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www.crainsdetroit.com DECEMBER 2009 HOLIDAY EDITION $2 a copy; $59 a year

©Entire contents copyright 2009 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved Page 3 Reform’s taxes ‘significant’ vices, an estimated 20 million pre- Health insurers: New subscribers won’t counter impact viously uninsured people are ex- pected to eventually purchase pri- BY JAY GREENE The insurance tax would cost vate health insurance, generating CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan billions of dollars of revenue for The down-the- about $131 million a year, said the insurance industry. Several Southeast Michigan “ Andy Hetzel, Blue Cross’ vice pres- Low-income people would re- Aerospace firm rehiring health insurance executives are road impact would ident for corporate communica- ceive federal objecting to provisions in a health tions. subsidies, part- with orders on the rise care reform bill in the U.S. Senate be more to Blue Cross reported a company- ly paid for by MEDICARE that would impose a $6.7 billion an- wide loss of subscribers and taxes from the Insurers: Cuts will This Just In nual tax on insurers in 2010 to help $145 million in 2008 on revenue of insurance, raise premiums pay for covering more than 33 mil- members. $21.2 billion. For the first six medical device for seniors, ILS won’t appeal dismissal lion currently uninsured people ” months of 2009, the Blues reported and cosmetic Page 2 starting in 2014. a $46.8 million loss. surgery indus- Ron Stallworth, The executives also oppose “The tax will have a significant tries. of lawsuit against Asterand Health Alliance Plan of Michigan $25 billion in additional taxes that impact,” he said. “It is levied on Another 18 million would be- Tissue bank company ILS- go into effect in 2014, 2015 and 2016 the industry, based on market come eligible for Medicaid, and Bio L.L.C. will not appeal a and an excise tax on high-cost cumstances. The down-the-road share, regardless of whether the many of those are expected to join lawsuit dismissal in favor of health insurance policies that impact would be more to sub- plan is for-profit or nonprofit. You Medicaid HMO plans, which are Detroit-based Asterand plc in would raise another $149 billion scribers and members because pay the same tax load regardless of administered by private insurers. Detroit for breach of con- beginning in 2013. this tax on the industry amounts the business model you have.” But Kim Horn, CEO of Priority tract and misappropriation “We estimate the impact to be to a tax on everyday (customers).” But supporters of the health Health, which operates an office in of trade secrets. fairly significant,” said Ron Stall- In 2008, HAP earned net income care reform bill, including U.S. Farmington Hills, said the $95-per- The time to mount an ap- worth, vice president of govern- of $19.5 million on revenue of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., year penalties that go into effect in peal expired this month be- ment affairs with Health Alliance $1.66 billion, according to the contend the taxes are fair because 2014 for individuals who do not fore U.S. District Judge Plan of Michigan in Detroit. Michigan Office of Financial and Insur- the health insurers stand to gain purchase health insurance are too Bernard Friedman, in a law- “As far as the dollar figure (of ance Regulation. Unlike investor- millions of new customers when low. The penalties increase each suit alleging Asterand began the total annual tax liability), it owned health insurers, HAP rein- the individual health insurance year and top out at $750 in 2016. discussions to acquire ILS- would exceed the operating (prof- vests its 1.2 percent profit margin mandate becomes effective in 2014. “While taxes on health insur- Bio but instead hired the ex- its) for 2008,” said Stallworth. “It is into operations or state-mandated According to a study by the Cen- wife of its CEO and acquired hard to operate under those cir- reserve accounts, Stallworth said. ters for Medicare and Medicaid Ser- See Reform, Page 2 trade secrets. Friedman denied Mary- land-based ILSBio’s prelimi- nary injunction request and dismissed the case in No- vember. “We had a mini-trial on Bill opens infrastructure projects to investors their motion for injunction and argued the merits of BY AMY LANE or PIIF, was first proposed by the new mechanism that creates a new “negotiating partnership” would that,” said Thomas Schehr, CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT Oakland County Business Roundtable funding source. Community stake- be formed consisting of the local member-shareholder at Dyke- and is being discussed as lawmak- holders can invest in their commu- municipality, the public agency ma Gossett P.L.L.C. and lead LANSING — Legislation that ers, local offi- nity. with jurisdiction over the infra- counsel for Asterand. ILS could encourage private investors cials and busi- “There’s so many projects that structure, like a road commission, sought damages and an in- to fund public transportation in- ness look at this can apply to.” or the county. junction to block Asterand’s frastructure is on the move in the ways to help Kiriluk is chairman of the Oak- The partnership would analyze use of ILS secrets, including Capitol. with Michigan’s land roundtable’s transportation the feasibility and need for the pro- human tissue supply sites. Under House Bill 5461, investors transportation- committee and chairman of Busi- ject and identify the area around After acquisition talks in who front money needed for pro- funding straits. nesses for Better Transportation. the project in which property-tax May, the lawsuit claims, jects large and small — such as “This is not The bill, sponsored by Rep. increases, resulting from higher Asterand induced Asa Thorp, turn lanes, intersection upgrades, the answer to Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, property values, would be cap- ex-wife of CEO Richard Thorp, parking facilities and transit-relat- everything. We and passed by the House Trans- tured. to “quit her job at ILS, be- ed improvements — would be re- still have seri- portation Committee last week, The partnership would negoti- Kiriluk come an Asterand employee paid and potentially profit from ous operating would set up a new approach for ate a rate of the return with the in- and use her ILS-related rela- property-tax growth in the pro- shortfalls in the road infrastruc- funding infrastructure improve- vestor, based on the estimated tionships with personnel at ject’s area. ture funding sources,” said Alan ments related to roads, drainage, property-tax growth over the peri- Vietnam sites to enable The concept, called private in- Kiriluk, chairman of Troy-based sewers, transit and other uses. Asterand to circumvent ILS’ vestment infrastructure funding, Kirco Development Corp. “This is a For a project to move forward, a See Projects, Page 7 tissue supply sites.” — Chad Halcom For franchises, any Pizza Bowl matchup looks like a win BY BILL SHEA town Detroit’s Ford Field, the event been through in-store promotional CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS is nonetheless seen as a positive by contests (which ended before the the chain. teams were announced earlier this You have to I would say it’s It’s not the ideal team matchup, “Regardless of who the teams month), broadcast commercials “ “ but the television exposure from are, the exposure we get … there’s and will culminate with the bowl’s really, really love still good for the the Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl no bad publicity,” said Todd Mess- 1 p.m. broadcast on ESPN. is expected to be a marketing boost er, executive director of the Little Messer said he’s not yet seen bowl games to franchises. for the pizza chain’s more than Caesars Franchise Association, participation statistics from the ” 2,500 franchises. whose members own about 1,000 of in-store contests, so he doesn’t be pumped up T. Bettina Cornwell, Billed by Sports Illustrated as the Detroit-based chain’s stores. know how well the bowl tie-in has University of Michigan the least interesting of the 36 ma- “At this point, the exposure has been received. for this. jor college football bowl games, pit- been everything we thought it Little Caesars officials declined ” ting Ohio University (9-4) against would be.” Scout.com Marshall University (6-6) at down- That exposure so far has chiefly See Pizza Bowl, Page 2 20091221-NEWS--0002-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 4:34 PM Page 1

Page 2 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS December 21, 2009 Reform: Insurers say penalties won’t add enough subscribers ■ From Page 1 ance would start immediately, we Health Insurance Plans, the Wash- most likely will not see an onset of ington, D.C.-based lobbying orga- new subscribers until 2014 when nization for health insurance com- the subsidies kick in,” she said. Insurers: Proposed Medicare Advantage panies. “Experts are saying that many, es- In a speech in Detroit three pecially the young, may choose to weeks ago, AHIP CEO Karen Ig- pay the fine instead of purchasing nagni said the health insurance health coverage.” cuts will raise premiums for seniors taxes are unfair because annual Stallworth said HAP is not pro- profit margins for health insurers jecting any new members from the BY JAY GREENE Commission, which has advocated that private insurers can do a have declined to 2.2 percent, or health care reform bill. “We are CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS for reduced payments. much better job at managing about $8.61 billion, the past several not so sure the penalty for not en- But Ron Stallworth, vice presi- health care costs than the govern- years, from margins of 4 percent to rolling is enough incentive for peo- Several nonprofit health insur- dent of government relations ment can,” Hetzel said. “If they 5.5 percent. ple to enroll,” he said. “We are not ers in Southeast Michigan said a with Health Alliance Plan of Michi- choke down the payments to the “The new health care taxes and counting on losing members ei- provision in the health care bill gan, said nonprofit insurers in same as Medicare, they are un- fees will raise the cost of coverage ther.” in the U.S. Senate to reduce Michigan such as HAP are not dermining care management for individuals, families and em- Horn said the Medicare Advantage reimburse- private plans and would be un- (that the plans provide) and rais- ployers,” Ignagni said. insurance com- ments to health insurers by fairly penalized by the Medicare ing the overall costs of care to the Horn also said the bills will not pany tax in- $118 billion would lead to higher Advantage cuts. Medicare program.” lower health care costs. creases will premiums to seniors. “Our reimbursement rate is If the Medicare Advantage cuts “The proposals will eliminate make it more The proposed cuts would be 103 percent to 105 percent of go into effect, “(HAP’s) rates the financial benefit for people difficult for Pri- phased in over 10 years starting Medicare (rates),” said Stallworth. would be higher and less competi- who maintain healthy lifestyles ority Health to in 2012, according to an interpre- “The extra 3 to 5 percent above tive,” Stallworth said. and likely increase rates for the provide the tation of the bill by America’s Medicare goes into extra adminis- Kim Horn, CEO of Priority majority of Americans who cur- same level of Health Insurance Plans, a Washing- trative and regulatory require- Health, said the Medicare Advan- rently have health coverage,” benefits to mem- ton, D.C.-based lobbying group. ments (like) maintaining a 24-hour tage cuts don’t make sense be- Horn said. Horn bers at an af- “We are concerned about the call center (for beneficiaries).” cause most managed care plans The Senate bill also would im- fordable price. Medicare Advantage cuts because Stallworth said most Medicare have been able to save the govern- pose a 40 percent tax on the por- Depending on the level of com- our margins are nonexistent. We Advantage plans also offer en- ment money. tion of insurance premiums ex- petition for new subscribers, A. barely make a profit,” said Andy hanced benefits that include pre- For example, Horn said Priori- ceeding $8,500 a year for Mark Fendrick, M.D., a professor Hetzel, vice president for corpo- ventive hearing and eye services. ty Health’s Medicare Advantage individuals and $23,000 a year for of health management and policy rate communications with Blue Under the Senate bill, Medicare plan has been able to reduce pre- family plans in 2013. That tax at the University of Michigan School Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. would pay health plans based on ventable readmissions by 85 per- would be imposed on insurance of Public Health in Ann Arbor, said “It will cause our rates to go up a competitive bidding process cent when compared with tradi- companies, though it would likely that health insurers could re- for Medicare Advantage mem- that would penalize plans in tional Medicare. be passed on to consumers, insur- spond to the new taxes in one of bers. Many consumers prefer Southeast Michigan that have “This is a result of good prima- ance executives said. two ways. Medicare Advantage over regular higher claims because of greater ry care for patients with condi- “It is likely that this tax will af- “The taxes either will be passed Medicare because the benefits are incidences of chronic diseases, tions such as pneumonia, coro- fect our customers whose benefits off as higher premiums, higher co- better,” Hetzel said. Stallworth said. nary artery disease, asthma and are deemed as ‘Cadillac’ plans. pays or coinsurance to lessen im- A federal study concluded that Hetzel said the Medicare Ad- diabetes,” Horn said. “This helps Many (employers) may choose to pact on these health insurers, or Medicare pays private Medicare vantage cuts could affect the qual- our members stay healthier while reduce benefits to avoid being these types of taxes will lead to Advantage plans 14 percent more ity of benefits and lead to higher controlling unnecessary health taxed,” Horn said. more efficient ways to provide per beneficiary, on average, than out-of-pocket costs for seniors. care costs.” But Horn added that if the Sen- ways of coverage to their mem- under traditional Medicare, said “The promise of Medicare Ad- Jay Greene: (313) 446-0325, ate bill is approved, Priority bers,” Fendrick said. the Medicare Payment Advisory vantage is based upon the fact [email protected] Health has a slate of insurance While Aetna declined to directly products that will help “customers address the insurance tax ques- unnecessary costs in the health ed will increase access to health not do enough to address underly- manage their overall costs and tion, Mark Bertolini, the compa- care system. coverage for millions of Ameri- ing costs of care.” promote health and wellness.” ny’s president, said the Senate bill “We are encouraged that the cans,” Bertolini said. “At the same Humana declined to comment, Jay Greene: (313) 446-0325, does not adequately squeeze out legislation currently being debat- time, we have concerns that it does but referred Crain’s to America’s [email protected]

Pizza Bowl: For franchises, any matchup looks like a win ■ From Page 1

to discuss specifics about the bowl. sars stores in Genesee County. Red Wings and several other busi- ranked that as the 23rd best bowl The game and its chief sponsor “This is the first time we’ve nesses in Detroit, and Mike Ilitch game this year. benefit from it being played on a This is the first done anything this major,” he himself owns the Detroit Tigers The game’s organizers — includ- Saturday the day after Christmas “ said, adding that the chain will while Marian Ilitch owns Motor ing bowl founder and former Michi- — meaning most people are off time we’ve done run a national TV promotion the City Casino. gan State University football coach work and possibly in a game- weekend of the game for a pizza Bolstering national marketing George Perles, newly named bowl watching mood as the season’s anything this discount deal. for the pizza chain comes the same president and former UM football slate of bowl games accelerates. Detroit-based Little Caesar Enter- year Little Caesars turns 50 and coach Lloyd Carr and bowl chair- The Pizza Bowl is the first of major. prises Inc. and its franchisees an- continues to rebuild itself as a na- man and executive director Ken three bowl games that day, and is ” nounced in September that the tional brand. In the 1990s, it was Hoffman — sought a new multi- followed by the Meineke Car Care Dan Sheroski, Little Caesars franchisee chain would take over as the Mo- estimated to have about 5,000 year presenting sponsorship deal Bowl (North Carolina vs. Pitt) and competitive battle between two tor City Bowl’s presenting spon- stores before financial struggles because GM is ending many of its the Emerald Bowl (Boston College teams that’ll try.” sor. With the deal, which reported- cut that number in half. sports affiliations as it recovers vs. USC). It’s not an ideal team matchup ly cost less than $1 million for one Little Caesars had just under from bankruptcy. Last year’s game, when it was because the schools are close to year, came the name change and 3 percent of the $36.5 billion in U.S. Ford Motor Co. remains a spon- still the Motor City Bowl, drew a each other in neighboring mar- new branding and logo for the pizza sales between June 2008 and sor, while the Michigan Regional 2.5 rating nationally, about in the kets, but there are still marketing bowl, which was first played in June 2009, according to Oxford, Council of Carpenters and Millwrights middle of the bowl pack for televi- positives for the pizza chain be- 1997 and moved to Ford Field in Miss.-based PMQ Pizza Magazine, an replaced Chrysler Group L.L.C. as a sion viewership. Each ratings cause of the increased brand 2002 from the Pontiac Silverdome. online and print trade publication sponsor last year. point is about 1,145,000 households. awareness from mentions of the Both the corporate entity and for the pizza industry The bowl gets the seventh choice The top-rated bowl game last bowl and chain on TV, said T. Bet- the franchisees shared the cost of Ahead of it were Wichita, Kan.- of Big Ten and the second choice of season was the FedEx BCS Nation- tina Cornwell, professor of mar- the deal. based Pizza Hut at 14 percent, Ann Mid-America Conference bowl eligi- al Championship (Florida 24, Okla- keting and sports management at The decision by Little Caesars Arbor-based Domino’s at 8 percent, ble teams, or can pick an at-large homa 14) on FOX, which drew a 15.8 the University of Michigan. founders Mike and Marian Ilitch and Louisville, Ky.-based Papa team. It went with the at-large rating. “I would say it’s still good for the to replace General Motors Co. as the John’s Pizza at 5.5 percent. Nearly route in selecting Marshall, which The FOX-owned Scout.com net- franchises,” she said. presenting sponsor was billed as 51 percent of sales come from inde- was a MAC school and regular Mo- work of college football Web sites The franchises will have a better having a two-fold benefit — secur- pendent pizza shops. tor City Bowl participant until also was guarded in its assessment feel for the marketing value of the ing the bowl’s future with stable Since 2006, Papa John’s has been moving to Conference USA in 2005. of this year’s Pizza Bowl: “You game after it’s over, said Dan local backing and providing a mar- presenting sponsor of the Papa- Florida Atlantic beat Central Michi- have to really, really love bowl Sheroski, a vice president with keting boost for the chain through Johns.com Bowl played at Legion gan University 24-21 in last year’s games to be pumped up for this. Davison-based T&T Sheroski No. 3 game marketing tie-ins and televi- Field at the University of Alabama at bowl. However, while neither team plays Inc., which has been a franchisee sion exposure. Birmingham (Connecticut vs. South Bill Shea: (313) 446-1626, much offense, it should be a close, since 1966 and owns 21 Little Cae- The Ilitches also own the Detroit Carolina). Sports Illustrated [email protected] 20091221-NEWS--0003-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 5:49 PM Page 1

December 21, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 3

Inside Tax-capture bills would help Auto sector fund Pure Michigan effort. Capitol Briefings, Page 7 Community energy savings part of millennial outreach, lifts earnings Page 7 Chill on summer law associate Auto supply stocks post programs milder in area, Page 8 DUSTIN WALSH/CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS CEO Marc Strandquist (left) and Brian Becker, continual improvement manager, 3Q net income of $386M oversee operations at Visioneering Inc. of Fraser. Behind them, laser tracker supervisor Jamie Kempen calibrates an airliner fuselage assembly tool. BY TOM HENDERSON CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS 3Q EARNINGS Company index Earnings in millions of dollars for These organizations appear in this week’s Crain’s Thank goodness for the auto 61 public companies, not Detroit Business: sector. These are rare words, counting automakers*: Gaining altitude seeming to come from another American Axle ...... 3 era as they describe the perfor- 2008 2009 Amerigon ...... 4 mance of Southeast Michigan’s Automotive Service Association ...... 5 public stocks for the third quar- -$1,061.52M -$416.27M Birmingham Bloomfield Bancshares ...... 4 ter that ended Sept. 30. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan ...... 1 in aerospace The area’s nine public auto Bob Saks ...... 5 Earnings for 62 companies, supply stocks had combined net including Ford Motor Co.: Bodman ...... 8 income for the quarter of BorgWarner ...... 3 $386.3 million, a sharp turn- 2008 2009 With orders up, Visioneering rehires Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione ...... 8 around from their combined loss Businesses for Better Transportation ...... 1 BY CHAD HALCOM to 105. of $984.5 million in the same Butzel Long ...... 8 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS “We are a kind of leading indica- quarter in 2008. -$1,222.52M $580.73M tor for the industry, because the The auto sector’s turnaround Campbell Collision ...... 5 Fraser-based Visioneering Inc. OEMs in aerospace buy what they is even more impressive when Center for Michigan ...... 4 hopes to ring out the old year with need from us before they can build you add in the performance of *Due to General Motors’ restructuring, Champion Enterprises ...... 4 a record-setting quarter of new or- anything else,” he said. “Right Ford Motor Co., which went from a it is for the time being not a public Clarkston Financial ...... 4 ders, and even a little holiday company. now, it looks like things start to net loss of $161 million in the CMS Energy ...... 4 cheer for some of its downsized move along again in early 2010.” third quarter last year to net in- Comerica Bank ...... 4 former employees. More hires could follow as the come of $997 million in the recent In all, 62 reporting companies The tooling and fixtures manu- Compuware ...... 4 trend continues, he said. quarter. in Southeast Michigan combined facturer for the aerospace indus- Cooley Law School ...... 8 Strandquist projects 2010 rev- All nine public auto suppliers for net income of $580 million, try reports that incoming orders Dearborn Bancorp ...... 4 enue to be at least $26 million to reported gains, quarter over compared to a net loss of $1.22 bil- in the fourth quarter had sur- Deloitte ...... 3 $27 million, up from around quarter, and seven made money, lion for the same quarter a year passed $8.4 million as of last week, Detroit Economic Club ...... 3 $24 million for 2009. compared to just three compa- ago. and could match its all-time quar- That’s based partly on the nies making a profit a year ago. “Based on two components, the Domino’s Pizza ...... 4 terly high of $8.6 million by year’s fourth-quarter orders, which he American Axle Corp. went from a absolute numbers and where DTE Energy ...... 4 end. said are payable to the company loss of $441 million to net income we’re coming from, I’ve given the Dykema Gossett ...... 8 Visioneering CEO Marc next year, and several new aero- of $19.6 million. Johnson Controls public stocks a grade of B-minus,” Energy Conversion Devices ...... 4 Strandquist said the company is space projects that finished prod- Inc. went from net income of said David Sowerby, chief market Flagstar Bancorp...... 4 recalling workers it had let go as uct testing in recent weeks and $16 million to $300 million. Borg- analyst in the Bloomfield Hills of- revenue fell from last year. FNBH Bancorp ...... 4 could soon move to production. Warner Inc. went from a loss of fice of Loomis Sayles & Co. L.P. The company was down to 93 Ford Motor Co...... 3 But business moved in fits and $128 million to net income of $20 Sowerby tracks 71 public com- employees in mid-November, off Health Alliance Plan of Michigan ...... 1 starts earlier in the year, amid the million, and Lear Corp. went from panies in Michigan. He said me- from a peak of more than 130 in a loss of $98.2 million to net in- ITC Holdings ...... 4 2008. By last week, it was back See Visioneering, Page 4 come of $24.6 million. See Earnings, Page 4 Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss ...... 8 Johnson Controls ...... 3 Lear ...... 3 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl ...... 1 Little Caesars Franchise Association ...... 1 Loomis Sayles & Co...... 3 Econ Club, National Summit missions accomplished? Not yet Lotus Bancorp...... 4 Millennial Mayors Congress ...... 7 BY NANCY KAFFER same time. What we need to do The goal was to produce sugges- update staffers on the progress of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone ...... 8 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS now is give folks the opportunity tions to revitalize the national the To-Do List. Models & Tools ...... 4 to digest it. Right after the first of economy. Locke spoke at the event Chappell said that at last Mon- Oakland County Business Roundtable ...... 1 The National Summit’s Ameri- the year we will be putting a plan and invited summit organizers to day’s meeting, Plunkett Cooney ...... 8 ca’s To-Do List has been delivered together to deliver the meeting’s output to the commerce to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary reach out to him in Washington. secretary was INSIDE Priority Health ...... 1 PSB Group ...... 4 Locke, and the Detroit Economic stakeholders, An 85-page document called The familiar with To do: What’s on Club has regained its financial foot- see what they Book of the Proceedings is set to the To-Do List America’s list? Pulte Homes ...... 4 ing. think, see where come out in January and will give and promised Page 4 Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC...... 5 So what’s next? we go from a more detailed account of the to pass the Econ Club’s Showcase Collision ...... 5 “We have not had an opportuni- here.” summit’s output, Chappell said. work along to outlook: On its Syntel ...... 4 ty to go back to our constituency — America’s To- Chappell, along with summit co- President way to solid ground, Page 4 Taubman Centers ...... 4 we have 101 speakers, moderators Do List is the chairman Bill Ford, executive Barack Oba- Valassis ...... 4 and subject-matter experts who short version of chairman of Ford Motor Co., and ma, Vice Presi- Visioneering Inc...... 3 saw the list (last week) for the first the output from Thomas Dekar, principal and vice dent Joe Biden and other members Wayne State University School of Law ...... 8 time, and we have 4,000 partici- Chappell the three-day chairman of Deloitte L.L.P., traveled of the Cabinet. pants,” said Beth Chappell, presi- National Summit, convened this to Washington last week to meet “Secretary Locke … believes dent and CEO of the Detroit Eco- summer in Detroit by the Econom- with Locke. that work dovetails nicely with nomic Club. ic Club. The event brought 4,000 at- This was Chappell’s second trip President Obama’s priorities,” Department index “We felt it was important to get tendees to hear top executives to Washington. She visited the U.S. CLASSIFIED ADS ...... 7 See Missions, Page 4 it out to all our stakeholders at the from around the country. Department of Commerce this fall to RUMBLINGS ...... 10 WEEK ON THE WEB ...... 9

Small Talk Start the new THIS WEEK @ Ready to update your business plan? year by Small Talk blogger Bob Smith says friending Crain's on Facebook. WWW.CRAINSDETROIT.COM it's a matter of zeroes. Read the rest in Small Talk on Wednesday. www.crainsdetroit.com/facebook 20091221-NEWS--0004-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 5:27 PM Page 1

Page 4 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS December 21, 2009 Missions: Summit work continues Econ Club climbs out of ‘quicksand’ ■ From Page 3 BY NANCY KAFFER board of directors. CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Chappell said the board was Chappell said. kept aware of the club’s event-re- Chappell said that while in AMERICA’S TO-DO LIST After months of economic uncer- lated money troubles at each step. Washington, Ford met briefly tainty, the Detroit Economic Club is “We did go to our board twice be- Highlights of the plan presented to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke with Obama on another matter. in Washington, D.C., last week: on its way to solid financial ground. fore we proceeded with The Nation- The event focused on the areas Ⅲ Ⅲ “The not-so-great news is that we al Summit, and they understood of energy, the environment, man- Develop a national energy Focus on skill-building and did go through a very, very difficult clearly the storm we were walking strategy that includes a clear workforce retraining to provide just- time in the late summer and during into,” she said. “They got behind us ufacturing and technology, but in carbon policy. in-time talent to meet changing processing the output, it became Ⅲ business needs. the fall,” said Economic Club Presi- and they stayed behind us.” Develop a national dent and CEO Beth Chappell. Chappell said that much credit apparent that no area was isolat- manufacturing strategy. Ⅲ Shift perception of national ed, Chappell said. Ⅲ celebrities to include engineers, “Things are still very, very tight goes to the event’s co-chairmen, Support and encourage R&D right now, but we are rebuilding, Bill Ford, executive chairman of “No matter what industry and innovation as catalysts for scientists and thinkers. Ford Motor Co., and Andrew Liv- you’re in, there must be common jobs, growth and environmental Ⅲ Upgrade infrastructure to and we are doing some great pro- priorities we share that would improvement. support 21st century business gramming, and things are coming eris, chairman and CEO of the The back. We felt like we were in quick- Dow Chemical Co. help us all,” she said. Ⅲ Encourage sustainability in needs. Chappell emphasized the to-do business, including conservation Ⅲ Expand smart-grid activities to sand for a while. Now the ground is The price tag for the summit list represents a consensus and efficiency from producers to balance energy needs and connect a little mushy, but we are on the was about $3.1 million, Chappell among the summit’s speakers consumers. new energy sources. way to terra firma.” said, or $3.4 million including the and attendees. Ⅲ Improve and promote science, Ⅲ Create transportation The Economic Club announced post-summit work and in-kind It’s still difficult to gauge what technology, engineering and math infrastructure to support electric plans to convene The National Sum- support. the material outcome of the sum- education. vehicles and alternative fuels. mit, an ambitious three-day event The club has beefed up its pro- held this summer in Detroit, about gramming, attracting speakers on mit’s output will be, said Phil a week before the economic crash. high-interest topics in an effort to Power, president of the nonprofit Source: The Detroit Economic Club/The National Summit “We still walked into the eye of boost attendance. Next year, the Center for Michigan, an Ann Arbor- the storm, and that’s because we club celebrates its 75th anniver- based think tank. and if we want the feds to deal in a Power said Michigan’s current believe that this is the time for that sary. “I think the important thing is vigorous way with them, we’re and projected budget deficit make process,” Chappell said. “If not “We’re going to celebrate the to find a way to distinguish and going to have to find some way to it difficult to credibly suggest an now, when better?” richness that is the past 75 years of differentiate Michigan from a show that Michigan itself is pre- economic path for the nation to The plans for the summit were the Detroit Economic Club, and whole bunch of other states,” pared to do the heavy lifting that follow. affected by the economic crisis. along the way we hope our mem- Power said. is required to set the stage for “It’s very stupid for a state in The event, originally planned bers and stakeholders will help us “Not many states have had these things, and frankly that has the kind of trouble we’re in to tell for Ford Field, was moved to the De- with this one year raising a little summits of this sort, so that to do with a whole lot of reforms the rest of the nation what to do,” troit Marriott Renaissance Center. money, we will be on firm finan- helps. But the proposals that the governor and the Legislature he said. Ticket prices dropped. Chappell cial ground,” she said. arose from the summit in them- have so far been unwilling to con- Nancy Kaffer: (313) 446-0412, sent out multiple appeals for addi- Nancy Kaffer: (313) 446-0412, selves are fairly straightforward, template.” [email protected] tional donations to the club’s [email protected] Visioneering: Orders rise Earnings: Auto sector pulls weight ■ From Page 3 ■ From Page 3 lending crisis and shifting priorities in CEO from Wurth Service Supply in Indi- dian earnings were flat, compared with the av- lion to $40.7 million. federal defense spending. ana, after Indianapolis-based private-eq- erage company on the Standard & Poor’s 500 be- Utilities held their own as the national econo- “It’s someone’s intellectual three-beer uity firm Hammond Kennedy Whitney & Co. ing off 5 percent. “Consumer cyclicals, both my began to ease out of recession. lunch discussion as to what affected us Inc. bought Visioneering in May 2007. auto and non-auto, were up, which is an early DTE Energy Corp., ITC Holdings Corp. and CMS En- most. Was it the credit market, the Hammond Kennedy then invested an sign of a comeback in the state economy,” said ergy Corp. combined for net income of $268.8 mil- change of presidential administrations, additional $10 million after the pur- Sowerby. “You had big gains by Ford, by Borg- lion, down from $283.1 million. or the delay in (Congress) approving the chase toward new equipment and im- Warner, by Amerigon” — which cut its quarterly In the life sciences, five companies combined defense appropriations bill? Clearly provements. The company went that loss from $153 million to $12 million — “and for net income of $2.8 million, down from there were issues,” he said. year to gain certification under the AS then you had Valassis, whose stock has been on a $3.7 million. “We seem to be getting a handle on 9100 aerospace quality standards pub- tear, and Domino’s Pizza, whose stock price is up Tech held its own, too, with 10 companies them. Right now the market feels like lished by the Society of Automotive Engi- 80 percent and whose earnings were up in the combining for net income of $44.5 million, down an engine beginning to catch when you neers. quarter by 31 percent.” from $48 million a year ago. Syntel Inc. was the start it. But it isn’t quite revving yet.” Jeffry Cunningham, CEO of competi- “The first thing you notice is the performance big winner, up from $22.1 million to $30.3 mil- Strandquist and Brian Becker, Vi- tor Models & Tools Inc. in Shelby Town- by auto suppliers,” said Dana Johnson, chief lion, with Compuware Corp. going from $21.6 mil- sioneering’s continual improvement ship, said Visioneering is among a economist at Comerica Bank. lion to $28 million. Energy Conversion Devices Inc., manager, said some of the latest resur- group of local tooling and assembly fix- “It says to me that the structural changes in hit by a worldwide slowdown of large construc- gence is from preproduction orders ture makers that moved away from au- the sector that have been hitting Michigan so tion projects and a shrinking market for its so- connected with France-based Airbus tomotive customers to the aerospace hard are finally paying off. You can see from the lar roofing systems, was the big loser, going SAS’ development of the A350 commer- and defense market and compete for results that they’ve rightsized themselves. And from net income of $11.8 million to a net loss of cial airliner, as well as Chicago-based bids on production equipment. Many of in 2010, we’re going to see the first increase in $11.8 million. The Boeing Co. performing refits and up- those firms saw some growth and new auto production in 10 years, so the suppliers are Real estate trusts were hammered, with the grades on the military’s fleet of A-10 orders late in the year, he said. going to have an even better 2010.” five publicly traded trusts going from combined twin engine aircraft. Models & Tools now has about 100 But not all is rosy in the rest of Michigan’s income of $38.6 million to a combined loss of The company also expects prepro- employees, up from about 85 when the publicly traded sectors. $129.9 million, thanks mainly to Taubman Cen- duction equipment orders soon on the company moved from Troy to Shelby “You look down the rest of the list and almost ters Inc., which went from net income of 787 Dreamliner aircraft, after its suc- Township in March with the aid of tax everything else is disappointing,” said Johnson. $27.8 million to a loss of $138.8 million. cessful test flight last week by Chicago- incentives through the Michigan Eco- Disappointing is hardly a strong enough Housing was hammered, too. Champion Enter- based Boeing. nomic Growth Authority. word for the bank sector, which continued to be prises Inc. filed for bankruptcy and didn’t file a “A group of us were gathered around Cunningham said commercial aero- hit hard by commercial loans in default. quarterly report, while Pulte Homes Inc. went one of the computers, watching that space shows signs of new life, but still All nine reporting public banks headquar- from a net loss of $280.4 million to a loss of test flight closely,” Becker said. “Be- lags behind defense-related work, tered here lost money in the quarter, with ag- $361.4 million. cause a success could mean the compa- which is largely dominated by ongoing gregate losses of $405.5 million, up from total Still, for Johnson at least, the good news in ny will need equipment to ramp up pro- work on the $300 billion-plus Joint losses of $86.3 million in the same quarter last auto more than made up for the bad news else- duction within a matter of months.” Strike Fighter project. year. where. Visioneering makes specialty tools, He estimated 70 percent of Models & Flagstar Bancorp Inc. lost $298.2 million, com- “It’s been six years of agony in the Michigan assembly fixtures and some molds or Tools’ revenue was in defense projects pared with a loss of $62.1 million a year ago; Citi- economy, primarily because of the auto econo- casts for military and civilian aero- this year and 30 percent commercial zens Republic Bancorp Inc. went from losses of my. So seeing decent numbers now gives me space OEMs. aerospace, compared with a split of 57 $18.9 million to $62.1 million; and Dearborn Ban- reason for optimism that the Michigan econo- Strandquist estimates commercial percent to 43 percent in 2008. corp Inc. went from net income of $1.4 million to my has turned around,” said Johnson. aircraft comprises 45 percent of compa- “Much of the new activity in com- a loss of $40.1 million. Not all public companies have fiscal years ny sales, while defense is also 45 per- mercial aerospace is projects like A350 On a positive note, five banks — Clarkston Fi- that match calendar years, so the quarter was- cent and the space program another 10 and the 787 (Dreamliner) as they’re nancial Corp., Lotus Bancorp Inc., PSB Group Inc., n’t the third quarter of everyone’s fiscal year. percent. moving toward production,” he said. Birmingham Bloomfield Bancshares Inc. and FNBH And not all companies report at the end of cal- Visioneering provides some equip- “But other segments like the small Bancorp Inc. — made modest trims to their quar- endar quarters. Some report a few days earlier, ment for Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed business jet are still pretty much dead terly losses. some weeks earlier. This roundup is based on Martin Corp. on the Orion Project, a pro- for now. It’s pretty selective growth, if The four non-bank finance companies did quarterly reports closest to the Sept. 30 date posed replacement vessel for NASA’s ag- you can be a part of it.” well, going from combined income of $28 mil- most companies use. ing fleet of space shuttles. Chad Halcom: (313) 446-6796, chal- lion to $65.8 million, led by Credit Aceptance Tom Henderson: (313) 446-0337, Strandquist came to Visioneering as [email protected] Corp., which went from net income of $20.7 mil- [email protected] 20091221-NEWS--0005-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 10:38 AM Page 1

December 21, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 5

Uncertainty over dealers boosts Commercial • Residential • Retail

Architectural Glass • Ornamental Glass • business for some collision shops Back Painted Glass • Decorative Glass • Tub & Shower Enclosures • Stair & Patio Railings • Bathroom & Kitchen Sinks • Fleet repairs also rebound after slow summer Faucets • Countertops • Water Walls • Glass Flooring • Glass Tiles • Windows • BY SHERRI BEGIN WELCH which usually pick up in the sum- Curtain Wall • Cabinet Inserts • Marker CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS mer but didn’t this year. • • • • “Fleet customers told us initial- Boards Tables Mirrors Closet Doors People are just • • • Brighton-based Campbell Colli- “ ly, when we first started calling Partition Walls Room Dividers Stairs Back Splashes • Doors sion is on pace to increase revenue nervous about the them to find out why they hadn’t 19 percent this year. sent any work … (that) everything The family-owned business, unknown. was on hold with a lot of compa- which is celebrating its 40th an- ” nies,” given decreased staffing and niversary, used an advertising Donna Campbell, budget cuts, Campbell said. We do service work for all glass campaign to drive home the point Campbell Collision “Everyone was nervous … they products mentioned above and that unlike some car dealers, were letting people drive around correlating hardware Campbell Collision will be around country as part of its bankruptcy with the car dented, scratched and • FREE Estimates & Design Consultations another 40 years to warranty its proceedings. Fourteen of those little dings. repair work. dealers were in Southeast Michi- “All of a sudden, in September • Specializing in Custom Installations The campaign seems to be work- 313.928.0428 gan. and October, we (got) slammed • SHOP online @ trainorglass.com/retail ing, said co-owner and office man- Some 1,350 General Motors Co. with fleet work again,” Campbell ager Donna Campbell. dealerships across the country said. 7420 Allen Road Allen Park, MI. 48101 “We’ve had quite a few in- also are in the process of closing The shop hired another porter stances where a vehicle was towed by October 2010. GM has not re- and an auto body repair techni- to a dealer and the owner didn’t leased the names and locations of cian to handle increased demand, want (that.) So it was moved to those dealerships. she said. Currently it employs 12 Campbell Collision,” she said. May through August, Campbell people. “People are just nervous about Collision’s business was up each Clinton Township-based Collex the unknown,” she said. month about $30,000 higher than Collision, a family-owned business, NATURAL GAS / PROPANE HEATERS Bob Saks in Milford, just a cou- the year before, Campbell said. In has 11 shops across Southeast ple of miles from Campbell Colli- September, business was up even Michigan and three in Florida. sion, shut down this summer, higher, at about 50 percent over The dealership closings have Campbell said. the year-earlier month. “been a positive for several of our “What we’re finding out from And in October, the company locations,” said COO Robert the dealers themselves, because posted the highest volume in its Gagliano. they are also a supplier as well as a history, with $176,000 in revenue Especially during initial talk of competitor … is they are real slow for the month. automaker bankruptcies, there with collision,” Campbell said. Last year, the company posted were lots of people worried Collision business at Shelton revenue of $1.3 million. Campbell whether dealers were going to be Pontiac Buick GMC in Rochester is projecting the shop’s 2009 rev- around to honor repair warranty Hills was down about 40 percent to enue will be up about $250,000 over on body work, backing against Portable Heaters (Natural or LP Gas) from 16,000 50 percent in September from the 2008 revenue, reflecting a 19 per- paint pealing, fading and crack- to 4,000,000 BTU’s are available for sale or rent. spring, said Russ Shelton, owner, cent increase. ing, rattling and rust issues, he president and CEO. Also helping sales is the fact in- said. Also in stock are Ground Thawers and Fans. “Sometimes we blame it on the surance companies seem more in- Gagliano declined to release rev- weather … (or customers) not be- clined to repair vehicles when the enue for Collex but said that with ing able to pay the deductible,” he cost of repairs is on the border of some stores up slightly and some said. declaring a vehicle a total loss, down, he expects total revenue to *Lift Truck Fuel* *Temporary Heat* Dealers should do a better job of Campbell said. be about flat this year. advertising that they’ll be around, She believes that’s a sign that in- It’s been a tough summer for if they are, Shelton said, but they surance companies are trying to most of the industry, said Ray certainly don’t want to throw that be more accommodating to clients Fisher, vice president of the Lans- 7200 Inkster Rd. Phone: (313)292-9100 fact in the faces of dealers that are who don’t want to or can’t make ing-based Automotive Service Associ- P.O.Box 35 Fax: (313) 292-5950 closing. payments on a new car. ation. Showcase Collision in Warren Taylor, MI 48180-0035 www.propaneservices.net “It’s a balancing act,” he said. A revival of fleet repair business has been hit hard by the nearby This past summer, Chrysler Group also is buoying sales, Campbell automotive plant closings and in- L.L.C. revoked the franchise agree- said. A third of the shop’s revenue surance companies consolidating ments of 789 dealerships across the typically comes from fleet repairs, their approved vendor lists to higher volume shops, said owner Mark Sykes. But things are looking up, he said. “Once we got through August, it seemed like somebody turned the GET YOUR light switch back on. … I’m trying to be positive and say we’re com- BRAND ing back around,” Sykes said. He expects the shop’s revenue this year to be about $1 million, NOTICED. down from $1.3 million last year. “We do a lot of fleet repair, and that’s our target for the future,” Sykes said. Diversifying into fleet repairs and focusing on individual cus- tomers and not just insurance re- ferrals are the right moves for body shops to make, said Fisher. “Quite candidly, there’s an over- capacity and has been for the last four or five years, meaning the number of (collision) shops far ex- ceeds the volume of repair work right now,” he said. “The industry as a whole is chal- lenged and must seek new oppor- MARKETING ‡ PR ‡ DESIGN ‡ NEW MEDIA tunities to stay in business.” identitypr.com Sherri Begin Welch: (313) 446- 1694, [email protected]

20091221-NEWS--0007-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 12:52 PM Page 1

December 21, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 7 Tax-capture bills would MARKET PLACE ANNOUNCEMENTS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Does your organization DELIVERY SERVICES help fund Pure Michigan need to communicate in TIME AUTO TRANSPORT Southeast Michigan? LANSING — Michi- that people truly do be- through hotel self-assessments. 800-624-2021 gan’s tourism industry is lieve that Pure Michigan “A good litmus test of any gov- Special Back Haul Rates Off Lease We have a solution that is as halfway to a new source Capitol is a sound means by ernment program is whether or Internet Auction Sales & Dealer Trades low as $20/month per user of funding for state pro- Briefings which we can jump-start not the beneficiaries would be will- 33 Years Service (equipment included) motion. the state’s economy.” ing to support it voluntarily,” said We ship executive transfers and moving The state House last Under the legislation, Michael LaFaive, the center’s di- company cars worldwide. 248.853.5430 or week passed a three-bill the promotion fund rector of fiscal policy. $100,000 Insured Per Car package that would pro- would accumulate new “If this really creates jobs, the 877.5.Radios vide state funding for sales and user tax rev- industry has an incentive itself to BUSINESS & www.comsourcemi.com tourism and business enue generated from the fund it.” INVESTMENTS marketing by capturing sale of tourism-related The self-assessment approach new tourism-generated goods, services and has gotten no support in the past, INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES sales and user tax rev- sources such as hotels, which LaFaive said is an indica- Amy Lane enue. restaurants, camp- tion that the promotional program Become an "Operating Partner" The revenue would accumulate grounds and amusement and “doesn’t really have the impact Computer-based point-of-sale company looking for in a new fund, capped at $40 million, recreational venues. that many say it does.” that would support the state’s Pure Up to 25 percent of the money in But Yencich said the tourism in- investors for expansion. Buy part or all. Michigan advertising campaign and the fund could be used to promote dustry already “pays millions of [email protected] for more info business-marketing efforts. business development, and the re- dollars in taxes to support revenue Crain’s Classifieds Gets Results But for now, the new Michigan mainder would be used to promote sharing, to support state schools, Promotion Fund could borrow tourism. The bills also call for an un- to support state government, to BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES money and issue notes to provide specified portion of the fund to be support programs.” sufficient revenue to keep the used to promote events at the Michi- And he said the Pure Michigan Trusted Advisors state’s promotion program whole. gan International Speedway in Brook- campaign generates a “strong re- Steve Yencich, president and lyn. turn on investment” to state gov- Revenue Sharing CEO of the Michigan Lodging & If the fund balance reaches more ernment, with every $1 spent by An established (11 years) and principled Professional Employer Organization (PEO), which provides Tourism Association, hailed the than $40 million in any fiscal year, tourists bringing in $2.86 in sales Human Resource Management services on an outsourced basis to the small and mid-sized busi- House passage of HBs 5018, 5088 additional revenue received in the tax revenues. ness sector, is seeking to institute an integrated alliance to promote a reciprocal trade relationship with Insurance Brokers, CPAs, Management Consultants, and various B2B Sales Professio- and 5089, and said he hopes the succeeding year would go toward “We’re just asking for the state to nals. This PEO has created a successful and unique footprint that has contributed to high client Senate will take up the measures fully funding state revenue-shar- invest in Pure Michigan and then retention. The ultimate goal of this arrangement is to complement your existing business service when lawmakers return in Janu- ing with local governmental units. step back and let the state’s camp- offerings and leverage areas of mutually beneficial interests. ary. The bills passed by over- The Midland-based Mackinac grounds, golf courses, hotels and ¾ Compensation will be paid monthly on a 100% residual basis; whelming margins. Center for Public Policy has ques- museums generate new jobs, tax ¾ Confidentiality of current client base and commissions safeguarded; “We’re deeply appreciative of tioned the use of state dollars for revenues and economic growth for ¾ Opportunity to broaden existing service offering; the strong bipartisan support promotion and suggested the Michigan’s future,” Yencich said. ¾ Publicize and endorse business partners to foster and develop ancillary revenue sources shown in the House,” Yencich tourism industry should instead Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, Interested parties please contact business principle, David Otto, at [email protected] to schedule a said. “I think it’s an indication subsidize the effort, such as [email protected] meeting to further discuss this opportunity.

Community energy savings part of millennial outreach REAL ESTATE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY MISCELLANEOUS BY SHERRI BEGIN WELCH The goal “could not only help mayors or township supervisors CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS communities cut their costs but and one millennial delegate, age AVAILABLE NOW For Sale or Lease help attract new alternative-ener- 18 to early 30s, from each munici- Clear Span Video/Photograph Studio The Millennial Mayors Congress gy businesses,” Pixley said. pality — to engage millennials and 4,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. has its sights on reducing the ener- The two-pronged goal marks address area economic, social and Also 10,000 & 25,000 sq. ft. — Eggshell and Flat wall cyc/coved walls gy consumption of each of its 22 the Millennial Mayor Congress’ environmental issues. Free Standing Bldgs w/truckwells. — 30’ Wide Overhead Light Bank — 14’ Ceiling municipal members by 25 percent first official target and is modeled The congress now is working 1 Mile from Metro Airport — 14’ Overhead Door between 2005 and 2015. after the state goal established in with utility companies such as DTE REA CONSTRUCTION And many office and conference room upgrades Those members also will aim to 2002 to cut the Michigan’s energy Energy Co. and Consumers Energy Co. (734) 946-8730 cut energy consumption in their consumption by 25 percent by to collect baseline data from 2005, For further information please contact Also Heavy Industrial community by 5 percent over the 2015. Carney said. It hopes to have the Skyline Property Group Land Available same period. The congress is using 2005 as a numbers collected when the full Chris Nagorski at 248-680-9900 One of the biggest costs to mu- base year “to be sure that recent congress convenes in June. www.reaconstruction.net Crain’s Classifieds Gets Results nicipalities is the heating and cool- local government efforts to cut en- The congress also plans to ing buildings, said Eastpointe ergy use can be included,” said benchmark strategies to cut ener- Mayor Suzanne Pixley, congress Sharon Carney, special project di- gy usage and to host public out- Minimum Bid Auction chairwoman. rector for the Michigan Suburbs Al- reach with a special focus on mil- “Anything you can do to reduce liance, overseeing the congress. lennials, Carney said. Minimum Bid $100,000! a major expense for a city is going The alliance in June launched Sherri Begin Welch: (313) 446- to help,” she said. the congress — a group of local 1694, [email protected]

Projects: Investment opportunities ■ From Page 1 od in which the investor is to be re- probably wouldn’t make sense for vately funded route along Wood- Held on-site Thursday, January 21st at 2 pm paid principal and interest. major road projects such as signif- ward Avenue will link Hart Plaza The investor would bear the fi- icant widenings or resurfacings, and New Center. Preview and Registration at 1 pm nancial risk for the project, and no but would provide “niche funding” Schuitmaker said the bill pro- 3RQWLDF/DNH5G‡:DWHUIRUG0, new taxes would be assessed on for smaller work such as addition- vides a new tool for communities $WWHQWLRQ,QYHVWRUV Rare Investment Opportunity to own highly desirable 7,064+/- property owners. al turn lanes and intersection im- to work with business and make Sq. Ft. Shopping Center. 6 Store fronts! Currently some with long term tenants! Hair “It’s not going to happen if provements to entice new employ- improvements for which revenue- Salon, Nail Salon, Massage Therapy, Credit Union and the last two units soon to be there’s public will not to do some- ers or accommodate existing strapped local agencies might not RFFXSLHGE\DGRQXWVKRSDFURVVIURP2DNODQG&RXQW\2IÀFHVDQG'LVWULFW&RXUWKRXVH thing,” said Craig Bryson, public businesses. otherwise have money. 2YHUFDUVSHUGD\LQWUDIÀF7KLVLVDQHDV\UHQWDOWDNHDGYDQWDJH information officer for the Road He and Kiriluk said other exam- She said she expects the bill Located west of Telegraph Road and Summit Place Mall, East of Scott Lake Commission for Oakland County. ples of uses could be improve- will see action on the House floor road at Watkins Lake/Pontiac Lake Roads intersection. Call today for a “And of course, the biggest benefit ments in subdivisions and such when lawmakers return in Janu- brochure or visit us online. Beth Rose is that you’re not creating any new projects as parking needed at stops ary. Rose Auction Group, LLC CAI Auctioneer, tax.” along the proposed M-1 Rail Inc. Amy Lane: (517) 371-5355, 2009 Michigan State 877.696.7653 Bryson said the PIIF concept light-rail route in Detroit. The pri- [email protected] Registered Auctioneer ID#2801000078 RoseAuctionGroup.com 20091221-NEWS--0008-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 12:03 PM Page 1

Page 8 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS December 21, 2009

MARKETING CAMPAIGN www.crainsdetroit.com CONTEST SEEKS TALENT Chill on summer law associate EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Keith E. Crain PUBLISHER Mary Kramer, (313) 446-0399 or Attention, ad talent! [email protected] EXECUTIVE EDITOR Cindy Goodaker, (313) 446- Think you can fashion an 0460 or [email protected] integrated ad campaign to pitch MANAGING EDITOR Andy Chapelle, (313) 446- 0402 or [email protected] the attractions of Detroit and ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR/FOCUS Jennette Southeast Michigan to young programs milder at area firms Smith, (313) 446-1622 or [email protected] professionals? BUSINESS LIVES EDITOR Michelle Darwish, (313) 446-1621 or [email protected] Then prove it. COPY DESK CHIEF Gary Piatek, (313) 446-0357 BY CHAD HALCOM month, according to new data from 2010 summer associate selections, or [email protected] Enter our contest, show us your CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. might have between five and nine ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Jeff Johnston, (313) talents and, if you’re the “The situation is not unique to summer associates next year, com- 446-1608 or [email protected] winner, see your ad run in your DATA EDITOR Anne Marks, (313) 446-0418 or Top law firms in Detroit have Detroit. In fact, I’d say it’s general- pared with 11 to 12 in recent years. [email protected] choice of either Crain’s Detroit seen only a milder version of the ly less severe in Detroit than James Wynne, shareholder and WEB GENERAL MANAGER Alan Baker, (313) 446- Business or Advertising Age. 0416 or [email protected] national trend toward shutting you’re seeing elsewhere,” said vice president at Butzel and chair- WEB EDITOR Christine Lasek, (313) 446-0473, The contest is open to agencies down summer associate programs Robert Ackerman, dean of Wayne man of its personnel committee, [email protected] and freelancers with offices in that hire new talent out of law State University said the firm typi- EDITORIAL SUPPORT Robertta Reiff (313) 446- the five-county area covered by 0419, YahNica Crawford, (313) 446-0329 schools. School of Law, which cally starts its NEWSROOM (313) 446-0329, FAX (313) 446- Crain’s — Macomb, 1687 TIP LINE (313) 446-6766 Washtenaw, Oakland, The bad news is many students attempts to place a summer associ- We expect we REPORTERS Livingston and Wayne. know it — so competition for local share of its students ates in October, jobs is on the rise. in big law “ but deferred the Ryan Beene: Covers auto suppliers, steel, higher And yes, we know this is a education and Livingston and Washtenaw Detroit-based Butzel Long P.C. firms each would have last class until counties. (313) 446-0315 or [email protected] shameless copycat contest to and Dykema Gossett P.L.L.C. report year. Jan. 1. Butzel cur- Daniel Duggan: Covers retail, real estate and one just concluded by Time Inc., a slightly hospitality. (313) 446-0414 or except we’re limiting our entries that their newest class of associ- “There is rently expects [email protected] to agencies not participating in ates starts work the first week in some con- smaller only two law stu- Jay Greene: Covers health care, insurance and the January, after both firms deferred traction dents in its 2010 environment. (313) 446-0325 or Time Inc.’s Assignment Detroit. [email protected]. Here’s the deal: those hires from their usual start- here, just summer summer program, Chad Halcom: Covers law, non-automotive ing dates in the fall. not as much. he said, compared manufacturing, defense contracting and Oakland Come up with an integrated and Macomb counties. (313) 446-6796 or Twelve recent law school gradu- And obvi- with three to six marketing campaign targeting program [email protected]. young professionals and ates will join the ranks at Dykema, ously, in a typical year Tom Henderson: Covers banking, finance, while another five are coming there’s more — but the pro- technology and biotechnology. (313) 446-0337 or creative talent under 30 that next year. [email protected]. includes print and a strategy aboard at Butzel. competition among ” gram could regain Nancy Kaffer: Covers small business, the city of for social-viral media and Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone schools to place stu- Michael McGee, Miller Canfield momentum later. Detroit, Wayne County government. (313) 446- 0412 or [email protected]. video. P.L.C. in Detroit did not report de- dents in local firms “I’d expect some Bill Shea: Covers media, advertising and Submit the print creative in ferring summer associates, but the as a result.” normalcy to return by 2011 or so,” marketing, entertainment, the business of sports, firm’s hiring chairman said it Indeed, some firms with less of a he said. “Particularly if 2010 sees and transportation. (313) 446-1626 or jpeg form through Feb. 15 with [email protected]. a memo giving appropriate plans to reduce its 2010 summer footprint outside Michigan ap- some of the economic improvement Nathan Skid: Multimedia reporter. Also covers the credit information and an class “in deference to the econo- peared to be even more insulated we’re hearing about. That should food industry. (313) 446-1654, [email protected]. outline that articulates the full my.” from the national trend. Detroit- bring about more work.” Sherri Begin Welch: Covers nonprofits and services. (313) 446-1694 or [email protected] marketing strategy. The Ann Arbor office of Chica- based Bodman L.L.P., Southfield- Steven Oberholtzer, managing LANSING BUREAU The target audience is the go-based IP law firm Brinks Hofer based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss P.C. partner at Brinks Hofer’s Ann Ar- Amy Lane: Covers business issues at the Capitol, Gilson & Lione also is deferring hire and Bloomfield Hills-based Plun- bor office, said the firm deferred telecommunications and utilities. (517) 371- creatives and young 5355, FAX (517) 371-2492, [email protected]. or professionals the region most dates for its most recent summer kett Cooney P.C. all report they did hires for 2009 summer associates 115 W. Allegan, Suite 220, Lansing 48933. needs to retain to grow and crop, from September 2010 until not defer any hires from their past from September 2010 until the fol- ADVERTISING prosper. January 2011. summer program and had no plans lowing January and will have no ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Marla Downs, (313) The message will tell them why Summer associates are law to downsize future classes. 2010 summer program. 446-6032 or [email protected] SALES INQUIRIES: (313) 446-6052; FAX (313) they should stay. Why they school students who clerk, re- Michael McGee, a principal and Both Ackerman and Don LeDuc, 393-0997 need to stay. search, prepare briefs or fill other ADVERTISING SALES Jeff Anderson, Matthew J. managing director at Miller Can- president and dean of Thomas M. Langan, Lori Tournay Liggett, Tamara Rokowski, The contest is a collaboration roles during the summers between field and chairman of its hiring Cooley Law School, said they expect Kimberly Ronan, Cheryl Rothe, Dale Smolinski among Birmingham-based academic years — usually in con- committee, said eight out of last applications to summer programs CLASSIFIED SALES (313)-446-0351 Brogan & Partners, Crain’s and MARKETING MANAGER Irma Clark tention for job offers as first-year summer’s 11 associates went on to at Southeast Michigan firms might EVENTS MANAGER Nicole LaPointe Detroit Make It Here! associates when they graduate. join the firm in 2009, while the rest increase as a result of fewer open- MARKETING ARTIST Sylvia Kolaski Employees of Crain’s and More than 40 top national law chose to go elsewhere — a fairly ings at larger law firms in the na- SALES SUPPORT Suzanne Janik, YahNica Crawford Brogan & Partners are not firms have deferred hiring for typical result for a summer class. tion’s financial centers. CIRCULATION Candice Yopp, Manager. eligible. Neither are employees MARKETING COORDINATOR Kim Winkler their summer associates during “We expect we would have a “It might be more competitive in PRODUCTION MANAGER Wendy Kobylarz at the five agencies that 2009, many for economic reasons, slightly smaller summer program applications,” LeDuc said. “But on PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Larry Williams, participated in the Time contest according to reports from legal next year, in deference to the econ- the other hand, only 20.9 percent of (313) 446-0450 — McCann Erickson, Doner, tabloids Above The Law and The omy,” he said. “It’s too early to the active state bar (membership) CUSTOMER SERVICE GlobalHue, Campbell-Ewald and National Law Journal. quantify whether the downturn seems to have found placement at MAIN NUMBER: Call (888) 909-9111 or write Leo Burnett. [email protected] The freezes on summer associ- would be completely corrected in Michigan firms from out of state SUBSCRIPTIONS $59 one year, $98 two years. Judges will include Marcie Out of state, $79 one year, $138 for two years. ates follow massive job losses as the 2011, in terms of gauging the size of law schools, and I don’t really ex- Outside U.S.A., add $48 per year to out-of-state Brogan, Bill Shea, who covers legal profession copes with the cred- any future summer (associate pro- pect that ratio to change much rate for surface mail. Call (313) 446-0450 or marketing and media for (888) 909-9111. it crisis of last fall. The profession grams).” over time.” Crain’s, and alumni of past SINGLE COPIES: (888) 909-9111. lost around 42,000 jobs nationwide McGee estimated Miller Can- Chad Halcom: (313) 446-6796, REPRINTS: (800) 290-5460, ext. 125; (717) 399- Crain’s 20 in their 20s annual 1900, ext. 125; or ashley.zander@theygsgroup recognition events. between November 2008 and last field, which is still finalizing its [email protected] .com. TO FIND A DATE A STORY WAS PUBLISHED: The winner will be chosen on a (313) 446-0367 or e-mail [email protected]. blend of creativity and CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS IS PUBLISHED BY marketing strategy. CRAIN COMMUNICATIONS INC. Finalists will be published in the CHAIRMAN Keith E. Crain Crain’s 20 in their 20s issue of PRESIDENT Rance Crain WHO ARE THE TOP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERS? SECRETARY Merrilee Crain March 29, with the winner BANKRUPTCIES Crain’s Detroit Business seeks CFOs or hold an equivalent job. TREASURER Mary Kay Crain unveiled at the 20 in their 20s Executive Vice President/Operations event the week of May 10. The following businesses filed nominations for its fourth-annual Judges will select winners based William A. Morrow for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in CFO awards to give recognition to on excellence in financial or other Group Vice President/Technology, Work submitted by an agency these financial leaders. Winners corporate operational Manufacturing, Circulation must include the name, e-mail U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Dec. Robert C. Adams and finalists will be recognized at management. Nominees will be Vice President/Production & Manufacturing address and telephone number 11-17. Under Chapter 11, a compa- a June event. considered for public companies, Dave Kamis ny files for reorganization. Chap- Chief Information Officer for the chief creative officer or To nominate someone, visit private companies and nonprofits. CEO. ter 7 involves total liquidation. Paul Dalpiaz www.crainsdetroit.com/nominate. Questions? Contact Jennette Corporate Circulation/Audience Development Freelancers can collaborate Famped P.C., 2515 Packard #G, Nominations must be received by Smith, assistant managing Director with each other and are being Ann Arbor, voluntary Chapter 11. Jan. 11. Kathy Henry editor/Focus, at (313) 446-1622 G.D. Crain Jr. Founder (1885-1973) offered space at Brogan & Assets and liabilities not avail- To be eligible, nominees must be or [email protected]. Mrs. G.D. Crain Jr. Chairman (1911-1996) Partners. Contact Lauren able. EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICES: Cairns at [email protected] KME Mobile Homes L.L.C., P.O. 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit MI 48207-2732; (313) 446-6000 for information. Box 318, Detroit, voluntary Chap- Cable address: TWX 248-221-5122 AUTNEW DET The Detroit News Hub, ter 7. Assets: $3,180; liabilities: CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS ISSN # 0882-1992 CRAIN’S CALLS FOR 20 IN THEIR 20S NOMINATIONS is published weekly, except for the first week of www.thedetroithub.com, a Web $248,107. July, the fifth week of August, the fourth week of Crain’s is looking for young young people to counter the November, the third week of December and a site for working journalists in McQuillan Inc., 4354 Fowler Ave., professionals who are making region’s brain drain. special issue the fourth week of August by Crain Southeast Michigan, is a Waterford Township, voluntary their mark in the region. We will Communications Inc. at 1155 Gratiot Ave., Detroit resource that offers contest Visit crainsdetroit.com/nominate MI 48207-2732. Periodicals postage paid at Detroit, Chapter 7. Assets: $7,804; liabili- publish our 2010 class of 20 in for our online form. Nominations MI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: competitors demographic and Send address changes to CRAIN’S DETROIT ties: $126,543. their 20s in the March 29 issue. must be received by Jan. 8. BUSINESS, Circulation Department, P.O. Box other market data of use. 07925, Detroit, MI 48207-9732. GST # The Devon Group Inc., 20160 Sher- These entrepreneurs and creative Contact Michelle Darwish at 136760444. Printed in U.S.A. To enter the contest and for wood St., Detroit, voluntary Chap- thinkers may not have made (313) 446-1621 or Entire contents copyright 2009 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved. more information, contact Kim ter 7. Assets: $0; liabilities: $54,022. millions, but they’re living proof [email protected] with Reproduction or use of editorial content in any Winkler at [email protected]. manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Compiled by Dustin Walsh that there is work under way by questions about the process. 20091221-NEWS--0009-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 5:58 PM Page 1

December 21, 2009 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS Page 9 WEEK ON THE WEB FROM WWW.CRAINSDETROIT.COM, WEEK OF NOV. 12-18

Ⅲ Michael Score has been at its newest location. tronic books on the Web. bondholders to take advan- Tuesday to the Shinnecock In- Comerica to named president of Detroit- Rose, 37, previously The two companies will tage of lower interest rates dian Nation on New York’s based Hantz Farms L.L.C. served as executive chef at work on an e-reader applica- and “improve flexibility,” Long Island, opening the Score, a Detroit native, has Michael Symon’s Roast in tion for most mobile phones the company announced. door for Motor City Casino move workers been an agricultural educa- the Westin Book Cadillac De- and PCs in the second quar- owner Marian Ilitch to poten- tor and counselor with the troit Hotel and at other De- ter of 2010. COURTS tially open a gaming facility Michigan State University troit-area restaurants, in- Financial terms of the there. out of tower Product Center for Agricul- cluding Tribute, Big Rock deal were undisclosed. Ⅲ Attorneys representing Ilitch and partner Michael ture and Natural Resources. Chop House and Sweet Lor- Ⅲ Ann Arbor-based Visteon Corp.’s committee of Malik have been working for omerica Inc. will move Ⅲ David Provost has been raine’s. NanoBio Corp., one of the most unsecured creditors are ask- several years to develop a its remaining Detroit named Ⅲ Alan Kalter, CEO of successful companies in ing the U.S. Bankruptcy Court casino in the New York mar- C employees out of Southfield-based W.B. Doner Michigan history in raising in the District of Delaware to ket. chairman Comerica Tower at 500 of the & Co., is grants and venture capital force Ford Motor Co.’s ac- Ⅲ Gov. Jennifer Granholm Woodward Ave. to a build- board of leaving with more than $90 million to counting firm, PriceWater- on Friday signed a law ban- ing it owns and plans to ren- directors the inde- date, announced it has signed houseCoopers L.L.P., to hand ning smoking in most en- ovate at 441 W. Lafayette of Troy- pendent an exclusive licensing agree- over documents related to a closed public places in Ave. based advertis- ment with GlaxoSmithKline plc number of major transac- Michigan beginning in May Comerica, which moved First Michi- ing for the over-the-counter sale tions between Visteon and 2010, the AP reported. It ap- its headquarters from De- gan Bank. agency of a topical treatment for cold Ford since Visteon was spun plies to all bars, restaurants troit to Dallas in 2007, said it He re- and sell- sores. off in 2000. They want to in- and work places, except for will spend $18 million to The deal gives NanoBio vestigate the relationship tains his Provost ing it to the Detroit casinos, cigar renovate the 550,000-square- title of CEO. He replaces three se- an upfront fee of $14.5 mil- between the supplier and its bars, tobacco specialty foot Lafayette Avenue build- nior exec- lion, with additional mile- former parent. stores, home offices and mo- Ronald Klein, CEO of South- Kalter ing and move there by 2012. field-based Origen Finanical utives. stone payments of up to $40 Ⅲ Oakland County Cir- tor vehicles. Inc., who remains on the COO David DeMuth becomes million plus royalties on fu- cuit Judge Edward Sosnick Ⅲ Michigan was awarded Greektown Casino Hotel board. co-CEO and president; CCO ture sales. on Friday denied a request $3.7 million by the U.S. De- Ⅲ George Perry, 64, CEO of Rob Strasberg becomes co- Ⅲ Philadelphia-based by a group of Pontiac resi- partment of Health and Human to look for new operator Yazaki North America Inc., is CEO and remains CCO; and Comcast Corp., which has dents to block the sale of the Services for enrolling an ad- Tim Blett remains senior about 1.2 million cable sub- Pontiac Silverdome to a ditional 56,000 uninsured Leadership of the Greek- retiring at year’s end. He partner and president of scribers in Michigan, this Canadian firm from closing children into its Medicaid town Casino Hotel will be in will be succeeded by Dieter Doner’s Newport Beach, week launched an online Dec. 30. and children’s health insur- flux as of Jan. 1 after its Ehrmanntraut, CEO of Yazaki Europe Ltd, Automotive News Calif., office. streaming service, Fancast Ⅲ For- ance program. board of directors decided reported. Ⅲ Kevin Klobucar, Blue Care Xfinity TV, offering shows mer De- Ⅲ Michigan would be in not to renew the contract for Ⅲ Les Snyder III, COO of Network’s vice president for and movies to U.S. sub- troit City line for more than $800 mil- Las Vegas-based Fine Point the Southfield-based Barton products and marketing, is scribers who get both Com- Council lion in new federal funding Group, which has run the Malow Co., expected to succeed Jeanne cast cable television and the member for roads and bridges and casino for the last year. has been Carlson as CEO in February, company’s broadband Inter- Monica would get a reprieve from The three-member board named pending board approval, said net service. Conyers’ providing state matching will lose control once the president, Daniel Loepp, CEO of Blue Ⅲ Rochester Hills-based sentenc- funds for federal aid, under casino emerges from bank- replacing Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Energy Conversion Devices Inc. ing for a measure passed by the U.S. public ruptcy. It is to be run by the Ben Carlson is retiring. (Nasdaq: ENER) has landed House. Ⅲ a contract with Endesa Spain corrup- staff on site until a perma- Maibach Detroit Mayor Dave Bing Conyers Ⅲ State Rep. Bert Johnson, announced changes to his ad- to install three megawatts of tion has nent operator is chosen. III, who D-Detroit, introduced legis- ministration’s management solar-laminate roofing mate- been delayed again. The fed- will re- lation that would set up a re- structure, including: Norm rials in two Coca-Cola build- eral judge in the case post- main as gional mass transit board ON THE MOVE White retains the title of CFO; ings in Spain. poned sentencing to March chairman Snyder with members appointed by Ⅲ Thomas Wilczak, a part- and CEO. It is the first time Karen Dumas becomes group Ⅲ Ann Arbor-based Domi- 10 from Jan. 15, the AP re- the Detroit mayor, the elect- ner and head of the environ- since 1981 that the company executive for communica- nos Pizza Inc. (NYSE: DPZ) is ported. ed executives of Wayne, mental practice group of handed leadership to some- tions; Sue Carnell, group exec- changing its pizza recipe to Oakland and Macomb coun- Philadelphia-based Pepper one outside the Maibach utive for the mayor’s office; include a garlic-seasoned Hamilton L.L.P.’s Detroit of- Saul Green, group executive crust, a sweeter sauce mixed OTHER NEWS ties, and the governor. family. Ⅲ fice, will become managing Ⅲ Farmers Insurance Group for public safety; Shannon with herbs and red pepper, Ⅲ Detroit Public Schools’ Southfield-based Lawrence Technological Uni- partner of the office in Janu- of Companies has appointed Holmes, group executive for and shredded mozzarella emergency financial manag- ary. He replaces Barbara Rom, human resources; Terrence mixed with provolone. versity’s Center for Innova- William Walrath as state exec- er, Robert Bobb, has relented 60, who said she planned to King, group executive for op- Ⅲ William Beaumont Hospi- tive Materials Research utive director of Michigan, and agreed to hold a private retire at year’s end. erations; and Albert Fields, tals took its $170 million cam- meeting with members of the could receive up to $1.6 mil- the company said today. Ⅲ The board of Ann Ar- group executive for plan- paign public after raising Southfield-based Farbman lion in research funding to Walrath, who will be bor-based Tecumseh Products ning. $140 million to fund capital, Group. to discuss DPS past test lighter and stronger ve- based in Howell, replaces Co. (Nasdaq: TECUA, endowment, research and real estate transactions. hicle armor, under a federal TECUB) has made a perma- Dan Schrock, who was pro- COMPANY NEWS program needs. The hospital Ⅲ A recount requested by defense funding bill that nent appointment of James moted to vice president of system launched the quiet former Detroit mayoral can- cleared the U.S. House and Wainright as company presi- Farmers’ eastern states. Ⅲ Ann Arbor-based book- phase of the campaign in didate Tom Barrow could con- advances to the Senate. dent and CEO. He replaces Ⅲ seller Borders Inc. (NYSE: Jeff Rose has taken over January 2005, and hopes to clude this week, said Wayne Ⅲ The University of Michi- Edwin Buker, who served as the executive chef at Birm- BGP) says it will work with complete it by early 2011. County Clerk Cathy Garrett. gan Health System has re- from 2007 until a termina- ingham’s Toast as it cele- Canadian digital book com- Ⅲ The U.S. Government Ac- Ⅲ The University of Michi- ceived $15 million from the tion of employment Oct. 4. brates its first anniversary pany Kobo Inc. to offer elec- countability Office upheld the gan-Dearborn was issued a Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander bid protest by rival defense $3.1 million grant from Foundation, its largest dona- contractors against Oshkosh Chrysler Group L.L.C. to devel- tion designated for construc- Defense on a nearly $3 bil- op a plug-in hybrid power- tion of the university’s new lion re-buy contract for the train system for a full-size, Family of Medium Tactical four-door Dodge Ram pick- women’s hospital planned to Vehicles. The Army will up truck. open in 2012. BEST FROM THE BLOGS have to revisit the Aug. 27 Ⅲ Ann Arbor and Ypsilan- The UM Board of Regents READ THESE POSTS AND MORE AT WWW.CRAINSDETROIT.COM/BLOGS contract selection by the U.S. ti plan to merge their cham- was to vote to name the new Army Tacom Life Cycle Man- bers of commerce to form a hospital after Ted Von Retail happenings in Detroit Comparing medical data agement Command in Warren single group, called the Ann Voigtlander, co-founder of for production of up to Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Discount Tire Co., and his 23,000 FMTV trucks and wife, Jane. Opening a bricks- Software Chamber, to address regional and-mortar“ bookstore developed“ by Thomson trailers over five years start- issues, the chambers said in the age of Amazon Reuters helps workers ing in late 2010. Friday. OBITUARIES may seem sort out health care Ⅲ Chrysler Financial an- Ⅲ The Senate Judiciary Ⅲ David Handleman, for- counterintuitive, but in coverage options. nounced plans to close its Committee on Thursday rec- mer chairman and CEO of the right neighborhood collections office in Troy ommended the confirmation the now-defunct Handleman — like Midtown — a ” and lay off 250 workers be- of Barbara McQuade, assis- Co. in Troy, died Dec. 13. He bookstore can cause of a reduction in its tant U.S. attorney for the De- was 95. work. business portfolio, the De- troit-based Eastern District, Ⅲ Erma Henderson, a civil ” troit Free Press reported. as the new U.S. attorney for rights advocate who became Ⅲ Bloomfield Hills-based the district, the AP reported. the first black woman elect- Reporter Nancy Kaffer’s blog on the city of Detroit Managing Editor Andy Chapelle’s blog on business in and small business can be found the Ann Arbor area can be found at TriMas Corp. is refinancing Ⅲ The federal Bureau of In- ed to the Detroit City Council, at www.crainsdetroit.com/kaffer www.crainsdetroit.com/chapelle most of its $502 million in dian Affairs gave preliminary died Dec. 14 of natural caus- company debt to banks and reorganization recognition es. She was 92. 20091221-NEWS--0010-NAT-CCI-CD_-- 12/18/2009 5:27 PM Page 1

Page 10 CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS December 21, 2009 RUMBLINGS

Livonia-based Fathead event during press days to and marketing consulting, and is available around town L.L.C. has launched a musi- showcase high-end cars. he said. at places such as Hugh and Bra maker’s cian line. It’s starting with The show will expand to the Barnes & Noble at Wayne nine life-size vinyl wall the MGM Grand Detroit casino State University. graphics of country-rock-rap for a special luxury car Just in time for the holidays: star Kid Rock. show to run on Jan. 11. A collection of Kwame-isms Images, The $25-per-person show GDPs slip over five years philanthropy all of will showcase Rolls-Royce, Detroit Free Press re- Comerica Bank’s quarter- which can Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, porters M.L. Elrick and Jim ly snapshot of Michigan eco- be moved Spyder and Aston Martin. Schaefer have published The nomic activity found that repeated- Kwame Sutra — an 80-page Ann Arbor’s book that con- ly, are also Wayne County spokesman per-capita GDP recognized available tains “Mus- of more than in smaller to retire, launch PR firm ings on lust, $45,000 in 2008 ommerce Town- feel good,” Charlick said. sizes and life and leader- placed it in the ship-based direct Last year, Essential of Kid Tim Johnson, a longtime ship, from De- top 10 percent C sales women’s un- Bodywear donated 2,500 Rock’s Kid Rock Wayne County government troit Mayor nationally. De- dergarment company Essen- bras to local women’s shel- Made in Detroit clothing com- spokesman, has retired from Kwame Kil- troit’s (just tial Bodywear L.L.C. appeared ters, including Grace Centers pany logo. the position to start his own patrick.” over $40,000) last Wednesday on NBC’s of Hope in Pontiac and The Fathead, which Dan company and pursue free- Elrick and ranked in the “Today Show” for its phil- Marian Center for Women’s Gilbert added to his online lance projects. Schaefer won a top 20 percent. anthropy efforts. Growth in Detroit. mortgage and NBA basket- Most recently director of Pulitzer Prize Five-year fig- Co-founder Carrie Charlick Charlick and co-founder ball holdings in 2006, has public information for the for their re- ures, however, spoke about the company’s Marcia Negro established Es- been branching out from the Wayne County Commission, porting on Kil- showed a de- involvement with New sential Bodywear in 2003 pro sports images that put Johnson, 50, also spent 13 patrick’s “sext- cline of 4.6 per- York-based Women In Need with $500. The company gen- the company on the map years in the county execu- messaging” cent for De- — a nonprofit organization erated $4.28 million in rev- (and on walls). tive’s office. Johnson decid- and legal pec- troit and 7.1 with six shelters for home- enue this year. Charlick said Pricing and ordering in- ed to leave his position after cadilloes that forced him percent for Ann Arbor. less or disadvantaged chil- “good old-fashioned cus- formation is at becoming eligible for a re- from office and into jail. dren in New York City. tomer service” is what has Fathead.com. tirement package offered by Some bon mots from the The company is donating kept the company growing. the county, he said. Kwame canon: BITS & PIECES 2,000 bras and 500 pairs of Before joining the county “Boy, I’d really like to hit ■ A two-person University panties to the organization Auto show to hold luxury in 1990, the St. Clair Shores you” (said to Elrick). — an equivalent to $120,000 Fathead puts Kid Rock car event at MGM Grand resident worked for public “I look forward to com- of Michigan Survival Flight in merchandise. against the wall relations firms Manning, Sel- plete exoneration.” team beat 15 other teams to Essential Bodywear also For people tired of roam- vage & Lee and the predeces- “I believe I’m on an as- win the national METI Med- donates $1 for every bra Are you stymied in your ing the vast expanses of sor to Franco Public Relations signment from God.” ical Education Technologies sold to the Susan G. Komen holiday gift-buying for a Cobo Center during the Group. The $7.99 book is printed Inc. Cup in emergency care for the Cure 3-Day Walk. friend or relative who loves North American International The company, called Gauk- by Ann Arbor-based Malloy skills competition at the Air “We’re all about giving Detroit music and has a lot Auto Show, organizers are ler Pointe Communications Lithography and can be or- Medical Transport Confer- back and helping mothers of open wall space? setting up a one-day special L.L.C., offers public relations dered from KwameSutra.com ence in San Jose, Calif.