BUSINESS AND LIFE 517 everydaytheonoffersTraumatologistTOSTRATEGYDEALinsightaddressingstressesinlife tobringSWOTSendSTART?WHERESTRATEGY:TOintheteamtoclaritydecisions LOCAL EmployeesFundforCouldUltiumSNAPSHOTSNEWSFacilityBeaBoonRegion,TalentHelpsRetainandmore September 2022 CUSO IS HELPING MSUFCU BUILD A STRONGER REGION
7-Year Certificate 3.50 %APY 18-Month Certificate 1.75 %APY ACHIEVE higher returns Take advantage of our special 18-Month and 7-Year Certificates with rates designed to give you higher dividends on your savings. msufcu.org/certificates Open your Certificate today! 18-Month Certificate Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 8/1/22. Minimum opening deposit $500. Early withdrawal penalty of 180 days of dividends applies if funds are withdrawn prior to maturity. Early withdrawal penalty may reduce initial investment. Rate subject to change. Rate is fixed for term of Certificate at time Certificate is opened. Upon maturity, 18-Month Certificate will convert to a 1-Year Add-On Certificate at the then-current 1-Year Add-On Certificate rate.7-Year Certificate Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 8/1/22. Minimum opening deposit $2,500. Early withdrawal penalty of 365 days of dividends applies if funds are withdrawn prior to maturity. Early withdrawal penalty may reduce initial investment. Rate subject to change. Rate is fixed for term of Certificate at time Certificate is opened. Upon maturity, 7-Year Certificate will convert to a 5-Year Certificate at the then-current 5-Year Certificate rate. Federally insured by NCUA.
OmarChristopherMetroChristineRichMaryAmandaKyleSusanTeeceAdamsAroninCombsDowlingFischerGajdaKeenerMacIntyreMelikNagySofradzija
517mag.com
One of my core beliefs is that timing plays a pivotal role in creating solid strategy. Each year, businesses and families build plans for the future. It doesn’t take long to realize that many of the pillars used to develop strategy change constantly. Who planned for a pandemic? No one. However, it didn’t take long for savvy strategists to lean in on a new path and pivot the strategy just developed at the end of the prior year.
221M3MetroDowlingMelikGroupW.Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48933 P 517-203-3333 Subscription subscribe@517mag.com Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Please send to: 517 Magazine, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, or info@517mag.com.emailwewanttohearfromyou!
Recently, I announced that I sold my business that includes this amazing publication after 20 years to Reseda Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of MSUFCU.
Tiffany PublisherDowling
Publisher Tiffany tiffany@m3group.bizDowling Managing Editor Mary mary@m3group.bizGajda
As we’re dealing with new realities — changed generational priorities, the great resignation, quiet quitting, inflation, the list goes on — it makes sense that organizations and families are finding unique ways to navigate the environment.
Rich
My strategy for growth included partnerships and alliances that provide for more opportunity. This satisfies that goal. It’s also exciting to work with a team to create a new direction and interesting challenges. (I love a good challenge!)
Graphic Designers Audrey Spring Chad KameronHussleChauvez Account Executives Megan devon@m3group.bizDevonmelissa@m3group.bizMelissamegan@m3group.bizFlemingDeMottKirby
Strategy PicturetheBelievingisinBigger
517 Business and Life, Volume 4, Issue 7, September 2022. 517 Business and Life (USPS#020-807) is published monthly by M3 Group at 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan. Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years. visit517-203-3333Callor517mag.com to subscribe. Postmaster: Send address changes to 517 Business and Life, 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. and@2022.Copyright517BusinessLife.Allrightsreserved. Editorial office: 221 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 517mag.com48933.
Lead Editor Christopher Nagy Contributors
notepublisher’s I
Creative Visionary Kathryn kathryn@m3group.bizAspin
In addition, after 20 years, I wanted to set the organization up for the long term to continue beyond when I’m there. Although retirement is many years off, it’s important to keep an eye open for timing and opportunities. I’m excited to be aligned with an amazing organization that has tremendous leadership. We’re strongerWhatevertogether.your business or personal strategy might include, it’s important to believe in the bigger picture and build plans that consistently move in the direction. Stay fluid. Believe in process. Go all in. Deliver results.
t is often hard to discern what strategy looks like from an outside perspective. I’ve certainly watched a situation and wondered why they would move in that direction or completely change course. It didn’t look strategic and may have appeared haphazard. Oftentimes, organizations and individuals work to strategize a direction based on all the information available to them at the time. Some important factors are invisible to those on the outside. Strategy is a familiar word in the world of business. It outlines the goals a company intends to achieve, solidifies the pavers along the path to get there, establishes the goals and expectations for the boots-on-the-ground troops, and designs proactive plans for when the unforeseen — as it always ultimately does — arrives unannounced.
The Reseda Group cover story is about individual business strategies colliding together based on perfect timing. Reseda Group is investing in companies to strengthen the credit union industry through organizations that can provide partnership value as well as financial technology organizations showcasing innovation — a solid strategy. When I decided to sell my company, it was based on several factors that may not have been apparent to those paying attention.
Photographers Mary Gajda Kyle
2 517
SPARKYOURSAVINGS 13-Month Jumbo CD Special 2.02%APY1 36-Month Jumbo CD Special 2.78%APY1 1Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 05/25/2022 limited time offer and is subject to change without notice, $100,000 Minimum deposit to open Jumbo CD Special. After maturity if you choose to roll over your CD it will renew to the same term at current rate at the time of maturity. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees will reduce earnings. 2 Online account opening only available to Michigan residents. Open Online2 or Call Us Today to Learn More! DART.BANK/CDSPECIAL 517.676.3661 4 517
13 41 Reseda Group CUSO is helping MSUFCU build a stronger region Strategy to Deal Traumatologist offers insight on addressing the stresses in everyday life contentsSept. 2022 517 5
contents AREA SNAPSHOT A Snapshot of Local Business News Affecting the 517 ProfessionalNOTABLEAlliesTRENDSAssembleNEWSHighlights from the 517 ASTATE/NATIONALRegionBriefLookatStateand National News Affecting our Region ON THE RECORD Marketing Strategy: Silence is Fatal Strategy:BIZBuildingPERSPECTIVESaStrongerStateTIPSWheretoStart? business DEPARTMENTS302924261817112PUBLISHER’S NOTE 49 WRAP UP lifestyle 38373432 JustPLACESLikeFamily Fleetwood Diner serves up comfort GOOD READS Strategy Reads Two book suggestions to help in business and life Back-to-SchoolRECIPE Lasagna Cups HOME HELPERS Porch Perfect Setting the strategy for fall curb appeal SteppingNONPROFITintothe Light Out of Darkness Walk hits its stride Oct. 1 VisitPLAY517living.com for More Lansing-Area Activities 4645 6 517
Call today for EV charging station installation! You’ve done everything you can to reduce your carbon footprint and go green. You’re excited about the prospect of your electric vehicle and how it can save you money, all while being good for the environment. If you’re wondering how you’re going to charge your EV at home, call The Meridian Company in Lansing and East Lansing, MI for help! We’ve got all the answers and will get you set up with the right charging station for your home or business. THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN HOME SERVICES! GO GREEN AND MAKE CHARGING YOUR VEHICLE A BREEZE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION 517. 33 9. 6 3 0 0 tmc f i rst.ne t
VOLUNTEER
T-SHIRT SPONSOR McLaren Greater
Michigan
GAMING
Making Greater Lansing Even Greater. As we wrap up our fourth annual McLaren Loves Lansing event, we are so grateful to our sponsors who make what we do possible. From our huge hospital campus to the tiny hats in the nursery, we couldn’t do what we do without donor support. Here’s to many more years to come. EVENT! for a Cause • 10/13/22 • Country Club of Lansing mclarenloveslansing.org517-975-7100 State University, of Osteopathic SPONSOR Group Lansing Local 665 and NECA Lansing Division McLaren Health Plan SPONSOR Medical Staff SPONSOR Memory of Ruth Ann Foglesong SPONSORS Waymire Regional Council of Carpenters SPONSOR Lyn Donaldson Zynda SPONSORS
College
Medicine DANCE FLOOR SPONSOR NovaCare Rehabilitation DESSERT SPONSOR Dart Bank RAFFLE
In
Kramer Management
HEALTHCARE HERO
ManerTri-StarCosterisanTrust
Allegra
DONOR
Cocktails
McLaren
VALET
CAPITAL SPONSORS Marketing of Okemos Fraser Trebilcock Lansing Board of Water & Light Michigan State University, Department of Psychiatry Operating Engineers 324 Oral Surgery Associates of Lansing PNC Bank Shaheen Cadillac Mary Ann and Dennis Jenkins SPONSOR The Christman Company MEDIA SPONSORS Fox 47 – in your neighborhood Lansing State Journal Townsquare Media WLNS TV-6
DONATIONS
517
MSUFCU Pace Howe Design REGISTRATION SPONSORS Martin
CHEERS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS! 2022FESTIVALSPONSORSSPONSOR Michigan Orthopedic Center GUEST GIFT BAG SPONSOR Michigan
Volunteers FOOD TRUCK SPONSORS IBEW
Thank you. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT OUR NEXT
business AREA SNAPSHOT p.11 TRENDS p.17 NOTABLE NEWS p.18 STATE/NATIONAL p.24 ON THE RECORD p.26 PERSPECTIVES p.29 BIZ TIPS p.30 517 9
STRATEGYASAROADMAPTOSUCCESS
Think of strategy as a road trip to somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. That trip from the coast of Maine to Joshua Tree National Park in California needs a plan. What’s your budget and where will your funds come from? What is your plan if your car breaks down? Who are the people you can count on if you need them? What will prevent you from reaching your ultimate destination? The trip needs a plan. Just like your Travelingbusiness.aimlessly may be fun, but it won’t get you where you want to go anytime soon. From hiring and organizational structure to allocation of resources and marketing, strategy is your road map to success.
Sponsorships are still available but selling fast! Scan informationsponsorshipforSAVE THE DATE BUSINESS AND LIFE 517 SUBSCRIBE 517MAG.COM OR EMAIL LISA@M3GROUP.BIZ 10 517
517 11
When a worker at JC Electric LLC required an extended leave to address a personal matter, the loss of that expertise at the electrical contracting company in St. Johns could have hindered JC Electric’s ability to attend to all its customers’ needs.
Instead, JC Electric didn’t miss a beat. “Because of all the training we continue to do, the guys were able to take over his projects without any concern at all and allow him the time to take care of his personal situation,” said Dawn Hart-Allen, JC Electric administrative assistant. That training is made possible through the Going PRO Talent Fund, a statewide program that awards money to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees.
news affecting the 517 TALENT
business / AREA SNAPSHOT
“When a company invests in its employees through training and development, it shows the company is committed to its workers,” Sand said. “So many of the folks that have been jobhopping are often claiming it’s because they didn’t feel there was an opportunity for growth; they felt stagnant. This is one way a company can show it’s willing to invest in its employees.”
It’s a situation every business faces.
Teri Sand, business manager at Capital Area Michigan Works!, said the training made possible through the talent fund is invaluable in helping a company retain employees.
A snapshot of local
Sand said applications for the Going PRO Talent Fund should open in September. Contact Michigan Works! at 800-285-WORKS for more information. business FUND HELPS RETAIN EMPLOYEES BY RICH KEENER
“I think what makes Delicious Delights unique is the customer service,” said Reaser. “Also, many places use boxed mixes. I do not.”Scratch baking allows Reaser to accommodate dietary needs and customize flavor combinations.
12 517
“We are never afraid to try a new combination upon request,” she said.Reaser’s favorite cake is peanut butter, sometimes with peanutbutter frosting and sometimes with chocolate. She offers glutenfree, paleo, sugar-free and vegan cakes. She teams with charitable organizations and is grateful to customers for helping her succeed.
Kangas was referencing the Ultium Cells battery-cell manufacturing plant scheduled to open in Lansing in late 2024. Ultium Cells is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, with the two companies investing $2.6 billion in the 2.8-million-square-foot Lansing factory — the third Ultium Cells battery manufacturing plant in the United States. The Lansing location is expected to create 1,700 new manufacturing jobs. Grace Griffin, Ultium Cells Lansing plant director, is looking forward to what the plant will bring to the community.
In neighboring East Lansing, husband-and-wife teams Bill and Kim Marchiori and Tony and Katy Marchiori have opened the latest location of the Detroit Wing Co. Bill Marchiori said the restaurant prides itself on “the highest quality wings and sauces available.” His favorite is the boneless wings with sweet barbecue sauce. “We are excited about becoming a very active part of the East Lansing and MSU community. … We look forward to many events supporting the community and various charities and organizations,” he added.Detroit Wing Co. is at 437 E. Grand River Ave. and offers catering for home, office and tailgating.
Kangas agreed.
“I’m always excited to see new manufacturers coming into the Lansing area,” she said. “When one factory comes in, especially one like this battery cell plant, you’ll see other suppliers for that factory coming in as well. I think manufacturing in mid-Michigan is growing and thriving.”
“In Michigan — and in Lansing, especially — manufacturing and the auto industry are in our DNA,” said Cindy Kangas, executive director of the Capital Area Manufacturing Council. “So, it’s exciting to see that we’re starting to rebuild and that there are new factories coming in that will not only support GM but support manufacturing as a whole.”
When Ransom E. Olds started the Olds Motor Vehicle Co. in Lansing in 1897, no one imagined the city developing into a dominant manufacturing hub worldwide.
“Ultium Cells is excited to partner with the Greater Lansing community to bring advanced battery cell manufacturing to the region — and, in turn, local high-tech jobs, education, career training and infrastructure,” Griffin said.
Two new businesses have hung out a shingle in Greater Lansing, taking care of both dinner and dessert needs for localJenresidents.Reaser has been satisfying her customers’ sweet tooth since 2004 with Delicious Delights Cakes LLC, and now she has opened her “dream store” in the food court at the Lansing Mall.
NEW BUSINESSES BRING THE SWEET WITH THE SAVORY BY TEECE ARONIN A BOON FOR REGION BY RICH KEENER
BY OMAR SOFRADZIJA IS HELPING MSUFCU BUILD A STRONGER REGION
But what in the world is a CUSO? Maybe you’ve never heard of the acronym, but a CUSO started by MSUFCU is continually growing its roots in the region and quietly building a better community as CUSO stands for credit union service organization, and MSUFCU’s CUSO is the East Lansing-based Reseda Group.
Reseda Group helps credit unions remain relevant and competitive by delivering the best products and services to its employees and members,” said April Clobes, president and CEO of both MSUFCU and Reseda Group.
CUSO
517 13
FEATURE
f you’re paying attention at all around mid-Michigan, you certainly must know about Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. As deeply engaged as MSUFCU is in the community, the credit union seems to be everywhere in Greater Lansing.
“Reseda Group helps credit unions remain relevant and competitive by delivering the best products and services to its employees and members,” said April Clobes, president and CEO of both MSUFCU and Reseda Group. “Driven by our shared goal of building better for members, Reseda Group invests in strategic partners that will bring new technology, digital resources and credit union industry solutions to market. The aim is to help a stronger MSUFCU enable a stronger region. “I think Reseda helps provide new avenues of growth for our businesses,” said Clobes. “We are investing in locally owned businesses and retaining and attracting employees to support the Greater Lansing region.”
We worked to partner with strong organizations that will add value to Reseda and the industry,” Clobes said. “As with all MSUFCU entities, our values include ensuring that each person has an opportunity to do their best work by bringing their best and whole self to work. Everyone has the ability to be successful. To learn more about Reseda Group, visit resedagroup.com.
• Foresight Group, which consolidates print communication resources to promote businesses, services, events and products.
Reseda Group invests in or wholly owns several Lansing-area businesses ranging across a variety of relevant industries,
•including:Spave, a fintech company designed to empower personal financial independence and charitable giving through its mobile solution.
• Ever Green 3C, which helps credit unions and organizations create meaningful, loyal relationships with their members, customers and employees through financial wellness solutions.
• M3 Group, a fully integrated, digitally focused, strategically driven branding and marketing agency and publisher of 517 Magazine.
14 517
• Thirteen other CUSOs with missions that range from payment processing and financial wellness apps to insurance, benefits and more. The additions are hardly random. There is a coordinated strategy to each puzzle part addition. “We are working to create diversified revenue opportunities for (MSUFCU); create a structure to invest in and utilize new financial technologies; improve internal efficiencies by acquiring or creating adjacent services to our core business, such as insurance products; improve internal efficiencies by acquiring or creating businesses that we have used as vendor/ partner, such as our printer or advertising agency; and deliver financial wellness solutions to members and credit union partners,” Clobes said. Likewise, each member of the Reseda Group family plays a specific role that supports the whole. “Their roles are to bring relevant products and services to our industry to help the industry grow and prosper,” said Clobes. “They complement each other and MSUFCU’s core business with their integrated services. “For example, Foresight Group handles the printing, logo items and signage for MSUFCU and for the other entities within Reseda. … This magazine created by M3 is now printed by Foresight Group,” she continued. “M3 is engaged in assisting Foresight Group customers with branding and advertising work. M3 is also an MSUFCU partner that manages our public relations, commercial creation and certain campaigns. They also collaborate with teams from the minority investment companies to share knowledge and influence strategic growth.” That inter-company collaboration creates efficiencies and allows those services to be delivered at a larger“Everscale.Green 3C is bringing financial education platforms with articles, podcasts, videos, budget tools and calculators, along with customized personal financial wellness insights. Ever Green 3C is designed to integrate into credit unions’ digital banking programs and provides education for all ages,” according to Clobes. “In addition, Ever Green 3C has curriculum workbooks for classroom participants and teachers to assist in financial education for K-12. These programs can be provided directly to school districts or sponsored by their local creditClobesunion.”added that “both Foresight Group and M3 are bringing unique services to the credit union industry. With Foresight Group, we have created cuSuite, which is a monthly subscription service where a credit union could log in and customize print, email and social media marketing campaigns at a lower per-piece cost. M3 is helping to create the content formats. The subscription service includes templates for commercials, hiring and onboarding campaigns, and more.” Notably, many of the Reseda Group subsidiaries — Spave, Foresight and M3 Group — are led by women in the C-suite level, like MSUFCU and Reseda themselves. “We worked to partner with strong organizations that will add value to Reseda and the industry,” Clobes said. “As with all MSUFCU entities, our values include ensuring that each person has an opportunity to do their best work by bringing their best and whole self to work. Everyone has the ability to be successful.”
FEATURE
business / TRENDS
Call it the best of both worlds. Call it a win-win. Call it business savvy. Strategic partnerships are mutually beneficial business relationships that can help each entity grow at a reduced cost. Here are five of the best examples. STAFF
The mammoth general merchandise retailer and the reigning coffeehouse champion have been business buds since 1999. Starbucks allows Target to license its brand in the same way Starbucks does with Kroger, Meijer and Barnes & Noble. There are more than 1,300 Starbucks locations in Target stores.
TARGET AND STARBUCKS
TARGET AND CVS HEALTH Yup, that rascally Target makes the list twice. In 2015, CVS Health acquired all of Target’s pharmacies and clinics, creating a store-withina-store format that transformed more than 1,600 locations across 47 states. The same deal also meant that CVS would be present at any new Target location coming online.
TACO BELL AND T-MOBILE This unusual brand mash-up allowed T-Mobile customers to receive a free taco each week through its T-Mobile Tuesdays program. The alliance encouraged T-Mobile brand loyalty and gave a boost to Taco Bell sales. I mean, who goes to Taco Bell and walks out with a single taco? Amirite?
FIVE IDEAL STRATEGIC ALLIANCES 517 17 BY 517
DISNEY AND CHEVROLET General Motors, the parent company of Chevrolet, has had a long-running partnership with Disney. Chevy designers and Disney “imagineers” teamed up to create Test Track, an attraction at the Epcot theme park in Florida. Guests design a Chevy concept vehicle, then take a high-speed test drive.
UBER AND SPOTIFY In 2014, the ride-hailing service Uber and the audio-streaming firm Spotify announced an integration of the two companies that allowed riders booking transport through Uber to be their own DJ on the ride and listen to their own music through Spotify premium accounts.
ALLIES ASSEMBLE
Reseda Group’s Maxim Named Technologist of the Year Finopotamus, the only TekkiewinnerMaximGroup’sannouncedcreditexclusivelycoveragedepthprovidingpublicationonlinein-technologytounions,ResedaBenastheofits2022AwardforTechnologist of the Year.Maxim, who serves as chief technology officer at Reseda Group and chief digital strategy and innovation officer at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, is the first recipient of the special award recognizing an individual whose achievements embody not only great technology but also the credit union ethos of people helping people. “I am ecstatic to receive the Finopotamus Technologist of the Year award,” said Maxim. “At MSUFCU and Reseda Group, we’re always working to challenge ourselves through collaboration and networking to come up with the best fintech products and services out there.”
Sparrow Carson Hospital announced Dr. Sarah Stadel as its new emergency department medical director, leading a highly skilled team providing compassionate care through the hospital’s nationally recognized emergency services. Stadel joined the Sparrow Carson emergency department in October 2020 and is a graduate of the Ross University School
Under Maxim’s guidance and leadership, MSUFCU is on the cuttingedge of innovation and financial technology collaboration in the industry with the development of The Lab at MSUFCU, which pilots innovative solutions such as a conversational artificial intelligence platform. As CTO of Reseda Group, he played a key role in launching the CUSO (credit union service organization) wholly owned by MSUFCU to help develop credit union technology through fintech subsidiaries Ever Green 3C and Spave.
Sparrow Carson Names Emergency Medical Director
McLaren Dedicates Sacred Space and Chapel A sanctuary for respite, reflection and renewal was recently dedicated at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. Members of the regional faith community joined health care providers and the McLaren Greater Lansing Foundation Spiritual Care Committee for a dedication and ribbon-cutting at the hospital’s new sacred space and chapel. The home for emotional and meditative wellness provides a welcoming space and supportive care for people of all faiths, religions and spiritual identities seeking strength and encouragement. The sacred space and chapel cultivate an intentional approach to care that emphasizes, supports and nurtures the human spirit.
FROM
“We strongly believe that each member of the McLaren family — from patient to surgeon, from volunteer to nurse, from family member to physician — should have access to the support, resources and counsel they need to nurture and preserve their spiritual health,” said Lynn Griffor, foundation vice president. Located in the Outpatient Care Center offering convenient access to the cancer center and hospital, the $300,000 needed for construction and artwork of the sacred space and chapel was fully funded by the foundation and donors. The chapel also provides space dedicated to the Islamic faith, which includes a place for ritual washing, a shoe rack and prayer niches that point toward Mecca for daily prayers for Muslim staff workers and “Designedpatients.byhospital staff, the new chapel reflects the needs of individuals and small groups for sacred space, rest and prayer, inclusive of all faiths,” said the Rev. Philip Apol, lead chaplain. “The chaplain staff are committed to promoting and upholding those values all through the hospital.”
Ben Maxim
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS THE 517 REGION
business / NOTABLE NEWS
submitINFO@517MAG.COMyournews 18 517
A NEW GENERATION OF EYDE EYDE.COM517-903-EYDE 300 S. Washington Square, Suite 400 | Lansing, MI 48933
Sparrow Carson Hospital’s emergency department creates a wonderful opportunity for establishing and continuing the outstanding medical care for our local populations. I’m looking forward to strengthening our connections within the community,” Stadel said. Sparrow Carson’s emergency department is designated as a Level IV Trauma Center, reflecting expertise in providing advance trauma life support. The hospital recently celebrated its emergency department receiving the national fourstar award for overall quality of care from Professional Research Consultants Inc. “I’m enthusiastic to work with Dr. Stadel in her new role as medical director here at Sparrow Carson emergency department as she leads us in providing excellent care,” said emergency department manager Julie Noreen.
Triterra, a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm, announced the opening of its Grand Rapids office at 625 Kenmoor Ave. SE, Suite 204. Triterra’s corporate office location will remain in Lansing. The company also has an Alma officeInlocation.2020Triterra hired Craig S. Mulica as the west Michigan regional director. Due to COVID-19, Triterra’s Grand Rapids employees continued to work remotely while serving Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. “We are excited to finally be opening our Grand Rapids location. Culture is very important to Triterra, and having a Sarah Stradel
business / NOTABLE NEWS submitINFO@517MAG.COMyournews 20 517 COVERAGE THAT FITS YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR BUDGET Dr.
of Medicine.ofAmericanthroughisinSparrowUniversityMichiganresidencymedicineherSheMedicine.completedemergencywithStateatHospitalLansingandcertifiedtheBoardEmergency“Workingin
Triterra Opens Grand Rapids Office
7/25/22 11:42 AM 517 21
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Confidence comes with every card.® collaborative space helps strengthen our culture. We also look forward to building new relationships and continuing to help our clients reach their goals,” said Don McNabb, CEO of Triterra. The 2,300-square-foot space in Grand Rapids will allow Triterra to expand and grow in the west Michigan market as well as provide a space for client meetings.
At Blue Cross, we know you want the best for your employees. That’s why we offer plans designed to fit any budget, and coverage you can use almost anywhere. With benefits that cover pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health and no-cost programs for you and your employees, Blue Cross adds up to smarter care and better coverage.
The Michigan State University Health Care Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center and Mary Thiel, clinic manager of MSU Health Care Physical & Occupational Therapy, have been awarded Best Sports Medical Clinic and Best Physical Therapist, respectively, as part of the 2022 Lansing State Journal Best of the Best awards. “These awards exemplify the care we provide across all of our endeavors,” said Seth Ciabotti, MSU Health CEO. “We are committed to bringing health, hope and healing to the community.”
“It is truly an honor to be recognized with this award,” said Thiel. “Additionally, I am extremely proud of our providers and staff. I am happy their great work has been recognized as well. The health of our community is very important to us, and we strive to promote healing and goal achievement through personalized care.” Kirby Joins M3 Group Devon Kirby has joined M3 Group as an accounts manager handling the advertising needs for 517 Magazine as well as the event sponsorships for the celebrations planned and hosted by the company each year. Kirby said he’s excited
Attracting the best talent means having the best benefits. Visit bcbsm.com/employers to see what a Blue Cross plan can do for your business.
MSU Health Care Wins Two Awards
The sports medicine program has more than 30 years providing care to athletes. “We are committed to providing convenient and comprehensive care to the community, including all of our local athletes, so that they can continue playing the sports they love,” said Dr. Jill Moschelli, medical director of the Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center. MSU Health Care Physical & Occupational Therapy offers physical therapy, occupational therapy and lymphedema services.
22 517
Sparrow Health System President and CEO James F. Dover has been reappointed to a three-year term on the board of trustees of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.Doverwill continue to serve as a trustee-at-large for the MHA, which represents hospitals and health care providers statewide. The MHA elected new officers and appointed board members during its annual meeting.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to continue to serve on the board of trustees of the MHA,” Dover said. “As the health system for thehealthrepresentingorganizationwithrelationshipaobviouslycapitalMichigan’sarea,wehavecloseworkingtheleadcareacrossstate.”
Christman Places 87th in National Contractor Ranking The Engineering News-Record, a news outlet known as an authority for tracking the construction industry, has placed The Christman Co. at No. 87 on its 2022 “ENR 400” list of the top 400 contractors nationally. Overall rankings were calculated according to 2021 construction revenue. Headquartered in Lansing, Christman also landed at No. 51 in the list of Top 100 Construction Management-at-Risk firms and No. 85 on the 2022 ENR list of Top 100 Contractors by New Contracts. “We are pleased to share this accomplishment with all of the Christman team members who made this past year successful by delivering on our promises to clients,” Christman President and CEO Steve Roznowski said. “It is an honor to again be named in ENR’s top 100 national contractors, and we are thankful for our many clients continued trust in Christman. We look forward to another extraordinary year focused on safety, quality, innovation and integrity.”
Dover Reappointed to Health & Hospital Association
James F. Dover
business / NOTABLE NEWS submitINFO@517MAG.COMyournews to grow in sales as well as gain further understanding of the creative side of marketing.“Ilove the co-workers, the group of people at M3,” he said. “The people here are awesome, and my favorite part of coming to M3 Group has been just being a part of the team and learning the processes.” Outside of M3 Group, Kirby runs Space Dogg Collective with M3 creative strategist Kameron Chauvez. The platform is a collective of musicians, artists and performers creating experiences and maintaining environments focused on dance, self-expression and community.
“I describe it as the intersection of growing up in DIY music scenes in basements and the lessons and culture of modern festivals. It combines the two of those things,” Kirby said. “The music we do focuses on electronic and dance music, which Lansing is sorely missing.” McLaren Dedicates Hospital Courtyard McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital held a dedication ceremony Aug. 4 at the new campus for the Richard L. and Janet M. Wendorf Family Courtyard. Longtime supporters of McLaren Greater Lansing — at one point contracting musician Lee Greenwood for a benefit concert honoring first responders and the military — the Wendorfs also contributed financial support to McLaren Greater Lansing, the Lansing Promise, the Eaton Rapids Educational Foundation and many otherSinceorganizations.2017,the
Janet M. Wendorf Outstanding Caregiver Award has been given to caregivers at McLaren Greater Lansing who exemplify a commitment to providing quality and compassionate care to patients and their families.
Workers at Starbucks locations in Grand Rapids, Flint, Clinton Township, Lansing, Mount Pleasant and other locations voted to join Starbucks Workers United, part of Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union. Baristas have cited understaffing, the strain of mobile orders and customer-induced traumatic experiences as reasons behind the push to unionize.
“We are listening and learning from the partners in these stores as we always do across the country,” said a Starbucks spokesperson. “From the beginning, we’ve been clear in our belief that we are better together as partners, without a union between us, and that conviction has not changed.”
A smattering of Starbucks locations across the country are lobbying for unionization to enable employees with further opportunity to provide feedback and perspective to the company on wages, benefits and working conditions.
“We will bargain in good faith with the stores that vote to be represented by the union. Starbucks’ success — past, present and future — is built on how we partner together, always with our mission and values at our core.”
A LOOK AT STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS AFFECTING OUR REGION
A Starbucks spokesperson said, “As (Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz) recently shared in a letter to our partners, ‘We will become the best version of Starbucks by co-creating our future directly as partners. And we will strengthen the Starbucks community by upholding each other’s dreams, upholding the standards and rituals of the community, celebrating partner individuality and voice, and upholding behaviors of mutual respect and dignity.”
Despite that stance, the spokesperson noted that the company respects the legal right of employees to organize.
24 517
“We believe that you deserve better and that we have a responsibility to do right by you,” the website states. While the company acknowledged partners’ need to vocalize their frustrations, Starbucks continues to emphasize working side by side as opposed to “through a third party across a negotiating table.”
With nearly 10,000 company-owned stores in the United States, Starbucks provides a slew of benefits for employees. These include health insurance, Bean Stock, retirement savings, paid time off, parental leave, fertility benefits, transgender health benefits and 100% tuition coverage through the Starbucks College Achievement Program. LOOK TO UNIONIZE CHRISTINE MACINTYRE
BY
business / STATE/NATIONAL
The company acknowledged employees’ frustration on one. starbucks.com: “We know that recently we haven’t lived up to what you should expect from Starbucks.”
On the website, the company discusses how the pandemic and company-induced factors such as staffing, security and operational issues have taken away from the employee experience.
MICHIGAN STARBUCKS WORKERS
BRIEF
Additionally, the median rent across the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas reached a new record level for Realtor.com data at $1,876 in June. Some indicators demonstrate that the rent eruption of the past two years may be subsiding, as seen in the continuous fall of year-over-year rent growth.
“Members of the huge millennial generation are moving through their 20s and 30s, the ages when renting is most common,” said Additionally,Berner.aninflux of people in the rental market due to less accessible home ownership pushes rent costs even higher as multiple generations vie for limited rental housing availability.
Conversions of single-family homes to owner-occupied units reduced the stock available for renters. American Housing Survey data indicates that 16% of single-family homes rented in 2017 were owner-occupied in 2019. As a result, more rental housing is needed, but at prices a wider array of households can afford.
RENTERS FACE PANDEMIC-ERA OBSTACLES BY CHRISTINE MACINTYRE
Strongeranalyst.economies attract more workers who are better equipped to compete for leases and pay higher rents compared to cities more saturated with unemployed citizens who are less able to pay fast-growing rent prices. Berner said the gap between average rent and average buy costs nationwide has tripled, citing increased listing prices and mortgage rate increases as contributing factors. In addition, several areas favor buying over renting, with median rents at or below the national average and monthly buy costs for starter homes well below the national average. In contrast, rent favorability thrives in areas where the monthly buy cost is nearly double the monthly rent cost.
Affordable housing and higher-end rentals are similarly inflicted, mainly boiling down to supply-and-demand contradictions.
Gone are the days of setting out on a quest to secure a rental home resulting in same-day success. At least for now, as the pandemic-era housing market reveals obstacles such as a market flooded with high demand, soaring prices and low stock of available options. Historically, Americans dubbed purchasing a home a daunting task; however, renters competing in the still-hot housing market face their own obstacles.
According to a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, the third quarter of 2021 witnessed 44 million renter households in the United States compared to roughly 870,000 in the first quarter of 2020.
“Local unemployment rates continue to be strong predictors of rent growth,” said Joel Berner, Realtor.com senior economic research
There’s been robust growth in the younger populations boosting rental demand.
517 25
SILENCE IS FATAL ON THE RECORD WITH LORRI RISHAR JANDRON FROM EDGE PARTNERSHIPS
Businesses have been working to adapt in a post-COVID-19 market. CEO of Edge Partnerships Lorri Rishar Jandron said silence is fatal in the market today.
“COVID taught us to never go silent in the market, even when finances are strained. The market is turbulent,” Jandron said. “You cannot go silent if you’re going to do business in today’s marketplace.”
“Marketing in its very essence means impacting behavior, and it’s influencing your desired targets to believe that you’re the only solution to their problem,” she said. “A lot of people confuse marketing sometimes with advertising, which is a tactical approach you may use to accomplish your objectives.”
“Knowing and appreciating the fact that the market doesn’t stay stable and there are changes that need to be made along the way, but at least you have the framework going forward to accomplish what you have set out to do,” she said.
26 517
business / ON THE RECORD
MARKETING STRATEGY:
“Two key things I would say is, one, don’t put all your eggs in one marketing basket. Diversify what your approach is to marketing,” she said. “And, two, differentiate yourself from the pack; stand out from the noise by being interesting, sincere and connecting with who you want to connectJandronto.”has seen the way several strategies have played out for businesses. She said digital marketing is taking over in most recent years.
In 2022, marketing strategy is incredibly different from what it was 10 years ago, five years ago and even just two years ago.
So, what should a business be doing when it comes to marketing? Jandron said diversity is key in any business strategy right now.
BY KYRA BISCARNER
Jandron said what makes marketing and advertising different is looking at what your business is trying to accomplish.
“If we want to get down to what’s really popular today, there’s nothing more agile and flexible than digital marketing. We can realtime test it,” Jandron said. “But traditional marketing still plays a very important role, and again it’s understanding who your targeted audienceEvenis.”with changes in strategy, Jandron said staying attentive to your audience will always be most important when deciding on a marketing strategy. “So, really knowing your audience and picking the right medium to deliver the right message at the right time. That’s really what it’s all about,” she Jandronsaid.said every business needs to understand the key differences between marketing and advertising.
“It will always go back to what you want,” she said. “What is the goal? What do you want to accomplish? And using those tactics, advertising public relations, digital strategies, social media influencer marketing and all those tools in our marketing tool belt to reach the goals.”Whether your business is looking for a new strategy or looking to brush up on your current marketing plan, Jandron said paying attention to a constantly changing market is important.
What are the top key performance indicators for Michigan?
How do you build consensus around a strategic plan with as many partners as MEDC has?
Economic development requires a Team Michigan approach. With that shared vision and fact-base understanding of the issues as a foundation, it’s important that our strategy is relevant and able to address the unique assets and challenges all the regions and industries face across the state. A broad range of stakeholders need to be brought into the development of a strategic plan as they are key in helping us execute.
business / PERSPECTIVE
We spend time listening and learning from state, national and global industry leaders to better understand the impact and opportunities technology shifts may bring to our businesses and talent. Ultimately, the state is best positioned to take advantage of these emerging technologies when our businesses are driving that innovation and our policies embrace it.
517 29 STEVE BAKKAL
BY PENNY SPEHAR
What are the top challenges that Michigan businesses currently face and that the MEDC is working toward resolving in its five-year strategic plan?
How do you create a plan that can stay nimble enough to account for emerging technologies and positions Michigan for success?
BUILDING A STRONGER STATE A Q&A WITH STEVE BAKKAL, CHIEF STRATEGIST FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP.
MICHIGAN
There are several industry-specific challenges, such as supply-chain constraints in the manufacturing sector or increased pricing pressures due to inflation. However, finding and retaining talent continues to be the most significant issue facing businesses today. We are collaborating with the private sector and our statewide workforce and higher education partners to ensure we are meeting the talent needs companies need today, while also building a robust pipeline for the future needs of our evolving industries.
Where do you start when building an developmenteconomicstrategy for a state with almost 5 million workers and diverse industries?
Execution. According to Harvard Business Review study in 2016, it was estimated that 67% of well-formulated strategies failed due to poor execution.
In one word, what is the key to a successful strategy?
Having a clear vision of what you aspire to become and a fact-based understanding of the issues that must be addressed to get there are critical first steps in any successful strategy. For MEDC, our vision is to have a more resilient and equitable economy that provides opportunities for upward mobility for all Michiganders. From that vision, we undertook a robust and thorough analysis of the problem and issues we needed to tackle to achieve that. That fact base gave us a deeper understanding of the economic realities facing businesses and families that top line indicators can sometimes miss.
Ultimately for the state and its residents, success will be felt with increased household income growth and labor force participation, resulting in overall economic growth statewide. The KPIs that support those outcomes are the number of jobs that pay good wages or provide pathway opportunities to good jobs through training and development, the amount of private sector investment leveraged from our support, and the percentage of our support that is targeted to disadvantaged areas in the state.
T: And finally, spend some time thinking of threats. How engaged is your staff? Is there a threat of key staff being enticed away? One of my large clients reviews all its talent every year and assesses potential threats of leaving. High potential talent is developed with mentoring and training, and it is then promoted quickly without languishing in middle management for years on end. With change happening so quickly, looking three years out is about the longest timeframe in strategic planning. Spend time thinking about what keeps your customers up at night. And devote enough time to thinking about the future.
business / BIZ TIPS Google “strategy” and you will find a lot of different templates and options for developing a business strategy. A tried-and-true place to start in brainstorming a business strategy is a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis helps organizations bring clarity to all the factors that go into making key decisions about which direction to go.
START?WHERESTRATEGY:TO Send in the SWOT team to bring clarity to decisions BY SUSAN COMBS 30 517
O: What and where are your opportunities? This could be looking at the current business climate and coming up with innovative solutions. It could be looking at key, oncein-a-lifetime legislation or possible grants. Is there an opportunity to merge with another company to become stronger? Or perhaps look at an acquisition?
S: Start by reviewing your strengths. How do you stand out compared to your competitors? Think of your services and products and where you really shine. Is customer service a key strength? Is your ability to innovate your strength?
W: Next take a look at your weaknesses. Where are you falling short? Is it around quality? Timeliness of delivery? How up-to-date is your technology? How well-trained and developed is your staff? Sometimes organizations stop at this point, but it is helpful to carry on to the next letters in SWOT.
Being prepared includes strategizing a plan with your family that covers evacuation routes, shelter, communication and having an emergency preparedness kit at the ready. Assign who is responsible for what, consider dietary needs in any food storage, think about medical needs and take into account anything needed for the differently abled. Have a plan for pets, too.
DisasterKnockhere.onwood.happens,
Ready.gov noted that texting is the safest way to reach others. When calls won’t go through, texts often will. The site even offers a family emergency communication plan to walk you through strategizing together, with printable features and tips. Mom was right.
It could never happen to me. I live in small-town Michigan; nothing really happens and September is National Disaster Preparedness Month to raise awareness of the importance of being prepared for any emergency.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
lifestyle PLACES p.32 GOOD READS p.34 RECIPE p.37 HOME HELPERS p.38 NONPROFIT p.45 PLAY p.46 517 31
SETYOURSTRATEGYDURINGNATIONALDISASTERPREPAREDNESSMONTH
JUST FAMILYLIKE
What if you went to your favorite cousin’s house, and he had a restaurant crew? And what if your favorite cousin offered food that is some of the favorite items and combinations you enjoy eating. If your favorite cousin’s house looked like a silver-shelled 1950s lunch car, then you may find yourself at Fleetwood Diner. As a teen, owner George Fotiadis found himself in Chicago and began learning the finesse of being a short-order cook. In the early 1990s, at 19, Fotiadis found himself back in the Mitten with an opportunity to purchase the historic landmark, Fleetwood Diner, in Ann Arbor.
BY METRO MELIK FLEETWOOD DINER SERVES UP COMFORT
lifestyle / PLACES 32 517
Danny Tores and team.
You may want to go visit your favorite cousin’s place. You can’t miss the retro-looking silver building at 2211 S. Cedar St., just south of Mount Hope Avenue in Lansing. Sit down, relax and enjoy some homemade food. You’re part of the Fleetwood family now. 517 33 content at
Order up with Fleetwood’s famous breakfast options.
At Fleetwood, food service flows like choreography.
Dani, the server/manager, knows life in the service industry and speaks about it in such a matter-of-fact manner, kind of like the way she presents herself. Here it is, and here’s what we do: It’s food, it’s good and you’re family. “I love this place. It influences my outlook on life in a positive way,” she said. “If you need anything, you’ve got it. Things are going to happen, and things are going to happen again. It’s just Fleetwood.”
Born to Greek parents in Zimbabwe, Fotiadis’ love of food is transcontinental, and it shows in the menus at both the Ann Arbor Fleetwood Diner as well as the Lansing location. You can have pancakes for dinner, steak for breakfast or feta cheese on anything.
Just like diners of yesteryear, the menu is vast. The short list includes burgers, milkshakes and omelets, as well as traditional Greek foods and salads. There are also great vegetarian choices. And the business takes homemade to a delectable level. The corned beef at Fleetwood Diner is at least a four-hour cook job of marinated beef, which is either ground or sliced depending on the dish. The Chicago influence resonates in gyros with lamb or beef. Turkeys are baked inhouse and the hashbrowns from spud to table.
Manager Dani has been at Fleetwood Diner almost five years.
517MAG.COMmore
BY 517 STAFF lifestyle / GOOD READS
34 517
STRATEGYREADS
“THE ART OF STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING: HOW TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS QUICKLY, INTELLIGENTLY, AND SAFELY (THINK SMARTER, NOT HARDER)” by Peter Hollins speaks to those who feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by choices. That is something all of us struggle with, especially when we are feeling inundated and stressed. This book helps beat analysis paralysis and make smarter choices by understanding the science behind weighing pros and cons and critical thinking.
There’s no shortage of books on incorporating strategy every aspect of your professional and personal lives, but these two titles come highly recommended.
The only question is, do you want it in hardcover, soft cover, Kindle or audio book? See what we mean? What are you reading? If you’ve read a book that’s made a big difference in your life, we’d love to hear about it. Send an email to info@517mag.com.
TWO BOOK SUGGESTIONS TO HELP IN BUSINESS AND LIFE
“LEADERSHIP STRATEGY AND TACTICS: FIELD MANUAL” by Jocko Willink has been called the ultimate guide to leadership. As a New York Times bestselling author, Willink is not only a writer and podcaster, but he’s also a retired, decorated Navy offer that served in the Navy SEALs as a member of SEAL Team 3. In the book, Willink serves up advice on taking leadership theory and translating it into applicable strategy, allowing the plan to be put into action at a tactical level. Simply put, it helps strategize playing the leadership game and winning it.
THURSDAY, OCT. 6 | 6 TO 8 P.M. Cocktail hour & entertainment: 6 to 7 p.m. Awards begin: 7 p.m. EAGLE EYE GOLF AND BANQUET CENTER 15500 Chandler Rd. Bath Twp., MI 48808 ENTREPRENEURSCELEBRATEGREATERLANSINGAWARDS.COMEXTRAORDINARY&BUSINESSOWNERSWHOMAKETHISREGIONSHINE. Get your tickets today! PLATINUM SPONSOR
36 517
DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Layer in marinara, mozzarella and Italian sausage, in that Repeatorder.the layering of the ingredients. Bake 10-12 minutes — you’ll want to see melted cheese and lightly golden wonton wrappers.
• 24 wonton wrappers, use 2 per 12 openings in your muffin tin (or if you find larger wrappers, one will do)
Fill each opening with about a tablespoon of ricotta.
• 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste • 2 cups of mozzarella, shredded SERVES 12
517 37
• 1 cup pf marinara sauce • 1 1/2 cups of Italian sausage, browned and crumbled
INGREDIENTS:
lifestyle / RECIPE
LASAGNABACK-TO-SCHOOLCUPS
Put your seasoned ricotta seasoned in a bowl and set Addaside.yourmarinara sauce to your browned, crumbled and drained Italian sausage, set aside.
BY 517 STAFF WHETHER YOU WANT SOMETHING “DIFFERENT” FOR A CUPSWORK,ORWHENEASYLUNCHBACK-TO-SCHOOLORSOMETHINGTOPORTIONFORTHEKIDSGETHOMEWHENYOUGETOUTOFTHESELASAGNATAKETHECAKE.
Spray or lightly oil your muffin tin so that it is nonstick, then place 2 wonton wrappers in each of the 12 openings, making sure you have formed a cup-like opening.
Blankets and pillows in buffalo check are back and still look fantastic and inviting. Stay sleek in black and white and add pops of color with floral arrangements.
lifestyle / HOME HELPERS BY MARY GAJDA SETTING THE STRATEGY FOR FALL CURB APPEAL
If you want amazing curb appeal and a welcoming entrance to your home’s exterior, summon the fall porch plants. From mums in rust, magenta and yellow to marigolds, sunflowers and even ornamental kale, you’ll really light up the landscape with gorgeous fall color. They look beautiful mixed in with varying shades of pumpkins and gourds that you can add in October.
Hometown pumpkins are also being pinned left and right on Pinterest. You can show off your hometown pride by DIYing a painted pumpkin with your area code. You can also print a decal of your state’s shape, just be sure to paint a coating over it so that the elements don’t make it peel. We’ve got you started, and we can sense your creative side starting to imagine the possibilities.
38 517
Ask many a Michigander, and they’ll tell you fall is their favoriteWhileseason.theofficial first day of fall isn’t until Sept. 22, we’ll start to see the signs early in the month. The very subtle changes in foliage, flannel shirts begin to make their appearance – heck, even Hobby Lobby had its fall merchandise on the shelves in July. Some of us were as pumped as a large, non-fat, iced, caramel macchiato with two pumps of pumpkin spice. We take fall seriously here in the Mitten State. You may also notice the Joneses stepping up their fall game this year. Ready for battle? Want your home to have the best fall curb appeal on the block? We’ve got your back, Jack. Start by clearing out the clutter — trim and prune your bushes, trees and shrubs. It’s amazing what a difference a well-tended landscape can make. Follow that up with a little pressure wash on your porch and deck, just like you did in the spring.
What’s popular in porch décor for 2022? Porches in Scandinavian style are expected to be very popular again this year. Throw a chunky knit over the rocker, add lanterns, handwoven rattan pumpkins and even some neutral pampas grass into the mix for a serene style that is very warm and inviting. Amber lights also bring in the fall tones and calming effect that says, “Stay awhile.”
PORCHPERFECT
If you do anything amazing, feel free to send us a picture at info@517mag.com.Happyalmostfall, y’all!
Stephanie Milosavlevski CFP®, CDFA® Financial Advisor 2139 Commons Parkway Okemos, MI 48864 • 517 253 8563 ameripriseadvisors.comstephanie.j.milosavlevski@ampf.com/stephanie.j.milosavlevski As the only Cer tified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) in Lansing*, she believes that freedom and independence are core values of successful women, regardless of marital status. ce: Institute for Divorce Financial Analyst*Sour s (IDFATM). Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U S The initial consultation provides an overview of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC. Not Federally Insured | No Financial Institution Guarantee | May Lose Value © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc., All rights reserved. 3711737ACMR0821 With 21 years of experience serving successful women and their families in the Lansing area, Stephanie uses her comprehensive approach to financial planning to provide advice for women who want to be empowered and informed as they make complex decisions about their future. Call me today at 517.253.8563 for a complimentar y initial consultation. 517-482-7900 | WWW.CAPITALINSURANCE.COM 4299 Five Oaks Drive Lansing, MI SPECIALIZING IN COMMERCIAL SURETY • License/Permit Bonds • Mortgage Banker Bonds • Probate Bonds • Notary Bonds Serving Mid-Michigan since 1980! LICENSED IN ALL 50 STATES 517 39
By Carrie Rosingana, CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!
When you think about back to school, we all usually think about similar thinOftentimes, when businesses create strategic plans for the quarter or year, buzzwords and phrases like return on investment, visibility, increased bandwidth and quick wins are thrown around. But without intention and thoughtfulness about who is behind such strategies and wins, your ideas are just that — buzzwords and empty phrases. Business strategy cannot succeed without the people behind it who wholeheartedly believe in what you’re doing and trust you as an employer.
For more information, please contact the BRN team at (517) 492-5533 or BRN@camw.net.
• Assistance with support between employer and employee.
• Solutions — including supportive services — for child care, transportation and transportation, housing, substance abuse, utilities, public benefits, financial pressures, aging parents, overcoming physical disability and access to work-related clothing.
• Increased job retention.
SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT
• Increased productivity.
• Reduced recruiting/training costs.
• Keep talent in-house.
• Increased Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and benefits usage.
As we look ahead and plan for the final quarter of 2022, your people — and their needs, wants and retention — have to be top-of-mind. One resource to support businesses and employees is the Business Resource Network (BRN) at Capital Area Michigan Works!. The BRN team works daily with member employers to address their employees needs and provide resources to develop solutions geared toward employee retention.
• Access to both hard and soft skills training.
• Customized strategic plans to meet employer goals.
• Identification of career pathways within the company. The long-term goal of the BRN initiative is to improve employee retention for BRN member employers, which will boost productivity along with growth opportunities within an organization.
Carrie Rosingana is the CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works!. Visit camw.org for assistance with career exploration or staffing needs.
CAMW!, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, offers services in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties at our Lansing, St. Johns and Charlotte American Job Centers. 40
517
The BRN is here to help you retain and keep your employees happy, so they can produce their best work and be their best selves Because your employees are more than just your employees — they’re also parents, older siblings, spouses, homeowners, and most importantly, people. People with real life struggles that impact their lives.
Targeted services to employer members working with a BRN coach aim to successfully remove barriers to employees that may affect successful retention while providing pathways out of poverty for those facing obstacles to employment success. Benefits for employees include:
• Assistance with understanding and navigating company benefits.
The BRN is a novel retention strategy that focuses on preventing employees from leaving and upskilling current employees. BRN employer benefits:
Your business’ highest ROI potential is right in front of you
• One-on-one support for employees through case management.
517 41 toStrategyDeal TRAUMATOLOGIST OFFERS INSIGHT ON ADDRESSING THE STRESSES IN EVERYDAY LIFE BY CHRISTOPHER NAGY FEATURE
42 517
People would come to me saying, ‘I’m really struggling with this. I don’t know what help I need. I don’t even know what works, what doesn’t work.’ And I was like, well, I have all these skills and I have this database of knowledge. Let me help you. Let’s go together on your healing journey.
he phrase “living in the moment” often is used to describe the importance of being aware of the present instead of focusing on the regrets of the past or the uncertainties of the future. Yet for many, it’s the issues of the present moment — the lingering pandemic, social unrest, political polarization, rising violence — that are the source for feelings of overwhelming anxiety and stress. In those instances, sometimes taking “living in the moment” down to almost a minimalistic meditative level of what’s occurring around your being can be helpful, suggested Andrea daily things that you can do to reduce anxiety and reduce stress are things like grounding,” she said. “For instance, I’m sitting at a table. If I just focus in on what’s happening only right here, I hear the air conditioning turning on. And I just listen to that for a while. I feel the table, the texture of the table under my hands; and I just go through and start being super observant to what’s going on right here. Then I start checking with my feelings. I’m feeling relaxed right now. I feel safe right now. What that does is takes your brain and brings it into this very moment. And in this moment, I am safe, I am comfortable. It just helps your heart rate to slow down, it helps your breathing to calm down, and it gives your brain a chance to process and breathe.”
FEATURE
Bassett.“The
It’s not simple, Bassett said, but it can be at least a step toward a sense of understanding, which can lead to a calmer and more common ground of conversation.
517 43
The Vermontville resident is a life coach and mental health specialist focusing on trauma. In September, she started Cora Journey LLC while she pursues her doctorate in traumatology. The business helps people find mental health resources and connects them with coaches, counselors and mental health professionals.
“I recommend taking a daily break, even if that’s just a 25-minute lunch break where you don’t work and maybe just watch something on your phone,” she said. “I also recommend weekly doing something fun, making sure you’re scheduling that into your week. If that’s going out with a friend, if that’s going for a walk on the weekend — just something that brings fun into your life. Then monthly, if you can, try to get away for the day. Get out of your context. If that’s driving to the west side of Michigan and going to the beach just for the day, do something that gets you out of your current context.”Bassett acknowledged that people’s passions can run high on certain topics and sometimes circumstances don’t allow you to exit the situation.“Let’ssay I’m at work and there’s stuff that’s in my face and I don’t have a chance to implement any stress-reducing techniques. What I can tell myself is I’m going to put this issue, this thing that is bothering me, in an imaginary box. And I’m just going to set it on a shelf and get to it later when I can deal with it,” she said.
“But in the moment when you are dealing with a very hot opinion — especially when you are seeing these very strong opinions on social media that can be incredibly personal and incredibly hurtful — you have to remember that those strong opinions are based on that person’s personal experience, so immediately that brings compassion and almost empathy into the situation.”
“The other point is listening: being able to sit down with somebody face to face who has an opposite opinion or opposite core belief and being able to listen to them without it being against what you believe,” she said. “Stepping back and saying, ‘They’re not attacking me personally.’ Maybe they said something that actually was attacking me personally. But if you take yourself back and consider they’re saying this out of their personal experience … now I’m going view the situation differently because I have a new piece of information.” Like exercise, it’s a daily practice to put yourself in a good mental space; however, Bassett noted that even the most balanced individual is going to have ups and downs and experience crisis and trauma — and it’s OK and normal, even healthy, to feel and react in thoseYettimes.ifsomething becomes too overwhelming, it’s equally important to recognize that reaching out to a specialist to help guide you through some of the mental obstacles is also normal and healthy, she added.“Ilove my job,” Bassett said. “Every time I finish with a partner or a client, I walk away feeling alive. The most rewarding part is seeing people realize that what they are going through is normal and they can heal — giving them hope that, based on research and current practices, your situation is fixable. The way your brain is reacting right now isn’t how you’re going to be forever, and there is so much hope in your situation. Seeing people come to that realization and feel like, ‘Oh, I can do this,’ is absolutely rewarding and
FEATURE
“Cora Journey started last fall when I started seeing a need,” Bassett said. “People would come to me saying, ‘I’m really struggling with this. I don’t know what help I need. I don’t even know what works, what doesn’t work.’ And I was like, well, I have all these skills and I have this database of knowledge. Let me help you. Let’s go together on your healing journey.” Bassett’s husband came up with the name — “cora” meaning “heart” in a variety of languages. She started solely working with nonprofits but opened her client base to the general public in April. “Trauma is my area of expertise, and trauma is defined as a life-threatening event that you’ve either experienced or witnessed or that happened to somebody who’s close to you,” she explained. “A traumatic event is something that injures your self-integrity, so sexual assault is considered a traumatic event. I also work with people who are in crisis, which is different than a trauma. A crisis can be anything that just puts you over your ability to cope. … So I help people regain control over their lives in those situations.” Now in particular, people are dealing with big issues taking place in the world around them as well as addressing residual issues since the heights of the pandemic. Bassett said it’s important to create habits that give your mind room to rest.
The event is not just a walk, there will be community activities, food trucks and live music along with resources for people who might need“It’shelp.an event to bring together people,” said Baker. “Many people feel very alone when it comes to losing a loved one or when they think of it themselves. But we want to show them that they are loved, and there are people who care.”
The foundation advocates from the local to the national levels on helping those affected by suicide. Along with its education programs on signs someone is suicidal and what they can do to help prevent such tragedies, another program the foundation has started is Healing Conversations, where the foundation pairs a person with a volunteer who’s experienced a similar loss for a phone or online conversation.Onanational level, the foundation works with some of the leading researchers to study suicide and what the suicidal brain looks like in depression and mental illness. It is constantly bringing in more programs and evolving the programming and education to help those in need.
lifestyle / NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting 11 walks beginning in September and ending with the last one being the Detroit walk Oct. 8. For more information about the walk in Lansing, visit afsp.org/lansing. For more information about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, visit afsp.org
OCT. 1 BY KYLE DOWLING 517 45
STEPPING INTO THE LIGHT WALK HITS ITS STRIDE
“We want the walk to be a safe place,” said Liz Baker, chair of the Out of the Darkness Walk. “It’s for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, for those who have struggled with suicidal ideations — or what we call a lived experience.”
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a national organization with chapters in all 50 states. Its mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through advocacy, education, support programs and research.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS
The Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, happens Oct. 1 at Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing.
An upcoming event is taking steps to help struggling residents.
BluesFest Michigan Sept. 15-17 BluesFest Michigan is a two-day, open-air festival in Old Town Lansing. The event will showcase diverse styles of blues, attracting well-known and up-andcoming musicians from across the state and around the world. Lots of interactive family-friendly activities as well. Visit micharts.org/about-bluesfest.
This free event is a celebration of Michigan-made food, so bring your appetites to sample and shop over 100 vendors. Local food producers, farms and food trucks, live entertainment, face painting, and more will be featured. For details, visit eathealthyeatlocal.com. Lansing Walk4CMT Sept. 17 Whether you walk, run or roll, join the 2022 Lansing Walk4CMT for an enjoyable day. Come out and connect with other people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, families and local companies while fundraising for a cure. For information, visit cmtausa.org/events/lansingwalk4cmt.
Oct. 6 The 28th annual Greater Lansing Entrepreneurial Awards are set to sail for 2022 with a return to an indoor venue and celebration. The 2022 event will take place at Eagle Eye Golf Club and Banquet Center on Oct. 6. Winning categories include Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year, Socially Responsible Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurial Spirit and Nonprofit of the Year. The event team is currently discussing new award opportunities that could launch in 2022-2023. Tickets and tables are available to purchase. For details, visit 517mag.com/entrepreneurial-awards.
Follow our friends at 517living.com for other upcoming events in the region. 517MAG.COMmore content at 46 517
Editor’s note: Please call event venues directly to make sure times and dates haven’t changed due to cancellations and postponements related to
Help Celebratethe theandDreamersDoersinRegion
Meet Your Campus Art Museum
(B)road to Ten Sept. 17 The Broad Art Museum is marking its 10th anniversary with (B)road to Ten, a premier fundraising event benefiting the new open storage center — a project designed to bring major parts of the collection out of private, off-site storage and into the museum for public enjoyment. Visit broadmuseum.msu.edu/broadtoten.
Fall Sept.17FEASTival
lifestyle / PLAY
EVENTSTHISCOVID-19.MONTH’S
Sept. 1 Stop by the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on the campus of Michigan State University from 1-4 p.m. to check out exhibitions and screen-print your own custom-designed tote bag to carry around campus. Visit broadmuseum.msu.edu for more information. Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
Comedy Murder Mystery Cruise Sept. 13 Forks & Corks, presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. and Michigan Premier Events, is an upscale evening of unparalleled wine and food parings showcasing some of the culinary treats from some of the top dining locations in downtown Lansing. The event runs from 6-9 p.m., with a special VIP session at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, art, and special drinks and offerings from downtown restaurants. Visit lansing.org/event/forks%26-corks/39564/ for more information.
GREATER LANSING ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARDS
Sept. 3-4
Charlotte Frontier Days Sept. 7-11 Charlotte Frontier Days was founded in 1970 by Steve Musselman, who set out to enhance the city of Charlotte through community involvement with a festival that draws thousands of people from Michigan and beyond. For details, visit charlottefrontierdays.org
The Michigan Chicken Wing Festival includes a main stage featuring musical acts from all genres, live entertainment, pro wrestling, a kids’ zone with inflatables, a game trailer, community empowerment vendors, a health and wellness pavilion, giveaways, a VIP beer and wine refreshment tent, a chicken-wingeating contest, and a people’s choice vendor contest where one lucky winner is crowned the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival king or queen. For details, visit michiganchickenwingfestival.com
Public Servant Appreciation Day Sept. 20 High Caliber Karting & Entertainment is thanking public servants of the Meridian area by offering free all-access day passes. Paramedics, first responders, EMTs, firefighters, police, dispatch and volunteers can visit from noon to 10 p.m. for free. Coming in groups is encouraged.
YOUR PASSION YOUR PURPOSE We are the momentum behind what’s possible. We focus on the business of business — allowing you to focus on what makes you extraordinary. Contact a Rehmann Advisor today and put our experience to work for you. Visit rehmann.com or call 866.799.9580. Advisory & Tax \ Assurance \ Business Consulting \ Wealth Management \ Comprehensive Technology \ Accounting & Human Resource Solutions 517 47
STRATEGIC FINISHES
WRAP UP
SET ASIDE Learn about your company’s 401(k) plans and begin to contribute to your account. Many companies will match your contribution to your 401(k), and many 401(k)s will also let you contribute pretax money, meaning you don’t lose as much of your paycheck to tax.
OPEN AN IRA IRAs are personal savings accounts. There are two different IRA accounts, traditional IRA and Roth IRA. Traditional IRA accounts allow you to pay taxes when you take the money out for retirement. While Roth IRA’s take tax out when money is placed in the account.
BY KYLE DOWLING
SET A GOAL Understanding how much you will need for retirement will help you to save for the future. Use a personal retirement calculator to find how much you should save.
5 Ways to Plan for Retirement
AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS
Keep your eyes on the prize. Everyone works so one day we won’t have to work. It’s never too early to start planning for the golden years of retirement. Here are five ways to help your retirement strategy.
Set up an automatic movement of money to a savings account. It will be easier than actively remembering to add to your accounts every month.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Be sure to keep in contact with your account manager and his or her recommendations for changing the diversification of your account.
517 49
