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January 2015
MILLENNIALS: MEETING THE TALENT CHALLENGE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ECONOMY
• Meet the 2015 LRCC Board of Directors• LRCC Optimistic on Passage of Roads Package• Detroit Tigers President Kicks-off Economic Club Year
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A Message From The Chairman
Blue Cross Blue Shield .........................12
Dean Transportation .............................17
Farm Bureau Insurance .........................15
Fit Leader’s Program ..............................3
Michigan.com .........................................9
MSUFCU .................................................5
M3 Group .............................................13
Mercantile Bank ......................Back Cover
WKAR ...................................................15
ADVERTISERS
2015 Board of Directors
OfficersBoard ChairJohn Brown
Jackson National Life Insurance Co.
Past ChairBill Kimble
C2AE
Chair ElectJoe Ford
Netvantage Marketing
Legal CounselSteve Owen
Foster Swift Collins & Smith P C
TreasurerJeff Fineis
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
PresidentTim Daman
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
Division DirectorsMarketing and Communications
April ClobesMSU Federal Credit Union
Regionalism InitiativesMark Burnham
Michigan State University
Membership ServicesDeb Muchmore
Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore
Government RelationsMatt Resch
Resch Strategies
At-Large
FOCUSEDITORS
Ross Woodstock Michelle Rahl
DESIGN & PRINTINGSpartan Printing, Inc.
MAILINGBRD Mailing Incorporated
COVER PHOTOGRAPHYCourtesy: Trumpie Photography
INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHYFresh Image Design, LLC
John BrownJackson National Life Insurance
Chair 2015 LRCC
Board of Directors
A great community must have a Chamber of
Commerce that provides leadership
in helping the region generate the
wealth, jobs and business investment
required for an outstanding quality
of life.
Achieving Greatness Requires Business Leadership
I t is a tremendous privilege to serve as the 2015 Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. I am particularly enthusiastic about the upcoming year for a couple of reasons; I truly believe the Lansing region is at the cusp of becoming one of the Midwest’s great
mid-size cities, and because I believe the Chamber will play a vital role in helping us to achieve our regional goals.
Before coming into my role as vice president of public policy and communications for Jackson National Life Insurance Company ( Jackson), I served as President of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for five years. During this time, I was closely involved with business leaders who helped propel the Grand Rapids region into the vibrant community it is today. Based on my experience in Grand Rapids and my involvement for over a decade in the Greater Lansing region, I am firmly convinced that our region is similarly positioned for success.
A great community must have a Chamber of Commerce that provides leadership in helping the region generate the wealth, jobs and business investment required for an outstanding quality of life. We certainly have witnessed that type of growth in recent years, as evidenced by the Chamber’s Celebration of Regional Growth (CORG) awards which, in the past nine years, has recognized 51 organizations that have collectively invested more than $1.5 billion in our region!
It is very rewarding to see the region join together in recent months to develop an economic blueprint for regional prosperity. The Lansing Regional Chamber has joined with LEAP, Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Michigan State University and Lansing Community College to create CATALYST – which has already received considerable public input in helping shape our regional vision.
In recent years, the Chamber has provided critical leadership in pulling business leaders together to advance the cause of regionalism in Greater Lansing. While we have made significant progress, there is certainly more work to be done. A region cannot boast an advanced, state-of-the-art economy with an antiquated and inefficient local government structure. The Chamber intends to be a part of the important process of ensuring our local officials are accountable to all of us.
We are fortunate to have outstanding support for our regional efforts from our major employers. I am proud to work for Jackson, an organization that has demonstrated its commitment to Greater Lansing in very tangible ways. I encourage all of our major employers to continue to work with the Chamber in advocating for the pro-growth, pro-business policy agenda that is essential if we are to continue to move this region forward.
Finally, I would like to challenge all businesses in the region to join with us in 2015 and beyond. Please contact the team at the Chamber to find out the best way that you can be part of our efforts. I am certain that by working together and providing business leadership for this region that Greater Lansing is truly on the verge of greatness.
David Baker Farm Bureau Insurance Co.
Stella Cash Sparrow Health System
Patrick DeanDean Transportation
Denise DroschaTwo Men And A Truck
International
Jenn DubeyEVOLVE Corporate Wellness
David FergusonFerguson Development
Tony FrancavillaGeneral Motors
Brian GallagherFraser Trebilcock Davis &
Dunlap
Andre HutsonConquest Fitness and Health
Tom MeeMcLaren Greater Lansing
Brian MurtyMeijer, Inc.
Steve ReynoldsAccident Fund Holdings, Inc.
Patrick SalowHayes Green Beach Hospital
Tim SalisburyPNC Bank
Heather Shawa-DeCookShadawa LLC
Fathy Shetiah7C Lingo
Tom A. StewartCommon Wealth Enterprises
Bob TresizeLEAP
Ryan VartoogianSpartan Internet Consulting
Bill WoodburyAuto-Owners Insurance
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News & Events
EVENT COST IS COMPLIMENTARY FOR THESE ENHANCED MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:
Bronze Silver Gold Platinum
2015 ANNUAL DINNERCELEBRATING OVER 100 YEARS
OF EXCELLENCETUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015
5:15 – 8:30 P.M.
KELLOGG HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS JAN. 21: $85/MEMBERS, $140/NON-MEMBERS, $630/TABLE
OF EIGHT
GREAT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7: DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 S. Creyts Road, Lansing. 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 [email protected].
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27: MEMBER MIXER, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. East Lansing Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C. Avenue, East Lansing. The January Member Mixer is co-sponsored by Willingham & Coté, P.C. and the East Lansing Marriott. Willingham & Coté has become recognized as one of the premier law firms in Michigan, while the East Lansing Marriott provides a welcoming atmosphere for guests with extra-spacious and comfortable rooms and close proximity to many attractions. $10/member, $30/non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22: ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: David Dombrowski, president, CEO and general manager for the Detroit Tigers. In his 34th season of professional baseball, Dombrowski enters his 11th season with the Tigers after being named team president in 2001 and assuming the role of general manager in 2002. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. $40/members, $55/non-members, $300/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required. Luncheon sponsored by Dewpoint. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4: DELTA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Location: Delta Township District Library, 5130 Davenport Dr., Lansing. 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 [email protected].
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10: 2015 ANNUAL DINNER, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, 219 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing. With 800+ attendees, the Annual Dinner is the region’s premiere business celebration and networking event. This program includes remarks from the Chamber’s incoming board Chair, honors the outgoing Chair and board members, and is followed by the presentation of the Community Service, Outstanding Small Business and Legacy Awards. This is also an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s 10 Over the Next Ten, Celebration of Regional Growth, ATHENA and ATHENAPowerLink recipients. Early bird tickets (ends Jan. 21): $85/members, $630/table of eight, and $140/non-members. To register or for additional information about sponsorships, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17: MEMBER MIXER, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Location: TBD. $10 member, $30 non-member. Includes hors d’oeuvres.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26: ECONOMIC CLUB, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Speaker: Kirk Cousins, quarterback, Washington Redskins. Kirk played college football at Michigan State University, where he was the Spartans’ starter from 2009 to 2011. Program begins at noon; please arrive early for registration & networking. $40/member ticket, $55/non-member ticket or $300/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Pre-registration is required. To register for this event, please visit www.lansingchamber.org.
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A.J. Boggs & Company
Aldi
Amber Management Company
American Cancer Society
APCO, Inc.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar-
St. Johns
AppleTree Christian Learning Center
Association for Child Development
Baker Drivetrain
Burcham Hills Foundation
Capital Area Center for Independent Living
Capital Insurance Services, Corp.
Capital Steel & Wire, Inc.
Capital Urological Associates
Caring & Compassionate Health Care
Agency, LLC
City of Lansing
Clinton Task Force On Employment, Inc.
Consumers Energy
CSL Plasma Services
David Chapman Agency, Inc.
Delta Side Business Association
DeWitt Charter Township
Domino’s Pizza
Douglas J Salon
Dowding Industries
Dunkin’ Donuts W. Saginaw
Executive Office Park & Conference Center
Future Media Corporation
Gordon Food Service Marketplace-
Saginaw Hwy.
Great Lakes Christian Homes
Great Lakes Express Service, Inc.
Güd Marketing
Hilliard Lyons
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
J&L Restoration & Cleaning
James Butler Consultants
LaFontaine Ford of Lansing
Lansing Plating Company
Lasky Fifarek, P.C.
Liberty Coin Service
M3 Group
MARO Employment and Training
Association
Martin Waymire
Michigan Creative
Michigan Plumbing Sewer & Drain
Cleaning, Inc.
Michigan State University Foundation
Morton’s Fine Catering
Opportunity Resource Fund
Panera Bread Company - Frandor
Petra Flowers
Plant Professionals, The, Inc.
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeons, PC
Playmakers
Portnoy & Tu, DDS, PC. - Family Dentistry
Preuss Pets
Printwell Acquisitions, Inc.
Publicom, Inc.
Purity Cylinder Gases, Inc.
Redhead Design Studio
Shaheen Chevrolet, Inc.
Siena Heights University
Spartan Motors Inc.
Special Olympics Michigan - Area 8
Sunrise, SRL
T. A. Forsberg, Inc.
T.H. Eifert, LLC Mechanical Contractors
University Quality Inn
University Reformed Church
Vintage Cafe
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Zoë Life Spa
Zoobies
Thank You Renewing Members
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Welcome New Members
AMERICAN INN SUITES HOTEL
1055 Aaron Dr.DeWitt, MI 48820
www.amerianinnmi2.com
CAPITAL AREA ANESTHESIA405 W Greenlawn Ave. Ste. 106
Lansing, MI 48910
CARDINAL STAFFING6450 Millennium Drive
Lansing, MI 48917www.cardinalstaffing.com
COUNTRY CREEK RECEPTION HALL5859 N. Michigan Rd.Dimondale, MI 48821
www.countrycreekreceptionhall.com
KINCAID HENRY BUILDING GROUP, INC.
934 Clark St.Lansing, MI 48906
www.kincaidhenry.com
KYLE LAURENT AGENCY/FARM BUREAU
12830 S. US 27, Ste. BDeWitt, MI 48820
LANSING UNITEDP.O. Box 246
Holt, MI 48842www.lanunited.com
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL3497 Coolidge Road
Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823
SPICER GROUP, INC.- HOLT4488 Holt RoadHolt, MI 48842
www.spicergroup.com
WE LOVE KIDS N DOGS1982 W. Grand River
Ste. 581, Okemos, MI 48864www.welovekidsndogs.com
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce members have
unparalleled access to their company and staff profiles on the LRCC
website. To access and update this information at any point,
visit www.lansingchamber.org and enter your username and password. If you have not yet logged into the site, please
follow the simple password reset instructions. Call (517) 487-6340
with any questions.
CONSUMERS ENERGY 75 years
APCO, INC. 45 years
DAVID CHAPMAN AGENCY, INC.
25 years
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
25 years
ALDI 10 years
DEWITT CHARTER TOWNSHIP
10 years
MARTIN WAYMIRE 10 years
DELTA SIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
5 years
PETRA FLOWERS 5 years
SUNRISE, SRL 5 years
Chamber Milestones
We’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!
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Membership Services
Dr. June Pierce Youatt, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Michigan State University (MSU), was honored by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce as the 2014 ATHENA Award recipient at the annual ATHENA Award Luncheon held Thursday, December 11.
Dr. Youatt has spent her entire career at MSU, where she is also a professor of Human Development and Family Studies. Dr. Youatt, as the current provost and executive vice president at MSU, helps to ensure the quality of faculty by administering and monitoring procedures and criteria for faculty appointments and promotions, working conditions, and tenure. Dr. Youatt also manages the quality of student learning by overseeing the curriculum while encouraging and coordinating initiatives in undergraduate education. Additionally, Dr. Youatt organizes recruiting and admissions for undergraduate and graduate programs and is responsible for supervising academic and budgetary planning and priorities.
In accepting her award, Dr. Youatt provided a touching and genuine speech in which she outlined some of her guidelines for leadership. Some of those guidelines included knowing who you were leading and always make sure they are your focus; donating your life to a cause that is bigger than you; and approaching each day with responsibility, enthusiasm, humility and passion.
“If you want people to follow you, be enthusiastic and a little bit crazy,” Dr. Youatt commented.
Started in Lansing in 1982 by Martha Mertz, the ATHENA Award is presented annually in over 500 communities internationally. It recognizes individuals for professional excellence, for providing valuable service to the community and for actively assisting all women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Award seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence.
Special thanks to Sheri Jones (2006 ATHENA Award recipient) for once again emceeing the event and to all of our event sponsors:
• Presenting Sponsor: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK International • Pre-Reception Sponsor: ATHENA Win • Video Sponsor: MLive Media Group• Legacy Sponsor, which hosts all the former ATHENA recipients: Sparrow
Health System• Supporting Sponsors, which includes: Accident Fund Holdings; Auto-Owners
Insurance; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Capitol National Bank; Dean Transportation; Foster Swift Law Firm; Independent Bank; Jackson National Life; Loomis Law Firm; Michigan.com; Michigan State University; MSU College of Human Medicine; MSU Federal Credit Union; PNC Bank; and WKAR.
• Business Sponsor: the Medical Care Facility and Rehabilitation Services of Ingham County.
ATHENA winners in attendance at this year’s luncheon: front row, l-r Rachelle Neal, Stella Cash, June Pierce
Youatt, Nany McKeague and Mary Ellen Sheets. Back row, l-r: Sheri Jones, Helen Mickens, Kelly Rossman-McKinney, Tiffany Dowling, Dr. MaryLee Davis, Paula Cunningham,
Carol Conn, Dean Marsha Rappley (previous recipient from the Grand Rapids Chamber), Eva Evans and Joan Bauer.
Dr. June Pierce Youatt
2014 ATHENA Award Recipient Dr. June Pierce Youatt
The Holiday Member Mixer was proudly co-hosted by The Eyde Company and Dewpoint in the recently renovated Knapp’s Centre. Over 250 people attended the Holiday Member Mixer and took tours of the Dewpoint and Eyde Company offices in the historical building, in addition to stopping by The Runway, the retail store for the fashion incubator housed there. A Business Education Series
program entitled How to Network Like a Pro was held in conjunction with the Holiday Member Mixer. Attendees learned valuable networking tips from Laurie Lonsdorf with the Small Business Development Center and they put those tips to use at the Holiday Member Mixer. Special thanks to all Member Mixer host companies and attendees for making 2014 our strongest year yet for Member Mixers!
Holiday Mixer as festive as the Season
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Study: Private Exchanges Lowering Employer Costs, Changing Employee Enrollment Behavior
According to an analysis of GlidePath, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s private health insurance exchange, employers and employees are benefitting from use of the private exchange by empowering employees as informed consumers of health care coverage.
The analysis showed Glidepath increased employee cost awareness, encouraged employees to make effective cost choices to meet their needs, and strengthened knowledge and adoption of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Here are the findings:
• There was a dramatic increase in awareness of costs. While only 38 percent of employees in general are aware of what employers pay for health benefits on their behalf, 94 percent of employees using Glidepath were aware of their employer’s benefit contribution. The cost transparency delivered through GlidePath increased knowledge, involvement and awareness of health care costs.
• Employees had a greater tendency to choose plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles. After reviewing the multiple plans available on GlidePath,
79 percent of employees self-selected plans with deductibles of at least $1,000, two times the national average.
• Employees were more interested in enrolling in Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Employees have not traditionally selected HSAs, however, those using GlidePath, enrolled in HSAs at four times the national average.
Glidepath provides employers with a new way to deliver health care benefits to employees. Employers using Glidepath set a defined contribution amount and their employees use those funds to actively shop online to select a health plan using the exchange.
The findings – published in a BCBSM white paper analysis of Glidepath, the state’s first and largest private exchange - are particularly significant in light of a recent estimate by Accenture, a leading management consulting firm, which shows that the number of Americans enrolled through private exchanges will grow from the current three million Americans to an estimated 40 million Americans buying coverage on private exchanges by 2018.
American Heart Association’s Fit-Friendly Worksites: Helping Lansing Businesses Encourage Health
Since 2007, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Fit-Friendly Worksites have provided free wellness resources to businesses and their employees across the nation. Today, Lansing area businesses aiming to promote healthy choices and positively affect their bottom line are able
to apply to become Fit-Friendly Worksites.
The AHA recognizes Fit-Friendly Worksites as employers who go above and beyond when it comes to their employees’ health. The Fit-Friendly program embeds wellness into the foundation of the workplace, encouraging a mixture of activities that create a culture of health and support physical activity and nutrition.
“Americans spend an average of 47 hours per week at work, which is 164 hours more per year than one generation ago,” said Rodney Parkkonen, American Heart Association Corporate Events Director. “This is a major reason the American Heart Association places such an importance on creating a healthy work environment. When employers embed the importance of being active into the business culture, employees are more likely to be healthy, feel valued by their employer and be happier going to work every day.”
The program is easy for employers to use and they can benefit from the Fit-Friendly Worksite model. Promoting healthy lifestyles can help businesses cut costs through reduced medical fees and employee sick days.
The AHA values participating organizations for their progressive leadership and concern for their staff. Fit-Friendly Worksites
receive special recognition at local events like the Greater Lansing Heart Walk, on the American Heart Association website and in other various ways.
“We want to encourage active lifestyle choices as much as we can,” said Parkkonen. “It’s our hope that Fit-Friendly Worksites not only improve employee health, but that the employees will take those ideas home. We believe Fit-Friendly Worksites could also help encourage the communities in the Greater Lansing area to think of their heart health and embrace healthy options.”
Fit-Friendly Worksites are highlighted at many local community events hosted by the American Heart Association and are encouraged
to participate. For example, worksites are encouraged to participate in February’s National Heart Month when the
AHA works to increase awareness about cardiovascular disease with Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February. Honored employers will also be recognized at the Greater Lansing Heart Walk, taking place on October 10, 2015. The Heart Walk is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates wellness and encourages groups to get out and walk.
The application deadlines for businesses to become Fit-Friendly are April 1 and November 1 each year.
For more information about the Fit-Friendly Worksites program or the American Heart Association in the Lansing
area, please visit www.heart.org/workplacewellness or contact Rodney Parkkonen at (517) 349-3102 ext. 7356 or at [email protected].
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Membership Services
Lorri Rishar, MBA, and Angela Witwer have been friends since the day they started working together in Sparrow Hospital’s marketing and community relations department. After several years of retaining other marketing companies, they both constructed a vison of what they wanted from an
agency. They decided to make that vision a reality, and after spending a year on a business plan, they founded Edge Partnerships in 2007.
Edge Partnerships is a full-service marketing, public relations, and advertising firm. Their services include crisis management marketing and an in-house graphic design team. Their success and creative approach have helped them compile an impressive list of clients including Farm Bureau Insurance, Michigan Public Health Institute, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland and Douglas J. Companies.
Rishar and Witwer are expanding their business by pursuing contracts in the federal marketplace. Recently they obtained their Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification from the Small Business Administration. In addition, they have been working with the Lansing Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) to obtain their 8(a) certification. The 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to aid economically or socially disadvantaged small business owners gain a foothold in government contracting.
In the federal market place, certain contracts are set aside for businesses with WOSB and 8(a) certifications. With these credentials, Edge Partnerships will be able minimize their competition for government projects.
“PTAC has been invaluable to us during this process,” said Rishar.
The Lansing PTAC helped the partners designate their business to make them more attractive for the federal contracts.
The Lansing PTAC also assisted them with completing the paperwork necessary for certification.
Rishar and Witwer are optimistic about what the certifications will do for their business. Edge Partnerships is already very successful having worked on projects in all 50 states. This year, they were named Lansing’s only Michigan Top 50 Company to Watch, as well Inc. 500/5000’s fastest growing companies in the U.S. With the WSOB and the 8(a) certification they plan to grow their firm and create more jobs to accommodate more projects. The two could not be more optimistic about the future.
Focus on Small Business
Thanks to our 2014 Ambassador team!
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce thanked the 2014 crew of Ambassadors at a recent luncheon, generously catered by Mitchell’s Fish Market. The 2014 Ambassadors recognized included (back row from L to R): Keith Rouse, Michigan.com; Brian Johnson, WorkSquared; Michael Nordmann,
Morrison Nordmann; Mark Stiles i2 Integration; Becky Kanaby, Adams Outdoor Advertising; Dan Wilkinson, Horizon Bank; Todd Lake, Northwood University; Nicholas Nauta, CASE Credit Union; and Mike DeMartelaere, Comerica Bank. Front row from L to R: Chad Munce, MLive Media Group; Melissa Nay, 2014 Ambassador Chair, WKAR TV/Radio; Sue Quimby, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers; and Terri Beard, Community Mental Health. A special recognition for Terri as she is retiring after 20 YEARS as a Chamber Ambassador! Not pictured: Barb Schram, Shaklee; Bryan Selleck, Huntington Bank; Thomas Hamp, AdviCoach; Stephanie Wolfhert, Cooley Law School Stadium; Jean Lodge, ViSalus; David Mears, Happy Clean LLC; Andrea Ness, Güd Marketing; and Christy Panella, Centennial Group.
Edge Partnerships Chief Executive Officer Lorri Rishar and President Angela Witwer.
Lansing Marketing Firm Gaining an EdgeLANSING PTAC HELPING LOCAL FIRM COMPETE FOR CONTRACTS
For more information about the WOSB, the 8(a) program or the Lansing PTAC office, please contact Kim Langenberg at
517-835-6445 or [email protected].
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They are smart, mobile, technology savvy, independent thinking, driven to make a difference and desire to be in a culture that values making a contribution to society. They are young (born between1981 and 1996) and enthusiastic. They are scoffing at today’s traditional company structures.
They are also the ticket to success in the 21st century knowledge economy.
That’s the millennial generation. Watch out because they are taking over sooner than you might think. It is expected in 2015 that millennials will become the new workforce majority. That is good news for businesses and regions that are able to attract young talent; however it also underscores the critical challenges for Greater Lansing as our region seeks to compete for great young talent. The think tank Michigan Future stressed the importance of attracting talent in a recent report.
“States without concentrations of talent will have great difficulty retaining or attracting knowledge-based enterprises, nor are they likely to be the place where new knowledge-based enterprises are created.”
Greater Lansing’s exceptionally strong network of higher education institutions led by Michigan State University positions this region favorably in our ability to attract talent. The challenge becomes-how do we keep more talent here as opposed to losing young professionals to other regions? That question must be successfully answered by organizations that have to understand what makes millennials tick as a generation and create cultures that are welcoming to young talent. It is also essential for Greater Lansing as a region to be a place where young professionals want to live, work and play.
“It’s about vibrancy and economic development,” said Tim Daman, president and chief executive officer of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The young talent today is so mobile. They are going to go where they want to live. We have to make this region a destination where young talent wants to live so we can compete.”
HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS
The Deloitte Millennial survey conducted in 2014 revealed that millennials want to work for organizations that foster innovative thinking, develop their skills and make a positive contributions to society. Those sentiments are echoed by Tony Willis, a millennial who works as business acceleration manager for the Lansing Economic Enterprise Partnership (LEAP).
“Millennials don’t want to be pigeon-holed in a certain position where they have to do things the same way they’ve always been done,” said Willis. “They need to be able to branch out and fully exhibit their skills.”
Before founding Piper and Gold Public Relations, Kate Snyder worked at a government job for eight years. She left for a private sector job from which she was laid off, which unexpectedly led her down the path of becoming an entrepreneur. She enjoys the freedom and flexibility to create a culture that she enjoys. Snyder says millennials need to feel a connection to the mission of the company for which they work.
“Make sure they understand the big picture of what they are working on,” said Snyder. “What is the greater vision and how will they be able to contribute through the work they are doing.”
Nikali Luke is another young professional who has chosen to pursue a career that involves business ownership. Luke is a principal and shareholder of Simplified Accounting and Tax Service. Luke points to the importance that millennials place on autonomy and independence.
“Give them a project and let them run with it,” said Luke. “They will check in with
MILLENNIALS: MEETING THE TALENT CHALLENGE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ECONOMY
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you if they need help. That takes some trust at the beginning, but once you are comfortable with that, it will be worth it for everyone involved.”
Danielle Robinson is corporate social responsibility manager for Jackson National Life Insurance, a company for which she has worked for nine years. Robinson enjoys Jackson because it is a performance-based environment.
“People aren’t rewarded based on how long they have been here, but on how they do the job,” said Robinson. “All of us want to feel like whatever we put into a job, we can also take out of it.”
IDV Solutions is a rapidly growing data visualization software company located on Lansing’s south side. The importance of millennials in the company’s technology driven business is evidenced by the fact that 30 percent of the 60 employees at the firm are millennials.
“The brain drain’s impact on our state is both unfortunate and well-documented,” said John Dougherty, executive vice president of operations at IDV Solutions. “Millennials represent the present and future of our job force; we need their energy, skill and commitment to fully thrive in the 21st century economy.”
IDV Solutions has made it a priority to be receptive to new ideas and encourage collaboration among its employees. The company holds events known as “Freaky Fridays” where everyone’s calendar is cleared and employees are given free range to experiment and invent. The company also serves lunch three times a week, during which their large conference room overflows with staff sampling videos from wimp.com and solving “where in the world” puzzles from GeoGuessr.
“We maintain a casual, creative, fun and team-oriented environment and encourage employees to tap into their full potential,” said Dougherty. “We focus on taking care of employees and make sure they have the tools and support they need, which helps us retain the types of highly motivated employees we need to succeed.”
Jackson National Life has a unique strategy for identifying great young talent. In 2013, the company opened the Jackson Zone in downtown East Lansing. The Zone, which features an array of large screen TV monitors and an open, inviting work
environment, allows college students to work a flexible part-time schedule and gain valuable experience in the insurance industry. Some MSU grads have gone on to full-time jobs at Jackson.
“We saw an opportunity to connect with MSU students in a way that could offer real-life work experiences and afford them career opportunities post-graduation,” said Jackson chief executive officer, Mike Wells. “The Zone has allowed us to create a talent stream between MSU and Jackson.”
The Deloitte survey and other research also point to the fact that millennials are strongly interested in working for an organization that places a high value on social responsibility.
“It goes way beyond a company that writes a check and has a community service program; it goes to the mission of the company,” said Robinson. “Millennials want to work for a company that makes products or offers services that improve the quality of people’s lives.”
“A socially responsible, socially conscious company that looks out for the community and lets its employees become involved is a shining beacon in talent attraction,” said Willis.
THE NEED TO BE AN ATTRACTIVE REGION
As important as it is for employers to maintain cultures that appeal to the new generation of worker, it is equally important for the region to be an attractive community in which millennials want to live and engage. That requires strategic planning to fulfill the desires of younger professionals who want a liveable, walkable lifestyle in an urban environment.
“There has to be a vision for the region,” said Daman. “That is one of the pillars that we must put in place to attract and retain talent.”
For certain, Greater Lansing offers a great deal that appeals to young professionals and has made considerable progress in the past decade. Robinson points to the
affordable cost of living that gives Lansing a competitive edge and notes fun lifestyle attributes including community and professional theater, MSU, Lansing Lugnuts, community festivals and restaurants, many of which feature international cuisine. Snyder likes the fact that a young professional can make an impact felt in this region.
“The size of the community provides enough resources to be able to do cool things, but it is small enough that you can see the results of what you do,” said Snyder.
Luke praises the entrepreneurial spirit that is growing in the region, pointing to programs like The Hatching, which rewards innovative business ideas, and the large number of business incubators that encourage young entrepreneurs.
“That will help MSU students who might otherwise go to Chicago if they know that is the culture we are breeding,” said Luke.
MILLENNIALS: MEETING THE TALENT CHALLENGE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ECONOMY
The four young professionals interviewed for this article gathered at the Jackson Zone in East Lansing. L-r: Kate Snyder, Tony Willis, Danielle Robinson and Nikali Luke
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Though the region is trending upward in making the region more attractive as a place for millennials to live and work, there is general agreement that much still needs to be done.
Willis would like to see a more diverse array of entertainment options downtown. Luke cites the need for more downtown living opportunities. Robinson likes how friendly people are in Greater Lansing.
“The more generous and welcoming spirit we can have, the more millennials will want to stay in the region.”
Snyder cites a concern over struggles with equality and says Michigan needs to have better laws that promote equal rights.
“It’s hard to make the case to young students that they should work for our firm when we are in a state that may not have as many rights as people in other states,” said Snyder.
Daman says the region needs to make a concerted effort to upgrade its infrastructure.
“We have the find a way to invest,” said Daman. “People have to see a region that looks vibrant. We have to look more attractive to people who consider living and working here.”
The Greater Lansing region has outstanding assets that are clearly making it more attractive to young professionals, as evidenced a couple of years ago when Kiplinger’s named the region as one of the best in the country for the new generation of workers. It is also clear that employers are recognizing the need to break out of traditional work structures to make their organizations more attractive to millennials.
A regional vision that provides a plan that helps build a community that great young talent wants to call home will ensure Greater Lansing’s competiveness and prosperity in the future.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
FOCUS interviewed four young professionals for this article. They are a diverse group of talented professionals that are representative of the outstanding young talent making an impact in the Greater Lansing region.
Nikali LukeCompany: Simplified Accounting and Tax Service PCPosition: Principal and ShareholderEducation: Western Michigan University, B.B.A. AccountingQuote on the need for residential living downtown: “Millennials don’t want to live in a subdivision. They want to live downtown. We need more lofts. They want to be able to walk to the Farmers Market and their favorite restaurant or night spot.”
Danielle RobinsonCompany: Jackson National Life Insurance Company®Position: Corporate Social Responsibility ManagerEducation: Michigan State University, B.A. CommunicationsQuote on the importance millennials place on autonomy: “This is the most important thing on the list of key attributes. It has made my job so rewarding because I know that if you are reliable and trustworthy, you have freedom.”
Kate Snyder, APRCompany: Piper & Gold Public RelationsPosition: Principal Strategist and OwnerEducation: Eastern Michigan University, M.S. Marketing CommunicationsQuote on the importance of being a part of something bigger: “Whether it is strengthening a community or developing a new product or service that will make the world better, people want to be part of something that will make a difference.”
Tony WillisCompany: LEAPPosition: Manager of Business AccelerationEducation: Michigan State University, B.A. CommunicationsQuote on what companies need to do to retain millennials: “Companies should tap into the creativity and skill set of their younger workers. Those that do will have a more committed and satisfied workforce.”
MILLENNIALS CONTINUED
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Find out what thousands of Michiganbusinesses already know. Visit the LansingRegional Chamber of Commerce online atmychamberadvantage.com/lansingchamber or call 517-487-6340.
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Economic Club
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The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will be starting off the 2015 Economic Club luncheon speaker series with a home-run. David Dombrowski, president and general manager of the Detroit Tigers, will be the featured guest speaker at January’s Economic Club luncheon on
January 22 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center.
Dombrowski is a highly decorated veteran with over 35 years of experience in Major League Baseball. He started his career with the Chicago White Sox in 1979 and within 3 years was named assistant general manager of the organization. He then joined the Montreal Expos in 1985 and was named the United Press International
Major League Executive of the Year in 1990.
When the Miami Marlins were formed in 1991, Dombrowski was hired as their first general manager and executive vice president. He remained with the team for 9 years. With the help of his guidance, the Marlins won the 1997 World Series, and in 1998, they were named the USA Today Organization of the Year.
In 2001, Dombrowski came to Detroit and was named the president of the Tigers. He became the general manager of the Tigers in 2002. Since joining the team, the Tigers have been conference champions for four straight years (2011-2014), made three straight American League Championship appearances (2011-2013), and made two World Series appearances (2006, 2012).
Dombrowski is just one of the many great speakers lined up for 2015’s Economic Club Luncheon series. Other speakers attending this year include:
• Kirk Cousins, quarterback for the Washington Redskins, on February 26 • Terry Grimm, founder, president, and senior scientist of Niowave, will give the address on October 29 • Patrick McPharlin, President & CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union, will speak on March 12• John G. Russell, president and CEO of CMS Energy Corporation and Consumers Energy, will also address the club in 2015.
The Economic Club will host its monthly luncheon at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 22. Tickets: $40/members, $55/nonmembers and $300/table of eight (includes plated lunch). Luncheon sponsored by Dewpoint. To register for the event, visit www.lansingchamber.org or contact Travis Richardson at 517-853-6463 or [email protected].
Detroit Tiger’s President & GM to Speak at January’s Economic Club
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Chamber In Action
The Lansing Regional Chamber was pleased to host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Battery Giant, located at 1306 Michigan Avenue, Lansing, on November 21. The opening featured remarks from dignitaries including Mayor of Lansing Virg Bernero, East Lansing
Mayor Pro-Tem Diane Goddeeris, Bob Trezise, President & CEO of LEAP, State Representative Andy Schor, Tim Daman, President & CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber, Aaron Harris with the Lansing Black Chamber and Greg Dinzigher, President of Battery Giant. Battery Giant is the first franchise outlet in the Greater Lansing for the Michigan-based provider of energy products. Battery Giant packs more than 4,000 battery products into a single store and provides everything from every day batteries to the most innovative cost-effective solutions on the market. Attending the ribbon cutting (from L-R): Melissa Nay, WKAR, Chamber Ambassador; Greg Banziger, President, Battery Giant; Tim Daman, President & CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber; State Representative Andy Schor; City of Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero; Bob Cavin, Owner, Battery Giant; Fonda Cavin, Owner, Battery Giant; City of East Lansing Mayor Pro-Tem Diane Goddeeris; Bob Trezise, President & CEO, LEAP; Michael Nordmann, Morrison, Nordmann & Associates, Chamber Ambassador; Aaron Harris, Lansing Black Chamber; and Mark Stiles, I2 Integration, Chamber Ambassador.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting event was held on November 20th to introduce a whole new concept named Grand Mere’s Adult Day Health Club, located at 1020 Eastbury Drive, Lansing! Putting a new spin on an adult day health club, Grand Mere’s provide a fun,
affordable, and healthy environment that not only offers a great way for members to break the monotony of being at home alone, but also gives them access to
health care services. Their member based program is available to individuals over the age of 21. More information can be found at http://grandmeresclub.com/ or by calling 1-877-856-8356.
Michigan Office Solutions (MOS) welcomed guests, including Sparty, for an open house and a Chamber ribbon cutting on November 19th at their new location in Michigan State University Corporate Research Park. MOS is a provider of
leading-edge technology solutions for business and is the newest corporate partner at the University Corporate Research Park on the campus of Michigan State University! The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based company moved an expanded Lansing staff into the new facility earlier this year and expects the new spot will be able to accommodate significant growth. The company location, at 3101Technology Blvd., Suite J, East Lansing, is over 4,000-square-feet and includes a technology showcase area that will allow business clients to see Xerox technology in action. Pictured from (L-R): Dan Wilkinson, Horizon Bank, Chamber Ambassador; Brendan Hoshal, MOS; Jake Richardson, MOS; Andrew Reed, MOS; Guest of MOS; Bill Orr, Vice President of Sales, MOS; Ralph Slider, President, MOS; Jennifer Witt, MOS; Autumn Clore, MOS; Adrew Mishra, MOS; Tim Daman, President & CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber; and Nick Nauta, Case Credit Union, Chamber Ambassador.
Talent
On Wednesday, November 19, the Lansing Regional Chamber was pleased to take a group of Chamber Student Members on a tour of member business Michigan Creative. The students are part of the Lansing Community College American
Marketing Association Collegiate Chapter. Enjoying the day were (from L to R): Sheila Detzler, Dominique Vaughn, Dart Parsons, Brian Town (Michigan Creative), Peter Von Spreecken, Harold Lobbins, Justus Smith, and Melissa Meschke (Michigan Creative).
Chamber Student Members Tour Business
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Government Relations
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is optimistic that Governor Rick Snyder and the Michigan Legislature have created and agreed upon a package of bills to address the road funding issue in the state. The legislation was passed in the closing hours of the year-end lame duck legislative session. The legislation
includes a statewide ballot proposal to be put before voters in May that would raise the state sales tax from 6 to 7 percent. The plan would eliminate the 6 percent gasoline tax and replace that with a wholesale tax on motor fuels, and increase vehicle registration fees.
“Lansing Regional Chamber members have made it clear that fixing roads was their top priority. We believe that a long-term sustainable plan was in the best interest of the region and state. We do understand, that in order to move forward, compromise is important and that give-and-take is required,” said Tim Daman, President & CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber. “Our objective as a business organization is to see a long-term solution to the most important economic development issue facing our state - fixing our crumbling roads and improving our infrastructure.”
LRCC has been actively involved in advocating for Governor Snyder’s efforts to pass a road funding package. Earlier this year, the LRCC Board of Directors sent a letter to legislative leaders urging them to approve a funding mechanism for the state’s infrastructure. LRCC worked right up until the final hours in support efforts to secure final legislative passage. LRCC joined with Governor Snyder and Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle on Friday, December 5 for a Fix the Roads roundtable at the Two Men and a Truck headquarters in Lansing.
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LRCC Optimistic on Legislative Passage of Infrastructure Package
Tim Daman (LRCC), Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, Kirk Steudle (MDOT), Governor Snyder, Brig Sorber (Two Men and a Truck).
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PEOPLE NEWSThomas Mee, RN, BSN, MBA was named president and chief executive officer of McLaren Greater Lansing by the hospital’s Board of Trustees. Mee succeeds Rick Wright who resigned to pursue other opportunities.
Dennis J. Reese, a veteran in the health care finance field, has been appointed as the new president and CEO for Lansing-based Physicians Health Plan, a Sparrow subsidiary.
Human Adulthood: A Spiritual Romance by William Frank Diedrich with Transformative Leadership Systems is now published. Human Adulthood is a story about spirituality, religion, sexuality, and what it means to become a real adult. It’s about marriage and divorce, being asleep
and waking up, taking risks, and honesty. You can find it at www.humanadulthood.com.
Cheryl Ronk, president of the Michigan Society of Association Executives, has been appointed to the Burcham Hills Retirement Community board of trustees.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®/INTERNATIONAL, Inc. is proud to announce the recent promotion of Denise Droscha to operations director of its company headquarters in Lansing, Mich.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region just got bigger with the appointment of noted community leader Robert Tucker Jr. as executive director.
Jonathan Faasse, president of Elements Studio, Inc., recently completed a Courtyard Design for REACH Studio Art Center in REO Town. Elements Studio has developed a space that offers: open grass for children to run around/play games; community movie wall with seating
for at least 75 moveable chairs; a stage that can be used to showcase children’s art and performances; vegetable plots for educating children about healthy foods; rain barrels to collect water from roofs near to vegetable plots for ease of watering; and patio space for children’s snack times/staff meetings/education on vegetable gardening.
Dewpoint, a leading provider of technology consulting and implementation solutions, is pleased to welcome several new employees to Lansing: Richard Balliet, network administrator/desktop support; Michael Gallagher, senior systems engineer; Vern Myers, business analyst/technical analyst and Jaya Tamrakar, senior business analyst .
Attorney Richard C. Kraus of Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, has been elected to a two-year term on the executive committee of the American Bar Association Council of Appellate Lawyers.
Maner Costerisan is pleased to announce the addition of Cynthia Richmond and Casey Wendling to its professional staff. Richmond will be serving as a senior consultant of controllership services. Wendling is a staff accountant in the firm’s business accounting services department.
Jane Mitchell of Jungle Jane Promotions has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association.
Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, is pleased to announce the arrival of five new associates in its 2014 class: Allison M. Collins, Leslie A. Dickinson, Julie C. LaVille, Emory D. Moore Jr. and Michael C. Zahrt.
Dr. Paul Elam, formerly director of safety and justice at Public Policy Associates Inc. (PPA), will be its new president, the company announced. Elam succeeds Jeff Padden, who founded PPA in 1991. Padden will remain active with the firm through 2015 and continue to serve as Board chair.
The certified public accounting and consulting firm of Maner Costerisan is proud to announce the promotions of Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, James Meyer, MBA, MCP and Keith Pfeifle, CPA, CMA, CITP. All three have been named principals in the firm.
Willingham & Coté, P.C. is proud to announce its 2014/2015 board members. Ms. Lee Reimann is the firm president. Tony Kogut is vice president, Michael Stephenson is the treasurer and Jim Dalton is serving as secretary. The firm is also pleased to announce the hire of a new associate, Daniel P. Steele, Jr.
The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau, is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Moon, CTA to its Destination Sales team.
DK Security’s director of operations for the Lansing Division, Mark Maddox, has been elected to the office of secretary for West Michigan American Society for Industrial Security.
The Team Lansing Foundation, along with the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau, is pleased to recognize Skyin Yin, CTA, Communications & Experiential Learning Coordinator with Michigan State University, as the 2014 Greater Lansing Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year. Yin was honored at the fourth annual Greater Lansing Certified Tourism Ambassador Star Awards on December 9th at the Old Town Marquee in Lansing.
Members On The Move
Denise Droscha
Dennis J. Reese
Mark Maddox
Richard C. Kraus
Amy Moon
Thomas Mee
Cheryl Ronk
Jane Mitchell
Leslie Dickinson Julie LaVille Emory Moore
Allison Collins
Michael Zahrt
Emory Moore
Keith PfeifleSarah Jennings James Meyer
Tony Kogut Mike Stephenson Jim Dalton
Lee Reimann
Daniel Steele, Jr.
Skyin Yin
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Members On The Move
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A.J. Boggs & Company is pleased to welcome Lisa Kelly as a software developer and Michelle Studer as a marketing specialist.
The 13-member board of directors of the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce will have four brand-new elected members with terms that begin on January 1, 2015. At their annual meeting, the chamber membership certified the election of current MACC board member Mark Voss of Mark Voss Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance. New members for 2015 are Amy Hanson of Independent Bank, John Sabbadin of Mason Firefighters Association, Joyce Grinczel of Dart Container Corporation, and Don Waskiewicz of Deep Blue Insights. Other chamber board members who will be continuing in 2015 are Kathy Smith of Mason Insurance, Lori Pfost of Dart Bank, Neil Sheridan of BlueGrass Lawn Landscape, Bruce Wigginton of Mason Auto Body Repair, Marlon Brown of the City of Mason, Scott Russ of Oracle Financial Solutions, and Jeff Haueter of Mason A&W Restaurant.
The Centennial Group & the Principal Financial Groupâ announces Brad Beisiegel has joined the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Business Center as a financial representative & Princor registered representative.
COMPANY NEWSThe accounting firms of McCartney & Company, P.C. and Maner Costerisan recently announced a merger. Effective December 1, 2014, McCartney & Company, P.C. will be recognized as Maner Costerisan.
KINKY BOOTS, the smash-hit musical that brings together four-time Tony® Award winner Harvey Fierstein and Grammy®
Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper is coming to the Wharton Center from May 26-May 31 2015, as part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Broadway at the Wharton Center.
Dewpoint, a leading provider of technology consulting and implementation solutions, is proud to be named a 2014 Crain’s Cool Places To Work In Michigan. Sponsored by Crain’s Detroit and the Best Company Group, this survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the best employers in Michigan, benefiting the state’s economy, workforce and businesses. Dewpoint ranked 11 out of 34 in the medium-sized business category.
One of the 20th century’s greatest plays, MASTER HAROLD…and the boys, will play at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31 in the Pasant Theater.
As a recent TV commercial notes about Michigan, “We are makers.” That’s why Prima Civitas is working with The Makers Coalition, the private sector and educational institutions in an effort to re-establish the industrial cut and sew industry in Michigan. The goal is to revive that type of manufacturing in Michigan, and to create businesses and jobs in an era when most of those jobs have gone overseas.
NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial received the Business of the Year Award at the Ninth Annual Delta Township Community Awards Reception held October 30 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing West. Accepting the award was (L-R) Jeffrey Shapiro, Jim Vlahakis and Nick Vlahakis.
The Lansing Board of Water & Light has begun operating equipment that will dramatically reduce mercury emissions at the Erickson Power Plant. The Activated Carbon Injection (ACI) system is being operated at a rate designed to reduce mercury emissions by approximately 90 percent. The first few months of operating the ACI system at Erickson will involve testing various carbon compounds and injection rates to help optimize the system’s performance.
To aid families facing hunger this holiday season, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Lansing recently wrapped up its Movers for
Lisa Kelly Michelle Studer
Brad Beisiegel
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Members On The Move
Meals donation drive to provide families facing hunger this holiday season with nonperishable food items. This year, the greater Lansing moving company worked with local schools, churches, and business to collect nonperishable food items. More than 1,720 lbs. of donated food was collected and delivered to the Greater Lansing Food Bank. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Lansing thanks the following partners for this year’s 2014 Movers for Meals collection: Hidden Treasures, Kingdom Life Church, Glenn Buege Buick GMC, Keller Williams Realty, Rainbow Childcare Center, Signarama, Burcham Hills Foundation, Northwood University, Baron Tons LLC, Educational Childcare Center, People’s Church of Lansing and Emanuel First Lutheran Church.
A.J. Boggs & Company has been invited to attend the U.S. Department of Defense Small Business Innovation Research Beyond Phase II conference and technology showcase in San Antonio, Texas.
MSU Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its partnership with the Telamon Farmworker Individual Development Account Program and the MSU College Assistance Migrant Program to assist migrant students with financial hardships as they complete a post-secondary education.
The Lansing Board of Water & Light celebrated the 75th anniversary of the John F. Dye Water Conditioning Plant on Wednesday, December 3, as well as the plant’s namesake, and served as a backdrop to be honored with several awards. John F. Dye was recognized for his posthumous induction into the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association Water (AWWA) Industry Hall of Fame in 2013, following his induction
into the National AWWA Hall of Fame in 1976. Dye was given the award for his influence and contribution to the advancements of water chemistry and conditioning methods that are still used today. The plant was also given the AWWA Landmark Award, recognizing it as an iconic landmark with a significant relationship with water’s supply, treatment and distribution.
The Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that, along with its many valued hospitality partners and event clients from across the state, hundreds of toys were collected for local charities at the annual Holiday Showcase event, held at the Lansing Center on December 2, 2014 – the National Day of Giving. The event, which seeks to bring together local hospitality entities and statewide event professionals for a day of networking, added a charitable component to the event in 2011 and it has grown in number of donations each year. The benefactors of this year’s charity event are the Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan and Toys for Tots.
Clark Construction and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration have established a strategic partnership to protect and educate workers on construction hazards during the building of the 170,000-square-foot Biosciences Building project on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant.
The Lansing Board of Water & Light has launched a new text messaging service that enables customers to report outages and receive service restoration time estimates via any mobile phone or device with texting capabilities. Customers can now text “out” or “outage” to “txtbwl” or 898295 to report a power outage.
After much anticipation by the city, Gillespie Group and residents of Marketplace, the first tenants officially moved into these Capital City lofts starting Dec 4. Marketplace’s second floor opening kicks off a series of residential move-ins with the third floor opening Thursday, Dec. 10, fourth floor on Dec. 19, fifth floor on Jan. 12 and the first floor on Jan. 28.
Sponsorship opportunity for your business logo to appear on Lansing United’s Soccer jerseys this year! Last season the team averaged over 1,000 fans per game while winning the NPSL’s Midwest Regional championship and advancing to the National Semifinals. This is an outstanding sponsorship opportunity and could be yours for the rate of only $1,000! $1,000 gives your business one ticket into the 2015 Jersey logo raffle, 2 season ticket packages including commemorative scarf, business logo on every weekly newsletter, signage in the stadium and much more! Contact Jeremy Sampson for more information at [email protected] or 517-449-6074.
IDV Solutions, LLC, is bringing the 2nd Visual Command Center® User Conference to Orlando, where attendees will hear from risk and security management experts, fellow enterprise security executives, and the IDV Solutions team. The conference will be held Feb. 5-6, 2015 at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®.
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Membership Services
John Brown of Jackson National Life Insurance Co. will serve as the 2015 chairman of the Board of Directors of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). Brown succeeds Bill Kimble of C2AE who will remain on the board as past chair. Joe Ford of Netvantage Marketing will
serve as chair-elect of the 2015 LRCC board and will be in line to serve as board chair in 2015.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as chairman of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors,” said Brown. “We have an extremely talented Board of Directors and Chamber staff and I look forward to working with all of them in our efforts to move the region forward.”
In addition to Brown, Kimble and Ford, LRCC Board Officers in 2015 will be: Steve Owen, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C. (Legal Counsel), Jeff Fineis, Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC (Treasurer) and Tim Daman, who continues to serve as LRCC president and chief executive officer. The 30-member board will include six newcomers in addition to Owen: April Clobes of MSU Federal Credit Union, Denise Droscha of Two Men And A Truck International, Fathy Shetiah of 7C Lingo, Tom Mee of McLaren Greater Lansing, a representative from General Motors and Matt Resch of Resch Strategies.
JOHN BROWN OF JACKSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. TO LEAD 2015 LRCC BOARD OF DIRECTORSJOE FORD OF NETVANTAGE MARKETING TO SERVE AS CHAIR-ELECT
OFFICERS AND DIVISION DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIRJohn Brown
Jackson National Life Insurance Co.
CHAIR ELECTJoe Ford
Netvantage Marketing
MEMBERS AT-LARGE
David Baker Farm Bureau Insurance Co.
Stella Cash Sparrow Health
System
Patrick DeanDean Transportation
Denise Droscha*Two Men And A
Truck International
Jenn DubeyEVOLVE Corporate
Wellness
David FergusonFerguson
Development
Tony FrancavillaGeneral Motors
Brian Gallagher**Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap
Andre HutsonConquest Fitness
and Health
Tom Mee*McLaren Greater
Lansing
Brian MurtyMeijer, Inc.
Steve ReynoldsAccident Fund Holdings, Inc
Patrick SalowHayes Green
Beach Hospital
Tim SalisburyPNC Bank
Heather Shawa-DeCook
Shadawa LLC
Fathy Shetiah*7C Lingo
Tom A. StewartCommon Wealth
Enterprises
Bob TresizeLEAP
Ryan VartoogianSpartan Internet
Consulting
Bill WoodburyAuto-Owners
Insurance
*denotes new Board Member
**denotes Grand River Connection seat
PAST CHAIRBill Kimble
C2AE
LEGAL COUNSELSteve Owen*
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
TREASURERJeff Fineis
Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC
PRESIDENTTim Daman
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
April Clobes*MSU Federal Credit Union
REGIONALISM INITIATIVES
Mark BurnhamMichigan State University
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Deb MuchmoreKandler Reed Khoury
& Muchmore
GOVERNMENT RELATIONSMatt Resch*Resch Strategies
PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDLANSING, MIPERMIT NO. 689
The Stadium District500 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 200Lansing, MI 48912Ph. 517.487.6340lansingchamber.org
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