Grand Rapids Business Journal - October 21, 2013

Industrial real estate market still going strong. Page 6

Troupe’s growth is no mystery.

Page 3

tHiS WEEK

soMETHinG oF an oDYssEY

Marissa iacovoni left Grand rapids after high school but dreams of returning to start her own hospitality commercial firm. page 10.

The Business Newspaper of Metro Grand Rapids, Holland , Muskegon & West Michigan OCTOBER 21, 2013 VOL. 31, NO. 42

Office market continues its positive trend Wyoming

welcomes first occupant of former GM site

But last quarter’s results are a bit down from previous quarters.

David Czurak

City officials hope to announce a second user this fall.

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Blue economy

Grant will help GVSU examine link between water supply and economic gain. paGe 3

Space continues to be gobbled up in the office real estate market.

Colliers International of West Michigan reported the recently completed third quarter marked the 11th consecutive quarter the vacancy rate fell: 226,523 square feet were absorbed from July through September.

The downtown market started the positive net-absorption trend, but the Colliers report said the office sectors in the Cascade, East Beltline and southwest districts have held their own.

Over the past three months, 105,578 square feet of office space became occupied in the Cascade sector. More than 28,500 square feet were taken along the East Beltline district, and over 25,000 square feet was leased in the southwest sector.

The downtown market saw 27,242 square feet absorbed with the new Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. taking over roughly 5,000 of that square footage in ground floor space at 29 Pearl St. NW. The site had been vacant for years.

Pete Daly

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Despite the discouraging statistics, Barclay said her optimism comes from companies that are doing well in appointing women to top positions, including Steelcase.

“They have two of five top compensated (officers), so 40 percent of their top compensated leaders are women, which is a good thing,” agreed Toni Somers, chair of the department of management and information systems at Wayne State University.

Barclay added, “I know that some of those top women serve on the boards of other companies, so there is a culture there where that is acceptable and that is one of the things that we are recommending other companies do, so they are a role model in that regard, as well.”

She said that, moving forward, companies encouraging their top female executives to join the boards of other companies is going to be vital to women making gains in the public sector.

“There are women who are top executives at the Fortune 500 companies who are running divisions or aspects of those companies that alone are bigger than some of the tier three companies in this study,

A division of Kendall Electric Inc. of Portage plans to break ground this fall on a new distribution, wholesale and manufacturing facility in Wyoming at Site 36 — the city administration’s marketing name for the cleared property formerly occupied by the massive General Motors stamping plant on 36th Street.

Kendall’s J.O. Galloup subsidiary plans to move by late 2014 into a 100,000-square-foot facility it will build on a 7.5-acre parcel within Site 36 along Clay Avenue SW. About 90 Galloup employees who now work at an existing facility in Grand Rapids will move to the new location.

Galloup is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial pipe, valves, fittings, process instrumentation and equipment, and fluid sealing devices. It was acquired by Kendall in late 2012.

The city of Wyoming’s stated goal has been for the former GM site to become the new home of advanced manufacturing companies, which are said to offer relatively high-paying jobs for factory work.

Site 36 is slightly more than 90 industrial acres Wyoming has been working to re-develop with marketing help from The Right Place regional economic development agency, and with development partner Lormax Stern.

The GM stamping plant, which opened in 1936, ceased production in May 2009. It had employed more than 1,500 people, and the two-million-square-foot plant paid the highest property tax bill in Wyoming, estimated to be about $1 million a year at the end. The site was sold in the GM bankruptcy for redevelopment in 2011, and the factory subsequently was demolished and cleared away.

Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt said city officials are aware that the Galloup jobs are being moved from elsewhere in Grand Rapids, “but at least (the jobs) are not moving to the other side of the state or somewhere else.”

Holt noted the company’s 7.5acre site was a parking lot adjacent to the GM plant. He said that fact is important to remember because “this is taking an underutilized parking lot and putting a $5 (mil-

Continued on page 4 8

Continued on page 4 8

doWntoWn grand rapids inC. is in office space at 29 pearl st. nW, a site that had been vacant for years. Courtesy Colliers international of West Michigan

The Colliers International report described the third quarter’s absorption rate as “even.”

“The even distribution of absorption across submarkets speaks to the user interest-level shift in our market. The traditional class A buildings, such as 99 Monroe and Bridgewater Place, are still widely seen as the ‘places to be’ in the Grand Rapids area,” read the report.

“However, occupant interest has risen in suburban spaces such

as the East Beltline, Cascade and East Paris.”

Overall, the report said activity and absorption declined during the third quarter compared to previous three-month periods, especially for class B buildings because of low inventory for that space. Transactions also leveled off in the third quarter.

Colliers International was involved in three office sales during Continued on page 6 8

Budget rerun

Not a lot of changes in store for county operating budget. paGe 3

sands of time

Saugatuck Dunes development project inches forward at glacial pace. paGe 5

Little growth for women in leadership positions But female leaders hope that trend is changing.

Charlsie Dewey

EdUCatioN

Feeling social?

West Michigan schools value social media, but not as an advanced degree. page 17

design degree

Kendall College of Art and Design is ready with region’s first graduate program in architecture. paGe 18

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Despite dismal growth in the number of women in leadership in Michigan’s top public companies, Terry Barclay, president and CEO of Inforum and Inforum Center for Leadership, said she feels optimistic the coming years will bring significant change.

“Women’s Leadership in Michigan Top Public Companies,” which was released recently and looked at the past 10 years, found “a less than two percentage point increase in women’s representation in the boardrooms and executive suites of Michigan companies over the course of a decade.”

The study was conducted through a partnership between Inforum Center for Leadership and Wayne State University’s School of Business Administration.

The study found that women hold only 11.5 percent of the 850 board seats in Michigan’s 100 top public companies. That is actu-

ally an increase from 2011 when they held 10.4 percent of board seats. Only 12.6 percent of executive officers of those companies are women, which is down from 13.3 percent in 2011.

Barclay notes in her introduction to the report: “At 16 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Michigan, 17.4 percent of board members are women, slightly down from 18 percent in 2011, when Michigan was headquarters to two additional Fortune 500 companies. At these companies, 10.6 percent of executive officers today are women, down from 14.8 in 2011. And, among the 87 highest compensated officers at these firms, three are women, whereas in 2011, there were four.”

Some other statistics include: • Men hold 88 percent (752 of 850) of board seats at the top 100 public companies.

• At the current pace, it would take 170 years to achieve gender balance in Michigan’s boardrooms.

• Forty women are among the 417 top compensated officers in Michigan’s 100 largest public companies, or 9.6 percent.

• There has been a 75 percent loss in the number of women of color executive officers since 2007.

CoNtENtS

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October 21, 2013 Grand Rapids Business Journal 3

Troupe’s growth is no mystery Grand Rapids-based Murder Mystery Company among top performers in the world.

Charlsie Dewey

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids-based Murder Mystery Company is the third largest theater company in the world in terms of performances, with only the Royal Shakespeare Company and Cirque du Soleil putting on more shows per year.

Scott Cramton, company founder, said that 11 years ago when he started the company, he had no idea it would become as successful as it has — or even that it would be profitable.

“I never thought at the time when we started it that it was going to be anything more than just a Grand Rapids thing,” he said.

In its initial years, the Grand Rapids troupe performed shows at the former Drink Ultra Lounge.

The cast was lucky to make $20 a piece. Then one day Cramton took a call from McDonald’s Corp. inquiring about the cost for a private performance. He was so surprised by the call that, in addition

to throwing out an absurdly low price, he forgot to include himself in the cost.

But the performance was a success and additional private performance requests followed. Cramton eventually realized people were finding out about the company through its website and said he became obsessed with search engine optimization, trying to attract even more visitors to the page.

In addition to Internet searches, Cramton linked up with Groupon around 2010. That relationship provided a huge boost to the business.

“There are two major things to use Groupon for — one is advertising; certainly, that is a big function to get people interested in shows,” he said. “The major function of our public shows with Groupon customers is to make them aware of our private shows.”

Today, thanks to Groupon, Murder Mystery Company has grown to 17 troupes located all across the country and 25 public show venues, with 5,000 performances given each year. The company employs nearly 800 people and has made more than $4 million.

Of those 5,000 performances, 2,000 are public shows and the other 3,000 are at private events.

“We’ve grown exponentially

$75K grant funds study of ‘blue’ economy GVSU will examine how state’s vast water supply is being used for economic gain.

Charlsie Dewey

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Murder Mystery Company puts on about 5,000 shows per year, with about 60 percent of them being private events. Courtesy Scott Cramton/Murder Mystery Company

every year,” Cramton said. “Last year we were at about 2,500 shows, and the year before that at about 1,000.”

Here in Grand Rapids, Murder Mystery Company offers weekly performances at Pietro’s, where the shows change every three to four months.

Cramton said people love the shows and he often sees repeat customers. The reason for the shows’ success, he said, is because

of the unique experience and the opportunity to participate.

“We want to create something where the audience truly is part of the show, where you don’t just see something, you actually experience it,” he said. “You walk out and you feel like you were kind of a part of it — not in a scary way by any means. We don’t get you up there and give you 20 lines or something, but you actually get to solve the crime.”

Not a lot of changes in store for county operating budget PDR program will get less, while veterans department likely will get more.

David Czurak

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Although receipts from property taxes are expected to be up slightly next year, the county’s 2014 proposed general fund budget will look a lot like the 2013 spending plan.

Kent County Administrator and Controller Daryl Delabbio called the structurally balanced proposal a vanilla and status quo budget.

“We are adding some money for IT,” he said of a fiscal highlight.

Revenues to the budget have been pegged at $161.5 million, with $142 million of that coming directly to the county and another $19.5 million from transfers. Most of those transferred dollars will come from the corrections millage, $14.8 million, and delinquent tax payments, about $4.7 million.

Property-tax revenue to the general fund has been projected at $83.3 million, up from this year’s estimated $82.9 million.

“We have a very modest increase in taxable value for 2014, which breaks a slide we had for several years,” said Delabbio.

The county’s taxable value fell by 3.76 percent in 2010, 2.39 percent in 2011, 2.28 percent in 2012 and seven-hundredths of a percent

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this year. The last increase came in 2009 and was only a third of one percent.

Delabbio reminded commissioners the county dipped into the fund’s reserve account each year from 2005 through 2008, and then suspended two capital improvement projects in 2009 to balance the budget that year.

“We’ve managed the storm but we haven’t gotten out of the process. Department managers are still budgeting tightly,” he said.

129.8m

$

Direct spending on general fund services has been forecast at $129.8 million, with the single largest expenditure at $59.1 million for public safety.

Direct spending on general fund services has been forecast at $129.8 million, with the single largest expenditure at $59.1 million for public safety. Another $26.7 million has been transferred into programs that operate on the state’s fiscal year; $4.8 million is

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also going to the capital improvements fund.

Total spending has been projected to match revenues at $161.5 million.

While money for the county’s Purchase of Development Rights program is being reduced from $87,180 this fiscal year to a proposed $25,000 next year, the Veterans Affairs Department will get an increase next year. The current allocation gives the department $346,000 next year, up by $50,000 from this year.

“They’re seeing an increase in budget that other departments would die for,” said Delabbio.

But Commissioner Nate Vriesman felt the county should allocate even more dollars to the county’s veterans. He said he’d like to see the commission add $100,000 a year for the next several years and then review where the department stands with the increased funding.

Vriesman thought this was a better route to take instead of going to voters with a millage request to fund the department.

“I’d like to add more money into the budget this year,” he said.

Commissioner David Bulkowski would like to see the county raise its operating millage rate to the statutory limit set by the state, which he said would result in a 1 percent hike to the property tax.

Doing so, he said, would end the county’s process of delaying maintenance until more funds became available and would reduce the overall cost of delayed mainte-

nance.

Delabbio said the millage increase is a matter the full commission has to take up. “You are welcome to have that discussion,” he said.

However, Commission Chairman Dan Koorndyk said he doesn’t want taxes raised without a public vote. “The one message I get from people is, ‘Don’t raise my taxes,’” he said.

Advocates for Senior Services and the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan are looking to ask voters to raise their taxes. Both groups have contacted Kent County about putting a millage request for senior services on the ballot next year. The current millage is for 0.3244 mills and the new request asks for 0.5 mills for eight years.

The increase is being sought because both organizations said revenue from the current millage has fallen by more than $1 million over the past four years due to lower property values.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the 2014 general fund budget Nov. 7 and are scheduled to adopt the spending plan Nov. 21. But what is adopted next month may not be what is spent next year.

“The budget can be amended at any time during the course of the year by a vote of the Finance Committee and the Board of Commissioners,” said Delabbio last week.

“There is nothing that stops the budget from being amended.”

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One of Michigan’s greatest resources is its abundance of water, but how can the state best leverage the Great Lakes to grow the economy?

Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute is undertaking a one-year study that will inventory how businesses, universities and local governments are utilizing the state’s vast water supply for economic gain.

The study is being funded by a $75,000 grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation, and AWRI will partner with John Austin from the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas Foundation on the study.

“This project will allow us to inventory the blue economy initiatives throughout the state, and use that information to incentivize additional economic growth based on sustainable freshwater principles,” said Alan Steinman, AWRI director and principal investigator on the grant.

Steinman explained that previous research recognized that it would take $25 billion to restore the Great Lakes, but that restoration efforts had the potential to bring a return on investment of between $50 billion to $75 billion.

“That analysis helped justify Congress to approve the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, because they showed that investing in ecosystem restoration not only improves the ecosystem, but it actually helps improve the economy, as well,” he said. “And that was a pretty compelling argument.”

Steinman pointed out that local governments turned away from waterways due to heavy pollution, but in recent years are looking at how they can develop those areas to grow their cities or towns.

“Now, as we’ve cleaned up these environments, the water is actually a pretty compelling location,” he said. “The communities have now started restoring their waterfronts, using the water as an incentive. We’ve changed the way that we orient our community structure. So we want to inventory where all of this has taken place. We can point to Traverse City, Grand Haven, even Grand Rapids.”

Businesses with an eye toward water conservation also are seeing economic gain from their efforts, and Steinman said the study would look at how businesses are both finding ways to conserve water and also developing technologies around water.

“The reality is the H20 molecule is free; there is no charge for that,” he said. “What we pay for in Continued on page 4 8

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4 Grand rapids Business Journal OctOber 21, 2013

Wyoming site signs first new business  Continued from page 1

You feel more like a part of a community when you’re riding the bus.

– Emily Martin, Rapid Rider

lion) to $7 million investment there with 90 jobs.”

Holt said Galloup paid $350,000 for the 7.5 acres, and the new facility will be divided into three sections: office space for sales, manufacturing and assembly, and warehousing.

Wyoming city officials said they expect to identify a second entity this fall that plans to locate at the site.

Holt said other companies have expressed interest in locating at Site 36.

“We believe in helping our local companies, so we work very hard at that,” said Holt, adding if there is an opportunity to get a local company on the site, the city will work to make it happen.

“It seems appropriate that the first company to locate on Site 36 is from our own backyard in West Michigan,” said Holt. “We are committed to growing companies locally and are as loyal to our business community as it is to us.”

Holt said Kendall Electric already has a facility elsewhere in Wyoming. “We know them.

They’re a good partner here,” he added.

Martin Ranly, president and CEO of Kendall, said less than half of the employees at the new Gal-

and so there is a wealth of opportunity,” Barclay said. “When you look at the boards of those companies, they are actually less diverse than the Fortune 500 boards.

“If CEOs will free up women and help position them to serve on those boards, we could have a quick transformation in these numbers.

That is one of the reasons we have been delighted to see some CEOs, like Dan Ackerson at General Motors, (where) two of his top women are serving on other Fortune 500 boards.”

While the study didn’t look at the reasons behind the numbers, Barclay and Somers were in agreement on several factors that might be contributing to the slow growth.

They point to unconscious bias in the talent review process, which is basically that people are attracted to those who are like them.

“We need to have processes within the talent review process to ensure that people who aren’t like us also are positioned for opportunities to be assigned to the highprofile accounts, or be positioned for the right next step to prepare you for a promotion. That way

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we can ensure that we’ve got that pipeline filled with talent,” Barclay said.

There is also a surprising difference in the age ranges of women board members and male board members.

“Women directors ranged in age from 44 to 53, whereas male directors ranged in age from 39 to 72 — a 33-year age span versus a nine-year age span for women, which suggests that, when you look at turnover, there is a wider net being cast for male directors,” Barclay said.

Somers added, “They are giving younger males more of an opportunity than they are giving younger females. That is kind of disconcerting for us here as educators. When we educate our MBA students who aspire to be leaders some day of these major corporations, currently they don’t see the opportunities there.”

Studies have shown that gender diversity is good for a company’s bottom line.

“There have been a number of studies that show companies do better when they have a critical mass of women on boards,” Somers said. “Research indicates when the percentage of women increas-

es, women tend to stick together.

They form coalitions and support one another and that really affects the culture of the group, and with that, I think, comes this increase in performance measures.

“In particular, performance measures that have been studied are things like return on sales, return on investment and return on equity. Looking at boards of directors with no women versus looking at boards of directors with three or more (women), there is a very striking difference in those performance measures.”

Both Barclay and Somers hope the study results will push companies to develop a more diverse talent pipeline and position their female leaders for more opportunities.

“I am more optimistic than I have been in past years,” Barclay said. “I think that these issues are starting to be more visible. We are starting to talk about them more.

“We are starting to recognize that they are economic issues. It’s not about fairness or being politically correct. I think there is growing recognition in companies that this kind of diversity is an economic issue for the company.”

Study connects value of water and economy  Continued from page 3

Steelcase Ballroom at DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

dollars through tax incremental financing, or TIF, of up to $250,000 or for 10 years. TIF funds will be used for demolition related to site preparation needs.

Holt told the Business Journal the personal property tax abatement probably won’t last much longer than a year or two because the Michigan legislature has enacted legislation phasing out that tax on industrial properties.

Established in 1973, Kendall Electric is an electrical equipment distributor serving commercial, government, contractor, health care, educational, industrial and other markets throughout the United States.

Kendall is a 100 percent employee-owned company.

Meanwhile, the city continues to work with The Right Place to market Site 36, which it said is one of the largest tracts of open industrial land in the region. The city said Site 36 has high-quality industrial infrastructure for water, sewer and power, convenient access to both rail and roads, and that being in Wyoming is also a benefit because the city has “low taxes and a highly skilled work force.”

The property is bounded by U.S. 131, Buchanan Street SW, 36th Street SW and 40th Street SW. More information on the property is at site36plan.com.

Inforum leadership confident of change  Continued from page 1

www.ridetherapid.org

loup location will be manufacturing staff.

Kendall has more than 900 employees in 56 locations in Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Ohio. The new site in Wyoming will allow it to consolidate two current facilities in Grand Rapids into a larger, stateof-the-art building, according to the city’s announcement. The new facility also will house Smith Instruments, a specialty division of J.O. Galloup.

“We are extremely excited to continue investing in the West Michigan business market by relocating our J.O. Galloup operations to Wyoming,” said Ranly. “We have many customers in this market, and we hope they see that this move is an investment in their future as well as ours.”

“Site 36 is an excellent location that fits perfectly with what we need for our business expansion,” added Ranly. “This is an incredibly attractive site, which offers great infrastructure and easy access for logistics.”

Wyoming City Commissioners reviewed and approved the sale of the property and the development agreement.

In its news release, the city said the property is eligible for a 12-year personal property tax abatement and brownfield redevelopment

our monthly utility bills, whether we are a private residence or a manufacturing entity, we are paying for the cost of pumping that water, the energy to pump that water out of the Great Lakes or from a deep aquifer and treating it.

“So the more that these large manufacturing operations can conserve and save water, they save on their energy bills, and that can be a huge cost. … Historically, we talked about white-collar jobs, and then with all the focus on sustainability, we talked about greencollar jobs. Now we are talking about blue-collar jobs.”

Finally, Steinman said that uni-

10/14/13 2:50 PM

versities have been pouring resources into water research that could have substantial impacts on the economy.

“So what does that mean, what has been done, what is the potential investment and the potential return associated with that, as well,” he asked.

The inventory will help the state connect the value of water with the economy more directly and Steinman hopes it can be used to stimulate economic growth.

He also noted it would be important to think about how to balance utilizing water as an economic driver while also using it sustainably.

He said the state hopefully has learned from the great lumber

barons of the past that what might look like an unlimited resource likely isn’t.

“Humans have a great ability to exploit resources, so we want to make sure we use the water to grow the economy but do it sustainably,” he said.

“Ultimately, the goal would be to figure out how we market water as a way to grow Michigan’s economy, and we would want to make sure that we are using water sustainably as part of those practices.

We don’t want to go down the road of the forests of the 1870s.”

Steinman hopes this undertaking will be phase one of a multiphase project. He is also looking for partners who are invested in building a blue economy.

OctOber 21, 2013 Grand rapids Business Journal 5

Saugatuck Dunes development project inches forward 300-acre site is subject of zoning battle.

Charlsie Dewey

Grand Rapids Business Journal

This month, Judge Kevin Cronin, 48th Circuit Court, entered a consent judgment regarding the “critical dunes overlay” conflict between plaintiff Singapore Dunes and defendant Saugatuck Township that will allow a significant development project along the Saugatuck Township lakeshore to move forward.

In 2012, Michigan amended its “critical dunes law.” The amendment states that local governments cannot impose restrictions that are more restrictive than state law. In addition, local governments cannot regulate critical dunes unless they go to the Department of Environmental Quality and get its authorization and approval to administer an ordinance.

In this case, plaintiff Singapore Dunes faced stricter “dunes overlay” restrictions than state law requires, due to a local Saugatuck Township ordinance. Plaintiff attorney James Bruinsma, of McShane & Bowie, said his client was asking the court to invalidate the Saugatuck Township overlay ordinance due to its conflict with Michigan state law.

The consent judgment is the latest win for Singapore Dunes, which has mounted several legal challenges against Saugatuck Township since 2004 when it contracted to buy the 300-acre property, commonly referred to as the Denison property.

At the time of purchase, there was hope within the township that the property might be turned into a

conservation area or become a state park. Instead, Oklahoma resident Aubrey McClendon, former CEO of Chesapeake Energy Co., purchased the property for $40 million with plans to develop it.

“That was the original tension,” explained Bruinsma, who said ongoing battles with the township and environmental groups followed.

Bruinsma said that following his client’s purchase of the land, the township rezoned the property.

“The rezoning was targeted to just affect my client’s property and nobody else in the township, and it was very restrictive and put in place rules that had never been used.

“By that I mean, the density that would be allowed was one house per five acres, which was different than they had used anywhere else along the lakefront, and you had to get special permission from the planning commission even to build a house.

“If somebody else wanted to build a house on their property, they’d go to a building inspector, they’d get a permit issued and build a house. We had to go through an elaborate procedure before the planning commission, and they could say yes or no and maybe we couldn’t do anything.”

In addition to the rezoning, Saugatuck Township also increased the real property taxes on the land.

“So we had what we saw as two opposite moves by the township.

On the one hand, they took away all of our usage rights, and then on the other hand they made the property that much more expensive to own,” Bruinsma said.

As a result, Singapore Dunes filed a lawsuit against Saugatuck Township and the individual members of the township board, seeking

a rollback of the zoning ordinance.

The lawsuit resulted in a consent judgment entered in 2012 by Chief Judge Paul Maloney, U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, Southern Division.

Today, Singapore Dunes is inching forward on its current development plans for the 300 acres, which includes two phases. The first is the development of 19 single-family home sites.

“These all would be on large lots — two to six acres each — on the western acreage closest to Lake Michigan,” Bruinsma said. “All of these home sites comply with local ordinances and no special approvals or variances are needed. The lots have already been created, and they are listed for sale.”

The phase two proposal is for the development of the former factory site location into compact residential development and a marina.

“The proposal would be to cluster four buildings around a private marina along the river,” Bruinsma said. “The condominium buildings would have 16 to 24 units in them, for a total of 72 units.”

He said the plan calls for eliminating surface parking lots by raising the buildings so parking can be located beneath them.

“The extra height works well in this location because the old factory site is ringed with tall dunes that would be higher than the buildings we proposed to build,” he said. “The effective height of the buildings is actually much shorter than other structures in the area because we would be building on the lowest spot on the property.”

Bruinsma said that if Singapore Dunes is permitted to build the four-story buildings in that location as proposed, it would give up its right to build houses on much of

the remaining acreage, putting 100 acres or more into permanent conservation.

“That’s essentially the trade-off: Singapore Dunes has the right to build single-family houses on top of the dunes, but it would prefer to cluster that housing in the old factory site by building taller, multifamily buildings behind the dunes but with access to the river,” he said. “It’s a far more environmentally friendly solution and much better for the land. The overall number of houses would not be increased by our proposal; we would simply be concentrating the footprint of the housing into a smaller area.

According to Al Ellingsen, Saugatuck Township zoning administrator, the zoning board of appeals did not approve a height variance last month but did offer that the planning commission has the ability to modify the height restrictions under a planned unit development.

He noted it appears the developer is offering a trade of 130 acres in return for the height modification.

Ellingsen said a sketch plan review meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21. The informal meeting will provide an opportunity for the developer and planning commission to discuss the project.

“No formal decision will be made at the meeting because they still have to apply for a planned use development and, by doing so, then there is a public hearing involved and then people have the ability to make their wishes known to the planning commission,” Ellingsen said.

Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance, a coalition of individuals and organizations focused on protecting and preserving the Kalamazoo River watershed, which includes

the Saugatuck Dunes, continues to oppose the development project.

David Swan, president of the Coastal Alliance board, said his group isn’t opposed to development but in this case the project threatens the natural area and runs counter to the tri-community master plan that was developed several years ago to ensure growth within the area is done with an eye toward preserving the lakeshore and riverfront.

“Singapore Dunes owns over 300 acres of property and yet it’s proposing to build single-family homes on the most fragile, globally rare resources on the entire property,” Swan said. “And it’s looking to preserve areas that are much less environmentally sensitive.”

Swan said a proposed roadway is a major concern for the group because, as currently planned, it would run through interdunal wetlands.

“It’s also important to point out that those interdunal wetlands are globally imperiled and are connected to public lands, and scientists have been very outspoken and specific in their opposition to where that road would be placed,” he said.

“That would have a very serious impact on public lands.”

Swan said the Singapore Dunes project requires zoning changes that are not supported under the master plan, and he points to previous legal challenges made by Singapore Dunes to avoid local zoning laws.

“We are opposed to the plan because Singapore Dunes keeps trying to bypass the public zoning process that applies to every other land owner,” he said.

The fight is expected to continue as Singapore Dunes pushes forward with its development plans.

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6 Grand rapids Business Journal OctOber 21, 2013

Industrial real estate market still going strong Low inventory of properties could be a challenge down the road.

David Czurak

Grand Rapids Business Journal

The momentum the industrial real estate market has built over the past year or so continued through the recently completed third quarter.

The Commercial Alliance of Realtors reported that 14 industrial buildings were sold over the past three months. Although the number was down from the third quarter of last year when 23 changed hands, the sales volume from the recent transactions was 10 percent higher than a year ago.

“It is believed that the sale of distressed properties exhausted itself in 2012, leaving few industrial buildings available for sale,” read the CAR report.

Colliers International of West Michigan sold two of those structures. One was a 28,320-squarefoot building in Wyoming at 5760 Hawkeye Court SW. It sold for $1.2 million, or $42.37 per square foot.

The other was a 19,890-square-foot building at 1294 Chicago Drive in Grandville. The final sales price was $855,000, or $42.99 a foot.

“Over the last quarter, the number of deals completed remained on par with recent quarters,” read the report from Colliers.

CAR also reported that yearto-date sales have risen from 39 in 2012 to 51 this year, which is nearly a 31 percent hike in just the last dozen months. Colliers International added it has closed on deals, or put under contract, more than 150 acres of land for six buyers.

“Construction of industrial space has reached its highest levels in eight years and the land movement is poised to create further increases over the previous year, especially as the need for manufacturing space continues to escalate,”

read the Colliers report.

The CAR report said the region’s low inventory of industrial properties has caused potential buyers to look into new construction, and sales of vacant land are up because of that low inventory situation.

“Some new construction has started within the region. However, construction costs still remain higher than recent existing building sales prices, making land acquisition and new construction prohibitive for some,” read the CAR report. “A few buyers have purchased older sites, are demolishing existing structures, and are spending on significant capital improvements in order to meet their needs.”

Colliers International offered a few examples of new construction in the market. Gordon Foods is building a 94,000-square-foot freezer facility at 651 50th St. near its distribution center. CHEP Pallet recently finished a 65,000-squarefoot expansion, and the Undercar Products Groups is wrapping up a 110,000-square-foot expansion.

tHis building on Hawkeye Court in Wyoming sold for $1.2 million. Courtesy Colliers international of West Michigan

According to CAR, lease rates also are up — by as much as 10 percent in some cases — over the past year in both the manufacturing and warehouse sectors of the industrial market. Lease rates also rose along the lakeshore. CAR felt rental rates went up because building inventory was low.

Colliers International reported the region’s vacancy rate fell from 6.9 percent halfway through the year to 6.6 percent at the thirdquarter mark. Most tenants and buyers located in the metro area’s southeast district, but many also went to the southwest sector because space was limited in the southeast.

“The recent slight increase in interest rates has not dampened the needs of potential buyers and investors. However, most interest in the market is still being generated by potential buyers due to interest rates near historic lows and owneroccupancy currently being a more cost-effective option compared to leases in many cases,” read the Colliers International report.

The report added the increase in new construction and a low inventory of available product should push lease rates up in the future.

The region’s industrial market has 1,855 buildings with a total of 112.5 million square feet of space.

Of that square footage, 7.4 million square feet was vacant at the end of September.

“Overall, the market continues to improve,” read the CAR report.

“The challenge for the next few months will be supplying buyers with the inventory that is demanded. West Michigan’s employment numbers are strengthening, and benefit from the diversified manufacturing base that this region supports.”

Scott Usadel

Office space shrinking  Continued from page 1 the last quarter, with two occurring in the southwest sector and one on 28th Street SE. The largest office address sold had 24,210 square feet, while the smallest was 8,500 square feet.

“Investment opportunities in West Michigan are continually becoming less readily available...”

Colliers Report

“Investment opportunities in West Michigan are continually becoming less readily available with the majority of office properties changing hands in the past 18 months. Investment properties are still generating overwhelming interest from local and national firms,” read the report.

The market has 634 office buildings with 16.1 million square feet. The overall vacancy rate is 20.6 percent. A year ago that number was closer to 25 percent.

“New construction projects are monopolizing the commercial real estate rumor mill in West Michigan since it is the only option for most users seeking upper echelon space. The Cascade area is seeing its first new class A office construction in five years at 4362 Cascade Road,” read the Colliers International report.

“Another new project is starting on the East Beltline and projects are being discussed for Glenwood Hills and Kenmoor, as well as several new downtown office buildings.”

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October 21, 2013 Grand Rapids Business Journal 7

Farmland donation coming before the county board Commission vote will mark only the second preservation action this year.

David Czurak

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Kent County commissioners will decide this week whether to accept a donation to its farmland preservation program, a gift that wasn’t totally embraced last week by the county’s Finance Committee.

The trust of Denny Heffron, a local farmer and member of the county’s Agricultural Preservation Board, has offered to donate to the county the development rights of 83 farmland acres in Grattan Township.

A baseline environmental study, survey and title work must be completed before the county can officially accept the gift for its Purchase of Development Rights program.

The property also has to be appraised before a dollar value can be attached to the donation.

The funding for the environmental study, title search and insurance, and closing and recording costs will come from a grant from the Peter M. Wege Foundation.

The total is expected to be about $4,300.

The cost of the survey and appraisal will be paid for by the Denny Heffron Trust; those charges are expected to be $4,000. No county funds are involved in the transaction.

“Until now, I’ve never heard of wanting to get rid of the program.”

Jim Thalen Assistant County Administrator Mary Swanson said the appraisal should set the property’s value from $2,200 to $2,600 an acre, which would make the donation worth between $182,600 and $215,800.

“This is a wonderful gift to the county,” said Commissioner Carol Hennessy.

“I think this program is of great value to the county,” added Commissioner David Bulkowski, as the committee accepted the donation.

However, Commissioners Nate Vriesman and Shana Shroll voted to turn down the gift and recommended the full commission also reject it on Thursday.

“I don’t think the program is in the best interest of the county,” said Vriesman.

“Until now, I’ve never heard of wanting to get rid of the program,” said Commissioner Jim Talen.

The PDR program isn’t as popular as it was a few years ago when the commission allocated $250,000 to it. The board gave it $87,180 this fiscal year, but the 2014 general fund budget, which commissioners will adopt next month, has only $25,000 allocated to it for next year.

The last time commissioners approved a PDR transaction was in late February when they agreed to buy the development rights of 112 acres from two farms for $290,000, or $2,589 an acre.

A grant from the USDA Farmland Preservation Program was expected to cover half the purchase price with $50,000 coming from the county.

The remaining amount was to have been covered by grants from local foundations.

“We’re still in the process of closing the last two properties that were approved in February,” said Swanson last week.

Once the transactions close, roughly 2,030 acres on 20 county farms will be preserved and won’t be available for commercial development. Three other programs have set aside nearly 1,000 acres of farmland in the county, which brings the total preserved acreage to 3,000.

Commissioners established the PDR program in November 2002 with a goal of preserving 25,000 acres over its first decade.

Kent County’s farmland preservation program does not have the full support of commissioners. ©Thinkstock.com

8 Grand Rapids Business Journal October 21, 2013

GR Spring & Stamping receives major Nissan recognition Only two North American automotive suppliers got the quality improvement award for 2013.

Pete Daly

Grand Rapids Business Journal

GR Spring & Stamping Inc. in Grand Rapids has been awarded Nissan’s 2013 Most Improved Supplier designation among suppliers in Nissan’s Americas region, which includes the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

The award, one of only two presented in the Americas region, recognizes outstanding improvement in quality over the last three years, according to GRS&S. GRS&S presiEmery dent Merle Emery was presented the award at a ceremony held Oct. 8 at Nissan’s North America headquarters in Franklin, Tenn.

“This is an award the entire organization can be proud of,” said Emery, adding that all employees at GRS&S “are committed to continuous improvement each and every day. This award recognizes those efforts.”

Emery said Nissan has been a GRS&S customer since 2002 and is the company’s largest automotive customer. For Nissan, GRS&S produces a variety of parts, rang-

ing from dashboard assemblies and instrument panels to components for automobile power trains and engines.

“We supply parts to every Nissan facility in North America and also export some to Japan — also to Russia, Spain and other parts of the world,” said Emery.

In the U.S., Nissan has assembly plants in Smyrna, Tenn., and Canton, Miss., plus an engine/transaxle plant in Decherd, Tenn.

The other U.S. company that won Nissan’s top quality improvement award for 2013 was Tower Automotive in Livonia.

“We supply parts to every Nissan facility in North America and also export some to Japan — also to Russia, Spain and other parts of the world.”

Merle Emery

GRS&S has more than 425 employees in West Michigan and more than $100 million in sales, with plants in Grand Rapids, Walker and Comstock Park, two others in Richmond, Ky., and an office in Japan.

In total, GRS&S has more than 600 employees supplying auto industry OEMs and their Tier One suppliers with stampings and complicated welded assemblies. It also supplies parts to the office furniture, medical and electronic manufacturing industries.

A “groundbreaking” for the new complex took place atop the The Heights at Eastwood, which is near the new development. Courtesy Orion Construction

Orion starts construction on Lansing project Active Lansing residential developer and property manager chooses local firm.

David Czurak

Grand Rapids Business Journal

A Grand Rapids builder began construction last week on a new luxury apartment complex that is going up in Lansing.

DTN Management Co. of Lansing, which owns the project, selected Orion Construction to manage the work for its new $20 million upscale mixed-use development called The Vista at The Heights.

When it’s completed, The Vista will offer 124 one-, two- and threebedroom residential units, 32,000

square feet of commercial space, and 7,000 square feet of office suites.

The development is being built near The Heights at Eastwood, a luxury lifestyle center at 2328 Showtime Drive in Lansing just off U.S. 127.

“This project helps us develop a strong relationship with DTN Management, as well as giving us an opportunity to do what we do best: complete upscale, time-sensitive construction on an active site,” said Tony Cronkhite, Orion project manager.

“We’re very familiar with these types of mixed-use developments and we look forward to turning this project over on time and on budget,” he added.

The project is expected to take 13 months to build.

“In order to successfully complete an upscale mixed-use development such as The Vista at The Heights, you need a strong project team and an executable plan. We’ve got both and we’re very excited to be underway on this project with DTN,” said Roger Rehkopf, a partner at Orion.

“The live-work philosophy is familiar to us, and DTN’s vision of The Vista at The Heights is clear. It enhances an already popular lifestyle center and economy. It hopefully serves as a platform for future development of this thriving neighborhood,” said Rehkopf.

DTN Management and Key Bank are the primary sources of financing for the project.

Humphreys & Partners Architects LP of Dallas designed the development.

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Marissa Iacovoni left Grand Rapids after high school but dreams of returning to start her own hospitality commercial firm.

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Taking classes at Kendall College of Art and Design while in high school inspired Marissa Iacovoni to move to Chicago to study interior design. Courtesy Marquez Colby

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arissa Iacovoni’s journey to having a successful interior design career began in Grand Rapids, her home city, and then took her all over the world.

Her work currently has landed her in Houston, Texas, where she holds a number of titles, including interior designer for international design firm Rottet Studio, which also has offices in New York, Los Angeles and Shanghai; event planner at BASH Event Design, which she co-founded; founder of her interior design business, Iacovoni & Associates; and blogger for Diva On A Dime Interiors, her interior design blog, which has about 14,000 followers.

At 25, Iacovoni is already a rising star in the design industry, with major hospitality and commercial design jobs in China and Chicago under her belt. When she’s not running her businesses or travelling on weekends for work, she finds time to take online classes at the University of Phoenix, working on an MBA in project management.

But something she desperately wants to be part of her story is still missing: a homecoming.

“My dream someday … is to have a huge firm in Grand Rapids — a big hospitality commercial firm — because there really isn’t something like that here,” she said.

“My ultimate goal would be to have a company that’s both in Houston and Grand Rapids. I’m also the co-founder of BASH Event Design, which started in Houston, but I’m going to expand it into Grand Rapids.”

It’s an interesting situation to be in. Iacovoni is positioned well, with a budding career at Rottet Studio, named by Interior Design Magazine as one of the Top 3 Most Admired Firms in the World. She loves her jobs, she adores her boss, Lauren Rottet, and she likes Houston just fine.

All this, however, doesn’t keep her from traveling to Grand Rapids every couple of months and spending time with her family while working on local design projects.

“I think the greatest thing about Grand Rapids is there’s so much room to grow in design here that I feel I could make a really big impact,” she said. “There is good

Marissa Iacovoni Company: Rottet Studio; BASH Event Design; Iacovoni & Associates Position: Interior Designer; Event Planner; Founder Age: 25 Birthplace:Grand Rapids Residence: Houston, Texas Family: Parents, Lisa and Richard Iacovoni, and brother, Tony Iacovoni Business/Community Organizations: National Association of Professional Women, Network of Executive Women In Hospitality, International Interior Design Association.

Biggest Career Break: Working on a high-profile hotel in China for Rottet Studio.

design here, but I think my having done design all over the world — I’d love to bring it here.”

So, why hasn’t she and why did she leave in the first place? The

Inside Track OCTOBER 21, 2013 GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL 11

simple answer: job security.

Iacovoni grew up on Grand Rapids’ west side, where all her dreams started, she said, and attended West Catholic High School.

While her mother always knew she would end up in design, Iacovoni said it wasn’t until her high school art teacher encouraged her to take a couple of classes at Kendall College of Art and Design that she began to fully realize her potential.

“My dream someday … is to have a huge firm in Grand Rapids — a big hospitality commercial firm — because there really isn’t something like that here.”

After graduating from high school in 2006, she left Grand Rapids and headed for Chicago, where she majored in interior design at the Illinois Institute of Art. The reason so many young people, herself included, leave Grand Rapids in their 20s — and then return in their 30s to raise a family — isn’t necessarily because they wanted to leave, Iacovoni said. But in today’s economy, sometimes it’s the best option for beginning a career, she explained.

“Grand Rapids is booming as far as medical is concerned … but, truthfully, it’s hard to find big corporations hiring so many people right out of school,” she said. “So people in their early 20s go to these bigger cities like Chicago and New York, get that experience, and then come back to companies like Amway, Steelcase, Hayworth. They’re going to hire seniority, and now you have that, coming back.”

While studying in Chicago, she

was a nanny for a family with connections to the hotel industry. Her personal connection to that family, which turned into a treasured friendship, led to one of the most important first steps in her career, she said: landing an internship during her freshman year at the art institute.

“I got to be on the whole project design team for a hotel in college, an opportunity I never would have had otherwise,” she said. “I completely got involved in hotel design and hospitality and just loved it.”

After graduating in 2010, Iacovoni was immediately picked up by the McDonald’s Corp.’s Chicago branch to work on designing the behemoth company’s higher-end restaurants. Her work was a success, she said, but the corporate style limited her artistic creativity. She began to find other design projects, re-designing two Chicago clubs, Jellyfish and Mercer One Thirteen, for Slick Design USA. She also started her own company, Iacovoni & Associates, at that time, and returned to Grand Rapids to work on remodeling a new office on East Beltline Avenue for Prudential Fase Realty — for which she still is doing freelance work, making sure to utilize products from local companies, particularly Steelcase, as much as she can.

“I respect people in the design industry here so much,” she said.

“The furniture design here — it’s impeccable. Baker and all these people that I’d even hear about being in Houston, being in Europe, being all over — it’s crazy that it’s (from) my own hometown. When I come home and do Prudential projects, I try to always use stuff (from here.)”

In 2011, she moved to Houston and began to work at Rottet Studio. She’s been there ever since and has no immediate plans of leaving. But down the road, she knows Grand Rapids is calling her. And like a true entrepreneur, if the city

doesn’t have something ready for her when the time is right, she’ll create her own job.

“I don’t really have a timeframe,” she said. “For me, it would be getting more projects in Grand Rapids, influencing design and just pushing the boundaries of design and having people walk into a space and say, ‘Wow, I feel like I’m in New York or Chicago.’”

Because of Iacovoni’s past work with hotels and nightclubs, she’s particularly interested in bringing those ideas to Grand Rapids, she said, and she’d like to see hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and W Hotel added downtown.

There also is a need for a highquality club space in Grand Rapids, she added.

“There isn’t really a cool club here … something that’s kind of exclusive. Not a bar — something like a (Chicago underground club) where people can go and they don’t feel like they’re in Grand Rapids,” she said. “Grand Rapids needs something super hip, aiming toward the younger college crowd.”

How or when she will make her permanent return to Grand Rapids, she has no idea — nor does she know how many other young professionals like her are out there, waiting to return to West Michigan with stable careers. For now, she’s content to be a Grand Rapids expatriate, biding her time for a return to make a difference in her hometown.

In the meantime, she remains patient, remembering some advice from the Chicago couple she nannied for: “Never settle.” “(They) always told me, ‘Don’t just do it because it makes a lot of money. Do what you love and the money will come later,’” she said.

“That advice to me has paid off so much because now I feel like I work harder than I ever have, and I’m starting to really thrive, but it’s because I’m so passionate about it.”

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Comment & Opinion 12 Grand Rapids Business Journal October 21, 2013

Editorial

Sobering economic research for West Michigan begs creative solutions

T

Of the 54 U.S. regions, West Michigan is 54th in knowledge-based concentration and 42nd in college attainment. Metro Detroit ranked 35th and 37th.

he Business Journal last week celebrated the accomplishments and community connections of 40 young business leaders in four counties, seeding — and fueling — a number of new, inventive ideas and relationships that will assuredly continue to sustain the economic foundation in the West Michigan area. Gov. Rick Snyder spoke to the group with targeted insight and advice keying off what he said has been his lifelong mantra: relentless positive action.

It will take all of them and the relentless pursuit of such action to even begin to address this region’s — and Michigan’s — most persistent and crippling issue: public education.

The Business Journal Focus section this week reviews a number of new programs and academic opportunities in such far-ranging areas as law, health care, entrepreneurial training, business administration and sustainable business models. Getting there is the issue.

The Business Journal this week also is publishing the latest research from Lou Glazer, president of Michigan Future, and University of Michigan economist Don Grimes. The research and study are sobering.

The oft-cited economic analysts found that the Grand Rapids region (including Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon) is quite similar to the seven-county Detroit region when the bottom-line numbers are reviewed, despite all positive perceptions to the contrary. Preferring to believe in those perceptions is akin to putting one’s head in the sand or to party with abandon

T

GUEST COLUMN

he CEOs of publically traded companies have immediate feedback each day as the stock ticker crawls across their computers. Shouldn’t leaders of private companies want similar feedback? Maybe not daily, but a periodic check on business value will help business leaders make decisions that lead to business growth and profitability.

It’s no surprise owners typically respond to a recommendation to have their business valued with some variation of: “Why now? I’m not planning to leave for years,” or “I built this company, so I know better than any so-called expert what it’s worth.”

Before you join these owners and scratch a business valuation off your list, consider four reasons you should care what your business is worth: 1. Leading growth in business value is the owner/president’s most important role.

2. A valuation provides owners (and employees) an objective basis for incentive plans.

3. It establishes your starting position and distance to the finish line.

John Kerschen

Do you care what your business is worth?

and points of view. That’s to be expected. And sometimes, we have passionate disagreements. But, we find the areas where we agree and build upon them to fix our problems. And, at all times, we keep moving forward.”

The Business Journal has long been relentless in its reporting of the issues now cited by Glazer. It’s far past time for some of that positive action.

even as the threat of a tsunami is ignored.

Glazer writes that the research shows per capita income of 54 regions in the country with populations of 1 million or more. Of those, Metro Detroit ranks 39th in per capita income and Metro Grand Rapids is 52nd. He writes, “Metro Detroit ranked 50th and Metro Grand Rapids ranked 49th in change in per capita income” (between 2001-2011, the most recent Census information available), and that per capita income is influenced by a region’s “concentration in the knowledge-based sectors of the economy and, even more so, the proportion of adults with a fouryear college degree or more.” Of the 54 U.S. regions, West Michigan is 54th in knowledge-based concentration and 42nd in college attainment. Metro Detroit ranked 35th and 37th. Chicago ranks 12th.

Glazer notes the bad news for both regions but finds it far more troubling for the state of Michigan as its two largest metro regions are substantially deficient.

In September during a Business Journal interview Dick DeVos enumerated the issues that would be “next steps” for community leadership. He cited downtown retail and housing as the first concern, with education second. The long-time advocate of a “voucher system” for schools touted “alternative” schools or charter schools as the answer for the downtown Grand Rapids area specifically.

Gov. Snyder has the counsel of several individuals with various levels of expertise — and political ideology, particularly apparent in the debates on Common Core standards. Glazer’s knowledge econo-

my research and expertise should be a part of the solution. Gov. Snyder told the gathering of 40 young leaders, and again reiterated during a press conference regarding the breakthrough on the federal debt ceiling, “Of course, Republicans and Democrats have differing ideas

4. It tests your exit objectives.

To consistently grow business value, progressive business leaders know they must motivate and retain key management and employees. Well-conceived incentive plans are key to this goal, and the most successful of those plans use formulas that link benefits to growth in profitability and business value. Employees are justifiably interested in knowing how value is measured and whether that method is fair.

A third-party appraisal is often the best way to objectively determine value.

Eventually, all business owners will exit their business. For many, the value of the business represents the largest asset in the family estate. Given the importance of the business value, owners need to understand whether they are on track to their goals, or if not, how big the gap is in value. How else do you determine your starting point — today’s value — without the estimate of an experienced business valuation expert?

One of the first questions you’ll answer as you set your exit plan is:

“How much will I need from the sale of my company to maintain the lifestyle I want for me and my family in retirement?” The companion question should be: “Is the business worth enough to support those needs?” You must know this answer before you can successfully proceed down any exit path — internal or external.

For business transitions to family or current employees, value is often determined by how much the business can afford to pay the owner over time. A value needs to be determined so as not to put the business at risk, while also providing for the retirement of the departing owner. The IRS also has something to say about the transfer valuation.

Value is not only relative based on successor choice, it fluctuates depending on how the owner plans to use the valuation. In co-owned

companies, unless owners periodically update value established for the buy-sell agreement, one owner may receive too much or too little upon death, disability or departure, while the other may pay too much or too little. Outdated valuations often result in litigation (and subsequent loss of business value) as the slighted owner goes to court.

All business leaders want to see their companies increase in value, and on some level, all owners recognize they will leave the business someday. While you may not yet have a vision for the next stage of life, wise business owners understand that they need to know where they stand now and where they are planning to go.

Letters Policy: The Business Journal welcomes letters to the editor and guest commentary. Letters and columns must include the writer’s name, address and telephone number. Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the philosophy

of the Business Journal. Letters and columns may be edited for reasons of space or clarity. Please submit to: The Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or e-mail bjletters@grbj.com.

John Kerschen is managing director of The Charter Group in Grand Rapids.

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Michael Buck, Jim Gebben, Alissa Lane Johnny Quirin

October 21, 2013 Grand Rapids Business Journal 13

PEOPLE MATTERS David J. Smith

The (big) difference between conversation and communication

F

ar too many people believe having the ability to converse is the same as being able to communicate. They believe that telling is equivalent to talking, that sending an e-mail or leaving a voicemail message is better than spending time in two-way discussion. They believe that if one can speak effectively, they will be able to influence the behavior of others, and that “give and take” conversation only delays the decision-making process. They are firm believers in the principle that “he/she who speaks last is right” so will talk an issue to death (or send a declaratory note or leave a one-sided voicemail), rather than allowing someone else to have the “final say.”

Effective communication is a sum of several important parts, not simply words spoken or sounds heard.

Talking is the result of opening our mouths and letting words flow.

Communication is the act of thinking about what we wish to say before uttering words, of organizing the thoughts we wish others to hear and discuss so they will result in an appropriate action.

Conversation is an exchange of words, while communication is the transformation of thoughts and words into meaningful action.

Conversation typically involves what you wish to share with another; communication focuses

more on what you wish to accomplish.

In order to communicate effectively, we must: •Listen actively.

•Speak only after considering the ramifications of our words.

•Establish and assign ownership to a shared vision or idea while transferring accountability with responsibility to the individual assuming each task.

•Intentionally follow through to make sure expectations are met and objectives are accomplished (while avoiding the natural tendency to “rescue” or “save” another from mistakes or failures).

•Allow mistakes (our own and those of others) to become learning experiences rather than death sentences.

•Praise openly and honestly and criticize privately and quietly.

To communicate well we must identify what we wish to accomplish — figure out what we want our words to change, alter or enhance — before we begin to talk, write or “tweet.”

Politicians often seem to say whatever they think you want to hear in a manner convincing enough to make us forget what they may have said yesterday or what they will be saying tomorrow. They are typically highly effective conversationalists but may be lacking as communicators where listening and speaking must

closely align.

Politicians (and other effective public speakers) deliver what their audience wants to “take away” from a speech, often abandoning their principles or core values in order to appease the masses.

A conversationalist enters a debate with ears (and mouth) wide open, clearly identifying and discussing the “means” but often failing to bring to fruition an “end.”

An effective communicator plans his or her outcome before speaking, listens (and considers) responses, then works toward a mutually satisfactory actionable result. Ineffective communication is often “telling.” Effective communication becomes active, participative “selling.”

One of the more critical aspects of communication is silence: that space where listening becomes active and saying nothing helps to formulate direction. When one is speaking, he or she is not actively listening. When planting your thoughts and concepts, it is hard to harvest the bounty another might offer.

When we try to be heard above the noise around us, we often lose sight of the fact that a whisper can be much more effective in a quiet, listening room than a shout in a crowded building.

Silence often creates discomfort, but it is not your responsibility to fill every void with the sound

of your own voice. In order to communicate effectively we must allow silence to be deafening at times. Allow your thoughts and ideas to fill the moments of silence that listening (rather than talking) creates; then express those thoughts into encouraging words that identify, communicate and motivate change.

Effective communication is more than talking. It is transforming words into actions through carefully directed compromise that produces “win-win” situations rather than creating and fostering a “win-lose” mentality.

When wishing to share experiences, thoughts, feelings or dreams — converse.

While one needs to converse in order to communicate, not all conversation becomes effective communication. Communication is conversation on steroids, an exchange of thoughts and ideas that results in an investment of time and resources focused toward the accomplishment of an intended consequence. (If there were more effective communicators in Congress we might not have suffered the recent government shutdown that affected more than 80,000 individuals who ended up pawns in a chess match between narrowminded conversationalists that were relatively unaffected by the results of their inaction.)

Talk is cheap. It fills time and

Conversation is an exchange of words, while communication is the transformation of thoughts and words into meaningful action. space with words but does not necessarily require an investment of resources to create an intended result.

While conversation is a necessary part of living within a community, communication is the key to change. When you need to accomplish something — when an action must result in an equal and opposite reaction that alters or modifies a condition or behavior — communicate your thoughts, your intents and your expectations clearly by stating the facts and then listening for (and encouraging) a buy-in from all involved.

We should all strive to be better conversationalists but making a conscious effort to communicate more effectively can help to change the world.

David Smith is president and CEO of The Employers’ Association of Grand Rapids.

Sales Moves Jeffrey Gitomer

Serving memorably: Ordinary service is not acceptable

T

he following is an excerpt of Law 12: Serve Memorably, from my new book, “21.5 Unbreakable Laws of Selling.”

Think about the most memorable service you have ever received.

Ever tell anyone about it?

Now think about the service you provide to your customers.

How many people are talking about you?

Answer: Not enough.

Every time a customer calls, it’s an opportunity. The only question is: How are you taking advantage of it?

Don’t answer phone calls with a “thank you for the call,” telling me how important my call is while you put me on hold for the next available agent. Or, to “serve me better,” ask me to select from among the following eight options.

Selecting from among the following eight options is not one of my options — and I have the money — and you want the money — and you need the money, so wise up.

The last things employers should cut are sales, service and training. The first thing to cut is executive pay, then management pay, then eliminate middle management as needed, or make them salespeople and have them con-

General Sales Manager

Randy D. Prichard: rprichard@geminipub.com Advertising Sales Consultants

Christina McDonald Meister: cmeister@geminipub.com Craig R. Rich: crich@geminipub.com Steven Roberts: sroberts@geminipub.com Adver. Sales Assistant/Coordinator

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com

tribute to the effort.

Me a n w h i l e , customers need help, service and answers.

Your ability to help them in a timely manner, and serve them memorably, determines your reputation and your fate.

What actions are you willing to take? What investment are you willing to make? Do you understand it’s all about customer loyalty (not customer satisfaction)?

Major clue: Keep in mind that no company ever cut its way to success.

Reality: You cut your way to safety. You have to sell your way to success.

How ready are you?

If you want to win in this or any economy, you must be ready to win — ready with the right attitude, the right information and the right service heart.

If you break the serve memorably law: If a computer answers your phone, you have broken the law. If you use the word “policy,” you have broken the law. Start there.

The penalty for breaking this law is two-fold: loss of reputation AND loss of customer. There are

Jeffrey Gitomer’s website has information about training and seminars. Visit gitomer.com or email Jeffrey personally at salesman@gitomer.com.

very few laws that have a higher penalty, and very few laws that are easier to fix.

You don’t have to worry about monitoring your bad service. Your customers will do it for you, on Facebook and on Twitter. Your job is to fix it and continually improve it.

If you follow the serve memorably law: Your business reputation, both online and person-toperson, will soar! You’ll become known for taking ordinary daily business actions and turning them into pleasant customer surprises.

The result is not just more business — it’s more loyal customers, more referrals, greater reputation and more profit.

Think about that the next time you ask me to “select from among the following eight options.”

Caution: Ordinary, even polite, service is unacceptable. It will not give you the competitive edge or the business advantage that memorable service will.

Circulation & Marketing Manager

Administrative Assistant

Circulation & Marketing Coordinator

Reception/Clerical services

Scott T. Miller: smiller@geminipub.com

Dana Blinder: dblinder@geminipub.com

Circulation & Marketing Assistant

Shane Chapin: schapin@geminipub.com

Finance & Administration Manager

Pamela Brocato, CPA: pbrocato@geminipub.com

At the end of any transaction, that’s when the customer starts talking about you.

They will say one of five things about what transpired: • Something great.

• Something good.

• Nothing.

• Something bad.

• Something real bad.

And whatever they say leads to the next sale — either at your place, or your competition’s place.

The cool part is: You choose.

Aha! My “memorable mantra”: Find something personal; do something memorable.

Aha! Grow from good, to great, to memorable.

Key to implementation: Start with smart, happy people. Then define what is memorable and how everyone can achieve memorability with daily interactions.

(Southwest Airlines does it with friendly people and humor.)

Meet with all senior people and staff to create the ideas that wow, and gain the permission to wow at the same time. Then train and empower everyone with specific phrases and actions they can take on behalf of customers.

You don’t have to worry about monitoring your bad service. Your customers will do it for you, on Facebook and on Twitter. Your job is to fix it and continually improve it.

Tina Gillman: tgillman@geminipub.com General Inquiries: info@grbj.com Lorraine Brugger: recept@geminipub.com To Order Reprints

Karla Jeltema: kjeltema@geminipub.com, (616) 459-4545

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FOCUS

Education: Advanced Degrees

OctOber 21, 2013 Grand rapids Business Journal 17

West Michigan colleges not interested in social media degree But that doesn’t mean social media is absent from classrooms. MiKe niCHols

G

te ur Co

etting a master’s degree in social media is now a possibility at some universities and colleges in the U.S. For example, Southern New Hampshire University and Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y., both have added MBAs in social media.

As use of social media continues to spread into professional cultures, it should be no surprise that colleges and universities are beginning to offer training in it. Facebook alone has more than 1 billion users, and according to a Harvard Business Review survey on businesses and social media, 58 percent of the companies surveyed now use social media and 79 percent plan to do so.

While the East Coast might be ready for social media degrees, West Michigan higher education platforms are not as interested.

Although the feedback from local colleges and universities has been supportive of offering social media training and implementing it in class work, many faculty members feel a full degree is unnecessary.

The Business Journal checked in with Cornerstone University, Calvin College, Hope College, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, Western Michigan University and Davenport University, and none of those West Michigan colleges or univer-

ck

sto

k hin

T sy

“The tools of today are probably not the tools of tomorrow. But basic, tried-and-true communication theories can assist and inform us as communicators and can provide us especially with solid, ethical foundations on which to base our communication strategies.”

Phil de Haan | Calvin College

sities offers degrees in social media.

“The tools of today are probably not the tools of tomorrow. But basic, tried-and-true communication theories can assist and inform us as communicators and can provide us especially with solid, ethical foundations on which to base our communication strategies,” said Phil de Haan, who teaches a public relations and advertising course at Calvin.

“Knowing what tools are out there and how they work is es-

sential. Keeping up with the new vehicles is essential. But the most essential things go back, I think, well beyond today’s current techniques.”

While de Haan may not think social media merits a degree, he’s certainly not against using it in the classroom.

In fact, he runs much of his class off the Facebook page he created for it, he said, and posts PR-related materials to the page on a regular basis. He also allows past students on the page, forming a connection

between the students.

In addition, de Haan often spends 10 to 15 minutes each class period using the Facebook page as a jumping-off place for classroom discussions, he said.

“I have the syllabus on the page.

I also add other documents like review sheets when appropriate. But the biggest use for the page is as an out-of-the-classroom educational supplement,” he said. “My students post items on a regular basis. …

We create a nice little online community in which we can consider

Cozy cohort

By design

High marks

Spectrum Health, GVSU create executive MBA program for health system’s employees.

18 8

Kendall College of Art and Design institutes West Michigan’s first architectural program.

18 8

BLM report shows Michigan’s public universities outperform their peers.

20 8

current things related to PR and advertising.”

Sam Smartt teaches CAS 180 — Communicating with Digital Media — at Calvin, and echoed de Haan’s sentiments. Social media, something he teaches students how to use, matters, but he believes it just doesn’t have enough supporting coursework material for a full degree, he said.

“If you ever make a major in social media, you would have to allow a lot of different courses to add to that major. I don’t think you could

“

have an entire class just devoted to social media. It might be in other classes but not a major,” he said.

“Maybe it’s not around because the faculty know the students know this stuff better than they do,” he added.

Davenport University also is expanding how much social media faculty use and discuss in courses, said Brian Miller, vice president of information technology services and CIO, adding the focus is more about utilizing social media in existing courses than actually creating social media courses.

Miller, who was recently named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 2013 40 Under Forty class, said Davenport’s colleges of technology and business both are integrating social media into their classes, but there is no social media course, per se, because it is included in practically every class already being taught.

“It’s so important, it should be in every class. There’s no such thing as advertising without bringing in social media anymore. There’s no such thing as international business without knowing the reach of social business,” he said.

“We’re fairly certain some of the best places it can come from is social media. It ends up being a data source of tremendous value.”

Miller added that one social media topic that perhaps should be advanced is the role of net citizenship: the professional and ethical standards for using social media.

“Nobody is teaching kids how to effectively exist in social media.

Maybe we need to,” he said.

“From a higher education (standpoint), in general, the place social media can have the biggest impact is in teaching students how to behave appropriately on social media,” he said.

If West Michigan higher education platforms begin to offer degrees in social media, it may not be for a while, said Randall Bytwerk, co-chair of Calvin’s department of communication arts and sciences.

Bytwerk was the man who cotaught the first Calvin course on the Internet back in 1996. At that point, he only knew 80 percent of what there was to know about the Internet, he said, and professors dealing with social media today are in a similar situation.

“We’re where the Internet was in 1996. We’re still adjusting and finding out what we can do,” he said.

“Colleges are developing programs in social media, but it’s kind of the Wild West still.”

I hope the students learn how to build a business, whether it works or not.

JOHN MUELLER, PAGE 21

”

Education: Advanced Degrees 18 Grand Rapids Business Journal October 21, 2013

Spectrum Health, GVSU create executive MBA program Spectrum is paying for development of the course, which is for Spectrum employees only.

Pete Daly

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business and Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids are working together to develop what they call a “unique” Master of Business Administration program exclusively for Spectrum employees, according to a joint announcement from both organizations.

The announcement states the new MBA program will help Spectrum Health better prepare its leaders as it plans for a future built around community, value, quality and sustainability. Called the Health Care Executive MBA and “designed specifically for Spectrum Health leaders,” participants in the 22-month EMBA program will be clinical and administrative employees within Spectrum Health.

Susan Krieger, a spokesperson for Spectrum, said Spectrum is paying GVSU to develop the EMBA, but neither GVSU nor Spectrum could provide the cost figures because it is still in development.

Mary Eilleen Lyon, associate vice president of GVSU News and Information Services, said this is the first time the university has created such a specialized program for a sole business or institutional entity. She said the examples used and projects assigned will ap-

ply specifically to Spectrum’s environment and needs, and the course will “largely overlap what is taught in Grand Valley’s other programs, but professors will include courses pertinent to the health care industry, such as health care law.”

Spectrum also will pay the tuition for its employees in the program. GVSU fees for a master’s degree program for a Michigan resident range from $541 to $591 per credit hour.

“Spectrum Health must explore and create opportunities that will provide a smooth leadership transition throughout this decade,” said Richard C. Breon, president/CEO of Spectrum Health.

“We are very pleased that Grand Valley State University has been willing to develop an MBA program specifically designed for our integrated health system during a very challenging time in a changing industry.”

By “challenging,” Breon is referring to the mergers in health care taking place across the nation, as health care organizations work to control spiraling costs and be more efficient. The Affordable Care Act also is bringing many previously uninsured individuals into the health care arena because regular health care services throughout a person’s life will help reduce the ultimate high cost of diseases that have gone untreated.

GVSU noted that to provide enhanced experiences for MBA and undergraduate students, the university opened the L. William Seidman Center this summer in downtown Grand Rapids to house the Seidman College. The university said the new health executive MBA program in development with Spectrum Health is a reflection of GVSU’s commitment to

flexibility and responsiveness to community needs.

“Grand Valley State University applauds Spectrum Health’s recognition for ongoing learning and executive development,” GVSU President Thomas J. Haas said.

“All sectors of the economy face fast-changing circumstances that require innovation. Grand Valley’s

Mike Nichols

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Brian Craig is smiling a lot these days.

The man who’s directing Kendall College of Art and Design’s graduate program in architecture has a good reason to be happy. For years, KCAD has been engaged in conversations about creating a new professional architecture school in Grand Rapids, he said.

Now the dream is becoming a reality, and Craig’s efforts are starting to pay off.

“The initial development and curriculum of the program is now complete,” he said. “The degree is awaiting the final approval by the university trustees. The plan is to launch the program this year, accepting students for fall 2014.”

Kendall will hire both full- and part-time faculty to teach in the program, as well as draw upon current Kendall and Ferris faculty, Craig said. Costs such as the rental and renovation of space to house studios, as well as faculty salaries, will be incurred at startup and will

the world is going.

Master’s degrees in business, technology and health.

Master of Management Executive MBA MBA (six concentration options)

Technology: Master of Information Assurance Master of Technology Management

Spectrum Health administrators.

The curriculum will apply core MBA principles with relevant health care challenges that integrated health systems face. Classes will be conducted in a multifaceted approach with a combination of classroom, virtual and applied Continued on page 218

Kendall plans architecture program

Get where Business:

agility and commitment to quality are essential components of our key community partnerships. We embrace this opportunity that will enhance Spectrum Health, Grand Valley and ultimately the larger region both institutions serve.”

Development of the curriculum will be a collaborative process between Grand Valley faculty and

Health: Master of Science in Nursing

davenport.edu/programs-at-davenport | 800-686-1600

be recovered from the tuition revenue generated by the program, he said, adding that Kendall already has the shops, digital fabrication, seminar, library and support spaces the new degree requires.

“Students with a pre-professional (pre-architecture) undergraduate degree will require 60 semester credit hours (typically, two years) to complete the program, while those with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines will require 90 to 96 credit hours (three years with one intervening summer),” he said.

“2014/15 graduate tuition has not been set yet. Costs will be the same as other KCAD studio-based programs.

“There is no differential between in- and out-of-state tuition,” he added.

Instituting West Michigan’s first professional architecture program allows Kendall to build on the foundation of human-centered design explored in the college’s collaborative, industrial and interior design programs, among others, he said.

Grand Rapids is growing, Craig said, and as it does, systemic thinking, built on closed systems, is giving way to thinking that is open, complex and sometimes unpredictable.

“As a leader in art and design education, KCAD is integral to the community ecosystem of Grand Rapids, Michigan and the surrounding region. As such, it is our responsibility to facilitate the place-making process by nurturing the intellectual growth of individuals and the physical growth of the urban landscape,” Craig said.

“In a world where art and design have leapt past simple notions of beauty and utility to powerful notions of creativity and innovation that can shape economics and ecology, health care and K-12 education, social justice and organizational processes, Kendall College of Art and Design has seized the moment to advocate for the importance of creativity and of those who create and to make that importance felt in all the ways it touches the world.”

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Education: Advanced Degrees 20 Grand Rapids Business Journal October 21, 2013

BLM: Michigan’s public universities outperform their peers But Michigan universities receive less state funding than in other states.

Pete Daly

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Business Leaders for Michigan, organized a few years ago to push for a turnaround in the state’s economy and business climate, has released its updated Performance Tracker for Michigan public universities, which indicates they outperform their peers in other states in producing graduates with the critical skills employers need.

The Detroit-based organization of CEOs across Michigan has compared the performance of Michigan’s 15 public universities compared to those in other states. The update ranks each school on more than 30 data points, and the results are on the BLM website at blmperformancetracker.com.

“Michigan’s Performance Tracker for Public Universities makes the state a national leader in providing students, parents and policy makers an easy way to compare the performance of Michigan’s public universities,” said Doug Rothwell, BLM President and CEO. “The data shows that Michigan’s public universities outperform their peers in producing more graduates with the critical skills employers need.”

“Yet while our universities are doing a better job of producing skilled graduates and controlling costs, 13 of Michigan’s 15 public universities are receiving less state support than their peers,” Roth-

The New medical school at Central Michigan University is contributing to the state’s push toward knowledge-based workers. Courtesy CMU

well said.

“At a time when Michigan needs more workers with an education beyond high school, we have to step up state support for our universities and colleges to make higher education more affordable.”

The BLM said its key findings include: Michigan’s public universities continue to outperform peers in producing graduates with critical skills employers need: — In 2011, 12 of 15 public universities were above average in producing critical skills degrees and certificates, and seven of 15 were among the top 20 percent.

— Thirteen of 15 public universities increased the number of critical skills degrees and certificates they awarded (2008-2011).

Michigan’s public universities are working to control costs: — In 2011, seven of 15 universities had administrative costs (as a percent of core expenditures) that were lower than their peer average.

— Six of 15 saw a drop in these figures, while the rest held administrative cost increases below inflation.

Michigan’s universities are doing more to make a college degree accessible: — Eleven of 15 universities have more Pell students than their peer average and six of 15 are in the top 20 percent.

— All universities increased the number of Pell students they serve (2008-2011).

Matt McLogan, acting as spokesperson for Grand Valley

State University President Thomas Haas, said he agrees with the BLM “about the importance of higher education to Michigan’s economic future and fully supports BLM’s call for public reinvestment in our state’s universities.”

McLogan, who is GVSU’s vice president for university relations, said “the BLM Performance Tracker allows taxpayers, students and their families to see how Grand Valley stacks up against our national peers and, as you can see, Grand Valley’s outcomes are excellent.”

The BLM’s GVSU Scorecard shows that in 2011, it received state appropriations equivalent to $3,086 per full-time student.

The average or median among state universities nationwide was $5,890.

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The state appropriation scores for the University of Michigan were $8,350, and for Michigan State, $6,974. Among their peers nationally, the average state appropriation was $9,772, and among the top 20 percent of those peers nationally, it was $12,626.

The score for Critical Skills Degrees and Certificates Awarded in 2011 at U-M was 5,457; at MSU, it was 4,063. Their peers nationally awarded an average of 2,297.

The top 20 percent of their peers awarded an average of 4,084.

GVSU awarded 1,303 Critical Skills Degrees/Certificates in 2011, while its peers nationally awarded 442.

McLogan noted that more detail on GVSU’s performance can be found in the university’s Accountability Report, issued annually. It can be found online at gvsu.edu/ accountability.

The BLM Performance Tracker for Public Universities was created over the course of a year in collaboration with the Anderson Economic Group and the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan. It was first released in February 2013.

Business Leaders for Michigan is dedicated to making Michigan a “Top Ten” state for job, economic and personal income growth. The organization is composed exclusively of the chairpersons, CEOs or top executives of Michigan’s largest companies and universities, and its members are said to drive more than 25 percent of the state’s economy and generate more than $1 trillion in annual revenue.

In West Michigan, members of BLM’s executive committee include representatives of Meijer, Wolverine World Wide, Perrigo, Steelcase, Amway and Whirlpool.

Education: Advanced Degrees OctOber 21, 2013 Grand rapids Business Journal 21

WMU offers Starting Gate business accelerator program Students are able to create a business while still in school.

Mike Nichols

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Western Michigan University has added an educational catalyst to the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem of Kalamazoo.

That catalyst fired up this summer with the birth of Starting Gate,

WMU’s new business accelerator program. WMU students with business startup ideas can submit applications to enroll in the program for one semester and receive access to resources that can turn their business dreams into reality.

The students spend their time in the semester-long program developing their business ideas, working with faculty and local business mentors and receiving extra training through monthly entrepreneurial forums, said WMU’s Robert Landeros, interim

Spectrum MBA is ready  Continued from page 18 learning sessions.

Breon said Spectrum Health employees have many opportunities for professional advancement and growth, including the Spectrum Health University launched last year. SH|U is the organization’s corporate training and development function that provides non-clinical, centralized learning experiences for executives, physicians and employees.

Historically, the various entities that comprise Spectrum Health have handled employee training and development in different ways. The Spectrum organization wanted one development function under SH|U to provide consistency, aligned clearly with organizational goals and eliminating redundancy.

Since its establishment in 1997, Spectrum Health has grown into

an integrated health system with hospitals in Greater Grand Rapids and community hospitals in Big Rapids, Fremont, Greenville, Lakeview, Ludington, Reed City and Zeeland. It is the largest notfor-profit health care system in West Michigan and the largest employer, with 20,800. The payroll and employee benefits totaled more than $1.1 billion in FY2012.

Lody Zwarensteyn, president of the Alliance for Health, said it is common for health care institutions to cover the cost of its employees furthering their educations.

He said if an educational program was exclusive to one organization, the college or university offering it might want to consider extending the program to other students, as well, unless all the classes were necessarily being held at a sponsoring health care organization’s facilities.

director of the Haworth College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

As students develop their businesses ideas, the program connects them to networks of faculty, local businesses and outside entrepreneurs who can offer feedback.

The students also attend a planned series of events to guide their progress, he said.

Students must attend a Mentor Day, when they are matched with a mentor in their field; a Demo Day, when they must demonstrate their prototypes to members of the business community and WMU; a Media Day, when they present their ideas before the media; and finally, at the end of the year, an Investor Day, when they present their ideas to investors to receive feedback and possible funding.

“If we can help these students create local businesses that can help the economy, that’s one thing,” he said.

“The other goal is to give the students an opportunity to learn and to grow. Businesses do fail, and sometimes that first idea will mutate into something else — or, as the entrepreneurs call it, pivot. … This is their first try at it.”

The program, operated by the Haworth College of Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is run out of the Business Technology and Research Park, a high-tech business development that shares WMU’s 265-acre Parkview Campus with the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

It’s the perfect location, Landeros said, because Kalamazoo — hometown to companies like Upjohn and Gibson Guitar — is a great place to train the next generation of business leaders and welcome

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wmU oFFiCials hoPe the starting Gate program will produce entrepreneurs who will have a positive effect on Kalamazoo’s business community. Courtesy Thinkstock

them into the city’s entrepreneurial culture.

Starting Gate, currently free of charge to students, kicked off this summer with a pilot program. Of the 20 students who applied, only five of the student-initiated business ideas were chosen for the program’s first run, Landeros said.

One of those first businesses — Xcheapskate — developed a website for bargain hunting and is still among the current eight student companies in Starting Gate’s fall cohort.

Although Starting Gate is still young and no student company has yet struck gold, Xcheapskate, developed by students Daniel May and David Seldon, is a favorite success story of John Mueller, an assistant professor of management at WMU who works with Starting

Gate.

Mueller said the program is something students were asking for and he’s hopeful its function as a higher education interface with the Kalamazoo community’s startup ecosystem will lead to an increase in WMU’s future enrollment.

WMU also is working to develop a degree in entrepreneurship, he said, and when that’s in place, Starting Gate will connect to it.

“This is just one of the many things going on here in Kalamazoo in terms of the startup community,” Mueller said.

“I hope the students learn how to build a business, whether it works or not. This gives students a chance to try doing something about their ideas while at the university they’re enrolled in.”

Education: Advanced Degrees 22 Grand Rapids Business Journal October 21, 2013

Top Area Graduate Business Degree Programs (Ranked by 2012 West michigan enrollment)

Program Director(s)

2012 Enrollment in Graduate Business Degree Programs

Accreditation

Michael Bowers

1,894

IACBE

2.75

$611

Average Time Minimum Cost Per Credit To Complete Undergrad GPA Hour Degree

1

Davenport University 6191 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49512 p (616) 698-7111 f 698-0333 davenport.edu

2

Thomas M. Cooley Law School 111 Commerce Ave. SW Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 301-6800 f 301-6842 cooley.edu

Nelson Miller

536

Other

For JD students, combination of LSAT and UGPA are used

DND

3

Grand Valley State University 50 Front Ave. SW Grand Rapids 49504 p (616) 331-7400 f 331-7389 gvsu.edu/business/grad

Claudia Bajema Cynthia McCurren Roy Olsson

456

AACSB

3.0

$567

2 Years

Minimum Managerial Experience Preferred

Not Required

Graduate Business Degree Programs Offered

MBA in accounting, health care management, HR, finance and strategic management; online options; Executive MBA

3-4 years. 80% Most Cooley students have a Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws of students are bachelor's degree from an (LL.M.), joint J.D.s and MBAs with enrolled partaccredited college or various Michigan universities time university.

3 years

Varies among programs

Part-time MBA, full-time MBA, MSA, MST

4

Cornerstone University 1001 East Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49525 p (616) 949-5300 f 222-1528 cornerstone.edu/pgs

Robert Simpson Sandra Upton Linda Haveman

205

Other

2.7

$435

22 Months

2 Years

Master of Science in Management, MBA with concentrations: Finance, Healthcare, Lean Manufacturing, and Project Management

5

Western Michigan University - GR 200 Ionia Ave. SW 2333 East Beltline Ave. SE Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 771-4100 f 771-4200 wmich.edu/grandrapids

Roxanne Buhl Dee Sherwood Eric Sauer Renuka Phillips Larry Buzas David Lyth Donna Talbot Joe Wilson

201

AACSB

DND

$554

DND

DND

MBA, Career and Technical Education (MA), Counseling Psychology/Counselor Education (MA), Educational Leadership (MA, EdS, PhD), Engineering Management (MS), Family and Consumer Sciences (MA), Industrial Engineering (MSE), Manufacturing Engineering (MS), Occupational Therapy (MS), Organizational Learning and Performance (MA), The Practice of Teaching (MA), Social Work (MSW), Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Graduate Certificate)

6

Northwood University - DeVos Graduate School 515 Michigan St . NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 363-2600 northwood.edu/graduate

Dr. Lisa Fairbairn

175

Other

3.0

$910

24 months

3 years

MBA, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

7

Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Road SE Grand Rapids 49506 p (616) 632-8900 f 459-2463 aquinas.edu

Brian DiVita

150

NCACS

2.8

$523

18-Months FT; 27-Months PT

1 Year

Master of Management with multiple concentrations; Master of Sustainable Business

8

Ferris State University-Big Rapids 1201 S. State St. Big Rapids 49307 p (231) 592-2000 f 591-2127 ferris.edu

David Eisler Shannon Yost

55

Other

2.75

$497

12-27 months

Not Required

MBA, MS-Information Systems Management, CPA, PharmD/MBA, Quality Management, Design/ Innovation, Project Management, Security/Networking, Business Intelligence

Ferris State University-Grand Rapids 151 Fountain St. NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (231) 591-2168 f 591-3548 cbgp.ferris.edu

David Eisler Donald Green Shannon Yost

45

Other

2.75

$497

12-27 Months

Not Required

MBA, MS-Information Systems Management, CPA, PharmD/MBA, quality management, design/ innovation, project management, security/networking, business intelligence

Spring Arbor University 2620 Horizon Drive SE, Suite 200 Grand Rapids 49546 p (616) 974-0671 f 974-0685 arbor.edu/Grand-Rapids

Sharon Norris Amy Rivera

0

Other

3.0

$580

1.5 Years

Not Required

MBA - (New program in Grand Rapids starting 2013-14)

Central Michigan University 1633 East Beltline Ave. NE Grand Rapids 49525 p (616) 361-4160 f 361-4170 cel.cmich.edu

Lindsay Karmanowski

DND

NCACHE

2.7

$487

2.5 Years

Not Required

Master of Science in Administration, Master of Business Administration Online

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine 15 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids 49503 p (616) 233-1678 f 234 2625 humanmedicine.msu.edu

Marsha Rappley, M.D.

DND

Other

DND

DND

DND

DND

9

Western Cooley

In July, Western Michigan University trustees approved an affiliation agreement with Thomas M. Cooley Law School to become the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Some accrediting steps are still to come.

Two MBA programs

The L. William Seidman Center at Grand Valley State University offers two MBA programs: a traditional part-time program and a full-time, fully-integrated program.

Graduate DeVos

The DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University offers an MBA and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.

One & only

Aquinas College offers the only local graduate program focused on sustainable business.

DND

The Grand Rapids Business Journal list of top area graduate business degree programs, ranked by 2012 West Michigan enrollment exclusively in graduate business degree programs, is the most comprehensive one available. The list is based on responses to Business Journal surveys. The Business Journal defines "West Michigan" as Allegan, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. The Business Journal surveyed 13 institutions; 12 returned surveys and 12 are listed. To be considered for future lists, e-mail pevans@geminipub.com. DND = Did not disclose * Not exclusively in graduate business degree programs.

ListStore @ GRBJ.com

Download this list now at GRBJ.com in Excel or PDF format.

The Book of Lists and other lists are also available.

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weekendmba.broad.msu.edu/learnmore

MSU Executive/Weekend MBA Whether you want to rise to the C-suite or explore new horizons, our top-ranked executive MBA will help transform your high potential into high performance.

Education: Advanced Degrees 24 Grand Rapids Business Journal October 21, 2013

MSU offering masters in management, strategy and leadership Program starts in 2014 and will be 100 percent online.

Tim Gortsema

Grand Rapids Business Journal

Can a degree program designed to motivate people be successful in an online-only format?

Instructors in Michigan State University’s prestigious Eli Broad College of Business are about to find out.

The school is undertaking its first Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership, and classes are scheduled to begin

Jan. 6, 2014. “Our internationally recognized faculty has designed this program to help students become more effective communicators, managers, leaders and decisionmakers,� said Robert Wiseman, the Eli Broad Legacy Fellow of Management. “Unlike an MBA, which focuses on core disciplines such as accounting, marketing, finance and operations, this degree hones in on the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and motivate people, improve a company’s competitive position, and create and execute organizational change.�

The curriculum incorporates knowledge balanced across key components of leadership excel-

lence: human resource management and development, team and organizational leadership, and strategic management, according to the university’s website.

Much of what is covered in the interactive classroom is based on research findings, not the latest bestsellers list. According to the course description, the Broad College Management Department faculty has been recognized for more than six years as the most productive researchers in top management journals.

The course is designed for working professionals and can be completed in less than two years.

Traditional masters programs require a dozen courses over two

years. MSU officials say this one leverages the convenience of anytime, anywhere video-based lectures and an interactive online classroom environment, without sacrificing quality or content. Students will complete 15 five-week courses in an accelerated time period.

Some of those topics will include: •Ways to analyze current and future industry trends and their impact on the organization. •Best practices for recruiting, developing and retaining top talent. •Refined decision-making techniques utilizing frameworks and real business scenarios, broad-

Aquinas, GRCC sign articulation agreement The region’s community college is joining forces with a four-year school to ensure that students will have an easier time continuing their education.

Grand Rapids Community and Aquinas colleges are entering into an agreement that will allow faculty from both schools to work together on creating a seamless transfer experience for GRCC students.

The agreement was signed Oct. 14 by GRCC President Steven Ender and Provost Gilda Gely, and Aquinas President Juan Olivarez and Provost Chad Gunnoe. “Our partnership with Aquinas College is a win-win,� Ender said. “GRCC students are able to begin their studies at the college on a di-

rect transfer path. On the flip side, students attending GRCC gain educational experience that gives them a leg up as they continue their journey to earning a fouryear degree, and beyond.�

Working together is nothing new to GRCC and Aquinas. “Aquinas College is pleased to sign an articulation agreement that formalizes the longstanding relationship with Grand Rapids Community College,� Olivarez added. “This agreement makes it easy for students to transfer between the two schools and allows faculty at the institutions flexibility when designing programs in collaboration with other colleagues.�

Further solidifying the working relationship between the colleges

allows for articulation of individual programs at the faculty level without having the presidents and provosts sign new agreements each time a program collaboration has been negotiated. GRCC currently follows this same model with Davenport and Ferris State universities, Ender said.

GRCC participates in the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers agreement, which is designed to help GRCC students who graduate with an associate in arts or an associate in science degree transfer to their preferred four-year institution. Completion of the MACRAO requirements at GRCC will fulfill most lower-division general education requirements at participat-

ing four-year colleges and universities. Articulated programs that are supported by formally signed articulation agreements provide the transferring student with a detailed program of study to follow, allowing them to transfer into a particular program at their preferred college or university.

GRCC currently has more than 30,000 students annually enrolled in degree courses, certification and training programs, workshops and personal enrichment classes at its Grand Rapids campus and several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.

Aquinas, which has a 107-acre campus in Grand Rapids, has 2,300 students and offers more than 60 academic programs.

ening perspectives and enhancing capabilities for application to organizational situations. •How to evaluate the market landscape and identify ways to positively impact the organization’s competitive position. •Evidence-based perspectives, models and concepts to analyze current organizational issues and how to improve them. •Anticipate, plan for and execute organizational change with proven strategy planning techniques. •Strategies to counter changes in industry lifecycles and global business operations. •Differences in strategic and tactical planning. •How training, succession planning and leadership development positively impact an organization. •Different types of behaviors (such as participative, transactional, ethical, transformational, directive and supportive) and how they impact effective leadership. •Differences between managing and leading, and how to develop, motivate, inspire and sustain effective teams to drive organizational success. •How charismatic leaders drive performance through emotional intelligence, visioning, confidence expression and communication.

Degree candidates should have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA during their last two years of undergraduate study, plus at least three years of full-time management experience in a supervisory capacity.

Technology for the program will be powered by University Alliance, which allows students to connect from any computer or mobile device.

,]LUPUN JSHZZLZ >VYRKH` YLZ\S[Z Western Michigan University-Grand Rapids offers many graduate program choices for today’s working professionals, where the skills you learn today can be applied tomorrow. Increase your skills and expand your knowledge base while staying close to home.

WMU-Grand Rapids offers graduate degrees and certificate programs in the following fields: s !LCOHOL AND $RUG !BUSE s "USINESS !DMINISTRATION

s )NTEGRATIVE (OLISTIC (EALTH AND Wellness

s #AREER AND 4ECHNICAL %DUCATION

s /CCUPATIONAL 4HERAPY

s #OUNSELING 3OCIAL 7ORK

s /RGANIZATIONAL ,EARNING AND Performance

s %DUCATIONAL ,EADERSHIP s %NGINEERING -ANAGEMENT s &AMILY AND #ONSUMER 3CIENCES

s 0RACTICE OF 4EACHING s 4EACHER #ERTIlCATION

Visit www.wmich.edu/grandrapids for program details and admissions requirements.

Beltline location: (616) 771-9470 Downtown location: (616) 771-4100

Grand Rapids

Change-Ups & Calendar October 21, 2013 Grand Rapids Business Journal 25

AWARDS

UICA hires development officer

The Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan has announced the 2013 recipients of its Business Ethics Torch Award: RoMan Manufacturing, Springfield Inc. and Catherine’s Health Center.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts has named Kristen Taylor its development officer. Taylor will be responsible for creating and nurturing partnerships with local and national foundations, organizations, corporations and individuals who can use UICA as a unique platform for their philanthropic goals. Prior to joining UICA, Taylor founded and operated Juvie LLC, a dual-channel niche children’s clothing retailer from 2006 through this year, carrying out all of the business’s administrative, marketing and digital activities.

Whirlpool Corp., of Benton Harbor, received the Innovation Star Award from the Alliance to Save Energy. The award is given to individuals, organizations, companies, learning institutions and government programs that have demonstrated a significant and tangible commitment to energy efficiency in the U.S. and abroad.

BANKING

David Eyke has joined Meijer Credit Union as chief executive officer.

Dan Moralez has joined Northpointe Bank as regional vice president of its mortgage lending business. He is responsible for building the lending team along the lakeshore and also the southeast Michigan region.

Grand River Bank announced the additions of Jennifer Mann, controller; Annette Nelson, human resources; Kevin Dooley, mortgage operations manager; Anna Martin, bilingual mortgage lender; Amanda Skelley, mortgage operations; Tyler Cebulla, operations manager; and Mary Jo Wycoff, retail banking.

Independent Bank announced Boomer Hoppough is the new office manager of its Cascade office. He also will serve as vice president of business development for the Grand Rapids and Cascade areas.

Custer announced the promotion of Brad Laackman to head its health care division, Custer HealthWorks, and also will continue to run the Custer Architectural Products Division.

Davenport University’s College of Urban Education, recently presented the panel discussion, “What It Takes: Well-Trained Teachers,” at the fourth annual Education Nation: The 2013 Summit at the New York Public Library. He also co-hosted “Office Hours” on NBC, a 20-minute exploration of the work and expertise of a number of Summit attendees.

EmploymentGroup announced it has named Gary Schuler executive vice president. Schuler will oversee staff placement and development operations, new business development and sales team management.

Calvin College announced the promotion of Megan Berglund to director of grants and foundation relations. Berglund will oversee the development and writing of grant proposals for research, curriculum, programs and equipment for the college.

CONSTRUCTION

FINANCIAL SERVICES

launch a new name and logo effective Jan 1, 2014: Advantage Sign & Graphic Solutions.

Marlo Morgan has joined Lake Michigan Credit Morgan Union as mortgage loan originator for the lakeshore region office.

Adam Smith has been named territory sales manager for the Boral TruExterior Trim product line in Michigan. Smith will lead sales statewide in an effort to increase production adoption and grow market share among dealers, distributors, builders, remodelers and architects. He will work alongside Monsma Marketing Group, Boral’s distribution partner in the Michigan market.

BUSINESS SERVICES

OCT 14 Project Management Institute seminar. Topic: “Overcoming Your Winning Strategies: A Pathway to Greatness.”

5:10-8 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 6569 Clay Ave. SW. Cost: $35/members; $40/ nonmembers; $25/full-time student; $30/ full-time student guest. Registration/information: wmpmi.org.

Advantage Sign Supply announced it will

OCT 15 Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Business Matters series.

Topic: “Succession Management,” presented by Michael Haid, executive vice president, talent management and global strategic work-force consultant, Right Management Great Lakes Region. 7:309 a.m., St. George Banquet & Conference Center, 334 LaGrave Ave. SE. Cost: $25 (includes breakfast). Registration: gran drapids.org/businessmatters or (616) 771-0303.

OCT 15 The Employers’ Association seminar.

Topic: “Compensation & Benefits,” presented by Maggie McPhee. 8:30 a.m.-noon, TEA, 5570 Executive Parkway SE. Information/registration: teagr.org or training@teagr.org.

OCT 16 The Employers’ Association seminar. Topic: “Feedback Fundamentals,” presented by Karen Bumgarner. 8:30 a.m.-noon, TEA, 5570 Executive Parkway SE. Information/registration: teagr.org or training@teagr.org.

OCT 16 Michigan Small Business Technology Development Center Eworks Entrepreneur workshop. Topic: “Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business.” 6-8 p.m., MAREC Center, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon. Cost: free.

Registration: misbtdc.org/events.

OCT 17 Builders Exchange of Michigan Design and Construction Expo. 12:30-6:30 p.m., DeltaPlex Arena, 2500 Turner Ave. NW, Walker. Cost: free. Information/registration: grbx.com.

OCT 17 Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women Seeds of GROWth Conference and Luncheon. 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., JW Marriott, 245 Louis Campau Promenade NW. Registration: growbusiness.org.

OCT 17 Grand Valley State University/Van

G. Joseph Pasman Jr. of Pasman GSC Financial has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy professional designation from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of the American College, Bryn Mawr, Penn.

Becker’s Health Review has named Metro Health Hospital one of the 50 Greenest Hospitals in America. Metro Health is one of seven hospitals in Michigan to receive the recognition for its sustainability initiatives.

Dentist Marcos Cid has opened 616 Dental Studio at 171 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids. The phone number is (616) 214-7865.

HUMAN SERVICES

The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a Denim and Diamonds Gala Nov. 8. The community will learn about the needs, challenges and successes as ABVI commits to continued and enhanced services throughout West Michigan.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore announced it has teamed with Holland coffee shops Lemonjello’s and Joe2Go and with The Book Nook in Montague to launch its “Thanks A Latte” fundraiser to raise awareness of the need for positive adult mentors and offer customers the chance to donate $10 toward the agency.

Samantha Vanderberg is Local First’s new communication coordinator.

LEGAL

BTI Consulting Group has named Miller Canfield a “standout in complex labor” in its survey, BTI Litigation Outlook 2014.

BTI surveyed more than 300 general and in-house counsel in more than 20 industries nationwide to determine market opportunities, organizational buying habits and the hire-ability of their outside counsel.

estates practice groups as a paralegal.

MANUFACTURING

Matt Wieringa has joined G&T Industries as vice president of sales and marketing. Wieringa will lead the company’s Foam Solutions and World Resource Partners sales teams.

Manufacturer State Water Heaters announced Behler-Young Co. is the newest regional distributor of its products, with 15 locations across Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Behler-Young will serve as the exclusive distributor in Michigan.

NONPROFITS

Kandu Inc., which provides opportunities for people with barriers to employment, celebrated its 60th anniversary.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Lambert, Edwards & Associates announced the additions of Derek DeVries and John VanderHaagen, senior associates, and Abby Hartig, associate.

REAL ESTATE

CBRE Grand Rapids announced Blake Rosekrans has joined the company as a member of its office team. He will focus on new business development, transaction management and client relations.

TECHNOLOGY

Grand Rapids Collaborative announced that tenant and digital solutions agency Universal Mind was selected as the People’s Voice Winner in the Experimental & Innovation category of the 17th Annual Webby wards, the Internet’s highest honor as deemed by the New York Times.

EDUCATION

Age Management of West Michigan has moved to a new location at 1959 East Paris Ave. SE. The phone number is (616) 808-2695.

Crystal M. Jones has joined Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones PLC’s business and commercial, municipal, real estate and trusts and

Change-ups Policy: The Business Journal welcomes submissions to the Change-Ups section. Send announcements concerning personnel changes, new businesses, changes of address etc. to Change-Ups Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or e-mail bjchange ups@grbj.com. Please include a SASE for any photos you wish returned.

Andel Global Trade Center Global Trade Days seminar. Topic: “Doing Business in China, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and UAE.” 8 a.m.-noon, GVSU Cook-DeVos Center for Health Science, 301 Michigan St. NE. Information/registration: vagtc.org.

OCT 23 The Employers’ Association seminar. Topic: “Employee Performance Management,” presented by Robert Strate. 8:30 a.m.-noon, TEA, 5570 Executive Parkway SE. Information/registration: teagr.org or training@teagr.org.

Framework.” Information/registration: plantemoran.com/perspectives/webinars.

Sustainability.” Information/registration: plantemoran.com/perspectives/webinars.

OCT 17-19 Midwest UX 2013 Conference for userexperience designers. Kendall College of Art & Design. Cost: $300; additional $100 for hands-on workshop. Information/registration: midwestux.com.

OCT 23 Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Lecture Series. Topic: “Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy,” presented

by Emily Bazelon, author/editor. 7 p.m., Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Cost: free. Information: (616) 2343390 or grcc.edu/lecture.

OCT 29 Plante Moran webinar. Topic: “Bringing the Cloud Back to Earth.” Information/ registration: plantemoran.com/perspec tives/webinars.

NOV 6 Women In Successful Enterprises workshop. Topic: “How Does Domestic Violence Affect the Workplace?” 5-7:30 p.m., GR Community Foundation, 185 Oakes St. SW. Cost: $25. Information/registration: wiseconnections.org/events.

Dr. Andre Perry, founding dean for

OCT 18 The Employers’ Association seminar.

Topic: “CPR Recertification & First Aid,” presented by Michael Bouwens. 8:30 a.m.-noon, TEA, 5570 Executive Parkway SE. Information/registration: teagr.org or training@teagr.org.

OCT 18 The Employers’ Association seminar.

Topic: “Bloodborne Pathogens,” presented by Michael Bouwens. 1-3 p.m., TEA, 5570 Executive Parkway SE. Registration: teagr.org or training@teagr.org.

OCT 21 The Employers’ Association seminar. Topic: “FMLA/COBRA/HIPAA: Befriending the Monsters In the Closet,” presented by Matt Isbell. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., TEA, 5570 Executive Parkway SE. Information/registration: teagr.org or train ing@teagr.org.

OCT 22 The Employers’ Association seminar.

Topic: “Discipline Problem Solving & Corrective Action,” presented by Randy Lubbers. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., TEA, 5570 Executive Parkway SE. Information/registration: teagr.org or training@teagr.org.

OCT 22 Grandville-Jenison Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters Club. 4-5 p.m., Grandville-Jenison Chamber office, 2939 Wilson Ave., Suite 106, Grandville.

Information/registration: (616) 531-8890 or sandy@grandjen.com.

OCT 22-23 Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Institute for Healing Racism program. Focus: Uncovering racism and understanding its impact on individuals and the workplace. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $200/nonprofit members; $300/ for-profit members; additional $50/nonchamber members. Information/registration: grandrapids.org.

HEALTH

OCT 23 Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women Start Smart business readiness course. Prerequisite: Intro to GROW. 6-9 p.m., GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Suite 210. Cost: $25-$35. Information/ registration: growbusiness.org.

OCT 23 Michigan Small Business Technology Development Center Eworks Entrepreneur workshop. Topic: “How Business Owners Can Fight Fraud.”

7:30-10:30 a.m., MAREC, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon. Cost: free. Information/ registration: misbtdc.org/events.

OCT 24 Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Showcase. 5:30-7:30 p.m., Rockford Construction, 601 First St. NW. Cost: free.

Information/registration: grandrapids.org.

OCT 24 Michigan Manufacturers Association Manufacturing Talent Summit, presented by Jennifer McNelly, president of The Manufacturing Institute, and others. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, East Lansing. Information/registration: (800) 253-9039, press 9 and ext.

557, or mma-net.org.

OCT 25 Employee Assistance Center seminar.

Topic: “Stalking: Not Just a Peeping Tom Anymore.” 7:30-10 a.m., Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon St. SW. Cost: $25. Information/registration: beth hambleton@eaccares.com OCT 28 Plante Moran webinar. Topic: “Add Value Through Internal Control: Practical Application of the 2013 COSO

Jones

OCT 29 U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan Rockford Construction Building Tour and Annual Chapter Meeting. 4:45-7 p.m., Rockford Construction, 601 1st St. NW. Information/ registration: usgbcwm.org/calendar.

OCT 29 Varnum Consulting workshop “Speak Up and Be Effective.” How to think on your feet, project confidence and manage your nerves. Information/registration: (616) 336-7058 or varnumconsulting.com.

OCT 30 Performance Partners Consulting workshop. Topic: “Workload Management for Leaders,” presented by Wayne Klausing. 9 a.m.-noon, 2025 E. Fulton St. Cost: $59. Information/registration: (616) 874-2071.

OCT 30 Plante Moran webinar. Topic: “What Does Your 990 Say About Your Organization?” Information/registration: plantemoran.com/perspectives/webinars.

OCT 30 Plante Moran webinar. Topic: “Succession Planning: It’s Not Just About the CEO Anymore.” Information/ registration: plantemoran.com/perspec tives/webinars.

NOV 2 U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan First Ever LEED for Homes Tour. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $5/members; $10/nonmembers. Information/registration: usgbcwm.org/calendar.

NOV 6 Michigan Small Business Technology Development Center Eworks Entrepreneur workshop.

Topic: “Fundamentals of Financial Management.” 6-8 p.m., MAREC, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon. Cost: free.

Information/registration: misbtdc.org/ events.

NOV 6 Plante Moran webinar. Topic: “Leading Home Builders Share Strategies For

NOV 6 YWCA West Central Michigan Annual Tribute! Awards Luncheon. Noon-1:30 p.m. (networking at 11:30), DeVos Place, Grand Rapids. Information/registration: (616) 459-7062, ext. 218, or ywcatrib ute2013.eventbrite.com.

Meetings & Conventions Information: Janet Korn, (616) 2333545 or jkorn@experiencegrandrapids. org.

OCT 23-25 Michigan Marketing Educators 2013 Fall Conference. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

OCT 23-25 American Payroll Association – Michigan Annual Statewide Conference for Payroll Professionals. Crowne Plaza Grand Rapids.

OCT 27-31 Midwest Association of Physical Plant Administrators 2013 Conference & Expo. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

CALENDAR POLICY: The Business Journal welcomes submissions to the calendar section. Send items to Calendar Editor, Grand Rapids Business Journal, 549 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or e-mail bjcalendar@grbj.com.

Submissions must be received at least two weeks prior to the event.

The Business Journal calendar posted on the publication’s Web site (www. grbj.com) includes listings for events extended beyond those printed in the weekly publication that are limited by space restrictions.

Area Economy & Public Record 26 Grand rapids Business Journal OctOber 21, 2013

MICHIGAN ECONOMY

Lou Glazer

Like it or not, Metro Detroit and GR are comparable

U

niversity of Michigan economist Don Grimes and I are working on our annual progress report on the Michigan economy. Every time I work on these reports, I am struck by how similar the seven-county Grand Rapids region (including Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon) is to the seven-county Detroit region.

Certainly that is not the conventional wisdom across the state, particularly in West Michigan.

But when it comes to per capita income — the best measure of the economic well-being of a community’s residents — the similarities far outweigh the differences.

There are 54 regions in the country with populations of 1 million or more. Of those, Metro Detroit ranks 39th in per capita income and Metro Grand Rapids is 52nd.

From 2001-2011 — which is the latest available data — Metro Detroit ranked 50th and Metro Grand Rapids ranked 49th in change in per capita income.

The two characteristics that best predict per capita income are concentration in the knowledgebased sectors of the economy and,

even more so, the proportion of adults with a four-year college degree or more. West Michigan is 54th in knowledge-based concentration and 42nd in college attainment. Metro Detroit ranked 35th and 37th.

Which metro regions are doing best? The 10 most prosperous metros in the country are: •San Jose/San Francisco •New York •Washington, D.C. •Boston •Hartford •Seattle •Philadelphia •Denver •Minneapolis •Houston Chicago ranks 12th, while Pittsburgh and Milwaukee — both considered Rust Belt regions — rank 13th and 14th, respectively.

Basically, Metro Detroit and Metro Grand Rapids are facing the same deficits. In an economy where the most successful big metros are anchored in the growing and higher-wage knowledgebased sectors of the economy, Michigan’s two largest metros are lagging in the transition to a knowledge-based economy. Both

have low college attainment rates and are under-concentrated in the high education attainment industries.

How prosperous Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids are matters not just to residents of the two regions but to all of Michigan.

The pattern across the country — except for a few states with oil- and natural-gas-driven economies — is that the most prosperous states have a big metro that is even more prosperous. So metropolitan Detroit and, to a lesser degree, metropolitan Grand Rapids must be the main drivers of a prosperous Michigan.

Economies are regional. States and municipalities are political jurisdictions; they are not economic units. State economies can best be understood as the sum of their regional economies.

This is illustrated when you look at the wide variation in economic success of metropolitan areas within the same state (some that actually spill over into surrounding states).

As an example, of the regions with populations of 1 million or more, San Jose, Calif., has the highest per capita income. Another

MORTGAGES

Vandenbosch, tanya m. trust et al, JP morgan chase bank, beverly hills, lot 62, $301,000 kotaRski, linda m. et al, First Place bank, condo-West Village site condo, $245,000 PiPe, Richard h. et al, Fifth third mortgage, bowne twp., 7-5-9, $253,200 RoeRsma & WURn bUildeRs inc., lake michigan credit Union, heritage Park of Rockford, lot 50, $300,000 dhillon, navan et al, huntington national bank, Wilson & chalmer’s 3rd add., lot 152, $571,000 dhillon, bhupinder et al, huntington national bank, Van anden add., lot 2, $571,000 RUbys land co. llc, huntington national bank, Reynolds & Franklin’s add., lot 2, $571,000 RUbys land co. llc, huntington national bank, Reynolds & Franklin’s add., lot 7, $571,000 liPPeRt, david et al, Freedom mortgage corp., Ravenswood Plat, lot 163, $263,000 RUsso, John et al, Fifth third mortgage co., sweetgrass Ridge, lot 20, $236,000 mUllins, miles et al, grand River bank, strawberry Fields, lot 17, $251,640 acceleRated leasing llc, option 1 credit Union, Pennell Park, lot 24, $255,000 deRoo, sara bloemeling et al, michigan mutual, beckwith hills no. 8, lot 215, $220,924 mooRe, cyril F. et al, Founders bank & trust, stonebridge, lot 42, $417,000 bond, Robert lee iii by Poa et al, huntington national bank, steinmann’s assessor’s Plat no. 52, lot 1518, $218,500 Roossien, louis s. et al, Founders bank & trust, Ravenswood Plat, lot 239, $253,650 bieRens, Justin a. et al, Ross mortgage corp., belmont Village green, lot 6, $202,257 dm8187 llc, chemical bank, byron twp., 14-5-12, $143,767 doyle, brion et al, lake michigan credit Union, Riverside gardens add. no. 19, lot 573, $224,279 aldRich, Jared et al, lake michigan credit

Union, bella Vista shores no. 6, lot 255, $377,050 RemeR, W. grant et al, Founders bank & trust, byron twp., 29-5-12, $246,000 moRRis, kacey et al, ameriFirst Financial corp., Forest hills no. 1, lot 57, $223,200 selFe, Robert W. et al, macatawa bank, grand Rapids twp., 25-7-11, $275,000 masood, ahmad b. et al, Founders bank & trust, condo-enclave of grand Rapids, $219,920 leonaRd, matthew g. et al, lake michigan credit Union, condo-cascade lakes condominiums, $260,000 secoR, andrew et al, grand River bank, sunset shores, lot 3, $251,750 sable deVeloPing, inc, choiceone bank, cascade twp., 17-6-10, $190,000 JaRRell, glenn m. et al, huntington national bank, meyering lake drive est. sub., lot 5, $239,200 J&J Real estate holding llc, JP morgan chase bank, condo-1200 east Paris Retail condominiums, $211,954 Ryan, tim et al, lake michigan credit Union, gaines twp., 26-5-11, $300,000 RoaRk, susan et al, grand River bank, heritage Park of Rockford, lot 6, $223,250 noRthUP, Judson J. et al, lake michigan credit Union, Vergennes twp., 21-7-9, $252,500 sable deVeloPing inc., independent bank, sparta, $295,000 bRanscombe, george l. et al, chemical bank, crystal springs Plat no. 5, lot 209, $273,750 andeRson, Ryan P. et al, macatawa bank, cascade Woods no. 6, lot 120, $217,675 east oF the tRacks llc, Pnc bank, Walker, 6-7-11, $240,000 sVc oF gR llc, macatawa bank, drew & brown’s add., lot 1, $750,000 schUette, scott a. et al, Fifth third mortgage, condo-Wellington Ridge, $237,100 bRoWn, andrew P. et al, ameriFirst Financial corp., Vinkemulder’s sub., lot 140, $417,000 FRick, Ronald J. et al, bank of america, meyering lake drive est. sub., lot 28, $256,450 deyoUng, shannon et al, bank of america, hines Park, lot 15, $371,063 QUiton, alex a. et al, Fifth third mortgage, condo-clements mill, $229,800 loVall, brian et al, lake michigan credit Union, condo-meadows of cannon Farms, $339,048 RoPeR, daniel et al, Founders bank & trust, condo-Flowers crossing, $417,000 leeP, brandon et al, lake michigan credit Union, gaines twp., 31-5-11, $216,200 Williamson, Jeffrey et al, sidney state bank, oakfield twp., 31-9-9, $377,600 slagteR, brian by Poa et al, macatawa bank, cascade twp., 8-6-10, $469,600 boeshaRt, clarence hubert et al, JP morgan chase bank, caledonia twp., 9-5-10, $212,000 PotgeteR, Jodi k. trust et al, huntington national bank, gaines twp., 20-5-11, $300,000 sokomba, Paul et al, lake michigan credit Union, Providence lake no. 3, lot 73, $289,750 bloemeRs, daniel et al, huntington national bank, condo-countryview estates, $220,400 VandeRVooRt, John W. et al, meijer credit Union, ada twp., 9-7-10, $260,000 kohn, david et al, Wells Fargo bank, ada twp., 27-7-10, $316,000 desai, Vajendra J. et al, First Place bank, condo-Waterford condominiums,

California city, Fresno, is last. Almost all states have some regions that are doing well economically and some that aren’t.

Regions within states also tend to have widely different industrial compositions, which is a major driver of economic well-being.

We focus on metropolitan areas of 1 million or more because this is where the knowledge-based economy and adults with a bachelor’s degree or more are concentrating.

Many futurists expected the opposite. In a flat world where more and more work can be done anyplace, many predicted an economic re-

Monday mornings are better

The Grand Rapids Business Journal Report, only on WZZM 13 News.

WATCH IT EVERY MONDAY AT 6 A.M. www.grbj.com | www.wzzm13.com

Lou Glazer is president of Michigan Future Inc.

Featured West Michigan Stock Steelcase Inc. 12-Month Stock Activity 17 15 13 11 9

Selected mortgages filed with Kent County Register of Deeds WieRenga, kurt et al, United bank mortgage corp., Providence lake, lot 13, $310,000 caldeRone, Julie a. et al, the bank of northern michigan, condo-blue Water Pines, $351,000 PePPeR, timothy et al, macatawa bank, gaines twp., 36-5-12, $235,000 Reese, gregory F. et al, mercantile bank of michigan, masonic home add., lot 26, $424,000 dicosola, michael b. et al, lake michigan credit Union, Rogue River Woods no. 7, lot 143, $237,500 mitchell, John b. et al, lake michigan credit Union, crabb’s gf sub., lot 1, $606,150 kaRsten, kenneth l. trust et al, huntington national bank, kentwood, 25-6-11, $251,534 haRdoUin, bernard iii et al, clark Financial group, condo-arbor hills site condominiums, $232,000 sUPeRioR bUsiness FoRms inc., Pnc bank, 29th street commercial Park, lot 13, $450,000 Ross, eric et al, lake michigan credit Union, Forest glen no. 2, lot 25, $295,717 salas, bernardo et al, ark-la-tex Financial services, lenwood hills no. 3, lot 59, $230,000 camPbell, William et al, JP morgan chase bank, creekside estates no. 2, lot 45, $243,000 FaUlknoR, donald R. et al, Quicken loans, cannon twp., 17-8-10, $275,805 caUlk, scott P. et al, ameriFirst Financial corp., glen Valley estates, lot 53, $245,373 elyea, timothy d. et al, lake michigan credit Union, cannon twp., 22-8-10, $209,500 bRass WoRks eQUities llc, chemical bank, condo-brass Works building, $950,000 lePech, Richard J. et al, guaranteed Rate, marshall Park, lot 28, $206,260 lindale, adam J. et al, community West credit Union, condo-Whispering Winds estates, $232,000

surgence in smaller metropolitan and even rural areas. The pattern is the opposite: Big metropolitan areas are where knowledge-based industries and college-educated adults have concentrated.

So it is hard to imagine a highprosperity Michigan without an even higher-prosperity metropolitan Detroit and Grand Rapids. And it’s hard to imagine a prosperous Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids unless they make the transition to knowledge-based economies.

O 12

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$0.09 dividend paid in December. $0.10 dividend paid in April, June and September.

Point Gainers & Losers

% Gainers & Losers

Perrigo Co. ........................................... +3.51

Community Shores Bank Corp. ..+33.3%

JPMorgan Chase Co. .......................+3.25

Mercantile Bank Corp. ..................+10.8%

Stryker Co. ............................................+3.08

Universal Forest Products Inc. ... +7.6%

Universal Forest Products Inc. ....+2.99

Comerica Inc. ....................................+6.8%

Comerica Inc.

.................................+2.63

Flagstar Bancorp Inc. .....................+6.7%

Herman Miller Inc...............................-7.75

Herman Miller Inc.......................... -28.5%

Whirlpool Corp. .................................-2.39

Whirlpool Corp. ................................ -1.8%

Wolverine World Wide Inc. ...............-.30

Wolverine World Wide Inc. ..............-.5%

$255,000 landin, thomas m. by Poa et al, Founders bank & trust, condo-koinonia Woods, $264,000 billingsley, Jacob et al, independent bank, Woodview estates, lot 4, $239,600 mRoZinski, amy t. et al, independent bank, Woodruff estates, lot 15, $226,100 PFisteR, brian d. et al, Quicken loans, inc, condo-Flowers mills, $289,000 benton, larry l. trust et al, chemical bank, gaines twp., 29-5-11, $410,969 mRg FeRRand llc, german american capital corp., Wyoming, 28-6-12, $935,000

STATE TAX LIENS

la meXicana bakeRy-gRoceRy stoRe llc, $32,495.93 hcP Finishing llc, $4,825.13 acsem containment solUtions llc, $3,381.24 Jma seRVice inc., $3,639.37 michigan PRotein inc., $30,283.33 siegel JeWelRy co. oF West michigan inc., $7,091.06 cdV associates, $2,578.07 mi bReW llc, $2,017.26 bUilding emPiRes llc, $4,247.66 RiVeRtoWn cRossing Fashion inc., $2,666.53 oRiental asian gaRden, $2,262.28

BANKRUPTCY

13-07155-- Wilson, amanda, 8412 division court se, byron center, maureen b.

Vanhoven (ch. 7) 13-07158-- VRedeVelt, John, 918 kelsey ne, travis t. Russell (ch. 7) 13-07159-- Reyes, edward, 2023 michael sW, Wyoming, greg J. ekdahl (ch. 7) 13-07161-- nesteR, kevin P., 986 indian lakes, sparta, martin l. Rogalski (ch. 7) 13-07168-- mckellaR, douglas e. & danielle l., 3249 Fayette, grandville, adam J. gantz (ch. 13) 13-07134-- kibleR, James, 15797 algoma ne, cedar springs, christian g. krupp ii (ch. 7) 13-07196-- tayloR, Willie J., 611 Paris se, greg J. ekdahl (ch. 13) 13-07206-- smith, marie, 5859 glenbrook

se, Rebecca l. Johnson-ellis (ch. 7) 13-07219-- Johnson, dennis c., 3991 lindberg ne, elizabeth k. lamphier (ch. 7) 13-07227-- URRea, ashley c. & barbara P., 1907 nelson se, William J. napieralski (ch.

13) 13-07233-- mantych, steven a., 5030 brookgate nW, david c. andersen (ch. 7) 13-07234-- bondon, Jon o., 802 Perkins ne, James R. oppenhuizen (ch. 7) 13-07236-- Pell, todd m. & Jennifer d., 242 highlander ne, Rockford, William t. Vaneck (ch. 7) 13-07237-- WelleR, eric h. & Robin m., 3110 byron depot court sW, Jeffrey d. mapes (ch. 13) 13-07238-- WalkeR, mia s., 938 lakeshore se, Robert F. Wardrop ii (ch. 7) 13-07239-- VasQUeZ, gloria, 131 32nd se, travis t. Russell (ch. 7) 13-07249-- Pohlman, thomas ii, 980 Princeton blvd. se, christian g. krupp (ch.

7) 13-07251-- stoRmZand, michael & denise, 53 stonehenge sW, grandville, a.t. almassian (ch. 7) 13-07267-- UlbeRg, Royce d. & dawn R., 2280 solon, cedar springs, david c. andersen (ch. 7) 13-07279-- VoRel, traci R., 2138 engleside se, Jeremy shephard (ch. 7) 13-07280-- FeighneR, christy a., 5340 kellogg Woods se, Jonathan g. hecksel (ch. 7) 13-07291-- maRtineZ, Ralph a., 713 Fulton, travis t. Russell (ch. 7) 13-07328-- kReFt, stanley e. Jr., 834 burton sW, Wyoming, martin l. Rogalski (ch. 7) 13-07347-- millaRd, keith a., 2827 oak Valley, Wyoming, travis t. Russell (ch. 7) 13-07359-- cole, craig a. & machelle l., 1861 Park crest, Wyoming, Jeffrey R. Portko (ch. 7)

PUBLIC RECORD AVAILABLE ONLINE: For the full version of this week’s Public Record, visit the grand Rapids business Journal’s website at grbj.com.

Street Talk OCTOBER 21, 2013 GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL 27

East meets West, except when it doesn’t Do you know this person?

B

usiness leaders from West Michigan have long attempted to cross I-96 to extend a hand of partnership to brethren at major corporations since the late 1990s, when former ambassador Peter Secchia helped arrange for executive-to-executive meetings with Dick DeVos, Steelcase (former) Chairman Jim Hackett and Fred, Hank and/or Doug Meijer.

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce mirrored such moves and also attempted to create a relationship with the Detroit Regional Chamber, but even the West Michigan Policy Conference drew only passing interest from Detroit’s top business leaders.

Only Business Leaders for Michigan was able to enforce 100 perSnyder cent attendance from east and west and hooked the regional executives together with major tax and legislative issues … and setting an agenda for Gov. Rick Snyder’s “reinventing Michigan” campaign.

Several nonprofit groups have worked that vein, especially in the last year as Detroit’s bankruptcy loomed, causing major impact on such organizations as the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Two groups devoted to a mis-

BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF

sion of merging women leaders also are seeing little result for much effort. The Michigan Women’s Foundation bravely asserted new recognition programs that made specific recognition of women on both sides of the state, all at one gala, an event that would alternate location between Michigan’s two largest cities.

Not surprisingly, many cultural differences became obvious in the making, the least of which was that women in east Michigan preferred gala-style dinner meetings and the women of the west would meet for lunch, in business attire.

The one gala split to two separate events but honoring both east and west winners at each.

All of that is reason for the Business Journal note here that a breakup (of sorts) is in the making.

The Women’s Foundation this year is not only planning two separate recognition events, east and west, but two separate groups of women, east and west.

It also is important to note the foundation is served by two directors of philanthropy, east and west.

Deborah Phillips, director of philanthropy-west, sent an email to give GRBJ a heads up that the foundation also will focus its recognition on a specific industry for the 2014 awards: health care (in the west).

Pillow talk?

Regular readers of Street Talk will remember Dixie Anderson’s

claim that she was not the “other woman” when news of Gen. David Petraeus’ affair broke last year.

Anderson laughed and said that while she was with Petraeus just before news of the scandal came to light, it was strictly in an official capacity.

Now, there is proof: The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, of which Anderson is executive director, announced today that its speaker for its 64th anniversary event is none other than … Gen. David Petraeus.

“We had the privilege of hearing General Petraeus last fall during the National Conference of the World Affairs Councils of America while he was CIA director,” Anderson said. “He gave a forthright, concise analysis of critical security issues facing the United States. We expect that will be the focus of his discussion with us in January.”

The event is a luncheon scheduled for noon on Friday, Jan. 31, at DeVos Place.

Titled “A Conversation with General David Patraeus,” the moderator will be Lori Murray, currently the Distinguished Chair for National Security at the U.S. Naval Academy. She happens to hold a Ph.D. in weapons of mass destruction.

“I have enjoyed a number of previous events around the country with World Affairs Councils, and I look forward to the opportunity to join the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan for

what I’m sure will be a stimulating, enjoyable event,” Petraeus said.

Steve Heacock, council board member and chair of the Annual Event Committee, said, “Our committee feels that one of the most critical issues facing the United States is the entire issue of national security, including cyber terrorism. We immediately honed in on General Petraeus as someone who can address this. We’re absolutely delighted he has agreed to come to Grand Rapids for this important discussion.”

The Grand Rapids group is the first to host Petraeus since his resignation.

Not kid-ding For even further proof that the Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty class is all about making connections, look no further than Bridget Clark Whitney.

The Kids’ Food Basket executive director is reportedly in talks with September Inside Track subject Gloria Lara, CEO of Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, about a possible partnership. Not many details yet, but plenty of positive energy there.

Whitney also found opportunity at the “40” event to invite Snyder to pack food bags. He responded with interest.

Nod and a smile Wednesday’s well-attended “40 Under Forty” celebration at Goei Center honored West Michigan’s young business leaders and their many accomplishments. Gov. Snyder delivered a very appropriate speech about entrepreneurialism that was quite well received, and the Business Journal’s first 40 Under Forty Distinguished Alumnus, Sam Cummings, talked about real estate, his love for West Michigan (and downtown Grand Rapids in particular), and taking chances on the road to success.

After both speeches, Business Journal Publisher John Zwarensteyn and Editor Carole Valade handed out framed plaques to each of the honorees as they came forward individually to spirited applause.

Cummings was seated just to the left of the awards table, and an interesting pattern developed as the winners came off stage. Almost to a person, each of those involved in real estate and development — Derek Coppess, Chris Beckering, Mike Mraz, among others — tipped a nod or offered a discreet wave as they strolled past Cummings. Sort of like paying homage to the king — without all the ring kissing.

Payback time Not that this applies to you. But maybe your boss, and most certainly a co-worker or 10, would fit into this category.

It just might be time to give yourself an early Christmas present: attendance at the “Dealing With Difficult People” seminar set for Dec. 16 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Why? Well, who wouldn’t want to know how to “take the offensive against know-it-alls, dictators, snipers, gripers, ‘yes’ people, ‘no’ people and all the other contrary characters you confront every day.”

This is touted as a day of intensive training with immediate payback.

Participants will learn why people act the way they do, what to say and do in specific situations, how to become less of a target for antagonists’ barbs and antics and how to bring out the best in even the worst offenders.

More information and registration is available at www.careertrack.com.

Hint: You might not want to put this on your expense account.

The tradition of preparing students for successful and rewarding professional lives is what sets Ferris State University apart. It’s also what attracts students who want to graduate with the knowledge and the know-how to have an important impact on their futures — and what attracts employers looking to hire workers who can make an immediate impact on their businesses.