BUSINESS MONTHLY G R E AT ER LANS ING
MAY 2016
CENTRAL PARK PLACE LOOKS TO ADD NEW TENANTS TAMI JACKARD, OWNER OF DWELL AND CENTRAL PARK PLACE TENANT
In this issue •
MSU’S SCHOOL OF PACKAGING PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES
•
FOOD INNOVATION DISTRICT BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO LANSING AREA BUSINESSES
•
REGIONAL ROUNDUP: DELTA CHARTER TOWNSHIP EXPERIENCES CONTINUED GROWTH
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G R E AT E R
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BUSINESS MONTHLY
MAY 2016 ON THE COVER MSU's School of Packaging provides students with unique opportunities ...................................................................12 Food Innovation District brings new opportunities to Lansing area businesses..............................................................10 Central Park Place looks to add new tenants...................22 Regional Roundup: Delta Charter Township experiences continued growth ...............................................30
NEWS U.S./Cuba relations now ................................................................. 6 The importance of homeowners insurance ....................... 8
22 FEATURE
Greater Lansing's real estate market booming......................................................................... 14
BUSINESS MONTHLY GR E AT ER L A N S I N G
MAY 2016
Lansing Rotary celebrates 100 years............................................................................................. 34
DEPARTMENTS Commentary.................................................................................................................................................. 4 Greater Lansing at a Glance ............................................................................................................... 16 Visual Breakdown..................................................................................................................................... 18 Behind the Scenes.................................................................................................................................... 20
CENTRAL PARK PLACE LOOKS TO ADD NEW TENANTS TAMI JACKARD, OWNER OF DWELL AND CENTRAL PARK PLACE TENANT
Economy ...................................................................................................................................................... 26 Man on the Street ................................................................................................................................... 28 Real Estate................................................................................................................................................... 29 Business Calendar ................................................................................................................................... 32
In this issue •
MSU’S SCHOOL OF PACKAGING PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES
•
FOOD INNOVATION DISTRICT BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO LANSING AREA BUSINESSES
•
REGIONAL ROUNDUP: DELTA CHARTER TOWNSHIP EXPERIENCES CONTINUED GROWTH
Cover photography by Erika Hodges
Notable News ............................................................................................................................................ 36
CORRECTION In the previous issue, the Lansing Turbo Meetup group’s meeting information was incorrect on our calendar. The group meets at 2385 Delhi Commerce Drive, Holt, MI from 7:30 to 9 a.m. every Tuesday. We apologize for the mistake. Correct information can be found on lansingbusinessnews.com.
Greater Lansing Business Monthly | Volume 29, Issue 5
group
Greater Lansing Business Monthly is published monthly by M3 Group at 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Michigan USPO. USPS number 020w807.
Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $22 per year for postage and handling or $38 for two years. Call (517) 203-0123 or visit lansingbusinessnews.com to subscribe. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, 614 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. Send additional subscription requests and address changes to The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc., 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Copyright © 2016 The Greater Lansing Business Monthly, Inc. All rights reserved. Editorial Office: 614 Seymour Street, Lansing, MI 48933 lansingbusinessnews.com 2
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COMMENTARY
G R E AT E R
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BUSINESS MONTHLY
Publisher: Tiffany Dowling tiffany@m3group.biz Sales Manager: Jennifer Hodges jhodges@m3group.biz Media Specialist: Jill Bailey Account Managers: Manny Garcia Megan Fleming Derek Drumm Production Director: Kelly Mazurkiewicz Art Director: Mark Warner Communications Director: Ami Iceman-Haueter Graphic Designers: Nikki Nicolaou Kerry Hidlay Photographer: Erika Hodges Editor: Alicia Pilmore Web Manager: Skylar Kohagen Event Calendar Manager: Jaime Hardesty
GLBM Editorial Board: April Clobes — President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union Trish Foster — Senior Managing Director & COO, CBRE|Martin Lisa Parker — Director of Alumni Career and Business Services, Michigan State University Alumni Association Deb Muchmore — Partner, Kandler Reed Khoury & Muchmore
TIPS FOR TAKING ADVANTAGE OF LANSING’S REAL ESTATE MARKET
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am not afraid to take on difficult tasks. In fact, I often seek out new challenges when it comes to business. I look for strategic opportunities; I believe that figuring out someone’s problem or my own helps me learn.
I’m a publisher and advertising executive, but it seems that all I think about these days is real estate. In fairness, this is the GLBM real estate issue, so it’s relevant right now, but I’ve been trying to figure out the realities of real estate for months. For 14 years, I’ve been building a business and adding an amazing team of people. These folks need an environment to do great work. So, as we are outgrowing our current location, I have been on the hunt for new office space. And, like most individuals, I have a few requirements or must-haves. Who knew it would be so difficult to find: 1. 8,000 square feet 2. Downtown 3. 40+ parking spaces on site 4. Ability to customize 5. Perfect location As difficult as that part is, understanding the ins and outs of the due diligence process is complicated. Keeping everything on track and gaining advice in areas that I didn’t even know to ask about, is daunting. Luckily, there are experts that can help navigate the process. I’ve put together a list of tips to help the novice figure things out: 1. Know what you are looking for in a property, but be prepared to compromise (a little). 2. I recommend starting with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. They can give you advice and help with other resources. 3. Find a professional to show you properties and let them help negotiate your deal. Give yourself some time to figure out if the property has environmental or other types of issues. 4. Don’t purchase the property until you have gone through the due diligence phase. After you have all of the information, renegotiate if necessary or walk away if the deal doesn’t make sense. 5. Determine a timeline of activities to ensure that incentives and inspections are completed and every “i” is dotted. Obviously, there is a lot more to it. I would offer more tips, but I’m still navigating the process myself. The excitement is mounting at the prospect of a new building and I’m looking forward to learning a lot more about real estate development. My project is small, but our town is fortunate to have many cranes in the air at this time. Major developments are making a huge impact in the greater Lansing region.
Tom Ruis — Vice President, Fifth Third Bank Doug Klein — Executive Director, Mason Area Chamber of Commerce Mark Hooper — Partner, Andrews Hopper Pavlik
Tiffany Dowling | Publisher
Diontrae Hayes — Legislative Director for State Senator Coleman Young, II
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NEWS
U.S./CUBA RELATIONS NOW BY MEGAN MARTIN
Relations between the U.S. and Cuba might be described as one of the longest lasting grudges in political history. After nearly 55 years, the two countries are making strides to reconcile, or at the very least, communicate civilly. The country’s riffs span back to 1898 after the end of the Spanish/American war. After a defeated Spain signed rights to Puerto Rico, Guam and Cuba to the U.S., Cuba was granted its independence with the agreement that the U.S. could intervene if necessary. In 1959, Fidel Castro overthrew the government of President General Fulgencio Batista, and soon after, Castro had nationalized hundreds of private companies. He began taxing American products so heavily that U.S. exports were halved in about two years. After Castro decided to expand trade with the Soviet Union in 1962, President Kennedy issued a permanent embargo. Within a few years, Cuba, whose economy relied heavily on American products, began to deteriorate. That same year, when the U.S. discovered that the Soviet Union was building missile bases in Cuba, an event known as the Cuban Missile Crisis heightened the poor relations between the two countries. Cuba and the U.S. have communicated via Switzerland ever since. On Sunday, March 20, President Obama arrived in Havana for what was called a historic visit — Obama being the first sitting U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years. Upon his arrival, according to NBC News, Cubans lined the streets in hopes of seeing President Obama. Some locals spoke about
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his visit, one saying to an NBC reporter that “the Cuban people admire him for his bravery.” According to ap.org, the President’s visit was highly anticipated in Cuba. Workers were said to have been cleaning the streets and painting buildings in anticipation of the President’s arrival. In parts of the country’s capital, American flags were raised in conjunction with Cuban flags, a site that even 20 years prior would have been unlikely. During his visit, President Obama met with President Raúl Castro, brother of Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban revolution. One of the big topics of discussion was human rights, an issue that Obama and Castro still don’t quite see eye-to-eye on. President Obama spoke on his view of human rights, saying, “I believe citizens should be free to speak their mind without fear, to organize and to criticize their government, and to protest peacefully, and that the rule of law should not include arbitrary detentions of people who exercise those rights,” according to NBC News. Castro responded by noting that Cuba “opposes political manipulation and double standards in the approach to human rights.” While many topics weren’t necessarily agreed upon or resolved — areas like freedom of speech or freedom of assembly, President Obama did point out subjects the country connected on like travel, trade, agriculture and the Internet. Over the course of the president’s three-day visit, a few social events accentuated social areas; a baseball game, the Tampa Bay Rays versus the Havana National team, and a Rolling Stones concert to cap out the historic visit.
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Fidel Castro, Cuba’s former president, wrote a response to Obama’s visit to Cuba in a letter titled, “Brother Obama,” in Granma, the official Communist Party newspaper. According to The New York Times, the nearly 1,600-word letter reviewed the history between the two countries, including the economic embargo that is still in effect today. In the letter, Castro criticized the country’s political class, including his brother and current president of Cuba, Raúl Castro. Fidel Castro, who is now 89 years old, is still quite influential in the Communist Party, despite his retirement. Castro hasn’t been seen in public since the summer of 2015, and absent for the entirety of Obama’s visit. Many critics noted how age played a role in comparing the two leaders, in all respects. President Obama, who is known for his appeal to youth and generational change, utilized that appeal while in Cuba. According to The New York Times, at his speech to the Cuban people at the Grand Theater, Obama presented a generational argument, noting the importance and relevance of the Internet and how it can expose readers to different points of view, allowing them to reach their full potential. In the same speech, Obama reverberated the point that seemed to be the banner tagline of his visit, “I know the history, but I refuse to be trapped by it.” Megan Martin is a Communications Specialist at M3 group and a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids. She is a foodie who loves art, tea, and anything outdoorsy.
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NEWS
THE IMPORTANCE OF HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE BY SARAH SPOHN
According to a study conducted by Fluent, a brand marketing and advertising technology firm, “about half of all Americans say they have homeowners or renters insurance. Of those polled, only 33 percent of renters claimed to have insurance.” Licensed insurance counselor and agency owner of Lansing Farmers Insurance, Greg White, spoke about a recent trend in the insurance industry – lack of coverage. The most underserved market right now are individuals that rent,” he said, “and they don’t have insurance.” The reasons for this shocking trend are usually two-fold. White mentioned the most common misconception is that the renter believes the landlord has taken care of insurance. Secondly, the renter believes they don’t have enough valuable things to ensure.
White discussed the findings mentioned at a Lansing property management meeting in January. “For the city of Lansing, almost 39 percent of the residential properties are nonowner occupied, which is the demographic trend,” he said. “A lot of people, since they have changed the lending rules, can’t get a mortgage. A lot of millennials don’t want the burden of a mortgage — they want flexibility.”
Another misconception is that renters believe they can’t afford insurance — but a basic $5,000 rental insurance policy for an apartment can cost just $150 a year, according to White.
Farmers Insurance has been in existence for 110 years, but the recent trend of home insurance has even surprised this insurance veteran of 35 years.
“I think a lot of people kind of take it for granted, that they don’t review it or update it. That’s not only important for the dwelling coverage – the structure – it’s really important for the contents coverage,” said White.
“I never thought I would see the trend of homeowners not having insurance,” White said. “Typically they would have home insurance if they had a mortgage – the mortgage company requires it, but there’s no law that requires them to have home insurance like there is to have car insurance.”
Even if property owners have home insurance, agents argue the importance of regularly keeping inventory of valuables, and reviewing your policy coverage.
Insurance policies often become lacking because of inconsistent maintenance. Failure to update your inventory, after an expensive wedding present or family heirlooms left in wills can result in possessions neither appraised nor covered under your plan.
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NEWS
and a face-to-face relationship with an insurance professional can deter fraud.
family members up to date and all on the same page makes for a more streamlined process.
The risk management trend continues to grow in the insurance world, now offering policies to prevent and help recover identity theft and the costs associated with fixing credit scores.
While you may never have to use your inventory for insurance claims, it is helpful in estate planning. Though denial is a major component of non-insured homeowners and renters, unforeseen disasters can destroy homes, belongings and more within a matter of moments. Being prepared for those things is crucial.
Cyber crime is the second biggest exposure, according to White, behind liability claims like slip and falls. Individuals often suffer far more of a percentage loss versus companies when dealing with cyber and identity crimes, but insurance can reimburse your expenses to correct credit and securing your identity.
GREG WHITE
Another recent advancement is the need for coverage for Über drivers, which is not covered by car insurance. Just like personal businesses which are operated out of a home, Über drivers are contracted employers, and additional coverage is available.
Licensed insurance counselor & agency owner of Lansing Farmers Insurance Agent
Though most business owners are covered by insurance, keeping policies up to date is crucial.
“It’s a maintenance thing,” White said. “There’s an adage in our business — like with the inventory; you take the time to do it and you never use it.”
“The more household members that can be part of that conversation, the better,” he said. Keeping
White spoke about his role as an agent and when bad things happen to good people. “You get to a person’s house and they’re in shock,” he said. “I laugh with them, I cry with them, I pray with them. Empathy is a blessing and a curse. I’m glad to be available to help people where I can.” Sarah Spohn received her degree in Journalism from Lansing Community College. She’s a concert junkie; living and breathing in both the local and national music scene. She is proud to call Lansing her home, finding a new reason every day to be smitten with the mitten.
After significant life events such as a loss of a family member, getting married or moving in with a significant other, starting a business, or buying vacant land, the recommended action is to review your insurance policy. Something else to be cautious about is buying insurance online. “In Michigan, the state has basic policy language that everybody has to start with,” said White. “Above that, companies can increase limits or add policy language to be competitive or to service a specific niche or market they’re trying to target. So when people switch companies, just because they think they’re saving money it doesn’t mean they’re getting the same coverage.” The Farmers Insurance agent mentioned their agency receives phone calls regularly from victims of identity theft or fraud. “Every month, we hear about somebody buying insurance online," he noted. They’ve googled renter’s insurance and all of these things popped up, and they emailed somebody or called somebody and gave them their information and their credit card and they never got anything. Then they finally find out they’re a victim of identity theft.” Most would argue loss of identity is not worth an attempt to save $20 per month on insurance,
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FEATURE
FOOD INNOVATION DISTRICT CREATES NEW SPACE FOR BUSINESSES BY MEGAN MARTIN
Michigan State University and the mid-Michigan area are known for their success in agriculture and all things food. The recent development of the Michigan Food Innovation District, located on Jolly Road between Hagadorn and Okemos roads, is bringing new food, beverage and agriculture-related businesses to the area. The idea behind the District is to create a space where both long-standing businesses and businesses within growth stages who focus on food, beverage and agriculture, can coexist and thrive. The District will connect growers, producers, processors, retail operations, storage and more. The District is co-owned and managed by Dr. David Spencer, who is also the founder and managing director of Independence Innovation, LLC in Clarkston, Mich., and Brent Forsberg, the president of T.A. Forsberg, Inc., a residential and commercial development company in mid-Michigan. The first member to join the District is a French company called Janny MT US (JMT). The company creates storage modules that can be used to store fruits, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms and flowers, for both short- and long-term.
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On Tuesday, March 22, JMT hosted an event in conjunction with the Michigan Food Innovation District, The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), T.A. Forsberg, Inc., and a special guest, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, to present the results from a quality test that JMT had performed using Michigan grown apples from Westview Orchards in Romeo, Mich. Forsberg opened the event with a word on how seeing the District become a reality had been a long time coming. “This is the culmination of three years of work,” said Forsberg. “Bringing together food agriculture and global businesses, it’s an exciting time. As the District grows, it’s exciting to see more businesses starting here. And food is fun!” Benoit Janny, Janny MT general manager, and Lea Deberry, who will work in the Food Innovation District with JMT, introduced the project. “We are pleased to be in Michigan,” said Janny. “The products that we can work with are so diversified here.” The apples, Golden and Ida Reds, were stored in large modules for about six months.
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The modules can be controlled so that each can be air and water tight, as well as controlled in terms of oxygen and CO2 intake and output. The apples, when taken out of the bin, were as if they were picked fresh in the middle of October. Many thanks went out to Dr. Randy Beaudry throughout the course of the event; the professor of Horticulture at MSU played a large role in this project. He noted that controlling the environment has been something we as humans have been striving toward for centuries. “For 2,000 years we have been modifying atmospheres to store food longer,” said Beaudry. “This project is a continuation of that and it’s really exciting to have it here in Michigan.” Already having a western region office set in California, getting JMT to settle their eastern region headquarters in East Lansing was due to the efforts made by the people at LEAP. Keith Lambert, the organization’s tri-county development manager, recounted his first meeting with people from JMT, how it went extremely well and how JMT seemed like a great fit for the area. Before the unveiling of the apples, the biggest announcement of the event was excitedly shared by Forsberg and Spencer.
FEATURE
“Something we really aim to do with the Food Innovation District is to give back to the community,” Forsberg began before handing the stage to Spencer. Spencer explained that once the experiment with the apples and the JMT modules was done that they originally didn’t have a plan for the apples. In light of recent events, Michigan Food Innovation District and JMT have decided to donate the apples from the quality test – more than 102 bushels of apples – to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM), to be distributed to schoolchildren and area residents throughout Flint. The food bank currently sends out about 26 million pounds of produce a year. William (Bill) Kerr, president of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, could not have been happier. “This is a wonderful opportunity and resource for our community,” said Kerr. “In the last few years we have really focused on getting produce to people because it is the least expensive way of getting the most nutrition. These modules are truly the way of the future. What’s happening here is everything we stand for; people helping people and a great community.”
“We have such a great, hard-working crew,” said Ross. “This donation will help us help the people of Flint now, and the storage bins will really help save produce in the future.”
Jacques said the storage bins will also assist in the production of other foods and beverages as well. Using the example of apples, she pointed out the potential for these long preserving bins to decrease waste, and for the apples that aren’t good enough to eat whole, to be made into quality apple cider, apple sauce or other apple products.
With JMT as part of the new Food Innovation District and the East Lansing community, local farms are already looking for ways that they can utilize the technology JMT can offer.
The event was an exciting start to the new Food Innovation District, a warm welcome to the District’s first tenant, and an exceptional first outreach to the community.
Before the event, Kara-Lyn Ross, vice president of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, said she was thrilled about this opportunity.
Lynne Jacques, co-owner of Jacques Orchard in Hemlock, Mich. attended the event because she and her husband, Gary, are looking into purchasing a few of the JMT storage containers for their orchard. “This will really change all aspects of fruit and vegetable farming,” said Jacques. “A lot of our customers love our earlyseason apples and this will help us save more to sell throughout the year or at least the season. Otherwise they just go bad and go to waste.”
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FEATURE
JOB PROSPECTS LOOK GOOD FOR STUDENTS IN MSU’S SCHOOL OF PACKAGING BY MICKEY HIRTEN
If it were a package, the wrapping would be plain brown paper. Flanked by two imposing buildings, Communications Arts and Sciences and Natural Sciences is a modest singlestory brick building, home of Michigan State University’s School of Packaging.
Students who graduate from the program are highly recruited by the full spectrum of businesses: food, drug/pharmaceutical/medical, automotive/electronics/aerospace, cosmetic/ toiletries – virtually any and all producers of goods and materials.
Plain on the outside, but expansive on the inside, the school is among the academic jewels of the university. One of only about a dozen academic institutions offering degrees in the art and science of packaging, MSU’s program was the first in the field and is certainly among the best.
The skills students require and acquire in their courses reflect the breadth of the industries that seek them out and the many challenges that are core to the packaging discipline. It blends academic studies with extensive work in laboratories that duplicate facilities, materials and equipment commonly associated with packaging.
“By a considerable amount, we are the largest packaging program in the U.S., and we are the only one that offers a PhD.,” said Sue Selke, the school’s director.
The building hosts a large workshop for basic materials testing, as well as equipment that measures shocks and vibration to determine how Cimberly Weir, outreach coordinator and assistant director of goods survive during the Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability. transport. Factors taken into consideration By the standards of when testing the materials are how each product is MSU, with an enrollment approaching 50,000 affected differently when moved by rails or road, students, the School of Packaging is small. It has or big and small trucks. Other laboratories in the about 950 students, most in bachelor programs. facility have computers that simulate the spectrum But its reach is global as is its focus. Packaging in of packing challenges. one form or another affects everyone, everywhere. 12
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In the broadest sense, study in the School of Packaging entails the basic principles of packaging and use of materials – glass, paper, plastic and metals. There is design and prototyping, economics and cost controls, environmental and life cycle issues. More specialized fields delve into print and graphics, robotics, laws and regulations and the unique requirements of industries like food, automotive and medical. “To add to the level of complexity, the jobs that our students have when they go out of the program may be very, very different from the job they have five, 10 or 20 years down the road,” Selke said. “They may start out in automotive packaging and 15 years later maybe they are working in medical packaging. Or maybe they are out of packaging altogether and they are in management. One of our goals is certainly to give the students the skills they need for that initial job, but also to give them the tools they need to keep learning.” If nothing else, MSU’s School of Packaging, which is affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is grounded firmly in the post-graduation world that its students aspire to work in. It works closely with businesses – often leveraging relationships with those who graduated from its programs. At times, the relationship resembles a partnership.
FEATURE
complement of science and math courses. The standards reflect the academic side of the program.
The ties are reinforced with industry-focused courses and programs for basic and advanced understanding of packaging issues, said Cimberly Weir, the school’s outreach coordinator and assistant director of the Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability.
While the ties to businesses are important, Selke said her department embraces its research mission.
The relationship between academia and business helps the school ensure that the skills it teaches are in demand. “We do interface quite regularly with people from industry to make sure that our educational offerings are on track,” Selke said. “We need to understand what the industry needs in order to be able to tailor the programs so it meets the broad needs of a university education in general, but also the specific needs of someone who is going to go into the packaging profession.” For graduates, the profession means entrylevel jobs paying $55,000 to $60,000 a year, with higher salaries for students with graduate
degrees. And virtually all graduates get jobs. “We have a 94 percent placement rate,” Weir said. Pay and job prospects have made packaging an attractive major, and in 2012 the school expanded rapidly, growing from 500 to about 900 students, exceeding its ability to provide high quality education, Selke said. “That’s why we increased our admission standards for students,” she said. To major in packaging now requires a 3.0 average and a full
“We take very seriously the need to create new knowledge in the discipline. Sometimes that’s a direct benefit to industry and sometimes they fund it. Sometimes we do things that are more long term. So there is that whole research component that is very important to us as a research university: advancing the field of knowledge in the field,” Selke said. “It is something that is very near and dear to us.” Mickey Hirten is an award winning writer and editor. He has been executive editor of the Lansing State Journal, the Burlington Free Press in Vermont, and was the financial editor and a columnist for the Baltimore Evening Sun. He is the current president of the Michigan Press Association. His wife, Maureen Hirten, is director of the Capital Area District Library.
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GREATER LANSING’S REAL ESTATE MARKET BOOMING
BY ALLISON SPOONER
W
hile Lansing residents may grumble as trafficbegins to slow due to construction, those cranes rising above the highways and sometimes causing detours along our normal routes actually mean a positive shift in the greater Lansing commercial real estate market.
With people at work and businesses growing, the demand for space also grows. This means rent in commercial properties is expected to rise by at least three percent, but that vacancy is at a low 13.7 percent, meaning the buildings we have are being used and filled.
According to Tricia Foster, senior managing director and chief operating officer of CBRE|Martin, a commercial real estate organization, the real estate market is seeing the same trends, globally, that it has over the last few years.
While the buildings we have fill up, the demand for new buildings and a new type of building, rises. Much of the construction that is currently underway is answering a demand for mixed-use buildings, which, according to Foster, is a trend fueled by millennials and retirees. Both groups want walkable areas that require little upkeep and have everything they need right where they are. Lansing will continue to see more cranes and more growth as more mixed-use buildings are planned, including Vista at the Heights, SkyVue and more. Lansing also continues to welcome retailers like organic food stores, auto parts stores, apparel stores, banks and restaurants. Some are building new developments while others are filling in empty buildings, helping to keep the vacancy rates steady.
“It’s experiencing moderate growth, low interest rates, punctuated with bouts of volatility,” said Foster. Though the Federal Reserve just raised interest rates in December, they are now in hold mode for 2016, meaning fewer increases than expected. “They are trying to hold them ‘lower for longer,’” continued Foster, “to see how things play out.” While the global market is following typical trends, Lansing’s market is taking valuable steps toward improvement. The cranes we are seeing locally, which, according to Foster, we haven’t been seeing a lot of in recent years, support the statement that development is on the rise in Lansing, contributing to a lower unemployment rate of five percent in the area. In February, greater Lansing added 242,000 jobs and many of these were in retail, healthcare and construction. Foster added, “the longer this trend continues, the better.” 14
As the big businesses in Lansing, like Michigan State University, Sparrow Health System and Jackson National Life Insurance Company®
G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY
continue to grow, the unemployment rate will remain low and trends will continue to move toward higher density, urban areas. As new buildings pop up and existing ones are improved, investors in commercial real estate remain cautiously optimistic (low borrowing costs, rent growth and solid fundamentals lead to an attractive market for investors) as the recovery of the market, seen over the last five years, continues. This improvement can be seen in the residential real estate market as well. “We’ve made up 30 percent of what we lost in 2008 when the market dropped,” said Bill MacLeod, president and partner at Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood. The crash severely affected the tri-county area, MacLeod added. “When people lose their homes, they lose their futures.” While he said he’s never seen anything like the drop experienced during that time, MacLeod is optimistic that in another year, things will be back to where they were and in the next month or so, like every year, the market will be strong. “March, April and May are the strongest months, no matter the year,”
WHILE THE GLOBAL MARKET IS FOLLOWING TYPICAL TRENDS, LANSING’S MARKET IS TAKING VALUABLE STEPS TOWARD IMPROVEMENT. M AY 2 0 1 6
FEATURE
he said. But, it also fluctuates and predictions this month could be vastly different next month.
on the market is in your view, he recommends doing it now.
At this particular moment, MacLeod says it’s a great time to be a seller and if putting a house
“Coming into April, we saw a record number of sales.” June, July and August will stay strong but the market drops again in the fall and through the winter, coming back again in the spring. The recovering market is being supported by extremely low interest rates. “What we are seeing is not normal,” he said of rates that are at eight to nine percent. “But, once the market steadies again, they will go back to normal.” He foresees another strong year like last year, only better.
BILL MACLEOD, PRESIDENT AND PARTNER AT COLDWELL BANKER HUBBELL BRIARWOOD
A burgeoning market is being supported by the trends MacLeod is seeing in the growing use of technology within the real estate industry. Buyers no longer have to be in the same area to look at a home and decide to buy. With the introduction of FaceTime, video chats and even drone technology, spouses can give tours to their out-of-state partners and avoid costly travel. With the market shifting, the business must also shift, and MacLeod said they are seeing more teams rather than individuals, with Coldwell Banker Hubbell BriarWood following that trend.
With more than 200 agents, they represent one-third of the dollars spent in the market in greater Lansing. “We don’t brag about how big we are, but size does allow you to be competitive, benefit your clients and improve your agents.” The growth in both of these markets means nothing but good things for the businesses and residents of Lansing. “Everything is connected locally,” said MacLeod. As both industries continue to grow, the industry that was once so bleak can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Allison Spooner is a freelance, content wizard. She writes content that helps businesses in Lansing and beyond tell their stories, educate their customers, and promote their brands. She is the Content Manager at StartupLansing, an online publication about startup activity in Lansing, regularly contributes to Capital Gains and loves helping businesses bring their words and ideas to life. To follow her writing journey and see a list of her professional content services, visit her website at theresistantwriter. com or find her on twitter at @allyspoon.
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LANSING AT A GLANCE
GREATER LANSING AT A GLANCE Each month, the Greater Lansing Business Monthly compiles statistics showing the growth of the greater Lansing area month to month. This information is not comprehensive, but rather, a snapshot of the area’s growth throughout the year. The following is a look at the advances some of Lansing’s biggest businesses have made in the past two months.
MICHIGAN RETAILERS ASSN. INDEX
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS: LABOR FORCE DATA
A monthly gauge of key retail activity in the state; values above 50 generally indicate an increase in activity.
The regular report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracking the region's job performance.
Feb. ‘16
Jan. ‘16
Dec. ‘15
Nov. ‘15
Feb. '15
Feb. ‘16
Jan. ‘16
Dec. ‘15
Nov. ‘15
Feb. '15
Sales
58.7
47.1
48.7
50.2
41.7
245.7
(P) 242.4
244.5
242.5
51.4
53.5
56.6
51.7
52.2
Civilian Labor Force (1)
(P) 249.4
Inventory Prices
46.6
46.7
47.3
52
46.3
Employment (1)
(P) 240.2
235.7
(P) 234.7
236.2
231.4
Marketing/Promotion
56.5
61
66.6
66.2
60.8
Unemployment (1)
(P) 9.3
10.1
(P) 7.7
8.3
11.1
52.9
Unemployment Rate (2)
(P) 3.7
4.1
(P) 3.2
3.4
4.6
Hiring Plans
56.6
46.4
51.4
50.1
Values above 50 generally indicate an increase in activity
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS: WAGE & SALARY
KEY STOCKS — MONTH-END CLOSE
The regular report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracking the region's job performance.
A report on price changes for key local stocks and others that reflect the health of the region's economy.
Feb. ‘16
Jan. ‘16
Dec. ‘15
Nov. ‘15
Feb. '15
(P) 228.4
224.7
229.2
231.2
224.3
12-month % change
(P) 1.8
1.8
1.5
1
1.1
Mining, Logging & Construction (3)
(P) 6.1
6.2
6.6
7.5
6
Total Nonfarm (3)
12-month % change
(P) 1.7
1.6
0
8.7
5.3
Manufacturing (3)
(P) 20.4
19.5
20.3
20.7
19.2
12-month % change
(P) 6.3
6
5.2
4
3.8
Trade, Transportation & Utilities (3)
(P) 34.9
35.1
36.2
35.5
34.3
12-month % change
(P) 1.7
2.3
0.6
-0.6
0.9
Information (3)
(P) 3.0
3
3
2.7
3
March. ‘16
Feb. ‘16
Jan. ‘16
Dec. ‘15
March. ‘15
Spartan Motors
3.95
3.59
2.9
3.11
4.85
General Motors
31.43
29.44
29.64
34.01
37.5
Emergent BioSolutions
36.35
33.83
36.6
40.01
28.76
Neogen
50.53
49.25
52.18
56.52
46.73
Gannett (Lansing State Journal)
15.14
15.26
14.84
16.29
n.a.
Gray Broadcasting (WILX)
11.72
11.54
13.15
16.3
13.82
Media General (WLNS)
16.31
16.62
16.24
16.5
16.49
Bank of America
13.52
12.52
14.14
16.83
15.39
UPS
105.47
96.55
93.2
96.23
96.94
Home Depot
133.43
124.12
125.76
132.25
113.61
Kroger*
38.25
39.91
38.81
41.83
38.33
12-month % change
(P) 0.0
0
3.4
-3.6
3.4
Financial Activities (3)
(P) 15.6
15.5
15.7
15.6
15.3
12-month % change
(P) 2.0
1.3
1.9
2.6
2
Macy's Inc.
44.09
43.21
40.41
34.98
64.91
Wal-Mart Stores
68.49
66.34
66.36
61.3
82.25
Professional & Business Services (3)
(P) 22.6
22.1
21.6
21.9
22
12-month % change
(P) 2.7
0.9
-1.4
1.4
4.3
Education & Health Services (3)
(P) 30.7
30.4
30.9
31.5
30.7
12-month % change
(P) 0.0
-0.3
0.3
0.3
-2.5
Leisure & Hospitality (3)
(P) 18.5
18.6
19.4
19.8
18.3
12-month % change
(P) 1.1
3.3
4.9
4.8
1.1
Other Services (3)
(P) 10.0
9.9
10.1
10.5
9.8
12-month % change
*Adjusted for stock split
(P) 2.0
1
1
1
-5.8
Government
(P) 66.6
64.4
65.4
65.5
65.7
12-month % change
(P) 1.4
1.6
1.4
-1.1
1.7
G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY
An indicator of the the Greater Lansing region’s business and housing growth.
BUSINESS
Clinton
March. ‘16
Feb. ‘16
March. ‘15
YOY Change
4060
4061
4114
-1.31%
Eaton
5104
5119
5109
-0.10%
Ingham
11458
11470
11321
1.21%
TOTAL
20622
20650
20544
0.38%
RESIDENTIAL March. ‘16
(1) Number of persons, in thousands, not seasonally adjusted. (2) In percent, not seasonally adjusted. (3) Number of jobs, in thousands, not seasonally adjusted. See About the data. (P) Preliminary
16
CONSUMER ENERGY SERVICE STARTS
M AY 2 0 1 6
Feb. ‘16
March. ‘15
YOY Change
Clinton
29165
29151
28829
1.17%
Eaton
41425
41416
41216
0.51%
Ingham
97692
97738
97163
0.54%
TOTAL
168282
168305
167208
0.64%
GRAND TOTAL
188904
188955
187752
0.61%
LANSING AT A GLANCE
GREATER LANSING ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HOUSING REPORT A look each month at significant real estate pricing and listing trends.
March. ‘16
Feb. ‘16
Jan. ‘16
Dec. ‘15
March. ‘15
1679
1837
1873
2050
2388
$291.30
$296.6
$303.8
$330.9
$375.2
New Listing Count
744
584
579
877
New Listing Volume*
$130
$95.9
$93.10
.$135.1
Average Listing Price
$174K
$164K
$162K
$161K
$157K
Average Listing / sq. ft.
$106
$106
$105
$104
$103
Days in RPR
97
109
108
109
107
Months of Inventory
5
5
4
6
8
Pending Sales Count
810
544
478
385
344
Monthly Sales Volume*
$62.5
$44.7
$49.0
$63.4
$50.0
Percentage of Listing Price
97.59
96.45
97
96.2
96.11
Active Listing Count Active Listing Volume*
*In millions
CHILDREN’S TRUST FUND OF MICHIGAN
Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR’S LIVE AUCTION Trip to Hawaii at the Fairmont - Kea Lani
Delta Air Lines and Friends of Children’s Trust Fund
MSU Football Suite
Delta Air Lines and Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof
UM Football Suite
Jackson National Life
ITC Holdings Corporation
DTE Detroit Tigers Suite for July 18 Game vs. Minnesota Twins
Beyoncé at Ford Field Suite ITC Holdings Corporation
DTE Energy
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OFFICE VACANCY
GRA
ND R
IVER
LANSING
HWY
AREA
17.7% (is up and expected to remain through 2016)
RETAIL VACANCY
GRAND RIVER
18.4% (is up)
DEVELOPMENTS
INDUSTRIAL VACANCY
SAGINAW
5.8%
( is down to nearly half the national average)
DELTA CHARTER TOWNSHIP
MICHIGAN AVE
CREYTS ROAD
CANAL RD
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LANSIN 496
496
MUNTERS INDUSTRIAL BUILDING
GM STAMPING PLANT
MT. HOPE
VE R
GENERAL MOTORS CO.
D
RI
(GM’s Lansing Plant and expansion of Delta Township Plant)
AN
MICHIGAN CAT’S NEW FACILITY
MEIJER DRY GOODS WAREHOUSE GR
CANAL RD
69
MILLETT HWY
New Developments in Lansing New Developments in Delta Township
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MLK JR BLVD
New Developments in East Lansing
3% IN 2016
18
N
Industrial projects planned or underway
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE RENTS ARE EXPECTED TO RISE BY
69
DEWITT RD
TRITON INDUSTRIES RENOVATION
E S
New Developments from Sparrow Health System across Lansing M AY 2 0 1 6
127
THE GREATER LANSING INDUSTRIAL MARKET COMPRISES OVER
8.5 MILLION SQ. FT.
COOLIDGE RD
CEDAR
THE HEIGHTS AT EASTWOOD
OF LEASED SPACE
LAKE LANSING PLACE
127 OAKLAND
THE OUTFIELD SAGINAW
GRA
ND
SKYVUE MICHIGAN AVE
NG
THE GATHERING PLACE
LAKE LANSING RD
ABBOT RD
HARRISON RD
DEMOLISHED AND REPLACED LANSING MEDICAL DENTAL BUILDING
300 GRAND APARTMENTS
EAST LANSING
RIV
ER
RED CEDAR RENAISSANCE
KALAMAZOO ST
1855 PLACE TROWBRIDGE CENTER
WHOLE FOODS MARKET
TROWBRIDGE RD
LYDEN OIL COMPANY (Former Federal Express Building )
Raised parking for new four-story plaza building, expanded Herbert-Herman Cancer Center
496
AMTRAK STATION
MT. HOPE
HAGADORN RD
PENNSYLVANIA AVE
CEDAR
Redevelopment into the Capital Area Multimodal Gateway
496
242,000 JOBS ADDED TO THE GREATER LANSING AREA AS OF FEBRUARY 2016 (AHEAD OF PROJECTIONS)
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greatest way to manage is to listen, be aware of your surroundings and to know the desires of your customer, employees and those you serve. From Jud Heathcote, the greatest thing I learned was anticipate everything. Prepare and have compassion for those that surround you and understand that mistakes are going to occur — it’s not the end of the world. HOW DO YOU PULL TOGETHER A DEPARTMENT WHERE COACHES AND STAFF FOCUS PRETTY INTENTLY ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL SPORTS? Ensure that everybody has the same global overall mission. We created our own mission statement when I started as the athletic director. It’s no different than if you are in a hospital. You would hope that when you ask a janitor what the goal of their job is, that their response would be that their job is to save lives, not just to sweep floors. We want our staff to have an understanding that the job is not just to fill out a stat sheet or coach a wrestling team, that there is a greater cause and that you are a very important part of it. ISN’T THAT TRICKY BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU DO – LIVE BY WINS AND LOSSES? By the public you are judged by wins and losses. As an athletic director, I evaluate coaches’ wins and losses, academics and the impact on young people’s lives. A perfect example would be our swimming coach. Absolutely no chance to win a Big Ten championship given the state of the facilities that we have at Michigan State, yet we have an individual that is going to Cambridge to study on a Churchill Scholarship.
BY MICKEY HIRTEN
MARK HOLLIS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY Mark Hollis, 53, has been the athletic director at Michigan State University since 2008. A 1985 MSU graduate, he was an administrator with the Western Athletic Conference and an assistant and associate athletic director at the University of Pittsburgh before becoming the Spartans’ associate athletics director for external relations in 1995. His tenure as AD coincides with MSU’s emergence as one of the nation’s premier college athletic programs. AS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS EXECUTIVE WITH A STRONG PRODUCT AND BRAND, SOLID FINANCES AND A TALENTED TEAM OF LIEUTENANTS, IF YOU LECTURED IN THE BUSINESS SCHOOL, WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST TO STUDENTS? Understand what you do and what you deliver and don’t stray from that. There’s the old marketing adage, “stick to your knitting.” It’s a reminder that we have to be what we are. In our case, we are part of a great university and part of a great community. What is it that you want to do to distinguish yourself from others; find something that others are not and really excel in that. AND ABOUT YOURSELF – WHAT DO YOU TELL STUDENTS ABOUT YOUR OBVIOUSLY SUCCESSFUL CAREER? You know, my dad was a minister, a teacher and a lobbyist; an interesting combination. The one thing I learned from him, is the 20
G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY
M AY 2 0 1 6
We have better facilities for soccer and we have some competitive success there. And we have a Rhodes Scholar. Those are success stories that don’t get written about in the paper. They are not in the win-loss column, but they are to us. We work to reinforce the greater good and the greater good is taking young men and women and putting them into society better than when they came. CAN YOU DISCUSS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INNOVATION AND SUCCESS? Many times at Michigan State, myself included, we tend to get agitated trying to keep up with other individuals. When the focus is all about that rather than trying to create something unique and something different, you can get very frustrated. Michigan State had to come to a position where we redefined ourselves as something that’s uniquely different. One of the great things is when you achieve success like the Rose Bowl, the way the university and athletics collaborated. The "Spartans Will" campaign came out of that, branding in southern California and then nationally in airports. Athletics got to be part of something that was bigger than just athletics. YOU SEEM TO BE CREATIVE WITH EVENTS THAT SET MSU APART FROM OTHER SCHOOLS. Those events are not just circus and sizzle. Every one had a cause. It made them real. The hockey game that we had at Spartan Stadium, the first of its kind, happened when Michigan was economically depressed. We were trying to come up with something that would give hope, excitement, enthusiasm. The same with playing basketball with Kentucky in Detroit; we wanted to create an MSU presence in Detroit, but do it for a city that was really struggling.
BEHIND THE SCENES
We are looking to do things in Greece, something that could be a spark plug for a country that is struggling right now, having the Spartans and the Trojans play. If USC and Michigan State can play a basketball game, yes it’s going to bring brand recognition to those two schools, but it’s also being done with the purpose of saying here’s a country with a great history. WHO COOKED UP THE IDEA OF A TROJANS – SPARTANS GAME? WAS THAT YOU? Yeah. That’s me. I’ve always been that way – an only child. You have to be creative. It’s a gift, and a curse. MSU’S SPORTS SUCCESS MUST MAKE KEY MEMBERS OF YOUR MANAGEMENT TEAM ATTRACTIVE RECRUITMENT TARGETS.
every decision we’re making, well not every decision, but the predominant decisions we’re making, are based on television and not sitting in the stands. What are we doing for the 70-plus thousand that are coming to Spartan Stadium? Is it a good experience? Some of it is and some of it we are still very much challenged with.
IF YOU WERE GOING TO COACH WHAT WOULD BE THE SPORT? Basketball. It’s what I grew up with and what I played in high school. I understand the game and the emotions of the student athletes in that sport probably better than others. I love ‘em all, but that’s just the one that I grew up with.
This conversation with Mark Hollis has been edited for space and clarity.
INVESTING IN THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE
Being in a Big Ten conference and being the family type of program that we are matters. We are a destination school, a place where people want to be. I’ve been here since 2008 as the athletic director, since 1995 as an assistant. Most everybody working by my side was with me in the 90s. That’s unique. Some of it’s the athletic department, some of it is the university and some of it’s the community. People want to be here. We make up for some of the compensation things with other benefits of togetherness. HOW DO YOU ALLOCATE RESOURCES TO THE DIFFERENT TEAMS? We have a budget of about $100 million, which has grown exponentially. Specialization has caused a lot of that. What’s happened in our industry, is more people making more money based on the market. That has decreased the ability to spread those dollars across 25 sports. Back in the day you had a trainer and an equipment manager and that was about it. In today’s world you have video coordinators, nutritionists, psychologists, strength coaches and speed coaches. Every one of those individuals comes at a cost. A typical sport at MSU other than football, basketball and hockey has a net loss of between $650,000 and $4.5 million. The SEC averages about 17 sports. Their focus was to reduce opportunities and put more into football. The Big Ten conference has been more opportunity based.
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IS THERE A CEILING ON REVENUES? I’m concerned about the ceiling. I think we can see it. The concern that I have is
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COVER
MERIDIAN TOWNS PARK PLACE LOOKS NON-TRADITIONA BY MICKEY HIRTEN
Central Park Place on Marsh Road is arguably the most attractive retail center in the region. It’s location, opposite the sprawling Meridian Mall, is outstanding. The east side communities of Okemos, Haslett, East Lansing and Williamston are the area’s most affluent. So why isn’t Central Park Place thriving? Retail businesses, once the lifeblood of the shopping center, are abandoning the property. Orvis, Pendleton Woolen Mills and Retail Therapy all left this winter, adding to an exodus that includes Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, Morning Dance Gallery, Central Park Fitness, Therapeutic Massage and others. 22
Robert Phipps, managing partner of Central Park Place LLC, the center’s owner, said the decline started with the Great Recession in 2007 and 2008. “It had been 100 percent filled up until the crash and economic downturn. It catered to a lot of small businesses and a lot of them had been there for 10 or 20 years,” he said. Phipps has engaged CBRE|Martin to handle leasing, a task managed by the firm’s senior vice president, Shawn O’Brien. He said that a weak retailing market on the east side of Lansing during the last three or four years accelerated the decline.
G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY
M AY 2 0 1 6
O’Brien, however, sees a change. What he termed “negative absorption” has shifted to “positive.” Other than Central Park Place and the nearby shopping center on Central Park Drive, retail space is becoming scarce in the prime Okemos shopping district along Grand River and north to ALDI and Walmart. Meridian Township Assessor David Lee supports O’Brien’s assessment. “We are seeing lower vacancy rates and a slight increase in rental rates,” he stated. As for Central Park Place, he suggested that vacancy rates are cyclical. He said that properties along Marsh Road are prime real estate, but
COVER
SHIP’S CENTRAL S TO ADD NEW, AL TENANTS that it probably hasn’t returned to the highs experienced before the downturn. When Central Park Place was developed in 1987-1988, the target tenants were upscale specialty stores. “We built it for the finer merchants in the country, to attract them to the greater Lansing area,” Phipps said. It was a strategy based on his business and personal preference. “I like service and like to be known when I visit a store.” Phipps, whose development also extends to the building on the south side of Central Park Drive, acknowledged the challenging retail
market, but, he also suggested that regulations and bureaucracy make Meridian Township a difficult place for businesses. “In a general sense, to get regulation or permits is harder today than 25 years ago.”
all want them to look nice, not a bunch of flashing lights,” he said.
He was particularly critical of the township’s sign ordinances, which he said too often prevent stores from identifying themselves. He cited Orvis as an example of a store with front and back entrances facing different roads but was allowed just a single sign.
"We understand the perspective of the business owners in the community," Director of Community Planning & Development for Meridian Township, Mark Kieselbach said."The sign ordinance was put into place to preserve the environmentally conscious ascetic of the township and make sure sight lines remain clear. We encourage all businesses to join us in discussion to find
“We feel like we are the enemy. I can understand not wanting large signs. We
However, Meridian Township's appeal is that of upscale, uncluttered setting.
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options that work best for them in promoting their business." Even with the improving economy and tightening real estate market, restocking the shopping center with the past mix of retailers may be difficult. O’Brien suggested that medical and nontraditional retailing, perhaps even office space, may be interested in locating in the shopping center. “You look for the highest and best use. Look at Meridian Mall: When Planet Fitness went in there, that was non-traditional retail use,” said O'Brian. He said there is a “significant” tenant lease being negotiated. Phipps talked of two new leases for the shopping center, though he declined to provide details. He said that lease rates for the Central Park Place – $12 to $14 per square foot – are competitive with those in the market.
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TAMI O’Brien has a broad view of the retailing market JACKARD, and said boutique retailers are struggling. “At OWNER some point you need tenant energy. That has OF DWELL been missing.” LOCATED IN CENTRAL G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY M AY 2 0 1 6 PARK PLACE
He said that the demand for medical urgent care centers is strong and that they are looking to locate in retail centers. O’Brien added that the growth in these operations also reflects the changing demographics of the community. “The aging population means more medical care,” he said. In part, the center’s challenges reflect the retailing revolution affecting brick and mortar businesses.
“SINCE I OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 2014, FIVE RETAILERS IN THIS COMPLEX HAVE EITHER LEFT – GONE TO A DIFFERENT AREA – OR HAVE RETIRED. WE DON’T HAVE AN INFLUX OF PEOPLE LIKE WE USED TO.” -TAMI JACKARD, OWNER OF DWELL LOCATED IN CENTRAL PARK PLACE
COVER
Phipps cites the growth of online competition, particularly retailers who offer free shipping and often charge no sales tax, but, there is increased competition from local businesses. Eastwood Towne Center, just a vacant field when Central Park Place opened, supports dozens of retailers who could mix comfortably with Central Park Place’s traditional retailing roster. There is also competition from large retailers filling the specialty market previously served by small independent businesses. Dwell, which specializes in “eclectic, fashionable, one-of-a-kind accessories and gifts,” is one of the larger stores in Central Park Place. It is an explosion of color and taste: lamps, pillows, planters, flowers, baskets and furniture. It has ranks of satisfied customers, Facebook postings praising the store and its products, from customers in the Lansing area and from outside. But it’s difficult business, said owner Tami Jackard, because of the decline of the Center. “Since I opened in September 2014, five retailers in this complex have either left – gone to a different area – or have retired,” Jackard said. “We don’t have an influx of people like we used to.”
For stores less dependent on walk-in traffic, the vacancies are less of an issue. Mir’s Rugs and Carpets has been at Central Park Place since 1987 and is a destination retailer with customers throughout the state, nationally and even internationally, said store manager BeaJaye Bedell, adding that the business is doing well. Restaurants in Central Park Place – Tannin and Maru Sushi & Grill – also serve a destination audience. “The two [restaurants] we have are doing quite well. There’s a market there,” Phipps said, adding that he has tried to interest other restaurants in the location. And there are solid business reasons to attract the restaurant trade.
DWELL, WHICH SPECIALIZES IN “ECLECTIC, FASHIONABLE, ONEOF-A-KIND ACCESSORIES AND GIFTS,” IS ONE OF THE LARGER STORES IN CENTRAL PARK PLACE.
“Food users are driving the market,” said O’Brien. And even better, he added, “They pay higher rates than retail.”
She isn’t sure that Central Park Place can continue as a retailing shopping center, suggesting that it may be more suited to office space. Jackard, with 16 years of retailing experience in Okemos, said it is very difficult for small boutique retailers to compete. Before opening Dwell, she worked at Naturals Design Studio. When it closed, and with the closing of Seasons, both of which sold home goods, gifts and accessories, she saw an unfilled market niche. But the pace of retailing change has accelerated, even since Dwell opened. “When I started in retailing we didn’t have as many chain stores. We didn’t have online shopping and computers. If you wanted to buy you had to go out and go shopping,” Jackard said. Retail Therapy’s owner, Celeste Saltzman, operated her clothing boutique in Central Park Place for three years before relocating to Turner Street in Old Town. “We kept losing retailers. The less stores you have, the less traffic there is going to be. You don’t get new customers who might be walking by. Now where I am so many people just walk in,” she said. L
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ECONOMY
IMPORT PROTECTION:
SHOOTING ONESELF IN THE FOOT BY: MORDECHAI E. KREININ, UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR (EMERITUS), MSU
Of the many instruments of import protection that have existed over the years, the most widely used is the tariff, or import duty. It is a tax levied on a commodity when it enters a country. The U.S. does not use an export duty, although some other countries do. The duty can be a percent of price, called “advalorem,” or a given dollar amount per unit of the commodity, called “specific,” or a combination of the two. There are advantages and disadvantages to
... THE BURDEN OF PROTECTION, OR MOST OF IT, FALLS ON CONSUMERS IN THE IMPORTING COUNTRY
each system, and the U.S. uses both, depending on the product. Either way, the tariff raises the price of import, and induces buyers to switch some purchases from imports to domestic substitutes, thereby providing protection to the domestic industry. For most commodities, the U.S. tariff is low, under five percent, after 60 years of trade liberalization (including tariff reduction) in the industrial countries. But there are industries, especially labor intensive, where the U.S. lacks comparative advantage, in which tariff protection is high. One such industry is textiles. Who pays the tariff? To the extent that the rise in import prices is shifted over to the buyers, the consumer pays all or most of it, and as the prices of domestic substitutes increase, the consumer pays that too. Finally, to the extent that the protected good is used as material that
enters the production of other goods, such as textiles that enter the manufacture of clothing, their prices rise and the buyer pays for that as well. All in all, the burden of protection, or most of it, falls on consumers in the importing country. In addition, the protection results in production inefficiency as resources are shifted to the protected industries, in which the country lacks comparative advantage, from more efficient industries that compete in the international arena without protection. If foreign countries retaliate by levying duty on some American export (which is often the case) the country loses there as well. Remember that millions of American workers are employed in export industries and these were shown to be the most efficient in the economy, paying the highest wages. Against these losses are the beneficiaries from protection: the protected industry that can raise
What’s so special about the number 13? There are 13 stripes on the American flag which represent the 13 colonies from which the U.S. was created In rugby, each side has 13 players on the field at any given time
On a U.S. $1 bill, there are: 12 levels of the pyramid, 13 stars, 13 arrows, 13 stripes, 13 leaves and 13 olives The 13th letter of the alphabet is M
Maner Costerisan ranks #13 in Accounting Today’s “Fastest Growing Firms” List Our firm is proud to have made this year’s list! With our merger in late 2014 and several new hires, the overall firm growth gives us additional resources to develop and retain our staff and continue to attract new members to our team. In the end, Maner Costerisan’s success stems from listening to its clients, fostering those relationships and providing the resources needed to reach their goals. At Maner Costerisan, the numbers speak for themselves.
2425 E. Grand River Ave., Ste. 1 • Lansing, MI 48912-3291 • T: 517 323 7500 • F: 517 323 6346 • www.manercpa.com • www.manersolutions.com 26
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ECONOMY
domestic prices, its suppliers, and the workers in the industry, whether unionized or not. But all studies, both in the U.S. and abroad, show that the costs to the economy far exceed these benefits. By levying a tariff, the country imposes a burden on itself, hence this action is sometimes referred to as, “shooting yourself in the foot.” So why do countries do that? Why is there an almost constant, often successful, political pressure for protection? The answer lies in comparing the winners and losers. The losses from the tariff are spread over 300 million consumers; each has to pay slightly higher prices often measured in nickels and dimes, and more often than not they are not even aware of the source of the price rise. By comparison, the gains are concentrated in the profit of a few firms that make up the protected industries and the employee’s union that works for them each experiencing significant benefits. It therefore pays the winners to hire professional lobbyists to tilt legislation in their favor. Although they are few in number relative to the losers, their gains are substantial, visible and large enough to influence government policy. Precisely the reverse situation arises in a period of trade liberalization that characterized the post-war
BY LEVYING A TARIFF, THE COUNTRY IMPOSES A BURDEN ON ITSELF, HENCE THIS ACTION IS SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS, “SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FOOT.” era. There, the gains are spread over 300 million consumers and the losses are concentrated in a few companies and labor unions. This makes it difficult to liberalize trade, especially in the labor intensive industries, in which the U.S. lacks comparative advantage. It is a tribute to the U.S. to have been a leader in a global 60-year movement of trade liberalization in the post-war period. But the question of winners and losers still needs to be addressed. The same question comes up in conjunction with technological advances; just think of the effect of computer development on the job market of secretary typists. In many cases of public policy measures, the gains to society at large exceed the losses of a minority. In these cases, it is necessary to compensate to losers, and advanced economics usually tries to do just that. In the case of U.S. trade policy, that compensation takes the form of “trade adjustment assistance” legislation. It is a fund set aside to help workers, companies and
communities that are adversely impacted by trade liberalization. It includes the retraining and re-education of workers for “jobs of the future,” helping companies divert production to areas of upcoming demand at home and abroad, and helping communities adjust by economic development. Unfortunately, the funding available for this endeavor is not always adequate. In closing, we might note that harmful as it is, there are trade measures with greater negative impact on the economy, to be discussed in next month’s column. Mordechai Kreinin is a University Distinguished Professor of Economics, emeritus at Michigan State University and past President of the International Trade and Finance Association. He is the author of about 200 articles and books about economics, including the widely used text, International Economics. He can be reached at kreinin@msu.edu or by cell phone at (517) 488-4837
Sparrow Health Classic Exceptional Golf to Support
Extraordinary
Care
Wednesday, June 15, 12:30 shotgun start at Hawk Hollow & Eagle Eye Golf Courses The Sparrow Health Classic offers an unforgettable day of golf. All proceeds benefit the health and care of our community. Join us.
» Serious golfers will love the challenges offered by some of the toughest holes in the region.
» Recreational golfers will enjoy the scramble format, the beautifully manicured greens and the fun gifts for every golfer.
» Not a golfer? Sign up for the 18-hole real-grass putting course at Little Hawk, then join the golfers for dinner following play. No matter how you choose to participate, you’re helping us continue to provide the best, most advanced healthcare services available to the men, women and children who come to Sparrow for care each day. Generously presented by
For more information, visit SparrowFoundation.org. Questions? Call 517.364.3620.
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MAN ON THE STREET
MAN ON THE STREET WHAT NEW PROJECT AROUND THE LANSING AREA ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
“I’m always excited for new clothing stores. I love shopping.”
“The Breslin renovation.” - TOM DUFFY
- KAITLYN CAROLLO
“Whole Foods because they have healthy food that is good quality.”
“I’m super excited for Costco. It is nice to be able to buy things in bulk.”
- NOAH SOBLE
- STEPHANIE DEUTSCH
“I’m excited about The Robin Theater in Lansing’s REO Town.” - CAITLYN REXROTH
“I’ve been excited about the Tin Can that just opened up.” - BRANDON GROVE
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REAL ESTATE
2016 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET OUTLOOK BY TRICIA FOSTER
LANSING
Construction cranes abound throughout multiple municipalities, the best visual for proof of economic development. How these new developments will impact the existing real estate landscape in the future will play out over time, as the overall economic fundamentals impact local supply and demand. Locally, the industrial market continues to lead the charge as occupancy and lease rates soar. Retail is holding its own with mixed use and out lot developments on the rise. The office market is tightening somewhat as activity in general is slowing. Corporate occupiers are focused on containing rising operating expenses and determining how labor and skill set shortages will drive their real estate consumption strategies in 2017 and beyond.
OVERALL ECONOMY
Expect 2016 to be a year of volatile stock markets but steady global economic growth; with U.S. consumers spending the gains from rising incomes, low interest rates and low commodity prices. Continued financial turmoil will emanate from emerging economies in the region as currency depreciation and manufacturing weakness take their toll. The current chief risk for the U.S. economy and commercial real estate markets is how the Federal Reserve manages interest rate increases. Specifically, the gap between market expectations and actual policy, bears watching.
+2.4 PERCENT GLOBAL GDP GROWTH IN 2016
CAPITAL MARKETS
The capital markets environment remains extraordinarily active and favorable. U.S. investment volume is forecasted to show a single digit gain over 2015’s soaring double digit gain, while foreign investment continues to show strong growth. Low borrowing costs and the prospects of rent growth and volatility in other asset markets mean the pool of capital targeting real estate will remain substantial. On balance, there will be downward pressure on cap rates, but less strong than in recent years due to the slow rise
in U.S. interest rates and weaker demand for assets from oil-based economies. One of the principal issues for 2016 — one governing both the economy and the commercial real estate capital markets — is what will happen with U.S. interest rates.
$
+4 PERCENT GLOBAL INVESTMENT SALES VOLUME GROWTH IN 2016
construction costs. Occupiers remain focused on expense management. Many U.S. markets are trending in favor of owners; emerging “urban-suburban” submarkets could present compelling opportunities for occupiers to relocate to a strong base of talent while containing costs. 2016 RENT GROWTH PROJECTED TO REACH 4.6 PERCENT
MULTIFAMILY
Expect multifamily markets to begin loosening after several years of exceptional performance. Overall, demand will remain strong under favorable demographics, shifting lifestyle preferences and sustained economic expansion. However, the wave of supply – delayed from 2015 and pushed into 2016 for a variety of reasons – will put upward pressure on vacancy. 2016 EXPECTED TO SEE THE LARGEST SINGLE-YEAR NUMBER OF MULTIFAMILY COMPLETIONS SINCE THE BOOMS OF THE 1970S AND 1980S
INDUSTRIAL & LOGISTICS
E-commerce will continue to reshape the logistics market. Demand for big-box space will remain strong, but logistics users will ramp up efforts to secure smaller infill locations to meet the consumer’s growing expectation for same-day or next-day delivery. Economic health varies across the region, and strength in manufacturing and trade and commodities prices will bear upon fundamentals. +23 PERCENT GLOBAL E-COMMERCE SALES GROWTH IN 2016
OFFICE
With strong job growth and limited new supply, the U.S. office market is projected to tighten further in 2016. Supply trends vary significantly by market. In other, slowerto-recover markets — and especially in the suburbs — rents have not reached levels that justify development, particularly given rising
RETAIL
U.S. consumers are a relative bright spot in the global economy, thanks largely to the rapidly improving U.S. labor market. With the significant tailwinds of lower gas prices, easier access to credit and asset price gains, confidence is brimming. The upbeat outlook for consumers overall bodes well for an acceleration in retail space demand, which has been inching higher at a measured pace. Other segments experiencing continued growth include restaurants, smaller-format grocers, supercenters and healthcare and discount stores. More ambitiously, developers are incorporating other land uses into retail projects, integrating apartments, condos, offices and hotels into developments to create 24-hour centers of activity. U.S. CONSUMERS SPENT MORE ON DINING OUT THAN ON GROCERIES FOR FIRST TIME EVER IN 2015
Whether locally, nationally or globally, barring any unforeseen geopolitical influences, 2016 should be another solid year in commercial real estate. Sources: “2016 Americas Real Estate Market Outlook” by CBRE Research © CBRE, Inc. 2016, “2016 Global Real Estate Market Outlook” by CBRE Research © CBRE, Inc. 2016, CBRE MarketViews H2 2015 by CBRE Research © CBRE, Inc. 2016 Tricia Foster, CPM®, ACoM® is Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at CBRE | Martin
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REGIONAL ROUNDUP
DELTA CHARTER TOWNSHIP BY KEN FLETCHER
Located on the west side of the Capital Area region and nestled between the City of Lansing and the City of Grand Ledge, is Delta Charter Township. The Township covers nearly 35 sq. miles and has a population
of 32,408. It is one of only two townships to receive the distinction as a “Township of Excellence” by the Michigan Townships Association and is a five-star honored community by the University of MichiganDearborn’s School of Business e-Cities study, which measures factors such as entrepreneurship, economic development and job growth. Delta Charter Township is a growing community, both in population and economic development. Over the last two years alone, the Township has experienced extraordinary new development, including: • The General Motors $67 million expansion at the Lansing-Delta Township Plant. • The addition of a new 55,000 square foot Michigan CAT facility. • The new 500,000 square foot automated warehouse for Meijer Corporation. • The 70,000 square foot expansion of the Magna/Dexsys facility. In addition to the industrial growth, Delta Township has put a focus on renovating the Saginaw Corridor and improving the buildings and businesses along the main travel-way through the area. The Township continues to work with planners and developers to improve the area. A highlight for 2016 will be the redevelopment of the former Days Inn (now Old Motor Lodge) at the corner of Saginaw Highway and Canal Road. The Project will host a new, fivestory hotel, restaurant and coffee shop. Delta Township is a leader in regional cooperation and there is no greater example than the Lansing-Delta GM plant, a $425 million revenue sharing agreement with the City of Lansing. Additionally, the Township has several shared-service agreements with other municipalities to maximize its top-notch police, fire and assessing departments. In 2015, Delta created a partnership with Eaton County to offer the services of the County Treasurer
and Clerk one day a week in the Township Administration building for the convenience of both Delta Township residents and other nearby Eaton County residents. Additionally, the Township recently created an E-Commerce Exchange Zone, located in front of the Eaton County Sheriff’s Substation off of Canal Road. This new exchange zone will provide a safer alternative for person-to-person interactions that are a result of online purchases or exchanges. Delta plays a significant role in several other area efforts to help make the region strong. Another critical focus for the Township is the quality of life for our residents and a significant part of Delta’s strategic plan. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains 11 parks and recreational areas (approximately 850 acres) that provide a variety of activities for citizens. Delta recently acquired 60 acres of land through a DNR trust fund grant that will be combined with 60 acres of township property. The Township will soon begin developing this 120-acre area into the new Mount Hope Park. It is also in the process of purchasing Grand Woods Park from the City of Lansing to preserve this asset for Delta Township and the greater Lansing region. Delta Township has focused many of its resources on sidewalks and other non-motorized trails and will continue to develop pathways and walkways connecting its various parks and other cultural amenities. The most popular trail is the East/West Pathway, which connects the Township’s Enrichment Center and Library with Sharp Park, the Lansing Mall and expands west to the popular Horrocks Farm Market. The Township offers an expansive variety of community events throughout the year, including the two popular events: Delta Rocks! Festival in June and the July 3 Fireworks display, which brings tens of thousands of people to the Township each summer. Delta Township is a truly a great place to live, work and play. We are especially proud of our diversity and inclusive atmosphere. Our Township, most certainly, has a lot to offer, whether you are a resident of Delta, work in Delta or visiting. Come see what Delta Township has to offer.
Township Supervisor Ken Fletcher has served the citizens of Delta Charter Township since November of 2008 and resides in Delta Township with his wife Tammy and their three children. Fletcher is the current chair of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission.
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SPONSORED
BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN TOWN:
INSPIRING & EDUCATING GREATER LANSING RESIDENTS FOR OVER 20 YEARS BY BRENDAN DWYER
The year was 1994. A visitor to the region was stepping into a cab, having just landed at the airport for a few days of business in Michigan’s Capital City. The visitor asked the cab driver, “I’ve never been here before. What is there to do?” The cabbie smirked dryly as he adjusted the rear view mirror and said, “There’s nothing fun to do in Lansing. You may as well get back on the plane and go back home.” The story could have ended here. Just one more tale of a gloomy and uninspired resident raining on the parade of a visitor. But that’s not what happened; the story absolutely did not end right there. The story of that conversation in the cab made its way to the staff of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau (GLCVB) – where it would become the inspiration for a wildly-successful communitywide event that is now in its 22nd year.
“Be A Tourist In Your Own Town" has served for a long time now as a way to both inspire and educate area residents on the multitude of assets we have in this community,” said Jack Schripsema, president and CEO of the GLCVB. “When residents patronize our local attractions and experience all there is to see and do, they share that information with visitors which in turn helps drive local business.” Starting with just 18 attractions its first year, Be A Tourist has grown to now include more than 80 different local attractions and hot spots that serve as points of pride for the community. From long-time standbys like Impression 5 Science Center and Potter Park Zoo to new offerings like the Greater Lansing Makers & Shaker’s Wine Beer and Spirits Trail – there is something for everyone. Take an opportunity to explore attractions and happenings that, even if you are a resident, you
may not have experienced yet. While the event has grown exponentially over the years, the price to participate has stayed exactly the same – just one dollar. Why? Because that’s exactly how the GLCVB wants it. “This event isn’t about making money, it’s about making memories,” continued Schripsema. “We want area residents to be educated and energized advocates for the Capital region.” Be A Tourist in Your Own Town 2016 will take place on June 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find out where to buy your $1 greater Lansing passport at lansing.org. Founding partner, CATA, is onboard once again to provide transportation all day for just 50 cents. Brendan Dwyer is the Manager of Marketing Communications with the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau.
PLAN ON...
G
LANSIN
AFFORDABILITY
ACCESSIBILITY
DEDICATION
VENUES & RATES FOR EVERY BUDGET
CENTRAL LOCATION BOOSTS ATTENDANCE
VOTED 2014 BEST CVB IN MICHIGAN*
www.lansing.org CMP, CTA
517.377.1405 atoy@lansing.org CMP, CTA
517.377.1414 mchotchkiss@lansing.org CTA
517.377.1434 amoon@lansing.org *Source: Michigan chapter of Meeting Professionals International
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CALENDAR
MAY 2016 BUSINESS EVENTS MAY 3
MAY 5
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS HUDDLE, LANSING Brunch and Business is on hand during Lansing’s Downtown Business Huddle. Get the inside scoop on what’s happening downtown. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and takes place at Midtown Brewing Company.
MAY ECONOMIC CLUB, EAST LANSING Join the Lansing Regional Economic Club to hear from local and national prominent speakers covering a broad spectrum of business-related topics ranging from economic trends, business success stories, and the latest management and leadership techniques. The club meets nine times a year at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Michigan State University. For more information or to learn how to get involved, please contact Travis Richardson, manager of events and programming, at (517) 853-6463 or trichardson@lansingchamber.org.
MAY 3 LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION AND ANNUAL DINNER, LANSING Join chamber members and state legislators for this premier networking event. Former CEO and Chairman of the Board at Kellogg Company and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Carlos Gutierrez will be the keynote speaker. Gutierrez, the son of Cuban immigrants, began his career selling cereal to small grocers in Mexico City and has since rose to become the youngest CEO in Kellogg’s 100-year history. The annual dinner is a fundraiser to support The Michigan Chamber Foundation programs, including the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. The dinner will take place at The Lansing Center beginning at 5 p.m. Member tickets are $150 and non-member tickets are $195. Visit michamber.com to register for this event.
MAY 10 JOB POSTINGS: CRAFT & EFFECTIVELY POST JOB OPPORTUNITIES, LANSING During this 60-minute seminar learn the best tactics to craft and post your openings today. Hosted by Kym Hess, who has 20 years of Human Resources and Business Management experience, attendees will learn how to be affordable, effective, interesting, and a visually and appealing brand. The seminar begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 11 p.m. The cost is $75 for members and $95 for future members. Visit michamber.com to register.
MAY 3
MAY 11
2ND QUARTER CONNECTIONS AND COFFEE, LANSING Be an active member of Lansing’s dynamic business community. Connections and Coffee, presented by the Greater Lansing Business Monthly and the University Club, is a free networking breakfast for all local business individuals. Meet people from diverse industries to add to your network, reconnect with friends and find local resources. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. with a short presentation to follow. To register, email melissa@m3group.biz.
MICHIGAN CORPORATE INCOME TAX: UNDERSTANDING UNITARY BUSINESS FILING AND APPORTIONMENT, LANSING The Michigan Corporate Income Tax (CIT) replaced the Michigan Business tax in January 2012. Although, most argue that this tax is geared to be more business friendly, it’s still is a complex topic. Join the chamber in a half-day seminar to better understand unitary filing and the important issues that arise with this change. This seminar is hosted by June Summers Haas, a partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP and will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost for this event is $170 for members and $195 for future members. For more information and to register, visit michamber.com.
MAY 5 MICHIGAN CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS, LANSING Celebrate small businesses at this 12th annual event. The celebration will bring dynamic and exciting entertainment. Expect a great party atmosphere and amazing networking opportunities with Michigan companies to recognize. For more information, visit michiganbusinessnetwork.com. 32
MAY 18 LOVE LANSING CELEBRATION, LANSING Share your passion for your hometown at the inaugural Love Lansing Celebration,
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hosted by the City of Lansing. Recognize and celebrate neighborhood leaders and watch captains for their tireless efforts in creating pristine communities across Lansing. Light refreshments, hor d’oeuvres and desserts will be served. Registration, award nomination and more information can be found at lovelansingcelebration.com.
MAY 25 JACK BRESLIN GOLF CLASSIC, LANSING Jack Breslin had a passion for Michigan State University, McLaren Greater Lansing and golf. It is with immeasurable respect and gratitude that McLaren Greater Lansing Healthcare Foundation honors Jack Breslin’s passion and legacy through the Jack Breslin Golf Classic. All proceeds will benefit areas of greatest need at McLaren Greater Lansing. For more information and to register, visit golfoutingpro.com/event/ mclareneagleeyegolfcourse.
MAY 26 THE HATCHING, LANSING Join the community-wide effort to support local entrepreneurs and make the Lansing region a thriving place to start a business. The Hatching turns new business ideas into a reality by providing winners with funding, legal support, market research, office space and more. Ideas are due the Friday before the event by 4 p.m. Meetings take place at Dublin Square in East Lansing from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit thehatching.org for more information.
MAY 28 LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER – LUNCH & LEARN, LANSING Join speakers William D. Stoskopf and Gary W. Nustad as they guide you through their presentation, “Avoiding the 6 Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business and Your Future”. Owning a business brings new challenges, opportunities and tough decisions. Strengthen your business savvy and learn from others mistakes in a concise and interactive format. This event is hosted at Lansing Community College West Campus Conference Center. This seminar is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. To register, contact Mary Michalak at events@lansingchamber.org or call (517) 853-6460.
LANSING ROTARY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS BY MARK HOOPER
The Rotary Club of Lansing celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, having been organized as part of Rotary International on May 29, 1916, as the 232nd club. Paul P. Harris, a Chicago attorney formed one of the world’s first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on Feb. 23, 1905, as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member. The idea and popularity spread rapidly. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Worldwide, there are now more than 1.2 million members. Lansing Rotary’s history and that of the Lansing region are interwoven. Its members are frequently found as members of hospital boards, local school boards, United Way, the Chamber of Commerce and other local charities. A book, researched and authored by club members under the direction of Patrick Hanes, is being published early this spring which will document the club’s first 100 years. The club recognized that their historical records contained information about Michigan and Lansing that may benefit others. As a result, those records have been provided to the Capital Area District Library, which is digitizing those records to make them accessible in the future. 34
Rotary’s original roots were founded on the basic goal of business networking. It did not take long for the concept of service to become the glue that attracted and retained members. Today, Lansing Rotary’s 230 members continue to test the theory that those who serve others are happiest in their personal and business life. Rotary organizes its service efforts through five avenues - community, international, vocational, youth and club service. Its worldwide efforts to eradicate polio are the most well known and have attracted partners such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Gates Foundation to join the fight. On a local level, Lansing’s members have donated more than $2 million dollars in community service activities, ranging from a veterinary clinic at Potter Park Zoo to being the lead gift in funding the HOPE scholarship program. As part of the current Centennial celebration, Rotary’s members committed to a lead gift of $250,000 as part of a $550,000 new water exhibit, at Impression 5 Science Center. Lansing Rotarians placed special emphasis on this Centennial project, as it honors the estimated 4,000 past members who served Rotary and the community over the last 100 years. This gift will also set the stage for ongoing community service in the future. More than 30 ideas were proposed for the Centennial Project, and after significant deliberation, the club selected the
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Impression 5 Water Room as the grant recipient. Kurt Guter, a past president and long time member said Impression 5’s water project is particularly meaningful, as Rotary has had a long history in water related efforts. Guter has participated in helping villages in Nepal and Ecuador install new water systems, and also urged the club to support bio-sand filter projects, which are directed at providing clean water to individual homes in developing countries. The bio-sand filter efforts have been supported by Lansing Rotary since 2007. Julie Pingston, chair of the celebration subcommittee said, “It is inspiring to work with others who are so dedicated to improving our community. Initially, I did not understand the Rotary motto of ‘He/she profits most who serves the best’ – now I do.” While the benefits of 100 years of Rotary service are evident, Pingston, Guter and other members like them are intent on making sure that the glue of service to others stays alive. To them, being happy in their personal and business life is no longer just a theory, but a fact. This fact should propel the club forward for another 100 years. Mark Hooper is a past president of the Rotary Club of Lansing and chair of the Celebration Steering Committee. Mark is also the co-founder of the regional accounting firm Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC.
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“Chevrolet continues to enjoy a long-standing relationship with baseball,” said Mike Trevorrow, Lansing regional plant manager. “This is our way to thank the Lansing community, show our hometown pride and showcase some of our Lansing-built Chevrolet vehicles.” “Since 1996 we have proudly partnered with General Motors,” said Lugnuts general manager Nick Grueser. “With the Chevrolet Terrace we welcome Chevy into our grandest venue at the ballpark, providing the same comfort to our fans that Chevy customers have known for years.”
LOCAL TED ROZEBOOM ELECTED PRESIDENT OF MICHIGAN HOUSING COUNCIL Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting would like to congratulate Ted Rozeboom who was elected to his first term as president for the Michigan Housing Council. The Michigan Housing Council is one of the oldest statewide associations of affordable housing professionals in the United States.
LANSING - EAST LANSING MSA 3RD MOST IMPROVED IN NATION FOR HOUSING HEALTH
CHEVROLET CELEBRATES PARTNERSHIP WITH LANSING LUGNUTS With spring in the air and opening day upon us, a new twist on a Chevrolet partnership is about to commence, signifying the beginning of the 2016 baseball season. Chevrolet has officially sponsored The Chevrolet Terrace, located in the east end of the new Outfield building at Cooley Law
Ted Rozeboom President for the Michigan Housing Council
School Stadium. The largest area for group outings in the park, it can hold up to 2,000 guests a game for a fresh-off-the-grill feast while enjoying all the action in a pavilionlike setting.
A recent report released by Nationwide named the Lansing - East Lansing area ninth in the United States for growth in housing health and third most improved overall in fourth quarter 2015. The report, Nationwide’s Health of Housing Markets Report, utilized data from four categories to determine the ranking: employment, demographics, the mortgage market, and house prices. According to the
Why NAI? Commitment & Performance for the client.
NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial’s focus on the client predicates our commitment to perform our commercial real estate services with the passion, dedication and expertise to realize maximum potential for our clients. We uniquely combine an agile platform with experienced real estate teams, backed by the institutional strength of one of the world’s leading property investment companies. Jeff Shapiro
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report, “if job growth increases in an MSA, then the resulting rise in incomes creates additional housing demand. Consumers have a greater ability to earn and save for home purchases, increasing sales and pushing up house prices.” Job growth has been strong through the Lansing region.To see a full report, please visit inthenation.nationwide.com.
FRASER TREBILCOCK SHAREHOLDER NAMED ARIN TRANSFER FACILITATOR
Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder Jonathan Raven, has been named a Registered Transfer Facilitator by the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). ARIN is the North American registry through which all numbering rights for Internet addresses are assigned. With the depletion of the “free” pool formerly available from ARIN to all companies, a private, global market has emerged through which buyers and sellers seek to transfer these suddenly valuable and scarce assets, which necessary for routing Internet traffic.
MCCARDEL RESTORATION HAS BEEN HONORED AS ONE OF THE 2016 “MICHIGAN 50 COMPANIES TO WATCH”
Facilitators work with companies, such as telecommunications, cloud, and mobile technology ventures in need of IPv4 addresses, and those with unneeded IPv4 addresses, so they can efficiently accomplish regulated transfers in accordance with ARIN policy. In the past year, transfers between regions have also become more frequent, as the need has become world-wide. Intimate knowledge of the intricacies of IPv4 address rights can be important to a company seeking to complete advantageous transfers. Attorney Jonathan Raven has assisted companies in a number of asset transactions and transfers of Internet Address Rights. To learn more about the practice area, refer to our website page on Internet Law at fraserlawfirm.com/Site/Practices/Business-and-Tax.
McCardel Restoration will be honored at an awards ceremony during the 12th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala event, May 5, 2016 in Lansing, Mich. McCardel Restoration is a leader in commercial and residential property disaster recovery services in mid-Michigan. McCardel provides 24 hour-a-day, 365 day a year emergency services restoring fire, water, mold and storm damage of every kind and on any scale. In addition, they handle the cleaning & deodorization of property contents. To complete the job, their in-house construction team repairs the property to pre-loss condition. McCardel’s mission is to “handle the disaster and everything after.” Companies making it to the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list are a remarkable group of second-stage companies. Defined as having 6 to 99 full-time equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50
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IS IT THE RIGHT TIME TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME? BY MIKE YATES
So, you graduated last year, you landed your first post-college job, and you are starting to feel like a real adult; but you’re still living at home with your parents. Suddenly that childhood room you were so proud to decorate with posters of your favorite teen idol or sports figure isn’t exactly fitting your needs. Nevertheless, the thought of buying your first home is overwhelming. You’ve heard horror stories of home ownership and you don’t want to take any risks, yet you feel ready. So, you wonder, is this the right time to buy your first home? Well that depends, and only you can answer that question, but maybe this information can help. First, homeownership is a tremendous responsibility. Make sure you feel comfortable and
stable with your job and the area you live. None of us know what our future will bring, but home ownership for most starts with a solid job and a commitment to the area you plan to live. Next, consider the housing market. There are several indexes and statistics that sound impressive, but here it is in a nutshell: Mortgage rates are still very low; the housing market is solid – yet affordable. Finally, what about mortgage products? There are a variety of mortgage programs designed for first time homebuyers, but they’re not one size fits all. You may be eligible for special programs and yes, even grant funds for down payment assistance. Some mortgage programs
require little to no money down, or allow gifted funds from parents and relatives. So do your research, then contact a Mercantile Bank Mortgage Loan Officer. We’ll walk through your mortgage options, look for local grant funds you may be eligible for, and assist in your home buying experience. If you feel homeownership is in your future, visit our website at mercbank.com or call your local office, we’re here to help. Mike Yates is the Senior Vice President – Mortgage Sales Manager at Mercantile Bank of Michigan. Mike has been in the mortgage lending arena since 2003 upon graduating from Grand Valley State University. In addition to his role at Mercantile Bank, he is also involved in the Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association, where he served as the President of the West Chapter in 2015. L
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million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants, these companies form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Representing all regions of the state and a diverse range of industries, companies like McCardel Restoration are known for their exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, creation of innovation or use of innovation in creative ways, and their sustainable competitive advantage.
Information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business, can be found at MichiganCelebrates.biz.
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DC ENGINEERING’S DAVID CHRISTIAN APPOINTED TO MID-MEAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lansing. DC Engineering is pleased to announce the appointment of David Christian, P.E., to the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council (Mid-MEAC) Board of Directors. Mr. Christian’s professional background in storm water management and low impact design make him a great fit for Mid-MEAC’s mission of environmental stewardship. David Christian is the President of DC Engineering, He is experienced in municipal sewer system investigations, municipal systems in multiple site developments, rehabilitation design analysis, preparation of design documents, cost opinions, and project implementation. He is responsible for sewer investigations, separation designs, bidding, and construction administration for clients. Mr. Christian worked on the City of Lansing’s Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination Project and has extensive experience in sewer system investigation and rehabilitation work. DC Engineering, P.C. offers superior civil engineering and surveying solutions to clients throughout Mid-Michigan. Armed with unmatched expertise and a passion for service, The DC Engineering team invests time at the beginning of each project to tailor services for each client’s unique needs.
SAKOR TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES MOVE TO LARGER, UPDATED FACILITY
SAKOR Technologies, Inc., a recognized leader in the area of high-performance dynamometer systems, announces that it has moved from its previous facility in Okemos, Michigan to a much larger facility in Owosso, Mich. The company has grown rapidly in the past several years, and the new building better supports SAKOR’s current and future growth. The new facility, which will house the company’s administrative, engineering, and manufacturing operations all together, formerly housed Baker College’s Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan. As such, the building’s design and facilities are ideal for SAKOR’s needs: it currently measures 20,000 sq. ft., has ample
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high-voltage electrical power, and is laid out in a way that is exceptionally convenient for SAKOR’s manufacturing needs. The new facility’s production bays are large enough to accommodate manufacturing more products at one time and manufacturing much larger, more sophisticated projects on-site than were previously possible. These building features will play a part in sustaining the company’s accelerating growth curve into the future. While SAKOR will likely undertake renovations to the new building in the near future, the company was able to move into the new space quickly, thereby allowing them to keep up with a busy production schedule and meet all promised delivery dates.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION NAMES JEFF DWYER DIRECTOR Jeff Dwyer has been named director of Michigan State University Extension, effective immediately.
at the University of Florida from 1999 to 2003. Dwyer received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from California Lutheran University in 1982 and a doctorate in sociology from the University of Florida in 1988.
Dwyer has been interim director since Jan. 1. Previously, he was a senior associate dean in the MSU College of Human Medicine, with primary responsibilities related to research and community engagement. The decision to move Dwyer to the permanent role was made jointly by Buhler, MSU Provost June Youatt and MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, in consultation with incoming CANR Dean Ronald L. Hendrick. Before joining MSU, Dwyer was a tenured professor at Wayne State University, where he was the director of the Institute of Gerontology and professor of sociology. He was the founding director of the Institute on Aging and a tenured professor of medicine
SPARTAN MOTORS EXPANDS CONTRACT ASSEMBLY FOR ISUZU WITH NEW F-SERIES TRUCK Spartan Motors, Inc., a leader in the manufacturing of high-quality specialty chassis and vehicle assembly, announced today that Isuzu North America Corporation selected the Company to produce the Isuzu F-Series truck. This expanded relationship demonstrates Isuzu’s confidence in Spartan’s quality, people, flexibility, and expertise. Further, it provides another positive example of the Company’s successful execution of its multi-year plan for improving performance. On April 19, at Spartan’s headquarters in Charlotte, Mich., the Company and Isuzu held
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BUSINESS DECISIONS: SHOULD I LEASE, BUY OR BUILD? BY JEFF SHAPIRO
If you are running a successful business, when considering your business location, you need to project what is best for both your business and your finances over the next 10-year period. Clearly, the key to success is understanding your growth trajectory over that period of time. If you continue to grow, what are your space requirements over a 10-year span? Once you have determined what your needs will be, you then have two options: The first option is leasing from a trusted and secure landlord, the second is purchasing or building your own building.
be able to set up an L.L.C., and then lease the building back to yourself. Consult with your tax advisor for the positive results of doing this. You will immediately become your own landlord and will be responsible for the mortgage and maintenance, which you will cover from the cash flow of the lease. The remaining cash flow can be used to cover expenses like long-term improvements, insurance, taxes and legal, etc. The good news is that you will begin accruing cash to the account immediately, which you can withdraw as income, or choose to reinvest as you see fit.
The leasing decision is an easy one, so let’s address the question you should be asking yourself before considering a purchase.
To purchase a commercial building you will need as little as 10 percent or as much as 25 percent cash investment depending on the type of financing you use. That is a large cash investment from any business.
There is clearly significant financial value in purchasing a commercial building. You will
So ask yourself one question: can my business afford to continue to operate and grow at
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the same trajectory if I invest that capital in owning a building? If you can answer yes to this question, you may want to consider owning your commercial building. For more insight on your specific situation, call me for a cup of coffee to discuss the details of owning your own commercial building. There is no cost or obligation, and it might just be one of the best investments of your career. Jeff Shapiro, GRI is a principal at NAI Mid-Michigan/TMN Commercial specializing in land development, new construction and leasing of professional office space. Jeff was a long-time member of the Greater Lansing Association of Realtors and served as a Board Member and President for many years.
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a groundbreaking ceremony to recognize this new contract, which expands a relationship that began in 2011 with Spartan’s assembly of Isuzu N-Series gas trucks.
and formalize plans for this new plant. The facility will be 85,000 square-feet and will be dedicated solely to production of Isuzu products.
To support production of the new Isuzu vehicle, a new plant will be added to the Spartan portfolio and Charlotte campus. Spartan worked closely with both the city of Charlotte and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to create
The new Isuzu contract will be beneficial for Michigan’s skilled manufacturing workforce. Spartan believes in investing in talent with the expertise and work ethic to support its collaborative partnerships and high-quality production standards.
OKEMOS ATTORNEY IS MUNICIPAL “LAWYER OF THE YEAR” A member of Okemos-based law firm, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, has been selected as “Lawyer of the Year” by peers for inclusion in the 21st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America, which is annually published by U.S. News & World Report. William K. Fahey has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2016 Lansing metropolitan area Municipal Law “Lawyer of the Year.” The “Lawyer of the Year” designation is based upon the collective opinion of the mid-Michigan area’s municipal lawyers. Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC has grown to 16 attorneys and six professional staff. The firm brings together legal experts from several specialties to serve its clients in four core practice areas, with more than 150 years of combined experience in representing municipalities, drain commissioners, libraries and authorities; franchisor and franchisee businesses; employers and public utilities. More information about the firm is available at fsbrlaw.com.
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Peter Kubacki, president and CEO of The Dart Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Jason Birchmeier as vice president and senior credit officer, and Dan Wilkinson as commercial loan officer. Jason brings more than 13 years of previous credit experience to the bank. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University. Jason
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Building Partnerships Into Innovative Solutions
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Coming January 2017
Work begins on the new State Senate building
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has been active in the Lansing Symphony Orchestra as a board member and member of the Finance Committee, member of the Ele’s Place Healing Hearts Society and coaching youth athletics. Dan brings nearly nine years of banking experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University. Dan has been active in the Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club, the Grand River Connection Young Professionals Group and is an ambassador for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.
NEW HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM PROVIDES INSURANCE EXPERIENCE, FREE COLLEGE CREDIT A new program to provide area high school students with the opportunity to prepare for a future career in the growing insurance industry will launch this September in Frankenmuth. The collaboration between Northwood University, Frankenmuth Insurance, InsuringMIFuture.org, Tuscola County Intermediate School District, and Frankenmuth Public Schools allows high school juniors and
seniors to obtain high school and free college credits, while also receiving hands-on insurance experience at Frankenmuth Insurance Company. Students will attend class at Frankenmuth Insurance as well as Tuscola Technology Career. While at Frankenmuth Insurance, the students will job shadow, participate in presentations by insurance industry professionals and learn specific job skills. Northwood University, through its undergraduate program in insurance and risk management, will teach the courses and provide the students who successfully complete the program with nine semester hours of college academic credit at no cost to the students. The High School Program is supported by the Insuring MI Future Coalition, a campaign to attract young people to the insurance industry. Members are the Insurance Institute of Michigan, Michigan Association of Insurance Agents, Michigan Association of Health Plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Life Insurance Association of Michigan and Department of Insurance and Financial Services. To learn more about insurance careers, salaries, scholarships and educational opportunities, visit the coalition’s website, insuringmifuture.org.
NATIONWIDE LIQUID WEB EXPANDS STAFF WITH NEW KEY ROLES Liquid Web, a premier global provider of professional web-hosting and managed cloud services, today announced the hiring of two executives to fill new roles within the company as it expands its sales organization. Bruce Kipperman has joined as Liquid Web’s new head of sales. Kipperman is responsible for leading and scaling the overall direction, coordination and execution of Liquid Web’s sales organization to accelerate growth of its world-class hosting services and industryleading Heroic Support® while servicing a global clientele. Kipperman brings to Liquid Web more than 16 years of experience in leading managed cloud services and channel-focused sales teams. Prior to joining Liquid Web, he led CenturyLink’s Global Channel and Partner Alliance inside sales. Kipperman also served in a similar capacity for Savvis, where he built the inside sales team for complex managedhosting services, and he served in similar sales leadership capacities at Dell and MCI. Liquid Web also hired Dominic Miraglia as its new head of strategic partners, with a focus on the digital agency community. Miraglia will be responsible for building a national team of partner managers that will work with advertising agencies, web developers, value-added resellers and IT consulting firms. This will include utilizing Liquid Web’s comprehensive product offerings for managedhosting services and Heroic Support® to help agencies service their clients. Miraglia brings to the company more than 12 years of experience building and leading highly successful sales teams in cloud services, data center technology, and telecommunications. Prior to joining Liquid Web, Miraglia was the VP of sales for AIS Data Centers in San Diego, California. Before that, Miraglia served as regional vice president and general manager for Cbeyond, where he oversaw a staff of more than 100 sales professionals, selling managed hosting and cloud-based services.
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CHEVROLET 2016 CAMARO
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ADDING VALUE FOR OUR RETAIL CLIENTS As the business of retail becomes more complex, our clients need advice they can rely on. Advice that cuts through the complexity and adds value. Advice that delivers tangible business advantage. That’s where we come in. Whether it’s the expansion plans of the world’s fastest growing retailers, up-to-the-minute data tracking the value of a shopping center, or ever-changing consumer trends, data and insight are core to what we do best and at the heart of how we truly understand the business of retail. DATA
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Part of the CBRE affiliate network
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