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Fostering

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Focus.August.2012

Theres something about a playground slide inthe middle o an oce building and an energeticgroup o seven entrepreneurs that just seem to gotogether. The slide is located on the main foor oThe Center or New Enterprise Opportunity (NEO),a business incubator near Lansings north side.The slide is consistent with the mission o theNEO Center, which encourages entrepreneurs tocollaborate, share ideas, do well, make moneyand, o course, have un.

We want the environment to be un, said PaulJaques, one o NEOs ounders. We want people

who work here to remember the joy they had askids.

The NEO Center and the Technology Innovation

Center (TIC) in East Lansing are two prime exampleso a growing trend in the region towards providingmore resources, support and encouragement orentrepreneurs and start-up companies as successulbusiness ventures. These incubators are designed

to spawn new and viable small businesses byproviding business support services and fexibleoce space. They also encourage collaborationbetween entrepreneurs who oten share commonsets o challenges.

We hope people will evolve and grow theirrelationships during their time here, said Robin

Miner-Swartz, another o NEOs ounders. Its muchbetter than trying to grow your business rom acoee shop.

Were trying to oster creativity, said NEO co-ounderTom Stewart. Now, a start-up doesnt have to go toChicago, Grand Rapids or Silicon Valley. They canreceive the support they need right here in Lansing.

The NEO Center, which opened in November 2011,is somewhat unusual as business incubators go

in Michigan in that it is a private enterprise venturenanced by its seven co-ounders; Jaques, Miner-Swartz, Stewart, Erik Larson, Jennier Middlin, DanRyan and Chris VanWyck. The group continues tosecure additional nancial support rom sponsors

which already include; MSU Federal Credit Union,Arialink and Farm Bureau Insurance.

Incubators like the NEO Center and TIC oer fexiblework options which can be as simple as a desk

with a work station to a ully equipped private oce.Prices or permanent space at NEO range rom$180-$450 monthly. NEO currently has 17 o its21 available spaces leased.

The real goal or business incubators is or itsclients to become successul and then relocate toa permanent oce setting. Leases are typically sixmonths. Start-ups work rom the incubator setting orup to three years. Businesses that graduate romthe incubator then become tenants or developers

in the area, and continue to grow and create morejobs. The NEO Center is emphasizing growth inthe City o Lansing rst, and then spreading to theGreater Lansing region.

We want graduates to put down stakes in our regionand stay or a long time, said NEO co-ounder Chris

Van Wyck.

Incubators are not intended to serve as a place orcheap oce space. The main benet or a start-up

working rom an incubator is to develop a growingbusiness in an environment that osters creativity andcollaboration. To people in the incubator industry, itsall about the environment.

Its not every day you get to work in an environmentwhere the most incredible people are workingalongside you, said Je Smith, who serves asco-director o the New Economy Division o theLansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), which

jointly manages TIC with the City o East Lansing.

TIC was launched by the City o East Lansing and

its Downtown Development Authority in October2008. TICs ocus is in developing companiesin the technology sector, with many o its clientshaving connections to Michigan State University.In our years, TIC has successully helped manycompanies move into the mainstream marketplace,many o whom are growing rapidly.

Youre helping someone start something that hasntexisted beore, said Ken Szymusiak, who joins

Smith as the co-director o LEAPs New EconomyDivision. Its key to growing our economic base.

Among TICs many graduate success stories isPhenometrics, which makes machines used inalgae research. Phenometrics was recently namedas Incubator Client o the Year by the MichiganBusiness Incubators Association. Other notablesuccess stories include Good Fruit Video, a Lansing-based video production company, and NicholasCreative, a boutique website creative agency. Twoother companies, NamesorLie and Retia Medical,

have successully secured government grants.

Though TIC has been solely ocused on technology,there are plans to expand to other industries. The

continued on page 10

The NEO Centers seven co-ounders enjoying oneo the perks o the job: (Top) Paul Jaques; (Middle)

Erik Larson (l) and Tom Stewart (r); (Bottom l-r)Dan Ryan, Chris Van Wyck, Robin Miner-Swartzand Jennier Middlin

Neo Center co-ounder Tom Stewart. Lansing isnow a place to start a business. I you want to doso, we have the resources to help it happen.

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Tim DamanPresident and CEO

Lansing Regional

Chamber of Commerce

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With regards to economic development, there is now less o an emphasis

on hunting or large companies with lots o jobs and now more o a ocus

on gardening, which seeks to grow the local economy rom within.

Economic gardening, an economic development policy started in the

1990s, seeks to encourage, nurture and help home-grown companies,

whether they are outright start-ups or established industries that have beenaround or years.

Michael Finney, president o the Michigan Economic Development

Corporation (MEDC), spoke about his agencys emphasis on economic

gardening at the recent Port Lansing Global Trade Conerence. Finney said

economic gardening emphasizes growing businesses rom inside the state

without extensive tax credits that have historically been utilized to attract

businesses rom outside Michigan.

For certain, we must continue to work hard to attract and retain major

employers in our state. Greater Lansing is the perect example o a region

that continues to rely heavily on its historic economic base surrounding

General Motors, Michigan State University and state government. However,

as the global economy transitions to a knowledge-based economy, it

is clear that in order to thrive our region must promote growth in both

emerging and established industries to keep our outstanding young talent,

nurture and grow new technologies and promote growth in new industries.

This months FOCUS cover story highlights a successul strategy that is

helping to position our region to be more competitive in the new economy.

Business incubators like the NEO Center and the Technology Innovation

Center (TIC) are spawning a new generation o entrepreneurs that will be

our regions business leaders o tomorrow. It is astounding to note that

in Michigan, 84% o incubator businesses stay in the community ater

graduating rom the incubator program. Incubators like the NEO Center and

TIC have proven successul in increasing the longevity and diversity o local

jobs and economies throughout Michigan.

The incubator setting is also encouraging the development o great

community leaders. The NEO Center, or example, has a strategy designed

to encourage its tenants to engage in projects supporting the community inwhich the center resides. This is true social entrepreneurism that encourages

more well-rounded, community minded business leaders.

Growing on our own represents the new rontier in economic development.

We should all be encouraged that the Greater Lansing region has the talent,

nancial backing and entrepreneurial spirit that is creating exciting new

businesses, jobs and investment that will lead our community into the 21st

century economy and beyond.

A MessageFrom The President

Focus.August.2012

We Need to Grow Our Own2012

Board o Directors

OfcersCHAIR 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

Diision DirectorsINTL BUSINESS SERvICES

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

GOvERNmENT RELATIONSKevin McKinneyMcKinney & Associates

mARKETING & COmmUNICATIONJoe Ford

Netvantage Marketing

mEmBERSHIP SERvICESDeb Muchmore

Marketing Resource Group

At-Large

FocusEDITOR

Ross Woodstock

PRINTINGSpartan Printing, Inc.

mAILINGHot Prospects Direct

COvER PHOTOTrumpie Photography

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

Blue Cross Blue Shield ........................................5

C2AE ....................................................................6

CAMW ..................................................................3

Dean Black Car ..................... ....................... ... BC

Granger .............................................................14

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

MSUFCU ...............................................................9

PHP .....................................................................15

Sparrow..............................................................13

Adertisers

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News &Events

Focus.August.2012

Eent cost is coplientary or these enhanced ebership leels:Bronze Gold Silver Platinum

Tuesday, augusT 14 MeMber Mixer, 5 - 7p.m., Wharton Center or Perorming Arts withood and beverage service provided by SpartanSignature Catering. 750 E. Shaw Lane, EastLansing, MI 48824. $10 member, $30 non-member. Includes hors doeuvres.

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Tuesday, augusT 21 LansinG Open, 8:30a.m. registration opens. Shotgun start at 10:00a.m. at Eagle Eye Gol Course, 15500 S.Chandler Rd., Bath. Enjoy the summer weatherand network at our annual gol tournament heldat Eagle Eye Gol Course. Pre-registration isrequired. Pricing is $200 per person or $750 ora oursome. Player package includes greens ee& cart, player git, beverage tickets, lunch anddinner. To reserve your place or a sponsorship,

please contact Jennier Wagemann, Manager,Events and Programming, at 517-853-6456or jwagemann@lansingchamber.org.

ThuRsday, sepTembeR 6 ChaMber 360,8 9:30 a.m., Lansing Regional Chamber oCommerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48912.New, veteran and prospective members areencouraged to attend Chamber 360, sponsoredby ASK, to learn about the ull range o Chamberbenets and how to maximize your investment.

Meet our sta and nd out how we are workingor you through business growth and advocacyinitiatives, exclusive member benet programs,member exposure, networking and educationalevent opportunities. This is a FREE event, butspace is limited. To register or this event, pleasevisit www.lansingchamber.org.

Wednesday, sepTembeR 5 DeLtaGOvernMent reLatiOns COMMittee, 8 9:30 a.m. Lexington Lansing Hotel, 925S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. The DeltaGovernment Relations Committee meets the rstWednesday o each month to provide a orumor business leaders to discuss important issuesaecting Delta Township. This month, we are

joined by the Delta Side Business Associationin a joint meeting. To ensure adequate seating,please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingchamber.org.

Tuesday, sepTembeR 11 MeMber Mixer,5 - 7 p.m., Location To Be Determined. Cost is$10 member, $30 non-member. Includes horsdoeuvres.

Wednesday, sepTembeR 12 eCOnOMiCCLub, 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel& Conerence Center, East Lansing. Speaker:Michael Rush, ounding director, Eli and EdytheBroad Art Museum. Program begins at noon;please arrive early or registration & networking.

Single tickets $40, or tables o 8 $300 (includeslunch). Pre-registration is required. To register orthis event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

Wednesday, sepTembeR 21 east LansinG/ MeriDian GOvernMent reLatiOns

COMMittee, 8 9 a.m., Location TBD. TheEast Lansing / Meridian Government RelationsCommittee meets the third Wednesday o eachmonth to provide a orum or business leadersto discuss important issues aecting EastLansing/Meridian Township. To ensure adequate

seating, please RSVP to Jason Green at jgreen@lansingchamber.org.

Tuesday, sepTembeR 2510 Over the nextten, 6 8 p.m. Presented by the LansingRegional Chamber o Commerce and GrandRiver Connection, these awards recognize theyoung proessionals in our community who areviewed as tomorrows leaders. The awards willbe presented in conjunction with GRCs FourthTuesday networking event. This is a ree event.

Septeber

Econoic ClubWednesday, September 12

11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m.Kellogg Center

Big Ten Rooms B&C

Speaker:Michael Rush,

Founding DirectorEli and Edythe Broad ArtMuseum

Tickets:$40/$300 table of eight

Register:www.lansingchamber.org

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WelcomeNew Members

Thank YouRenewing Members

Focus.August.2012

Alro Steel Corporation

American Board o EmergencyMedicine

Azzi Jewelers

Bergmann Associates, Inc.

CBI Rehabilitation Services Inc.Celebration! Cinema

Central Michigan University

Clark-Hill, P.L.C.

Delta FlowersDeLucas Restaurant

Dickinson Wright PLLC

Ellis Cleaning Company

Erics Reuse, LLC

Fairview Realty Co.Flinto & Klein CPAs

Foresight Group, Inc.Frook Plumbing

Gongwer News Service

H.J. Umbaugh & AssociatesHawk Hollow Gol Club &

Banquet Facility

Jackson National Lie ChildDevelopment Center

Kitsmiller RV

Lake Trust Credit Union

Lansing Charter Township

Lansing Christian SchoolLansing State Journal

Lyman & Sheets InsuranceAgency

Mayberry Homes, Inc.

Medler Electric Company

Meijer Inc.

Michigan InternationalSpeedway

Michigan Merchant Services

Michigan Public Power Agency

Mulder CompanyNetvantage Marketing

Nip-N-Sip Catering, Inc.

NTH Consultants, Ltd.

Nuthouse Sports GrillOLeary Paint

Pratt & Whitney AutoAir, Inc.

Quality Dairy Company

Quest Sotware, Inc.

RehmannSam Eyde Management

Company, L.L.C.Security Alarm Co., Inc.

T.L. Hart, Inc.

Techmark, Inc.The Assured Limited

Partnership

The Centennial Group

Wilson Heating & AirConditioning

Young Automotive Group, Inc.

a. scott grl & aocit

1650 Kendale Blvd., Ste. 110East Lansing, MI 48823

(800) 342-7896www.grabellaw.com

groti, Ic.

447 North Canal Rd., Ste. ALansing, MI 48917(616) 949-7950

www.grotenhuis.com

ToCo alt, Ic.

3694 Columbia Rd.Mason, MI 48854(517) 676-5600

www.tomcoasphalt.com

mior Crtio693 Grand River Ave.

Okemos, MI 48864-3110(517) 347-2900

www.minorcreations.com

T Tocco so

4405 W. Saginaw Hwy.Lansing, MI 48917(517) 327-0717

www.thetobaccoshoppeinc.com

L Fill gllr

336 E. Michigan Ave.Lansing, MI 48933(517) 526-7150

www.kleinartisticnishes.com

p sttio et Cot s

3020 E. Saginaw, Ste. 3Lansing, MI 48912(517) 993-5016

www.penn-station.com

mici Rock n brw, LLC

2001 E. MichiganLansing, MI 48912(517) 898-2217

www.michiganrockinbrew.com

arrow 53

6491 Lansdown Dr.Dimondale, MI 48821

(952) 456-3786www.arrowS3.com

ati allic o mici720 N. Harrison Rd.

East Lansing, MI 48823(517) 290-2676

www.autismallianceomichigan.org

mrc o di

2450 Delhi Commerce Dr.,Ste. 11

Holt, MI 48842(517) 699-4863www.marchodimes.com/

michigan

It prit dowtow

209 S. Washington Sq.Lansing, MI 48933-1807

(517) 371-5205www.instydowntown.com

silif accoti & Tx

srvic, Ic4305 S. Cedar St.Lansing, MI 48910-5461

(517) 882-2441www.simplied-tax.com

aric Lr ski Ctr

2150 Association Dr., Ste. 240Okemos, MI 48864(517) 347-8240

www.americanlaser.com

u.s. Citl mort

227 S. Washington Sq.Lansing, MI 48933(517) 351-5626

www.USCmortgage.com

Please remember to use the member login portion of the

Chamber website to keep your contact information up-to-date.

This will ensure that you receive all Chamber communications in

a timely manner. Contact us at 517.487.6340 if you have

any questions or are not receiving our communications.

ChamberMilestones

Wed like to oer a special salute to

these great organizations that reached

milestone anniversaries as Chambermembers this month. Thank you or your

continued support through the years!

American Boardof Emergency Medicine

30 years

Fairview Realty Co.20 years

Lansing Christian School15 years

Sam EydeManagement Company, L.L.C.

10 years

Mayberry Homes10 years

Bergmann Associates, Inc.

5 years

Meijer, Inc.5 years

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Regionalism

Focus.August.2012

Suit and tie: gone.Overbearing boss: gone.Really good health plan:not going anywhere.

Get exceptional value with small business health coverage

rom the Blues

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A revolutionary HMO product that rewards your employeesor adopting healthier liestyles.

Simply BlueSMA PPO product, with over 120,000 members in just a year, that oersemployees a comprehensive health plan at a competitive price.

Healthy employees are good or businessAnd by oering frst-rate coverage thatyou and your employees can aord,your business can thrive.

Learn more today.Call 517-487-6340 or visitMIBeneftAdvisor.com/LansingChamber.

Your Chamber

Exclusively Endorses

R004525

A group o community leaders that has been exploring strategies to encouragea more regional approach to delivering government services is urging localgovernment ocials to implement recommendations rom a recently completedstudy on Emergency Services in the metro Lansing area.

The group o regional business executives, Michigan State University president

Lou Anna Simon, and the Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce (LRCC),have been meeting or a year in e orts to develop a unied regional agenda that

would improve the delivery o government services and enable the region tobe more competitive in attracting and retaining business investment and jobs.

In a recent letter to supporters, President Simon and LRCC President and CEOTim Daman cited the need or ollow-up on a pair o benchmark reports that

provided insight into the eciency o local government in the Metro Lansingregion. Dr. Eric Scorsones Greater Lansing Fiscal Scorecard revealed that theregion has 77 local units o government including 12 cities, 14 villages and 48townships. Collectively, the services delivered by these governments representa $500 million enterprise.

The recently released Plante Moran Emergency Services Study calls or anincremental approach to consolidating re services in the region. The studyrecommends the region begin with increased service sharing, includingautomatic mutual aid, and move towards the creation o an authority toinclude, at rst, Lansing, East Lansing and Lansing Township. The letter statesthat the group intends to encourage Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and EastLansing City Manager George Lahanas to move orward in implementing therecommendations.

The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce has plans to conduct pollingresearch this summer involving citizens and business leaders, which willprovide data about the publics understanding and support or meaningulchange in the provision o government services. The group o business leadersplans to meet again in September to review research results and discussprogress o the Emergency Services Study.

Community Leaders Advance Regional Agenda

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InternationalBusiness

Focus.August.2012

Thinking o taking your local company to thenext level? The Pure Michigan State Trade ExportPromotion (STEP) program allows regionalcompanies to apply or nancial assistance orexport-related activities. As part o the MichiganEconomic Development Corporations strategy

to support the growth o Michigan-basedcompanies, STEP was developed to provide directreimbursements o up to $25,000 in assistance.Financial assistance is available or opportunitiesincluding overseas trade mission and tradeshow participation, oreign market sales trips,subscription to U.S. Department o Commerceservices, oreign language translation services orexport marketing materials and website assets.

A STEP grant was recently awarded to BakerDrivetraina motorcycle drivetrain companybased in Haslett, Michigan. The companystarted with Bert Bakers personal invention 14years ago, which is now a transormationalproduct sold throughout the world. Armed witha mechanical engineering degree rom MichiganState University, a history in the motor crosscircuit, and a mind or transmission construction,Bert developed the BAKER OD6a 6-speed

overdrive that transormed the H-D market.The news o Bakers invention spread across

America and soon there was a high demand orhis BAKER OD6. Bakers creativity and technical

engineering skills, coupled with his wie Lisastalent or engineering and management, led to thedevelopment o Baker Drivetrain, with Baker asChie Engineer and Chie Executive Ocer and Lisaas President and Chie Operating Ocer. BakerDrivetrain dedicates its ocus to the American

motorcycle drivetrain and remains the authorityon V-Twin drivetrain to this dayusing materials,labor and creativity only rom the U.S.A.

Baker Drivetrain soon established successulexport channels in Australia, Canada, and severalEuropean countries, and is continuously lookingor urther expansion into oreign markets. Thisyear, Baker Drivetrain received a STEP grant inthe amount o $5,629.66 to help und its trip to

the 2012 Cincinnati V-Twin International TradeShow this past February. This show is the biggestinternational event within the motorcycle industryand brought together thousands o visitorsincluding international distributors and dealers.

The STEP grant was used to create an elaboratetrade show display and or travel costs, as wellas seminars relative to Baker Drivetrains productline.

The MEDC was extremely helpul, especiallysince we had never applied or grant moneyor assistance in the past, said Baker. LauraDeierlein, international trade development

STEP Grant Helps Baker Drivetrain Expand Overseas

manager at MEDC, helped us navigate throughthe necessary paperwork.

The Cincinnati show proved successul orBaker Drivetrain as they had discussions withrepresentatives rom two major distributors inJapan and the Netherlands.

It has paid o already. When we inormed ourcurrent distributor in Germany that we had spokento the major distributor in the Netherlands, theystepped up their orders to us in an attemptto show us that they can handle the Europeanmarket, Baker said.

Bakers next steps are to travel with a salesassociate to Japan and Europe to meet with

prospective dealers and distributors and to gain adeeper understanding o their markets.

Companies should really take advantage o theMEDC opportunities, including the STEP grants,he said. There is big potential or overseas salesand we must cultivate it.

For more inormation about the STEP program,visit www.lansingchamber.org/step-program-0 orcontact Laura Deierlein at 517.487.6340 or at

deierleinl@michigan.org.

ELEVATING HUMAN ACHIEVEMENT

Fifth location announced: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Building on our roots in West Michigan, our new Kalamazoo office

will allow us to grow our services, foster our client base and engage

new talent. c2ae.com 866.454.3923

L A N S I N G G A Y L O R D G R A N D R A P I D S E S C A N A B A K A L A M A Z O O

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Deadline Approaching to Register for October China Trip

The deadline to register or the LansingRegional Chamber o Commerces(LRCC) trip to China is August 16. Thetrip, which takes place October 16-25,

will provide people in the Greater Lansingregion exposure to the culture, market and

business opportunities that exist in China.The trip is targeted or Chamber members,but is open to other interested businessand community leaders.

The opportunity to combine the enjoymento Chinas amazing historic sites andmake important business connections

while there makes this one o the mostimportant trips any business person could

ever make, said Chris Holman, publishero the Greater Lansing Business Monthly.I have been doing business in China or manyyears, and look orward to being part o thisgreat experience.

The Lansing to China all-inclusive trip will includevisiting the historic cities o Beijing, Suzhou andShanghai. Members will also get the chance tosee top tourist destinations such as the GreatWall o China, The Forbidden City, Temple o the

Heavens, Tiananmen Square, and will also visitvarious actories to see how Chinese productsare made. They will also experience authenticChinese cuisine and explore global businessand networking opportunities.

This trip will not only provide businessproessionals with the chance to network, butit will also help bridge the gap between our

two countries by allowing both sides tolearn how to work together or mutuallybenecial business opportunities, saidCapital National Bank president and CEOPaula Cunningham.

The cost or the trip or double occupancyis $2,388 per person and includesroundtrip airare rom LAX to Beijing, hotelaccommodations, 17 meals and tours(fight to/rom LAX, passport and visaexpense are not included in price).

Pre-travel cultural training is availablethrough 7C Lingo. This package willinclude three hours o Chinese culturaltraining, business dos and donts, along

with etiquette training over a traditionalChinese meal and the option to have yourbusiness card translated. $285/person, $250/each additional traveler.

InternationalBusiness

Focus.August.2012

New STEP Program Web Page on LRCC Website

The State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP)now has its own web page on the Lansing

Regional Chamber o Commerces (LRCC)

websi te to serve as a resource center to urther

assist Michigan companies in understanding

the STEP program and the grant applicationprocess. The program is intended to assistbusinesses in all stages o exporting, includingcompanies that have never exported but are

interested in learning more, organizationsthat have exported on occasion and want toincrease their involvement in oreign markets,and expert exporters seeking to expand volumeand/or enter new markets.

LRCC is the host organization or the CentralMichigan Regional Export Network (REN),

which consists o 17 count ies: Ingham, Eaton,Clinton, Clare, Isabella, Gratiot, Midland,

Saginaw, Shiawassee, Arenac, Bay, Genesee,Tuscola, Lapeer, Huron, Sanilac and St., C lair.LRCCs role is to coordinate communication withclient companies or training, development oexport roadmaps and plans, and connections

to public and private service providers involved

in global trade.

The new web page explains the STEP program,

as well as providing inormation about upcomingexport workshops and events. It also has a section

o case studies on previous grant recipients

or those looking to understand how the grant

process can be useul or export initiatives. There

is also a map o the our regional export networks

(RENs) and their contact inormation or potential

applicants to receive urther assistance and other

services in their region.

Companies interested in applying or grantscan read the eligibility guidelines and apply

via an online application orm or inancial

assistance. Visit the STEP web page at: http://

www.lansingchamber.org/step-program-0.

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MembershipServices

Focus.August.2012

The 2012 Lansing Opening is only weeksaway, so register TODAY or the summersmost anticipated gol event on Tuesday, August21 at Eagle Eye Gol Course. Registration andnetworking will begin at 8:30 a.m., ollowed bya 10 a.m. shotgun start.

Golers will gather together or an excitingopportunity to network with each other whileenjoying a un, relaxed game o gol. Volunteers,members and guests will have the chance tomeet a potential client or maybe a uture businesspartner. You never know who you could meet or

what ideas might be generated at the tee.

The cost to participate is $200 or Chambermembers, $245 or non-members and $750 ora oursome. Pricing includes green ees, cart,

player git, lunch, and dinner & beverage tickets.Sponsorship levels exist to match a variety obudgets. Sponsorship inormation, registrationoptions and much more is available at www.lansingchamber.org or by contacting JennierWagemann at 517.853.6456 or jwagemann@lansingchamber.org.

Attendees at the September Economic Clubluncheon will have the privilege o an inside look atthe world-class Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

opening in November on the campus o MichiganState University. The presentation by MichaelRush, ounding director o the Broad Museum,

will mark the kick-o o the all Economic Clubseries. The remainder o the 2012 Economic Clubseries will include the annual Healthcare Forum,Celebration o Regional Growth Awards and the2013 economic orecast.

Tickets are $40 per event or $300 or a table

o eight. Tickets can be purchased at www.lansingchamber.org. Economic Club luncheonsare held rom 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. atthe Michigan State University Kellogg Hotel andConerence Center.

Launching Businesses from the Tee to the Green

Be a Part of the 2012 Lansing Open

t ccl cy egl ey Gol Co lwy glg o gol Lg O.

Economic Club Set to Finish 2012 with Strong Speaker Line-up

Fall 2012 Economic Club SpeakersWednesday, September 12 Michael Rush, Founding Director

Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum

Thursday, October 11 Healthcare ForumLaura Czelada, CEO & PresidentDelta Dental o Michigan

Thursday, November 1 Celebration o Regional Growth Awards

Thursday, December 13 Mitch Stapley, Chie Fixed Income OcerFith Third Asset Management

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MembershipServices

The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce is seeking nominations orthe 2012 ATHENA and 10 Over the Next Ten awards.

The ATHENA Awardhonors women and

men who strivetoward the highestlevels o proessionala c c o m p l i s h m e n t ,excel in their choseneld, have devotedtime and energy to their community, and is a trailblazer or other womento ollow. The ATHENA Award celebrates the potential o all women asleaders o the community and recognizes those who support them. The

ATHENA Awards luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 6. T

oitio r novr 1, 2012. For an application, pleasecontact Michelle Rahl, director o marketing & events, at 517-853-6457or mrahl@lansingchamber.org. Completed applications can be emailedto mrahl@lansingchamber.org or axed to 517-484-6910.

10 Over the Next Tenrecognizes the Lansingregions top youngproessionals who areexpected to contribute

signicantly to our communityover the next ten years. 10Over the Next Ten applicantsare judged based on theirproessional achievement,community involvement andpersonal success. Applicantsare required to be 35-years-old or younger as o October 1, 2012,proessionally centered in the tri-county area (Ingham, Eaton & Clinton)and with a minimum o two years working in the Greater Lansing region.

noitio will cct til 5 .. o at 31, 2012.Applications can be downloaded o the Lansing Regional Chamberwebsite http://www.lansingchamber.org/page/10-over-next-10 andshould be sent to the Chamber at the attention o Michelle Rahl, directoro marketing & events at 517-853-6457 or mrahl@lansingchamber.org.

Nominations Sought for ATHENA

and 10 Over the Next Ten Awards

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10

Now, a start-up doesnt have to go to Chicago,

Grand Rapids or Silicon Valley. They can receive the

support they need right here in Lansing.

ashion industry is one that Smith and Szymusiak see as a high potential high-growth possibility. The ability to market and sell online has become a game-

changer in that entrepreneurs with designer clothing lines have aordable accessto world-wide markets and no longer have to worry about the expense o a brick-and-mortar location.

You have a person like ormer MSU basketball star Lauren Aitch, a hometownhero with a line o designer clothes, said Smith. We want people like her whodecide to start a business in the community, to buy a house and remain herelong-term.

The olks at the NEO Center and TIC agree that a broader lesson can be applied toeconomic development eorts in the region, and that is that the incubator strategy

can be used as a strategy to grow the overall economy.

Were talking about part o the economy that has been missing, said Smith.Weve learned how to leverage our resources and build a support network or newindustries in ways that havent been done beore.

What is clear is that entrepreneurial spirit and innovation is being nurtured andis fourishing in entirely new and exciting ways in the Greater Lansing region.Incubators like the NEO Center and TIC are oering greater chances or success orentrepreneurs and start-ups. More incubators are opening, including one plannedor the all o 2013 in the renovated Knapps building in downtown Lansing.

Lansing is now a place to start a business, said Stewart. I you want to do so,we have the resources to help it happen.

Neo Center co-ounder Chris Van Wyck. Wewant graduates to put down stakes in ourregion and stay or a long time.

Ken Szymusiak (l) and Je Smith (r), are co-directorso LEAPs New Economy Division. LEAP and the Cityo East Lansing jointly manage TIC.

Justin Caine and Kraig Westall o Good Fruit Video, one othe successul graduate companies o TIC.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Spirit

from page 1

614 seymour ave. lansing, mi 48933

517 203 3333 | www.m3group.biz

celebrating 10 years, countless high-fves

and many memorable aha moments.

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11

MembersOn The Move

Focus.August.2012

PEOPLE NEWS

Highelds has selectedClo Coy Mk

o Onondaga and adys, a partner oLyman & Sheets Insurance

Agency, as its annualaward recipients.Clones

Country Market earned the2012 Partnership Award

or the stores long-standing nancial support andinvolvement with Highelds. Andy Sheets earnedthe Robert Drake Citizenship Award or his long-standing support and involvement in Higheldsundraising eorts.

plcom, ic., a ull-service marketing and

public relations rm, hashired voc Klm asproduction manager. Inher new position, she willmanage the productionand delivery o all agencycreative and productiondepartment work.

Coo d p,a worksite wellnessconsulting rm hasnamed K sdkasmanaging partner.

t Cl Go o Lansing is pleasedto welcome Dy D, ry udll,nck McCly, and ajy amgm to itsorganization. Ater an in-depth selection process,they are entering the apprenticeship phase o the

Advisor Development Program.

sly s. Kog,

J., superintendent oigm imd

scool Dc, has beenelected president o theMichigan Associationo Intermediate School

Administrators (MAISA).

MAISA is comprised o superintendents andadministrators representing 57 IntermediateSchool Districts (ISDs) in the State o Michigan.

The physical therapyoce o t tyi, LLC, is pleasedto announce pmlGok, Mpt, CsCs has

joined their oce.

Cbre|M (Cbre) is pleased to announce thatJ rdo, a 25-year veteran o commercialreal estate, has joined the company as anassociate in brokerage services.

COMPANY NEWS

Expanding membership or non-prot associationsis the goal o a new division and website (www.hospitalitysellingsolutions.com) established byMichigan-based holy sllg solo(hss), according to s p bg, ownerand ounder o HSS.

The Michigan Department o Transportation

(MDOT) and id tl, ic., have teamed upto install hearing loop technology on a feet o17 motor coaches operating 34 scheduled routesthat serve passengers throughout Michigansupper and lower peninsulas.

Commcl bl, ic./Cbl pg isreally on the move. The company has movedto a new location at 3125 Pine Tree Rd. Ste. B,Lansing, MI 48911.

Located in the ormer Gunnisonville ElementarySchool, Ll scol no Cm openedin March and is enrolling children ages 0-6. Formore inormation on Little Scholars PreparatorySchool, including curriculum and tuition prices,contact them at www.littlescholarsprep.com or517-993-5195.

Clk Coco Comy recently completed

construction o a 10,000 square-oot bingo roomaddition last month at FireKeepers Casino locatednear Battle Creek, MI. A grand opening o thebingo room was held on July 4, 2012.

pyc hl pl (php), a Lansing-based health maintenance organization, hasbeen awarded accreditation oered by URAC, aWashington, D.C.-based healthcare accreditingorganization that establishes quality standardsor the healthcare industry.

plcom recently presented seven Michigannonprots with approximately $135,000 wortho ree marketing materials created during its ProBono Publico! 24-hour blitz. The round-the-clock

work began at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 14,and concluded at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 15. The2012 Pro Bono Publico! clients included:

First Step (Plymouth, Mich.) Gateway Community Services (East

Lansing, Mich.) Hope Medical Clinic, Inc. (Ypsilanti,

Mich.)

ady s

voc Klm

K sdk

sly s. Kog, J.

t plcom m cclly comld

po boo plco! 24-o lz.

pml Gok

continued on page 13

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12

GovernmentRelations

Focus.August.2012

The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce, inpartnership with the Center or Michigan (CFM),recently hosted a Community Conversation onEducation or members o the business communityand educational advocates. The orum, with over50 attendees, provided participants an opportunityto discuss educational reorm and establish keypriorities on the uture o public education. Thediscussion aimed to expand the knowledge oemployers, educators and community memberson the many educational choices acing Michigantoday. Over the course o 18 months, the CFM willbe conducting conversations (ocus groups) togather and ampliy the voices o Michigan citizensto ensure whats going on in Lansing refects theviews o its people. I you are interested in hostinga Community Conversation on Education, contact

Amber Toth with the Center or Michigan at (734)926-4284.

Every two years, an event critical to the uture o Michigans business climateis held in downtown Grand Rapids.

Chamber members are encouraged to mark your calendars now and registertoday or the West Michigan Policy Forum (WMPF) September 12 13,2012 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, JW Marriott and St. Cecilia MusicCenter.

The Lansing Regional Chamber o Commerce is happy to be a partner in thisyears event, along with eight other Chambers o Commerce, ve regionaleconomic development organizations, the Michigan Chamber o Commerceand Business Leaders or Michigan. The WMPF is committed to ACTION andengaging attendees in ace-to-ace discussions about many o Michigansmost pressing issues. Conerence attendees will participate in helping builda set o regional priorities and set a collaborative business agenda or theuture.

The WMPF was launched in 2008 in partnership with many regional andlocal Chambers throughout the state. The idea was simple: Get the bestminds in business and public policy together to help create a set o marchingorders or our elected ocials at the Capitol.

The elimination o the Michigan Business Tax was a central pillar o theWMPFs agenda (developed at the 2008 inaugural event) and wasaccomplished in 2011, along with a critical realignment in governmentspending.

The work is not done. The 2012 Conerence will host many world leaders inthe areas o health care policy, talent attraction, innovation and transportationlogistics. Well also hear rom small businesses, the CEOs o some o thestates largest employers and leaders o some o Michigans key economicdevelopment organizations about the challenges and opportunities that lieahead.

Technology will play a major part in the conerence experience this year,so bring your iPad or borrow one when you check in at the event. Theconerence will be utilizing an exclusive WMPF iPad app, allowing real-timediscussions, the ability to ask questions o our presenters and or use in anagenda-setting vote at the end o the event.

Registration or the conerence and more inormation can be ound atwww.wmpolicyorum.com

Community Encouraged to Engage in

Conversation on Education

Mo 50 ol dd Commy Coo o edco ld Lg rgol

Cm o Commc.

Chamber Members Encouraged to Attend West Michigan Policy ForumSeptember 12-13

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13

MembersOn The Move

Send your news to Michelle Rahlat mrahl@lansingchamber.org

Sparrow is proud to be

Michigans frst member

of the prestigious MayoClinic Care Network.

Sparrow is the rst health system in

Michigan and one of the rst ve in the

nation to be selected to be a member of

the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Through this collaboration, Sparrow

physicians will have access to the latest

Mayo Clinic expertise and clinical care

resources to help care for our Patients.

By working together, Sparrow and Mayo

Clinic look to build new and innovative

ways to provide the best possible care for

mid-Michigan.

Read more about how Sparrow

is transforming healthcare

in mid-Michigan by visiting

ourfuture.sparrow.org

Mason Public Schools Foundation (Mason, Mich.) McLaren Lapeer Region Foundation/Community Fitness Initiative

(Lapeer, Mich.) Peppermint Creek Theatre Company (Lansing, Mich.) The Legacy Center or Community Success (Midland, Mich.)

rock s Wo has joined in a ormal agreement with the MichiganDepartment o Military and Veterans Aairs and the Michigan National Guard.The collaboration o these entities brings to our veterans many more resourcesthan any o the entities could provide individually. The collaboration wasormalized at the recent National Veterans Conerence in Detroit.

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from page 11

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14

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Chamber In Action

Focus.August.2012

COLLECTING TOMORROWS ENERGY

WWW.GRANGERNET.COM

For nearly 50 years Granger

has served mid-Michigan and

communities nationwide as a leading

comprehensive environmental

management frm.

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Chamber In Action

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el (LrCC).

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lansingchamber.orgAddress Correction Requested