DECEMBER 2013

KELLY ROSSMAN-MCKINNEY 2013 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENT

BILL KIMBLE TO LEAD 2014 CHAMBER BOARD

LRCC/UAW CANDIDATES SWEEP TO ELECTION WINS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: BREAKING GLASS CEILINGS

DECEMBER 2013

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Tim DamanPresident and CEO

Lansing Regional

Chamber of Commerce

The lasting impact of the ATHENA Award is in the inspiration that its recipients

have provided to the next generation of women leaders.”

When Martha Mertz joined the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in the late 1970s, the first thing she noticed was there were no other women on the board. Mertz was determined to change the status quo. Among her many determined efforts as president of the Chamber Board in 1982 was to create the ATHENA Award. In doing so, Mertz hoped to establish an award that would recognize individuals who demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession; have provided valuable services to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and has actively assisted women in achieving their full leadership potential.

Mission accomplished. Since its founding in Lansing, ATHENA’s success has literally spread around the world with more than 6,000 awards having been presented in over 500 communities.

We are most proud at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce to have taken a leadership role four years ago in efforts to revitalize the ATHENA program. The decision to create a standalone annual luncheon to recognize the ATHENA winner has brought a much-deserved increase in recognition for our recipients.

The list of individuals who have been honored with the ATHENA Award in Lansing the past 31 years is a Who’s Who of community and business leaders whose contributions to our region have been enormous. Much like the 2013 ATHENA winner, Kelly Rossman-McKinney, they have been great leaders who dared to challenge the status quo and have persevered through numerous challenges to continuously make their mark.

Whereas seeing a woman in the boardroom may have been an anomaly in 1982, the true legacy of ATHENA is that women today are firmly entrenched in prominent leadership roles in business, non-profits, education and government. It has been my privilege the past two years to work with two such leaders who have served as chairs of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Paula Cunningham (2013) and Nancy McKeague (2012), both past ATHENA recipients, have served our Chamber and this region with dignity and distinction.

The lasting impact of the ATHENA Award is in the inspiration that its recipients have provided to the next generation of women leaders. It is truly exciting to see so many women in our region establishing themselves as entrepreneurs, running for office and making notable contributions to our community. We have no shortage of excellent role models whose careers can provide insight, wisdom and encouragement. Young professionals in particular would be well served to learn from our ATHENA winners and others who refused to accept business as usual and smashed barriers on their way to success.

A Message From The President

ATHENA’s Legacy: Breaking Glass Ceilings

Blue Cross Blue Shield .........................11

C2AE ....................................................12

Fit Leader’s Program ..............................4

M3 Group ...............................................4

McLaren ..................................................5

Mercantile Bank ................................... BC

MSUFCU ...............................................17

Sparrow ..................................................7

WKAR .....................................................3

ADVERTISERS

2013 Board of Directors

OfficersBOARD CHAIR Paula Cunningham

Capitol National Bank

PAST CHAIRNancy McKeague

Michigan Health and Hospital Association

CHAIR ELECTBill Kimble

C2AE

LEGAL COUNSELJeff Hicks

Dart Container Corporation

TREASURERJeff Fineis

Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC

PRESIDENTTim Daman

Lansing Regional Chamber

Division DirectorsINT’L BUSINESS SERVICES

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

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Kevin McKinneyMcKinney & Associates

MARKETING & COMMUNICATION Joe Ford

Netvantage Marketing

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Deb Muchmore

Marketing Resource Group

At-Large

FOCUSEDITORS

Ross Woodstock Michelle Rahl

DESIGN & PRINTINGSpartan Printing, Inc.

MAILINGBRD Mailing Incorporated

COVER PHOTOGRAPHYTrumpie Photography

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHYFresh Image Design, LLC

Dave Baker Farm Bureau Insurance

Melanie Bergeron Two Men & A Truck

Mark Burnham Michigan State University

Leslie Brogan Comcast

John Brown Jackson National

Life Insurance

Stella Cash Sparrow Health System

Patrick Dean Dean Transportation

Andre Hutson Conquest Fitness and Health

Dave Mulder Meijer, Inc.

Steve Reynolds Accident Fund Holdings

Patrick Salow Hayes Green Beach Hospital

Jason Sanders Fifth Third Bank

Tim Salisbury PNC Bank

Heather Shawa-DeCook Demmer Corporation

Tom Stewart Common Wealth Enterprises

Bob Trezise LEAP, Inc.

Ryan Vartoogian Spartan Internet Consulting

Bill Woodbury Auto-Owners Insurance

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News & Events

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8 – 9 a.m. Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, MI 48917. The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues affecting Delta Township. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Kristin Beltzer at kbeltzer@lansingchamber.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 CHAMBER 360, 8 – 10:00 a.m., Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Insurance Capital Board Room, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48912. New, veteran and prospective members are encouraged to attend Chamber 360, sponsored by ASK, to learn about the full range of Chamber benefits and how to maximize your investment. Meet our staff and find out how we are working for you through business growth and advocacy initiatives, exclusive member benefit programs, member exposure, networking and educational event opportunities. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. To RSVP for this event, please contact John Duda at jduda@lansingchamber.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 2013 ATHENA AWARD PRESENTATION, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Join us as we induct Kelly Rossman-McKinney as the newest member of the ATHENA Award legacy. $55/member, $75/nonmember and $425 table of eight. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 HOLIDAY MIXER WITH THE GILLESPIE GROUP, 5 - 7 p.m. 330 Marshall Street, Suite 100, Lansing Charter Township, MI 48912. Our annual holiday mixer is sponsored by the Gillespie Group. The event will take place in the Gillespie office located in The Armory, the recently renovated military facility that now houses a variety of non-profits. $10 member, $30 non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Jonathan W. Kozy, senior vice president and senior research analyst for Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Sponsored by Bank of America. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single tickets $40, or tables of 8 $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8 – 9 a.m. Location: TBD. The Delta Government Relations Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month to provide a forum for business leaders to discuss important issues affecting Delta Township. The meeting date for January is pushed back a week to accommodate the New Year’s holiday. To ensure adequate seating, please RSVP to Kristin Beltzer at kbeltzer@lansingchamber.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 MEMBER MIXER, 5 - 7 p.m. Simplified Tax & Accounting Services, 1120 Keystone Ave., Lansing, MI 48911. $10 member, $30 non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 BUSINESS EDUCATION SERIES: EATON COUNTY ECONOMIC CRIME UNIT, 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. University Club, 3435 Forest Rd., Lansing, MI 48910. Come hear from Doug Lloyd, the Eaton County Prosecutor, as he discusses the Eaton County Economic Crimes Unit and how that division is saving local businesses millions of dollars. This free service is a win-win situation for businesses: merchants get their money back and the bad check writers pay for their own investigation and prosecution. Cost: $10/members and $15/nonmembers (light breakfast will be provided). Registration can be completed at www.lansingchamber.org.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Lou Anna K. Simon, President of Michigan State University. Sponsored by the Eyde Company. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. Single tickets $40, or tables of 8 $300 (includes lunch). Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.

SAVE THE DATE 102ND ANNUAL DINNER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014

MSU KELLOGG HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

REGISTER TODAY FOR EARLY BIRD PRICING!

EVENT COST IS COMPLIMENTARY FOR THESE ENHANCED MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:

Bronze Silver Gold Platinum

Your community is tuned into WKAR.

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AKEA WEB SOLUTIONS, LLC2109 Hamilton Rd, Suite 230 Okemos, MI(269) 832-7470 www.akeaweb.com

BELCAN STAFFING SOLUTIONS 7050 W. Saginaw Hwy, Suite 2 Lansing, MI 48917(517) 580-4603 www.belcan.com

BUILDING TWENTYONE1288 N. Cedar Mason, MI 48854(517) 614-6539 www.buildingtwentyone.org

CARING HANDS MASSAGE, LLC710 W. Lawrence Ave. Charlotte, MI 48813(517) 599-5283

EATON REGIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE AGENCY1790 E. Packard Hwy. Charlotte, MI 48813(517) 541-8713 www.eatonresa.org

GPS GUIDE TO PERSONAL SOLUTIONS 913 W. Holmes, Ste. 143 Lansing, MI 48910(517) 667-0061

GRAND RIVER CATERING1219 E. Grand RiverEast Lansing, MI 48823(517) 333-7112 www.grandrivercatering.com

HAPPENDANCE3448 Hagadorn Rd., Ste. C Okemos, MI 48864(517) 333-3528 www.happendance.org

HILLIARD LYONS354 S. Cochran #1 Charlotte, MI 48813(517) 543-2278

ICAB INC.2919 1/2 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Lansing, MI 48910(517) 215-7910 www.icablansing.com

IDV SOLUTIONS5913 Executive Drive. Suite 320 Lansing, MI(517) 853-3755 www.idvsolutions.com

JANI-SYSTEMS LLC2600 S Waverly Rd Lansing, MI(517) 231-1525 www.jani-systems.com

JASON HANFLIK TAX & INSURANCE ANALYSIS500 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 412 Lansing, MI 48912(810) 444-4145

KAIT’S VINTAGE CAFE1147 S. Washington Ave. Lansing, MI 48910(517) 371-1600 www.kaitsvintagecafe.com

LANSING REAL GREEN LAWN CARE, INC.5920 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing, MI 48911(517) 887-4989 www.realgreenlawncareinc.com

MARY STUCKO AGENCY - FARM BUREAU-CYNTHIA EISELER2175 Association Dr. Lansing, MI 48864(517) 819-7237 www.marystuckoagency.com

NORTH WINDS HEATING & COOLING, INC.2861 W. Jolly Rd. Okemos, MI 48864-3667(517) 351-6171 www.northwindsusa.com

OLD TOWN GENERAL STORE408 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906(517) 487-6847 www.oldtown-generalstore.co

PEPPINO’S PIZZERIA AND SPORTS GRILLE213 Ann St.East Lansing, MI 48823(616) 293-7114 www.peppinospizza.com

PONDERA ADVISORS5211 Cascade Road, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI(517) 214-2815

SAHARA APARTMENTS, LLC625 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912(517) 962-6006

SPARTAN SPORTS NETWORK2169 N. Cedar St.Holt, MI 48842(517) 699-2200

TOC LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL2350 Port Lansing Rd., Suite 1 Lansing, MI(517) 898-4149 www.toclogistics.com

TUCKNOLOGIES, LLC333 Albert Ave #600East Lansing ,MI 48823(855) 932-9499 www.tucknologies

ZOOBIES OLD TOWN TAVERN611 E. Grand River Ave. Lansing, MI 48906(517) 483-2737 www.zoobiesoldtowntavern.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.

Welcome New Members

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614 Seymour Ave. | Lansing, MIP 517.203.3333 | F 517.203.3334

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7C Lingo

Agate Software, Inc.

Allstate - The Norris Agency

Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC

Azzi Jewelers

Beggars Banquet

Buffalo Wild Wings - West Lansing

Capital Honda

Capital Internal Medicine Associates, P.C.

Capital Region International Airport

Capital Steel & Wire, Inc.

Ciesa Design

Comcast

Core Technology Corp.

Dart, Papesh & Co., Inc.

Delta Dental of Michigan

Dible Builders, Inc.

Doty Mechanical, Inc.

Flooring America - Carpet Studio

Gillespie Group

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

Great Lakes Christian Homes

Ingham County Economic Dev. Corp.

J&L Restoration & Cleaning

Kentwood Office Furniture

Lezotte Miller Public Relations, Inc.

Management Resources Development

Michigan International Speedway

Michigan Public Health Institute

Michigan Virtual University

Murawski’s Tax Service, Inc.

Northwood University - University College

Pace & Partners, Inc.

Paradise Funeral Chapel Administrative Center

Playmakers

Potter Park Zoological Society

Product Resource Company

Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar & Dance Club

Sewer Specialists First, Inc.

Shaklee

Siena Capital Management, LLC

Spartan Water & Coffee Service

State Farm Insurance-Greg Lemanski

Summer Place Townhouses

Superior Business Solutions

Sycamore Equities, Inc.

T.L. Hart, Inc.

Teachout Security Services

Tony Sacco’s

Triterra

Watertown Charter Township

Zeeb Animal Hospital

Thank You Renewing Members

INGHAM COUNTY ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

30 years

PACE & PARTNERS, INC. 25 years

PLAYMAKERS 25 years

STATE FARM INSURANCE-GREG LEMANSKI

25 years

ANDREWS HOOPER PAVLIK PLC

20 years

GILLESPIE GROUP 15 years

J & L RESTORATION & CLEANING

15 years

MICHIGAN VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY

15 years

ZEEB ANIMAL HOSPITAL 15 years

DIBLE BUILDERS, INC. 10 years

COMCAST 10 years

TRITERRA 5 years

Chamber MilestonesWe’d like to offer a special salute to these great organizations that reached milestone anniversaries as Chamber members this month. Thank you for your continued support through the years!

As McLaren Greater Lansing celebrates its centennial anniversary, we would like to pay tribute to all of the individuals who have helped us make leading health care available to our community for the last 100 years. From performing the region’s first open-heart procedure to pioneering arthroscopic surgery, we’ve been advancing medicine across the eras, bringing area residents the highest standards of care.

To our physicians, staff, volunteers and members of governance, from yesterday and today, we thank you for your dedicated efforts that have allowed us to look back upon a century of greater care for Greater Lansing.

Celebrating our centennial anniversary

Providing greater care to Greater Lansing

y e a r s o f g r e at e r c a r e

401 W. Greenlawn Ave., Lansing, MI 48910 | (517) 975-6000

mclaren.org/lansing

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2014 Chamber Board

Bill Kimble of C2AE to Lead Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce 2014 Board of DirectorsJohn Brown of Jackson National Life Insurance to Serve as Chair-Elect in 2014

AT-LARGEDavid Baker, Farm Bureau InsuranceMelanie Bergeron, Two Men & A Truck InternationalLeslie Brogan, ComcastStella Cash, SparrowPatrick Dean, Dean Transportation*Jenn Dubey, EVOLVE Corporate Wellness*David Ferguson, Ferguson Development

*Tony Francavilla, General Motors**Brian Gallagher, Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, P.C. Andre Hutson, Conquest Fitness and HealthDave Mulder, Meijer, Inc.Steve Reynolds, Accident Fund HoldingsPatrick Salow, Hayes Green Beach HospitalJason Sanders, Fifth Third BankTim Salisbury, PNC Bank

Heather Shawa-DeCook, Demmer CorporationTom A. Stewart, Common Wealth EnterprisesBob Trezise, LEAP, Inc.Ryan Vartoogian, Spartan InternetBill Woodbury, Auto-Owners Insurance

*Denotes a New Board Member**Denotes Grand River Connection Board Seat

Bill Kimble, CEO of C2AE, will serve as 2014 chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). Kimble succeeds Paula Cunningham of Capitol National Bank who will remain on the board as Past Chair. John Brown of Jackson National Life Insurance will serve as Chair-Elect in 2014, and will be in line to serve as Board Chair in 2015.

“I look forward to working with the talented Board of Directors and team members at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce in the coming year,” said Kimble. “The Chamber has several initiatives that we will continue to advance in the coming year including our leadership role in regionalism and advocating for pro-business candidates in the 2014 state and local elections.”

The 30-member LRCC Board will include four newcomers: Jenn Dubey of EVOLVE Corporate Wellness, David Ferguson of Ferguson Development, Tony Francavilla of General Motors and Brian Gallagher of Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, P.C. Gallagher’s position is a new board seat that will be reserved for the President of the Grand River Connection (GRC), the largest young professional’s organization in the region.

The 2014 LRCC Board will also feature a newly created Division Director for Regionalism Initiatives, a position created to support the Chamber’s leadership role in advocating advances in regional collaborations. Mark Burnham of Michigan State University will lead that effort in 2014.

Paula CunninghamPast ChairCapitol National Bank

John BrownChair ElectJackson National Life Insurance

Jeff HicksLegal CounselDart Container

Jeff FineisTreasurerAndrews Hooper Pavlik PLC

Tim DamanPresidentLansing Regional Chamber of Commerce

Mark BurnhamDivision Director, Regionalism InitiativesMichigan State University

Joe FordDivision Director, Marketing & CommunicationsNetvantage Marketing

Deb MuchmoreDivision Director, Member ServicesMarketing Resource Group

Kevin McKinneyDivision Director, Government RelationsMcKinney & Associates

Bill KimbleBoard Chair C2AE

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Membership Services

The well-documented problems with the rollout of Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its website healthcare.gov are causing confusion and anxiety among small employers who have promised health insurance to their employees. The best remedy for employers at this point is to stay on top of the inevitable changes that are certain to be announced in coming weeks. That was part of the message delivered by Michael P. James of Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, who served as keynote speaker at the third in a series of ACA forums sponsored by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“I think we will see additional delays,” James told the crowd of Chamber members at the November 13 forum held at the University Club in East Lansing.

James noted the positive impact of the delays was that the deadline for individuals to sign up for health insurance before facing tax penalties has been extended to March

31, 2014. Among other new developments, James suggested that the individual mandate may get pushed back another year.

James encouraged business owners to develop a strategy and create an ACA compliance plan. He also urged employers to form a team

of trusted advisors to guide them through the complex ACA process, a sentiment that was echoed by panelists Nikali Luke, Principal with Simplified

Accounting & Tax Service, and Paul Rathbun, Executive Vice President of the Rathbun Insurance Agency.

“There is no one-size fits all answer,” said James.

Jill Marlan of Peak Performance Physical Therapy has been named the 2014 receipient of the ATHENAPowerLink award. Jill graduated from Wayne State University with her Master’s in Physical Therapy and then went on to complete the Michigan State University Osteopathic Manual Manipulation Education Program and Oakland University Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Program. She opened Peak Performance Physical Therapy in July 2011, and has already exceeded the goals she determined in her five-year plan. Please congratulate Jill on her selection as the 2014 ATHENAPowerLink recipient!

Business Owners Encouraged to Stay on Top of ACA Healthcare Changes

Jill Marlan named 2014 ATHENAPowerlink Recipient

The Chamber’s November Member Mixer was held at the Fantastic Finds impressive new store near the Eastwood Towne Center. Attendees enjoyed a spread that consisted of catering from several of the restaurants in Eastwood Towne Center and Michigan craft brews and wines. Chamber staffers Jennifer Wagemann (l) and Michelle Rahl (r) were among those who enjoyed trying on some of the beautiful dresses at Fantastic Finds!

Jill Marlan

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Government Relations

Kristin Beltzer of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders across Michigan recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in “Bi-Partisan Energy Efficiency Day” where they met with members of Congress to advocate for more energy efficiency.

“Becoming more energy efficient make good business sense as it reduces our consumption of electricity and saves consumers and businesses money” said Kristin Beltzer, senior vice president of government relations at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Policies that encourage energy efficiency create an environment that drives business growth, investment and economic development.”

The group called on Congress to pass the Energy Savings and Industrial Competiveness Act. The bi-partisan bill, sponsored by U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), would promote the use of energy efficient technologies and measures across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

In addition, Congressman Mike Rogers has introduced the Energy Efficiency Government Technology Act, legislation to save the federal government money and energy by requiring the use of energy efficient and energy reduction technologies, particularly in federal data centers (House Resolution 540).

An election year collaboration between the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) and UAW Region I-C (UAW) was a smashing success, as the entire group of candidates endorsed by the business/labor partnership swept to victory in the City of Lansing elections. LRCC and UAW had jointly supported Mayor Virg Bernero, council members Kathie Dunbar, Tina Houghton and Jessica Yorko, as well as newcomer Judi Brown Clarke.

“We knew that the candidates endorsed by the UAW and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce represented the best chance to do what is right for the City of Lansing and we are happy to see the voters agreed,” said Norwood H. Jewell, Director, UAW Region 1-C. “We look forward to working with the Mayor and the City Council to create more jobs and economic investments in the City of Lansing.”

“The election success of the collaboration between the Chamber and UAW is a demonstration of what is possible when people are determined to work together for the good of the region,” said LRCC President & CEO Tim Daman. “It is our expectation that the new team at Lansing City Hall will demonstrate a similar determination to collaborate on the challenges that must be successfully tackled in the next several months. We are now confident that will happen.”

The LRCC/UAW partnership also enjoyed success in the City of East Lansing elections as business/labor endorsed candidates Ruth Beier and Kathleen Boyle were elected to East Lansing City Council.

Michigan Business Leaders Travel to DC for Energy Efficiency Day

Lansing Regional Chamber and UAW Endorsed Candidates Sweep to Victory on Election Night 2013Election is a Success for Business/Labor Partnership and Signals New Era in Efforts to Move the Greater Lansing Region Forward

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce presented framed photos of the cover of FOCUS magazine to several of the key players who made the 2013 election a great success. L-r: Jack Davis (Lansing Regional Chamber Political Action Committee), Mayor Virg Bernero, Kristin Beltzer (LRCC), Tim Daman (LRCC) and Art Luna (UAW Region 1-C).

Kristin Beltzer, LRCC Sr. VP of Government Relations and Public Affairs and Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI08)

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KELLY ROSSMAN-MCKINNEY2013 ATHEN A AWARD RECIPIENT

Kelly Rossman-McKinney has a deep appreciation for the strong women who preceded her as leaders in the business world. People like the first woman president of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) Nanette Martin; Martha Mertz, another

Chamber president and founder of the ATHENA Award; and Alyson Steele of Uniforce Temporary Services, who was the first woman to win the LRCC Outstanding Small Business Award in 1986. They were trailblazers who paved the way for other women in the workforce.

“In many respects it was tougher for that generation of women leaders because there were so few of them,” says Rossman-McKinney. “They were out there all alone without the support network of other women in the business community. I admire them and feel deeply indebted for what they accomplished.”

No doubt following the lead of her own mentors, Kelly Rossman-McKinney has become quite the trailblazer herself. She started one of the first public relations firms in the region, proving to others that public relations and issue management was a viable business. Her firm, Truscott Rossman, has grown into a multi-million dollar business with offices in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit. Along the way, Rossman-McKinney has gone out of her way to mentor and lift up other women, and is widely recognized for her generosity and involvement with many community endeavors.

For her distinguished career as a business person, community supporter and staunch advocate for women in the workplace, Kelly Rossman-McKinney was named the 2013 ATHENA Award recipient by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. She will be honored at the 2013 ATHENA Awards Presentation on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the MSU Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.

“When you think of women business leaders in Michigan, one of the first names that come to mind is Kelly Rossman-McKinney,” said business partner and president of Truscott Rossman, John Truscott. “She blazed a path for women at a time when she had no peers.”

Like most success stories, Rossman-McKinney has endured her share of hard knocks. She started her business out of her home in 1988. Not only was she the first female in

the field of strategic communications, she was working as a single mother with little money and no health insurance. At one point, her 10-year-old son called to inform her that the refrigerator light was out – because there wasn’t enough money to pay the electric bill.

“I was quite naïve, which may have been a good thing because I didn’t realize all the risks I was taking,” says Rossman-McKinney.

Rossman-McKinney credits bankers Will Coultas and Patty Lloyd-Barnas of Old Kent Bank for their willingness to provide a loan (“even though they told me I had a negative net worth”) to help her business along. Old Kent became one of Rossman-McKinney’s first and longest lasting clients – a 15-year relationship that included work on several significant community support projects.

Rossman-McKinney’s legacy is evident throughout the public relations industry (“there isn’t a public relations professional in this town with whom I haven’t worked, encouraged or mentored”). One of her early triumphs in the late 1980s was convincing Lansing Mayor Terry McKane to change the presentation of the annual State of the City address into a major community event, complete with a theme and large reception. That marked the first time the State of the City received significant media coverage, which included having the entire speech printed in the Lansing State Journal.

One of her most challenging assignments came during a stint when then Bioport Corporation, later known as Emergent BioSolutions, was seeking to make its mark as the nation’s only FDA-approved manufacturer of what was then a little known and somewhat controversial vaccine for the anthrax virus. Faced with having to

communicate highly complex, technical information to interested reporters around the world, Rossman-McKinney made the decision to take four doses of the vaccine herself, as a demonstration of its safety.

“Here I was as an individual who struggled with biology in high school needing to communicate effectively about this topic,” said Rossman-McKinney. “I felt I needed to enhance my credibility on a very difficult issue.”

The work of Rossman-McKinney’s firm over the years has established a tradition of excellence and has been recognized with numerous awards. Her firm is one of only a handful of independent public relations firms in the country to win two Silver Anvil awards – the highest honor in the public relations industry – in a single year.

Those who know Rossman-McKinney laud her for regularly volunteering her time to promote and consult with young women on their career path.

When you think of women business leaders in Michigan, one of the first names that come to mind is Kelly Rossman-McKinney”

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“Since the earliest days of her career, Kelly has been a forceful advocate for women in the workplace, while building strong and respectful business relationships with business and community leaders,” said Nancy McKeague of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, and a past ATHENA recipient.

“She is Lansing’s “go-to” woman for women,” said Paula Blanchard Stone, another former ATHENA recipient and president of The Paula Blanchard Companies. “She will bend over backwards to mentor, assist, advocate for and support. She will meet the need, large or small.”

Rossman-McKinney has long been an advocate of community involvement, something she credits her parents for instilling in her.

“I learned at a young age that your job as a citizen is to participate in the community,” said Rossman-McKinney. “It’s not enough to just go to work and support your household. You have to give back to the community.”

Rossman-McKinney has been involved with dozens of community organizations including serving as campaign chair for the Capital Area United Way, a co-founder of ATHENA WIN and co-founder of Inforum. Through her leadership, Truscott Rossman provides several hundred hours of in-kind service each year to help groups that do not have the funds to pay for quality public relations services. In addition, Truscott Rossman staff members are each given $250 per year to donate to a charity of their choice, and are expected to be involved in community activities.

The firm also hosts an annual lawn party called “Twilight Gathering” at Rossman-McKinney’s home to raise money for the Women’s Caring Program. The event is usually attended by about 200 women and a few good men, including an appearance this year by Governor Rick Snyder.

Rossman-McKinney is most proud of her family and the support they have given her including her husband, Dave Thompson, who is with the Wyoming, Michigan Police Department; sons Alex Rossman (age 35) who works as deputy communications director for the State Senate Democrats, Connor McKinney (age 20 and a junior at MSU) and Coby McKinney (age 17 and a junior at Grand Ledge High School), daughter Teddy McKinney (age 18 and a freshman at MSU) and stepchildren Shi (age 17, student in Wyoming, MI) and Brittany Thompson (age 25), Jason Willard (age 30) and Ashley Bremmer (age 28), all of whom work in law enforcement and related fields.

Her 25-year career has left its mark in the business world and throughout the community, particularly with women who continue to view her as a role model. Her approach to her career, community and family should serve notice that Kelly Rossman-McKinney will continue to blaze trails that will benefit the next generation of leaders for years to come.

KELLY ROSSMAN-MCKINNEY2013 ATHEN A AWARD RECIPIENT

When anything can happen, you should be confident that you’re ready for anything.

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Economic Club

A crowd of close to 500 people was on hand for the November Economic Club which served as the forum for the eighth annual Celebration of Regional Growth Awards (CORG). Five companies were recognized at the event for their investments in the region. Honorees included: Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer, Emergent BioSolutions, Eyde Company, IDV Solutions (Emerging Economy Award) and Plas Labs, Inc. (International Trade award).

Michael Finney, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) spoke to the crowd about how MEDC is working to improve the business climate in Michigan. Finney noted that during the past three years, the state has dramatically

improved the tax structure for business and eliminated more than 1,500 regulations. Finney said MEDC’s main focus is on building what he called an entrepreneurial ecosystem to nurture growth from within our borders.

“Talent is the new currency in economic development,” said Finney. “It is what made Michigan great in the past, and will be what propels us to more greatness in the future.”

The success of CORG the past several years has been due in large part to the committed sponsorship of PNC Bank and Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, and Davis & Gotting P.C. A big thanks to both organizations for their continued support.

Celebration of Regional Growth Honors Five Companies for Investments in the Region

Representing the 2013 CORG Honorees, l-r: Dave Regan (Plas Labs, Inc.), Adam Havey (Emergent BioSolutions), Garrett Bancroft, Jill and Troy Bancroft (Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers), Nick Eyde and Mark Clouse (Eyde Company)and Mark Morrison, IDV Solutions

Michael FinneyCEOMichigan Economic Development Corporation

December Economic Club2014 Economic ForecastSpeaker: Jonathan W. KozySenior Vice President and Senior Research AnalystBank of America Private Wealth ManagementThursday, December 1911:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.MSU Kellogg Hotel & Conference Centerwww.lansingchamber.org

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Economic Club

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PEOPLE NEWS

Jeffrey C. Hicks, current Assistant General Counsel – Corporate Real Estate for Dart Container of Michigan, was selected as the 2013 recipient of the Camille S. Abood Distinguished Volunteer Award. Hicks was honored at the

119th Annual Dinner for the Ingham County Bar Association, held November 19.

Capital Area Michigan Works!, which administers federally and state funded programs to help connect employers and job seekers, has promoted chief operating officer and president, Edythe Hatter-Williams to chief executive officer. She is the first African American and female to lead the organization.

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Marlaine Teahan has been elected as teasurer of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the Michigan State Bar Association.

John McKissic is pleased to be the business advisor for both Legal Shield of Lansing and Touch3 Technology. His primary objective is to offer fundamental services to the three main obstacles that over 70% of businesses struggle with including legal issues,

merchant services and small business funding.

Law students from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and the University of Michigan Law School recently were named winners in the 2013 Michigan Innovation and Intellectual Property Legal Writing Competition, sponsored by the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the Cooley Law School Graduate Program in Intellectual Property Law. Kyle Quigley, a graduating senior at Cooley Law School, was awarded first prize for his paper, “The Experimental Use Exception To Patent Infringement

Should Be Expanded: The Proposal Of A Modified Exception Comprising A Bright-Line Rule Permitting Experimental Use Upon Delivery Of Express Notice Of Intent.” Tasha Francis, a 2013 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, won second prize for her paper, “Continued Employment as Sufficient Consideration for Pre-Invention Assignment Agreements.” Jordan Zuppke, also a graduating senior at Cooley Law School, received third place for his paper, “Sole Purpose.” Quigley and Zuppke both are students in Cooley’s Joint J.D./LL.M. Program in IP Law.

MBI announced the addition of two members to its senior technical team and five recent college graduates to its technical support team: Jacky Ng, Ph.D., a seasoned biotechnologist with expertise in metabolic engineering, enzymology and genomics. Ramin Vismeh, Ph.D., an analytical chemist with expertise in biological systems. Additions to MBI’s technical support team are: Marwa Adawe, B.S., entomology, MSU; Ryan Chandler, B.S., microbiology, MSU; Laurel Hills, B.A., education, MSU; Dan Pulter, B.S., human biology and microbiology, MSU; Jeff Vasquez, B.S., biochemistry, University of Michigan-Dearborn.

William Coughlin, adjunct professor for Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s Graduate Program in Intellectual Property Law, has been recognized as Automation Alley’s “Entrepreneur of the Year.”

Lawrence P. Nolan, with the law firm of Nolan, Thomsen & Villas, P.C., out of Eaton Rapids has been named in the top attorneys for 2013 by “Michigan Super Lawyers” magazine, a publication of Eagan, Minn. - based Thomson Reuters.

As work is underway to expand the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® headquarters in Lansing, the largest franchised moving company in the U.S. is pleased to announce the addition of nine new employees: Jeanie Anello was recently named

franchise marketing manager for the home office; Matthew Zbercot is the logistics and procurement project manager; Cait Quinn is the new marketing administrator: Hannah Conlin is the new internal communications associate; Katrina Elam will serve as project coordinator; David Fritcher recently started as an application developer in the information technology department; Ryan Thiele is the new application developer; Dena Juday will serve as an afterhours customer response representative; and Arika Ford has also been hired as an afterhours customer response representative.

Members On The Move

Jeffrey C. Hicks

Jacky Ng Ramin Vismeh

Marlaine Teahan

Lawrence Nolan

William CoughlinJohn McKissic

Edythe Hatter-Williams

Jeanie Anello

Katrina Elam

Cait Quinn

Ryan Thiele

Arika Ford

Matthew Zbercot

David Fritcher

Hannah Conlin

Dena Juday

BOLD denotes a story about a Chamber Board Member.

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Publicom, Inc., a full-service marketing communications firm, has hired two new interns: Michigan State University students Kelly Dunnigan and Adam Ilenich. Dunnigan will support the media department while Ilenich will assist the public relations and creative teams.

Sparrow Cancer Center clinical trials director Gordan Srkalovic, M.D., PhD, FACP has been elected to serve as president of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a growing organization comprised of physicians, academicians,

researchers, financial specialists and artists from Bosnia-Herzegovina, currently living in North America.

MSU Federal Credit Union has promoted Denya Shimnoski to mortgage manager.

Cindy Birchmeier has been named regional vice president of sales and customer relations for GreenStone Farm Credit Services, and will oversee five of the cooperative’s branch offices in central Michigan. Ju Yang has been named vice president with GreenStone’s Commercial Lending Unit.

Tyson Lemon has been named a vice president with GreenStone’s Commercial Lending Unit.

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Cooley Law School Associate Dean Joan Vestrand visited The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, S.C. to speak to cadets about ethics and branding for success.

Douglas E. Wagner has been re-elected managing partner of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP for a fifth term, making him the longest-serving managing partner in the firm’s history.

MSU Federal Credit Union has announced the promotions of Stephanie Fredline, Allison Horn and Ashleigh Miller to call center managers, and also Danielle Deneau and Samantha Goris to eServices managers.

McLaren Greater Lansing announced Dale Thompson as the hospital’s new chief financial officer. Thompson had been serving as interim CFO for the past several months.

Fraser Trebilcock, one of Michigan’s longest-established full service law firms, is pleased to announce that Alexis Palmquist has joined the firm as a marketing associate.

Three new officers were elected to the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s board of directors, effective October 1,: Joseph Sambaer, board chair; Patrick Cannon, vice-chair and Robert Swanson, secretary-treasurer.

Equanimity Wealth Management is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Shaleen Szostkowski to marketing associate.

Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Marlaine Teahan has recently been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Council.

Fredrick D. Dilley, a shareholder in Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC’s Grand Rapids office, was elected to serve as vice-chair on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan State University College of Law.

Scott Martin has joined GreenStone Farm Credit Services as a tax accountant.

Members On The Move

Kelly Dunnigan

Gordan Srkalovic

Denya Shimnoski

Adam Ilenich

Fredrick Dilley

Marlaine Teahan

Marlaine Teahan

Stephanie Fredline

Joseph Sambaer

Samantha Goris

Dale Thompson

Alexis Palmquist

Tyson Lemon

Ashleigh Miller

Robert Swanson

Shaleen Szostkowski

Cindy Birchmeier

Allison Horn

Patrick Cannon

Danielle Deneau

Ju Yang

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Members On The Move

Fraser Trebilcock is pleased to announce that Matthew W. Mitchell has joined the firm as an associate attorney, practicing in the area of intellectual property law.

Triterra, a Lansing-based Environmental Consulting Firm, recently added Ruth Doering to their team as a geologist.

Doctor’s Approach Med Spa & Laser Center is proud to welcome licensed aesthetician Mackenzie Meadows to its team.

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Michael P. Donnelly was recently elected to the position of chair-elect of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Doctor’s Approach Med Spa & Laser Center is proud to announce that nurse practitioner Christina Inman is now Michigan’s only dermatology certified nurse practitioner.

Former state senate staff member Jacob Winder has joined Marketing Resource Group as an account coordinator. Winder previously held an internship position with Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) and MRG.

For the second time in three years, a member of Cooley Law School’s staff has been honored by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs with its Legion of Merit award. Kathy Lawrence, an administrative assistant for Cooley’s Center for Ethics, Service, and Professionalism, was presented the award, on Nov. 8, during a pre-deployment event at Camp Grayling, in Crawford County, Mich.

Crystal Mountain’s Board of Directors and administration are proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie Scott to Crystal spa director and Marcus Matthews to spa/wellness manager.

Fraser Trebilcock Attorney David E.S. Marvin was recently honored with the Leo A. Farhat Outstanding Attorney Award at the Ingham County Bar Association’s 119th Annual Dinner.

COMPANY NEWSEle’s Place, a healing center for grieving children and teens, has received a grant from the Capital Region Community Foundation’s unrestricted fund. The $12,800 grant will help Ele’s Place expand and enhance their bereavement support group program by underwriting the cost of two children’s grief support groups for one year.

After months of searching far and wide across Michigan, the state’s 28th Christmas tree, a 68-foot blue spruce, was found in the northwestern reaches of the Upper Peninsula. Selected by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the tree was delivered to the state capitol on Saturday, November 9.

After 54 hours of intensive collaboration and creativity, seven new companies have been formed in hopes of becoming successful businesses in the Lansing region, after Lansing Startup Weekend took place October 19 & 20. Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event in which new companies are pitched and formed over the course of a weekend. This year’s event boasted seven strong ideas ranging from a balance bicycle for seniors and special needs individuals, to an online marketplace for the sale of student artwork. The winning company, called Folyo, was made up of a wide range of individuals who centered their focus on developing an “Etsy-liked” market for local student artists to sell their artwork.

Yeo & Yeo CPAs, a leading accounting and business consulting firm throughout Michigan, is pleased to announce the relocation of its Lansing office effective October 14, 2013. The firm moved less than one-quarter of a mile into an existing building within the same office park, Capitol Commerce Center, located on the west side of Greater Lansing. The firm’s new address is 822 Centennial Way, Suite 250, Lansing, Mich., 48917.

On Thursday, Oct. 17, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Michael Cavanagh administered the pro bono pledge to Cooley students, faculty, and practicing attorneys, at the school’s Lansing campus. More than 100 individuals pledged to participate in pro bono activities in the coming year and continue to do so every year throughout their legal careers and to comply with or exceed the pro bono expectations of their state bar associations. In 2012, students from Cooley Law School’s Lansing campus provided more than 3,300 hours of pro bono work in the community.

CBRE|Martin is pleased to announce the sale of the former William D. Guerre and Associates headquarters building near downtown Lansing to the Michigan Association of Realtors. The property is located at 700 N. Washington Avenue.

City and county leaders broke ground October 31 on Midtown, eclectic, high-end urban flats and a new 1,800-square-foot PNC Bank branch with drive-through facilities located along the Michigan Avenue corridor between the Capital City and East Lansing. Midtown will reflect Gillespie Group’s energy and commitment to playing an active role in rebuilding the corridor. Midtown will bring a look with exterior colors and materials like no other mixed-use development in Mid-Michigan. The development is on property formerly occupied by the Silver Dollar Saloon.

For the third consecutive year, Midwest-concentrated Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is the

Matthew Mitchell

Ruth Doering

Christina Inamn

Jacob Winder

Mackenzie Meadows

COPYRIGHT © 2013 STUDIO INTRIGUE ARCHITECTS, LLC

CREATIVE. LIVING.

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nation’s third largest lender in number of 7(a) loans according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Warner Norcross & Judd LLP has been ranked one of the 2014 “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers and U.S. News & World Report.

VisionCare Associates, located in East Lansing, is proud to unveil their new corporate logos and revamped website at wwwvisioncarepc.com. VisionCare

has a new look but you can expect the same care, education and service from the doctors and staff.

Fraser Trebilcock has received a First Tier ranking in Lansing in seven practice areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 2014.

GreenStone Farm Credit Services, the sixth largest association in the Farm Credit System, experienced the best third quarter results in the organization’s history. The association’s quarterly stockholder report shows record earnings of $37.8 million in the third quarter of 2013.

Greater Michigan Construction Academy is now accepting registration for Winter 2014 classes. New and returning students can contact the academy to register for either electrical, HVAC or the Core, pre-requisite introduction to skilled trades course.

Granger Energy Services, Buckeye Power, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative and Hancock County announced that they’ve reached an agreement to begin generating electricity from landfill gas at the Hancock County Landfill near Findlay, Ohio. The agreement will provide renewable energy to nearly 2,000 homes and businesses via Buckeye Power and Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative.

IDV Solutions, developer of market-leading data visualization software and physical security and risk visualization software, has opened an office in Reston, Virginia. The suburban Washington, D.C. office is the third IDV Solutions location, after its Lansing, Michigan headquarters and an Orlando, Florida expansion that opened in August, 2013.

Davenport University’s College of Health Professions is launching a new Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management degree program in the Winter 2014 semester, available in-seat and online.

The Greater Lansing Sports Authority, along with USA Curling the Lansing Curling Club and the Summit Sports & Ice Complex, is pleased to welcome the 2014 USA Curling Arena National Championships to Greater Lansing June 12-15, 2014.

Foster Swift Collins and Smith PC employees completed six quilts for the national Quilts of Valor program. The handcrafted patriotic themed quilts were displayed in Foster Swift’s lower level on Veteran’s Day. The quilts were then delivered to U.S service members with a personal note thanking returning veterans for their service.

IDV Solutions developer of the market-leading Visual Command Center physical security and risk visualization software, and Condortech Services, a leading security systems integrator serving law enforcement, military, and federal agencies, have announced that the companies have partnered to develop business opportunities in the United States and Latin America.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies has presented the Michigan State Housing Development Authority with its Award for Program Excellence to honor a record-setting campaign that helps first-time homebuyers and was created by Lansing-based Pace Marketing & Communications.

Members On The Move

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Members On The Move

On Saturday, November 9, the American Red Cross teamed up with Walmart of Eastwood Towne Center to honor our local heroes and military members. The Red Cross set up a Holiday Mail for Heroes card signing at Culvers for diners to send a note to a soldier who will be serving away from home during the holidays.

The earth is moving in downtown Lansing as Gillespie Group constructs Marketplace to meet the demand for those seeking an urban lifestyle in the Capital city. Marketplace kicks off a series of projects on the property that sits adjacent to the City Market within steps of the riverfront. This phase includes 80 urban apartments. This development represents the revitalization of one of the city’s most underutilized properties.

Nancy McKeague, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), has won the 2013 Human Resources Professional of the Year award from the American Society of Employers (ASE). McKeague was the 2012 chair of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and served as past chair in 2013.

Under McKeague’s leadership, the MHA twice earned the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence and was listed as one of America’s Best Places to Work in Health Care in 2010 and 2012 by Modern Healthcare Magazine.

She is actively involved with legislative, regulatory and administrative agencies at the state and federal levels on issues related to employer-sponsored benefit plans, insurance, labor and employment law, and workforce issues.

McKeague is a member of the board of directors of Accident Fund Holdings Inc. and of Sparrow Health System, where she is vice-chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and a member of the Governance Committee. McKeague is also a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Committee on Labor Relations. In the

past, she has served on the Board of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and as a chairperson of SHRM.

McKeague has a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, a B.A. from Spring Arbor University, and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute.

Former Chamber Board Chair Nancy McKeague Named 2013 Human Resources Professional of the Year

Nancy McKeague

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Chamber In Action

Maurices, a retail store for women, opened a second location in the Greater Lansing region on October 24 at 341-A N. Marketplace, Lansing. There is also a location in the Meridian Mall in Okemos. Celebrating the ribbon cutting was (from L to R): Melissa Nay (LRCC Ambassador), Jessica Metzgar (employee), Dawn Sanders (employee), Kelly Hume (employee), Joelle Hornbeck (Store Manager, holding scissors), Ken Fletcher (Delta Township Supervisor), and Mary Clark (Delta Township Clerk).

CASE Credit Union opened its sixth branch in the Lansing area on Wednesday, October 16. The branch, located at 5611 West Saginaw Highway, Lansing, celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house that was attended by the CASE staff, leadership and Executive Board, in addition to members of the local business community. In the photo (from L to R): Bo Garcia (CASE Director), Karen Spotts (CASE Board of Directors Treasurer), Craig Godfrey (CASE Director), Samuel Duncan, IV (CASE Director), Kathleen Prout (CASE Board of Directors Secretary), Kenneth Fletcher (Delta Township Supervisor), Marshall Lee Hudson (CASE Board of Directors Vice Chairperson), Jeffrey Benson (President/CEO CASE), Fred Goers (CASE Director), Mary Clark (Delta Township Clerk), and Howard Pizzo (Delta Township Supervisor).

The Lansing Regional Chamber was pleased to be a part of the celebration and grand opening ribbon cutting on Saturday, October 26 for Building Twentyone’s newest location at 1288 N. Cedar Street, Mason. B21, as it is commonly known, is a unique, youth driven center focused on providing a safe environment where teens can develop their goals and dreams through education and recreation after school and on weekends. The non-profit facility serves diverse students in 7th-12th grades throughout the Greater Lansing area with a teachable attitude and a desire to grow. The community was proud to welcome B21 and Benjamin Schartow, Executive Director (holding scissors) to Mason!

RIGHT: The Lansing Regional Chamber was proud to be a part of the November 12 ribbon cutting at Modernistic Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, located at 4310 Creyts Road in Lansing. On hand to celebrate the expansion (from L to R): Kelly Spade, Customer Service; Brian Williams, Technician; Matt DeForest, Technician; Trevor Hoffman, Technician; Kody Risko, Technician; Matthew Newton, Restoration Manager; Ricky Dietrich, Technician; Chad Rairigh, Project Manager; Cameron Warren, Technician; Timothy Lantinga, Vice President (cutting the ribbon); Scott Bates, Technician; Teena Rairigh, Operations Manager (cutting the ribbon); Jen Patrick, Customer Service; Sue Quimby, Chamber Ambassador; and Andy Garcia, Technician.

ABOVE: Joining a variety of business resources and experts in the region, the Lansing Regional Chamber was proud to be a part of the first-ever Greater Lansing Business Monthly Financial Expo on Thursday, October 24 at the University Club. The Lansing Regional Chamber booth was staffed by the Membership Team and they shared with businesses the multitude of ways the Chamber can support your business activities and goals. In the photo (behind the table from L to R): Rich Howard, Vice President of Business Development, Lansing Regional Chamber and Susan Hengesbach, Independent Contractor, Lansing Regional Chamber.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDLANSING, MIPERMIT NO. 622

The Stadium District500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200Lansing, MI 48912Ph. 517.487.6340lansingchamber.org

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