2828 Lrcc June 2012 Focus Final

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The Business o Uni ying Greater Lansing

Focus.June.2012

There are many actors that in uence decisionsregarding business investment and jobs in aregion. One critical di erence-maker is how aregion stacks up when it comes to the cost andvalue o government. It is our local governmentsthat provide valued services including publicsa ety, in rastructure and recreation that in uencethe quality o li e in which prospective employees

want to live.

The tri-county region (Ingham, Eaton and Clinton)consists o 77 general purpose local governmentsincluding 12 cities, 14 villages and 48 townships.Collectively, the government unctions deliveredby those governments represent a $500 millionenterprise.

The size and scope o local government and theimpact that e fcient delivery o quality services has

on economic development has sparked interest among business leaders in Greater Lansing inrecent years. One year ago, the Lansing RegionalChamber o Commerce (LRCC), LansingEconomic Area Partnership (LEAP) and severalbusiness leaders joined with Michigan StateUniversity president Lou Anna Simon to begin theprocess o determining how the region compares

to others around the country when it comes to thecost, e fciency and quality o local government.

The group quickly agreed that our frst step wasto gather comprehensive data that would allowus to quanti y and benchmark the cost and valueo government, said LRCC president & CEO TimDaman.

MSU agreed to underwrite the cost o an extensiveresearch project that would provide the databusiness leaders said they needed. MSU Extensionspecialist, Dr. Eric Scorsone, noted or his studieso local government fnances, led a team o researchers that compared government costsin the Lansing region to 22 other communities

around the country. Scorsone presented hisfndings at the Lansing Economic Clubs ourthannual regionalism orum on May 10.

This data is only a starting point o what theregion should be doing relative to benchmarkingover time, Scorsone told the Economic Clubaudience o 400 people at the MSU KelloggCenter. This should be considered a baseline.

Scorsone noted that the research results were

intended as a broad overview designed to show where the region should ocus and what servicesare potential candidates or regionalism. Forexample, public sa ety is an area where the regionis a high spender, which Scorsone said does not necessarily mean the region is ine fcient.

Public sa ety is clearly an area that needs to belooked at, said Scorsone.

A team rom Plante Moran will drill down deeperinto public sa ety costs in second study that looksat fre service spending in the cities o Lansingand East Lansing and our townships. Resultsand recommendations rom the fre services study

are expected later in June.The Scorsone study also ound that government costs in the Lansing region are quite high in thegeneral government area (basic government operations), and somewhat low in theeconomically critical areas o transportation andin rastructure, which Scorsone said will require

action at the state level.

It is well known that Michigans gasoline taxis an ine fcient way to und in rastructure, saidScorsone.

Scorsone was part o a panel discussion at theEconomic Club luncheon, which also includedDoug Rothwell o the Business Leaders orMichigan, and Carmen Hickerson o GreaterLouisville, Inc. which is the lead economicdevelopment agency in Louisville, Kentucky.

Rothwell talked about the economic development

Dr. Eric Scorsone o MSU revealed results o hisfscal scorecard or local government in the GreaterLansing region.

Panelists at the Economic Clubs orum on regionalism, l-r: Doug Rothwell (Business Leaders or Michigan),Dr. Eric Scorsone (MSU) and Carmen Hickerson (Greater Louisville, Inc).

continued on page 7

This data is only a startingpoint of what the region

should be doing relative tobenchmarking over time.


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2012Board o Directors

O fcersCHAIR OF THE BOARD

Nancy McKeagueMichigan Hospital Association

PAST CHAIRRon Simon

Auto-Owners Insurance

CHAIR ELECTPaula Cunningham

Capitol National Bank

LEGAL COUNSELJeff Hicks

Hicks & Mullett, PLLC

TREASURERJeff Fineis

Andrews Hooper and Pavlik

PRESIDENTTim Daman

Lansing Regional Chamber

Di ision Directors INTL BUSINESS SERvICES

Jean SchtokalFoster, Swift, Collins and Smith, P.C.

GOvERNmENT RELATIONSKevin McKinneyMcKinney & Associates

mARKETING & COmmUNICATIONJoe Ford

Netvantage Marketing

mEmBERSHIP SERvICESDeb MuchmoreMarketing Resource Group

At-Large

FocusEDITOR

Ross Woodstock

PRINTINGSpartan Printing, Inc.

mAILINGHot Prospects Direct

COvER DESIGNSpartan Printing, Inc.

Tim DamanPresident and CEO

Lansing RegionalChamber o Commerce

T p ct d d t t k

c ct td g g .

It was one year ago that the Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce inpartnership with LEAP and MSU President Lou Anna Simon invited a groupo business leaders to discuss creating a unifed vision or the GreaterLansing region. Those discussions led to the fscal benchmarking study o local government services that was unveiled at the May Economic Club,and is the subject o this months cover story in FOCUS.

The topic o regionalism is one o those that o ten invokes emotionalrhetoric that can create barriers to progress. The act is that many o ourlocal governmental leaders deserve to be commended or many o theinnovative, collaborative e orts that have created noteworthy e fciencies inservices. Several communities have already combined some fre services.The cities o Lansing and East Lansing are currently sharing a fre chie .

Delta, Watertown and Eagle Townships have combined to create theLooking Glass Fire Authority. Meridian Township and East Lansing areamong communities that have consolidated assessing services.

Much has already been accomplished in the area o regionalism. It is alsoclear as the MSU benchmarking study suggests, there is much more workto do i we are going to have a region that is competitive in the cost anddelivery o government services.

I the Greater Lansing region is going to implement tough decisionsthat make us more competitive and e fcient in the delivery o valuedgovernment services, the leadership to make those kinds o changes must come rom the business community.

The simple act is business leaders need to take a much more active rolein the dialogue over regionalism. I would like to commend the businessleaders who have already been actively involved in our working group onregionalism over the past year, including; John Brown (Jackson NationalLi e), Bill Demmer (Demmer Corporation). Liz Haar (Accident FundInsurance Company), Jim Herbert (Neogen), Mark Hooper (Andrews,Hooper & Pavlik), Steve Roznowski (Christman Company), Ron Simon(Auto-Owners) and Dennis Swan (Sparrow).

As we move orward on this issue o regionalism, it is important that allo us in business, government and education remember that the driving

orce behind every decision we make needs to be centered on increasingbusiness investment and job creation.

There is no short term fx when it comes to regionalism. Thats why thelong-term will o the business community is so important i we are to besuccess ul.

A Message From The PresidentFocus.June.2012

Business Leadership Needed ifRegionalism is to Succeed

David BakerFarm Bureau Insurance

Melanie BergeronTwo Men & A Truck

Lon BohannonNeogen

Leslie BroganComcast

John BrownJackson National Life Insurance

Mark BurnhamMichigan State University

Patrick DeanDean Transportation

Pat GillespieGillespie Group

Bill KimbleC2AE

Sean KirkEmergent BioSolutions

J. Peter LarkLansing Board of Water and Light

Dave MulderMeijer, Inc.

Steve ReynoldsAccident Fund Insurance Co.

Tim SalisburyPNC Bank

Jason SandersFifth Third Bank

Heather Shawa-DeCookDemmer Corporation

Dennis SwanSparrow Health Systems

Bob TreziseLEAP, Inc.

Ryan VartoogianSpartan Internet Consulting Accident Fund ................14

Blue Cross Blue Shield ...BC

C2AE ..................................3

CAMW ................................8

Granger ...........................12

LSJ ......................................9

PHP ...................................13

M3 Group ........................10

MSUFCU ...........................15

Ross Woodstock ..............13

Ad ertisers


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News & EventsFocus.June.2012

Wednesday, June 6: DelTa GovernmenT relaTions CommiTTee , 8 9 a.m. Lexington Lansing Hotel, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. TheDelta Government Relations Committee meets the frst Wednesday o eachmonth to provide a orum or business leaders to discuss important issuesa ecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to JasonGreen at [email protected].

Thursday, June 7: Chamber 360 , 8 10:00 a.m., Lansing RegionalChamber o Commerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan

Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48912. New, veteran and prospective mem-bers are encouraged to attend Chamber 360 to learn about the ull range o Chamber benefts and how to maximize your investment. Meet our sta andfnd out how we are working or you through business growth and advocacyinitiatives, exclusive member beneft programs, member exposure, network-ing and educational event opportunities. Following the Chamber 360 event Shari Pash Berger with Hospitality Selling Solutions will hold a How to Net-

work Workshop rom 9:30 10:00 a.m. This is a FREE event, but spaceis limited. To register or this event please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

Wednesday, June 13: Grub Crawl , 5-8 p.m., Eastwood Towne Center,3003 Preyde Blvd., Lansing, MI 48912. Enjoy ood samplings rom select restaurants located in Eastwood Towne Center. Tickets: Pre-sale: $20 perperson, $35 per couple; Night o : $25 person; $40 per couple. For morein ormation on sponsorships call Michelle Rahl at 853-6457 and to pur-chase tickets visit www.lansingchamber.org.

Wednesday, June 20: easT lansinG / meriDian GovernmenT rela-Tions CommiTTee , 8 9 a.m. MSU Federal Credit Union, 3777 West Rd.,East Lansing, MI 48823. The East Lansing / Meridian Government RelationsCommittee meets the third Wednesday o each month to provide a orum orbusiness leaders to discuss important issues a ecting East Lansing/Merid-ian Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at

[email protected].

Monday, June 25: CommuniTy ConversaTion 3 4 p.m., LansingRegional Chamber o Commerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E.Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48912. The ocus or this event is onpre-K12 education in Michigan. Whats working in your community? What needs re orm? What ideas can you bring to the table? We will be talking withthe CUSTOMERS o our education system: employers, students, parents and

amilies. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited. Please RSVP withMichelle Rahl, director o events and programming, at 517.853.6457 [email protected].

Tuesday, July 10: member miXer 5 7 p.m., XIAO China Grille &

Lounge, 3415 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, 48912. $10 member, $30 non-member. Includes hors doeuvres.

www.c2ae.com I 866.454.3923

Meeting Architectural and Engineering Challenges with Integrity and Innovation

E ent cost is co pli entary or these enhanced e bership le els:Bronze Gold Silver Platinum


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Thank You Renewing Members

Welcome New Members

Please remember to use the member login portion o the Chamber website to keep

your contact in ormation up-to-date. This will ensure that you receive all Chambercommunications in a timely manner. Contact us at 517.487.6340 i you haveany questions or are not receiving our communications.

Chamber Milestones

Wed like to o er a special saluteto these great organizations that reached milestone anniversariesas Chamber members this month.Thank you or your continuedsupport through the years!

Tomie Raines, Inc.35 years

Young Brothers & Daley25 years

Barons Window Coverings25 years

T.L. Hart, Inc.25 years

Pro-Tech Mechanical10 years

KI Technology Group10 years

Truscott Rossman10 years

Web Ascender5 years

Browde Rehabilitation

Consulting, LLC5 years

Big John Steak & Onion5 years

Focus.June.2012

Tomie Raines, Inc.Young Brothers & Daley

Barons Window CoveringsT.L. Hart, Inc.

Pro-Tech Mechanical

KI Technology GroupTruscott Rossman

Web AscenderBrowde Rehabilitation Consulting, L.L.C.

Big John Steak & Onion

a & J T mi i 235 S. Homer St., Lansing, MI 48912, (517) 664-1755

r m M V v B i 235 S. Homer St., Lansing, MI 48912, (517) 337-4681

d b l w Fi m 3511 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI (517) 371-9835

F ig t lP.O. Box 4302, East Lansing, MI 48826 (517) 285-0059

h t n m ic (517) 703-4610

I f it Fit 1701 S. Waverly Road, Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 614-7767

l i g r gi si t Citi C mmi i 500 E. Michigan Ave, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48912

T t & a ci t PLLC 105 W. Hillsdale St., Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 574-4440

V t e g s vic , I c. 709 W. Ellsworth, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (734) 548-8001


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Membership ServicesFocus.June.2012

MSU Marketing Students Analyze Chamber Membership Trends

Make a Hole in One at the Lansing Open

Eighth Grade Students Learn About Entrepreneurship

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C d , J G d CG .n t l k d m tsc p t c p t d, t t tp t .T p t t k Ch cq d, t Ja c d t m d-m c g .

The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce(LRCC) recently had the privilege o working

with the MSU Marketing Green team ona membership research project. Dr. GillHarrell o the Eli Broad School o Businessestablished a special class in which someo his more talented students would researchChamber membership trends and surveyattitudes about LRCC rom both membersand non-members. The MSU MarketingGreen team concluded the project with anin-depth presentation o its fndings and aseries o excellent recommendations or theChamber to consider in uture months.

LRCC would like to thank the MSU team or itsexcellent work the past several months. We

would also like to thank Kevin Hamilton o Conlin Travel or acilitating the relationship

with the MSU Marketing Team.

I your business is interested in engagingMSU students in a uture marketing, supplychain or other business related project,please contact Dr. Gill Harrell at the EliBroad School o Business.

Its that time o year again!Gather your sun visors, gol ballsand mulligans and get ready orLansings premier gol event,the Lansing Open. The 2012Lansing Open is scheduled orTuesday, August 21 at the EagleEye Gol Course. Registration and networking

will begin at 8:30 a.m., ollowed by a 10 a.m.shotgun start.

This years event brings back aull course o gol ers in addition

to volunteers, members andguests or an exciting opportunityto network with businesspro essionals while enjoying a un,

relaxed game o gol . So bring yourcolleagues, your boss, or your pals in the businesscommunity and come to the Eagle Eye Gol Course

or the chance to meet a potential uture client, or

maybe a uture business partner.

The cost to participate is $185 or Chambermembers or $215 or non-members. Pricingincludes green ees, cart, player gi t, lunch,

dinner, and beverage tickets. Sponsorship levelsexist to match a variety o budgets. Sponsorshipin ormation, registration options and much moreis available at www.lansingchamber.org, or bycontacting Michelle Rahl at 517.853.6457 [email protected].

On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Junior Achievement o Mid-Michigan, Inc. & Phi Beta Sigma FraternityInc, introduced over 300 eight grade studentsat Gardner Middle School to the JA Economics

or Success program. The program is designedto promote entrepreneurship, the importance o education and the world o work and fnancialsuccess.

This is the f th year the Phi Beta Fraternity Inc.Epsilon Tau Sigma chapter has sponsored the JAin a Day program at Gardner Middle School. Over1000 students have participated in the programsince its inception.


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Government Relations

Chamber Members Gain Insight on State Issues at Business Roundtable

Collins Road Mail Processing Center Remains Slated for Closing

Community Conversation on Michigan Education

Focus.June.2012

Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Eaton CountyState Representative Deb Shaughnessy recentlyprovided 35 Chamber members an inside lookat leading state issues during a recent Business

Several rural post o fces in the region have beengiven a reprieve by the U.S. Postal Service, but Lansings Collins Road Mail Processing Centerremains on the list o postal acilities scheduledto be closed later this year. The updated postalclosing announcements are part o cost-cuttingprogram by the Postal Service.

Under the most recent announcement, post o fces in Dansville, Eagle, Mulliken, Sunfeldand Onondaga would remain open, but or ewer

hours each day.

The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerceand many other community leaders have beenpublically arguing that the planning process that led to the recommended closure o the CollinsRoad acility was awed. In a letter to the U.S.Postal Service (USPS) and members o Congress,

community leaders stated the USPS study that recommends closing the Lansing Post O fceand consolidating its operations into Grand

Rapids was done without adequate input rom theLansing region.

The letter rom community leaders went on to saythat the USPS recommendation to consolidateoperations in Grand Rapids ignores severaladvantages o the Lansing acility, including itslocation, convenience and other cost e fciencies

that are not realized with the West Michiganacilities.

Michigans education system or pre-K-12 will be the topic o discussion duringa community conversation event hosted by The Lansing Regional Chamber o

Commerce (LRCC). The event will take place on Monday, June 25 rom 3 p.m. 4 p.m. in the Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce Insurance CapitalBoard Room, located at 500 Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48912.

The conversation will involve the customers o our education system, employers,students, parents and amilies. The conversation will address the success ul

areas o pre-K-12 education and the areas that need to be improved. This isa great opportunity or community members to get together and discuss the

issues that have resulted rom budget cuts and possible remedies or theseproblems. All thoughts and ideas are encouraged.

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited. Please RSVP with MichelleRahl, director o events and programming, at 517.853.6457 or [email protected].

Roundtable sponsoredby the Lansing RegionalChamber o Commerce.The roundtable washosted by Auto-OwnersInsurance.

Lt. Gov Calley toldthe crowd that 2011continued to be a year o economic challenges orMichigan, but that things

were beginning to improve with unemployment dropping, manu acturing

stabilizing and auto saleson the upswing. TheLt. Gov. also noted that 80,000 private sector

jobs have been created in Michigan and that home oreclosures are slowing. The Lt. Governordiscussed legislation to eliminate the personal

property tax, and noted that the administrationunderstands the importance o not putting localgovernments at risk.

Noting the act that the roundtable was being heldat Auto-Owners corporate headquarters in Delta

Township, the Lt. Governor re erred to Michigan asthe midwest hub or insurance, lauding the act that jobs being created in Michigan are higher in

wages than those being created throughout therest o the country.

Rep. Shaughnessy spoke at length about theimportance o continuing to receive ederalsupport or the planned Facility or Rare IsotopeBeams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. Rep.

Shaughnessy said the legislature appreciates the$30 million in recently approved ederal unding,but argued that amount is not enough to pushthe project orward. She said more investment is necessary to ully und the project, as it willbring thousands o jobs, advanced science andeconomic beneft to the region.

Lt. Governor Brian Calley spoke with business leaders about current econom-ic trends in Michigan and the status o key legislative initiatives. Rep. DebShaughnessy talked about ederal support or FRIB at MSU.


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When Howdy S. Holmes was growing up, it wasalways assumed that he

would take over leadershipo the amily business.Howdy, however, haddi erent dreams; dreams

o becoming a racecardriver. Howdys decisionto leave college and pursue this dream was not popular with his ather, who wanted Howdy tosucceed him as CEO at Chelsea Milling Company,manu acturers o the popular Ji y Mix products.

Despite the strained amily relations, Holmes toldthe audience at the April 19 Economic Club orum

that chasing his dream was the right thing to do at that time in his li e, and helped shape him or thebusiness success he enjoyed once he returned tothe amily business.

Everybody should have a dream and pursue it,said Holmes. I you dont have a dream, you

should have one and chase it.Once he completed his extremely success ulracing career, Holmes returned to Chelsea MillingCo and discovered the enormous challengesa ter having been gone or 20 years. He ound acompany that needed to transition rom the mom-and-pop business model to a more sophisticated,pro essional management style. Over time,

Economic ClubFocus.June.2012

Chelsea Milling CEO Urges Economic Club Crowd to Chase Your Dreams

Business of Unifying Greater Lansingfrom page 1

Chelsea Milling Co. grew and prospered. Today,the company has 350 employees and a 67 percent share o the market in retail baking mixes. Thecompanys stable corn mu fns capture 91 percent o the retail market. Chelsea Milling produces 1.6million boxes o product per day.

Howdy Holmes says the rewards o running thebusiness are ar greater than racing, which hesaid was all about himsel . Holmes says businesssuccess is all about serving others. He did,however, learn many valuable lessons rom theracing career that continue to beneft him today.

Its not about what you accomplish, saidHolmes. Its about what you overcome.

h d s. h

Doug Rothwell o Business Leaders or Michigan:You need to look at your region as one region.

Carmen Hickerson o Greater Louisville, Inc: Wedecided that we are really more success ul when

we work together than against each other.

advantages involved when government createse fciencies by consolidating its services. He toldthe crowd that the challenges acing metro areas

in Michigan have no easy answers. He alsocredited the Lansing region with being ahead o the curve in thinking about regionalism.

There is no silver bullet that is going to fx oururban areas, said Rothwell. A holistic approachis needed to fnd real solutions.

Hickerson shared experiences in Louisville, wherevoters approved a merger o the city and countygovernment ten years ago. Multiple economicdevelopment e orts were also olded into a singleorganization, which is now Greater Louisville, Inc.

The goal was to create one voice in economicdevelopment and government, said Hickerson.

Hickerson credited the government merger with helping to save and eventually expand themanu acturing presence o Ford Motor Companyin the region. Though there have been a ew

naysayers, Hickerson said most in the regionnow support the merger. She told the EconomicClub crowd that the leadership o the businesscommunity is essential i such an undertaking isto be success ul.

The business community has to invest andbe willing to stick with it even in the ace o opposition, said Hickerson. I the will o the

business community is strong enough, thepolitical leaders will get on board.

Hickerson also cautioned the crowd o thedi erence between an outright government mergerand the concept o regionalism, which she said isa philosophy.

We decided (in Louisville) that we are reallymore success ul when we work together thanagainst each other, said Hickerson.

When prompted by an audience question,Rothwell o ered this advice to the community.

You need to look at your region as one region,said Rothwell.

The MSU benchmarking study and a fre servicesstudy expected in the next ew weeks are the frst steps in trying to create a unifed regional vision.The working group o business leaders plans toundertake a poll later in the summer to determinemore about the community sentiments in regardto urther potential regionalism e orts.


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International BusinessFocus.June.2012

Whether a business is just getting started ininternational trade or looking to take a well-developed program to the next level, the Port Lansing 2012 Global Logistics Con erenceprovided attendees with a wealth o expert panelists who understand how to navigate thecomplexities o importing and exporting.

Nearly 120 people attended the annual Port Lansing con erence held on May 15 at the MSUKellogg Center. 19 speakers on fve panelsthroughout the day-long event provided nuts andbolts insights into topics ranging rom how tolocalize global logistics, international fnancingtools, lessons learned on doing business outsidethe U.S., optimizing your global supply chain, andresources available to grow globally. Panelistsagreed that a global strategy is essential orbusiness growth.

You have to be able to import and export in the21st century, said Randy Redmer o RedmerStrategic Products. Thats the only way you willsurvive.

For some business leaders, knowing where tobegin or whom to contact or assistance is a barrier

that can appearoverwhelming.The best advice

rom con erencepanelists was tostart small, with anarrowly defnedtarget market that includes two orthree countries,

instead o trying to cover the globe rom the start.

You need a ocus as you are building a plan,said Kendra Kuo o the U.S. Commercial Service.

The value that Port Lansing is providing to Michiganbusinesses was evident in the comments o manybusiness leaders involved at the con erence.

Our import and export strategies through Port Lansing have been a big reason or our growth,said Larry Finney o Air Li t, a truck suspensionmanu acturer that exports to 33 countries, imports

rom seven countries and recently added 150 jobsand 20,000-square- eet o manu acturing spacein Delta Township.

Its much better working with someone youknow than talking by phone with someone 3,000miles away because the local person knowsyour business, said Greg Bousquet o MaterialsManagement Solutions, the frm that managesGeneral Purpose Zone at Port Lansing.

Attendees and con erence panelists agreed that as awareness about Port Lansing continues toincrease, businesses engaged in internationaltrade are coming to understand what a valuableasset it can be or the region.

Were creating jobs and supporting the growtho Michigan business, said Brent Case, director

o Foreign Trade Zone No. 275 and internationaltrade development at the Lansing RegionalChamber o Commerce.

2012 Global Logistics ConferenceGrowing Your Business Globally

T p c z g g g t c d g t pp g p d ct d t d. l- : lF (a l t), r d r d (r d st t g c P d ct ), m T (ex c t F ), d G g b q t(m t m g t s t ).


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International Business

The president o the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)told attendees at the 2012 Port Lansing Global Logistics Con erence that he

is confdent the proposed new International Trade Crossing between Michiganand Canada will eventually be built. Michael Finney made his comments whilefelding questions ollowing his keynote address during the con erence luncheonat the MSU Kellogg Center.

Finney noted that Governor Rick Snyder has committed to the construction o thebridge despite heavy opposition rom owners o the existing Ambassador Bridge,and di fculties gaining legislative approval or the new bridge.

I dont know exactly how the Governor will get this done or when, but this istoo important or our state and I believe he will be success ul, Finney told thecrowd.

In his prepared remarks, Finney talked to the audience about the MEDCs programo economic gardening, which he said emphasizes growing businesses rominside the state without extensive tax credits that have been historically utilizedto attract businesses rom outside Michigan.

Nurturing existing businesses not only creates more and better jobs its done without cost to the taxpayers through tax credits, said Finney.

Finney told the crowd that the state is placing a particular emphasis on retainingentrepreneurial talent that has tended to leave Michigan because o an inabilityto access capital, good locations and other needed support.

Keeping entrepreneurs in Michigan represents gardening at its very earliest,said Finney. Its providing an ecosystem that we havent had in this state in along time.

MEDC President to Port LansingConference: The NITC Important toStates Economy

G IV E IT

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In- dept h coverage of t he compani

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t ransforming Lansing. Only in t

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The registration deadline or The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerces(LRCC) trip to China is August 16, 2012. The trip is rom October 16-25,2012 and will provide residents in the Greater Lansing region exposure tothe culture and market and to numerous business opportunities that exist inChina. The trip is targeted or Chamber members, but is open to all interested

business and community leaders.This is a great opportunity or business leaders and community membersto gain valuable knowledge and insight on Chinese culture and business

practices or global expansion, said Brent Case, vice president, internationalbusiness services at LRCC. This is the chance to build a bridge betweenthe people and businesses o China and Lansing and to make valuable

connections with business leaders on a global scale.The Lansing to China all-inclusive trip will include visiting the historic citieso Beijing, Suzhou and Shanghai. Members will also get the chance to seetop tourist destinations such as the Great Wall o China, The Forbidden City,Temple o the Heavens, Tiananmen Square and to visit actories to see howChinese products are made. They will also be able to experience authenticChinese cuisine, and explore global business and networking opportunities.

A team o executives rom the Greater Lansing region recently returned romChina, which allowed them to determine the best possibilities or the next venture. Since returning rom China, the Lansing contingent has made multipleconnections or mid-Michigan businesses interested in doing business inChina, and or those already conducting trade with Chinese companies.

The cost o the trip or double occupancy will be priced at $2,388 or Chambermembers, and includes air are rom Los Angeles, hotel accommodations, 17meals, and tours. The Chamber will also arrange to have multiple internationalbusiness experts talk with travelers about doing business in China, as wellas optional cultural tutoring sessions provided by 7C Lingo or those whoregister. Visit www.lansingchamber.org or more in ormation and to register.

Registration Deadline for Lansing Regional ChambersChina Trip is August 16, 2012

International BusinessFocus.June.2012

614 Seymour Ave. Lansing, MI 48933517 203 3333 | www.m3group.biz

advertising | marketing | public relations | product placement | aha moments


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Members On The MoveFocus.June.2012

PEOPLE NEWS

J p av is the newdirector o lending at CaseC it u i .

l mi , ew t, P , d vi & G tti g, P. C.is pleased to announce that P K. M i andK K. r will join the frm as o counselattorneys.

Mcl h t P welcomes r r m ,P t ici sc t and Jim McC to the growing

sales team.st v J g hasbeen named seniorvice president and chie in ormation o fcer (CIO)o G st F mC it s vic .

o ig mi B i I jr bi it ti C t isproud to announce that e ic h , director o program operations, hasbeen voted to the Boardo Directors o the BrainInjury Association o Michigan (BIA-MI). BIA-

MI is the public advocacy and consumer/survivorprotection organization in the area o brain injury.

C k C t cti has announced the hiringo the ollowing 12 student interns:J B t,J c b C , d c C i ti , K th , J t I b , a x Kimb , liK , a x n wm , C t P k , a mP t f , T st w t h W ig t.

d ct app cd m t g is proud to

welcomeh t T m to the sta as a medicalassistant.

d ct app c d m t gcelebrates andhonors P gg B w or her 15 years o service

to the organization.

asK has announced the ollowing new hires andpromotions:C P has been hired as ano fce administrator;nic F t has joinedthe team as an account manager; Mic B w ,J .has been hired as a technical assistant; J iWi has been hired as a technical consultant;and am M mb has added the role o account manager to her current position as o fce manager.

F g t B k recentlynamed T m l g mo Dansville as vicepresident and fnancialconsultant.

COMPANY NEWS

rizzi d ig , a Lansing-based marketing anddesign frm, has launched a new website. Thenew design highlights visual elements ocusingspecifcally on the work Rizzi Designs hasproduced or clients, and emphasizes the cultureo the company and sta .

Mcl h t P has reached anagreement to purchase CareSource Michigan, a34,500-member Medicaid health maintenanceorganization based in Lansing, Michigan, andoperated by CareSource, the nations secondlargest Medicaid managed health care plan,headquartered in Dayton, Ohio.

The Joe D. Pentecost Foundation recentlyannounced that e P c is the recipient o a $5,000 grant to provide support or up to 10grieving children in an early elementary support group or one year. This is the second consecutiveyear the oundation has awarded Eles Place withthis specifc grant.

G st F m C it s vic, the f thlargest association in the Farm Credit System,continues to experience unprecedented success.

The associations quarterly shareholder report shows record frst quarter earnings o more than$33.8 million in 2012, a 35 percent increaseover the same period in 2011.

All children deserve the chance to play baseball.The reality was realized with the o fcial grandopening ceremony or the CASE Cares MiracleField at 6 PM on Monday, May 14, at Valley FarmsPark (adjacent to DeWitt Township Community

Center), 1080 East Weiland Road, Lansing. Theability to construct the feld was made possiblethrough the combined undraising e orts byCASE Cares,d Witt C t T w ipand a$394,000 grant rom the Michigan Department o Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Msu F C it u i was recentlyrecognized as a Gold-Level Fit-Friendly Companyby the American Heart Association (AHA). The AHArecognizes Fit-Friendly companies as employers

who go above and beyond when it comes to theiremployees health.

h t T

T l gst J g

e c h

J p a

P K. m K K. r d


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12

Members On The Move

Send your news toMaeve MacDonaldat mmacdonald@

lansingchamber.org

Focus.June.2012

CBre G p I c. (NYSE:CBG) has been namedto the FORTUNE 500 list o the largest U.S.-based companies or the f th straight year. CBREremains the only commercial real estate servicesfrm ever included in the FORTUNE 500.

Five area organizations were named recipients o awards at the 2nd annual Where Development Begins Business Award Ceremony on May 10. Theawards are rom the communities o WatertownTownship, Dewitt Township, City o Dewitt andBath Township. This years recipients included;G t l i g P tt G i(EntrepreneurialSpirit Award), G g (Contributing to theCommunity Award),C pit Wi st (Beneftting the Community Award),F zkF m (Food System Award) andBs&a s tw

(Community Excellence Award).

More than 1,000 people o all ages came out tolaFCu y t d at two o mid-Michigans most popular attractions the Michigan HistoricalMuseum and Impression 5 Science Center. Theevent was part o LAFCUs annual celebration o Credit Union Youth Week, a nationwide e ort tohighlight how young people earn, spend, saveand manage their own money and how Americascredit unions help them do so wisely.

COLLECTING TOMORROWS ENERGY WWW.GRANGERNET.COM

Granger is a leader in landfll

gas-to-energy programs in the

state, creating the frst

energy-producing landfll in

Michigan in 1985.


13/16

13

At PHP, we know not all health plans are created equal. Having the

right health plan isnt about copays and deductibles its about

having the freedom to choose whats right for you. Find your

plan of choice. PlanOfChoice.com

Success always starts with a good plan.(Your health is no exception.)

An afliate of Sparrow.

Ross Woodstock

Executive and Professional Coaching Kolt Communications

HelpingPEOPLE Succeed.HelpingORGANIZATIONS Grow.

[email protected]| 517-706-0001 www.ROSSWOOdSTOck .com

Wednesday, June 13, 2012Eastwood Towne Center

5 p.m. 8p.m.

Pre-sale: $20 per person/ 2 or $35

Night of: $25 per person/2 or $40Tickets available at: LansingChamber.org

517-487-6340Eastwood Towne Center O fce


14/16

14

Chamber In ActionFocus.June.2012

u.s. s t D st p k t t c d t t P t l g C c d . C h , c t C p t r g a p t a t t m c g G J b c d.

meDC P d t m c F d d t c k t t t P t l g C c , P ct d - : J sc t k (F t s t), b t C (P t lr g C ), m c F , b s g (C p t r g a p t a t t ) d T D (l g r g C ).

Attendees at the 2012 Port Lansing Global Logistics Con erence representing business and government rom around Michigan and Canda. The day was a hugesuccess and organizers are already making plans or next years con erence.

Port Lansing Conference Has International Flavor


15/16

15

a m sc d (msu C d st d C t ) d C d C Gr n t .

More scenes from AL!VE in Charlotte, the

focus of this months cover story. AL!VE isan experience-based, destination healthpark designed to enhance the overallhealth and well-being of the community.

Chamber In Action

Federally insuredby the NCUA

517-333-2365 800-678-4968

www.msufcu.org/business

*Business Lines o Credit are currently available to Michigan-based businesses only.

Apply or your MSUFCU Business Line o Credit*now and be sure you have the working capitalyou need without dipping into cash reserves. There are no application or annual ees, and youonly pay interest on unds borrowed.

MSUFCUs Business Lines o Credit ofer: Limits up to $1,000,000 Interest-only payments No prepayment penalties 24/7 remote account access

Apply or a Business Line o Credit today.

Have the SolutionBefore Theres a Problem

W v m mb ! It ic t t v b ck, w ii t ki c mm t w ic w c t c iv m dV t :

I moved to the area in 2010 to work or Habitat orHumanity Lansing. My challenge was to help brand andmarket Habitat Lansing to generate new sponsors and

riends. One o the frst things I did was join the LansingRegional Chamber with the thought that this would bethe key to meeting whos who in the area and having aconnection to local businesses.

Over the past 18 months I have attended monthly mixers,the annual dinner, the Grub Crawl, and Economic Club

Luncheons, and have met an amazing amount o people.The connections I have made through the Chamber have not only led to new sponsors, but suppliers, volunteers, event venues, and personal riends. The real proo was our largest

undraising event in February o 2012 that was attended by350 people.

Thank you to the Lansing Regional Chamber or providing a welcoming environment to network!

Dena VatalaroExecutive DirectorHabitat or Humanity Lansing

Thank you, Dena or taking the time to write your thoughts and or youractive involvement in the Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce.

Chamber Member Testimonial


16/16

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PAIDLANSING, MI

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lansingchamber.orgAddress Correction Requested

Documents

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