the 2009 baseball ized software that manages stop which replaces the traditional traf- with a unique in- are being billed season,” Nasto said. Locally, the lights, has cut down exit time after fic and parking control method of teractive experience and we are as an interactive marketing tool company hopes to interest Ford Pistons games from 60 minutes in staff in golf carts communicating confident they will perceive it as for venues. The top half of the Field, Comerica Park and Joe 1988 to 25-30 minutes today, said with handheld radios. an added value when they attend screens are revolving advertising Louis Arena. Auburn Hills Deputy Police Chief The team, which even has its Pistons games.” or marketing messages, and the San Jose-based networking and Jim Mynsberg. own on-site AM radio station GuestMVP is the brainchild of bottom half is the scores, replays communications giant Cisco Sys- The Pistons’ effort mirrors simi- broadcasting traffic information, telecomm industry veteran Gre- and other information. tems Inc. has been working on lar operations used by the Detroit has reduced the time it takes to gory Nasto and Sean Gorman, a How effective the devices will similar technology, called the Cis- Lions for Ford Field, the Red Wings clear its 300-acre complex from 60 minor-league hockey player be as a marketing tool remains to co StadiumVision, which is being at Joe Louis Arena and the Detroit minutes to 30, said Lon Rosenberg, turned technology products and be seen, said Mike Dietz, presi- used at the New York Yankees’ new Tigers at Comerica Park. They’re the team’s vice president of stadi- services company maven whose dent and of Farmington Hills- stadium opening this spring. all tied into the MDOT camera sys- um operations. contacts in the sports world based Dietz Trott Sports & Entertain- Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, tem. Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, helped the endeavor along. ment in Bingham Farms, help [email protected] The efforts are expected to get a [email protected] 20090216-NEWS--0011-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 10:41 AM Page 1

February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 11

Monthly Crain’s list of leading small-business lenders, Page 13.

A CONVERSATION WITH Strength in numbers Michael Mercier, Metro Trading Association Small businesses Michael Mercier, president of the Troy-based Metro Trading Association and vice president of the International Reciprocal Trade bag price breaks Association, spoke with Crain’s reporter Sherri Begin Welch on modern bartering and how small businesses and other companies with group buying can benefit from it. How does a modern barter system work? A modern goods-and- services exchange brings together local businesses, BY NANCY KAFFER (which) use their purchasing CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS power to buy from each other instead of buying from the big-box ith 20 employees, Brighton’s boys. See Progress Inc. doesn’t have For example, if I need to buy W the resources to offer big cor- some printing today ... and go to porate perks. my local trading association, I The provider of AutoWatch, an Internet- don’t pay for it in cash. I pay for it based monitoring for collision repairs, with a promise of providing my can’t offer employees in-house exercise own goods or services at a future facilities or company cars. date back in return. So the company looks for other ways it Are small businesses increasingly can retain top talent — less expensive using bartering? Yes, our existing amenities that can keep key employees clients are using it even more. from straying, said Gordon Henderson, Our sales are up about 20 See Progress’ vice president. percent year-to-date in 2009 over Enter group buying. the same period of 2008. We had over $10 million in sales in 2008. Henderson’s company is a member of We currently have about 2,000 the Small Business Association of Michigan, customers in Southeast Michigan a Lansing-based advocacy group. SBAM and northwest Ohio — up 50 offers members the chance to participate percent from a year ago. in group buying programs. And that’s Can you give specific examples? how See Progress’ 20 employees came to The Cloverleaf Bar, for instance, have free identity theft protection. which has been on the east side “I’d heard a lot about identity theft, since 1953, had a fire that and it’s obviously a serious problem and NATHAN SKID/CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Gordon Henderson, vice president of See Progress Inc., turned to group buying to offer his burned down the bar around growing,” Henderson said. “At the time, I employees identity theft protection. 2000 and came to the already had an identity theft package I’d association and used their credit bought for myself, and I thought it would to rebuild the bar. A lot of looking for products that not only save one program, Kluge said. business owners have used their be a good benefit to offer my employees.” them money and time, which is the same Popular and growing are the MBPA’s trade credits to repair their Henderson is one of a growing number thing at the end of the day, but to help debt collection and COBRA administra- building or increase the size of of business owners and managers who their business grow.” tion programs, alongside a Corporate Ex- the building … or repair their are turning to group buying to make At the Warren-based Michigan Business press program. Corporate Express is a fleets of trucks or personal price-savvy purchases in an increasingly and Professional Association, membership program that allows members to pur- automobiles on trade. In these demanding market- times, when the advertising dollar in the most popular chase office supplies at steep discount — place. is tight, this is a way businesses group buying programs 90 percent for more than 200 items and 40 can still do advertising. “The basic concept for We say (to has increased by 30 per- percent for an additional 2,000 items. Every member of the association group purchasing would “ cent in recent months, For Eric Goodrich, manager of Midwest says they can handle $5,000 of be to buy something the vendors), ‘Because said Executive Vice Pres- Diagnostic Imaging in Waterford Town- new business a year, so (they member can’t get on ident Jennifer Kluge. ship, group buying was a bonus to his are) open to spend at least their own,” said Scott we’re bringing you “We have over a hun- MBPA membership. $5,000 a year, but they can also Lyon, vice president of dred programs, so we’re The 13-employee office has used the spend in excess of that and wait small business services a group, give us a very excited about what Corporate Express program for years, for the (capacity) to come in. at SBAM. “If the mem- we have and what we of- Goodrich said. These are very difficult times … ber can get it on their better price.’ fer our members,” she “We look at it as taking advantage of it’s time for businesses to draw own, why would we be ” said. “We try and poll being a part of the group,” he said. their wagons, so to speak. involved?” Jennifer Kluge, Michigan Business our members to get a feel Programs are designed, Kluge said, to Last spring, SBAM and Professional Association for what their needs are, offer specialized expertise in areas like COBRA or debt collection. If you know launched a gas discount what’s their greatest someone interesting program. The group is preparing to start pain and what’s troubling them right “With debt collection, the idea is that if in nonprofits or an effort to let small business band to- now. Then we go out in the marketplace you have uncollected invoices for 90 services Sherri gether for IT services. and put a program together for our mem- days, the odds of you collecting are kind Begin Welch should The group’s most popular program is bers. We say (to vendors), ‘Because we’re of moot,” she said. “But if you give uncol- interview, call (313) its health insurance plan, Lyon said. bringing you a group, give us a better lected invoices to our partner, you only 446-1694 or write SBAM has about 5,000 members. price.’ ” pay if they deliver rates involved with of- [email protected] “Participation has increased, but it’s About 85 percent of the MBPA’s rough- fering their services at a discount to our twofold,” he said. “Our members are ly 20,000 members participate in at least See Buying, Page 12 20090216-NEWS--0012-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 10:33 AM Page 1

Page 12 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009 Small Business Monthly Do research before You’ve earned it. hiring a consultant

Veronica Lujic and Nicole Rafaill’s State of the Art, a custom WHERE TO GET ADVICE framing shop and gallery in Fern- dale, had been open about a year Try free advice first. when the pair decided it was time When hiring a consultant, look to get help. for an expert that’s respected in Both are your industry. artists, Lujic Ask for a consultant’s entire Small Biz said, but client list — not just the top three. Solutions needed busi- ness opera- Set clear goals that define your tions exper- expectations. tise. So they hired a con- King said. Look for an adviser sultant. who’s served comparable business- “A lot of es, and has delivered results. businesses Wickman advises business own- fail in the ers to be demanding when seeking Nancy Kaffer first two a coach or consultant. years, and we “Ask for their entire client list, didn’t want to be one of those busi- not their best three, which is what nesses,” she said. they’ll want to give you,” he said. That was three years ago, and Lu- “And make sure they offer a guar- Ask about our jic and Rafaill are still in business. antee — if I don’t deliver the value I SelectAdvantage While there’s a host of free ad- promised, you don’t have to pay Trust your wealth Model Portfolios.* vice available for business owners me.” and would-be owners, free re- Don’t take a consultant’s claims management to 734.242.2205 sources may not meet all a busi- of expertise at face value, King ness owner’s needs. So when is it www.mbandt.com said. people who get it. time to hire a business coach or “If you start talking to them and consultant? And how do you find they don’t understand the buzz- * Not FDIC Insured. Not Bank Guaranteed. May Lose Value. the right person? words of the industry, that’s a bad Not Guaranteed by any Government Agency. Not a Bank Deposit. “My very strong opinion is go sign,” he said. free first — there’s a lot of great Setting clear goals is important, free information out there, and Wickman said, for the consultant with the Internet, the world is our and the business owner. oyster,” said Gino Wickman, a Lujic and Rafaill met with a few business coach, founder of Livo- consultants before they met some- nia-based EOS Worldwide and au- one who clicked. thor of Traction, a business strate- The consultant led them though gy guide. “When it’s a good time to a retail planning process. They use a consultant is when you don’t helped the owners identify busi- have the answer and can’t find the ness strengths and weaknesses, ar- answer.” eas that were working and those Finding the right consultant, that required improvement. said Ed King, director of small- “A lot of that is numbers,” Lujic business services in Wayne State said. “You assess when people are University’s department of execu- coming in, what kind of people are tive and professional develop- coming in, all the statistics people ment, is a matter of research, re- usually talk about but you never search, research. really know ’til you sit down and Check with trade associations see it.” and on industry-specific Web sites Nancy Kaffer: (313) 446-0412, to see who’s respected in the field, [email protected].

INVOLVED PARTNERS. Buying: Group discounts ■ From Page 11 members.” ing Cooperative is still in the start- PERSONAL ATTENTION. Many business owners, Kluge up phase. said, may have memberships in as- “My mission is to get small busi- THAT’S GRANT, MILLMAN & JOHNSON. sociations that offer such pro- nesses to band together for infra- grams. structure costs, technology and all “This is when they should lean the supplies, product services and Call for an appointment today. on their associations,” she said. “If getting the job done,” she said. Grant, Millman & Johnson, P.C. is an experienced, you’re a part of any organization, The cooperative currently has hands-on group of certified public accountants who: you need to pick up the phone and five members, she said, so the dis- take advantage of your member- counts she’s offering aren’t deep — t
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February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 13 Small Business Monthly CRAIN'S LIST: LEADING SMALL- BUSINESS LENDERS Wachlers’ Lifelinks gains

Number of approvals Total number of loans/ Preferred Total loaned Lender SBA Rank Lending institution amount Regular Program Express following, global distributor 1. Huntington Bancshares Inc. 59 0356 Columbus, Ohio $4,864,200 BY KIMBERLY LIFTON 2. Charter One Bank 15 1014 SPECIAL TO CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Cleveland, Ohio $1,611,500 3. Citizens Republic Bancorp Inc. 9 171 In these uncertain times, Flint $2,021,400 peace, hope and tranquility are 3. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. 9 018 big sellers. New York City $1,283,100 That’s good news for Link and Glenn Wachler, brothers from a 5. Chemical Financial Corp. 7 007 Midland $477,000 well-known local jewelry family, who in the past year have begun PHOTO COURTESY OF WACHLER ULTIMATE EXPRESSION 6 240 6. U.S. Bancorp marketing on a large scale their This personalized diamond-encrusted Lifelink bracelet demonstates the Cincinnati $1,559,400 owner’s love of pets. line of charms that can be com- 6. National City Corp. 6 006 bined on a bracelet or necklace. Cleveland, Ohio $670,500 The jewelry brand, called Life- co-owner of the West Bloomfield products the groups can sell to Popular North America Inc. 6 033 Township Guys N Gals clothing and raise awareness for their causes. 6. $1,649,600 links, comes with a purpose: to New York City help people focus on what matters gift shop, which sells Lifelinks. They also market the products Innovative Finance Corp. 6 600 most to them. “Lifelinks sell well. They have a through trunk shows and have 6. $57,500 Walnut Creek, Calif. “It’s about the power of adding message, and they are designed contract sales representatives to 10. Capitol Bancorp Ltd. 5 032 focus to life,” Glenn Wachler said. great.” keep the products on store shelves. Lansing $970,000 The feel-good jewelry concept is A sterling silver Lifelinks Link and Glenn’s father, Jeff, whose father started David Wach- 10. Citizens First Savings Bank 5 131 taking off. Sales for 2008 of Life- charm starts at $36. A rubber Port Huron $986,000 links brand products — manufac- bracelet is $12; silver mesh runs ler & Sons in 1922 and who still works in the family business, said 12. Wells Fargo & Co. 3 021 tured under the company name $120. Stone charms begin at $65. San Francisco, Calif. $411,000 Wachler Ultimate Expression Co. — Gold mesh bands and precious the reaction from consumers over the Lifelinks products is stirring. 12. Comerica Inc. 3 030 were $250,000 and are projected to stones can be custom ordered. Dallas, Texas $1,726,800 double through retail outlets, Stuller, which has more than “I’ve seen reactions to people 60,000 customers worldwide, re- who get large diamonds as gifts, 12. O.A.K. Financial Corp. 3 309 charities and wholesale distribu- Byron Center $2,775,000 torships by the end of the year. cently contracted with the Wach- and this is different,” he said. “It is ler brothers to manufacture and not just a piece of jewelry. They 3 120 Glenn Wachler, 44, moved to CIT Small Business distribute the products to its cus- represent values that each cus- 12. Lending Corp. $1,440,000 Charlevoix two years ago from Livingston, N.J. South Florida to raise his family tomers, Glenn Wachler said. The tomer has, and they become very and focus on the product. Last Jan- company is also talking with moti- emotional.” 12. 1st Source Corp. 3 021 South Bend, Ind. $589,100 uary, he decided to make Lifelinks vational product distributors. Link and Glenn design charms his full-time career. Link Wachler, Lifelinks’ entry into the national together. Link draws them and 12. Fifth Third Bancorp 3 111 retail scene comes during a time Cincinnati, Ohio $1,276,600 57, last fall left his family business, does the carving. Glenn manages David Wachler & Sons, of Birming- that jewelry expressing individual- the operations, including oversee- 18. United Bancorp Inc. 2 200 ham, to join the venture. ity is becoming increasingly popu- Tecumseh $583,750 ing the sales representatives and Wachler Ultimate Expressions lar, said Cheryl Kremkow, editor- warehouse employees. Molds are 18. Excel National Bank 2 020 operates out of Link’s home studio in-chief of Modern Jeweler. Beverly Hills, Calif. $1,762,000 completed from the carvings at the in metro Detroit (and Birming- “We’re definitely seeing a trend manufacturing facility, where the 18. Mackinac Financial Corp. 2 200 ham coffee shops) and a plant in for jewelry with personal meaning: Manistique $870,500 final products are packaged and Charlevoix. The charms can be af- symbols, initials, charms and any- shipped for sale. 2 101 thing that can be customized to ex- 18. Old Mission Bancorp Inc. fixed to rubber, sterling mesh or “This is a way to help people ex- Sault Ste. Marie $295,500 bracelets or can be attached to press the personality of the person press themselves profoundly in 2 002 necklaces and earrings. who wears it,” Kremkow said via 18. Century Financial Corp. their relationships,” said Link. Coldwater $235,000 More than 50 retail stores, about e-mail. The concept for Lifelinks dates 2 002 a dozen in Southeast Michigan, John Ahee, vice president of Ed- 18. Fentura Financial Inc. to 1988, when Glenn, who was de- Fenton $225,100 carry the Lifelinks product line mund T. Ahee Jewelers in Grosse signing jewelry for his family busi- 18. Mercantile Bank Corp. 2 002 comprising 200 symbols that can Pointe Woods, agreed consumers Grand Rapids $34,000 be reproduced in sterling silver or are looking for personalization. ness, began working on artistic and meaningful jeweled sculp- ቢ 14-karat gold. Symbols include re- Ahee recently began selling its TOTALS 195 31 47 117 mind, love, peace, hope, celebrate, own line of bracelets and necklaces tures for customers. He later $38,400,550 reward, connect, inspire, focus called Personally Charmed. moved to Florida and got interest- and smile. ed in real estate and motivational This list was compiled from information provided by the Michigan district office of the SBA for “Sentimental jewelry is hot,” fiscal first quarter, Oct. 1, 2008 - Dec. 31, 2008. The Preferred Lender Program allows selected “It’s a big time for spiritual Ahee said. “It’s meaningful for the coaching. lenders to make certain SBA loans without prior approval from the SBA. SBA Express allows PLP things — peace and karma are person giving the gift and really The brothers next plan to com- lenders to use many of their own forms, analyses and procedures to process, service and liquidate popular — everything is about try- meaningful to the recipient.” plement the jewelry with the Life- SBA loans of up to $350,000. ing to make the world a better The Wachler brothers are work- links Method, a motivational (1)ቢ Figures are statewide totals, including institutions not listed because they had fewer than two place,” said Julie Feldman-Unatin, ing closely with charities to create training program. approvals. Small biz cited among Emerging Sectors successes NOMINATE TOP SALESPEOPLE FOR POWER SELLER AWARD BY CHAD HALCOM County Executive L. Brooks Patterson as an effort to Are you a Power Seller? Do nominate your best closers for CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS attract economic development in 10 high-growth sec- you know one? We’re talking consideration. If you’re a cus- tors to help diversify the economy and offset tradi- about the kind of tomer, nominate the best profes- Two small businesses were among four business tional manufacturing, where Michigan has lost near- salesperson who sional who calls on you. “successes” cited by Oakland County’s Emerging Sec- ly 400,000 jobs since 2000. makes the most The nomination deadline for tors program for January. Other expansions announced by the county: RG Medical Diagnostics Inc. has invested $500,000 in a of every oppor- the awards is March 23. Go to Fisker Automotive Inc., makers of plug-in hybrid recent move from Southfield to Wixom and has grown tunity and www.crainsdetroit.com/nominate concept cars such as the Fisker Karma, is beginning from five to 14-15 employees, according to President demonstrates for the online form. to move to its new engineering and development cen- Ronald LeTourneau. The company is a manufactur- ter in Pontiac from Irvine, Calif. The company is in- sincere concern Contact Gary Piatek, copy er’s representative that sells medical devices such as for customers. desk chief, at (313) 446-0357 or vesting up to $5 million on the project, which will stethoscopes, thermometers and hygiene gloves. house up to 200 engineers and designers. Fisker hopes If so, let us know. Crain’s De- [email protected] with ques- And Razor Threat Inc. recently invested about to begin early production on the Karma by year’s end. troit Business will profile a selec- tions about the process; or Kim $750,000 in a move from Royal Oak to Pontiac and will Modern Professional Services L.L.C., an IT-commu- tion of the region’s top sellers in Winkler at (313) 446-1652 or add up to three new jobs to its staff of three. The com- nication staffing company, will invest up to $100,000 its July 13 issue. [email protected] with tech- pany makes security software and firewall programs. at its corporate headquarters in Troy, but it expects to If you’re a sales manager, nical questions about the form. Emerging Sectors was launched in 2004 by Oakland add no new jobs. 20090216-NEWS--0014-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 10:30 AM Page 1

Page 14 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009

CareerWorks online Visit www.crainsdetroit.com /careerworks to search for jobs, post a résumé or find talent.

Help for Networking is key first step in building job prospects BY AMY KURAS branch manager of staffing already,” Cislo said. “That does of- ple who are put in your way,” Dun- SPECIAL TO CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS agency The Creative Group. fer people a way to get their foot in ham said. “Never ignore the peo- job seekers “Once you get to know who is the door to also showcase their ple that are put in your path. A volatile economy means out there in the market and what other talents.” Learn about their skills and gifts even those who were once seem- areerWorks is a weekly companies are looking for, who Other tips: and find out how you can help ingly sheltered from layoffs no needs a special project done, that Join professional organiza- them spread that.” collection of advertis- longer have that security. It’s a C ing, news and informa- can help you in your job search,” tions, which will help you build a Think about how skills you al- hard reality, but it can also be a she said. tion geared toward readers in network, and be open to everyone ready have might transfer into hot boon to those considering a ca- Temporary assignments, which you encounter. Scott Paul Dun- employment areas. High-level career transition or looking reer change. can pay the bills while you look for ham, co-founder of the Creative En- Web interactive skills are translat- for new jobs. If you’re facing a possible lay- a job, are also good ways to get ergy Alliance, which focuses on able, for example. Included in our coverage: off, or even just dissatisfied with yourself known at a company and bringing together creative people Prioritize career goals. Come “CareerTransition,” high- your current job, there are some get the opportunity to work in the and ideas, said his group’s concept up with an ideal plan, then a plan lighting a person who has things to keep in mind. field you want to shift into. is “unconditional networking.” B and C. made a successful leap from First of all, networking is key, “Our companies are looking “What unconditional network- Adapted from DetroitMake said Kristen Cislo, Detroit one profession to another; a for someone who has experience ing reminds us is to accept the peo- ItHere.com calendar of job- and training- related events; and news sto- ries affecting the job market. CareerWorks is also online. On our Web site, at Job seekers must be willing to work as short-term employees www.crainsdetroit.com/ Today’s job seekers need to em- The benefit to employers of free- the idea of free agency or the con- differently in interviews and to careerworks, you can post an brace the concept of free-agent lance or contract employees is “it cept of contract or freelance work stress results they’ve had and the anonymous résumé and at- status to take advantage of the helps them get work done without because that’s where everything is value they may bring. tract employers. You can changing job market, a Kelly Ser- making long-term employment moving and where the opportunity He also advises job seekers to scan the newest jobs from our vices Inc. executive advised dur- commitments,” he said. is, he said. work to brand themselves by area or all of Michigan. You ing a recent Careerbuilder.com pre- Kelly Services has worked Job seekers should assess the thinking of three or four words can set up e-mail alerts so sentation. with Careerbuilder.com for the skills and experience they possess, that capture their personality, ex- whenever a job that interests Despite the economic down- past five years to post résumés, recognizing those are marketable perience and skills and will get you is posted, you’ll know turn or perhaps even because of and it accepted the Chicago-based and transferable across different them an interview or a second about it. it, “the long term trends around company’s offer to present dur- industries, McAward said. meeting. the fact that the world is chang- ing a Feb. 10 virtual career fair. That may require them to think — Sherri Begin Welch Employers can post jobs or ing incredibly fast will prevail,” The fair focused on engineer- search résumés for talent said Tim McAward, vice presi- ing, but McAward said the tips they seek. dent of Kelly Engineering are applicable to anyone search- Resources, a business unit of ing for a job today. Troy-based Kelly Services. Individuals need to embrace CareerTransition Name: John Roos, 46 Education: Diploma from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. Continuing education at Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. CAREER MOVES Last career: Four years as a salesperson at an Ann Arbor Subaru dealership. Before that, op- FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES erated as an independent consultant to new Call Us For Personalized restaurants, helping to design menus, train Great Franchise JET’S PIZZA FRANCHISES IN NORTHERN OHIO Service: (313) 446-6068 staff and coordinate openings. Opportunity for Three operating stores with future territorial agreement. Call 586-412-0010 New career: Owner-operator of Roos Roast, a Golf Enthusiasts CLOSING TIMES: Monday 3 p.m., coffee-roasting company specializing in bou- Prime markets now available in SE Michigan. CRAIN’S CAREER MOVES one week prior to publication date. tique, organic and fair trade coffees sourced Join a recognized leader in the retail golf WORK! Please call us for holiday closing times. industry. To Place Your Ad Call John Roos from small farms. (313) 446-6068 FAX: (313) 446-1757 Contact Frank Hutton - 248-994-0553 or Former career: Car Why he decided to make the switch: “My core www.progolfamerica.com Fax (313) 446-1757 E-MAIL: [email protected] salesperson beliefs were different than the culture at Sub- INTERNET: New career: aru, and I felt like the time I was investing www.crainsdetroit.com/section/classifieds Owner-operator of a there could be better invested.” Confidential Reply Boxes Available coffee roasting How he made the transition: “Car sales to coffee company PAYMENT: All classified ads must be sales was kind of similar because it’s customer prepaid. Checks, money order or service. I was formerly in the restaurant and Crain’s credit approval accepted. hotel industry, so that helped a lot. I also did a Credit cards accepted. lot of research on the Web and a lot of coffee See tasting. I still think I’m struggling with the Crainsdetroit.com/Section/Classifieds Web part. Getting a good online site is key.” for more classified advertisements Obstacles overcome: “Michigan doesn’t make it that easy for small business. The bureaucrat- ic systems here are antiquated. Let people do small business here, and this place will flour- ish. The competition is tough because there are now like three or four coffee roasters in this area.” Advice for others: “Promote local goods and services while investing in your community, always with an honest sense of contribution and sound environmental beliefs. Think out- side the box and revisit the beliefs of our forefa- thers. Michigan is a land rich with human and natural resources.” If you have made a similar change in your ca- reer, or know someone who has made an inter- esting career transition, contact Andy Chapelle, managing editor at Crain’s Detroit Business at [email protected] 20090216-NEWS--0015-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 10:29 AM Page 1

February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 15

EMPLOYMENT PEOPLE ARCHITECTURE cial center manager, Grosse Pointe, RETAIL from financial center manager. CALENDAR IN THE SPOTLIGHT Frank Hutton to president and COO, Helena Messer to Pro Golf L.L.C., Farmington Hills, from William Alvin national audit Are you employable? has been manager, Blue vice president of sales, Imperial Mar- keting Inc., Southfield. Baker College of Auburn Hills appointed CEO Water Consulting, Warren, from is hosting a free panel discus- of Detroit- based Health North American SERVICES sion in the college atrium audit manager, Alliance Plan Greg Martino to Wednesday called “Are you as effective March GMAC Commer- employable as you think you cial Finance, vice president of 9. He also purchasing, Little are?” Southfield. becomes a Caesar Enterpris- Employers will share inside senior vice John Worthington es Inc. and Blue Piatek Filip president of to vice president information with students, Messer Line Foodservice Henry Ford and CFO, Fifth alumni and guests about the en- Robert Piatek to associate principal, Alvin Third Bank, Southfield, from vice pres- Distribution, De- tire application process and HKS, Detroit, from vice president; Health System, which owns HAP. ident and controller, Columbus, Ohio. troit, from vice how they can stand out in this also, Bill Filip to vice president, from Mark Widawski to chief credit officer president of sales, Alvin, 64, had been executive vice competitive market. associate. and executive vice president, Citizens Connell Co., Den- The panel includes Susan president of strategy development Republic Bancorp Inc., Flint, from man- at the Detroit Medical Center. Martino ver, Colo. Dittrich, vice president of ad- COMMUNICATIONS aging director of business finance. ministration, Crossroads for Andrew Austin to He replaces interim CEO Pat Daniel Domke to Richards, who took the position Youth; Linda Kruso, director of vice president of CFO and financial PEOPLE GUIDELINES after Fran Parker resigned last workforce planning, Beaumont retail innovation, and operations EWI Worldwide, March. Announcements are limited to Hospitals; Frank Russell, human principal, In- Livonia, from di- Alvin also worked for HAP between vescor LTD, Farm- management positions. Nonprofit resources, Oakland County; rector of cus- 1988 and 1991 and was CEO of ington Hills, re- and industry group board Charles Biggs, LaFontaine Auto- tomer experience Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital maining appointments can be found at and product real- motive Group; Lynda Ferro, di- from 1991 to 2001. managing direc- www.crainsdetroit.com. Send ization, AT&T, rector of development, Easter tor and owner, As- submissions to Departments, Dallas. He earned a master’s degree in Seals of Michigan; and Jackie public administration from George set Based Audit Crain’s Detroit Business, 1155 Hooper, vice president of hu- Karen Martin to Consultants Inc., Gratiot Ave., Detroit, MI 48207- central region di- Washington University in Mt. Clemens. 2997, or send e-mail to man resources, Easter Seals of Austin rector of sales, Washington, D.C. Domke Michigan. [email protected]. Destination Media, Detroit, from Mid- ficer, DTE Energy Co., Detroit, from di- Releases must contain the person’s Day-of registration begins at west director of Women’s Wear Daily LAW rector of enterprise compliance. name, new title, company, city in 6:15 p.m.; panel starts at 6:30 and wwwd.com, Conde Nast Publica- Edmund Anderson to partner, Cantor tions, Chicago. Colburn L.L.P., Detroit, from associate, which the person will work, former p.m. Advance registration is en- FINANCE title, former company (if not couraged at wendy.anderson Cooper Green to Dickinson Wright P.L.L.C., Detroit; Jeffrey Moore to executive vice presi- Karl Barr to partner, from intellectual promoted from within) and former @baker.edu. director of mar- keting and sales, dent and chief credit officer, Peoples property counsel, General Motors city in which the person worked. Network Source State Bank, Madison Heights, from se- Corp., Detroit; and Scott McBain to Photos are welcome, but we cannot One, Novi, from nior vice president and chief credit offi- partner, from intellectual property guarantee they will be used. For architects, engineers customer service cer; and Carol Woonton to officer-finan- counsel, Delphi Corp., Troy. The University of Detroit Mercy representative. is hosting an architecture and Sean Hurwitz to engineering career fair Tues- director of sales, day, 12:30-3 p.m., in the student Parallax Produc- tion Studios, center fountain lounge. Southfield, from This career networking Green president, central event is designed to connect real estate development, Novi; and architecture and engineering Robert Striks to director of marketing, students seeking current and from freelance writer and producer, Strikly Marketing Inc., Commerce future co-op opportunities, se- Township. niors preparing for graduation and UDM alumni to potential CONSULTING employment opportunities. Joe Power to senior manager of nation- For map and directions, go to al field operations and development of www.udmercy.edu. quality standards, Fisher Consulting Services, Clarkston, from manager of diagnostic imaging support services, Counseling for the jobless William Beaumont Hospital, Troy. The counseling department at John Caruana to tax manager, Dynam- Oakland Community College’s Or- ic Advisory Solutions, Troy, from co- owner, Kopchick & Lopiccolo P.C., chard Ridge Campus in Farm- Troy. ington Hills offers “Regrouping,” Gregory Gursky to director of greater a series of support and network- Michigan state and local tax practice, ing meetings for people impacted PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Detroit, by unemployment. from director of property and non-in- Ninety-minute sessions con- come taxes, General Motors Corp., De- ducted by professional coun- troit. selors will be held twice daily on John Bodley to director of corporate accounting, AlixPartners, Southfield, Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 24. from finance director, TRW Automo- Midday meetings run from noon tive, Livonia; also, Michael Weingartz to 1:30 p.m., afternoon meetings to director of electrical engineering, 5:30-7 p.m. All sessions will be in from vice president, Peter Basso Asso- Room 145 of the M Building. Ad- ciates, Troy. mission is free and open to the public, but participants are EDUCATION urged to reserve a seat by calling Erik Gordon to associate director of the (248) 522-3450. Samuel Zell and Robert H. Lurie Insti- Topics: Organizing Your Job tute for Entrepreneurial Studies/Cen- ter for Venture Capital and Private Search,” “How to Develop Net- Equity Finance, University of Michi- working Skills” and “Identify- gan, Ann Arbor, from associate dean, ing Sources for Financial and Stevens Institute of Technology, Healthcare Needs.” Hoboken, N.J. The Orchard Ridge Campus is at 27055 Orchard Lake Road, ENERGY just south of I-696. Anthony Tocco to chief compliance of- 20090216-NEWS--0016-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 10:28 AM Page 1

Page 16 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009

CALENDAR BUSINESS DIARY TUESDAY troit. $30 for IREM members, $40 for sor, Ohio State University speaking ACQUISITIONS Midstates Recycling Services, Walled guests; includes valet parking. Con- Lake, has a new Web site at on the importance of incorporating Utica Enterprises, Utica, purchased a FEB 17 tact: (248) 615-3885. www.therecyclingexperts.com. scenario planning into the business 50 percent stake in Synergia Automo- State of the Industry Section Meeting. Economic Outlook Breakfast. 7:30-9:30 strategy process. Westin Hotel, tive, Troy, and Graph-Tech, Troy. Wagner Design Associates L.L.C., 5:30-8:30 p.m. SAE Detroit section. a.m. Dearborn Chamber of Southfield. $35 members, $45 non- Ann Arbor, has completed a re- With: Peter Brown, editorial director Commerce. With Lt. Gov. John Cherry. members, walk-ins $10 additional. CONTRACTS designed Web site for the Drug Deliv- and associate Dearborn Inn. $30 members, $35 Contact: Bill Reader, (248) 324-5252. ery Foundation, Ann Arbor, at publisher, Auto- nonmembers. Contact: www. Women in Defense Michigan Chapter, www.ddfint.org. which has yet to establish a Michigan motive News; dearbornchamber.org. Dartappraisal.com, Troy, a provider office, has chosen Troy-based Bianchi David Cole, chair- Innovative Leadership: Growing Re- COMING EVENTS of nationwide residential real estate Public Relations Inc. to execute its man, Center for gional Business. 8-10 a.m. Leadership A Focus on Macomb County. 8-10 a.m. valuations, announced the launch of a media-relations efforts. Automotive Re- Oakland. With Ken Rogers, deputy Feb. 24. Leaders Without Borders and new Web site at www. search; Neil De county executive and director of Au- Detroit Regional Chamber. Breakfast Stout Systems, Ann Arbor, has signed dartappraisal.com. tomation Alley. Preregistration re- a contract to provide software and Koker, president meeting with James Fouts, mayor of Family Home Health Services, Ply- quired. Townsend Hotel, Birming- systems consulting, as well as staffing and CEO, Origi- Warren; Paul Gieleghem, incoming mouth, announced the addition of ham. $30 members, $36 guests and services, to the University of nal Equipment chair of the Macomb County Board of the latest home monitoring technolo- Suppliers Associ- nonmembers; includes complete Commissioners; and Earl Ryan, presi- Michigan. breakfast. Contact: (248) 952-6880. gy available to treat congestive heart ation; and John dent of the Citizens Research Council Ancilla College, Donaldson, Ind., has failure patients. The FDA-approved Brown McElroy, host of of Michigan. Warren Civic Center. $35 implemented the Empower student device is able to detect early heart for graduates of all programs and cur- information system by ComSpec In- “Autoline Detroit” and “Autoline Dai- THURSDAY failure up to two weeks before weight ly.” Moderator: Tom Ryan, 2008 SAE rent class members, $45 for guests. ternational Inc., Bingham Farms. An- gain. The ZOE fluid status monitor, Contact: (313) 596-0441. cilla students will be able to use the International president. Rock Finan- FEB 19 manufactured by Noninvasive Med- Web for registration, checking class cial Showplace, Novi. $40 SAE mem- ical Technologies L.L.C., Las Vegas, schedules, setting up meetings with bers, $55 nonmembers, $15 SAE stu- Joint Networking Meeting. 4:30-8:30 Engineering Society of Detroit Affiliate and exclusively distributed by Omni professors, reviewing personal acade- dent members. Contact: (248) 324-4445. p.m. NAWBO Greater Detroit. Meet- Council Gold Award Banquet. 5:30-9 Medical Supply Inc., Walled Lake, is ing of women’s mic records and paying bills. The New Tech-onomy. 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Celebrating Michigan’s a noninvasive medical device that business and net- p.m. Greater Brighton Area Chamber of engineering community. Rock Finan- Marx Layne & Co., Farmington Hills, measures fluid status via bioimped- Commerce; Motor City Interactive; working organi- cial Showplace, Novi. $49 per person, announced it has been named public- ance. Michigan Small Business and Technol- zations, as well as $450 for table of 10. Contact: Della Cas- relations agency of record for Franklin ogy Development Center. With Thomas business resource sia, (248) 353-0735. Wind Energy Group L.L.C., Franklin. OTHER Anderson, senior director, Automation groups. With Broder & Sachse Real Estate Stephanie Berg- Avanzado, Farmington Hills, a mar- Alley; Sandra Cochrane, technology . 11:30 a.m.-1:30 Services, Birmingham, was named eron, president Detroit Economic Club keting company, has received its ISO business consultant, MI-SBTDC; John p.m. Feb. 26. With Mark Tercek, CEO, property manager of Webb Street and CEO, Walsh certification. Web site: www. Maddox, CPA, MST, Maddox Ungar Sil- Nature Conservancy, speaking on the Apartments in Detroit by property College. avanzadousa.com. berstein P.L.L.C.; Larry Stawiarski, Es- power of collaboration — business owner Park National Bank of Houston. Petruzzello’s, quire, McDonald Hopkins P.L.C.; and and the conservation opportunity. Yu Lin Enterprises Co. Ltd., Taiwan, H&S Inspection Service Inc., Troy, has Kevin MacRitchie, vice president, Cisco Troy. $45. Con- Townsend Hotel, Birmingham. $40 and MacKellar Associates Inc., been approved by Bell Helicopter Tex- Systems. Genoa Woods Executive Con- Bergeron tact: (313) 961- members, $50 guests of members, $75 Rochester Hills, have signed an agree- tron, Fort Worth, to provide magnetic ference Center, Brighton. $25, includes 4748. nonmembers. Contact: (313) 963-8547. ment whereby MacKellar will repre- particle, fluorescent penetrant and continental breakfast and lunch. Con- sent Yu Lin in the OEM automotive temper etch inspection services, as tact: (810) 227-5086. and appliance markets. well as passivation, a chemical treat- One Day Boot Camp for CEOs. 8:30 FRIDAY Hile Design L.L.C., Ann Arbor, has ment process for corrosion resistant a.m.-5 p.m. March 3. Capital Commu- metals. In addition, H&S Inspection FEB 20 nications; Skillman Boyle Pollack been selected to redesign the Web site WEDNESDAY for Resource Recycling Systems Inc., Service has received approvals by Strategic Futuring: Managing Uncer- Smith & Gilroy P.L.C.With Carl Gould General Electric Aviation, Evendale, FEB 18 covering corporate culture align- Ann Arbor. tainty. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Society for Ohio, for temper etch inspection and ment, uncovering the hidden value of Maddox Ungar Silberstein P.L.L.C., Institute of Real Estate Management. Marketing Professional Services; passivation. a business, winning team building, Bingham Farms, announces the fol- 7:30-9 a.m. With Robert Ficano, Wayne American Marketing Association of and increasing business profits with lowing new clients: Travis Pointe The Michigan Department of Treasury, County executive. Advance reserva- Detroit; Direct Marketing Association little or no additional cost. This event Country Club, Ann Arbor; PawSpa Lansing, has issued the final Michi- tions required. Renaissance Club, De- of Detroit. With David Staley, profes- includes three interactive sessions. Global L.L.C., Duluth, Ga.; Blue Chap- gan Business Tax forms in time for Automation Alley, Troy. Session 1: man Inc., Boone Ventures One Inc., tax season. They can be used to file $45 for members, $55 for general; Ses- Boone Ventures Two Inc., Greene Pow- MBT returns for fiscal year 2008. Tele- sion 2 or 3: $30 for members, $35 for er Inc., Spruce Pine One Inc., and phone: (517) 373-3200. general; All-day package (includes Spruce Pine Two Inc., all in Matthews, Medical Network One, Rochester, is MARKET PLACE box lunch): $95 members, $109 for N.C.; Business Outsourcing Services now a member of the Michigan Prima- general. Contact: (248) 620-2957. Inc., Reno, Nev.; Mayetok Inc., Reno, ry Care Consortium, Lansing. Nev.; and Euro Solar Parks Inc., Car- son City, Nev. ANNOUNCEMENTS & BUSINESS & Wind Energy Conference. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. STARTUPS March 3-4. Workshops on manufactur- SERVICES INVESTMENTS EXPANSIONS Roni Deutch Tax Center, Dearborn, ing, commercial wind, resources, com- has opened a new franchise location BUILDING MAINTENANCE BUSINESSES FOR SALE munity wind, small wind and offshore Brembo North America, Northville, at 24340 Michigan Ave., owned by Mil- wind. Cobo Center, Detroit. $125. Con- signed a 12-year lease and will be the lie Judd. Telephone: (313) 344-0670. The Guyman Group, a Full Service Landscaping Detroit area manufacture of material handling equip- tact: John Sarver, (800) 434-9788. sole tenant at 47765 Halyard Drive, Web site: www.rdtc.com. Contractor is Supplying Proposals for your considera - Plymouth. Designed and built by De- ment seeks mortgage on building or sale of business. 1 More Yard, 3155 W. Big Beaver Road, tion. Serving the Tri -County area since 1991. Please steelpalletboxes.com Mattia Group, the building will stand International Consular Gala. 6-11 p.m. Suite 205, Troy, is a health staffing send Specs to [email protected] or phone as the company’s headquarters. It will Keith at (248) 978-4027 for an a appointment. Established Limosine Service-25 years plus. 3 car op- March 6. Detroit Regional Economic agency founded by former Detroit Li- eration. Servicing Metro Detroit area. 5 telephone include at least one drive-in bay and Partnership. Black-tie event to cele- ons player Dexter Bussey. It provides lines in different cities. $62,000 or make an offer. Call have separate areas for offices, labs Jim at 313-274-7773 brate international business and eco- temporary/contingent and perma- and research and development. Flat Roofing Specialists nomic development. Silent auction by nent placements in the medical field, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES for over 25 years the International Visitors Council. Wixom-based Golder Associates Inc., along with retain searches for most Townsend Hotel, Birmingham. $250 a consultant in geotechnical engineer- medical professions. Telephone: (248) Home of Bobson's exclusive Looking for a Business Partner-Willing to Detroit Regional Chamber members, ing, has opened offices in Green Bay, Polybond Flat Roofing System invest in and manage a commercial office and 283-1987; e-mail: dexter.bussey@ home furnishings business located in the Mid $325 nonmembers. Contact: (313) 596- Wis., and Woodridge, Ill. 1moreyrd.com Call today for a free roof inspection 248-357-1240 Michigan area. Call Gary at 989-239-2459 0343. Shield’s Pizza, Troy, opened a fran- Visit our website: bobsonconstruction.com MOVES EQUIPMENT & chise at 1488 N. Rochester Road, 15% off all Flat roofing projects purchased Wealth Management Services L.L.C., Rochester, in the City Walk Plaza. between 2/15/09 and 3/31/09 CHANGES TO CDB CALENDAR MERCHANDISE from Birmingham to 42714 Woodward Owners are Ron Kopy, Dan Stross and Crain’s Detroit Business can no Ave., Suite B, Bloomfield Hills. brothers Tony and Mike DiGirolamo. OFFICE FURNITURE longer guarantee that we will use BUSINESS SERVICES LaMont Title Corp. from the Guardian Telephone: (248) 608-2700; e-mail: telephone, mail or e-mail MUST SELL, OFFICE CLOSED Building to 333 W. Fort St., Detroit, ef- [email protected]. WE SELL BUSINESSES contributions for our weekly print fective Feb. 23. Phone: (313) 963-3100; Desks $99, Chairs $39, Files $49, Partitions $50, calendar and online calendar Comfort Care Adult Day Care, 16010 Lateral Files $99, Cubicles, Office Phone Systems Fax: (313) 963-5488. King Road, Riverview, provides day Confidential & Professional Service. Call (248) 548-6404 or (248) 474-3375. listings. Specialize in Manufacturing, Distribution & care to disabled adults. The facility is If you want to ensure listing online NEW PRODUCTS designed for those incapable of inde- Business -To-Business Service Industries. and be considered for print Confidential Business Sale, Inc. Comau Inc., Southfield, introduces pendent living but who do not need 24- publication, please use the online www.ConfidentialBusinessSale.com RecogniSense, a single camera, 3-D hour care. Phone: (734) 250-7707; Web Detroit Metro Office 313-221-9378 calendar listings section of recognition system providing robotic site: www.comfortcareadultdaycare. www.crainsdetroit.com. Here’s guidance without the use of calibra- com. how to submit your events: tion targets or structured lighting. FINANCIAL SERVICES From the Crain’s home page, click Telephone: (248) 368-4316. E-mail “Detroit Events” in the red bar [email protected]. DIARY GUIDELINES Need Money Fast? Pay off Bills, Improve your Home, near the top of the page. Then, Send news releases for Business Buy a car, Take a Trip. Apply now! click “Submit Your Entries” from NEW SERVICES Call us: 1-888-936-2221 Diary to Departments, Crain’s the drop-down menu that will Formcode Design, Troy, has designed Detroit Business, 1155 Gratiot appear and you’ll be taken to our LEGAL SERVICES - IMMIGRATION and launched a new Web site for Ave., Detroit, MI 48207-2997 or online submission form. Fill out Roma Sposa, Birmingham, at send e-mail to cdbdepartments@ the form as instructed, and then www.romasposa.com. Antone, Casagrande & Adwers, P.C. crain.com. Use any Business Diary click the “Submit event” button at Troy-based Seco Tools has launched a item as a model for your release, AV-rated Immigration Law Firm the bottom of the page. That’s all new North American Web address, and look for the appropriate Firm’s Principal is an Adjunct Immigration Law there is to it. www.secotools.com/us, in addition to category. Without complete Professor at MSU More Calendar items can be found changing the design and navigation of information, your item will not run. Farmington Hills, MI 48334 on the Web at its site to match that of parent compa- Photos are welcome, but we cannot Phone (248) 406-4100, www.antone.com www.crainsdetroit.com. ny Seco Tools AB of Fagersta, Swe- guarantee they will be used. den. 20090216-NEWS--0017-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 5:09 PM Page 1

February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 17 State’s top law firms report growth amid recession

BY CHAD HALCOM neys said. Firms with extensive he said. “I would estimate it’s only mind” about 2009, with local econ- Am Law 200 list — but it remains CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS practices in securitization, merg- about 1.5 percent of total revenue omists calling for sustained reces- to be seen whether the firm will ers and acquisitions, banking or and business activity, and even sion at least until year’s end. rank on the 2009 list. Southeast Michigan’s rough real estate have seen deals fall when it was at its peak before the “With the current temperature Warner Norcross has two local economy actually may insulate the through, clients go out of business market downturn it was about in real estate, which accounts for a offices with at least 25 attorneys in region’s top corporate law firms and profits fall. three (percent). We’ve been fairly large share of our clients, we have Southfield and Sterling Heights. from a downturn now afflicting But Michigan firms were not as insulated.” seen a slowdown,” he said. “But The firm reports a total of 215 at- their counterparts in the nation’s heavily invested in practices tied Honigman Miller Schwartz and we have also been doing a good torneys in fourth-quarter 2008, up financial centers. to lending and are even buoyed by Cohn L.L.P. also reports overall deal of consulting with our clients from 197 in January 2008. Five of the six largest Michigan counter-cyclical business activity growth in revenue for 2008, accord- about what to do and how to be Detroit-based Butzel Long P.C. firms based on estimated revenue in bankruptcy and foreclosures, ing to chairman and CEO David properly positioned for the mar- also reports small growth in its or total attorneys told Crain’s which have been fueled by the Foltyn. But he declined to elabo- ket’s (eventual) recovery.” ranks at 240 attorneys, compared their revenue grew in 2008 — even “one-state recession” the state has rate on revenue Bill Burgess, partner and man- with 235 last January. The firm though the nation’s legal profes- been experiencing since 2002. or percentage of agement committee member for ranks 178th in size on the National sion is shedding jobs and profits in Michael Hartmann, CEO of growth. Dickinson Wright P.L.L.C. in Detroit, Law Journal List by staff, but not the wake of the recent credit cri- Miller Canfield, said the firm had The Am Law said the firm saw roughly 3 per- the Am Law 200 rank by revenue. sis. basically a “flat” 2008 with just a 200 list ranks cent growth in 2008 over 2007, but Wagner said automotive suppli- Detroit-based Dykema Gossett $1.5 million gain Honigman at also declined to give specific fig- ers account for roughly 9 percent P.L.L.C., the largest Michigan- in revenue, but No. 166 in the ures. of Warner Norcross’ total busi- based firm by revenue according was pleased nation with $141 The firm ranks among the ness, but its strongest areas of to The American Lawyer magazine, with that result million for 2007, largest 200 in the nation according reports its 2008 revenue figure was after a record- but unlike the to the National Law Journal, which growth probably were in litigation $169.8 million, with 345 attorneys and environmental law, where it setting 9 percent Foltyn other local firms ranks firms by number of attor- worldwide, up from $162 million growth rate in it does not fur- neys, but has not appeared recent- represents some Michigan-based and 330 attorneys worldwide for 2007. Despite the nish any figures to American ly on the Am Law 200 list ranked mining and energy companies. 2007. flattening trend Lawyer and would not comment by revenue. Flexible billing practices also Second-place Miller Canfield Pad- and worries on their accuracy. Burgess said the firm has seen helped. dock & Stone P.L.C. reports a small- about 2009, he Honigman has more of a busi- strong growth in intellectual prop- “I think we saw a lot of new busi- er gain, at $146 million compared Hartmann said the firm ness law focus and less developed erty law, bankruptcy and its Gam- ness from companies that moved with $144.5 million in 2007, and 356 plans no layoffs. litigation practice than Miller ing Practice Group, where it repre- away from companies that still use attorneys compared with 352 a “There could always be attri- Canfield and other top local firms, sents clients such as MGM Grand the billable hour. We have billing year earlier. Both firms recently tion. If we have a couple of part- Foltyn said. The firm saw substan- Casino in Detroit and which added practices that use incentive pay- turned in year-end revenue and ners move out of state or go into tial slowdowns its large real estate a gaming law office in Toronto last ments to win, or bill on a flat-flee staff figures to American Lawyer, their own practice we might not practice and in acquisitions November. These areas and litiga- basis, and companies are showing which compiles an annual Am necessarily replace them,” Hart- among its mid-level private equity tion have shown a relative resis- interest in that,” he said. Law 200 list and last year ranked mann said. “But we don’t have any firm clients. tance to the national recession and “But I also think the Michigan them at No. 151 and No. 163 respec- systemic or regional layoffs going But other practice areas such as credit crunch, he said. firms learned a long time ago not tively. on, and I don’t think we need foreclosure law, bankruptcy, alter- “I wouldn’t go as far as to say the to tie your practice too much into The nation’s legal profession them.” native energy and affordable hous- growth areas are recession-proof,” any one sector of the economy.” shed 1,300 jobs in January accord- The firm has seen a downturn in ing law saw improvements, to Burgess said. “But these areas are Butzel Long recently instituted ing to the federal Bureau of Labor M&A activity and its debt securiti- make an overall gain for the firm. less volatile and dependent on a hiring freeze and may allow at- Statistics, and at least eight top 200 zation practices, but Hartmann The firm reports 239 attorneys at trends.” trition to cut its ranks this year; firms in New York, Chicago, Los said bankruptcy is booming while year’s end including 10 lateral Doug Wagner, managing part- but no structured layoffs are Angeles and St. Louis have con- litigation and white collar crimi- hires away from other firms — up ner at Grand Rapids-based Warner planned, said Chief Marketing Of- firmed layoffs of more than 900 nal defense held steady or made from a total of 230 attorneys in Jan- Norcross & Judd L.L.P., said his firm ficer and Planning Director lawyers so far in February. modest gains. uary 2008. saw 15 percent revenue growth in Joseph Melnick. Driving much of the downturn “We have a small securitization Foltyn called 2008 a good year 2008 and should clear the $101 mil- Chad Halcom: (313) 446-6796, is an idling finance segment, attor- practice and it has had an impact,” overall, but said he was “of a sober lion floor revenue of last year’s [email protected]

- Consumers Energy to rely on wind to meet RPS goal REAL ESTATE

BY AMY LANE laws designed to move Michigan to- pects to purchase wind power in COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES INVESTMENT PROPERTY CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT ward greater energy efficiency and similar amounts. FOR LEASE – AVAILABLE NOW! PRICE REDUCED use of alternative energy, such as About 4 percent of Consumers’ 5500 sq ft In The Heart of Mexican Town. Great For LYON TOWNSHIP/BANK OWNED LANSING – Consumers Energy Co. wind, biomass and solar sources. power now comes from renewable Offices Or Spacious For A Restaurant. Excellent 12-unit rental townhouse project available. Commercial Location in Southwest Detroit. Gorgeous Get a great deal on this investment opportunity. expects to spend nearly $4.9 billion Consumers Energy’s renewable sources. The 2008 law requires 5.7 Building $11 per sq ft [email protected] Contact Karen Shepherd at 248-290-5300 ext. 311 over the next 20 years, mostly on energy plan, stretching from the percent in 2012, 6.3 percent in 2013 Free Commercial Property Services OFFICE BUILDING wind power, to meet requirements last quarter of 2009 to 2028, antici- and 7.3 percent in 2014. Dearborn Hts. TIFA Property List easily for renewable energy. connects you with motivated sellers. pates building or buying more Utilities can assess surcharges Visit tifadh.com or call 313-791-9824 FREE Rent for 5 years with no hidden fees! The Jackson-based utility is than 900 megawatts of renewable to pay their costs of meeting the Manufacturing/Industrial businesses looking for new scheduled Tuesday to file with the energy. A small portion, 15 RPS. Charges proposed by Con- INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY Michigan Public Service Commission megawatts, would come from sumers include: $3 a month for res- locations? Two buildings available 18,000 sq. ft. and 34,000 sq. ft. with separate office space of 2,000 sq. its 20-year plan to meet the man- sources such as landfill gas or idential customers; $3.70 to $16.58 a AVAILABLE NOW date that 10 percent of its electrici- anaerobic digestion, which in- month for commercial customers; ft. Buildings located in Detroit South of Eight Mile and ty come from renewable sources by volves converting animal manure and $4 to $187.50 a month for indus- 4,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. East of Mound Road. Must be in business for mini- 2015. That renewable portfolio into electricity. But the vast major- trial customers. If approved by the Also 10,000 & 25,000 sq. ft. mum of 5 years. You pay for your own business, per- standard, or RPS, was part of broad ity of the utility’s plan would be PSC, the charges could appear on Free Standing Bldgs w/truckwells. sonal taxes and maintenance with the buildings. energy legislation passed in 2008. wind-generated power, said George customers’ bills this fall. 1 Mile from Metro Airport Fenced in yard with evening security guard. Building This fall, electricity customers Hass, executive director of new The PSC will hold hearings on REA CONSTRUCTION wired for factory use, working overhead crane, plenty could start to pay monthly charges generation for Consumers Energy. utilities’ plans, including those of (734) 946-8730 of indoor and outdoor storage, several powered truck to cover part of Consumers’ ex- The company plans to spend an Consumers and Detroit Edison Co., wells. Serious inquiries only! pense of meeting the RPS over 20 Also Heavy Industrial estimated $3.1 billion to purchase which plans to make its filings Land Available Email us at: [email protected] years – some $1.76 billion. 450 megawatts of power from Michi- with the PSC on March 4. www.reaconstruction.net Additional charges, for an esti- gan wind farms yet to be built. It Trevor Lauer, vice president of RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY mated $3.1 billion in wind power the plans to spend $1.2 billion to build retail marketing for Edison parent Residential Development utility plans to buy, will go onto its own wind farms generating the DTE Energy Co., said its renewable 145 Acres +/- In Macomb Township, MI bills once that power begins flow. Call Us For Personalized Approved 759 total Residential Units. 133 Lots with remaining 450 megawatts of power. energy plan will include both new water and sewer. (ready to build) 4 models 90% Consumers also plan to file re- Consumers has easements on wind and solar resources. The plan Service: (313) 446-6068 completed. Golf course across the street. 15 Million quired plans for energy savings and more than 35,000 acres in northwest entails Edison owning 50 percent invested-you can own for 4.2 Million or best offer. FAX: (313) 446-1757 Call me at 586-915-4441 Bill McMachen efficiency that, as proposed, would Michigan’s Mason County and the of the renewables, and purchasing cost electric customers about $300 Thumb area’s Tuscola County. 50 percent from other parties. E-MAIL: [email protected] WATERFRONT PROPERTY million and natural gas customers INTERNET: Hass said Consumers’ plan calls DTE has purchased easements ON ORCHARD LAKE about $209 million over the first six for its first 100-megawatt wind farm on more than 50,000 acres in www.crainsdetroit.com/section/classifieds 4 bedroom ranch, 3 1/2 baths on years of those plans. 1.4 acres premium lot. 248-335-0104 to be operating in 2013, another 150 Huron County for a potential wind See www.5081commerce.com Both the so-called “energy opti- megawatts to be operating in 2015, turbine development. Crainsdetroit.com/Section/Classifieds 48 Acres with 250 feet of Lake Frontage mization” and renewable energy and an additional 200 megawatts in Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, Investment/Hunting/Equestrian/Estate/Develop plans were required under 2008 for more classified advertisements 50 Min from Detroit (Linden, MI) No motors lake service in 2017. The company ex- [email protected] $349,000 - Reduced by 50K- (810)444-3510 20090216-NEWS--0018-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 6:03 PM Page 1

Page 18 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009 Stem cell: Global search ■ From Page 3 quietly talking to companies. Even Charlton said there is room on when I was at Asterand,” said the third floor of the Tech One Charlton, referring to his stint as building to provide space immedi- CEO of Asterand plc, a tissue-bank ately, with 20,000 square feet avail- company traded on the London able on the second floor as soon as Stock Exchange that is headquar- funds are found to complete that tered in Tech- floor’s build-out, Town. possibly from “I’d say to I’m going to say, money that comes them, ‘I can’t do “ to Michigan from anything now, we ‘You want to be in the economic have these laws stimulus package. on the books, but the U.S. market ... Gloria Heppn- one day I want er, Wayne State you to think of here’s an University’s associ- partnering with ate vice president us,” he said. “I’m opportunity.’ of research, said going to reach out ” half a dozen uni- now and say, Randall Charlton, TechTown versity re- ‘Look, you want searchers from a to be in the U.S. market, the wide range of academic disciplines biggest health care market in the — including biologists, geneticists, world. Here’s an opportunity.’ ” an obstetrician and an engineer, Charlton met Friday with Wayne four of whom have formed startup County economic development offi- companies to commercialize re- cials to discuss details of getting the search — are ready to move into center, which will involve both em- the center. bryonic and adult stem cell re- “We’re really excited to work search, up and running. with Wayne County and TechTown The county will offer tax incen- on this commercialization center. tives for companies that move It’s a great day,” she said Friday. here and the center could provide She said the school has budgeted seed capital for startups. $1.5 million to recruit and supply Deputy Wayne County Execu- stem cell researchers. tive Azzam Elder said Friday the “This commercialization lab is county will provide up to $10 mil- an opportunity for our area to go lion in funding for the center over from the back of the pack to the the next two years and will try to front of the pack. The best scien- raise at least several million more tists around the world are engaged from foundations and nonprofits. in this and billions are being spent Elder said the county hopes to on stem-cell research, but very few have the center up and running are thinking about getting it out of within six months. As it expands, it the lab and making it a commer- could evolve into a collaboration cial success,” Charlton said. that includes the state, the University Tom Henderson: (313) 446-0337, of Michigan and area hospitals. [email protected]

Budget: Drawing fire ■ From Page 3 spending really decrease over the The administration says the last few years,” he said. products’ current tax rate, 32 per- Binoniemi said bar and restau- cent of the wholesale price, com- rant owners would need to absorb, pares with cigarette tax rates that rather than pass along, the cost of are significantly higher. higher permit fees to their cus- In addition, said state Budget Di- tomers because any price increase rector Robert Emerson, there is “is going to mean customers walk- the concern about driving people ing out the door.” “from the choice of one tobacco The administration, however, product to the other,” because of points out that many license fees the price difference. have not changed for more than 30 Doubling the tax rate would years, while the costs of licensing bring in an additional $45 million and enforcement activities have in revenue, according to the ad- soared. The additional revenue, es- ministration, and create a more timated at $10.4 million annually, even tax treatment. would support Michigan Liquor Con- But Polly Reber, president of the trol Commission regulatory respon- Michigan Distributors and Vendors As- sibilities. sociation, said she did not think the The administration also propos- state would see a revenue increase es to create a new permit — gener- of that size and said the move ating an estimated $4.6 million — would increase smuggling of such that would extend allowable liquor products from states that have sales from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. Another lower, and in one case, no tax, on new permit, generating some $9.1 such products. million, would allow liquor sales prior to noon on Sundays. “My members, they have said to Binoniemi said the MLBA has me, they will not sell it any more. previously suggested and support- There will be no market for their ed the extended-hours proposals as legal product with the tax (in- benefiting both the state and li- crease) imposed,” Reber said. censees, but wants to see what the She said the proposal to increase new permit fees would be. the tax rate is “the most illogical Also drawing business attention and irrational decision they could is a proposal to double the tax on make, in this economy.” tobacco products like cigars, snuff, Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, and bulk tobacco. [email protected] 20090216-NEWS--0019-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 4:12 PM Page 1

February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 19

NATHAN SKID/CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Greektown Casino Hotel staff and media members gather in the lobby of the hotel last week. Greektown hotel goes after competition with low rates BY DANIEL DUGGAN CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Rossetti lands 1st U.S. Struggling to find its way out of bankruptcy and operating in a hotel work at Greektown slow hotel market, the Greektown A new direction for design? Casino Hotel opened Thursday with The blue- and green-hued a pricing plan designed to under- glass covering Greektown Casi- cut its competitors. no Hotel is part of the design Unlike the nearly $300 nightly by Southfield-based Rossetti rates that the MGM Grand Detroit Associates. But it’s also part of and MotorCity Casino Hotel were a much bigger design for the able to command for their grand firm to branch into hospitali- openings in 2007, Greektown ty work, with this being its opened with $99 per night to get first U.S. hotel. rooms booked. The firm has made a name “We want to be as full as we can in sports and entertainment and make money off every part of facilities, so there is a logical the operation,” said Clifford Valli- leap to hotels, said President er, CFO and acting CEO on Thurs- Matt Rossetti. And there is day. “And we’re booked for the some room for growth in the weekend.” market, he said. Hotel rates have been on a down- “Business hotels are stag- ward slide in the region as busi- nant and the super high-end ness and leisure travel have is dead,” he said. “But there’s slowed. Average daily rates for ho- room in the boutique market, tels in Southeast Michigan showed like what we’ve done at a drop in October, November and Greektown.” December compared with 2007, ac- — Daniel Duggan cording to Henderson, Tenn.-based Smith Travel Research. Southfield-based GlobalHue, but the Greektown’s rates now fall be- firm was unable to arrange an in- low the average for Detroit — terview. $113.52 in December, according to Smith. But the rate is still above Whether the low room rates will that for the region, which aver- close the gap in revenue between aged $78.49 in December. the three casinos remains to be MotorCity’s posted rates start at seen. For the month of January, $169, and MGM Grand Detroit’s Greektown lagged the other two ho- start at $299. Both, however, dis- tels with $24.3 million in revenue count rooms for repeat customers. compared with $36.8 million for Mo- Randy Villareal, vice president torCity and $45.8 million for MGM. of hotel operations for MotorCity, Greektown sought bankruptcy said that rather than cut rates to protection in May, citing at least add value, MotorCity has been of- $243 million in unsecured debt to 40 fering packages such as two Detroit unsecured creditors, and has since Red Wings tickets, one hotel stay gained regulatory approval from the and transportation to Joe Louis Michigan Gaming Control Board to bor- Arena for $179. Other packages in- row another $100 million. volve gift certificates for food and It is in the process of restructur- beverages or money for gaming. ing its debt and but has also ex- “We can create value with the plored the idea of bringing in new other parts of our operations,” he investors. said. “So we offer amenities rather Casino representatives say than just dropping rates, and you tours will begin this week for six net out the same.” groups of unnamed potential buy- A request for an interview with ers, the Associated Press reported. MGM executives was left with the Daniel Duggan: (313) 446-0414, casino’s public-relations firm, [email protected] 20090216-NEWS--0020-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 6:18 PM Page 1

Page 20 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009 Stimulus: Michigan expects to get $18.6 B in tax cuts, spending ■ From Page 1

ready projects, so those who say with its major corporate sponsors, president and CEO of Detroit- this isn’t going to address the job and other stakeholders, asking con- based NextEnergy, a nonprofit that figure, really are trying to find an Some say federal package stituents to contact their local repre- promotes and incubates alternate excuse to vote ‘no,’ ” he said. sentatives to flood Lansing policy- technologies. Levin emphasized the bill is an makers with requests to return arts important first step, and that if and culture projects to the shovel- Railways, waterways, two bridges progress was seen, specifically in won’t help much, or soon ready list, Goulet said. benefits from infrastructure Transportation insiders want spending, more aid may be on the Donald Grimes, an economist enough economic activity … High-tech health care more information on what the fed- way. with the University of Michigan’s and the whole thing is wishful eral aid package might mean for Workers could begin job-ready Institute for Labor and Industrial thinking.” Hospitals and doctors would re- their interests. infrastructure projects in months, Relations, says the stimulus is a Grimes says the infrastruc- ceive about $17 billion under the “I’m going to Washington (next Levin said. good thing for the state’s belea- ture spending, which is less stimulus package to install elec- week) to meet with the legislative Levin noted the bill has features guered economy, but it’s not the than he would have liked to tronic medical records, with $2 bil- delegation to get specific answers for the auto industry, including magic bullet. have seen, will be a long-term lion going to the creation of a new on question relating to the stimu- about $2 billion in grants to spur national office to oversee informa- lus package,” said regional transit “I think the economy would asset to the economy because it development of advanced batter- tion-technology implementation czar John Hertel, who is shepherd- have turned around anyway improved productivity and in- ies, a tax credit for buyers of plug- and development. ing a proposed $10.5 billion im- from the monetary and fiscal creases the standard of living. in hybrids, and tax deductions for However, the bill also contains a proved bus and rail system for stimulus that was going on be- But he says Michigan resi- new-car sales, which he said may provision in which doctors and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb forehand, but this will sort of dents are unlikely to see the ac- be expanded if the new-car sale hospitals also could be penalized if counties. give the economy a little added tual impact of the stimulus credit works. they fail to install electronic med- The bill sets $27.5 billion aside boost and temporarily help alle- package until at least the end of “This is an important first re- viate some of our pain,” Grimes ical records by 2014. for highway, road and bridge mod- sponse, and strong response, and the year. “The federal government will ernization projects. said. “You won’t see those con- Michigan surely needs it,” he said. The stimulus bill will primar- spend a lot of money to create high- The Michigan Department of Trans- struction workers on those in- tech jobs to create health informa- portation is a likely beneficiary for ily keep workers in their cur- frastructure projects for a rent jobs and slow layoffs rather tion technology and create a nation- the $8.4 billion earmarked for mass- Shovel-ready projects year,” Grimes said. “You don’t al office to make sure everyone is transit assistance, and locally it’s than create tens of thousands of have to worry about the high- The city of Detroit is assembling new jobs, Grimes said, adding interoperable,” said Laura Appel, seeking to get money to fund the on- a list of projects that are “shovel- ways being torn up this summer vice president of federal policy and going effort to build a 48-mile high- the tax cut may boost economic just yet.” ready,” meet President Barack activity for a quarter or a little advocacy with the Michigan Health speed commuter rail line between Obama’s and Detroit Mayor Ken While they differ, both and Hospital Association. Ann Arbor and Detroit. more. Grimes and Rossana agree that Cockrel Jr.’s green priorities, add Robert Rossana, professor of The bill also contains a provi- The line, which is targeted to be- the stimulus package is not the the most value to Detroit — and macroeconomics at Wayne State sion to increase Medicaid funding gin next year, would be operated savior for the nation’s perilous are likely to get the green light University, is less enthusiastic. to states by $87 billion, with about by Amtrak and is a joint venture be- economic situation. from federal, state and local agen- “I haven’t seen the final de- $3 billion expected to come to tween MDOT and the Southeast “If they fix the banking sector cies, said Daniel Cherrin, Cock- tails, but from what I’ve seen so Michigan. Another $500 million Michigan Council of Governments. problems, and there’s been no rel’s press secretary. far, it won’t make much differ- could be set aside nationally for The aid package also includes $2 Some of the projects include re- ence at all,” Rossana said. indication they know how to do disproportionate share hospitals billion earmarked for rehabilita- designing Hart Plaza with a new The temporary tax cuts won’t that, the economy will eventual- like the Detroit Medical Center. tion of waterways such as the Soo amphitheater in place of the dilap- do much to boost the economy, ly start turning around by it- Locks in the Upper Peninsula. idated Ford Auditorium, building and the $311 billion in spending self,” Rossana said. “Quite hon- Smarter energy Plans to move ahead on a new a new police headquarters, work- will do little to boost the $14 tril- estly, the economists that $497 million lock, on the drawing force development in green jobs lion U.S. gross domestic prod- support this are letting their At DTE Energy Co., the company is board since 1986, have been mov- training, and improving the ener- uct, Rossana said. politics contaminate their pro- looking at numerous opportunities ing incrementally as funding drib- gy efficiency of city infrastructure. “This is absurd,” Rossana fessional judgment.” in the stimulus package that could bles in. Cherrin declined to estimate the said. “It can’t possibly stimulate — Ryan Beene benefit customers and create jobs, Detroit’s automotive industry cost of the listed projects, or the including in the areas of energy effi- relies on much of the 80 million number of jobs the projects would ciency, weatherization, “smart tons of raw materials shipped an- create. second floor remaining in addition Shovel-ready arts and culture grid” and advanced metering tech- nually through the locks, as do the Randal Charlton, executive di- to two other buildings nearby, total- projects were pulled from the gov- nology, and electric-vehicle pro- region’s coal-fed power plants. rector of TechTown, the technology ing 200,000 square feet, which Tech- ernor’s list of projects to receive grams, said Lorie Kessler, director Neither of the Detroit River incubator affiliated with Wayne Town also plans to rehab. federal stimulus funds after an of external communications. crossing projects says they’re con- State University, said he has sub- The loss of $6.1 million in state earlier Senate version of the bill “We think that there are proba- sidering stimulus funding. mitted “shovel-ready plans” to the funding for arts and culture will restricted funding for certain in- bly programs that we have that The privately-funded $1 billion state’s budget office in response to impact arts groups’ ability to stitutions including arts centers, would be potential fits for the dol- effort adding a second span to the a request by economic develop- leverage federal funding and museums and theaters, zoos and lars,” Kessler said. Ambassador Bridge and the $1.5 ment officials in Lansing. match grants in a big way. golf courses, Goulet said. She said the company is work- billion effort by MDOT and Cana- “This could be the opportunity In fact, it could cause Michigan “We are working aggressively ing with the governor’s office and dian government agencies to build to finish the build-out of the Tech groups to lose opportunities to with our statewide supporters others “to put together a list of pro- a new bridge in Detroit’s Delray One Building and fund the build- raise more than 50 times that across Michigan to really commu- grams … and are reviewing the neighborhood both plan to use out of our other two buildings,” amount, or a combined $310 mil- nicate loudly and clearly to the programs to see what the impact bonds to pay for construction and said Charlton. lion, through local match grants, governor and to our representa- would be.” then use toll revenue to repay the The current five-story building said Jennifer Goulet, new presi- tives in Washington that this is “The stimulus will help drive a bonds. on Burroughs is fourth-fifths devel- dent of Wixom-based ArtServe not acceptable,” she said. change in culture through energy Ryan Beene: (313) 446-0315, oped, with 20,000 square feet on the Michigan. ArtServe Michigan plans to work efficiency,” said Keith Cooley, the [email protected]

DSC: Exhibit-building arm part of plan to boost revenue ■ From Page 1 But Eekstein’s Workshop will In 2007, the year of its latest things,” he said. entist logo figure — employs 20 help the center cover its opera- face more competition now than it available financial information, it Over the past two years, the sci- people and operates on a budget of tions costs within four to five might have a year or two ago — in cleared $5.06 million over its oper- ence center moved its internal ex- $1 million to $2 million, Seestadt years, he said. the museum and all other client ating costs, at least partly attribut- hibit maintenance equipment said. The science center is still final- segments — given the decreased able to the heavily attended “Our from the Russell Industrial Center in Revenue from exhibits built for izing its 2008 figures. But in 2007, spending of domestic and foreign Body” exhibit. Detroit to 20,000-25,000 square feet projects that support the science $8.2 million or 47 percent of its to- automakers, he said. “But I never feel like we are of leased space in Royal Oak Town- center’s mission to get more tal revenue of $17.4 million was “The upshot is we’ve reallocated completely there,” considering the ship. The center also began acquir- youths interested in science, engi- earned revenue, with the remain- a lot of resources we had in auto to science center’s endowment at the ing the tools and equipment it neering and technology careers der coming from donations and going after trade show and muse- Community Foundation for Southeast needed to build exhibits, he said. likely will not be taxed, but other grants, he said. um sectors,” Mascot said. Michigan is less than $1 million, he It also started hiring designers projects are subject to tax, he said. In the past, earned revenue has “There’s going to be more play- said. for the new exhibits and staff to Revenue from exhibit construc- covered as much as 80 percent of ers looking at all areas of expan- “We don’t have those kinds of help construct them, including tion, along with earned income operating costs during years the sion outside of automotive.” significant investment funds to tap sculptors, painters, carpenters and from admissions to the center, science center has hosted block- The Detroit Science Center is into. That’s always caused us to be other skilled trades employees. IMAX theater and planetarium, a buster exhibits, Seestadt said. well-positioned financially, very opportunistic and business- Today, Eekstein’s Workshop — percentage of science center store Sherri Begin Welch: (313) 446- Seestadt said. oriented in the way we go about named for the science center’s sci- sales and facility rentals, should 1694, [email protected]. 20090216-NEWS--0021-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 4:20 PM Page 1

February 16, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 21 Midtown: Neighborhood continues to draw business www.crainsdetroit.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Keith E. Crain ■ From Page 3 PUBLISHER Mary Kramer, (313) 446-0399 or [email protected] week that while sales were com- tered by the Detroit Investment district, probably the only EXECUTIVE EDITOR Cindy Goodaker, (313) 446- 0460 or [email protected] petitive with other Midtown busi- Fund and is funded by that group strolling district in city, and this is MANAGING EDITOR Andy Chapelle, (313) 446- nesses, they didn’t fit the market’s and the MEDC. going to make it bigger.” 0402 or [email protected] business model. The Colin Hubbell Fund, started in Midtown, quite literally, isn’t ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR/FOCUS Jennette Smith, (313) 446-1622 or [email protected] But Mosey said the closure of Za- honor of the late developer who the place it used to be. BUSINESS LIVES EDITOR Michelle Darwish, (313) ccaro’s doesn’t detract from the worked extensively in Midtown, When Jackie Victor and partner 446-1621 or [email protected] COPY DESK CHIEF Gary Piatek, (313) 446-0357 neighborhood’s ongoing growth. will provide seed money to entre- Ann Perrault opened Avalon Inter- or [email protected] “Cindy brought a beautiful store preneurs and will be administered national Breads on Willis Street 12 DATA EDITOR Anne Marks, (313) 446-0418 or to the neighborhood, but unfortu- through the UCCA. years ago, most folks referred to [email protected] WEB GENERAL MANAGER Alan Baker, (313) 446- nately her pricing was not compet- Commercial rent in Midtown has that part of town as “the Cass Cor- 0416 or [email protected] itive,” Mosey said. “It was eventu- stayed low — between $14 and $22 ridor,” an appellation Victor still WEB EDITOR Christine Lasek, (313) 446-0473, ally fixed, but unfortunately I per square foot for commercial prefers. [email protected] WEB DESIGNER/PRODUCER Ai-Ting Huang, (313) don’t think it was in enough time space, dependent on proximity to In 2003, that changed. The UCCA 446-0403, [email protected] for her to win back her clientele. Woodward Avenue, Mosey said, began branding the neighborhood EDITORIAL SUPPORT Robertta Reiff (313) 446- 0419, YahNica Crawford, (313) 446-0329 The bottom line is I want to make compared to $12 to $15 a decade ago. as “Midtown,” a move that drew NEWSROOM (313) 446-0329, FAX (313) 446- it clear that she did deliver a beau- But density more than rent is fire from some critics. 1687 TIP LINE (313) 446-6766 tiful store, but pricing had been an the driving factor in attracting But changing the neighbor- REPORTERS issue from the opening.” business to Midtown, said Jim hood’s identity played a key role in Ryan Beene: Covers auto suppliers, steel, higher With the traditional financing Bieri, CEO of the Bieri Co., a De- the development process. education. (313) 446-0315 or [email protected] Daniel Duggan: Covers retail, real estate and market frozen, the launch of two troit-based retail brokerage. “Clearly we want people to feel hospitality. (313) 446-0414 or new funds aimed at building small “There’s people who are likely comfortable coming to an area by [email protected] business and retail should give a to lease those places,” he said. the Cultural Center for dinner,” Jay Greene: Covers health care, insurance and the environment. (313) 446-0325 or boost to business owners who want “There are lots of viable business- Mosey said. “And we want people [email protected]. to open shop in the neighborhood. NATHAN SKID/CDB es down there. There are so many to understand it is part of one eco- Chad Halcom: Covers law, non-automotive The Detroit Investment Fund, part- George N’namdi is preparing to for a parts of the city where there’s no nomic system in this neighbor- manufacturing, defense contracting and Oakland and Macomb counties. (313) 446-6796 or nering with the Michigan Economic soft launch in March of his art gallery, one to lease places, so it doesn’t hood. As we fill in commercially [email protected]. Development Corp., has launched an the East Forest Art Project. matter what the rent is.” and residentially, we want people Tom Henderson: Covers banking, finance, technology and biotechnology. (313) 446-0337 or Urban Retail Loan Fund in Mid- Over on Forest Street, gallery to have a defined identity.” [email protected]. town and the greater downtown said, because of the existing level owner George N’namdi is prepar- Bieri speaks more bluntly. Nancy Kaffer: Covers small business, the city of area, said Dave Blaszkiewicz, pres- of investment and development ac- ing for the March soft opening of “I think it’s the old adage of per- Detroit, Wayne County government. (313) 446- ident of the investment fund. tivity in the area. his 16,000-square-foot East Forest ception as reality,” he said. 0412 or [email protected]. Bill Shea: Covers media, advertising and The fund should not only attract “Our hope is to create some den- Art Project, which will house three “The Cass Corridor image was marketing, entertainment, the business of sports, retailers, Blaszkiewicz said, but sity of retail and support those art galleries, a performance space, so bad that mentioning it would be and transportation. (313) 446-1626 or [email protected]. can help to ensure that business neighborhoods through that densi- a wine bar and a craft shop. a downer in a business conversa- Nathan Skid: Multimedia reporter. Also covers the owners open with a viable model. ty,” he said. It’s a $17 million project, N’nam- tion. Mentioning it would be a food industry. (313) 446-1654, [email protected]. “In these difficult times, busi- “We’re looking at areas where di said, made possible by a mish- poor idea. The Midtown concept Sherri Begin Welch: Covers nonprofits and nesses are experiencing many there’s been substantial develop- mash of private and public fund- really springs from success, and services. (313) 446-1694 or [email protected] LANSING BUREAU challenges, and that emphasizes ment in housing and commercial ing and tax credits. the more times you see Midtown Amy Lane: Covers business issues at the Capitol, the need to make sure there is the activity. It’s very difficult to fund “This project will create a densi- and see success associated with it, telecommunications and utilities. (517) 371- 5355, FAX (517) 371-2492, [email protected]. or right pricing strategy, the right small and midsize retail today … ty that allows for a lot of weekend the better a strategy it becomes.” 115 W. Allegan, Suite 220, Lansing 48933. product mix and very importantly, we’re trying to create a tool to sup- strolling,” he said. Among Midtown projects for ADVERTISING the right financial structure,” he port continued development of “People can move from the Mu- 2009 is a stepped-up branding cam- said. “If your business’ finances neighborhoods.” seum of Contemporary Art Detroit to paign, financed with grants from ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Marla Downs, (313) 446-6032 or [email protected] are not adequately structured, it Loans will range from $50,000 to the galleries and restaurants we the Taylor-based Masco Corp. Foun- SALES INQUIRIES: (313) 446-6052; FAX (313) will be very hard (for the business $500,000, with a median target of have to the Detroit Artists’ Market to dation and the Community Fund for 393-0997 ADVERTISING SALES Jeff Anderson, Matthew J. to succeed), now more than ever.” $100,000 to $300,000, Blaszkiewicz the Detroit Institute of Arts to the Southeast Michigan, Mosey said. Langan, Lori Tournay Liggett, Tamara Rokowski, Midtown was a promising said. Charles H. Wright Museum of African- Nancy Kaffer: (313) 446-0412, Kimberly Ronan, Dale Smolinski WESTERN ACCOUNTS Ellen Mazen (Los Angeles) prospect for the $5 million fund, he The program will be adminis- American History. This is a strolling [email protected]. (323) 370-2477 CLASSIFIED SALES SUPERVISOR Terri Engstrom, 313-446-0351 MARKETING MANAGER Irma Clark EVENTS MANAGER Nicole LaPointe MARKETING ARTIST Sylvia Kolaski SALES SUPPORT Suzanne Janik, YahNica Brokerage: Crawford Lawsuits pit company against widow CIRCULATION Candice Yopp, Manager. SALES, MARKETING INTERN Kim Winkler ■ From Page 1 PRODUCTION MANAGER Wendy Kobylarz PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Larry Williams, Julie Laursen, 50, who has re-en- certified public accountants work- sonal checking account set up as Financial lawyers also are trying to (313) 446-0301 tered the workforce in an effort to ing out of 22 offices in Michigan Henry Firearm Services. gain access to the assets by claim- CUSTOMER SERVICE MAIN NUMBER: Call (888) 909-9111 or write support her four teenage children, and Ohio, has evolved into a diver- He then transferred the embez- ing that Laursen used stolen money [email protected] said she learned of the embezzle- sified financial services firm offer- zled money from the HFS account to pay for the life insurance and to SUBSCRIPTIONS $59 one year, $98 two years. Out of state, $79 one year, $138 for two years. ment for the first time a few weeks ing investments, insurance prod- to his personal account at a differ- fund his retirement account. Outside U.S.A., add $48 per year to out-of-state after her husband’s death, when ucts, mortgages, health care and ent bank, the documents allege. This is where the case gets rate for surface mail. Call (313) 446-0450 or (888) 909-9111. she visited the Hantz offices to dis- retirement services. The crime first came to light tricky, according to Johnson, who SINGLE COPIES: (888) 909-9111. cuss the sale of 25,000 shares of Hantz Financial maintains that when a client filed a complaint claims there is a definite distinc- REPRINTS: Call (800) 494-9051, Ext. 144 , or company stock. it is not liable for missing client with the Financial Industry Regulato- write [email protected]. tion between money Laursen legal- TO FIND A DATE A STORY WAS PUBLISHED: “When I found out, I was in money that never entered the ry Authority Inc. of New York and ly earned and stole. (313) 446-0367 or e-mail [email protected]. shock,” she said. Hantz system. Washington requesting informa- “They are clearly going to have CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS IS PUBLISHED BY Julie Laursen alleges that Hantz “There is no way for us to police tion about discrepancies in state- to show the distinction between CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC. Financial should have uncovered money that doesn’t go through our ments he received about invest- the embezzled money and the mon- CHAIRMAN Keith E. Crain the scheme long ago, said James internal system,” Shay said. ments he had made in products PRESIDENT Rance Crain ey Michael Laursen earned,” SECRETARY Merrilee Crain Johnson, who runs an eponymous He said that in terms of the bro- sold by Hantz Financial. Johnson said. TREASURER Mary Kay Crain law firm in Auburn and represents kerage firm’s responsibility for Laursen was notified of the Executive Vice President/Operations There are no trial dates set for her. Laursen’s embezzlement activity, complaint March 7, and according William A. Morrow the lawsuits, and both sides have Group Vice President/Technology, “We’re looking into what Hantz the actions went beyond the terms to the police report, he accidental- Manufacturing, Circulation said they are open to a settlement. Robert C. Adams did or did not do in terms of super- of Laursen’s job description. ly shot himself two days later For Hantz Financial, the motiva- Vice President/Production & Manufacturing vising its employees,” he added. “We employed Michael Laursen, while alone on a pistol range in Dave Kamis “How could this have gone on for but we didn’t employ him to steal Midland. tion to settle and likely absorb Corporate Director/Circulation some of the embezzled losses Patrick Sheposh so many years, and what kind of money,” Shay said. As part of its effort to recover as- G.D. Crain Jr. Founder (1885-1973) autonomy do these people in the On his lawyer’s advice, Hantz sets from the Laursen estate and would be to avoid a jury trial pit- Mrs. G.D. Crain Jr. Chairman (1911-1996) ting a brokerage firm against a EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICES: outer offices have?” would not comment. the widow, Hantz Financial is al- 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit MI 48207-2732; (313) In the scramble to assign blame, it The embezzlement remains as leging that the death was a suicide. widow and her four kids. 446-6000 is unclear how much responsibility one of the few details of the case “Whether the death was an acci- “It won’t have good jury ap- Cable address: TWX 248-221-5122 AUTNEW DET CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS ISSN # 0882-1992 will fall to Hantz Financial, a bro- that is not in dispute. dent or not doesn’t take away from peal,” said Ken Springer, presi- is published weekly except for a double issue the third week of January, and a double issue the kerage firm established in 1998 Even Julie Laursen acknowl- the fact he took the money,” Shay dent of Corporate Resolutions Inc. in fourth week of August by Crain Communications Inc. at 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit MI 48207-2732. when John Hantz, former head of edged: “Clearly, he was doing the said. “But it would be relevant if New York. Periodicals postage paid at Detroit, MI and additional the Detroit region of Minneapolis- wrong things.” “Shame on the company. They mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address anyone claimed he didn’t take the changes to CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS, Circulation based American Express Financial Advi- According to court documents, money.” should have had better controls in Department, P.O. Box 07925, Detroit, MI 48207- 9732. GST # 136760444. Printed in U.S.A. sors Inc., left that company with 185 Laursen, who joined Hantz Finan- In addition to going after the in- place,” he said. “You have to won- Entire contents copyright 2008 by Crain others to start his own firm. cial in 1998, started skimming surance and retirement assets by der who Michael Laursen reported Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content in any Hantz Financial, which now has money from clients by cashing accusing Julie Laursen of partici- to.” manner without permission is strictly prohibited. 250 representatives and another 40 checks made out to “HFS” in a per- pating in the embezzlement, Hantz From Investment News 20090216-NEWS--0022-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 2/13/2009 6:48 PM Page 1

Page 22 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS February 16, 2009 RUMBLINGS WEEK IN REVIEW FROM WWW.CRAINSDETROIT.COM, WEEK OF FEB.7-13

sion mold-makers from the that will operate Detroit’s ing plan to the Treasury De- automotive industry helped DMC, WSU end Cobo Center. partment Tuesday to pre- Prime pothole fabricate the model’s plastic serve its promised $13.4 bil- components. lion in federal loans. The model is being donat- their $12.3M PUBLIC COMPANIES U.S. Chief District ed to the museum by the Energy Conversion De- Judge Gerald Rosen ruled Fri- American Architectural Foun- day that attorney Norman Ya- pictures promise vices Inc. (Nasdaq: ENER) dation in Washington, D.C., payment fight tooma will not get access to had second-quarter net in- which acquired it in 1992. text messages from April 30, come of $14.2 million on “It is the only model of its fter nearly a year, 2003 that Yatooma says con- revenue of $103.1 million, kind in existence and thus Wayne State University cern the death of exotic popular prizes compared with a loss of $5.4 has become a historic A and the Detroit Med- dancer Tamara Greene be- record of incalculable im- ical Center have agreed on a million on revenue of $56.4 cause they do not meet fed- colition working to page cease-and-desist letter portance,” said Ronald revised contract which re- million for the same quar- eral rules of civil procedure, secure more funding from the Hollywood Chamber Bogle, president and CEO of solves a $12.3 million physi- ter last year. the AP reported. Yatooma’s A to fix Michigan’s of Commerce on Dec. 22 for the AAF. cian payment dispute. Masco Corp. (NYSE: lawsuit claims former May- roads and bridges is offer- the company’s Dec. 5 adver- Minoru Yamasaki Asso- It requires WSU to pro- MAS) had a fourth-quarter or Kwame Kilpatrick and po- ing up cash for pothole pic- tisement in the Hollywood ciates, now known as Ya- vide additional services to net loss of $508 million on lice officials obstructed the tures in its third-annual Reporter trade magazine. masaki Associates, originally DMC, after which it will re- revenue of $1.98 billion, investigation into Greene’s contest to identify the The ad featured a Holly- built three-large scale mod- ceive the disputed funds compared with a net loss of unsolved murder. state’s worst craters. wood Walk of Fame star, els of the World Trade Cen- over time, said Mary Zucker- $151 million or 42 cents per Automation Alley’s May The Michigan Transportation but instead of an actor’s ter, one of which was on dis- man, DMC’s chief of busi- share for the year-ago quar- 3-9 trade mission will be to Team says that due to stiff name in the middle, it read play in a tower lobby on ness operations. ter. For the year, there was Toronto and Montreal, not competition, it will award “Michigan” and made refer- Sept. 11, 2001. School President Jay Noren a net loss of $391 million on Russia. Call (248) 457-3200. $318 each to winners in four ence to the state’s popular said the new contract, revenue of $9.6 billion, com- Michigan’s tourism regions this year — north- 42 percent tax incentive Ad agency to syndicate which runs through June pared with net income of Web site, www.michigan. ern, western, southeastern that’s been drawing produc- 2010, is satisfactory. $386 million on revenue of org, saw 11.7 million visits, and central Michigan. tions to the state. Axiom Woolery’s new radio show $11.5 billion in 2007. more traffic than any other To enter, take a picture of said the star image came Taubman Centers Inc. had state tourism Web site in the Redford Township-based SBAM: Entrepreneurs spur the worst pothole-ridden from a free clip art Web site. a fourth-quarter loss in nation for the second year, advertising agency Western road or crumbling bridge The chamber claims the funds from operations of state officials said. Creative Inc. is branching state business growth and upload it to www.drive ad is a trademark violation. $43.4 million on revenue of Two restaurants, forty- out into radio production, Entrepreneurs are re- mi.org. The public can vote Axiom says baloney, but $190 million compared with two degrees north and Volt, on their favorite wheel-eat- doesn’t plan to run the ad thanks to a love connection sponsible for an increasing funds from operations of it has made with a leg- opened last week at The De- ing choices, and pothole again. Its new plan is to run number of jobs, but the state $70.2 million on revenue of troit Marriott at the Renais- contest winners will be an- an ad with the famous “Hol- endary game show host. could provide more support, $178.9 million for the same sance Center. nounced in early April. lywood” hillside sign and “The Chuck Woolery said leaders of the Small Busi- quarter in 2007. For the year, Members of Local 411 Mike Nystrom, vice presi- alter it to read “Michigan.” Show” will air 7 p.m.-mid- ness Association of Michigan Taubman’s FFO was $124.3 of the American Federation of dent of government and The chamber also claims the night Monday-Friday, start- at Tuesday’s Crain’s Busi- million on revenue of $671.5 State, County and Municipal public relations for the sign as a trademarked sym- ing in March. Woolery will ness Over Breakfast. million compared with Employees, Macomb Coun- Michigan Infrastructure and bol. record the show alternately Michigan’s standing has $235.1 million on revenue of ty’s largest employee union, Transportation Association, Stay tuned to see what at his Texas home and in fallen in areas key to the pro- $626.8 million in 2007. on Feb. 6 voted to accept a said the contest “is a fun drama develops. Western Creative’s office, motion of entrepreneurship BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: wage freeze, AP reported. way to highlight a serious where the show will be engi- according to SBAM’s latest BWA) had a fourth-quarter Cerenis Therapeutics Inc., problem, but there is noth- neered. entrepreneurship scorecard, net loss of $81.4 million on a pharmaceutical company ing fun about dodging enor- WTC model, built here, has Mark Young, chairman of said Mark Clevey, vice presi- revenue of $931.5 million, co-based in France and Ann mous potholes and driving Western Creative and a per- down from net income of a new home in New York dent of entrepreneurship for Arbor, said it has received on dangerous roads.” sonal friend of SBAM. But the state has in- $71.2 million on revenue of Standing a little an investment of $3.3 million He is a co-chair of the Woolery’s, $1.4 billion during the same creased its digital capabili- from Oseo, a public holding more than 7 feet said he ex- period in 2008. For the year, Transportation Team, a ties and its workforce pre- company in France, to con- tall, the largest and pects the show BorgWarner had a net loss of group of business, union, lo- paredness, he said. tinue developing therapies most detailed orig- to debut in 40 $35.6 million on revenue of cal-government and other Key to promoting growth, to treat cardiovascular and inal architectural or 50 cities. He $5.3 billion compared with interests that is pressing he said, is supporting sec- metabolic diseases. model of the World is still looking net income of $288.5 million lawmakers to increase ond-stage companies and Auburn Hills-based Fau- Trade Center will for a station in on revenue of $5.3 billion. transportation funding. aiding commercialization. recia Interior Systems Inc. has soon have a new Detroit. William Pulte, CEO of sued Chrysler L.L.C. in Oakland home at the Nation- Young said Pulte Homes Inc. (NYSE: County Circuit Court for $110 Film producers, Hollywood al September 11 the show will Metaldyne trade-secrets PHM), intends to sell about million, alleging Chrysler Memorial & Museum feature music, 4.8 million shares, or 11 scheme ends with prison did not fully pay for engi- chamber in trademark tiff in New York City. as well as in- percent of his personal neering, R&D and other con- Michigan is getting a The model was formation and Three people are going to stake, through a prepaid tracted costs and used Faure- small lesson in Hollywood’s built from 1969 to 1971 by Mi- tips on relationships. prison for a scheme to sell variable forward contract. cia designs to source work to taste for off-screen drama. noru Yamasaki Associates, the Woolery has hosted a va- the trade secrets of Ply- The board of Kelly Ser- another company. Rochester-based film pro- Troy-based architecture riety of game shows, most mouth-based Metaldyne Corp. vices Inc. (Nasdaq: KELYA) January foreclosures in ducers and marketers Axiom firm that designed the famously “Love Connec- to a Chinese competitor, the suspended quarterly cash Wayne County declined to Entertainment got a four- World Trade Center. Preci- tion” in 1983-94. Associated Press reported. dividends on Class A and 1,912 from 2,501 in January Anne Lockwood, a former Class B common stock. 2008, according to Mt. Pleas- Board Chairman T.E. Adder- Metaldyne vice president, ant, Pa.-based Default Re- ley and the independent got 30 months in custody. search Inc., while Oakland members of the board vol- Fuping Liu of Flushing, N.Y., County had 1,189 filings, up untarily cut their compen- was sentenced to nine from 588 last January; and sation 10 percent. Videos galore to come to crainsdetroit.com months Friday. They plead- Macomb County had 968 fil- ed guilty to conspiracy and ings, up from 712 last Janu- There are many reasons to set your continuing small-business series, were accused of stealing se- OTHER NEWS ary. Also, in January, there browser and your video viewer to Small Talk. See crets on how to make pow- were 4,301 sales in the re- www.crainsdetroit.com this week. www.crainsdetroit.com/smalltalk. dered metal connecting rods Novi-based ITC Holdings gion, up 25.7 percent from First, we’ll take an exclusive look at We’ll see how small-business to displace Metaldyne as Corp. on Monday announced 2008 with 3,421 sales, accord- TechTown’s new “First Fridays” owners are banding together to buy supplier to Navistar, a truck plans for a $10 billion-to-$12 ing to Farmington Hills- program. in bulk and reduce costs. (See the builder. The Detroit Free billion high-voltage trans- based RealComp II Ltd. story on Page 11 of this week’s It started with a few professionals Press says Lockwood’s hus- mission line project stretch- The Kresge Foundation networking on Friday evenings. Now issue on the topic.) band, Michael Haehnel, was ing through the upper Mid- awarded $63.6 million in it’s grown to more than 100 people Also Wednesday, our publication sentenced to six months for the first Friday of every month to will honor U.S. Rep. John Dingell west designed to move grants during the fourth a misdemeanor. network, but also to listen to a as the Newsmaker of the Year. His wind-generated power. quarter of 2008, including: $4 changing cast of expert speakers speech will be like a fireside chat General Motors Corp. million to the College for Cre- giving personal advice on business in comfy chairs. ON THE MOVE said last week it will cut 14 ative Studies; $3.5 million to issues. percent of its salaried jobs the Community Foundation for WEB WORLD You’ll be able to watch highlights It’s a neat piece of video, available late Wednesday at Larry Alexander, presi- worldwide this year and cut Southeast Michigan; $3 million now at www.crainsdetroit.com/ Alan Baker www.crainsdetroit.com/ dent and CEO of the Detroit the salaries of many others to Detroit Local Initiatives Sup- multimedia. Web General Manager multimedia. Metro Convention and Visitors from 3 percent to 10 percent. port Corp.; and $1.5 million to On Wednesday, we’ll have another in our We’ll flex our multimedia muscles this week. Bureau, to the new authority GM is to submit a restructur- Madonna University. DBpageAD.qxd 2/11/2009 3:24 PM Page 1

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